View Full Version : Teen Titans
Previously, on The Flash...
The Flash (http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179038)
The Flash 2: Rogue's Gallery (http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203663)
But all that was CRAP compared to this!
Simon stayed where he was, a small brown image, concealed by leaves. Even if he shut his eyes the sow's head still remained like an after-image. The half-shut eyes were dim with the infinite cynicism of adult life. They assured Simon that everything was a bad business. - William Golding, Lord Of The Flies
"We're in this position... I think it's our duty to abuse it." - Bono
OPEN ON:
BLACK SCREEN
NIGHTWING: (V.O.) I used to love reading comic books as a child. The heroes were colorful and larger than life. The villains were fiendish but harmless, always cooking up some overly complicated scheme which was always foiled just in the nick of time by the proper application of pseudo-science. And no one ever, EVER died. But a week after I turned ten... the comic books started getting dark. The villains became bloodthirsty and the heroes become indistinguishable from the villains. The hundreds of colors of Kryptonite, the millions of gadgets with a Bat-prefix added on... they disappeared. And the women... oh, God, who could write such horrible things happening to the women? No light shined anywhere. I guess, for me at least, art imitates life. So remember, you've been warned. This is not a dream. This is not a hoax. This is not an imaginary story.
EXT. FOREST NIGHT
It's dark. Very dark. The moon behind an ominous cloud. A WOMAN in a black kurta with red trim runs through the forest, clutching a NINE-YEAR-OLD BOY in her arms. He's dressed in his own kurta. The branches of the trees scrape at her body as she tries to shield the boy in her arms. Behind them, we hear DOGS baying in the distance, men shouting.
BOY: I want to go home!
WOMAN: We are going home, sweetie. We just have to make it to the main road...
We hear a HELICOPTER overhead. The Woman takes shelter in the roots of an overturned tree. Uses it as a hiding place.
WOMAN: Don't say a word. Just keep quiet, honey. Quiet as a mouse...
Above, we hear boots stomping. More men, armed with rifles, wearing their own black kurtas. For the record, the CULTISTS.
BOY: Help! We're down here!
The Woman clamps a hand over his mouth, but it's too late. The Cultists have found them. The Woman finds half a dozen automatic weapons pointed at her as the Boy pulls away from her. He walks to CARDINAL SYN, a massive hulk of a man wearing a kurta with the sleeves ripped off, his body painted with various occult symbols. Syn, a native Zandian, is acromegalic, the bones beneath his skin swollen and distorted.
BOY: Can I go back to Brother Blood now? I miss him.
CARDINAL SYN: Sure you can, slugger.
The Boy walks up to join the Cultists. Looks down at his mother.
WOMAN: Please, he's just a boy!
CARDINAL SYN: (to Boy) Don't turn away and you'll get a sweet when we get back to the compound.
He aims the gun at the Woman.
CARDINAL SYN: Receive the love of Brother Blood into your heart.
BEEP! Pre-lap an ALARM CLOCK going off. Then we SMASH CUT to...
INT. WALLY'S ROOM LINDA'S HOUSE MORNING
A HAND slams down on the alarm clock, shutting it up before it can even get started. Wally sits up in bed, wide awake already.
WALLY WEST is... well, geez, if you're read the prequels, you probably have a fair idea who he is. But just as a refresher, if Wally were a comic book, he's be written by Chuck Dixon and he'd give wedgies to all the comic books written by Neil Gaiman. I'd add that he'd probably get in drunken brawls with the comic books written by Mark Millar, but that's probably stretching the metaphor too far.
Wally YAWNS, stretches.
WALLY: Ready for action.
On an endtable at the foot of the bed, two RINGS sit. A WEDDING BAND and the FLASH RING. He kicks the endtable, sending them both flying upwards. They fall back down onto his raised fingers. He bursts into super-motion.
INT. KITCHEN LINDA'S HOUSE MORNING
Wally pores through the fridge. Finds some Bagel Bites and burritos.
WALLY: Breakfast of champions.
He shoves them in the microwave, sets it for fifteen seconds.
Super-speeds to the answering machine, presses play. Then fast-forward. He makes small, innocuous comments to the helium-like fast-voices.
WALLY: I'll have to remember that. Sure mom, you too. No, I DON'T want to change my long-distance provider...
He speeds back to the microwave. Twelve seconds.
Speeds upstairs.
INT. BATHROOM LINDA'S HOUSE MORNING
Wally blurs into the bathroom moments before LESLIE, Linda's sister, can claim it. She death-glares the door.
LESLIE: Wally West, you better not even THINK about shaking dry!
We hear a sound like rain and Wally steps out, completely dry and wearing a robe. Behind him, the entire bathroom is wet.
WALLY: Blow dryers? We don't need no stinking blow dryers!
INT. KITCHEN LINDA'S HOUSE MORNING
Wally super-speeds through the newspaper.
WALLY: Man, that cat sure loves lasagna.
He looks at the microwave. Five seconds.
WALLY: C'mon, c'mon...
FINALLY it goes off. He pulls the food items out of the microwave, juggles them from hand to hand.
WALLY: Hot! Hot! Hot!
He cools them off by fanning them at superspeed, then starts digging in. Leslie interrupts the feeding frenzy.
LESLIE: You did remember that you're being interviewed on Linda's new talk show today... right?
Wally looks up. ****. He twists his trusty ring and the COSTUME shoots out of it, expanding as soon as it hits air...
EXT. SLIPSTREAM MORNING
Flash is running... FAST. We see from a FACE CAM (think the Smashing Pumpkins video for 1979) as Flash presses a hand to his WINGED EARPIECE, activating a radio. Talks so fast it comes out as a BUZZ.
EXT. CLOCKTOWER BLUDHAVEN NOON
It's a clocktower. What do you want from me?
BARBARA: (V.O.) You know I can't understand you when talk at superspeed.
EXT. KEYSTONE CITY VARIOUS LOCATIONS MORNING
We see the red-and-yellow blur of THE FLASH as he speeds through various locations. Newspaper deliverymen, milkmen, and others look up from their morning routine to see a touch of the supernatural visiting their lives.
FLASH: (cut to a new location every word) You... were... supposed... to... remind... me.
BARBARA: (filtered) Must have slipped my mind. It happens when you're coordinating information for several freelance vigilantes.
FLASH: (sarcastic) Oh my God, you're seeing other people behind me back? I'm shocked!
BARBARA: (filtered) I'm sorry Flash, I guess we just grew apart.
FLASH: So, Oracle... you do all this from behind a computer in the comfort of your home, right?
ORACLE: (filtered) Right.
FLASH: Tell me, how do I even know you're dressed?
INT. CLOCKTOWER MAINFRAME NOON
A bank of supercomputers right out of William Gibson's wet dreams. A NITROGEN SYSTEM, an array of hoses winding across the floor, intermittently shoots jets of gas upwards, dropping the temperature enough to keep the whole building from bursting into flames.
We find one thick, coaxial T1 cable trailing out of a computer tower, follow it up the wall and through the ceiling and into...
INT. CLOCKTOWER GEAR ROOM NOON
Behind the face of the clock. Gears grind together silently in the background around a miniaturized SATELLITE DISH aimed out the clock face. A tall carousel loaded with micro discs. Some exercise equipment, a mini-fridge, trash can, stereo system, even a door to a bathroom in the corner. Basically a living space within a living space.
Six huge flat panels linked together above three keyboards. Weed-like cables coil everywhere, duct-taped into thickets that wind up and around the legs of several desks. Tabletops are filled with cannibalized equipment that lay open like an autopsied corpse.
Hacker heaven.
In the center of it all sits BARBARA GORDON in a WHEELCHAIR. Bespectacled. Mid-to-late twenties. Beautiful if she ever had time to do her hair. Very prim and proper. The all-knowing, all-seeing ORACLE.
In her pajamas.
BARBARA: Please. Do you think I'd be that unprofessional?
FLASH: (filtered, serious now) We going to meet face to face or not?
BARBARA: Why do you ask?
FLASH: (filtered) I don't know. Kinda weird just having you as a voice in my head. Be good for you to get some fresh air anyway. We could go for a walk in the country or something...
BARBARA: That's... kinda out of the question.
FLASH: (filtered) Have it your way.
INT. TV STUDIO BACK STAGE MORNING
The set of a morning talk show. Backstage. LINDA PARK, intellectual, down to earth, fidgets impatiently, a bad habit she's picked up from Wally. She's dressed professionally, wearing glasses and her hair up.
The DIRECTOR appears in Linda's face.
DIRECTOR: One minute to curtain, Linda! You promised us an exclusive!
LINDA: He'll be here.
DIRECTOR: He'd better be... for your sake.
He hustles off.
With a distant SONIC BOOM, Flash appears in the midst of the scene.
FLASH: I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.
A P.A. tries to fit Flash with a mic. Linda shoves him aside.
LINDA: I'll do it.
As she puts it on his collar, they speak in hushed tones.
LINDA: You're late.
FLASH: Sorry. There was an earthquake in Markovia.
LINDA: You really expect me to believe that? Markovia is in the middle of a tectonic plate, it doesn't get earthquakes.
She finishes adjusting the mic.
LINDA: Flash fact.
DIRECTOR: (O.S.) Places, everyone, places!
They part, speaking at a conversational level now.
FLASH: Thanks for the help, Miss Park.
LINDA: Actually, it's Mrs. Park now.
Flash smiles.
FLASH: He must be a very lucky man.
Flash steals a kiss at superspeed, takes his place. Linda looks at a monitor as host BETHANY SNOW goes through her monologue. Linda mouths Snow's monologue along with her. By her pride in it, she was obviously the writer.
Next: Accusations, Political Incorrectness, and a Ratings Bonanza
INT. TV STUDIO SET MORNING
We pick up coming back from commercial break. Snow sits at the desk, Flash on a couch.
SNOW: Welcome back to Snow Storm. I'm your host, Bethany Storm. Well Flash, I think the question on everyone's mind is... where did you go? The city was brought to its knees by supervillains, practically turned into a No Man's Land... where were you?
FLASH: I was... detained.
SNOW: So you don't believe you have a responsibility to the people of Keystone?
FLASH: I do what I can, when I can. But I'm not a public servant. I wear a mask, I don't leave fingerprints. But I wasn't on vacation, if that helps.
Snow turns to camera.
SNOW: There you have it. The Flash Hero or Vigilante?
FLASH: I'm right here, you know.
LINDA: Our next guest is the star of the number one box office hit of the year, the author of a new book, "My Other Self," and a controversial spokesperson for a new religious movement that calls itself the Brotherhood. Let's give a big welcome to Julian Racine!
Nothing happens. The man's missed his cue. Flash suddenly puts a hand to his ear. He's receiving a radio transmission.
FLASH: Excuse me a moment.
He disappears. An awkward silence.
SNOW: Well, obviously...
Flash reappears... his arm ON FIRE.
FLASH: Sorry 'bout that, forest fire in France. Snuffed it out like that.
He snaps his fingers.
SNOW: YOU'RE ON FIRE!
FLASH: No, it's the men and women of the fire department who are the real heroes.
SNOW: No, you're really on fire!
Flash notices the flame. Pats it out quickly.
FLASH: Man, I hate it when that happens. Worse than having something stuck in your teeth. You're always the last to notice, believe me.
INT. TV STUDIO GREEN ROOM MORNING
JULIAN RACINE, wearing the black KURTA of a Brotherhood member, has the jitters. As horrifying as it sounds, imagine a cross between Jane Fonda and Tom Cruise. He opens a panel on his RING, takes out a small pill, dry-swallows it. Immediately calms down. Repeats a mantra to himself as he walks towards the door.
RACINE: (deep-voiced) In a world run by evil corporations, a rebel who plays by his own rules starts a deadly game of cat and mouse with an all-powerful conspiracy in this searing portrait of extraordinary courage in a life under siege, starring
me!
INT. TV STUDIO SET MORNING
SNOW: Well, Mr. Racine is running a little late. You mind answering a few more questions for our pointer-count?
FLASH: Shoot.
SNOW: Mrs. Park, come on out!
Linda steps out from backstage. Sits down next to Flash. From his reaction, he obviously didn't expect this.
SNOW: Flash, this is my producer, Linda Park.
FLASH: Charmed.
LINDA: Tell us, Flash, who is it you keep talking to?
FLASH: I'm sorry, but that's... private.
The Director signals to Snow.
SNOW: Is that right? I think Julian's on his way out!
Julian comes out from backstage leaping around like a hyperactive loon to racuous applause, finally sitting down on the couch. Flash squirms away from him.
SNOW: Julian, welcome to the program.
RACINE: Great to be here, Beth!
"Inventive," Flash mutters his under breath.
SNOW: Now, Mr. Racine, is it true you're donating five hundred million dollars to the Brotherhood?
RACINE: That's absolutely right.
SNOW: (she's softballing him) Not many people go that far for their religions.
RACINE: I'm not spreading a religion. Brother Blood is a philosopher and it's his philosophy I carry, a philosophy which can apply to any religion.
LINDA: He's also carrying a lot of cash away from his followers, Mr. Racine.
RACINE: (smiling) We're all followers, Linda. You follow science... mechanistic, materialist, and cynical... empty. Brother Blood has to charge rent for those wishing to experience his teachings. There's food, salaries for the staff, scholarships...
LINDA: Spare me. You they give a scholarship because you're a celebrity... everyone else pays through the nose.
RACINE: That's tithing. Lots of churches do it.
LINDA: Tithing!? People are selling their cars, their homes, turning over their bank accounts!
RACINE: And it's worth it. This is not a pretend thing. Our government spends exponentially more than that on killing, calling it defending, and making machinery and technology to kill human beings in the name of peace. But today's students are even more stressed out. Their schools are hellholes. They're getting pathetic educations. They're not going forward with full decks of cards. But when they meditate, they will start shining like a bright, shiny penny, and their anxieties will go away. By diving within, they will attain a field of pure consciousness, pure bliss, creativity, intelligence, dynamic peace. You enliven the field, and every day it gets better. Negativity recedes.
FLASH: Tell me Pollyanna, do you need training to sling that much bull**** or does it just come naturally?
And that's the first thing he's said to Racine.
RACINE: Ah, the government puppet speaks.
FLASH: He had to respond to the Zandian puppet.
Racine laughs uncomfortably.
RACINE: Flash, you don't seem like such a "bad guy." You superheroes, none of you are bad so much as you are hurting America. Stop. See, the thing is, we need your help. The people need your help. Right now, you're helping the politicians and the corporations. And we're left out there to mow your lawns.
FLASH: No way you're going to convince me you mow your own lawn.
The stage quickly narrows to Flash vs. Racine.
RACINE: What is with your warmongering? What did Zandia ever do to you?
FLASH: Besides that time they tried to blow up my city?
RACINE: There's no link between that unfortunate incident and the Brotherhood.
FLASH: You mean, there's no proven link. That can change.
RACINE: I would expect that paranoia from an employee of the DEO.
FLASH: I ask myself what I can do for my country now and then, but I'm not on the payroll. I don't need to be.
RACINE: Ah yes, your merchandising. What's it like to have every active member of the Justice League condemn your... mercenary attitudes?
FLASH: Probably not as bad as winning five Razzies, Racine.
RACINE: You're bought and paid for to bring in your fellow metahumans for illegal detainment in internment camps!
FLASH: Those "fellow metahumans" were trying to destroy the world.
RACINE: Don't be so melodramatic. You and your masters may be able to nuke the world twelve times over and send troops all over the planet, but you can't feed and clothe our own people. That flabbergasts me.
FLASH: Does it keep you up at night, the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, can help themselves?
RACINE: No, you see, here's the problem. You don't know the history of superheroes. I do. What would you say if I called you a brutish fossil, symbolic of a decayed era gratefully forgotten?
FLASH: I don't know... thanks?
RACINE: Crime-fighting is a noble porno.
That non sequitur takes Flash by surprise. He takes a closer look at Racine, who is sweating heavily.
FLASH: Burning the candle at both ends, Racine?
Suddenly, all the monitors go dead. Breaking news. Flash looks at the large monitor behind them (used to show clips for the guests) as the DIRECTOR scrambles on stage to confer with the hostesses.
REPORTER: (filtered) A possible hostage situation in these quiet offices...
LINDA: That's eight blocks from here.
DIRECTOR: We may have to bump you, Beth. The network has to cover something like this on our doorstep.
LINDA: You'd bump my show for grass grow...
SNOW: Your show?
Flash stands.
FLASH: Save my seat.
He zips out.
DIRECTOR: Where's he going?
LINDA: To provide expert commentary.
On the monitor...
REPORTER: (filtered) I'll try to get a word from Police Lieutenant Chyre, who is standing...
CHYRE disappears in a blur of red and yellow. Reappears on stage being carried by the Flash.
FLASH: Let's hear a big round of applause for our next guest.
He runs off again.
CHYRE: Flash, what is the meaning of... this is a TV station, right?
LINDA: Right. We were just wondering if you could tell us anything about this alleged hostage situation.
CHYRE: Yeah, some Japanese terrorists have seized control of the building and if I don't get back...
Some very scared looking PEOPLE are deposited by the Flash.
LINDA: I think the hostages just arrived.
MAN: Don't shoot!
WOMAN: Is this a TV studio?
LINDA: Yes, you're on our special "Real-Life Crime" edition of Morning Talk. Suppose you tell us in your own words how it felt to be held captive by a maniac?
HOSTAGE: Do we get paid?
SNOW: No.
INT. HIGH-RISE MORNING
Just as Chyre said, a group of JAPANESE TERRORISTS have set themselves up. They all carry automatic weapons. The LEADER has a katana in a scabbard on his back. Under guard, a REPORTER and CAMERAMAN set up to shoot them. All the terrorists wear rings like Racine's on their hands. The Leader clasps hands with a compatriot.
LEADER: Soon, the samurai will rise again.
CAMERAMAN: We're ready.
LEADER: Excellent. Give me the microphone. Key it to the P.A. system.
INT. CONTROL ROOM MORNING
A terrorist hooks up the feeds. Suddenly, a blur passes through the room. Papers go flying, along with the terrorist. Red-gloved hands rewire the lines.
INT. HIGH-RISE MORNING
The Leader takes the microphone. Puts it to to his mouth and starts to speak... but it isn't his voice that comes out of the speakers, it's THE FLASH'S (giving the impression that he's being DUBBED).
FLASH: (filtered) Ahhh, run, it's Godzilla, you bastard! I don't know any generals! To me, you look like clowns!
The Leader stops. Taps at the microphone. Flash walks out of the control room, swinging a microphone by its cord like a yo-yo.
FLASH: Sorry, I couldn't resist. So, are we building a railroad or what?
The terrorists attack. Flash springs into action.
INT. TV STUDIO SET MORNING
The terrorists appear one by one, bound and gagged. Linda pulls down one of their gags and sticks a microphone in his face.
LINDA: So, anything you would like to say to the folks watching at home?
INT. HIGH-RISE MORNING
The Leader opens his ring and grabs a pill. Flash grabs his hand before he can eat it.
FLASH: Velocity-9. Same stuff that gave Red Troika their powers, now a designer drug. But it only works if you can take it.
He knocks the Leader out.
INT. TV STUDIO SET MORNING
Flash reappears in front of the cameras as Chyre leads the terrorists away.
FLASH: Ta-da.
He moonwalks down the stage, stops by Linda.
FLASH: (sotto) How high do you want your ratings to be?
LINDA: (sotto) Flash, don't do anything... oh, what the hell? Do your worst.
Racine approaches, sputtering with outrage.
RACINE: This is a travesty! You just interfered with a sensitive negotiations, your lone wolf act could've gotten someone killed!
FLASH: Speaking of things that could get someone killed, I've seen that kind of ring before.
He snatches it off Racine's finger. Pops the top.
RACINE: You can't open that! It's an invasion of my privacy!
FLASH: Do I look like a cop? (to audience) What do you say, folks? Should we see what's behind ring number one?
The audience thunders its approval.
FLASH: Sorry Racy, the mob has spoken.
He opens the ring. Spills out some PILLS onto his hand.
FLASH: This is what I call Must-See TV.
RACINE: That's not mine.
FLASH: Let me guess, you were holding it for a friend? C'mon, you're going downtown.
RACINE: You can't do this to me!
FLASH: Your gift for foresight is woefully underdeveloped.
He takes Racine away, but not before whispering to him...
FLASH: You know why I did that? Because I could.
EXT. TV STUDIO DAY
Flash catches Linda coming out of the studio. They're alone. She's taken off her glasses, let her hair down, and undone the first button on her blouse. He notes her appearance.
FLASH: Secret identities are cool, aren't they?
LINDA: I'm supposed to be the bloodless intellectual with no sex appeal.
FLASH: So, it's a reality show?
She gives him a well-deserved slug to the shoulder.
LINDA: All the sex appeal is courtesy of Bethany Snow, just because she's the one with huge...
FLASH: Tracts of land?
LINDA: Exactly. (beat) You know, with the legal team he keeps on retainer he'll probably be out of there in time for dinner.
FLASH: Wasn't about the arrest. It was about making a point.
LINDA: Well, point made. We'll probably make the eleven o'clock news.
F:ASH: Not bad for a premiere, huh?
LINDA: Not bad at all. I've got a few things to finish up here, you think you can bake the casserole? My parents are coming over at eight and it's very important...
FLASH: Relax. I'll handle it.
INT. KITCHEN LINDA'S HOUSE MORNING
Wally sets the stove. He leans back in his chair. The phone rings. He picks it up on the first ring.
WALLY: Thrill me.
The voice of SNAPPER CARR, Justice League butt monkey, comes over the line.
SNAPPER: We saw your antics on that talk show, West. You're officially under reprimand.
WALLY: (mocking) Oh no, not reprimand! Anything but that!
SNAPPER: Show up at the Watchtower within the hour for mandatory reassessment.
Wally sighs and hangs up. Move into a close-up of him. He looks up, as if noticing us. He looks around, seeing if anyone else is listening, then leans forward as if about to convey a deep secret.
WALLY: My name is Wally West. I'm the Flash. The Fastest Man Alive.
The Who's "Baba O'Riley" (Teenage Wasteland) comes on over the soundtrack. Wally plays along with the keyboard with one hand while pointing in a rocking-out fashion with the other. Then he sits and uses the other hand to play the piano part when it comes in. The drums enter. He drums along with Keith Moon and we segue to the CREDITS SEQUENCE. We see FLASHBACKS of the Titans in their youth. We see Grayson as a trapeze artist, Cyborg on an operating table, Raven studying an ancient tome in Azarath...
EXT. DARKNESS TIMELESS
Wally lands, pushes himself up on his hands and knees.
WALLY: Well, I guess I showed...
He looks up to see a POST-APOCALYPTIC NIGHTMARE. A hellish wasteland with red skies, rivers of blood, and scorched, arthritic trees reaching up to a sun like a bloodshot eye. A line of CHAINED-TOGETHER slaves are on a FORCED MARCH. In the distance, a HUNDRED-FOOT-TALL DEVIL roams the land, FOUR BLAZING EYES under a set of antler-like horns.
WALLY: Oh boy...
A dark female voice fills Wally's head...
WOMAN: (V.O.) Begone. This is still within your power to prevent.
MORE CREDITS
We see Starfire fighting in an alien training center, Beast Boy changing into a mouse as a kid, Wonder Girl as a child walking away from a burning house...
INT. SACRIFICAL CHAMBER MORNING
FLASH: Why don't you reflect on this for a while?
He kicks his boot right through Mirror Master's chest. Mirror Master EXPLODES into hundreds of silver fragments. A shard embeds itself in the wall. Reflected it in, Mirror Master's eye closes. Flash shakes his head.
FLASH: Seven years bad luck.
Mirror Master's mouth, lying on the floor in a shard of glass, speaks.
MIRROR MASTER: It's not over yet, West. My employer is coming. And there's going to be a crisis. From within, he will destroy.
And with that, we cut to the TITLE CARD.
TEEN TITANS
Next: Titans Together
MaskedManJRK
01-24-2006, 11:25 PM
Pretty good.
My only problem...the "building a railroad" crack. Yeah, that's a bit...much.
bored
01-25-2006, 12:39 AM
Zev's characterized Flash that way for a while. He's been playing up the whole conservative, un-PC aspect of the character's personality.
Pretty good.
My only problem...the "building a railroad" crack. Yeah, that's a bit...much.
Well, generally the point is that Flash is starting to go a little... too far. But I don't want to give too much away.
INT. SEEDY BAR – EVENING
SUPER: Bludhaven
Your typical dive. Probably two doors down from Crime Alley itself. The lowest of the low, all sharing horror stories. Shooting up, snorting up, or just good old-fashioned American boozing. One name catches our ear...
DRUNK: ...The Batman...
An old, mustached MAN in a red coat sits, playing a dice game, shaking his head. His opponents are two ROUGH-LOOKING customers, all pug noses and taped-up faces.
ROUGH 1: But he hasn't got a house, like a normal man. I been there, stowed away on that car of his, that... Batmobile! He's got this fortress or something, in the mountains. Like outta Dracula or something!
ROUGH 2: That ain't what I heard at all. I heard he's from hell. He rides out on this horse, black as midnight! See, there's this crack in the earth and he rolls out of it... like in that story with the headless dude!
MAN: You know what I heard? That you should shut up and roll the die.
ROUGH 1: Dice.
MAN: Die. Dice is plural. Die is the singular.
ROUGH 2: We should have two.
MAN: I only got the one. Roll, Morrie.
Rough 1 does. A one.
MAN: And the crowd goes wild.
ROUGH 1: Shut your face, stranger. Or I'll shut it with my mitts!
ROUGH 2: Wait a minute...
He bangs on the table. The die shoots up, lands on one. He bangs the table again. Another one. And again. And again.
ROUGH 1: Loaded dice!
MAN: Die, actually.
ROUGH 2: What do you think you're doing?
MAN: Really?
He pulls at his face. It STRETCHES like a flesh-colored latex. Which it is.
MAN: I'm just winging it.
Rough 1 pulls a gun. The Man kicks it upwards just as he pulls the trigger. The shot shatters the only lightbulb.The room is plunged into darkness. ROUGH 2 flicks on a lighter, uses it like a torch and locks the door.
ROUGH 2: You're locked in here with us now!
VOICE: (O.S.) No... you're locked in here with me.
Rough 2 turns around. The light from his lighter finds a MASK on the floor. The Man's face.
The patrons retreat into a tight circle around the lighter.
ROUGH 1: Where are you!?
VOICE: (O.S.) Everywhere.
Someone wanders a bit too far into the darkness. A BLACK-GLOVED HAND pulls him out of the light. Not even a whisper.
ROUGH 1: Louie? Where's Louie?
"Louie" CRASHES INTO THEM like a human missile, scattering them as if they were tenpins. The lighter lands in a puddle of spilled beer, which catches on fire. The flickering light providing brief, frightening glimpses of SOMETHING taking out the toughs one by one. Inhumanly fast.
Finally, only Rough 1 is left. He watches as NIGHTWING steps out of the shadows, stacking over the flame. A brief, epic glimpse of him before he STOMPS OUT the fire. He's wearing a black bodyglove with a light blue bird embelm on his chest that spreads over his arms and down to his gloves. A DOMINO MASK covers his face.
ROUGH 1: Who are you?
NIGHTWING: I'm Nightwing.
ROUGH 1: Who?
With a scowl, Nightwing knocks him out.
NIGHTWING: (Rodney Dangerfield) No respect. No respect!
Sighing, he leans against a beam and pulls a letter out from his glove. Reads it. It's a SUMMONS from the Justice League.
NIGHTWING: Better get going.
EXT. RACING TRACK – DAY
Three, two, one...
And they're off! The GRAYHOUNDS run out of the gates. One of them quickly takes the lead.
It's fur is tinted green.
EXT. RACING TRACK – LATER
Meet BEAST BOY, the youngest of the group-to-be. Gangly and dorky, but endearing. Oh, and green. He's outside a ticket office. He sets down a stub on a counter.
BEAST BOY: I'll take my winnings.
MAN: (O.S.) Nice bet.
BEAST BOY: I have a sixth sense about these things.
He turns around. DEO AGENT JAMES JESSE stares at him.
JESSE: Sorry about this, Logan. But there are some people who really need to talk to you.
EXT. THE ATHENS COMMUNE – DAY
The Athens Commune was started by Wonder Woman in the Amazon tradition, basing itself on the teachings of Paradise Island. It is a cross between an Amish farm and a battered women's shelter.
DONNA TROY (17), a drop-dead gorgous tomboy, walks through the commune next to SISTER ELECTRA, forties. Both are dressed in togas. Electra wears a wreath in her hair. Around them, we can see Grecian architecture, sisters planting food, milking cattle, etc.
ELECTRA: Another dream?
DONNA: No, the same dream. The exact same dream, every time I close my eyes. I think the Gods want me to do this for them.
ELECTRA: You haven't been outside the commune for more than two weeks at a time since you came here, save for your time as one of the Titans.
DONNA: I can manage. I'm stronger than Hippolyta herself, almost as strong as Diana!
ELECTRA: Victory is not always decided by by strength of arms, but by strength of character.
Donna looks down.
ELECTRA: And you have both. Do you remember how you came to us?
Donna shakes her head.
ELECTRA: Fifteen years old. Beaten, dehydrated, not remembering a thing except your own name. Donna. You knew only that you had to find us. We raised you as one of our own, away from the ravages of Man's World. And you have grown into a strong, beautiful young woman.
DONNA: You give me too much credit, sister. I never would have got this far if you and Diane didn't help me focus my rage through training.
ELECTRA: And you truly don't care where you came from, who your parents were?
DONNA: The past can't hurt us unless we let it.
ELECTRA: We will prepare supplies for your journey. If these visions truly come from the Gods, then you have no choice but to serve.
EXT. TRUCK STOP – NIGHT
Donna walks between two TRACTOR TRAILERS. Hefts a backpack off her shoulders, unzips it, pulls out a wad of cash. Slips a few twenties into her pockets. She wears a metal ALICE BAND CIRCLET, a red tanktop with the Wonder Woman logo over the cleavage, leather boots, and star-covered red leather pants.
INT. TRUCK STOP DINER – NIGHT
Donna enters. Sits down at the counter. Tosses some money to the OWNER.
DONNA: What can a gal get to eat around here?
OWNER: Burgers.
DONNA: Bring me some.
The Owner hustles off. He's seen it all.
A nasty-looking TRUCKER steps up behind Donna.
TRUCKER: You looking for a ride, girl?
He slaps her ass.
EXT. TRUCK STOP – NIGHT
The Trucker, all three hundred pounds of him, flies through the wall. Donna steps through the hole as we hear police sirens in the distance.
DONNA: That's Wonder Girl to you.
DREAM SEQUENCE – NIGHT
We see headlights illuminating a dark road. Then fire, pain... death. All twisted together in weird dream logic. Building and building to a climax. Until finally...
INT. CYBORG'S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Close on an EYE snapping open.
MOTHER: (O.S.) Bad dreams?
Pan over to a ROBOT EYE. A lens suspended in the socket by tiny servos. It glows like a coal in the dark.
CYBORG: My life is a bad dream.
CYBORG (18) sits up as we cut to a wider angle. He is half-man, half-machine, ebony skin glistening with sweat (where he still has sweat glands, that is). Before his accident, he was a jock and a damn good one. The entire upper right-hand quarter of his head has been replaced by robotics, veering off above his mouth to continue behind his face and down his spine. His entire body seems to be chrome metal. In places, his "skin" is transparent, allowing his doctors to easily see his remaining organs. As he wakes, armor plating slides over the "window."
MOTHER: I can tinker with your subroutine, eliminate your need for sleep with only minimal psychological side effects.
CYBORG: Don't. Sleeping's the only time I feel human.
MOTHER: The League called. They want to see you in the Watchtower.
CYBORG: Throw a few drug dealers around and you're a superhero.
He shakes his head.
CYBORG: I should just skip it. Probably won't miss anything.
MOTHER: It'd do you good to take a break from your self-pity.
CYBORG: If I do this, will you get off my back for a while?
MOTHER: Yes. Deal?
EXT. GALAXY – TIMELESS
The SLAVE-SHIP Q'ST'R trudges through the night, venting noxious-looking fumes.
INT. SLAVE-SHIP – TIMELESS
The room is near pitch-black. We dimly make out two CAGES, electricity playing down the "bars." Two voices, the language not our own...
MALE VOICE: (subtitled) We're going to die out here!
FEMALE VOICE: (subtitled) Quiet.
MALE VOICE: (subtitled) They'll never say the Prayer of Goodbye over us! Our souls will roam the netherworld forever, alone and friendless!
FEMALE VOICE: (subtitled) I'm trying to think.
EXT. SLAVE-SHIP – TIMELESS
The Slave-Ship docks with a massive rotating space station, KORDO 4.
INT. SPACE STATION – TIMELESS
The captain, TROGAAR, and his crew of frog-like GORDANIANS step out of dock. Trogaar takes a deep breath.
TROGAAR: (subtitled) I always liked the recyclers here. So much... fresher than the ones on the homeship. Come, we have business to attend to.
The first to come out, bound with energy-cuffs, is JORMAND'P. A Tamaranian, golden skin, long hair, pupilless green eyes.
Behind him is the Hannibal Lecter of outer space. Lower body wrapped up in a tank-like vehicle, hands held in "oven mitt" like chrome manacles, upper body covered by black rags.
Trogaar points out the second to his men.
TROGAAR: (subtitled) Careful with this one. She was trained by the Warlords of Okaara.
INT. SPACE STATION – AUCTION ROOM – TIMELESS
A sprawling, multi-level room. Like an attrium, packed with aliens of all sorts. We even recognize a few Thanagarians.
WEEZAK, Trogaar's lieutenant, watches as Jor and the second slave are secured in place.
WEEZAK: (subtitled) Hurry up, hurry up, I want to get back to the Citadel in time for dinner.
TROGAAR: (subtitled) Weezak, handle this. I need to... step outside for the moment.
He heads for the restroom. Weezak holds up Jor's head, forcing his mouth open.
WEEZAK: (subtitled) Good teeth! Start the bidding at... five hundred creds.
CUSTOMER 1: (subtitled) Five hundred! You must be out of your mind!
CUSTOMER 2: (subtitled) I'd sooner kiss a sun.
WEEZAK: (subtitled) Wait! Don't leave! We have other slaves for sale!
He goes to the second Tamaranian, pulls the rags off. Long tresses of curly red hair spill around her shoulders. Her face round, green eyes feline. This is no hardened criminal. In fact, she's beautiful. A ridiculously voluptuous body, contained inside skimpy Tamaranian body armor. Nymph, stoic, and warrior laced into one being; a wild sexuality, gentle innocence, and samurai toughness which all combine into PRINCESS KORIAND'R. She turns to the nearest customer, her eyes making love to him.
CUSTOMER: (subtitled) Does she know any... pleasure techniques?
WEEZAK: (subtitled) Yes, many. Kua'dib. Muork...
KORY: (subtitled) Guavong.
Judging from their reactions, that's very, very good. Still, the customer is skeptical.
CUSTOMER: (subtitled) Let me see her hands.
The customer is always right. Weezak rushes to obey. He takes the "oven mitts" off just as Trogaar returns. His eyes widen in fear.
TROGAAR: (subtitled) No!
The first blast takes his head clean off. Kory's hands glow with GREEN ENERGY.
KORY: (subtitled) I am Princess Koriand'r of Tamaran! I am NO MAN'S slave!
She blasts her way out of the restraints and throws herself into the fray, fighting with a boxing-like style that lets her take full advantage of her "starbolts," the green projectiles emitted from her hands. An impressive fight between her and the Slavers. In the crossfire, JOR takes a shot to the chest. He crumples to the floor.
KORY: (subtitled) JORMAND'P!
She rushes to his side, half-hearted keeping the Gordanians off their backs with starbolt fire.
JOR: (subtitled) My Princess... the docking bay is two decks up. There'll be ships there. You can find your way out.
KORY: (subtitled) I won't leave you!
JOR: (subtitled) I'd only slow you down. You are Tamaran's last hope now. Go!
KORY: (subtitled) I will not abandon you!
JOR: (subtitled) I don't recall giving you a choice.
He looks to the left for a moment... then whips his head to the right, BREAKING HIS OWN NECK. Tears stream from Kory's eyes. She whispers an alien phrase into his ear, then comes up.
KORY: (subtitled) You were wrong. The Prayer of Goodbye was said over you. You will live forever in my memory, Jormand'P.
The regrouped Gordanians are on the attack again.
WEEZAK: (subtitled) We've got her pinned down! There's nowhere left for her to...
With a thought, Kory ASCENDS into the air. Hovering like a bird. Then FLYING upwards.
WEEZAK: (subtitled) Fly!?
INT. SPACE STATION – DOCKING BAY – TIMELESS
Kory flies into the room, full of various alien ships. She looks around, trying to pick out the right one. A LASER BLAST impacts by her head, inadvertantly drawing her attention to...
KORY: (subtitled) Yes!
EXT. SPACE STATION - TIMELESS
THE STAR SLIDER roars out of the docking bay like a bat out of hell! It's basically a flying car, about the size of an SUV.
INT. STAR SLIDER – TIMELESS
Kory takes aim on the holographic HUD.
KORY: (subtitled) Something to remember Tamaran by.
EXT. SPACE STATION – TIMELESS
The Star Slider ATTACKS, raining down laser fire on the Slave-Ship. Hull breaches bleed out atmosphere... as "Enforcer" ships disembark from the space station, on a pursuit course.
INT. STAR SLIDER – TIMELESS
Kory checks the computer.
KORY: (subtitled) Time to plot course?
COMPUTER: (subtitled) Four parsecs.
KORY: (subtitled) Don't have that kind of time... input random coordinates.
COMPUTER: (subtitled) Ill-advised, ill-advised, ill...
KORY: (subtitled) Override and slide on my mark!
An Enforcer comes within range, OPENS FIRE. A nasty hit causes liquid-crystalline FUEL to begin spilling out.
KORY: (subtitled) Mark!
A HYPERSPACE BUBBLE forms around the Star Slider. The ship doesn't move... it remains perfectly still. But around it, the universe leaps into motion... the stars realigning for a brief moment before settling on the familiar view around...
Next: First Impressions
MaskedManJRK
01-27-2006, 07:42 PM
Well, generally the point is that Flash is starting to go a little... too far. But I don't want to give too much away.
Ah, okay. Can't wait to see where you're going with all of this. Liked the Nightwing and Cyborg stuff, and you might very well be the first person to actually get me to like Starfire.
But, I have to read MORE to judge that. :o
EXT. WATCHTOWER TIMELESS
The space station rotates in the vacuum of space.
WALLY: (V.O.) Space: The Final Frontier...
INT. WATCHTOWER TIMELESS
Wally looks out the window, continuing his monologue. He wears his usual casual ensemble of faded jeans and a rock band T-shirt (this one a Graceful Dead tee).
WALLY: These are the voyages of the Justice League. Our continuing mission: To explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new superheroes. To boldly screw with their lives as no man has screwed before!
He steps away from the window, passing a poster showing a group of smiling, cleancut, multiethnic twenty-somethings working harmoniously in JL jumpsuits, with the caption "In The League, You're Part Of The Family!" He sneers derisively at it.
PULL OUT to reveal the contrast of the others. They're lounging around the waiting area in their civvies. For the first time we see DICK GRAYSON, Nightwing's civilian alter-ego. Nineteen, certified adrenaline junkie, the ultimate big brother. He's the smartest, best-looking, most athletic guy you've ever met, times five. Every guy wants to be him, every girl wants to be with him, and every mother hopes desperately that her daughter will land him. Every move he makes is infused with Billy Zane cool. In an eccentric touch, he wears a red sweater vest. Somehow, it looks cool on him.
And a cloaked waif, RAVEN, sits in the middle of the room, meditating. Dark-eyed, pale-skinned, beautiful in a haunted way. She looks like Persephone, escaped from the underworld. She wears a black leotard under her bluish-black cloak. Short matte-black hair pokes out from her hood. Wally does a double-take upon seeing her. He gets a bit closer, recognizing her.
WALLY: Excuse me, do we know each other?
RAVEN: No.
WALLY: Are you sure, sister? I never forget a face.
RAVEN: Neither do I. And I've never seen you.
WALLY: I do know you! I've seen you in my dreams!
RAVEN: Is that some kind of lame pick-up line?
WALLY: You look a little younger though... did you have some work done? Maybe a little Botox...
RAVEN: Goodbye.
WALLY: (looking at her breasts) No, you were a little more... developed in my dreams. Maybe it was your mother, though for the ages to mesh up it'd have to be a teen pregnancy...
CYBORG: Yo. Leave her alone.
WALLY: We're just talking.
CYBORG: I said leave her alone.
WALLY: Excuse me, is NBC is paying YOU five million dollars to say "The price is right" during one of your battles?
CYBORG: Doesn't CBS produce that show?
WALLY: ...your point being?
He delivers a parting shot before he walks away.
WALLY: See you later, Raven.
She looks at him for the first time. Her eyes are resigned, fatalistic. His burn with an almost feverish intensity.
WALLY: (low) Yeah, sister, I do know you...
CYBORG: (protective) You're only supposed to use initials.
WALLY: That's easy for you to say. V is cool. V for victory, V: The Miniseries, Star Wars Episode V. What's W? Hey, is our name supposed to be first or last initial? Not that it matters...
RAVEN: Because both your names start with W?
BEAST BOY: WW? That's pretty cool. Like "World War."
WALLY: Sure thing, G.
BEAST BOY: Name's Logan. Garfield Logan.
He turns into a cat.
BEAST BOY: No relation.
He turns into a WOLVERINE.
BEAST BOY: On either count.
Grayson does a series of somersaults. Stops in front of Donna, who lowers her magazine.
GRAYSON: Jesus... D?
DONNA: D!
WALLY: Nothing like Double Ds.
Dick hugs Donna warmly.
CYBORG: You two know each other?
GRAYSON: We've worked together.
CYBORG: I'll bet.
Beast Boy looks at Wally's T-shirt.
BEAST BOY: Norm's Sup-R-Mart! That's so random! It's a totally vintage design with a real rural authenticity. Where did you get it?
WALLY: Norm's Sup-R-Mart.
SNAPPER CARR steps into the room.
SNAPPER: The Justice League has been delayed on an assignment.
WALLY: Great, so we can go, right?
SNAPPER: No. You can wait for them to get back. You all have disciplinary problems that need to be...
He notices Wally lighting a cigarette with the LIGHTER he got in Flash 2.
SNAPPER: Hey, there's no smoking in here!
WALLY: What are you going to do? Reprimand me?
SNAPPER: Hmpf. The League should be with you shortly.
He turns on his heel and exits the room. Queen's "Under Pressure" starts up as we TIME-LAPSE through the time passing. It's a long while. Raven meditates, Beast Boy plays with a Game Boy, Grayson does acrobatics, Donna reads a book, Cyborg adjusts a screw in his arm.
More time passes. Donna passes her book to Cyborg. Flash and Beast Boy play cards. Grayson tries to start a conversation with Raven.
Finally, we stop with Donna leaning against a wall, sighing with boredom.
DONNA: Hey, I've got an idea... anyone ever seen The Breakfast Club? Maybe the six of us could form a group or something.
RAVEN: No...
DONNA: Well, I thought it was a good idea.
RAVEN: There will be seven.
Just then, the Watchtower is ROCKED with a strange force.
CYBORG: What the hell was that?
WALLY: An earthquake?
GRAYSON: In space?
BEAST BOY: I give it a 6.8, because it has a beat and you can dance to it!
DONNA: Hey, guys...
She's looking out the window. We see the STAR SLIDER shoot past the station and hit atmosphere like a meteorite.
WALLY: Is it just me or was that a spaceship?
GRAYSON: First contact... Jesus H. Christ.
CYBORG: They could be hostile.
Wally smiles. He lives for this.
WALLY: Well, I'm going to go say hi.
GRAYSON: Do you get so little excitement in your life that you have to look for adventure?
WALLY: Adventure, excitement, a Jedi craves not these things.
GRAYSON: Jedi?
WALLY: You haven't seen Star Wars? What cave have you been living in?
GRAYSON: We didn't name it.
Wally gives him a "crazy!" look and starts down the corridor. The other teens look around. One by one, they start following him, starting with Beast Bot, ending with Grayson.
RAVEN: (to herself) The board is set. The pieces are in play.
INT. CORRIDOR WATCHTOWER
Wally strides down the corridor, the others following.
GRAYSON: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Isn't this the League's job?
WALLY: The Justice League is unavailable. It's up to us. (beat) Always wanted to say that.
He stops at a door.
WALLY: Here we go. Hangar.
He punches a code into the KEYPAD. "2121809"
GRAYSON: Lincoln's birthday.
WALLY: Look at the big brains on whathisname.
The door beeps negatively.
WALLY: Damn. They deleted my pass code.
BEAST BOY: You were in the League?
WALLY: Almost. Yo; tall, dark, and mechano, you want to take a look at that?
CYBORG: What makes you think I know anything about hacking?
WALLY: Well, it'd be kind of racist if I asked one of the white people first, now wouldn't it? Oh, AND YOU'RE A ROBOT!
CYBORG: I'm a cyborg. Hence the name.
WALLY: We're all very happy for you.
Cyborg looks at the keypad. Presses a few keys. It beeps.
CYBORG: Self-cleaning. Can't pick up any traces of the last person to gain admittance. I'm going to try the manual override.
INT. HANGAR WATCHTOWER
The door is knocked off its hinges. Cyborg lowers his foot and steps inside, the teens following.
WALLY: Manual override, huh?
CYBORG: It worked, didn't it?
In front of them are several LEAGUE SHUTTLES. Wally opens one.
WALLY: Anyone know how to fly one of these things?
DONNA: You're stealing Justice League property?
WALLY: Steal is such an ugly word. I prefer theft. It just sounds cooler to me.
GRAYSON: I can pilot it.
WALLY: Good. Everyone else, change into your work clothes.
He twists his ring. The Flash costume erupts from it.
WALLY: It's hero time.
Next: Recruitment Drive
MaskedManJRK
01-29-2006, 06:11 PM
Nice. :D:up:
bored
01-30-2006, 12:33 AM
spiffy.
INT./EXT. SHUTTLE – RE-ENTRY
The hull glows cherry-red as the shuttle passes through the atmosphere. Below, we can see the VAPOR TRAIL of the Star Slider. Donna is in the co-pilot's seat.
GRAYSON: Just like old times, huh?
DONNA: Just like. You think it's a sign?
GRAYSON: What do you mean?
DONNA: Signs, portents, omens from the gods. Six teenagers with superpowers just happen to be in the same place at the same time when it comes time to help someone? Am I the only one with deja vu?
GRAYSON: They're not the same. We can't undo the mistakes of the past, no matter how much we want to. We can't repeat the past.
DONNA: (incredulous) Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!
Through the windshield, we see where the Star-Slider has crashed. The OCEAN.
In the back, Raven sits next to Flash.
FLASH: Seven, huh? We going to meet someone down there?
RAVEN: Do you want me to tell you God's truth? This is a farm of ashes.
FLASH: I was about to say the exact same thing, sister.
Further back, Cyborg and Beast Boy.
BEAST BOY: You ever done this before? Been on a mission?
CYBORG: Nope.
BEAST BOY: So, what were you doing in the Watchtower?
CYBORG: Did a little urban renewal. Guess someone took exception to that. Probably the guy who's face I broke.
BEAST BOY: Whoa. That's hardcore.
CYBORG: Thanks.
Suddenly, Grayson shouts back...
GRAYSON: Green person, Beast Boy, right?
BEAST BOY: I prefer Changeling.
CYBORG: Nah man, Beast Boy's got a certain ring to it...
GRAYSON: Scout for survivors. Flash, you go with him.
FLASH: Who died and made you boss?
GRAYSON: That would be you, if you don't get to it.
Flash shoots him a look. The shuttle is now hovering over the ocean. The door opens.
FLASH: (to Grayson) Don't get too comfortable wearing the big hat.
GRAYSON: This isn't about who's in charge, this is about saving lives.
FLASH: Then you won't mind taking orders from me.
DONNA: Could one of you get going before I slip on all the testosterone?
Flash smiles.
FLASH: No prob.
He stands at the doorway.
FLASH: Just so you know, fearless leader, my heart will go on.
He grabs Beast Boy.
FLASH: With me, small fry. Man overboard.
He swings over the side, dragging a protesting Beast Boy with him.
EXT. WATER – DAY
Flash and Beast Boy land in the water. Spring right back up to the surface.
FLASH: Alright, we need to get that ship back to the surface. Is your superpower talking to fish or something?
BEAST BOY: There's no need to be condescending. I turn into fish. Animals of all sorts, actually. Even dinosaurs!
FLASH: Can you give me a sperm whale?
BEAST BOY: That much mass? Be tricky. I might black out.
FLASH: That's a chance I'm willing to take. When I give you the signal, transform and put the ship in your mouth. Now, follow me.
He dives.
EXT. UNDERWATER – DAY
Flash shoots downwards like a torpedo, Beast Boy following as a DOLPHIN.
They catch up to the Star Slider as it slips into the murky blackness of the abyss. Beast Boy turns into an ANGLERFISH, his bioluminescence providing illumination (whew!). Flash gives him an A-OK sign and swims to the Star Slider. He signals to Beast Boy, who transforms into a SPERM WHALE. Flash holds onto the Star Slider as Beast Boy engulfs the Star Slider.
INT. WHALE – DAY
Within the massive interior of the whale, Flash gasps in fresh air.
FLASH: Now I know what Geppeto felt like.
He pulls at the cockpit of the Star Slider, trying to get it open. Inside, we see Kory, unconscious. Purple blood runs from a gash on her head and her body is encased in a jelly-like substance (the alien equivalent of an airbag). Flash pounds on the glass. It's unbreakable.
EXT. WATER – DAY
The shuttle has landed on inflated PONTOONS. Grayson stands in the open sidedoor as Beast Boy rises and spits the Star Slider out, than reverts back to his human form. He's severely weakened. Grayson throws him a life preserver. Flash swims against the Star Slider, keeping it afloat.
FLASH: Someone throw me a rope or something!
GRAYSON: Shuttle doesn't have one!
CYBORG: That's not necessarily true.
He pulls a CABLE out of his WINCH built into his body, throws it to Flash.
FLASH: I can't believe I'm handling another man's block and tackle.
Flash begins wrapping the cable around the Star Slider as Grayson turns to Cyborg.
GRAYSON: You have a winch built into your body?
CYBORG: I have everything built in. I even have roller skates.
GRAYSON: Roller skates? When would those come in handy?
CYBORG: More often than ice skates.
Grayson looks ashamed.
DONNA: Dick, we've got company!
Grayson looks up. A NAVAL DESTROYER is on the horizon. Cyborg's artifical eye whirs and telescopes out.
CYBORG: From the markings, North Korean. They are NOT going to be happy about us traipsing about in their backyard.
GRAYSON: We are out of time! Donna, break it open.
Donna leaps down on the Star Slider, centers herself, then breaks the cockpit open like a coconut with a KARATE CHOP.
BEAST BOY: (pulling himself into the shuttle) Remind me never to piss you off.
DONNA: Who says you haven't already?
Donna scoops up the "cocoon" Kory is trapped inside as Grayson pulls a GRENADE from his belt.
GRAYSON: (re: Kory) When she wakes up, nobody tell her that she was in his mouth. Alright everyone, get clear, I'm blowing the ship.
FLASH: The hell you are!
He clambers up onto the shuttle.
GRAYSON: We can't allow the North Koreans to get their hands on that ship.
FLASH: Exactly. That's why we're taking it with us.
GRAYSON: You're thinking of the ship?
FLASH: The technology inside this ship could advance our scientific knowledge by generations, not to mention be worth billions. I'm claiming salvage. (beat) Don't worry, I'll cut you all in for a fair share.
GRAYSON: Unacceptable. We don't have time to...
FLASH: No, we don't. Fly the damn ship. There's no time to argue.
Grayson looks about to press the point. Flash interrupts before he can start...
FLASH: Unless you'd like to tell Miss First Contact there that you trashed her ride. That'll go over like a Superman-can't-see-through-it balloon.
Grayson hunkers down in the pilot's chair.
GRAYSON: You want the ship, you secure it. As of five seconds from now, we're a memory.
EXT. MOUNTAIN – DAY
The Shuttle lands, the Star Slider trailing behind it like a car with a tow truck. The teenagers (ah, to hell with it. The Titans) pile out, carrying Kory in a stretcher. She's still covered by the crash fluid. Grayson arrives at a particular rock wall, presses a section.
GRAYSON: Open, 1-1-9.
Nothing.
GRAYSON: Override, 1-1-4-8.
FLASH: Now is not the time for a nervous breakdown.
GRAYSON: I'm not hallucinating! It's...
The secret door swings open. ALFRED, a kind-looking man in his late sixties stands there, shotgun in one hand, tray of refreshments in the other.
ALFRED: Ah, Master Dick. So good to see you again! And you've brought friends.
Stunned silence.
BEAST BOY: Batman's OLDER than I thought he would be... and more British.
INT. BAT-CAVE – DAY
AN IMMENSE CAVERN. A network of aged timbers intersect themselves, shoring up the side of the foundation. High-ribbed, jagged walls, suggesting some sort of labyrinth beyond. One area of the cave is devoted to exercise - weights, Nautilus machines, rings - even a trapeze. Another section features a myriad of complicated machines and a fully equipped crime lab. A mechanical Tyrannosaurus Rex stands in another section. Next to it is the giant penny. This, along with other exhibits, is the trophy section. We also see a partially constructed futuristic HELICOPTER... a vintage Neal Adams WHIRLYBAT (as sharp-eyed viewers will note).
The Titans continue deeper into the cave, led by Alfred (who carries a lantern). They bear Kory like a Viking funeral.
BEAST BOY: (re: T-Rex) Nice decor. Looking for the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval?
DONNA: Shut up, Gar.
BEAST BOY: Hey, you remembered my name! Nobody ever remembers my name!
DONNA: Then how do they know who to stay away from?
Kory is set down on a medical exam table. Alfred begins entering commands into a console beside it.
FLASH: Maybe she's not an alien. Maybe she's an astronaut or something.
Kory opens her eyes. Solid green.
FLASH: Maybe not.
A hovering holographic schematic of Kory's physiology appears over her, descends onto her body. Unsurprising, it's totally unlike anything we've ever seen before.
CYBORG: Two hearts.
BEAST BOY: She'd need twice as much Maalox as a human!
FLASH: Shut up Gar.
BEAST BOY: Hey, you know my name too!
FLASH: Heard when D said it.
DONNA: My name is Donna.
FLASH: Whatever.
Grayson points to two organs, apparently linked to the mouth and nostrils. They're full of crash fluid.
GRAYSON: I think these are her lungs.
FLASH: And if they're not?
GRAYSON: Then let's hope we haven't killed anyone important.
He brings his fist down on the lungs. Kory's eyes snap open again and she rolls to the side, vomiting off the exam table. Grayson scoots onto the table and compassionately holds her hair. She turns back to him, wiping crash fluid from her mouth and flicking it away. She's covered in the stuff. Alfred hands her a towel. She begins wiping off, says "Thank you" in her language.
ALFRED: You're quite welcome.
Yello's "Oh Yeah" plays. Grayson is taken aback as her form is revealed under the crash fluid. She's beautiful... and wearing very little. And he's still sitting next to her.
GRAYSON: Ummm... hi.
FLASH: Way to make first contact.
DONNA: Shh!
KORY: Bah weep granna weep ninny bahn.
FLASH: I don't recognize a word of that and I've been around. You?
NIGHTWING: No.
CYBORG: Doesn't fit anything in my databases.
Flash looks at Cyborg, who taps the metal side of his head.
FLASH: Cute.
BEAST BOY: Maybe we can use the universal language... of music! (singing) Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test! Something something, a whole new world, a dazzling...
He begins waving his arms frantically to cover up his lack of lyrical knowledge.
BEAST BOY: Can you feel the love tonight? The world for once, in perfect harmony...
GRAYSON: Well, if she hasn't told him to shut up by now, she obviously doesn't know how to.
BEAST BOY: Good thin... HEY!
Kory looks at Grayson exclusively. Smiles at him. Grayson taps his chest.
GRAYSON: Dick. My name is Dick.
She taps his chest slowly.
KORY: Dick.
GRAYSON: That's right.
Kory taps her own chest.
KORY: Koriand'r.
Grayson tries to reproduce the strange inflections. It's no small feat for a human tongue to produce the same consonents.
GRAYSON: Kory... Anders?
Kory nods. Close enough. Kory taps his chest.
KORY: Dick.
She taps her own chest.
KORY: Koriand'r.
Grayson looks at others.
GRAYSON: I think she's getting the hang of this.
She kisses him, slow and hot on the mouth.
FLASH: And I thought I worked fast.
Grayson's eyes widen and we see FLASHES of his past. A trapeze artist in the circus... a mere glimpse of his childhood days before we SLAM back to the present as Kory breaks away from him.
KORY: Your name is Dick Grayson. My name is... Princess Koriand'r.
GRAYSON: (realizing) Their race has touch telepathy. I just taught her English.
FLASH: Bet you slipped a little French in there too, eh?
BEAST BOY: (to Kory) Habla espanol? Sprechen sie deutsch, fraulein?
ALFRED: Master Dick, the... master would like to see you.
Grayson smiles ruefully. He knew this was coming.
GRAYSON: I'll be right back.
He walks off as Kory sits up. Flash looks at Alfred.
FLASH: The master, huh?
ALFRED: Yes.
FLASH: So... you wATch tHe PlaCE wHIle thE mAsTEr iS aWaY?
ALFRED: ...yes, I think that's safe to say.
FLASH: Say "ThE MastER wOUld Not aPpRovE."
ALFRED: No.
MEANWHILE, Donna is helping out Kory.
DONNA: So, (mispronounces it) Koriand'r... (mispronounces it again) Koriand'r... Kory, are you alright? Any pains?
KORY: No, I feel... fine? That is word? That is THE word?
DONNA: Yes.
KORY: Why do you cover your body so much? Are you ashamed of it?
DONNA: No, I'm... I'll explain later.
KORY: I am looking forward to it! (beat, realizes what she has just said automatically) What a strange expression! This is an interesting language! I very much enjoyed learning it.
Donna smirks.
DONNA: I'll bet.
CYBORG: Hey, anybody seen Raven?
BEAST BOY: No.
KORY: Raven?
CYBORG: You think she's back at the shuttle? Oh man, I left her on the shuttle!
ELSEWHERE, Flash is taking cover behind a stalagmite. He pulls off a glove. Underneath, his hand is a construct of pure energy. It flickers in and out, gradually fading back into flesh.
FLASH: Why can't I control this?
He pulls the glove back on and steps out from behind the stalagmite, intercepting Cyborg.
FLASH: Listen... Cyborg, right?
CYBORG: Right.
Flash wraps an arm around Cyborg's shoulders.
FLASH: You think this place has everything you need to do an analysis on the ship?
CYBORG: Maybe a preliminary one, but nothing in-depth.
FLASH: I just need answers and I need them now. (lowers his voice so Kory can't hear) Are there going to be more of those things? And if there are, how do we fight them?
CYBORG: My parents have a few contacts at S.T.A.R. Labs. I could have them do some tests on the metal.
FLASH: Good, perfect. Get on that.
CYBORG: By the way, that was good thinking taking the ship along. I like how you thought on your feet.
FLASH: Where else would I think?
He pats Cyborg on the shoulder as the man-machine goes to follow Beast Boy. From another part of the cave we can hear muffled shouting, the words unclear but the emotion tangible. One of the voices is Grayson. Flash sits down next to a display case of disguises. He looks at them. Takes out a latex mask (similar to the one Grayson used in the opening) experimentally, sets it flush against his face. Looks like it fits pretty well.
BARBARA: (O.S.) Keep it. Looks good on you.
Flash turns around to see Barbara, recognizing her voice.
FLASH: You're... not what I expected.
BARBARA: You're exactly what I expected.
He tucks the mask in his belt as Grayson walks back onto scene.
GRAYSON: (re: shouting) Sorry about that. He... values his privacy.
He gives Barbara a familiar peck on the cheek. Their relationship is clear. Flash raises an eyebrow.
GRAYSON: Hey babe.
BARBARA: Hey.
GRAYSON: We were just leaving. See you tonight?
BARBARA: Sure.
Grayson walks offscreen, leaving Flash and Barbara alone. We hear him shouting out a few orders in the background, of the "pack it up, we're leaving" variety. Barbara avoids Flash's gaze.
BARBARA: I didn't want you to find out like this.
FLASH: Why not?
BARBARA: Maybe I just enjoyed... how you thought of me.
FLASH: Whatever I thought of you, you lived up to it. (beat) Although you're a tad shorter than I expected.
Barbara cracks up.
Grayson, from out of nowhere, places a hand on Flash's shoulder that is both reminder and warning.
GRAYSON: Flash, we're leaving.
FLASH: (Wayne and/or Garth) What? Did your dad say we can't practice in his garage? How are we ever going to be ready for Battle of the Bands?
Grayson walks off. He stops in front of an EXHIBIT. Alfred joins him.
GRAYSON: Funny... I don't remember which case this came from.
ALFRED: I believe it transpired after Master Jason became Robin.
Grayson fakes a smile.
GRAYSON: Right.
EXT. BATCAVE – DAY
The Titans-to-be exit to the shuttle, Kory floating among them. Raven is waiting for them.
CYBORG: Flash was right. We should form a club. A league or something!
FLASH: A league? Who the hell are you, Jules Verne?
KORY: There are seven of us. Perhaps we should be the "Seven Soldiers."
BEAST BOY: No way! That's a lame name! We should call ourselves something cool, like... like... the DOOM PATROL!
FLASH: No one let him name anything, ever.
GRAYSON: I have the perfect name.
EXT. CENTRAL CITY – EVENING
The sleek, corporate megalopolis. Keystone's big brother. Makes Metropolis look like a Dairy Queen. Built on the shore of the vast PEREZ BAY. And in the center of that bay is an island, on which is built a stupendous SKYSCRAPER in the shape of a T (which I realize is architectually unfeasible, but, gentle reader, you've already accepted men that can run faster than the speed of sound, shapeshifters, aliens, cyborgs, space stations, and others. So exercise that suspension of disbelief a little more). Think Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadow Park.
The SHUTTLE flies towards it.
FLASH: (V.O.) What is this? Your secret headquarters? We're hiding out inside a building shaped like a giant initial? No sir, they'll never look for us there.
INT. TITAN TOWER – EVENING
The core of Titan Tower is taken up by a massive, multi-level atrium, the majority of the building donuted around it. Glass elevators run up and down its length.
And the place is a ****ing wreck. Cobwebs, dust, it's been abandoned for a while. The Titans walk through.
GRAYSON: This place was once the headquarters of an elite team. Myself, Aqualad, Speedy, (nods to Donna) Wonder Girl here, and Kid Flash.
BEAST BOY: Kid Flash? Any relation?
FLASH: Thawne. We've met.
GRAYSON: He still on the loose?
FLASH: (grim nod) Still.
RAVEN: (to herself) Speedy?
GRAYSON: After we... disbanded... I kinda gave the maid the decade off. But I figure this is as good a place as any to hole Kory up until we figure out what to do with her. (to Kory, apologetic) If that's alright with you, of course.
Kory has plucked a spider from its web.
KORY: What is this called?
GRAYSON: A spider.
KORY: Ohhhh.
CYBORG: You're not going to put that in your mouth, are you?
Kory eats it.
CYBORG: And you did.
Grayson digs through a pantry.
GRAYSON: If you're hungry, it can't be too hard to find something compatible with your digestive system. Our races don't seem so different...
He's not having much luck.
FLASH: I could go get some food, if you want.
GRAYSON: No thanks.
FLASH: Take me about two seconds ta run down to 7-11.
GRAYSON: I said I've got it!
He gives Kory a can of SPAM, opens it for her. Doesn't look very appetizing.
GRAYSON: Sorry about the food, but I haven't updated the stock in a while.
She pours the meat out, then eats the can.
GRAYSON: Whatever works for you.
FLASH: Speaking of food, anyone got the time?
CYBORG: Seven forty-two.
FLASH: The casserole!
He disappears. Grayson looks at the others.
GRAYSON: Well, if that's everyone, I think we've got a lot to talk about...
Next: Meet The Parents
MaskedManJRK
02-03-2006, 08:24 PM
Coolz. :)
INT. KITCHEN LINDA'S HOUSE EVENING
Wally, smoking a cigarette, pulls the casserole out of the oven. It's burnt to a crisp.
WALLY: Linda will understand.
Leslie walks into the kitchen.
LESLIE: Linda won't understand.
She takes the cigarette from him, drops it on the floor, and stomps it out under her foot.
WALLY: I was making first contact with an alien species.
LESLIE: And now you're making first contact with her parents... and all you have to offer is a burnt casserole.
WALLY: Oh yeah?
INT. HOUSE 1 EVENING
A man answers the door.
WALLY: Hello, are you fixing a casserole tonight?
INT. HOUSE 2 EVENING
A woman answers the door.
WALLY: Hello, are you fixing a casserole tonight?
INT. HOUSE 3 EVENING
Another man answers the door.
WALLY: Hello, are you fixing a casserole tonight?
MAN: Yes, I am.
WALLY: Can I have it?
MAN: No.
WALLY: I'll pay you fifty bucks.
MAN: No.
WALLY: A hundred.
MAN: Why?
WALLY: You can fix another casserole!
MAN: But I like this casserole.
WALLY: It's a casserole! It's not worth one hundred dollars!
MAN: Then why are you willing to pay a hundred dollars for it?
Wally looks around. How's he going to explain this one. Then a lightbulb comes up over his head.
WALLY: Hypertime.
MAN: Oh, alright.
EXT. HOUSE 3 EVENING
Wally walks away from the house, holding the casserole. REVEAL he's in San Francisco.
WALLY: Nobody fixes casserole anymore.
INT. LINDA'S HOUSE EVENING
Wally opens the door. Linda's there. We see her parents, ANGUS and LISA PARK, getting their bags out of the car.
LINDA: Wally, tell me the casserole is fine.
WALLY: Perfect.
LINDA: Alright, good. Remember, we want to break it to them very gently that we're married. So don't say anything about that.
WALLY: Got it.
LINDA: And don't mention how you kinda... destroyed their son-in-law.
WALLY: He started it.
LINDA: And above all else, don't tell them about your one night stand with Leslie.
WALLY: Water under the bridge.
LINDA: In fact, it'd probably be best if you said as little as possible.
WALLY: I was thinking the exact same thing.
Linda's parents have drawn near.
LINDA: Wally, these are my parents, Angus and Lisa Park.
WALLY: Nice to meet you, Mrs. Park. Mr. Park.
ANGUS: I'm not in the military anymore, but I'd still prefer to be called the Colonel.
WALLY: Well, it's a pleasure to finally meet you, Colonel Angus.
LISA: So, this is your boyfriend?
LINDA: (correcting) Husband.
Linda slaps her forehead. Oops.
ANGUS: YOU'RE MARRIED!?
WALLY: (quickly) Only a little.
LISA: How can you be only a little married?
WALLY: Very carefully.
LINDA: We eloped.
WALLY: You could say it was a spur of the moment thing.
Polite laughter.
LINDA: You might say it was on impulse!
More laughter.
WALLY: You might say we were totally wasted and got hitched in a Vegas chapel by an Elvis impersonator!
Dead silence.
WALLY: You MIGHT say that...
INT. LINDA'S HOUSE DINING ROOM EVENING
Wally, Linda, and the 'rents are gathered round the dinner table. There's not much to talk about.
LINDA: Mom, tell Wally the story of how you and dad met.
LISA: Oh, it was unforgettable. I was a resident, Angus was in the ROTC program... At first I couldn't stand Colonel Angus.
WALLY: He rubbed you the wrong way?
Linda elbows Wally in the ribs. The parents don't notice.
LISA: Yes, that's it exactly. Colonel Angus is an acquired taste. He may be rough, he may not smell very good... but deep down, Colonel Angus is very sweet. So when when Angus popped the question...
WALLY: Well, what woman could say no to Colonel Angus?
LINDA: (under her breath) I'm in love with a retard.
WALLY: (sotto) Is he a better lay than me?
LISA: Wally, why is it you haven't had us over before now?
WALLY: I've been very busy. But Linda's wanted us to have Colonel Angus here for ages.
ANGUS: If I overstay my welcome, just tap me on the head. But I'd really like to stay long enough to get to know my new... son-in-law.
WALLY: (to Linda) I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to a great many experiences with Colonel Angus.
INT. WALLY'S ROOM LINDA'S HOUSE NIGHT
Wally is lying awake in bed.
WALLY: Well, that went well.
We can hear water running in the background.
LINDA: (O.S.) Could've been worse.
WALLY: How could it have been worse?
LINDA: (O.S.) They could've transformed into aliens or something.
WALLY: I had a dream once that my father did that.
LINDA: (O.S.) My parents don't like you, you know.
WALLY: I kinda figured.
LINDA: (O.S.) I figure it's the Mormon thing. My father's Mormon, which means my mother is Mormon, so it stands to follow...
WALLY: Ouch.
LINDA: (O.S.) Of course, when Leslie married a non-Mormon supervillain, no one batted an eyelash because she's just so damn perfect...
WALLY: Maybe they did and you just didn't notice.
LINDA: (O.S.) Oh, trust me, they didn't. Always did love her best...
Wally doesn't want to argue the point.
WALLY: Yeah, that sounds like them, the bastards.
LINDA: (O.S.) They're not all that bad, they're just very protective.
WALLY: So am I. Look, I've stared down the forces of darkness on multiple occasions, I think I can handle the Mormons. Although when you think about it, there's really not that much difference...
Linda steps out of the bathroom in sweatpants and a tanktop.
LINDA: (warningly) Wally...
She slips into bed.
LINDA: (re: clothes) I know, it's not silk lingerie...
WALLY: You'd look good in anything. (reaching out) Of course, you'd look better in nothing.
Right on cue, Micah's crying interrupts them.
LINDA: You know, it's really unfair that we have to deal with a baby without first doing the fun part.
Wally looks away, burying his head in the pllows.
WALLY: Good night.
LINDA: Night.
He turns off the light. A few seconds later, he turns it back on.
WALLY: You know, maybe we should think about getting our own place.
LINDA: We've talked about this...
WALLY: No we haven't. Now when I moved in here, I thought it was only going to be for a little while, you told me it was only going to be for a little while...
LINDA: So, what, you want me to leave Leslie to raise a child by herself?
WALLY: I'm not saying that, it's just...
LINDA: Do you want to move out?
WALLY: No, of course not, I'm just wondering when we're going to get a little times to ourselves. I'm tired of being pulled in every direction.
LINDA: I know.
WALLY: At least go apartment-hunting with me. See if we can find a place...
LINDA: No, I can't. I've got the show and...
WALLY: I understand.
He turns off the light.
WALLY: (quiet, to himself) I always have to "understand"...
Next: Joining Up And The Obligatory "Cleaning The Place Up" Montage.
INT. WATCHTOWER THE NEXT DAY
Flash walks through the station.
FLASH: (singing) Red streak speeds by, Flash the Hedgehog. Too fast for the naked eye, Flash the Hedgehog. Flash, he can really move. Flash, he's got an attitude. Flash, he's the fastest thing alive!
He sits down in front of GREEN ARROW, who's trying to work at a crossword puzzle.
FLASH: Hey Green Arrow. Still like hard, pointy shafts?
GREEN ARROW: You were supposed to be at the meeting.
FLASH: It's alright, I forgive you for starting without me. Mind giving me the Cliff's Notes version?
GREEN ARROW: You mean, now that we've come to our decision and there's no way you can change it?
FLASH: That's somewhat ominous.
GREEN ARROW: Six days ago, you barely managed to stop Plunder from releasing nerve gas into the subways.
FLASH: Hey, I handled it, didn't I? Near-disasters don't count.
GREEN ARROW: Your entire career as the Flash has been marked with disregard for the law, lack of respect for authority, and general malcontent. You yourself are brash, reckless, impulsive, immature, and a publicity hound!
FLASH: What are you getting at, queen? (off his reaction) I'm sorry, do you prefer Ollie?
GREEN ARROW: The Twin Cities have grown since the days of Barry Allen. Perhaps it is too much for one man to handle... especially if that man has your... limited... experience.
FLASH: You're replacing me?
GREEN ARROW: No. Merely placing you among colleagues, where you could better learn how to be a hero. We've been meaning to place you together for some time now.
FLASH: I don't need babysitters and I don't need an entourage. I can do this on my own.
GREEN ARROW: The counsel has made its decision. I suggest you abide by it. Or can you follow no rules but your own?
FLASH: Hey, hey, I never said I didn't play well with others. But who exactly did you have in mind?
GREEN ARROW: The team has already been assembled.
FLASH: Well, I need to review the ranks, see what their training is, how well they can take orders...
GREEN ARROW: That is not your concern.
FLASH: Beg pardon?
GREEN ARROW: You will not be leading the group.
FLASH: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! I am the go-to guy. I am Keystone City's favorite son. What schlub could possibly take my place?
GREEN ARROW: Nightwing out of Bludhaven.
FLASH: Who?
GREEN ARROW: I believe you've met. Batman vouched for him.
FLASH: Oh, Batman. Well, that changes everything.
GREEN ARROW: Batman is a senior member of the counsel. You would do well to follow his example. By the way, your new comic book hit the shelves today. You gave us the publication rights when you tried to join. Maybe you should give it a read.
He throws a comic book on the table. The cover is drawn by Rob Liefeld. Flash seethes.
FLASH: I'm going to get you for this! And I'm not going to be one of your damn sidekicks!
INT. WATCHTOWER CORRIDOR DAY
Flash walks down the corridor, quivering with rage. He actually goes "on the fritz," buzzing in and out as his anger unconsciously activates the Speed Force. He stops, calms down. Continues on.
INT. LINDA'S HOUSE DAY
Wally is watching a movie when Leslie comes downstairs, holding Micah.
LESLIE: Wally, could you take the dog for a walk?
WALLY: He's not my dog.
LESLIE: Roger always used to walk the dog.
WALLY: Roger also tried to take over the world.
LESLIE: Just think of it was your way of pitching in. Since you don't pay for rent or food or... much of anything, really.
WALLY: I'm sensing a little unresolved sexual tension here. Anytime you want to join Linda and be the bread in a Wally sandwich, just say the word.
Leslie just smiles and turns off the DVD player, changes the channel to Teletubbies. Micah claps her hands.
WALLY: A man's got a limit! I can't get a life if my heart's not in it!
EXT. BLUDHAVEN DAY
Here, the Great Depression never ended. OFFICER DICK GRAYSON patrols this hellhole on motorcycle, trying to keep anyone from lighting a match in his assigned powderkeg.
POLICE DISPATCH: (filtered) All units, we have a hostage situation at the Detlife Building, all units...
Grayson turns the corner into a dark alley...
INT. HIDE-OUT DAY
Acrobat twins MARGOT and ALIKI have Wally (who wears a stylish, casual black suit, including a topcoat) tied up, Margot holding a feather, Aliki a scarf. Suddenly, NIGHTWING crashes through the window on motorcycle.
NIGHTWING: Let him... go?
Wally groans in disappointment. He stands up, the ropes dropping away from him. The man doesn't have time to NOT be an awesome mother****er.
WALLY: You couldn't have waited five minutes? (to Double Dare) Sorry, ladies, we'll have to pick this up another time. Bon voyage. Shoo. The men have to talk.
They go, blowing him kisses.
NIGHTWING: You're letting them go.
WALLY: Nightwing, the world would be a poorer place with them in prison, don't you think?
NIGHTWING: The world is going to be a poorer place because they're going to STEAL EVERYTHING!
WALLY: Yes, but... they're twins. TWINS, Nightwing. Anyway, just needed to let you know that I'm in.
NIGHTWING: In what?
WALLY: Your group. What are we calling ourselves anyway? The Thunderbolts? Thunderbirds? Must be something with thunder in it, I'm sure...
NIGHTWING: The Teen Titans.
WALLY: ...no, really.
NIGHTWING: Really.
WALLY: ...I'll learn to love it. And in the meantime, I'll be happy to be Tyler to your Tippecanoe.
NIGHTWING: Harrison.
WALLY: Whatever. I think you could use a man of my experience at your right hand. From what I've seen, leading a team this size... gonna be harder than it looks. Things have changed since your day. They have silicon boobs and let you say "****" on TV.
NIGHTWING: I appreciate the offer, but Donna's the deputy leader until further notice.
WALLY: That so?
NIGHTWING: Yeah. That's so. She's my oldest friend, I trust her implicitly.
WALLY: So you don't trust me?
NIGHTWING: And they call me a detective. Sorry, but I don't see any need for you on the team. You're a disruptive influence and you'll bring down trouble we don't need on all our heads.
WALLY: League says I'm in, buffalo wing. You gonna tell them to sit on it and rotate? I'm betting you haven't got the guts.
NIGHTWING: (quiet) ...if the League says you're in, you're in. Just don't expect the rest of us to like it.
WALLY: Fooly cooly. Oh, and one other thing. Who's going to take care of Bludhaven while you're out?
NIGHTWING: I have a replacement in mind.
WALLY: This replacement have a name?
NIGHTWING: Not for you.
WALLY: Touche. (gives weird salute) Be seeing you.
INT. LINDA'S HOUSE DAY
Wally is packing. Linda stands nearby.
WALLY: This has nothing to do with us. It's just until I get the team in working order. Think of it like a... business trip. (beat) It's a five minute run, and that's pacing myself. You have my beeper number. You can call anytime.
LINDA: It's not the same.
WALLY: No, it's not.
LINDA: Why do you have to lead these... Teen Titans anyway?
WALLY: Well, I couldn't very well say no. They might get killed without me. I couldn't live with myself if that happened.
He closes his suitcase, picks it up.
WALLY: I have work to do. Read your newspaper everyday and you'll understand.
LINDA: Which section?
WALLY: I don't know... Life & Arts?
EXT. TITAN TOWER DAY
Wally looks up at the decrepit Titan Tower. He's still wearing his sleek, fashionable suit, and holding his suitcase in one hand. He shakes his head.
WALLY: I've got a lot of work to do.
INT. TITAN TOWER BARRACKS DAY
We leap right into the chorus of AC/DC's "Back In Black" as Wally, smoking a cigarette, hangs up that famous Farrah Fewcett poster. This space is uniquely his, not the uneasy melange of the room he and Linda shared. Some Transformers toys, a TV and VCR, a mini-fridge, etc. A bachelor pad, basically.
Donna, from the doorway, sees the pin-up.
DONNA: You know that objectifies women?
WALLY: (sarcastic) And I have to live with that guilt for the rest of my life.
He waves her goodbye. His Flash Ring glimmers in the light, striking a chord of the operatic high-adventure FLASH THEME, before we pan back to Donna and track with her as she walks away. "Back In Black" melts into DONNA'S THEME, a Gwen Stefani-like breezy girlpop opening that quickly sharpens into brutal DARKCORE as her face falls with discontent ("Nobody listens to me. Nobody takes me seriously.") and she enters her room, which is filled with Amazon weapons and training equipment.
The haunting melodies of RAVEN'S THEME take over as she sweeps past camera. She stalks down the corridor and into her room, which appears to be pitch black. Next door, Cyborg steps out of his room. The thick-as-molasses bass lines and heavy licks of a blues tune (electronic would be too obvious, wouldn't you agree?), CYBORG'S THEME, come on the soundtrack.
KORY'S THEME, a cool, groovy J-pop tune, accompanies her as she hovers along with the rest, meeting up with BEAST BOY, who now leads the way to the sound of his THEME, a light, airy hip-hop song (the kind of thing Will Smith would sing).
And as the group continues into the Assembly Room, their themes blend together into the TITANS THEME, incorporating each of their different themes from moment to moment before the mix is dominated by NIGHTWING'S THEME, a dark, gothic orchestra showing us that he is clearly a Son of the Bat. But soon Nightwing's Theme gives up the spotlight and joins the beat, the Titans Theme swelling and growing until it comes to a dynamic crescendo as the team, in full costume, assembles for the first time.
FLASH: Alright... now what?
INT. TITAN TOWER ASSEMBLY ROOM DAY
An all-purpose briefing room, water cooler discussion place, and lecture hall, all in one. Nightwing stands at the forefront.
NIGHTWING: We're all here? Good, then let's get started. As of this moment, you are all part of the new Teen Titans.
FLASH: Some-new, some-different?
NIGHTWING: Don't be cheeky.
Flash sits next to Donna, who's taken in the messy surroundings.
FLASH: (sotto) Well, if we fix this place up... it could be a real ****hole!
DONNA: (sotto) There's that can-do spirit we've all come to love.
NIGHTWING: Right, first task... let's get this place cleaned up. Supplies in the corner. Let's get started.
The Titans pick up cleaning supplies. Flash sees that Kory isn't doing anything. He kicks up a mope, spins it around ala Darth Maul, then holds it out to Kory.
FLASH: You want to lend a hand, E.T.?
KORY: I will be addressed as Princess Koriand'r... or not at all!
CYBORG: Guess they don't have chill pills in outer space.
KORY: Shut up! You are ugly! I am the prettiest one here!
She runs off.
NIGHTWING: I'm the leader. I'll talk to her.
He walks after her. Flash chimes in with...
FLASH: Uptown girl!
She's been living in her uptown world...
The others, except for Nightwing and Raven, quickly join in.
ALL: I bet she's never had a backstreet guy
I bet her momma never told her why
Nightwing simmers as they continue their song behind him.
INT. TITAN TOWER KORY'S ROOM DAY
Nightwing enters. The room is entirely undecorated. Kory looks at him.
NIGHTWING: Well, I see you haven't quite... adjusted to your new surroundings yet.
KORY: No.
NIGHTWING: Listen, Princess... Kory... I know you're scared. You're in a strange place, with strange people, millions of miles from home, perhaps never to see your friends and family again... I'm not helping, am I?
Kory shakes her head.
NIGHTWING: To tell you the truth, I'm scared as well. I'm a little new around here myself. But I can conquer that fear. Because these people are my friends and yours too. They won't let any harm come to us.
KORY: And are you my friend?
NIGHTWING: I would never let anything hurt you.
KORY: Thank you.
NIGHTWING: So c'mon, how about we show those guys what you can do?
Kory smiles. Bone Symphony's "One Foot In Front of The Other" starts.
INT. TITAN TOWER MONTAGE DAY
A series of shots guiding us through the restoration of the Tower, including...
Donna gets up from scrubbing the floor to stretch. The men all stare.
Beast Boy, as a cat, chases a rat.
Flash "dusts" a room by running in a circle, creating a whirlwind which sucks all the grime up... leaving him covered in it when he comes to a stop.
Nightwing, standing on a ladder, changes a lightbulb. Kory hands him a new one. He thanks her, then does a double-take when he realizes she's hovering off the ground.
Flash tries out a faucet. Murky brown water comes out. He gets some on his hands. Wipes it on Raven's cloak when she isn't looking.
Cyborg looks at a dusty floor. Turns one leg into a VACUUM CLEANER and begins cleaning up.
Beast Boy, as an elephant, sucks up some water in his trunk and sprays it out on the ceiling, cleaning away cobwebs.
Cyborg, still vacuuming, picks up a couch to vacuum under it.
Donna wields two brooms at once as she cleans out a room.
Flash rewires a fusebox. Connects two wires. BZZZZT!
Flash comes out of the room, his body black with soot. He raises a finger as if about to say something, coughs out some smoke, then collapses.
Nightwing washes a window. Is surprised to see Kory washing the other side of the window... reverse angle reveals she's hovering outside Titan Tower, thirty floors up.
Flash moonwalks past Donna and Beast Boy (who are scrubbing the floor), two sponges tied to the bottom of his feet. Donna and Beast Boy look at each other.
Flash, Donna, and Beast Boy skate past Grayson on sponges.
Nightwing hammers some nails. Accidentally hits his thumb. He holds it up and Raven grabs hold of it for a moment, whispers something under her breath. Nightwing marvels as the pain goes away.
Beast Boy is painting a wall. Donna walks by. He checks her out as she leaves. Turns back to his work to see he's reached a doorway... and painted over Cyborg's face.
Nightwing walks into a bathroom. Runs back out in horror.
Nightwing, now wielding a flamethrower and a bio-suit, torches the bathroom.
Montage comes to an end.
Next: Zandia
INT. TITAN TOWER TROPHY ROOM DAY
Cyborg and Grayson walk through the trophy room. Most of the "exhibits" are empty, but a few are still full.
GRAYSON: Man, I can't believe we just left this stuff here.
Cyborg picks up what looks like a futuristic bazooka.
CYBORG: Is this a sonic cannon?
GRAYSON: Oh, yeah. We took it from... whatshisname? Trident! He made Aqualad deaf for a while...
CYBORG: Mind if I borrow it?
GRAYSON: Go ahead.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMPUTER ROOM DAY
The processing power for the entire tower is located in here. One mainframe reads "Climate Control," another reads "Defense Systems." That sort of thing. BARBARA is bringing the new systems on line, updating from DOS to Cray supercomputers. Hands start rubbing her shoulders.
BARBARA: Oh, thanks pookie. I needed that.
WALLY: (O.S.) Anytime, "pookie."
Barbara spins around. Wally backs away, snerting.
WALLY: Magic fingers.
BARBARA: That's not funny.
She strains for a surge protector on a high shelf. Wally grabs it and holds it out for her.
WALLY: Like a fish needs a bicycle, right?
BARBARA: Don't get cute.
WALLY: I'll pass the word along to my plastic surgeon. Need some help?
BARBARA: There's a reason I don't have handles on the back of my wheelchair, West.
WALLY: It looks cool? (beat) Call me Wally.
He lies down beside her wheelchair, crawls underneath the computer.
WALLY: Tell me what to hook up.
BARBARA: You ever do anything like this before?
WALLY: Programmed my VCR.
BARBARA: This is slightly more complicated than that.
WALLY: I figured. What first?
BARBARA: Plug the I/O line into the orange socket.
WALLY: (fumbles around) Check. (beat) So, Nightwing, huh?
BARBARA: (nodding) Nightwing.
WALLY: Seems like a nice guy.
BARBARA: He is. You see the thick blue cable?
WALLY: Uh-huh.
BARBARA: That's the broadband. Plug it into the socket marked "Modem."
WALLY: Don't think this team would work without him. Nightwing I mean.
BARBARA: Flip the red switch into on position.
WALLY: Makes everyone feel at home. Even Kory.
BARBARA: Kory?
Wally rolls out from under the computer for a moment.
WALLY: You know...
He pantomimes her silhouette with his hands.
WALLY: With the hair?
BARBARA: Oh. Her.
WALLY: Yeah.
Wally returns to under the computer.
WALLY: Spends a lot of time with her, makes sure she doesn't feel lonely or lost or anything.
BARBARA: Well, he's always been friendly.
WALLY: What about you?
BARBARA: Plug in the green cables to the three tiers. What do you mean?
WALLY: Are you friendly?
BARBARA: I'm sociable.
WALLY: That's good. So, how about joining me for a drink later?
BARBARA: I don't think it'd be appropriate.
WALLY: According to who?
BARBARA: Me. Maybe your wife. You want me to take a poll or is that good enough for you?
WALLY: It's fine. You just seem awful defensive.
BARBARA: I'm not being defensive.
WALLY: Yes, you are.
BARBARA: No, I'm not. And you're supposed to be hooking the computer up.
WALLY: I did. Try it.
Barbara boots up the computer. It works perfectly.
WALLY: Well?
BARBARA: It works.
Wally rolls out from under the computer again.
WALLY: Never underestimate the programming power necessary to get a VCR working. Those things are the devil.
He extends his hand to Barbara. She helps him up. Their banter is light, flirtatious. Wally's all charm.
WALLY: You be sure to call me if you have second thoughts on that drink.
BARBARA: I do my drinking at home.
WALLY: I'll have to visit sometime.
BARBARA: I'll have to invite you sometime.
WALLY: You do that. Maybe I can program your VCR.
BARBARA: I don't have a VCR.
WALLY: Don't tell me you're into Betamax.
BARBARA: Tivo.
WALLY: Maybe you can teach me how to use it.
BARBARA: There's no real trick to it.
WALLY: Then I won't be there long. Unless you have some other things you want to teach me...
NIGHTWING: (O.S.) Ahem.
Wally turns. Nightwing stands in the doorway. Barbara tries to back away from Wally, but Wally grabs her wheelchair, preventing her from moving. If Nightwing notices, he doesn't give a sign.
WALLY: It's not what you think! I know it looks like we're getting the system online, but we're actually having sex.
NIGHTWING: (ignoring him, to Barbara) Computers up?
Barbara suppresses her panic. Wally discreetly lets go of her wheelchair and moves away from her in a more natural, roundabout manner.
BARBARA: Yeah. Should run nice and smooth now.
WALLY: She was having some hardware trouble, I helped her sort it out.
NIGHTWING: Nice of you.
WALLY: Ain't it just?
It couldn't be more obvious that they don't trust each other.
WALLY: I'd better see if anyone else needs my help.
NIGHTWING: You'd better.
Wally exits. Nightwing smiles, thinking he's won the mini-confrontation when...
WALLY: (O.S.) Kory, you need a hand with that?
Nightwing's face falls. He tries to hide it from Barbara as he crosses over to her and massages her shoulders, a bit possessively. There's an undercurrent of "staking his claim" to the scene.
NIGHTWING: Think you could help me out on transportation too? Steer me to the info I need on the web.
BARBARA: Last time I checked, Batman was good with transport. Bat-Wing, Bat-Copter, Batmobile, Batboat...
NIGHTWING: I don't want to go running to him for advice every ten minutes.
BARBARA: What's with you guys? You have to make everything so difficult. He views you as an equal. Get over it.
NIGHTWING: He was just down in Bludhaven last week to...
BARBARA: He's concerned about you. Though it would kill him to say it. Just like it kills you to ask for help.
NIGHTWING: Listen, things are okay between us right now, but you don't know what it's like in his shadow.
Barbara reaches up and slips his mask off, gesturing with it.
BARBARA: I don't, huh? You seem to forget how he reacted the first time I showed up in a cape and boots.
GRAYSON: (laughing) He just about hit the stalactites.
BARBARA: (serious) You were invited into the club, Dick. I joined over his disapproval. His very vocal disapproval.
GRAYSON: (smiling) We had some times...
Barbara is not pleased at the memories Grayson's words bring up... and even less so with the nostalgia he obviously feels.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM DAY
Wally is trying to use the phone as Cyborg enters.
WALLY: Hey, Wondy, you got any idea what's wrong with this thing?
CYBORG: You have to press nine to dial out.
WALLY: Oh, thanks.
He dials as Cyborg rummages through the refridgerator.
WALLY: Linda? Yeah, it's me. Just calling to tell you that I can't get away from work tonight. No, everything's fine, just kinda hectic. Dotting I's, crossing T's. So... don't wait up. Yeah. Bye.
He hangs up.
WALLY: Vic, you had a chance to look over the spaceship yet?
CYBORG: Starship, actually. Kory says it has a FTL drive.
WALLY: Really. Wow. That's fascinating. Any idea what's powering it?
CYBORG: No. Could be fusion, dilithium, antimatter...
WALLY: It could be hydro-matic, ultra-matic. Why, it could be greased lightning! That thing's gonna look really kick-ass once we stick a big ol' Confederate flag on top. (off Cyborg's reaction) Ya know, old Stars and Bars? Nah, man, I'm just jossin' you.
EXT. BALTIC SEA EVENING
A CH-47 Chinook helicopter flies above the water. We cut ahead to its destination...
EXT. ZANDIA EVENING
Establishing shot. An island republic. Peasants live off shoe leather miles away from warlords who live like kings. We travel over the landscape. The ground is littered with WORK CAMPS, keeping the military juggernaut running. Hell on earth.
EXT. TEMPLE EVENING
A clearing. The helicopter lands and a mob of RECRUITS step out. They are dressed in civilian clothes, business suits, T-shirts, various diverse clothing. As they step from the helicopter, they are handed folded black KURTAS by topless female TEMPLE ATTENDANTS.
Cardinal Syn is waiting for them.
CARDINAL SYN: I am Cardinal Syn. Follow me, for you are about to be initiated into the cult of Brother Blood. To witness the rebirth of power, the regenesis of faith. Faith which must ever be tested, for it must ever be unshakable. Tonight, you who are to become acolytes shall partake in such a ceremony, which shall give meaning and purpose to the one we have assembled here to worship.
He walks away from the helipad. The recruits follow to the the HUB, a massive high-tech fortress that belies the anciet power it houses.
INT. HUB EVENING
Cardinal Syn, holding a torch, guides the recruits down a winding staircase cut out of the stone.
INT. TEMPLE EVENING
The colossal subterranean temple has been carved out of a solid mass of rock. A vaulting cathedral-like ceiling is supported by rows of carved stone columns, carved into the shapes of fearsome demons from various mythologies. Mammoth statues of Lovecraftian horrors loom above the already gathered worshippers (numbering in the hundreds if not thousands, all men), all dressed in black kurtas, all sweating heavily from the oppressive heat (which adds to the hallucinatory atmosphere). Red heat hisses up from fissures in the ground. Forget what I said earlier. This is hell on earth.
Kurta-wearing CULTISTS use torches to light pool of oils contained in cavities at the top of the chamber. Small dams are released, allowing the flaming oil to flow down chutes and channel cleverly cut into the cliffs on either side of the chamber. The flaming oil ignites larger pools in huge hollowed out chambers within the walls... carved into the shape of SKULLS. The skulls burst into glowing life just like gargantuan jack o'lanterns!
On the side of the temple, rib-like halls lead to dark side chambers (this is just the large center of the cave system).
A narrow rock bridge extends into a natural amphitheater, the bottom a pool of what appears to be LAVA. Red water drips from the stalactites above. In the center of the amphitheater, at the end of the bridge, is a giant skull carved from onyx, suspended from the ceiling by giant metal chains. The teeth are cruel SPIKES (there is no lower jaw). And the skull has FOUR EYES and HORNS.
Cardinal Syn walks across the narrow bridge to the platform suspended in front of the skull. He stops in front of it, turns to the assembled worshippers. Behind Cardinal Syn, the skull lowers into the blood inexorably. Smoke-billowing URNS are passed through the ranks by beautiful TEMPLE PROSTITUES in sheer, diaphanous robes, some as young as thirteen. They are the only women present. Quiet, skittish. Like battered wives. The worshippers breathe deeply of the smoke, a perverted form of communion. Their eyes dilute when they inhale.
CARDINAL SYN: Seven hundred years ago our master forsook the wretched path of humanity by embracing the rites of blood! Blood which gives life to all living things! This sinner, whose name is now forgotten, turned his face on the evil excesses of all governments and celebrated the true fulfillment of the religion of blood! And to those who stood in the way... he punished!
Cardinal Syn gestures grandly upwards to the stalactites. We see now that CORPSES in various states of decay are nailed to the stalactites over the amphitheater. Roman Centurions, Viking raiders, Teutonic Knights, Russian troops from the time of Peter the Great, Nazi soldiers, Polish sailors, political dissidents. Their blood drips down to the bottom of the chamber, filling it with a lake's worth of not lava, but boiling BLOOD.
Which the skull is completely submerged in.
CARDINAL SYN: Rise now, ye who were once sinner, rise from the boiling depths! Rise from the blood of thine enemies! Rise, sinner, rise! Ye who have known the depths of despair, now reach for the heavenly heights! Rise! Rise! Rise!
The worshippers begin chanting "Rise!" along with him. Their massed voices shake the temple. They stomp their feet, clap their hands. And the skull is lifted out of the blood, BROTHER BLOOD standing atop it like a colossus bestriding the world. Blood runs off his body in rivulets. He is a man with an EVIL EUPHORIA, showing off all the charm and charisma that's made him one of the world's most powerful men. His eyes are deep set, his cheeks sunken, his face narrow, his hairline a widow's peak. His complexion is pale. His hair jet black. His razor-sharp features, accented by long jagged sideburns and a pointed goatee, resemble no one so much as Satan himself... except possibly RAVEN.
The skull rises to its former height. Cardinal Syn holds his hands up, gesturing for silence.
CARDINAL SYN: Stop! He has come! He is here. He is hope. He is life!
Brother Blood leaps down from the skull, landing by Cardinal Syn in an animalistic crouch. He slowly straightens, perfect body pulling taut, the blood leaving his body in strange patterns.
CARDINAL SYN: Sister Serenity, the master's robes.
Sister Serenity, a particularly frightened and beautiful woman, holds out Brother Blood's ceremonial robes. He slips them on slowly, reverently. They resemble armor more than anything else. Last comes his headdress, a ram's skull. It fits over his head, concealing his frightful visage. His striking pale blue eyes stare balefully from the shadows produced by the headdress.
CARDINAL SYN: As we test our faith, so does our master. For no man or woman born of flesh is beyond the temptations of darkness. Not even the sinner now called Brother Blood! Master! Does she tempt you?
Brother Blood rips open Serenity's robes, gazes lustfully at her breasts. She's scared speechless.
BROTHER BLOOD: She does.
CARDINAL SYN: Do you reject her?
Brother Blood smiles. His hand moves to Serenity's face, caressing it tenderly.
BROTHER BLOOD: (quietly, so only Serenity can hear) A believer would look at you and see a being created in God's own image. An atheist would see the pinnacle of millions upon millions of years of evolution. Do you know what I see?
He rips out her throat.
BROTHER BLOOD: Meat.
CARDINAL SYN: He remains pure! All hail Brother Blood! All hail him who is our lord and master!
Brother Blood walks down the bridge towards his followers, cape billowing behind him like a raven's wings.
BROTHER BLOOD: Greetings, believers in the rite! Welcome to the Brotherhood! A church that began when one sinner saw the light! A church that shall never falter until all unbelievers believe! We are close, my children. So close I can taste success. But success, as with faith, must be earned through belief. Now my children, pray! Pray for the power of Brother Blood!
His followers bow down before him, praising his name.
BROTHER BLOOD: We shall have no intention except to enter paradise by cleansing away the infidels, the impure, the deviant, the abominations. We will set them on fire to illuminate the night when daylight fails! They will be clothed in the hides of beasts and torn to death by dogs! They will be wiped from the map, wiped from the annals of history! America is a cancer. And like any tumor, it must be removed for the good of the whole. We will wipe it from the map! Then, in the coming year, the sun will rise on the empire of Brother Blood! (beat) I like sunrises. They make anything seem possible.
INT. BLOOD'S CHAMBER EVENING
Another room carved into the rock, Bloods chambers are a taxidermists dream, filled with every stuffed corpse imaginable. Cardinal Syn and Brother Blood enter.
BROTHER BLOOD: You know, throughout the history of civilization, society has amused itself by satisfying its collective bloodlust. Roman gladiators. Hangings. The WWF. And now ripping women's throats out. Personally, I prefer the wrasslin'.
Brother Blood hangs up his headdress on a rack. In his own quarters, he seems... normal, like a man coming home from a long day at work.
CARDINAL SYN: It has been a century since you were born.
BROTHER BLOOD: I know that. No Blood in my long and illustrious lineage has ever lived past his hundredth year. But I have no son to take my place.
CARDINAL SYN: It is still a chance you shouldn't take.
Brother Blood picks up the BOOK OF BLOOD from the coffee table. It bears an uncanny resemblance to the Necronomicon from the Evil Dead movies.
BROTHER BLOOD: (reading) "My blood has cursed your blood. And the blood of the father shall pass to the child and the child shall slay the father from this generation to all that will come." We will fulfill our holy mission within the next year, before my hundred and first birthday. Who can stop us now?
Next: Mysterious, Scary Past
INT. TITAN TOWER BEAST BOY'S ROOM NIGHT
Awake, Gar stands in front of a mirror, leaning on his dresser with both arms. In quick cuts...
BEAST BOY: Knock knock.
BEAST BOY: A priest, a rabbi, and a horse walk into a bar...
He starts trying out different funny voices.
BEAST BOY: "You're a mean drunk, Superman."
BEAST BOY: "No, a pair of socks!"
BEAST BOY: "But this one's eating my popcorn!"
BEAST BOY: "But if the Queen knew, why did she ask me for them?"
BEAST BOY: "Wrecked her? Damn near killed her!"
BEAST BOY: (laughing hysterically)
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM NIGHT
The lights outside the bedrooms have been dimmed to a considerate level. Beast Boy walks in on Wally nuking a slice of pizza in the microwave. Beast Boy's in his pajamas, Wally's wearing an expensive smoking jacket. Wally doesn't turn away from the spinning plate.
BEAST BOY: You can't get any sleep either?
WALLY: Already got my forty winks. You'd be surprised how fast you can breeze through the sleep cycle when you meditate with the Speed Force. I call it speed-sleeping. Hundreds of dreams per night. It's better than LSD. So, what's bothering you?
BEAST BOY: I don't know... all my life I've felt kinda unloved. And now Donna comes along and I have no idea how to handle it.
WALLY: Women trouble? Geez, why didn't you say so!?
He slaps Beast Boy on the back.
WALLY: Talk to me in the morning, she won't know what hit her.
Cyborg walks in. As Wally takes his pizza out, Cyborg heats some milk in the microwave.
WALLY: Got to you too, huh?
CYBORG: (nods) Couldn't sleep. Had a weird dream about this guy with four eyes...
BEAST BOY: A red guy? A BIG red guy?
RAVEN: (entering) With horns?
WALLY: Trigon.
BEAST BOY: Who?
Wally draws a picture at superspeed.
WALLY: Did he look like this?
CYBORG: Yeah.
BEAST BOY: This is weird.
WALLY: Trigon. We've met.
RAVEN: You've met Trigon?
WALLY: Well... heard of him. Fought proxies...
RAVEN: You have contested the will of Trigon and lived?
WALLY: Yeah, sister. What do you know about this?
Raven leaves, but utters a girlish giggle as she goes.
WALLY: Well, that was a big help.
INT. TITAN TOWER BARRACKS NIGHT
Wally walks down the corridor, munching on his pizza. He turns a corner and sees Grayson ahead of him. Grayson is standing in front of his room (the inside is dark), the door open in front of him. He's almost trembling in fear.
WALLY: Uhh, hi.
Grayson turns. Wipes the sweat off his brow.
GRAYSON: Hey.
WALLY: What are you doing up this late?
GRAYSON: Just having trouble sleeping, same as you I guess.
WALLY: I sleep like a baby. Never been one for a guilty conscience.
GRAYSON: I don't have a guilty conscience. Usually I sleep like the dead.
Wally makes an "I wish" face.
WALLY: Well...
He reaches into Grayson's room and flicks on the light.
WALLY: There's the door.
GRAYSON: Yeah, thanks.
WALLY: I'll never figure out how a control freak like you can't even control your own fear.
GRAYSON: I'm not afraid and I'm not a control freak. I just don't like being... not being in control.
WALLY: Really? How come?
GRAYSON: Tried it once. Didn't like it.
WALLY: That why you don't wear the red and green anymore?
GRAYSON: Good night, West.
INT. TITAN TOWER WALLY'S ROOM NIGHT
Wally closes the door, flops down on the bed.
WALLY: Am I the only one here without a mysterious, scary past?
As he strips off his robe, we see a GUNSHOT SCAR over his heart.
INT. TITAN TOWER GRAYSON'S ROOM NIGHT
The place is in a state of continual mess. Every light in the room on, a billy club in one hand, Grayson checks his room. Behind the closet, under the bed, everywhere someone might be hiding. Satisfied, he turns off the light and lies down on the bed. He doesn't pull the cover back.
EXT. TITAN TOWER SUNRISE
The crack of dawn. Somewhere a rooster is crowing.
INT. TITAN TOWER GRAYSON'S ROOM DAWN
Grayson wakes up to see Kory standing over him. He's startled.
GRAYSON: Shouldn't you be in bed?
Kory smiles and draws back his covers. Grayson pulls them back down.
GRAYSON: I mean, shouldn't you be asleep?
KORY: (confused) I slept for three of your hours. Anymore and I was afraid you would accuse me of sloth! Here.
She picks up a breakfast tray from the bedstand, pushes it onto him.
KORY: The recipe book calls them "pamcakes."
GRAYSON: That's pancakes, actually... (takes a bite) They're good.
Kory just beams at him.
GRAYSON: Thank you.
Grayson sets the tray aside and starts to get out of bed. Notices Kory still looking at him.
GRAYSON: Do you mind?
KORY: Do I...? No! Go right ahead!
INT. TITAN TOWER CORRIDOR DAWN
Grayson walks next to DONNA.
GRAYSON: It got kind of creepy after a while. Especially when I got dressed...
DONNA: Yeah, having a beautiful, scantily-clad woman waiting on you hand and foot... I don't know how you put up with it.
GRAYSON: Jealous much? Well, shall we wake the troops?
DONNA: Let's.
She pulls a fire alarm.
INT. TITAN TOWER CYBORG'S ROOM DAWN
Cyborg is sleeping on... well, it isn't so much a bed as it is a socket. He's already moved his stuff in. An old Westinghouse refrigerator, a round table, sports trophies laying all around, even some little baseball guys whose heads rock.
Suddenly, EXTINGUISHER GAS shoots out of the sprinkler system (something like the burst from a fire extinguisher).
INT. TITAN TOWER ATRIUM DAWN
Beast Boy, Cyborg, Kory, and Wally gather in the atrium. The men are covered with foam.
WALLY: Who's the dead man that pulled the fire alarm?
Grayson and Donna approach them.
GRAYSON: Just making sure you got your wake-up call. It's time for training.
INT. TITAN TOWER GYM DAWN
The Titans, led by Grayson, go through QIGONG exercises.
WALLY: (ala schoolchild) Teacher, teacher, I have a question!
GRAYSON: What is it, West?
WALLY: Whose idea was it for you to wear the hot pants? Yours or Batman's? Honestly, I don't know which is more disturbing.
Grayson smiles.
GRAYSON: Warm-up's over. Let's move on to combat training.
WALLY: Combat training? I think I can skip that part.
GRAYSON: You know how to fight, huh?
WALLY: Yeah.
GRAYSON: Maybe if you knew how to fight better, Keystone City wouldn't be in thirty-eight pieces right now.
WALLY: You wanna find out firsthand how much I know about fighting?
GRAYSON: Let's start off with our beginners. Gar!
Beast Boy looks up from opening a power bar.
BEAST BOY: Sway?
Grayson goes to Kory.
GRAYSON: Kory, we're going to be training. You know what that means?
KORY: Yes, like... pretend.
GRAYSON: Exactly. To hone our skills.
KORY: Yes, we do that on my world as well.
GRAYSON: Alright, good. Now, Beast Boy's going to pretend to attack you. You just... defend yourself, alright? But don't hurt him for real.
KORY: I understand.
GRAYSON: Excellent! Guys, pick your weapons.
Wally hangs back, watching. Accessing. As Kory selects a BO STAFF. Examines the heft. Whaps one end against her palm. Good enough. Beast Boy a staff for himself. They face each other.
BEAST BOY: Just so you know, I'm really hoping we have co-ed showers.
GRAYSON: Attack!
Beast Boy screams and rush Kory, who dead-palms into his chest with a STARBOLT. Beast Boy goes flying backwards. Wally zooms across the room in the tick of a stopwatch, catches him before he hits the wall. Sets him down. There's a hole scorched in his protective padding, the edges dripping with some sort of glowing residue. Wally rubs some between his fingers. It burns him. He wipes it off on his pants.
WALLY: Starfire!
He doesn't notice Kory suddenly next to him. She offers her hand to Beast Boy, who gets a good look at her cleavage as she bends over.
KORY: Did I win?
BEAST BOY: Uh, definitely.
She helps him up. Then turns to Wally.
KORY: Starfire. I like that.
WALLY: What the hell was that? You could've killed him!
KORY: No. Only used...
She holds her hands apart a small amount.
WALLY: A little bit? You were only using a little bit?
Kory nods.
WALLY: (eyes scheming) You can do more?
Grayson and the other non-fliers have caught up to them.
GRAYSON: Everyone okay?
WALLY: Yeah, boss. Just a little culture clash.
GRAYSON: That's enough for today. Hit the showers.
INT. TITAN TOWER MEN'S SHOWERS MORNING
Wally, Grayson, and Beast Boy scrub down in stalls. Beast Boy's having some trouble getting his showerhead to work. It rattles uncooperatively as he tinkers with it.
WALLY: So, Grayson... how 'bout that Kory?
GRAYSON: She could be a real asset to the team.
WALLY: Yeah, right. Just be careful with her. She's an alien.
GRAYSON: What's that supposed to mean?
WALLY: It means the INS could deport. What the hell do you think it means!? Dude, haven't you seen Species? First, everyone loves the alien chick, but then she's all going around, eating people.
Cyborg, buffing himself with a car-wash bristle, chimes in.
CYBORG: BS.
WALLY: You should be more worried, Cy, the black guy always dies first. (to Grayson) Don't take it personally, but I'm assuming Kory isn't a romantic interest?
GRAYSON: I'm sorry, don't take what personally?
WALLY: Well, she's a beautiful, vibrant young woman.
GRAYSON: Yeah, what's your point?
WALLY: I think I just found out why they don't call you the MAN Wonder.
GRAYSON: Listen here. She takes orders from me...
WALLY: (under his breath) How kinky...
GRAYSON: (louder) As do you and the rest of the Titans. That's all.
WALLY: That's all?
GRAYSON: That's all.
WALLY: Whatever you say, boss.
Beast Boy gets the showerhead working. It sprays blood on him.
BEAST BOY: What the hell!
GRAYSON: Oh, sorry, that would probably be from the poltergeist.
BEAST BOY: Poltergeist?
GRAYSON: Long story. Don't worry, he's harmless... just don't mention Willian Randolph Hearst, alright? Trust me on that.
Next: A Very Adamant Nudist
MaskedManJRK
02-19-2006, 02:03 PM
Cool, though I'm not sure if I get the poltergeist bit. Is that actually from the comics?
No, it's just a random weird thing.
MaskedManJRK
02-19-2006, 02:48 PM
No, it's just a random weird thing.
Ah. Cool-b***hin'. :)
INT. TITAN TOWER KITCHEN MORNING
A clean, antiseptic space. A few tables. Almost what you might find on a military base. Wally eats breakfast. Cyborg sits across from him. In the background, Beast Boy has transformed into an OCTOPUS and is making breakfast with all eight tentacles. One pours orange juice, one flips pancakes, one slices grapefuit, etc.
WALLY: You know, the French have, like, forty-two words for surrender.
CYBORG: I thought it was the Eskimo andsnow.
WALLY: No, pretty sure it's the French. They have "Oh ****, please don't kill us!" and "Hey, violence never solves anything, so we'll be the bigger man and lie down here." It's like a scale.
CYBORG: What's your point?
WALLY: Well, I wonder how many words the Tamaranians have for breast?
CYBORG: Probably not as many as we do. I mean, there's breast, boob, tit...
WALLY: Melon, gazonga, bazooka, ta-ta, sweater monkeys...
They notice Donna staring at them from another table.
DONNA: ...dirty pillows, funbags, headlights, knockers...
The INTERCOM, a high-tech panel on the wall, beeps. Wally zooms over and answers it.
WALLY: Yeah?
LINDA: (filtered) Could you let it finish ringing one time, Wally?
WALLY: I'll buzz you up.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMPUTER ROOM MORNING
Grayson presses send on an e-mail.
GRAYSON: That's everything I've got on him.
On screen, we see the funeral mask of the ORACLE in a window.
BARBARA: (filtered) I'll run a search... again... but it'll take me a while to run through all the databases.
GRAYSON: Well, I appreciate it. And while you're at it, put a tag on any police reports that fit Zucco's description.
BARBARA: (filtered) On it. You know, these searches run themselves. You could come over to my place and then you'd be here when the results come back.
GRAYSON: Tempting, but I've got to stay on top of things here.
BARBARA: (disappointed, filtered) Your loss. I'll buzz you when I know something. Oracle out.
DONNA: (O.S.) So, you and Oracle, huh?
Grayson turns. Donna is standing in the doorway.
GRAYSON: We were just... I was... it's not...
DONNA: Dick, you're blushing. Things must be getting serious.
GRAYSON: Sort of...
DONNA: Well, I'm happy for you. But we've got a situation with Kory.
INT. TITAN TOWER ATRIUM MORNING
Wally walks into the atrium to see a chimp clinging to Linda.
WALLY: You son of a *****!
He punches the chimp.
LINDA: Wally, what is wrong with you!
WALLY: It's Gar, he can transform into animals!
Beast Boy walks into the room.
BEAST BOY: Hey, what's up?
WALLY: Honest mistake. Gar, Gar, tell her know you turn into animals!
BEAST BOY: Cuckoo, cuckoo...
LINDA: Mr. Peepers is an animal for the show. I'm watching him until we broadcast.
WALLY: I said I was sorry. Hey, what's with the cookies?
Pointing to a plate of snickerdoodles sitting nearby.
LINDA: They're not cookies, they're snickerdoodles. (awkward) I figured since your metabolism is so fast, you'd need sugar. Because it's hyper and... they taste good too.
WALLY: I love this lady.
He kisses her. Behind him, Kory comes out of the women's showers naked.
KORY: Hello Wally!
WALLY: She's naked, isn't she?
LINDA: A-yup.
WALLY: I promise not to turn around if you promise not to be angry.
LINDA: Deal.
Kory is quickly causing a bit of a stir. Beast Boy holds out a robe.
BEAST BOY: Here. In case you're cold. It's called clothing. Clothing. It keeps you warm. Yes? No? Maybe? Alright, forget it.
He throws the robe at here. She blasts it with a starbolt.
BEAST BOY: She must be a very adamant nudist.
GRAYSON: (entering) She's not a nudist. Kory, come with me.
He leads Kory away.
WALLY: Yup, the action never stops at Titan Tower.
LINDA: That's the alien you were talking about? When you said she could defy gravity, you meant she could fly... right?
INT. TITAN TOWER GRAYSON'S ROOM MORNING
Grayson, trying very hard not to look, brings Kory into his room. He drapes a bedsheet around her.
GRAYSON: Alright, stay here. I'm going to try and scare you up some clothes.
KORY: Scare me up some...? Why should they be frightened?
GRAYSON: Never mind. Just... stay put.
INT. TITAN TOWER GROUND FLOOR MORNING
Linda, Wally, and Cyborg are walking towards the exit.
LINDA: Well, thanks for showing me around.
CYBORG: My pleasure.
LINDA: Try not to give Wally too hard a time. This is his first time leading a super-team. Bye.
She walks out the door.
CYBORG: Leading?
WALLY: Not one word.
CYBORG: How long you think you can keep that up?
WALLY: Until Dick's out and I'm in.
INT. TITAN TOWER WORKSHOP MORNING
Cyborg is hard at work disassembling and reverse-engineering the sonic cannon.
CYBORG: Still cutting-edge after all these years... amazing.
Beast Boy walks in.
BEAST BOY: Yo, Vic, we've got a meeting.
CYBORG: Be there in a minute.
INT. TITAN TOWER DONNA'S ROOM MORNING
Donna is reading a book as the door buzzes.
DONNA: Enter.
The door slides open. Beast Boy pokes his head in.
BEAST BOY: Hey, we've got a get-together.
DONNA: I'll be there.
Beast Boy lingers.
DONNA: Yes?
BEAST BOY: Oh, uh... nothing.
He closes the door.
INT. TITAN TOWER GRAYSON'S ROOM MORNING
Dick returns with Kory's armor
GRAYSON: Here. I took the liberty of cleaning it, so... hope you don't mind the lack of smell.
KORY: Glorious!
She starts changing in front of him. He turns around.
KORY: Does my form disgust you?
GRAYSON: No, but around here it's considered polite not to look at a woman when she's... in the all together.
KORY: Making love must be difficult.
GRAYSON: Well, that's an exception... there are exceptions, I mean... it's kinda hard to explain.
KORY: You have very strange customs.
Beast Boy walks in, sees Kory naked, her hair covering her breasts.
BEAST BOY: Dick, Raven called a team meeting in five. Kory, have you considered wearing your hair up?
Grayson shoves him out.
EXT. TITAN TOWER ROOFTOP MORNING
Wally stands atop Titan Tower, practicing his golf swing. He slices a golf ball into a billboard across the street. Beast Boy walks up the stairs.
BEAST BOY: Raven's... you play golf?
WALLY: I've sunk a few holes in my time. Now, what was that?
BEAST BOY: Raven's called a meeting.
WALLY: Be right down. Hey, wait a minute.
He rests his golf club on his shoulders.
WALLY: (as Bob Hope) This is wild, just wild!
BEAST BOY: I don't get it.
WALLY: Phillistine.
BEAST BOY: Oh, and I saw Grayson and Kory together. They were... well, she was naked.
WALLY: Hunh. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
BEAST BOY: Say, Linda seems like a hot piece. How'd you get her?
WALLY: Easy. I married her.
BEAST BOY: Ouch.
Beast Boy returns downstairs. Wally reaches down, picks up a golf ball just as his hand turns into lightning. The ball is infused with energy. He tosses it upwards and it zooms into the sky. He smiles crookedly.
Next: Makeover makeover makeover makeover makeover makeover MAKEOVER (clap clap clap)!
INT. TITAN TOWER ASSEMBLY ROOM MORNING
The Titans, except for Kory, are all seated at the conference table, which is in the shape of a T.
RAVEN: I think it's obvious that Starfire's going to be a bit of a problem.
WALLY: Starfire? Is that what we're calling her now?
CYBORG: She knows the language, but she doesn't know anything about how to blend in like an Earth woman. Who else can teach her that?
DONNA: Well, I've only been in mainstream society a few years. I wouldn't know the first thing about... anything.
RAVEN: I could give her a few pointers...
ALL: No!
BEAST BOY: Maybe Linda could do it.
WALLY: What?
BEAST BOY: Well, she already knows who we are and what we do. Best to keep it in the family.
GRAYSON: Good suggestion, Gar. Wally, call her and see if you're up to it.
WALLY: No, no way. I won't have her palling around with a dangerous alien!
DONNA: Isn't that her decision?
WALLY: ...I'll give her a ring.
INT. TITAN TOWER ATRIUM MORNING
Beast Boy runs after Donna.
BEAST BOY: Hey, Wonder Girl, wait up!
Donna looks around. All Amazon steel.
BEAST BOY: Flash said... I mean, I thought you might give me a tour of the place... I mean this building's so big and I might get... lost... or something...
DONNA: I'd love to show you around.
Beast Boy breathes a sigh of relief.
INT. TITAN TOWER REC ROOM MORNING
Donna shows Beast Boy in. It's a nice place. Swimming pool, hot tub, and so on.
DONNA: This is the rec room. We have a hologram system too, so...
She presses a console on the wall. The background filters through several scenic views. Tropical island, erupting volcano, desert steppes, etc.
DONNA: Beautiful, huh?
BEAST BOY: (staring at her) Yeah.
DONNA: Upstairs is the garage and sky jet hangar, along with the parts and storage area. Downstairs is the guest rooms, library, and den. Ground floor is the reception area and lobby. Underground is the generators, laboratory, and submarine pen. Got all that?
BEAST BOY: Yeah. Got it. So, uhh... why do you wear red all the time?
DONNA: Doesn't show blood.
BEAST BOY: Ah. Well, that's nice.
INT. TITAN TOWER MORNING
Linda enters, carrying a suitcase.
LINDA: So, what's the emergency?
WALLY: We need a makeover.
Kory hugs Linda exuberantly.
KORY: We shall be bestest of friends!
LINDA: (mouthing) I'm going to kill you.
Wally teasingly cups a hand to his ear, "I can't hear you."
INT. TITAN TOWER KORY'S ROOM MORNING
Linda rifles through a suitcase on the bed. Kory stands nearby.
LINDA: Gotta tell you, Kory, I still haven't gotten over the fact that you're an alien. I mean, you're not a little green man with tentacles or anything.
KORY: Why thank you, Linda, neither are you. But I still do not understand why I have to wear these.
She says, holding up a bra and panties.
KORY: They certainly cannot be for protection.
LINDA: They are for protection. They protect the guys from going insane when they see you.
KORY: That is... bad?
LINDA: Sometimes. I mean, yeah, most of the time.
KORY: You sound unsure.
Linda looks at her with brutal honesty.
LINDA: I'd give anything for Wally to look at me the way he looks at you.
KORY: What?
LINDA: Well, you know. You're you... you're tall and... tall...
KORY: And I have very large, supple...
LINDA: Tracts of land, yes, I noticed. Forget it. Listen... intellectual attraction is fine and all, but I'm not an unattractive woman. He should... no, never mind. It's private, forget I said anything. So, what cup size do you wear?
KORY: I don't know. I've never worn a bra.
LINDA: I hate you so much.
Linda pulls Kory behind a screen. Kory's armor flies off discretely behind the screen.
LINDA: Alright, let's see how you look in some of my old clothes... we're about the same size.
Linda and Kory emerge from the screen. The slim clothes is about to burst on Kory's volpturous frame, thin white shirt ju-uu-ust held together at the front by a single heroic button.
LINDA: Okay, maybe NOT...
They disappear behind the screen again.
LINDA: Usually I have a thing about sunglasses indoors, but in your case, I'll make an exception.
INT. TITAN TOWER ATRIUM MORNING
Linda walks out of Kory's room. The Titans, except for Raven, are there.
LINDA: For what you are about to see... we must enter, quietly, into the realm of genius. What was once a fierce alien warrior has now becolme a sophisticated, charming... woman about town! Everyone, say hello to Kory Anders.
Kory walks out, now passing for human in a simple sundress and a pair of pink sunglasses which cover her green eyes.
KORY: Hello Kory Anders.
Everyone reacts, especially Grayson.
BEAST BOY: Uch! That suit is horrible, wretched, disgusting! Take it off this instant!
Donna slaps him upside the head.
KORY: Is it true? Do I look...
GRAYSON: Kory, you look great.
He reacts as if he's propositioned her.
GRAYSON: I mean, you look good. I mean... did I mention you fight very well? Yeah, you do.
KORY: Your compliments do me honor.
LINDA: Have to work on the speech patterns.
WALLY: Or we could just tell everyone she's from Timbuktu.
LINDA: Why there?
WALLY: Do YOU know anyone from there?
No one nods. He makes a good point.
WALLY: Linda, you're a miracle worker.
LINDA: You owe me, babe. It's called sex of the... great, now she's got me doing it.
Wally extends his hand to shake with Kory.
WALLY: Well, on behalf of the Titans, I'd like to welcome you to the team.
She examines it quizically.
WALLY: Oh. You see, you...
He takes her hand, wraps it around his. Gives it a shake.
WALLY: See?
Kory looks at him. Punches him hard in the nose.
KORY: None may touch the royal presense without my express permission.
Wally stands up, trying to stem the bleeding from his nose.
WALLY: You *****.
He steps towards her. Grayson blocks him.
GRAYSON: Hold on there, chief.
WALLY: Out of my way, this is between my fists and her.
GRAYSON: C'mon. You really going to hit a lady?
WALLY: That's no lady, that's an alien.
GRAYSON: Back off, West. Now.
WALLY: And what if I don't?
KORY: (O.S.) I... apologize.
Wally and Grayson turn. Kory looks apolegtic.
KORY: I overreacted. It won't happen again.
WALLY: Yeah, well... see that it doesn't! You don't cross a vampire, you don't moon a werewolf, and you DO NOT piss me off, sweetcheeks.
He storms off.
KORY: Why does he think my cheeks are sweet?
INT. TITAN TOWER RAVEN'S ROOM DAY
Raven is meditating when Wally forces the door open, still fuming.
WALLY: I think it's time we talk. I want some answers!
Raven doesn't say anything.
WALLY: Alright, I'll talk, you listen. When I was... a lot younger than I am now, I was mugged.
INT. DARK ALLEY FLASHBACK
Fifteen-year-old Wally is walking down a dark alley when a MUGGER jumps out in front of him, wielding a gun.
MUGGER: Your money or your life!
WALLY: Whoa there, easy now. Let's talk this over.
MUGGER: Just give me your wallet, scag!
WALLY: There's no need to be rude. You probably need my money to support a crippling drug habit, don't you? Well, in the long run, it would do you a lot more good to get to a methadone clinic.
MUGGER: Just give me your money!
Wally takes out his wallet.
WALLY: I'm running a little short on funds. Can you take a check?
The Mugger snatches it from Wally.
MUGGER: Now shut up!
He pulls the trigger. Wally stumbles back against the wall.
WALLY: Why did you do that? There was no need for that...
He slumps to the ground.
WALLY: No need at all...
INT. TITAN TOWER RAVEN'S ROOM DAY
WALLY: I should have been dead. I lied there and bled for four hours. The time passed so quickly... I could barely stay awake. Then I saw you.
INT. DARK ALLEY FLASHBACK
Wally looks up. We see the familiar corvine silhouette
WALLY: What are you looking at?
He fights his way to his feet.
WALLY: What the hell are you looking at!?
He walks towards her, out into the street... and salvation.
INT. TITAN TOWER RAVEN'S ROOM DAY
WALLY: Ever since then, I've been seeing you. At first just fleeting glimpses out of the corner of my eye. I thought I was going crazy. But as the years passed I saw you more and more. And when I became this way, when I ascended... I was able to talk to you. So you tell me, what's going on?
RAVEN: I can't help you. I can't give you the answers you seek.
WALLY: I will find out exactly what you are. That's a promise.
Next: Date Night
TheWaterologist
02-21-2006, 03:12 PM
I didn't actually read this, but I support most of Zev's work, so I'm going to assume it's good.
MaskedManJRK
02-21-2006, 07:38 PM
Not too shabby. :up:
EXT. PARK DAY
It's a bright, bright, sunshiny day. Kory walks through the park, dressed in Earth clothes and wearing sunglasses. Her fashion sense is as alien as the rest of her, but doesn't conceal her stunning good looks. A MAN skateboards by her.
MAN: You are one fine-looking babe!
KORY: Thank you. You are one fine-looking babe yourself.
She goes off the trail, looking up through the tree canopy.
KORY: Those birds... they seem so carefree and happy. Well, I have nothing else to do tonight and Donna DID say I should enjoy myself...
EXT. SKY DAY
STARFIRE flies through the clouds alongside the birds.
STARFIRE: Free at last! Free to fly, free to breathe. I love it! The air is cooler, but it os still so delightful!
She goes through a series of loop-de-loops.
STARFIRE: I love being here! This Earth, it is almost as much a paradise as home.
She rises above atmosphere, looking down at the Earth from orbit.
STARFIRE: Home? This is my home now!
The sun peeks over the horizon. She witnesses a sunrise from outer space. Basks in the light.
STARFIRE: Koriand'r... of the planet Earth! I love it... I love it!
She flies back down towards Earth.
EXT. TITAN TOWER ROOFTOP DAY
Wally is practicing his golf stroke again as Starfire touches down.
WALLY: Dick's looking for you. You know how he gets when you go out on your own. A little bit overprotective if you ask me...
STARFIRE: I did not ask you.
WALLY: Well then, can I ask YOU something? As a woman?
STARFIRE: Sure, just lighten your voice a little.
WALLY: ...I have no excuse for not seeing that one coming.
He tosses her his golf club.
WALLY: What is it about Dick Grayson?
STARFIRE: He is kind... gentle. He cares for people, protects them. Even if he doesn't want them to know. He makes me laugh. He places others before himself.
WALLY: And what virtue does self-sacrifice have if you place no value on the self?
STARFIRE: (the last word) He is not like you.
WALLY: Me?
STARFIRE: You use people. You do not care about their feelings. You are... insensitive.
WALLY: I'm sensitive! I've got sensitive coming out my ass!
STARFIRE: Does your wife know that?
WALLY: That's great. I'm getting marital advice from the bloodthirsty nymphomaniac space alien.
STARFIRE: How do you earthlings put it? "The truth hurts, doesn't it?"
WALLY: Oh, I get it. You think you share something. You think you can relate because you're both got some trauma in your past, some weird hurt/comfort thing between the two of you. Well, let me tell you how it really went down. It was several years ago at a circus. Someone sabotaged the ropes of the trapeze and...
STARFIRE: Let me guess, his parents were high-wire trapeze artists that were killed in a tragic accident.
WALLY: ...no. His parents were killed BY the trapeze artists, when they FELL on his parents. It made him mad. It made him mean mad!
STARFIRE: I do not care.
WALLY: He'll never love you. He can't love anything. He only does what he does because it's an excuse to hurt people. You get involved with him, you'll get hurt too. Wait and see.
EXT. LINDA'S HOUSE DAY
Linda is struggling to carry as many grocery bags as possible out of her car when they suddenly disappear from her arms. Wally appears in front of her.
WALLY: The detergent goes under the sink, right?
LINDA: Wally, I don't have time for this, I have to meeting with my producers...
Wally scoops her up in his arms.
WALLY: Tell them you got carried away.
EXT. CAFE ITALY DAY
Wally and Linda sit at a ritzy restaurant.
LINDA: Okay, I'll admit it. I'm impressed.
A WAITER comes to their table.
WALLY: Fettucini con Funghi Porcini.
WAITER: Bellissimo, signor.
WALLY: Oh, and could I have some ketchup with that?
Linda hits her forehead with the palm of her hand while the Waiter's entire body sinks in disappointment. Other TABLE OCCUPANTS sadly shake their heads. The Waiter shuffles off, mumbling under his breath.
LINDA: So, what's the occasion?
WALLY: No real reason. Some money was burning a hole in my pocket, I had some time away from the Titans, couldn't think of anyone I'd rather spend it with.
LINDA: Really? I thought you and Raven...
WALLY: Me and Raven?
He laughs.
WALLY: Linda, Raven's a lesbian.
LINDA: She is?
WALLY: Hey, don't ask, don't spell.
Physically sarcastic, the Waiter brings a tall wine basket with a bottle of ketchup in it.
WALLY: Thanks. (to Linda) Do you think we rushed into things?
LINDA: Like what?
WALLY: Moving in together, getting married... everything.
LINDA: We never talked about an annulment.
WALLY: We never talked about it, but maybe we just did all of this too soon.
LINDA: What are you saying? You want to end this?
WALLY: No. I just... I just wish things could go back to the way they were. No Zandia, no Titans, just you and me.
LINDA: We can't go back, Wally. We can only go forward. Look, I understand you have responsibilities. I just wish you'd spend more time with your new bride.
Wally seems to consider her words for a moment. Then, with grave meaning...
WALLY: Alright. Do you know where I can find her?
Linda tries to poke him in the eye. Wally blocks her, Stooge-style.
LINDA: Can I ask you something? How come you don't phase through objects anymore?
WALLY: I do when the situation calls for it. But it's really hard. You have to vibrate yourself so that your molecules can pass between the molecules of an object and...
LINDA: Wait a minute... you can vibrate your body?
WALLY: Yes.
She grabs his arm.
LINDA: Come with me.
INT. HOTEL ROOM NIGHT
Through the window we see a romantic view. Wally struggles to get comfortable under her sheets as Linda reaches for a bottle of wine by the bed.
LINDA: So, why do they call you the fastest man alive?
WALLY: Nasty, nasty rumor.
He gets up and begins to get dressed.
LINDA: No, stay. Let's just cuddle for a little while.
WALLY: I can't, I've gotta get back.
LINDA: We hardly ever see each other since you joined up. This isn't the way it's supposed to be for newlyweds.
WALLY: I know things aren't the best, but I have responsibilities now, obligations...
LINDA: Yeah. To me. I'm your wife, Wally. You're my husband and I feel like loving you.
WALLY: I wish I had time, but I don't. They need me.
LINDA: So do I.
WALLY: I... I don't like being apart from you. I didn't want to give you that impression.
LINDA: Then don't. Stop getting dressed. I'll make it worth your while...
WALLY: (considering) I could make an excuse.
LINDA: In the morning?
WALLY: (nods) In the morning.
She pats the bed.
LINDA: Now come over here and keep me warm.
INT. TITAN TOWER ASSEMBLY ROOM MORNING
The Titans, aside from Wally, are gathered.
BEAST BOY: C'mon, Dick, why the secret identities? They're a pain.
GRAYSON: I can see where having green skin could make it a problem, Gar. But I need it to keep... people I love safe. Besides, I need the privacy.
DONNA: I'm just lucky. I don't wear a mask, but no one's connected Donna Troy with Wonder Girl.
BEAST BOY: That's cause they aren't looking at your face.
CYBORG: I don't need a secret identity. Anyone try to mess with me or my parents, they know it's going to get personal.
KORY: Parents... mine don't need protecting. Not in the way a secret identity would help.
GRAYSON: You have...? I shouldn't be surprised, but I guess I never really thought about it.
KORY: Oh yes, they're probably still on my homeplanet...
BEAST BOY: There's a whole planet where people dress like you? Tell me more...
KORY: My brother and sister... my parents... I do not suppose I will ever see them again.
CYBORG: Why not just get the Justice League to help you? Superman or Green Lantern...
KORY: You don't understand. I cannot go home. I can never go home again. It's been so long since I last soared through its lush valleys and gentle hills, I wonder if its changed any since I left.
BEAST BOY: I know what you mean. I wonder about... valleys and... hills too.
CYBORG: Saladhead, you don't shut up, you're going to be making it to the ground floor without an elevator... or stairs.
KORY: When you found me, I was but a slave. But I was not born as such. I was raised a princess of Tamaran and would have been our people's queen, but I suppose ruling paradise was not my destiny. For Tamaran was as close to paradise as any world I have ever seen. And even now, when I sleep, I dream of its magnificence and beauty. I truly miss it. Dick Grayson, you have said my bloodlust startled you. Yet, that is our way. From what I've seen, you Earthlings are suspicious of your friends and show compassion for those who hate you. I am sorry, but your way seems so wrong to me. On Tamaran we love our friends with an unrestrained heart and hate our enemies with equal fervor.
Wally strolls into the meeting. Everyone else is waiting for him.
GRAYSON: You going to tell us what kept you?
WALLY: Car trouble.
GRAYSON: You don't need a car!
WALLY: It's obvious you were trained by the World's Greatest Detective.
RAVEN: He was having sex.
WALLY: (patronizing) No, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, I was making love. Now, can we get down to business?
GRAYSON: Victor, if you would?
CYBORG: I've managed to get the... Star Slider up in running condition. It can probably handle atmo, but I don't want to risk it on outer space if that's a possibility.
DONNA: I don't think we'll be declaring war on the moon anytime soon.
CYBORG: Now, if Kory could give me a few tips on how to work it...
KORY: I would prefer if Dick learned.
There's an uncomfortable pause that Wally takes in all-too-clearly.
GRAYSON: That's fine. I'm team leader, I should be the first to test out our transportation.
WALLY: Well, if that's settled, on to matters of vital importance.
He hands out a box full of action figures.
WALLY: Everyone take on, I'm sure you'll find yours. I fielded out our merchandising contract, just testing the waters, and we've had a few interesting bids.
Grayson looks at his. It's of the original Nightwing design, with the plunging neckline and disco collar.
GRAYSON: What is this?
WALLY: I have no idea, but the kids seem to love it.
BEAST BOY: Ummm... mine has a mask. Why would I need a mask? I'm green. And actually, I prefer to be called Changeling...
WALLY: Well, Beast Boy tested better. Now, we don't have the voice chips installed yet, so everyone be sure to try and think up some good catchphrases. Put some real thought into it, because once it's set down, you can't change it.
Next: Magenta
INT. BASMA'S OFFICE DAY
ANGLE ON TV. Racine walks through a choir of Brotherhood children singing John Lennon's "Imagine" in the background.
RACINE: In this modern world of ours, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Perhaps it's time to set our eyes back on the old ways. Perhaps it's time for...
BASMA, Flash's publicist, mutes it.
BASMA: It's on every channel. He even bought a spot on the Superbowl.
FLASH: Cheeky bastard.
BASMA: His lawyer argued that you could've planted those drugs at superspeed.
FLASH: And he just happened to have a false compartment in his ring. Yeah, right.
BASMA: It sets a bad precedent. Your prior cases could be retried on this information. People you busted could walk.
FLASH: The hell they will! Not only am I going to prove this nancy-boy's a user, I'm gonna prove he's in bed with Zandia like a two-cent whore! We need to retailiate. Get me a guest spot on something important. The Muppet Show!
BASMA: They cancelled it.
FLASH: They cancelled the Muppet Show? I loved that show. Did you see the one where Luke Skywalker guest-starred? Not Mark Hamill, Luke...
BASMA: Anita called.
FLASH: Anita? Anita FITE?
BASMA: Yes.
FLASH: That should've been the first thing you told me. Next time, see that it is. I'm going to see her.
BASMA: Sir, you have an appointment for...
FLASH: Cancel it. Cancel all my appointments for the rest of the day.
INT. HUTCH DAY
Flash stands in front of a fire. ANITA FITE, a black woman who an almost unearthly aura of mysteriousness, sits at a table drawing Tarot cards, a python wrapped around her shoulders.
FLASH: Hi Empress.
ANITA: You're supposed to take off your clothes to participate in the ritual.
FLASH: Can't you at least buy me a drink first? Sorry, Anita, but who was it that saved your father from that hurricane? Who was it that paid to fix up his fishing boat? Who's your white knight, your patron saint?
ANITA: You are.
FLASH: Exactly, which makes you my *****, if you'll pardon my colloqualism. Now, do that voodoo that you do so well.
She lays down photos of ruins onto a desk. Flash scans through them quickly.
ANITA: This is Gaelic. These are Celtic runes. This is Latin, Egyptian hieroglyphics... you get the idea. Now, there is some overlap, just enough to tell where to put them in sequence... but these are all different fragments of the same legend, one that appears in virtually every mythology we're aware of.
FLASH: And it concerns me.
ANITA: That's right. Roughly translated, it says that a great hero, that would be you, will rise up and save the world from a coming darkness.
FLASH: Well, that's a relief.
ANITA: That's the part that's already happened. Now, this symbol... it really doesn't translate. By connotation, it means either equal or opposite. In this case, we think it means both. Your mirror image, your opposite number... your shadow, in other words.
FLASH: And what's the last bit?
ANITA: One must stand. One must fall. And if you fail, the world will be engulfed by a thousand years of darkness.
FLASH: Thursday already?
ANITA: This isn't any old armageddon. This is the endgame. (beat) The Phantom Stranger is on the move.
FLASH: You're serious?
ANITA: Always.
FLASH: Well. Well, don't that beat all? Bring 'em on. I'm ready for this "shadow."
ANITA: It's not that simple. There is one last piece we just found. That's why I called you here.
FLASH: What is it?
ANITA: "The darkness becomes the light and the light becomes the darkness."
Flash shakes his head.
FLASH: I don't get it.
ANITA: We don't either. Just... be careful. This... shadow... won't be there to make friends. Oh, one more thing.
FLASH: Yeah?
ANITA: The great hero? He's referred to as the Destroyer.
FLASH: Must be a mistranslation...
ANITA: There's no mistake. (beat) I don't know what loa owns your head. But I've never seen anything like it before.
FLASH: That's me. The one and only. The never lonely.
EXT. TITAN TOWER DAY
Establishing shot.
DONNA: (O.S.) I HONESTLY CANNOT BELIEVE YOU!
INT. TITAN TOWER ATRIUM DAY
Wally and Beast Boy walk away from an enraged Donna.
WALLY: Oh, c'mon. You would have done the exact same thing in our place.
DONNA: That is a load of crap and you know it!
Grayson steps in.
GRAYSON: Alright, what seems to be the trouble?
DONNA: They panty-raided the Themyscirian embasssy!
Beast Boy holds up a pair of gargantuan leopard-print panties.
GRAYSON: And apparently killed a cheetah while they were at it.
Before the argument can continue, Cyborg pokes his head in.
CYBORG: Guys, we've got trouble!
GRAYSON: Right here in Central City?
WALLY: And that starts with T and that rhymes with P and that stands for...?
CYBORG: Magenta.
WALLY: (disappointed) Oh, well, the important thing is I gave it my best.
DONNA: We're battling a crayon color.
WALLY: I know. We've met.
GRAYSON: You and Magenta?
WALLY: I have a life outside of you, ya know.
BEAST BOY: Who is she? Alien invader? Bloodthirsty terrorist? World conqueror?
WALLY: Worse. Ex-girlfriend.
CYBORG: Wait, someone close to you in your secret identity just happens to become a supervillain? Isn't that a bit of a coincidence?
WALLY: Happens to the other guy all the time.
GRAYSON: Right, this is what we've been training for...
Wally quick-changes into Flash.
FLASH: Cool your jets, Dick. I'll handle this myself.
GRAYSON: We're a team, West. Remember?
FLASH: I don't need back-up to handle one little girl. I've been saving this city since before you were wearing pants that came down below your knees. Don't ever think I need you.
He runs off.
GRAYSON: Suit up. He's getting help whether he likes it or not.
EXT. OVERPASS DAY
MAGENTA, a beautiful woman with purple hair, sits on top of a pick-up truck. Bits of metal debris float around her. The people are all trapped inside their cars by magnetic force. Flash speeds onto the scene.
FLASH: Frankie Kane, what a surprise! I was just about to call you...
MAGENTA: Shut up, you bastard!
FLASH: Let them go, Frankie. It's me you want.
MAGENTA: No argument there.
With a sweep of her hand, the car doors open. The people run off, streaming past Flash. Underneath, the overpass begins to SHAKE APART. Flash stumbles as BARS of rebar rip out of the concrete. Magenta sends them swarming towards Flash, who dodges the projectiles. He stops suddenly, clutching his heart. Zoom in to reveal his heart is beating like a hummingbird's. The lengths of rebar wrap around him; ankles, knees, thighs, wrists, arms, neck. Flash is lifted into the air.
MAGENTA: Bastard, you said you'd always love me!
FLASH: Oh, no, baby, that was just pillow talk.
The rebar SQUEEZES, digging into his flesh...
FLASH: They lied when they said honesty was the best policy.
NIGHTWING: (O.S.) Titans, GO!
Magenta looks up to see the other Titans have surrounded her. She uses her magnetic powers to crush Cyborg against Beast Boy. Donna-as-Wonder-Girl comes at her. Magenta takes controls of her bracelets.
MAGENTA: Nuh-uh.
Wonder Girl is knocked out by her own bracelets.
RAVEN: (O.S.) Are you through?
Magenta turns. Raven is staring at her, all wrapped up in her cloak. Magenta reaches out with her power, levitating all the cars.
MAGENTA: You want some too?
RAVEN: No. I just wanted to distract you so that he could knock you out.
Magenta turns just in time to catch a nerve blow from NIGHTWING. She collapses, unconscious.
NIGHTWING: I love it when a plan comes together.
The rest of the Titans are recovering. Cyborg frees Flash from the rebar.
FLASH: Thanks.
CYBORG: That was it? Why did we even bother?
NIGHTWING: They can't all be the battle to end all battles. C'mon, ride's this way.
FLASH: Ride?
The STAR SLIDER, piloted by Kory, rises up into frame. She waves cheerfully at them. Flash waves back.
NIGHTWING: I'll fly us back home.
FLASH: How come you always get to drive?
NIGHTWING: Because I've been piloting supersonic aircraft since I hit puberty.
FLASH: So... since last week, then?
NIGHTWING: Come on, we've gotta leave. Press is on the way. We are not ready to go public yet.
FLASH: Sure thing.
As the Titans climb onto the Star Slider, Flash WRITES A NOTE. We hear what he's writing.
FLASH: (V.O.) Dear members of the press: You see us as you want to see us: in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. You see us as a leader, a speedster, a princess, a changeling, a cyborg, a witch, and an amazon. But we found out that each one of us is an alien, a speedster, an alien, a changeling, a cyborg, a witch, and an amazon. Well, not so much the cyborg thing. Does that answer your question?
He leaves the note on Magenta and walks onto the Star Slider, rising one hand in silent salute. Simple Minds' "Don't You Forget About Me" plays as we FADE OUT.
INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE EVENING
Flash sits on the exam table across from TINA MCGEE, his doctor.
TINA: So you've been having these... "attacks" for weeks now?
FLASH: Yes, but never one this... intense. My heart was beating so fast it pumped air instead of blood. I've been able to use the Speed Force only piecemeal, to conserve it, but I've always been in control of it.
TINA: Well, it's obvious you're losing control. I don't know what I can tell you. You're a rather unique case.
FLASH: I just need to know if it's going to get worse.
TINA: I don't know.
FLASH: Is there any way to predict when the next attack is going to occur?
TINA: I'm sorry. But I think it's pretty clear that if things continue the way they are now... you will die.
FLASH: Everyone's dying. I'm just doing it faster than most.
TINA: We should tell your teammates...
FLASH: No! No one can know! (beat) I don't have any children. I don't even have someone to carry on my work like I did for Barry. I'm the last of my kind. This is my legacy. I can't allow anything to stand in the way of that.
Next: Flying
EXT. HALEY'S CIRCUS GOTHAM CITY EVENING
Grayson and Barbara, on a date, have just finished watching the show. Grayson munches on some leftover popcorn as they wait in line.
GRAYSON: So, what do you think of the circus?
BARBARA: Corny. Real corny. Of course, the clowns aren't exactly my favorite.
Grayson gives himself a self-scolding bonk to the head.
GRAYSON: Argh! Stupid, stupid, stupid!
BARBARA: Easy there, I was just kidding. Besides, it's not like I've got an exclusive on issues with circuses. If you can stand it...
GRAYSON: I really don't think about it much.
BARBARA: Well, we'll consider this past trauma neutral ground.
They reach the end of the line. A FERRIS WHEEL. The ticket-taker offers to help Barbara strap her wheelchair in, but she refuses and does it herself. The wheelchair space is across from the bench. Grayson sits down across from her. The wheel starts up. Soon they're riding high, their faces aglow in a dizzying whirlwind of lights.
GRAYSON: Corny?
BARBARA: I mean that in a good way. Circuses are supposed to be goofy and quaint, right?
GRAYSON: Right... I guess.
BARBARA: Don't be so sensitive. "Let's tiptoe around Babs." "Don't upset Babs." Are you the one that's got Helena doing that?
GRAYSON: (uncomfortable) Let's not talk about Helena.
BARBARA: Oh, right, I forgot. We were here to talk about my issues. Well, let's see, I can't walk and I still brace myself everytime I answer the door. How's that? (beat) I'm sorry...
GRAYSON: Don't apologize. It's good to talk.
BARBARA: I've had enough of talking.
GRAYSON: But not of hurting.
BARBARA: We're Batman's. We never have enough of hurting. But I've moved on. That's the important thing. A lot of the time it's like you Batguys want me to hold on to the past because you can't get over it. I have. I have a new life now. One I like, one that fulfills me. It's not the same one I had before, but it's good. Maybe even better.
GRAYSON: What do you miss the most?
BARBARA: Haven't you heard a word I said?
GRAYSON: Every one of them. And I respect them. But the woman I'm talking to isn't Batgirl or Oracle. It's Barbara Gordon and I have a question for her. What's the one thing you can't do now that you wish you could?
Barbara looks away.
BARBARA: You know that moment when you're on the ledge with the jumpline in your hand? You feel the wind... you hear the traffic way below... then you're off into space. And for a few seconds before the line loses slack and your swing begins...
She beams.
BARBARA: You're on wings.
The Ferris wheel comes to a stop. As they get off...
GRAYSON: You miss that the most.
BARBARA: Well, that and the cape. It made me feel like Evel Knievel.
GRAYSON: I'm just surprised it would be something that physical.
BARBARA: I was never the natural athlete you are, but I worked at it. It's something I think about now and then.
Grayson takes her hand.
GRAYSON: Come on.
BARBARA: What?
GRAYSON: You've got the upper body strength. Heck, you're probably stronger than you were before.
BARBARA: What are you talking about, Grayson?
GRAYSON: Flying.
INT. HALEY'S CIRCUS EVENING
Deserted. Grayson and Barbara SWING from a trapeze. Barbara has her legs strapped together to keep them out of the way.
BARBARA: You win, former Boy Wonder. I am loving it.
GRAYSON: Just don't fall. I'm not carrying you up here again. Next bar's coming up. Wait for the snap. Now!
They leap to the next bar. It's beautiful. Grayson lets go. He catches onto a rope lower down.
BARBARA: You didn't say you were leaving me here, Grayson!
GRAYSON: You can solo, Babs. It's just like riding a bike.
BARBARA: Ha ha. It's not the same thing. If you're trying to scare me...
GRAYSON: I didn't think that was possible. We're out here, I thought we'd have fun.
He monkey-bars to the pole across from Barbara.
BARBARA: What'd you have in mind?
GRAYSON: A simple flying transfer.
BARBARA: You're kidding.
GRAYSON: Kintergarten stuff.
BARBARA: (angry) Okay, the joke's gone far enough. Maybe this isn't registering with you, but you gave up being Robin. I had Batgirl taken away from me. So stop pretending it's the same thing!
GRAYSON: I'm not. You know me better than that.
BARBARA: Does that mean you'll get me down?
GRAYSON: That means you have to trust me.
Barbara bites her lip.
GRAYSON: Or maybe it's you that you don't trust.
Barbara looks at him, her eyes set.
BARBARA: You talk too much, Grayson.
She swings. Grayson swings too. Spidey-monkeys up and hangs by his knees from the bar. Barbara lets go of her bar and takes Grayson's hands. They dangle.
GRAYSON: I knew you still had it in you.
BARBARA: I do, don't I?
EXT. CLOCK TOWER NIGHT
Grayson walks Barbara to the door.
GRAYSON: Have I ever told you that you're the only hero who constantly makes me feel inadequate?
BARBARA: Thought that was Bruce's job.
GRAYSON: No, that's a whole different... I just mean... I mean you're terrific, a genius, and I can't remember if I've said that lately.
Barbara smiles.
BARBARA: Walk me upstairs. I'll put on a pot of coffee and some Queen CDs. It'll be nice.
Grayson breaks out in a cold sweat.
GRAYSON: No, I can't.
BARBARA: Are you sure? If there's a supervillain waiting to ambush me, I'll have no one to protect me. Dinah's off on a mission, Helena's doing God-doesn't-want-to-know what...
GRAYSON: No, I mean... I can't.
Long beat.
BARBARA: If you don't want me... what do you want?
GRAYSON: Time. That's all I need. Time.
EXT. BACKALLEY NIGHT
Smash cut to Grayson being SLAMMED against a chainlink fence. The wire pressing into his cheek as a man leans in. It's Wally.
WALLY: Worthless little insect. You enjoyed it, didn't you?
He pulls an arm around Grayson's throat, putting him in a submission hold. Whirls him around so he's looking at something we can't see.
WALLY: Look at it, you little sicko! Look what you did! You could've stopped it!
GRAYSON: That's not true! I was in no... there was nothing I could do!
WALLY: Liar! You enjoyed it and that's why Bruce and everyone else is going to see you for exactly what you are, you dirty son of a *****! Dirty little boy... do you know why your parents LEFT?
GRAYSON: It's not like that! You weren't there!
WALLY: It's not a sin if you don't enjoy it. And you enjoyed it.
INT. TITAN TOWER GRAYSON'S ROOM NIGHT
Grayson wakes up, in a cold sweat. Breathing hard. Afraid for his life.
After a moment, Grayson settles back down into bed. Turns on the radio.
EXT. BLUDHAVEN NIGHT
Wally stands in the shadows, the tip of his cigarette glowing like an ember, spying on EDGAR. Edgar's your average drug dealer, doesn't stand out much. His ring vibrates. He puts it to his ear.
BARBARA: (filtered) Flash, can I ask you something? As a man?
WALLY: Sure. Just lower your voice a bit and think about sex more.
BARBARA: (filtered) No, I mean I need to ask your opinion as a man.
WALLY: Well, I really think you'd need to consult with a good plastic surgeon first...
BARBARA: (filtered) West, shut up. What does it mean when a man doesn't want to have sex with a woman anymore?
WALLY: "Man," "doesn't," and "have sex" don't fit into a conversation together. Either she's such a hog that you'd need to legalize bestiality, or he can't rise to the occasion, if you know what I mean and I think you do.
BARBARA: (filtered) So, hypothetically speaking, can a man and a woman be in a loving relationship when he doesn't want to... express his love?
WALLY: Hypothetically speaking, I'd love to express my love to you.
BARBARA: (filtered) You're no help.
Wally looks up to see the clocktower in the distance. He smiles at it.
WALLY: Listen, you really want my advice? Just be patient. I'm sure it's got nothing to do with you. Dick seems like a great guy. I know I give him a hard time a lot, but he's not all that bad.
BARBARA: (filtered) You mean that?
WALLY: Yeah, I do.
BARBARA: (filtered) It wasn't always this way, you know. In the past few months, he's changed. A lot. He quit his job at the bar, he changed his phone number, updated his costume... You should've seen his face when he said he was going to be moving here. Sometimes I think he's more Nightwing than Dick Grayson now. I think you would've liked Dick Grayson. He was more like you. He was...
WALLY: The man you fell in love with?
The question goes unanswered.
BARBARA: (filtered) Good night.
WALLY: Hey, hey you take care now, alright? Don't go taking any candy from strangers.
She signs off. He looks at his reflection in a puddle.
WALLY: Don't you start.
Across the street, a KID is buying drugs from Edgar, who finishes the transaction and moves off. Wally steps forward, blocking the kid. He wordlessly takes the drugs from the kid, sends him on his way.
EXT. JUNKYARD NIGHT
Close on Flash. He holds a knife in his hand.
FLASH: Now, who's your supplier?
EDGAR: (O.S.) Go to hell.
He THROWS the knife. Whip-pan to EDGAR, tied to a fence. The knife sinks in just to the side of his face.
EDGAR: You can't do this to me! I have protection against you people!
FLASH: You people?
EDGAR: Capes and tights! I have insurance! He said he wouldn't let you guys have me!
FLASH: Who?
Edgar doesn't say anything. Flash picks up another knife.
FLASH: Okay, but keep in mind, it's getting late. I don't know how much longer I can...
He yawns and throws the knife. Suddenly we shift into FLASH-TIME. Flash grabs the knife and sticks it to the fence just below Edgar's crotch, then resumes his previous position.
EDGAR: Oh my God!
FLASH: I know. I can't believe I missed.
Next: Christmas
EXT. CITY EVENING (DAYS LATER)
It's snowing heavily now. Wally and Linda walk past a group of carolers singing "Christmas Time Is Here" (the Charlie Brown Christmas Special song).
LINDA: So, have you got all your Christmas shopping done?
WALLY: Oh, shoot. I forgot. Hold on a second.
INT. F.A.O. SCHWARZ EVENING
A RED BLUR clears out the store at superspeed, even taking a moment to play the Minute Waltz in about twenty seconds on the giant keyboard.
EXT. F.A.O. SCHWARZ EVENING
Wally exits the store, holding his huge pile of gifts.
There's a serious hustle and bustle. Wally bumps into a couple.
WALLY: Hey, watch it buddy!
MAN: Why don't you look where you're going?
WALLY: You wanna go? Is that it?
WOMAN: C'mon, let it go.
MAN: You're lucky my chick's here.
WALLY: You're lucky I've got Christmas shopping to do.
They part.
WALLY: *******!
EXT. CITY EVENING
Wally zips back beside Linda.
WALLY: Done. C'mon, we're going to be late.
LINDA: Why don't we just stay in tonight? I mean, if it's important that you're there on Christmas...
WALLY: It is. And it's important that you're there with me. Trust me. You'll have fun. They're a good bunch.
EXT. TITAN TOWER EVENING
Wally and Linda are in the courtyard of the building. Above, we see Nightwing is rappelling from the roof of the tower, setting up Christmas lights with acrobatics that would look more at home in the Cirque de Solace.
LINDA: He certainly is... bendy.
Flash is looping lengths of Christmas lights around his arms and neck.
FLASH: Bendy? I'll give her bendy...
He runs up the tower, spooling the Christmas tree lights behind him.
INT. TITAN TOWER GARAGE EVENING
Cyborg is working on the Star Slider when Kory enters.
CYBORG: Oh, hey Starfire.
KORY: Hello.
She crosses over to the Star Slider, waves a hand over it. The cargo hold opens up.
CYBORG: Whoa.
Kory pulls out a small box from the cargo hold and exits.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM EVENING
Cyborg decorates the Christmas tree as Kory walks in.
KORY: Why are you vandalizing that plant?
CYBORG: Oh, it's Christmas. Don't you celebrate... of course you don't. Because you're an alien. Right.
Sneaky music plays as Wally falls in beside Kory.
WALLY: I knew it was going to come to this. Someone has to teach you the true meaning of Christmas and I'm just the man for the job.
KORY: What is this
Christmas?
WALLY: Well, a lot of people believe a lot of nice things happened around this time of year. So
they celebrate. Mostly because its cold and theres really nothing better to do.
KORY: And what do you believe?
Wally shakes his head.
WALLY: That you should never put ketchup on a hot dog.
Donna plants an armful of presents below the tree.
DONNA: Don't look at me, I celebrate Winter Solstice. We did it first, we did it right.
KORY: Is there no one here who can tell me what Christmas is all about?
Suddenly, Raven steps out from behind the Christmas tree.
RAVEN: Sure, Koriand'r, I can tell you. Lights, please.
A spotlight shines on Raven.
RAVEN: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Koriand'r.
Long pause.
WALLY: Am I the only one freaked out by that?
DONNA: Not in the slightest.
INT. TITAN TOWER KITCHEN EVENING
The Titans eat Christmas dinner. Small orbs, like olives, are passed around.
GRAYSON: Kory fixed these. I'm told they're a delicacy on her world.
KORY: Yes. These are oddans. On my the homeplanet, we believe the best way to honor the prey is with a good hunt. So now we can enjoy the hunt here, in the comfort of my new home!
The eggs hatch, revealing small tentacled creatures. Grayson stabs at his with a fork.
KORY: Ah! Dick Grayson has scored first blood! (low) I knew you were a virile and resourceful hunter. (brighter) Please, be the first to partake of the fruit of your hunt.
GRAYSON: You mean... eat it?
Kory nods enthusiastically. Grayson reluctantly pops it in his mouth.
GRAYSON: Just like mom used to make.
Wally stabs one for Linda at superspeed.
BEAST BOY: I'm sorry, I can't eat this. It's... uh... not kosher.
CYBORG: Gar, you're Jewish?
BEAST BOY: Well, yeah. I thought you guys already knew.
WALLY: I vote him for treasurer.
He's immediately pelted with food.
CYBORG: So, boss man, how long until we get a real job?
GRAYSON: I-
WALLY: Something'll come up.
GRAYSON: That's right.
CYBORG: You're supposed to be leading this team... so where the hell are we going? I was told there was going to be some action.
LINDA: So... Grayson, is it a real hassle leading the team?
GRAYSON: Not at all.
WALLY: I think I've lost my appetite.
EXT. TITAN TOWER ROOFTOP EVENING
Wally stares out at the city as Linda approaches him.
WALLY: I didn't mean for you to find out this way. Not yet.
LINDA: Don't tell me you're pulling this macho bull**** again...
WALLY: Keep your voice down. It's not bull****, I'm the best man for the job and everyone knows it.
LINDA: You're going to mess this up just like you did with Piper.
WALLY: What, you still blame me for that? He sold me out! I'm glad he's gone!
LINDA: I'm not.
INT. RESTAURANT WASHINGTON EVENING
PIPER sits across from the MAN from Flash 2. They're both eating an expensive dinner. We never get a good look at the Man's face, but he seems familiar somehow. Piper wears a gray charcoal suit with a red tie.
PIPER: You know, I turned on the TV today. This may sound somewhat ungrateful... but Flash is still running around. I thought we were going to take that jackass down.
MAN: Patience. There are other factors that have to play out before we make our move. And you're being well-paid for your information on his psychology...
PIPER: This isn't about the money. West is dangerous. The sooner he's out of the picture, the better. I just hope we're not too late.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM EVENING
Christmas party. Kory watches as Dick gives Barbara a present. She opens it. It's a coffee mug with a phrase on it reading "Old librarians don't die, they just get mis-filed."
WALLY: I guess it's true what they say. Behind every great man... is a great woman. Too bad for you he's already got his.
KORY: Maybe you could help me with that.
WALLY: You want Dick to notice you? Wait a few minutes, than go over to him, point up, and say "Mistletoe."
KORY: Why?
WALLY: Just trust me.
She wanders off. Wally approaches Barbara.
WALLY: Can I talk with you in private?
BARBARA: Yeah. Sure.
As Barbara starts to leave, Wally plants a mistletoe above Grayson at superspeed.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMPUTER ROOM DAY
Wally leads her inside.
WALLY: We've been having a few problems with the entry system.
BARBARA: It's simple. Everyone has a simple alphanumeric passcode that grants them entry to the tower.
WALLY: I know. But sometimes it's jittery.
Wally lights up.
BARBARA: I thought you quit smoking.
WALLY: Is there anything about me you don't know?
BARBARA: Penis size, maybe.
Wally coughs.
WALLY: Well, I'm not going to get into length or girth, let alone heft, but if a poem were to be composed about my penis, it would have to be an EPIC. Plus, I have the ass of an eighteen-year-old wrestler.
BARBARA: I met with Linda. I asked what you were like.
WALLY: What'd she tell you?
BARBARA: She told me you were like most men... only more so.
WALLY: I'll have to remember that one.
BARBARA: She seems like a nice girl.
The unasked question of why he'd want Barbara hangs in the air.
WALLY: World's full of nice girls.
BARBARA: You know, it's ridiculous to want something just because it's not yours.
WALLY: I know. Tell me something, and be honest. What does Dick have that I don't?
BARBARA: A history.
WALLY: Of course. You two go way back. Robin and Batgirl. Dick and Barbara. Nightwing and Oracle. You're like high school sweethearts. I can't compete with that.
BARBARA: Do you even really want to?
WALLY: I guess we'll never know.
BARBARA: Go home to your wife, Wally.
WALLY: That's the first time you've called me that.
Barbara composes herself a moment... then takes the cigarette from him. She takes a drag off it. Hands it back to him.
BARBARA: You're a bad influence, West.
WALLY: So I'm told.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM EVENING
Kory approaches Grayson, who is standing alone, sipping at a mug of hot cocoa. She points up.
KORY: Mistletoe.
GRAYSON: Mistletoe?
He looks up.
GRAYSON: Mistletoe. (beat) You know, a mistletoe is deadly if you eat it.
KORY: No, I did not know that.
GRAYSON: Well, it's just a fun... fact...
He kisses her. Pulls away. Ashamed and hopeful at the same time.
KORY: Why do you place your feeding hole against mine?
GRAYSON: (loses his nerve) Oh, nothing... it's kinda a way to say hello.
INT. TITAN TOWER CYBORG'S ROOM EVENING
Cyborg has a few suitcases sitting on the bed. He looks at them as Beast Boy enters.
BEAST BOY: Hey, we were about to watch Die Hard, wanna come?
CYBORG: Sure, just give me a minute...
BEAST BOY: What's with the suitcases?
CYBORG: Nothing... Die Hard's a Christmas movie?
BEAST BOY: It is to me.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM EVENING
Donna critiques Die Hard.
DONNA: Notice how all the terrorists are foreigners? Textbook fear of the other!
Wally meets with Linda by the couch.
LINDA: So, what'd you need to talk to Barbara about?
WALLY: Just a few hiccups in the computer system. Nothing too important. (beat) Linda, relax. I'm not cheating on you.
Kory walks up to them.
KORY: Hello, Wally West!
She kisses him.
BEAST BOY: (noticing) It's just not fair.
KORY: Hello, Linda Park!
She kisses Linda.
WALLY: ...I love being on this team.
Next: The One Where The Titans Go Public
INT. TITAN TOWER ASSEMBLY ROOM EVENING
In a burst of chalk dust, Wally speed-draws on the chalkboard. The rest of the team is already gathered as Grayson walks in.
GRAYSON: What's this?
WALLY: Tupperware party. What do you think? I got us a J-O-B. 'Round your old digs, matter of fact. I figure since you're the leader, we should play on your homefield.
GRAYSON: And where'd you get this information?
WALLY: Just some scumbag pushing his poison to kids. No one who'll be missed.
GRAYSON: And where's this scumbag now?
Wally smiles enigmatically.
GRAYSON: County lock-up.
Wally turns back to the blackboard.
WALLY: Now, the drug shipment is coming in by boat. We're looking at multiple baddies waiting for us on the harbor, more on the boat. Possible metahuman coverage. I wouldn't ask you to do this if I didn't have confidence in you. Now, any questions?
BEAST BOY: Yeah. What's that?
WALLY: That's the whaling station where the dealers will be making the pick-up.
DONNA: And that?
WALLY: That's us.
GRAYSON: And that?
WALLY: That's a drawing of me as a cowboy. (beat) See, there's my hat and there's a little sheriff badge. It's cute. (beat) You think I should add a lasso?
EXT. ABANDONED WHALING STATION BLUDHAVEN NIGHT
The Titans, now in costume (especially Donna, who is now WONDER GIRL), converge on a structure resembling a barn. Smoke rises from boiling kettle drums, a steam engine drives a small conveyor belt endlessly round while giving warmth to a few bums. A giant black cauldron dominates the harbor, fifteen feet high, thirty feet across. We see WOLVER gang members clearing out derelicts and hobos from the structure. The Titans assemble on a rooftop, looking down.
NIGHTWING: Those are Wolver gang members. They distribute half the drugs in this city.
FLASH: Then this must be the pick-up.
BEAST BOY: (re: cauldron) What's that?
NIGHTWING: Separator. Throw whale blubber in, heat it, separate out the fat.
BEAST BOY: Ick.
Nightwing presses his finger to an earpiece built into his cowl.
NIGHTWING: Oracle, any chance of you getting me satellite coverage?
BARBARA: (filtered) Negative. Weather forecast shows it's going to be an overcast.
NIGHTWING: Terrific.
FLASH: Right, we take out the Wolvers, wait for the ship, we kiss, we schmooze, we carry on, everybody goes home happy. Except, you know, the criminals.
NIGHTWING: (shakes his head) No, too risky. We hit the Wolvers, the ship crew might notice something's wrong. We wait for them to all be together, then take 'em out in one fell swoop.
FLASH: That's twice the work for the same pay-off.
NIGHTWING: That's the way we're doing it. Wonder Girl, Beast Boy, you take the Wolvers. Cyborg, you and I'll take the ship. Flash, you take that truck. If they rabbit, I want you on them.
FLASH: Might be easier if I had Starfire backing me up.
NIGHTWING: She's nowhere near ready. Raven, you hang back in case we need assistance. Let's go.
EXT. ABANDONED WHALING STATION NIGHT
Later. Headlights cut a swath through the flurry of snow. A CANVAS TRUCK. It parks next to the whaling station. The driver is your average thug, the PASSENGER is all bundled up. Could be trouble.
The Wolvers begin loading crates onto the back of the truck. The crates are being loaded off a large FREIGHTER.
We SEE the Titans have taken up positions around the meeting place. We hear their radio chatter over the soundtrack.
NIGHTWING: (filtered) Beast Boy, you and Wonder Girl in position?
BEAST BOY: (filtered) Yeah! I mean, roger! Oh, you forgot to say out...
NIGHTWING: (filtered) Beast Boy?
BEAST BOY: (filtered) Yeah?
NIGHTWING: (filtered) Shut up. Flash, how about you?
Flash has somehow managed to secure himself inside the cauldron. He peeks out at his surroundings through a bullethole, like a sniper waiting for a clean shot.
FLASH: Just waiting for the word, mon capitan.
NIGHTWING: (filtered) The word is given.
The Titans spring into attack. Flash clotheslines a grunt on his way to the truck. Wonder Girl falls upon the Wolvers, leading to an elaborate fight on and around the conveyor belt. Beast Boy turns into a MOUNTAIN GOAT and rams a sailor in the stomach with his horns, than turns around to hind-kick the doubled-over man in the head. Nightwing and Cyborg make a beeline for the freighter, running up the gangplank. The SAILORS open fire with automatic weaponry. Cyborg provides mobile cover for Nightwing, who returns fire by jerking his hands. Devices similar in size and shape to TOENAIL CLIPPERS pop out of a concealed bracelet built into his gloves, then, switchblade-like, they expand into BIRDARANGS (wing-shaped boomerangs) with the flick of a wrist.
Inside the truck, the Passenger's knitcap bursts into flames, as does his entire HEAD, as he blasts Flash in the shoulder with a FIREBALL. Flash spins into the air, flying backwards into a pile of trash cans. He picks a banana peel off his head.
FLASH: Bit of a hothead, aren't you?
Wonder Girl takes out the last man with a spinning heel kick, just as another group of Wolvers open fire from behind a SHACK. She hurries to deflect them with her gauntlets. The ricochets burrow harmlessly into the shack. She's quickly being overwhelmed. BEAST BOY transforms into a rhino and RAMS one of the cauldron's legs. The unbalanced cauldron tips over onto the shack, sending the remaining Wolvers scrambling. Beast Boy stampedes them into the drink before turning back into his human form.
BEAST BOY: Looks like you guys are all washed-up.
A bullet splashes against his chest. He looks up. A SNIPER on the ship.
BEAST BOY: Aww carp.
He drops. The sniper is about to finish him off when...
CYBORG: No!
He grabs Nightwing and, without hesitation, THROWS HIM! Nightwing covers the distance between gangplank and sniper, twisting into a picture-perfect MISSILE DROPKICK. The sniper takes it hard in the chest, falling backwards into the open cargo hold. Nightwing draws twin escrima sticks from scabbards on his back and goes to town on the sailors.
EXT. BLUDHAVEN NIGHT
FLASH'S POV
As we speed forward like a locomotive at 500 mph, dodging in and out of traffic, the sides of the world blurring into hyperrealistic streaks. Our yellow-gloved hands reach up and grab on to the ladder on the back of a EIGHTEEN-WHEELER.
Flash pulls himself up onto the trailer. The CANVAS TRUCK is right alongside. Flash jumps onto it.
INT. TRUCK NIGHT
The Driver hears the thump of Flash's landing.
DRIVER: Go check that out.
Hothead peeks out the window. Flash grabs him by the collar and pulls him up onto the roof.
FLASH: Henry Kissinger says Merry Christmas!
EXT. TRUCK NIGHT
Flash and Hothead trade blows. Flash punches Hothead in the face, burning his hand.
HOTHEAD: Ha!
Flash kicks him in the gut, doubling him over, then pulls his belt away and wraps it around his knuckles. He blasts Hothead in the jaw, sending him flying off the truck.
FLASH: Ha yourself.
He goes to confront the driver as we pan over to reveal Hothead is clinging to the side of the truck!
EXT. FREIGHTER NIGHT
A double-palm from Nightwing sends a sailor crashing into a crate. EIGHT LONG, DARK LEGS emerge from it. A huge, monstrous MAN-SPIDER pulls itself out, fangs dripping with venom..
FLASH: (filtered) Alert, I just ran into a metahuman. There may be more of them, so be on your guard.
Nightwing clicks his earpiece.
NIGHTWING: (deadpan) Thanks for the tip.
INT. ENGINE ROOM NIGHT
CAPTAIN: (over intercom) Get us out of here! Engines, full ahead!
Cyborg crashes through the wall. RIPS the engine out. The ENGINEER stares in shock.
CYBORG: Now, are you going to be a good little criminal and surrender or am I going to have to get rough?
EXT. FREIGHTER NIGHT
Nightwing duels with the Man-Spider, dodging between crates to avoid its attacks. He lunges in and delivers a stinging chop to its midsection, then jumps away seconds before its jaws clamp down on him. He throws a Birdarang backwards, chopping off one of its limbs. The enraged Man-Spider hits him with a gob of webbing and begins reeling him in...
EXT. TRUCK NIGHT
Flash is leaning over the side of the cab.
FLASH: (to driver) Pull over or I will put your country-fried bumpkin ass in the ground!
Suddenly he hears Hothead swing back onto the roof. Hothead tries to tackle him. Flash catches him in a headlock, but nearly goes over the side. Flames lick at his armpit. He knees Hothead in the stomach and walks him forward, then DDTs him. Hothead's cranium burns through the roof of the cab.
Flash kicks Hothead off the truck, then whips his belt down. The belt wraps around the steering wheel and Flash uses it to pull the truck off-course. Pedestrians jumps out of the way as the truck roars onto the sidewalk and CRASHES into a subway entrance, Flash is thrown from the cab. He lands on his feet and grinds down the icy sidewalk before grabbing onto a lamppost, bringing himself to a swinging stop.
FLASH: (singing) What a wonderful feeling, I'm happy again!
The driver, not wearing a seatbelt, crashes through the windshield, over the turnstile, comes to a stop. Flash walks down the opposite entrance.
FLASH: Arrest that man!
COP: On what charge?
FLASH: Didn't you see? He jumped the turnstile.
EXT. FREIGHTER NIGHT
The Man-Spider has Nightwing completely cocooned in webbing. It holds him high, like a war trophy, when...
STARFIRE: (O.S.) Take your unusually high number of hands off of him!
The Man-Spider looks up with its compound eyes to see STARFIRE flying in, back in her battle armor.
STARFIRE: One move and I swear to X'Hal and the Warlords of Okaara that death will be your only reward!
The Man-Spider throws Nightwing into the water. Starfire tries to catch him, but arrives too late. He SINKS beneath the waves.
STARFIRE: You foul creature! Taste Tamaranian justice!
She fires a STARBOLT through its chest, leaving a grisly hole. The Man-Spider falls over, dead.
STARFIRE: A life for a life. You are dead, monster! And I would have it no other way.
EXT. UNDERWATER NIGHT
On Nightwing, imprisoned in webbing, sinking deeper. His lips are turning blue. He's a goner. His face impassive, accepting. Then he frowns in apprehension.
NIGHTWING'S POV
Looking up at the moon shining down through the water. A DARK SPECK is growing exponitentally. It grows into RAVEN, her cloak swirling around her. It sweeps towards us, engulfing the totality of our vision...
EXT. ABANDONED WHALING STATION NIGHT
Raven teleports in. Her cloak pulls back to reveal Nightwing on the ground, totally dry and now without the webbing covering him. The warmth quickly returns to his features.
NIGHTWING: What the... how?
Raven is already moving off to BEAST BOY, who lies on the ground. Flash has returned and is applying pressure to the wound.
BEAST BOY: I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die a virgin...
FLASH: Rule number one. Nobody dies.
Raven motions him off, then places a finger on Beast Boy's wound.
RAVEN: Azarath metrion zinthos.
She stiffens, cringing in pain.
RAVEN: His pain flows into me... his suffering becomes my own... there is much agony, for life is agony...
She pulls her finger away. The wound is gone, leaving only a hole in Beast Boy's costume.
FLASH: All that mystery and she's a goddamn human Band-Aid.
BEAST BOY: Uhhh... everyone pretend you didn't hear the last part about me being a virgin.
FLASH: Chill, we already knew.
BEAST BOY: You did?
FLASH: Dude, you're not fooling anyone.
Wonder Girl rushes onto the scene. She kneels down to cradle Beast Boy in her arms.
WONDER GIRL: Are you alright?
BEAST BOY: (milking it) Oh, the pain...
WONDER GIRL: C'mon, get up...
BEAST BOY: I must be paralyzed.
WONDER GIRL: Convenient position.
FLASH: Just relax, kid. You did great.
NIGHTWING: No, you didn't. You were sloppy and you ignored all your training.
FLASH: Hey, lay off him.
NIGHTWING: He needs to know...
FLASH: I said leave him alone! (quieter) He's just a boy.
NIGHTWING: If he keeps acting like that, he'll never be a man.
BEAST BOY: I can hear you, you know.
STARFIRE: (O.S.) Nightwing! You are the alive!
She lands and scoops Nightwing up in a bone-crunching EMBRACE.
NIGHTWING: Kory, ribs! Ribs!
FLASH: There's a condom joke in there somewhere, but I just can't find it.
Starfire puts Nightwing down.
NIGHTWING: I thought we left you back at the Tower.
STARFIRE: You did. I followed you.
FLASH: Well, she knows too much. I guess we'll just have to kill her.
Kory raises a fistful of starbolt.
FLASH: Easy there! That was a joke, your worship. Geez, even in outer space women don't have a sense of humor.
RAVEN & WONDER GIRL: Hey!
FLASH: My point exactly.
Cyborg, entering, drops the Man-Spider's corpse to the ground.
CYBORG: Seriously, giant spiders?
WONDER GIRL: Probably an escapee from Tartarus, from the looks of him. Wonder Woman told me all about them.
FLASH: You know Wonder Woman?
WONDER GIRL: (indulgent smile) Do you know the real Flash?
FLASH: (dangerous) I am the real Flash.
RAVEN: Just so the rest of you know, the press has arrived.
FLASH: I think Raven might be something that rhymes with *****.
RAVEN: I prefer "shaman."
BEAST BOY: Hey Flash.
FLASH: Yeah?
BEAST BOY: Don't squeeze the shaman.
They high-five over the joke. Flash pulls Beast Boy to his feet.
FLASH: Well, let's go meet our adoring public.
RAVEN: Not me. I don't photograph well.
She disappears.
FLASH: Well alrighty then, sister.
EXT. IMPROMPTU PRESS CONFERENCE NIGHT
A makeshift podium has already been set up. Thank you, Basma. The Teen Titans take the stage. Handel's "Messiah" plays as flashbulbs go off, capturing every angle for posterity. The place is packed with cameramen, reporters, and photographers. Flash punches Cyborg on the chest.
FLASH: Merry Christmas. We're going to make the evening news.
Nightwing takes a microphone, stands at the podium. Every camera focuses on him.
NIGHTWING: At approximately 9:37 PM, an illegal transaction was scheduled between members of the Wolver gang and an unknown drug cartel...
REPORTER 1: Who are you specifically?
NIGHTWING: My name is Nightwing...
REPORTER 2: Are you associated with the Justice League?
REPORTER 3: What are your superpowers?
REPORTER 4: Do you work for the government?
NIGHTWING: At this time, we have no affiliation with either...
REPORTER 5: At this team, your team is composed mainly of Caucasians. Is this intentional or do you plan to have more equal-opportunity hiring practices in the future?
NIGHTWING: We didn't hire... I mean, we're not all white. Starfire doesn't even count, she's an alien!
That sets off a whole new barrage of questions. Nightwing dries up with STAGE FRIGHT. Flash quickly steps in, taking the microphone.
FLASH: What my intrepid collegue was trying to say is that we are the Teen Titans... the NEW Teen Titans, as in "new and improved." This is Cyborg, he can do all kinds of Autobot things. Starfire can fly and use her starbolts with deadly accuracy. Wonder Girl has the super-strength and agility of her elder counterpart. Beast Boy can transform into any animal. And Nightwing, with the power of heart! You can rest knowing we've got your back.
He begins walking the stage, working the crowd like a pro.
FLASH: The Justice League? Well, if anyone was wondering what life was like before the internal combustion engine... ask those guys. The superhero community needs fresh blood. Fresh ideas. Fresh flavor, too, but that's not my field. Sure, we're young, but so was that one guy and that person who totally did that thing, you know the one I'm talking about. What matters is we're not set in our ways, we're not afraid to speak our minds... (re: Nightwing) well, except for pancho back there... and we're here to stay. My boys are here to insure that the tragic events of last fall never happen again. So in case a bunch of supervillains decide to throw a pow-wow, I'll have these upstanding heroes backing me up, so I can give some unlucky bastard 100% of the quality ass-kicking he has coming. Now when there's trouble, you know who to call. Anything else, please see our press release. It will be faxed over to you in no time flat. Peace.
He drops the microphone Eddie Murphy style, then throws up the horns and walks away. The Titans follow him. As they wade through the press, Nightwing pulls up next to him.
NIGHTWING: What was that all about? I'm supposed to be...
FLASH: Did I ever say you weren't? You can only make a first impression once, Moonwing, and no way I'm going to let us be replayed ad nausem on CNN with a lead of you braying like a jackass. Now, sure, when it comes to tactics, you're number one with a bullet, but I know how to work the system, play the politics. That's why I had my publicist get all these people here. (shaking hand with fan) Hi, how are ya...
NIGHTWING: You invited these people here?
FLASH: A few well-placed anonymous tips, a little gossip in the right ear... it all adds up, Deathwing.
NIGHTWING: It's Nightwing and you know it.
FLASH: Nightwing? Nineties are over, buddy, anytime you want to join us in the new millenium is fine by me. Listen, you've got a lot to offer. With my expertise and your... whatever, we can put this team on the map! Big time.
BEAST BOY: (over his shoulder) Like Justice League big?
FLASH: Stop thinking small.
Next: Downtime
EXT. COUNTY LOCK-UP NIGHT
Edgar stares out the barred windows. Nightwing descends on a de-cel line, hangs outside the bars.
NIGHTWING: You were holding out on me. That shipment was big news.
EDGAR: People already suspect I snitch for you. If I gave you that shipment, I would've been a dead man! I still am! Prison showers, man!
NIGHTWING: We had an arrangement. You only sell to junkies, I leave you in peace. Selling to kids, Edgar. Not good.
EDGAR: Hey man, I have bills! You get me out of here! You promised no one would touch me if I worked for you!
NIGHTWING: That was before you sold in schoolyards. Goodbye Edgar.
EDGAR: I'll expose you! I'll tell everyone what you're doing!
NIGHTWING: And who's going to believe you?
He swings off. Flash steps out of the shadows, staring at Edgar through the cell door.
FLASH: I'll give you this, Edgar. You may be a sleazeball and a drug dealer, but at least you're honest. You admit you're a sleazeball and a drug dealer.
EDGAR: Don't tell me you're going to leave me in here too!
FLASH: You catch on fast. I'll see what I can do about transferring you to Iron Heights. The warden's a friend of mine. He'll keep you alive... not that you'll like it much.
EDGAR: Hey, we had a deal!
FLASH: I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.
INT. LINDA'S HOUSE NIGHT
Wally, shirtless, flips through various evening news shows. His introductory speech is on most of them. Linda comes in with a bottle of burn ointment.
LINDA: It was behind the calamine lotion.
Linda squirts some on her hand and rubs it where Hothead burned him. Wally winces.
LINDA: Six superheroes watching your back and you still come home looking like this. You wonder why I worry...
WALLY: Well, you know me. Fools rush in...
LINDA: Wasn't the President supposed to speak tonight?
WALLY: Yeah... they bumped him. Ouch, it burns.
LINDA: Give it a minute. It'll feel better.
Wally turns his attention back to the TV.
WALLY: The sweet taste of success. This is better than sex.
LINDA: Hey!
WALLY: I was speaking metaphorically, dear.
He kisses her hand.
WALLY: Make no mistake. 2006 is the year of the Titans.
EXT. CENTRAL CITY MONTAGE DAY
The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" plays as Flash, Nightwing, Cyborg, and Beast Boy run away from a horde of SCREAMING FANGIRLS. They crest a hill, jump in perfect Ferris Bueller formation.
CUT TO three phone booths. The fangirls run past.
Close on the first phone booth. Flash steps out of it.
PAN left to the second phone booth. Nightwing steps out.
PAN left to the third phone booth. SUPERMAN steps out and flies away.
PAN back to Flash and Nightwing. They look at each other and shrug.
CUT TO two men sitting on a bench, reading newspapers. The fangirls run up to them. They lower the newspapers. It's Beast Boy and Cyborg, wearing fake beards. They point left. The fangirls run that way. Beast Boy and Cyborg raise their newspapers again.
CUT TO the male Titans walking across the street in a visual homage to the Abbey Road album cover.
CUT TO the Titans boarding a train as it pulls out of the station.
INT. TRAIN COMPARTMENT DAY
Flash is sitting across from an ELDERLY MAN.
ELDERLY MAN: Now, I recommend putting most of your money in T-bills...
Nightwing enters the compartment.
NIGHTWING: Flash, can I borrow you for a minute? If you're busy, I can come back later.
FLASH: Oh, no, go ahead, I don't even know this guy.
He stands up and leaves with Nightwing. The Elderly Man turns to camera.
ELDERLY MAN: How rude. I'm so offended that I'm breaking the fourth wall, right now.
NEW ANGLE shows us that he's really talking to BEAST BOY.
BEAST BOY: Yeah, that's great, but I really should be going with my friends.
INT. TRAIN DAY
Flash and Nightwing walk down the corridor, Beast Boy trailing behind them.
NIGHTWING: Vic's in a funk. Maybe you can shake him out of it.
FLASH: Wait, why me?
NIGHTWING: Kory's from outer space, Donna's an Amazon, Raven's a witch, I was raised by a man who dresses up like a bat, and Gar's... Gar.
BEAST BOY: Hey!
NIGHTWING: You're the most normal person on the team... I just realized how frightening that is.
INT. TRAIN LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DAY
The three lads walk in on Cyborg, who's sitting on a large suitcase forlornly.
FLASH: What seems to be the problem, Cy?
Cyborg flexes his metal hand.
FLASH: I don't follow.
HEIDI, an incredible Swedish blonde, walks by.
HEIDI: Hullo, vould you like to join me vere the group sex later?
FLASH: Yeah, that'd be great.
HEIDI: Alright, (points at Cyborg) everyone but you. The hideous ugly freak I'm pointing at. Okey-dokey, see you later at the orgy!
FLASH: See you. (back to Cyborg) So, what's troubling you?
Cyborg shoots Flash a look as Beast Boy and Nightwing look at each other in disbelief.
CYBORG: You can't tell?
FLASH: I was just being polite, I'm not really going to an orgy. I like my sex like I like my basketball. One on one with as little dribbling as possible.
Cyborg sighs.
CYBORG: No matter how much of a hero I am, I'll still be a freak. That'll always be the first thing people notice about me. Except for that time I had the fake beard on.
BEAST BOY: Yeah, now that you mention it, that made no sense.
FLASH: Look, Cyborg, it's not who you are on the outside the matters... (pause for dramatic effect) it's who you are on the inside.
Cyborg looks up, brightening.
CYBORG: Gee, I never thought about it that way.
NIGHTWING: (disbelievingly) That's it?
BEAST BOY: Yup. Well, let's jam!
He takes a guitar from a steamer trunk, begins strumming it. Playing the Beatles' "If I Fell."
BEAST BOY: If I fell in love with you
Would you promise to be true
And help me understand
'cause I've been in love before
And I found that love was more
Than just holding hands.
Cyborg joins in, grabbing his own instrument from the trunk. Beast Boy hands the guitar to Flash, who takes over. Beast Boy and Nightwing take instruments, rounding the band out. The song really swings.
ALL: If I give my heart to you
I must be sure
From the very start
That you would love me more than her.
If I trust in you oh please
Don't run and hide
If I love you too oh please
Don't hurt my pride like her
'cause I couldn't stand the pain
And I would be sad if our new love was in vain.
So I hope you see that I
Would love to love you
And that she will cry
When she learns we are two.
If I fell in love with you
Hands beat at the windows. SCREAMING FANS are outside, going crazy.
EXT. TRAIN DAY
The fans run alongside the train. The train goes into a tunnel. They run headlong into the wall as the song wraps up.
NIGHTWING: (O.S.) Wonder what the girls are up to?
EXT. FIELD DAY
Raven, Donna, and Kory run through a field as "Can't Buy Me Love" plays.
INT. TEMPLE NIGHT
Cardinal Syn stands at the center of the amphitheater. The followers are all bowing on their hands and knees.
CARDINAL SYN: Everyone, now rise and pray with Brother Blood.
BROTHER BLOOD: No. Not yet. There are some amongst us who have no right to pray in our midst. We have SINNERS here. Look into your damned souls and you will know who you are. You will see the hell your soul has been condemned to! The only salvation is complete obsequinqusness to the demands of your God, Brother Blood. William Loring, rise and confess your sins!
A YOUNG MAN stands.
YOUNG MAN: Brother Blood, I was wrong! Forgive me! I wanted to go home to my parents!
BROTHER BLOOD: Will you pay penance?
YOUNG MAN: I will! I'll do anything!
BROTHER BLOOD: Good, William. For the next six months your labors here shall be increased twofold. Now kneel. Wendy Flethcer, rise and confess your sins.
A YOUNG WOMAN stands angrily.
YOUNG WOMAN: I haven't sinned, I've seen the truth! You're not a god, you're not even a religion! You're a devil!
BROTHER BLOOD: And you are a blasphemer!
He points at her. What appears to be a lightning bolt made of fire... HOLYFIRE... leaps from his fingers and INCINERATES HER. Brother Blood steps away as Cardinal Syn takes the stand again.
CARDINAL SYN: And now everyone put your hands together for our mascot, Bloody the Red Blood Cell!
A MASCOT dressed as a red blood cell comes out and does some gymnastics to the driving techno beat of "Y'All Ready For This?" The crowd thunders its approval.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM DAY
Wally picks on a guitar idly, sitting on the staircase as Beast Boy walks by.
BEAST BOY: Hey, didn't know you played.
WALLY: In high school. Lifetime ago. Before I was...
He holds the Flash ring up.
BEAST BOY: Married?
WALLY: A superhero. I dreamed about being...
He throws up the "rock out" sign.
WALLY: A rock star.
BEAST BOY: Hey, who doesn't?
Beast Boy moves on as Wally begins playing.
WALLY: I love to hate the days when my hair's unkempt, my face unshaven.
The looks I'll get at the mall make me feel so inhuman.
Wait! Hang up the phone. I'll leave Neiman-Marcus alone. I won't eat your baby, I definitely may need a shave.
Cyborg walks down the stairs.
WALLY: I know I look so bad but I promise you I'm going home soon.
I won't affect your sales. I'm not a bum. I just look like one.
Wait! Hang up the phone. I'll leave Nordstrom all alone. I won't eat your baby. I definitely should have shaved.
Cyborg takes the guitar from Wally, smashes it against the wall, then hands what's left back to Wally.
CYBORG: Sorry.
Wally stands with a sour look on his face.
WALLY: (sarcastic) Thanks.
His cell rings. He answers it.
EXT. BACKALLEY NIGHT
Wally, dressed in a sweatshirt with the hood up, walks through the shadows.
WALLY: Hello? You said you wanted to meet with me...
A noise startles him. He turns to see a cat running off.
WALLY: Well, this isn't at all forebod...
Suddenly, a KNIFE pierces through his chest. He looks down at it, realizing he's been stabbed in the back. He falls to his knees, looks over his shoulder to see NIGHTWING standing over him.
WALLY: I knew it would be you.
Nightwing reaches forward and SNAPS HIS NECK.
INT. TITAN TOWER GRAYSON'S ROOM NIGHT
Grayson snaps awake, the sound of Wally's spine snapping echoing in his brain.
INT. TITAN TOWER GYM NIGHT
Grayson works out on a punching bag as Donna talks to them. Grayson is sweating heavily, pushing himself too far.
DONNA: You're determined to hurt yourself, aren't you?
GRAYSON: I'm doing just fine, Donna.
DONNA: Physically, you're right. Mentally, you're torturing yourself to achieve some ideal that's impossible to reach.
GRAYSON: I don't know what you're talking about.
DONNA: You'll never be the Batman, Dick. Do you know why? Because you're not psychotic. And that's a good thing.
GRAYSON: Neither of us is psychotic. Or maybe we all are. Leave me alone.
DONNA: Dick, there's absolutely no one I'm closer to in these... "new Titans" than you. I can't let this go. I care too much. You're driving yourself insane. You're trying to do it all, but you can't. I hate to be the one to let you in on this, but you're only human. Walking a beat, working with the Batman whenever he calls, and now us? You've set yourself an impossible challenge.
GRAYSON: I appreciate your concern...
DONNA: And even if, by some miracle, you pull it off, it won't bring your parents back.
Grayson kicks the bag so hard it bursts open, sand spilling out onto the floor in a growing mountain.
GRAYSON: (angrily) I can do this! (beat, softer) I have to.
Donna goes to the door.
DONNA: Okay, I won't push... not tonight, anyway. Just take care of yourself. And talk to someone.
GRAYSON: Sure. Take care.
INT. TITAN TOWER KITCHEN NIGHT
Grayson nukes a glass of milk in the microwave. As he waits, he crosses over to a drawer. Pulls it open. Inside is a rolled-up poster. He unravels it. An advertisement for Haley's Circus, headlined by the FLYING GRAYSONS. Mom, Dad... and inbetween them, the young boy Dick Grayson once was.
The microwave beeping jolts him out of his reverie. He rolls the poster back up and replaces it.
KORY: (O.S.) Are you the alright?
GRAYSON: Yeah, I'm fine. Kory...
KORY: (O.S.) Yes Dick Grayson?
GRAYSON: You forgot your clothes again.
KORY: (O.S.) Oh.
We hear her walking off. Grayson turns to see Beast Boy staring at him.
BEAST BOY: Why must you ruin it for the rest of us?
Nightwing squints his eyes.
NIGHTWING: Boo.
Beast Boy runs off. Kory returns, now dressed in gym shorts and a "We Love Gar" T-shirt with a picture of Beast Boy's face and an arrow pointing downwards.
KORY: Do you like my clothing?
GRAYSON: (trying hard not to laugh) It's... very fashionable.
KORY: It is hard to assemble proper Tamaranian clothing with your primitive Earth fabrics, but I try my best. Dick Grayson?
GRAYSON: Yeah?
KORY: Why are you always so... alone?
GRAYSON: It's who I am.
Kory sits down next to him.
KORY: No. It is not.
GRAYSON: Well, then it's who Batman is.
KORY: You are not Batman.
Grayson sips his milk.
GRAYSON: Tell me about it.
KORY: Well, for one thing there is a vast difference in age, for another, your name is Dick Grayson, while his is Batman...
GRAYSON: Kory, stop. It's just an expression.
KORY: Oh. You have most unusual expressions here. Sometimes "bad" means "good" and your name means penis.
Grayson chokes on his milk.
KORY: Why are people always doing that around me?
GRAYSON: Kory, there are certain things about Earth you just... can't pick up overnight.
KORY: Why do you and the man of bats not get along anymore?
GRAYSON: We have... you wouldn't be interested.
KORY: If I were not interested, I would not ask.
GRAYSON: Well, I want to be... more than just Nightwing. I want to have friends, a job, a life... he just wants the Mission. Just because I don't want to be some creature of the night, Abu Gharib mega-badass, he thinks I don't have what it takes to survive.
KORY: I understand. On the battle plains of U'Tar, the elders thought us weak when we refused to partake of blood from the Grrpl'tox's skull before the hunt. But when we put fire to their villages... then they did not think us so weak!
GRAYSON: It's strange, you're the only one I can talk to and you're an alien. That's irony for you.
KORY: Irony? What is this irony? Tell me more of it.
GRAYSON: It's a bit hard to explain. Maybe later.
KORY: Later, then. (beat) Why are you afraid all the time?
Grayson washes his glass out, then dries it with a towel.
GRAYSON: Something... happened to me, a long time ago. Something bad. And ever since then, I've been trying to convince myself that it wasn't my fault, that there was nothing I could do. But I could've. I could've... You wouldn't understand.
KORY: My parents sold me into slavery. I understand.
GRAYSON: I'm sorry, I didn't know...
Kory puts a hand on his shoulder.
KORY: What did you do about it?
GRAYSON: I don't know yet. Try to move on, get on with my life... I guess.
He puts the glass in the dishwasher.
GRAYSON: It's late, we should be getting to bed. (heads her off) Our own beds.
KORY: (disappointed) Oh.
The phone rings. Grayson picks it up.
GRAYSON: Hello?
BARBARA: (filtered) Nightwing, Oracle. My system just flagged an entry in the police databases.
GRAYSON: It can wait until morning.
BARBARA: No, Dick. It can't.
Next: Carpe nox
bored
03-01-2006, 03:07 PM
Good times.
INT. TITAN TOWER – COMPUTER ROOM – NIGHT
Grayson goes to the computer, taps a flashing tab in the corner. Immediately a mugshot and criminal record comes up... BOSS ZUCCO, a petty mobster in a pinstrip suit. Grayson stares at the monitor, eyes welling with emotion.
GRAYSON: Zucco...
EXT. HALEY'S CIRCUS – FLASHBACK
ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD DICK GRAYSON is cleaning out the animal cages. We hear a commotion from the MANAGER'S OFFICE.
ZUCCO: (O.S.) C'mon Haley, it's not like I'm asking you to change the name to Zucco Circus.
HALEY: (O.S.) I don't pay protection money, Mr. Zucco. I never have, I never will.
BOSS ZUCCO is led out by the CIRCUS STRONGMAN.
ZUCCO: You're going to rememer this day, Haley! You'll live to regret it!
He sees a billboard foy the Flying Graysons.
ZUCCO: So that's your star attraction, huh? Be a shame if something happened to them. What with them being way up there... and the ground being all the way down here.
EXT. BUILDING – BLUDHAVEN – NIGHT
Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Nightwing crouch on the roof of a building. Nightwing uses a scope to look at the building across the street. We see from his POV as he clicks on infrared and sees several heat signatures.
NIGHTWING: That's them.
He clicks off infrared and zooms in on the window.
NIGHTWING: Now just need to confirm...
BEAST BOY: So, if you could bang any supervillain, who would it be?
NIGHTWING: ...what?
BEAST BOY: You know, take a little walk on the dark side. (suggestively) Oh, you KNOW... One of your rogues calls you up, tells you she wants a conjugal visit...
NIGHTWING: I'd think it was a trap.
BEAST BOY: But if it wasn't...
NIGHTWING: It would be.
BEAST BOY: But if it wasn't...
NIGHTWING: It would be.
BEAST BOY: But if it WASN'T.
Nightwing shakes his head.
NIGHTWING: This is juvenile.
BEAST BOY: It's called fun, Dick. Lighten up and answer the question.
NIGHTWING: You first.
BEAST BOY: Easy. Cheetah.
CYBORG: But she's got FUR.
BEAST BOY: Dude, so do I!
NIGHTWING: Think I got something! No, isn't him.
BEAST BOY: So c'mon Nightwing, what about you? Magpie, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy...
NIGHTWING: Poison Ivy has the power to exude toxins through physical contact.
BEAST BOY: So let me get this straight... she kisses you and her lips are poison?
NIGHTWING: Yeah.
BEAST BOY: Geez, no wonder Bats has issues with women.
NIGHTWING: Batman does not have issues with women... he has issues with everyone.
CYBORG: Batman doesn't HAVE issues, Batman IS issues.
Nightwing applies camoflage over his face in dark tiger stripes.
CYBORG: You got a hot date? Cause that does nothing for your complexion.
BEAST BOY: Hey, what about Catwoman? Man, I'd love to scratch behind her ears...
NIGHTWING: Dude. Batman has a thing for her. That's like two steps away from my mom.
BEAST BOY: Are you crazy?! Batman's probably listening RIGHT NOW!
CYBORG: Old Bats ever tell you to make yourself scarce when she came by?
NIGHTWING: Only every time.
CYBORG: What about your rogues? Pass me that Lady Vic? English accent, rowr...
NIGHTWING: Why can't you do this with Flash?
BEAST BOY: His Rogues are all Barry Allen's hand-me-downs.
CYBORG: Hey, what about Tarantula?
Nightwing grips the scope a bit tighter.
NIGHTWING: She's... not a rogue. Got him!
Through Nightwing's scope, we see BOSS ZUCCO standing in the window.
CYBORG: So, who is this guy anyway?
NIGHTWING: A loose end that needs to be tied.
Nightwing takes a small box from a compartment on his sleeve, fiddles with it. When he turns back to the others, he has GLOWING GREEN EYES.
BEAST BOY: ...Dick, I don't think that's the best way to get Kory to notice you.
NIGHTWING: Nightvision contact lenses. State-of-the-bleeding-art.
BEAST BOY: How come mom and dad get you all the cool toys?
NIGHTWING: You provide a distraction. Zucco's mine.
EXT. ZUCCO'S COMPOUND – NIGHT
An old warehouse. Beast Boy and Cyborg stumble into the loading area like two old drinking buddies.
CYBORG: Me, I'd go for Scandal.
NIGHTWING: Isn't she a lesbian?
CYBORG: Not after she meets me.
A GUARD rushes up to stop them.
GUARD: Hey man, you can't come in...
Beast Boy changes into an ELEPHANT and wraps his trunk around the guard's neck.
BEAST BOY: Don't forget to pack your trunk.
He flings the guard into a wall!
INT. ZUCCO'S COMPOUND – NIGHT
Some more GUARDS hear the commotion and run out of the room. Nightwing crawls in through a window. He draws several small LISTENING DEVICES from a pouch on his boot. Begins planting them around the room.
INT. ZUCCO'S COMPOUND – ZUCCO'S OFFICE – NIGHT
ZUCCO is meeting with several other CRIMINALS. He hears a commotion from outside, looks out the window.
EXT. ZUCCO'S COMPOUND – NIGHT
Beast Boy as an elephant and Cyborg are going to town on every comer.
BEAST BOY: Catman.
CYBORG: Cat... man?
BEAST BOY: Yeah, if I had to do it with a man, if my life like totally depended on it, I'd want to do it with Catman.
CYBORG: Can you think of many situations where your life would depend on gay sex?
BEAST BOY: (defensively) I can think of a few, yeah!
INT. ZUCCO'S COMPOUND – NIGHT
The criminals exit Zucco's office. NIGHTWING hides in the rafters. He adjusts something on his wrist mike and whispers into it. His whispers are broadcast and AMPLIFIED through the listening devices. It seems like people are all around the criminals, whispering. The criminals draw guns and aim at the wall, trying to make out shapes in the shadows. Nightwing drops unnoticed to the floor in their midst and slowly rises...
EXT. ZUCCO'S COMPOUND – NIGHT
More fighting.
BEAST BOY: Oh, I've got one! Silver Banshee!
CYBORG: Can't she kill you just by looking at you?
BEAST BOY: She won't be able to look at me where I'm coming from.
CYBORG: You're sick.
Someone fires at Cyborg. He deflects the bullet back, taking the shooter out.
CYBORG: Whoa. Didn't know I could do that. You think he's going to be okay?
INT. ZUCCO'S COMPOUND – ZUCCO'S OFFICE – NIGHT
Boss Zucco is taking money out of a large safe and planting it in a briefcase. When he closes the safe door, Nightwing's there.
ZUCCO: Where the hell did you come from!?
NIGHTWING: From you. You made me when you ordered my parents killed.
ZUCCO: Hey, you can't just accuse someone without proof...
He quick-draws a gun and fires at Nightwing, who ducks behind the safe. Nightwing jumps out from behind the safe, throwing a Birdarang which knocks Zucco's gun out of his hands. Nightwing strides over to Zucco and slams him against the wall, choking him.
NIGHTWING: You hired someone to hit Haley's Circus. Who was it?
ZUCCO: Jesus, that? That was like ten years ago! I-I-I don't remember!
NIGHTWING: TALK!
ZUCCO: He'll kill me if I tell.
NIGHTWING: I'll kill you worse!
ZUCCO: Just like you killed Blockbuster?
This surprises Nightwing, giving Zucco the chance to break free. He makes a run for it.
EXT. BLUDHAVEN – NIGHT
Zucco runs through the backalleys, Nightwing relentlessly following him.
NIGHTWING: (O.S.) The world isn't big enough to hide from me, Zucco!
Zucco sees a GANG shooting dice ahead. He runs up to them.
ZUCCO: Guys, you've got to help me! Nightwing's after me! He says I killed his parents!
CROOK 1: You iced Nightwing's parents? No way!
ZUCCO: It's true. Nightwing just told me who he is! He became Nighting because of what I did!
The Crooks begin drawing guns.
CROOK 1: So you're the reason for Nightwing... the guy who sent me up the river!
CROOK 2: You're responsible for the guy who broke up my number rackets!
ZUCCO: Wait, wait!
They fire on Zucco, drilling him into the wall.
CROOK 3: You idiots! You shot him before he told us who Nightwing is!
They run up to Zucco.
CROOK 3: Who is he? Who is Nightwing!?
ZUCCO: His parents were...
Birdarangs pick off the Crooks, knocking them out. Nightwing drops down next to Zucco.
NIGHTWING: Who was it, Zucco? Who killed my parents?
Zucco spits blood on Nightwing and laughs... then his head lolls to the side, eyes glazed over.
Next: Consequences
EXT. ZUCCO'S COMPOUND NIGHT
Cyborg and Beast Boy watch as the guards are led into cop cars.
BEAST BOY: They must've thought it was white boy day. It ain't white boy day, is it?
CYBORG: No man, it ain't white boy day.
A POLICEMAN approaches him.
POLICEMAN: You've done it again, Titans. Say, can I have an autograph? It's for my niece.
CYBORG: Well, I don't know if we really...
Beast Boy has already pulled a headshot out of his pants and is holding a pen.
BEAST BOY: Who should I make it out to?
POLICEMAN: ...Dave.
A BLACK GUARD is ushered past them. As he's shoved into the paddywagon...
BLACK GUARD: Way to turn on a brother, Cyborg!
CYBORG: You're not my brother.
BLACK GUARD: Whatever you say, Oreo.
POLICEMAN: Get him out of here!
The doors slam shut on the Black Guard. Cyborg watches as the paddywagon drives off.
BEAST BOY: Did he just call you an Oreo? That's about the least insulting insult I've ever...
CYBORG: It means black on the outside, white on the inside. Soon as a brother makes good, life becomes a game of "blacker-than-thou." Way it always has been, way it always will be.
He walks off, depressed. Beast Boy goes after him.
BEAST BOY: Actually, an Oreo isn't all-black on the outside. The top and bottom are black, but you can see some white on the sides. The whole metaphor falls apart. Unless we're talking about one of those fudge-covered Oreos. Those are good, even if they are like a kick to the heart from a mule. Now a Coconut, that's brown on the outside, white on the inside. Not as poetic, but we Europeans aren't that white, we're more of a pinkish-tan color. The crayon companies call it flesh-tone, but we all know that's because Big Crayon is controlled by whitie.
INT. TITAN TOWER TROPHY ROOM DAY
The next day. Wally walks in. We see the Titans have added some new trophies since we've last seen the room. Linda is braiding Beast Boy's hair. He shoots them a Death Glare.
BEAST BOY: ...I was weak.
WALLY: Out.
Beast Boy runs off. Wally looks at Linda.
LINDA: What? He looks good!
WALLY: Linda, could you please refrain from doing my world-saving team of badasses' hair? Now, what'd you want to see me about?
LINDA: Remember how you told me to tell my sources to keep an eye out for anything relating to your teammates' secret identities?
WALLY: Yeah. Important to squelch any leaks before they happen.
LINDA: Well, I've got something. A mobster named Boss Zucco was killed last night.
WALLY: So?
LINDA: On his rap sheet, it says he was a prime suspect in the murder of John and Mary Grayson.
WALLY: Nightwing's parents.
LINDA: Yeah. Think it's a coincidence?
WALLY: Where'd it happen?
LINDA: Bludhaven.
WALLY: Then no.
LINDA: So what are you going to do about it?
WALLY: Nightwing can't be trusted. I'm relieving him of command. By whatever means necessary.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE CENTRAL CITY DAY
The equivalent of any Park Avenue apartment. MR. WINTERGREEN, a stocky English butler who you might be interested in knowing was once a top SAS operative, walks down the room with a tray of refreshments.
WINTERGREEN: I must say, sir, your new den becomes you.
SLADE: (O.S.) Thank you, Wintergreen. I thought it was quite an improvement myself. Makes me feel more at home, if you get my drift.
Wintergreen approaches a high-backed chair by the fireplace.
WINTERGREEN: Sir, I went over your stocks this morning. Most are up, although that record label you bought shows signs of weakening.
SLADE: (O.S.) Then sell it. I don't play with losers.
The man rises from his chair. SLADE WILSON is in his fifties, strong as an ox, very handsome, very polished. Debonair, even. A white eyepatch covers his right eye. An aristocratic goatee beard covers his chin.
SLADE: (O.S.) Speaking of which, I think it's time to move Plan J forward. Get my agent on the phone, will you? We have to work out the specifics. I tell you, Wintergreen, before this year is out, good things are going to happen.
Wintergreen pours him some tea.
SLADE: To success, old friend. It's so much more pleasurable than failure. But then, Deathstroke never fails.
Next: Someone leaves the team
bored
03-02-2006, 02:47 PM
Deathstroke, you say? Alright then. On a general note, I saw a thread where somebody posted pages where Aquaman owned Deathstroke a week or so ago.
Aquaman did not "own" Deathstroke. You see, Slade Wilson is a huge proponent of gay rights, so he threw the fight to make Aquaman, one of the first homosexual superheroes, look good. Kudos to Deathstroke for putting what's good for America before his own personal pride. Kudos.
bored
03-02-2006, 10:59 PM
Really? Aw, that's so sweet of him.
INT. TITAN TOWER ATRIUM DAY
Beast Boy flies through the tower as a BUTTERFLY.
BEAST BOY: (singing) Come my lady
Come, come my lady
I'm your butterfly. Sugar, baby
INT. TITAN TOWER CYBORG'S ROOM DAY
Beast Boy flies in through the airvent, transforming into a HUMMINGBIRD. Cyborg is packing a suitcase.
BEAST BOY: Well, if isn't my one and only chromium-plated, sterling-silver, polished and buffed, tin-headed pal. Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you. Earth to Victor Stone! Earth to Victor Stone! This is Mars and Mars needs women!
Cyborg slaps him away.
CYBORG: Get out of my face, Logan!
Beast Boy lands, transforms back, now upside down.
BEAST BOY: Huh? What'd I do?
He gets to his feet as Cyborg answers.
CYBORG: It's that guy. He was right about me. I've been so busy living it up in this damn tower I've lost sight of the little guy.
BEAST BOY: I thought I was your little guy.
CYBORG: My mind's made up. I'm leaving.
BEAST BOY: LEAVING? You can't leave! You're a... a charter member!
CYBORG: I have to. This team's just too damn crazy. First there was the witch, than that alien, who knows what's next?
Beast Boy turns into a meekrat and hops onto the refridgerator.
BEAST BOY: Exactly! Never knowing where adventure will find us, that's the greatest gift of all. Why, tomorrow we could be sword-fighting in an extinct volcano or romancing a chick with three boobs!
CYBORG: Be sure to write me a letter.
Cyborg hefts his bag and exits. Beast Boy follows him.
INT. TITAN TOWER BARRACKS DAY
Beast Boy follows close on Cyborg's heels.
BEAST BOY: C'mon, just a little while longer. Flash said...
CYBORG: Flash said this, Flash said that. Why don't you just marry the guy?
He presses the call button on the elevator. The doors open.
BEAST BOY: C'mon, Cy, don't be like that. Just give it a few days. It's not like you're going to rust.
Cyborg sighs and looks between Gar and the elevator.
CYBORG: Sorry, man. Gotta do what I gotta do.
EXT. PARK EVENING
Cyborg walks through the park, dressed in a long overcoat and hat to conceal his deformity, indulging himself in flagrant self-pity. A BASEBALL hits him on the head.
CYBORG: What the hell?
He picks it up, tosses it up and down. A KID runs up to him, wearing a catcher's mitt on one hand.
KID: Hey, that's my ball, stop playing with it.
CYBORG: This isn't a ball, it's a lethal weapon. Have you got a licence for it?
KID: Oh don't be so grotie.
CYBORG: A boy your age throwing things at people. How old are you anyway?
KID: (aggressively) Nine.
CYBORG: Ha. Bet you're only eight and a half.
KID: (countering swiftly) Eight and two thirds. Now give it over, you're only jealous cuz you're old.
CYBORG: (amused) That so?
KID: I bet you're (searching for an age) sixteen!
CYBORG: Eighteen and two thirds, actually.
KID: Awww, keep it. I'm not using it anyways.
CYBORG: Why's that?
KID: You gotta lotta questions, you know that?
CYBORG: Yeah. Questions like 'why aren't you at school?'
KID: I'm a deserter.
CYBORG: That right?
KID: Yeah, it's too good a day to learn about dead people and fractions and places I'll never visit.
CYBORG: Just you?
KID: No, Connor, Bart and Tim. They was supposed to come with me but they chickened.
CYBORG: Yeah? And they're your gang are they?
KID: (sighing) Yeah.
CYBORG: Not much fun without 'em, is it? What are they like?
The Kid is glad to have something to talk about.
KID: (enthusiastically) Bart's hyperactive, he never ever sits still for anything, and Tim's really good with computers and stuff.
CYBORG: How about Con?
KID: He's a bit of a trip but it's alright 'cuz he's one of the gang.
Cyborg nods his head understandingly and throws the ball to the kid.
CYBORG: Hit one to right field for me, huh?
The Kid throws it back. Cyborg catches it. They throw it back and forth.
KID: Why aren't you at work?
CYBORG: I'm a deserter too.
KID: So why aren't you with your gang?
That catches Cyborg off-guard. The ball bounces off his chest with a metallic clang. Cyborg reaches down to pick it up, revealing...
KID: Your hand!
Shining in the bright sunlight.
CYBORG: Yeah, kid, my hand. My face too...
He takes off his hat.
KID: Wow, it's real neat. I wish they gave me one like that.
He takes off his baseball glove to reveal a PROSTHETIC HAND.
KID: All they gave me was this regular one.
Cyborg is taken way aback.
BART: (O.S.) Hey Red, c'mon!
Cyborg looks up to see THREE KIDS, one of whom (the speaker, waving his hands) has a wild burst of hair.
KID: See ya.
The Kid runs off to join his friends. As he joins them they punch and scuffle together. They are obviously a gang. Cyborg is left alone. Raven steps into the scene. She wears a dark sari.
RAVEN: You four! Back with the group.
CYBORG: You stopped a bunch of kids from playing hookie? Damn, you are evil.
RAVEN: Runs in the family. Roy's part of a special school that teaches children with prosthetics how to relearn everyday things. I volunteer.
CYBORG: And why is that?
RAVEN: I was raised to alleviate pain. I can do it in more ways than healing.
CYBORG: So why can't you heal them?
RAVEN: There are matters beyond my purview. Matters of the flesh... and of the heart. I can't stop you from leaving the team. I can only tell you that we need you. I need you.
He looks deep into her eyes. She stares right into his soul.
INT. CYBORG'S APARTMENT DAY
Cyborg enters to see his MOTHER pulling some cookies out of the stove.
MOTHER: Hello Victor. Would you like some cookies?
CYBORG: It's Cyborg now.
MOTHER: Well, ask your friend if he'd like some.
CYBORG: Friend?
EXT. CYBORG'S APARTMENT ROOFTOP DAY
Wally examines a pigeon coop quizzically as Cyborg walks up to the rooftop.
CYBORG: What are you doing here?
WALLY: Aren't you going to offer me some cookies? They smell great.
CYBORG: What. Are you. Doing here?
WALLY: Came to make you a bit of a pitch. You see, I need your help in the... Titans (such a stupid name).
CYBORG: And why should I help you? Bunch of white people fighting other white people. Not my concern.
WALLY: That cynicism doesn't make you look as mature as you think. But, since you asked...
He takes out his wallet. Flips through several bills of various denominations, pulls out five twenties. Throws them out into the street. They flutter down like confetti.
WALLY: Urban renewel. You say you want your neighborhood to be free of the pimps and drug pushers. Well, I'm betting me and my pocketbook can go a hell of a lot further than you and your molybdenum steel fists. (beat) Speaking of which, do you polish those? Because they're very shiny.
CYBORG: I don't want your charity.
WALLY: This isn't charity, this is a bargain. I lay down some green, we get those broken windows fixed, clean some of that grafitti up, get some decent schools set up. Bring in Starbucks and McDonald's so that those kids can have somewhere they can work instead of wandering the streets, looking for a fix. You can't beat the system. Why try? They'll just replace it with another one. (passionately) But you can change the system, improve it, make it better. (beat) Put the pride on ice, Cy. You know I'm right.
CYBORG: Alright, what do you want in exchange?
WALLY: Give the Titans another chance. If you're still not happy, you leave and you get to keep the car. Think it over.
Wally begins to walk away.
CYBORG: What car?
Wally throws a set of keys over his shoulder. Cyborg catches it. Presses a button. A LAMBORGHINI honks.
WALLY: I know, you're probably going to do something incredibly noble, like sell it so you can save the farm and pay for mom's heart operation and buy little Joey a college education. But do me a favor and take it for a test drive first. Get a taste for the sweet life.
Wally exits, slipping on a pair of half-a-grand sunglasses.
WALLY: (to himself) God, I love being rich!
INT. TITAN TOWER ATRIUM DAY
Cyborg steps out of the elevator. Beast Boy immediately hugs him.
BEAST BOY: Alright man, I knew you had it in you!
Cyborg shoves him off.
CYBORG: Get your green mitts off me, saladhead! Whatever crazy-ass thing you have, I don't want to catch it.
BEAST BOY: Right. Sorry. Cyborg does not like to be touched, got it.
Beast Boy still can't stop grinning.
CYBORG: And shut your face, you look like an idiot.
BEAST BOY: I thought I always looked like an idiot.
CYBORG: Well, that ain't helping.
Next: Robin
INT. TITAN TOWER – GRAYSON'S ROOM – NIGHT
Grayson looks at a small TV as it runs an interview with Flash. The sound is muted. A caption at the bottom identifies him as "The Flash – Fastest Man Alive/Spokesman For The Teen Titans."
GRAYSON: Spokesman?
MAN: (O.S.) No alarm system? Very weak.
Grayson turns around, pulling a gun.
GRAYSON: I am the alarm system.
ROBIN THE BOY WONDER raises his hands.
ROBIN: Whoa, man, easy. Is this how you treat all your visitors?
GRAYSON: Just the ones who break in.
ROBIN: What's with the gun?
GRAYSON: I'm a cop, remember? Or at least I used to be.
ROBIN: You know what Bruce will say.
GRAYSON: Since when do you care what Bruce says?
ROBIN: True. Now if you don't mind, I've got a gauntlet to run.
He jumps out the window.
GRAYSON: Gauntlet?
EXT. CITY – NIGHT
NIGHTWING, wearing a backpack, pursues Robin over the rooftops.
NIGHHTWING: He has you running the Gauntlet? Then you're for real?
ROBIN: What are you talking about? Why else would I be wearing this stupid getup?
Robin comes to a stop.
ROBIN: Now stop steppin' all over my cape.
NIGHTWING: If you're supposed to be my replacement, we need to sort through this...
ROBIN: Blah, blah, blah. He boot you for talkin' too much? Maybe I'll see you 'round the cave... Dick.
He tries to run again. Nightwing grabs him by the cape.
NIGHTWING: If you won't stand still, ya little snot, I'll hog-tie you.
ROBIN: I'd like to see you try.
EXT. PAY-PHONE – NIGHT
Robin is hog-tied on the ground, Nightwing standing over him. Grayson's on the phone.
NIGHTWING: C'mon, pick up, pick up...
ROBIN: Let me up!
NIGHTWING: Shut up. He may be calling all the shots, but I've got seniority over you at least.
BARBARA: (filtered) Hello, you've reached Barbara Gordon.
NIGHTWING: Babs, thank God...
BARBARA: (filtered) I'm not here right now, leave a message.
BEEP.
NIGHTWING: Pick up, Babs. I'm not mad, I just need to talk to you...
ROBIN: Who's Babs?
Nightwing whispers something more into the phone and hangs up.
NIGHTWING: You don't know?
Robin suddenly kicks his legs out from under him. Begins picking the lock.
ROBIN: Thought it was just him and the English guy.
NIGHTWING: Go home, kid. Tell him I'm happy he's moving on and...
Robin frees himself and flings the cuffs into Nightwing's face.
ROBIN: I get it now. This is the test, isn't it? Has-been versus new and improved model. I take down the original to get my wings.
Robin throws a punch. Nightwing catches it, twists his wrist painfully.
NIGHTWING: You finished?
ROBIN: He told me about you. Found you at a circus.
NIGHTWING: And where did he find you? Under a cabbage leaf?
ROBIN: Where we do most of our fighting...
He leaps up and HEADBUTTS Nightwing.
ROBIN: (attacking) On the streets It's a new world. It's not all backflips and balance bars. You were good. Were. But Gotham needs a tougher Robin now.
He sends Nightwing to the ground with a cheap shot.
NIGHTWING: No finesse. No strategy. Bet the only reason he hired you was so the Joker wouldn't.
ROBIN: Who needs finesse?
Robin starts to walk away... a BIRDARANG is stuck through his cape, pinning it to the wall.
NIGHTWING: From now on, we play this my way.
INT. CLOCKTOWER – NIGHT
Barbara checks her messages, heating up a pot of coffee.
NIGHTWING: (on answering machine) ...I deserve to know what kind of game he's playing.
BARBARA: Sweet-talk all you like, you are mad at me. But I did want to tell you. And it wasn't my idea.
EXT. BULLET TRAIN – NIGHT
Nightwing and Robin ride atop the train.
ROBIN: You do have a car, right?
NIGHTWING: But this is more fun, isn't it?
ROBIN: Sure, fun. They let people ride inside the train, y'know.
NIGHTWING: This is a new world you're living in now. Outside the law. Outside of society. There's drawbacks, but there's plenty of perks too.
ROBIN: Like?
NIGHTWING: Like you don't have to pay for the ride. So, what brings you to Central?
ROBIN: What brings you?
NIGHTWING: Bludhaven stinks so much that I had to get away or I'd suffocate.
ROBIN: Really that bad?
NIGHTWING: Worse. When you die in Bludhaven, going to hell is considered a promotion.
ROBIN: Sounds like my kind of town.
NIGHTWING: So what's your story?
ROBIN: Batman send me. Change of scenery. Adapt to new environments.
NIGHTWING: He didn't send you down to check on me?
ROBIN: Huh?
NIGHTWING: Don't play dumb.
ROBIN: Batman? I came down on my own... but as long as I'm here, how's progress?
NIGHTWING: Slow. A few real sticklers.
ROBIN: Flash?
NIGHTWING: Bruce told you about that, huh?
ROBIN: The big guy always thought he would be a problem. We shouldn't have brought him in.
NIGHTWING: He's the best damn man I've got. The trouble is... he knows it. But if Batman's right about half of what he suspects, we're going to need that kind of experience.
ROBIN: All I know is that Batman would never tolerate that kind of...
NIGHTWING: I'm not Batman.
ROBIN: I know. (beat) If you don't want the assignment, there are others...
NIGHTWING: I'll handle it. I just... I just don't like lying to my friends.
ROBIN: They're friends. We're family
NIGHTWING: Hang on. The Sheldon Park turn is coming.
The train takes a sharp turn. Robin flies off. Nightwing grabs him by the cape.
NIGHTWING: I got you. Maybe I should rethink a cape, huh?
ROBIN: Don't know how you got fired with that sense of humor.
NIGHTWING: (pulling Robin up) So, how'd you get this job anyway?
ROBIN: He caught me trying to steal the tires off his car.
NIGHTWING: THE car?
ROBIN: The same.
NIGHTWING: Ha! That's priceless.
ROBIN: Hey, isn't our stop coming up?
NIGHTWING: You're right. But this is an express, so we have to make our own stop.
He jumps off.
ROBIN: Hey!
Robin leaps after him.
ROBIN: Wait up!
EXT. SKYLIGHT – NIGHT
They land.
NIGHTWING: Hush, little wing. We're the stealthy ones, remember? I dictate the rules of the gauntlet now. Smell that?
ROBIN: Ozone?
NIGHTWING: That's criminals for you.
Through the skylight we can see a gang using a blow-torch to cut into a vault.
NIGHTWING: They're bright enough to know to cut through the back of the vault, but too stupid to post a guard on the roof.
ROBIN: Let's take 'em.
NIGHTWING: No yet. Let's wait until they've cracked the box and are giggling over the swag.
ROBIN: Long as we're killing time, I've got a question.
NIGHTWING: Shoot.
ROBIN: How did Batman pick you to be Robin?
NIGHTWING: I'm sure you already know that story.
ROBIN: But what made him create Robin?
NIGHTWING: I've thought about that a lot over the years. When my parents died, I think Bruce saw his own loss mirrored in mine.
ROBIN: He wanted a partner.
NIGHTWING: No. I think he just wanted a friend. Now.
ROBIN: What?
NIGHTWING: The burglars, NOW!
EXT. BACKALLEY – NIGHT
A THUG hits the floor. Nightwing cuffs him with a little plastic twisty-thing as Robin rummages through his getaway car.
ROBIN: I thought I could handle tattoo guy. Guess I misjudged his strength.
NIGHTWING: Don't worry about it. A little more experience and you won't make that mistake again. The trick is staying alive long enough to get that experience.
ROBIN: (finding something) Hey, free beer.
NIGHTWING: Well, don't bogart it.
Robin tosses Nightwing a bottle.
ROBIN: You're getting slow. Used to have people watching your back.
NIGHTWING: Comes with the territory. This isn't like Bludhaven... or even Gotham.
ROBIN: I know. You have to rely on other people here. Total strangers, you have to trust them. I couldn't handle that.
NIGHTWING: Sure you could.
ROBIN: No I couldn't. We're not the same kind of Robin.
NIGHTWING: What's that mean?
Robin takes a long sip from his brew.
ROBIN: You're a natural athlete. I have to work at that. I mean, it's like you're at home ten stories over the streets. Me? All I've got all my balls and my fists.
NIGHTWING: You know the street.
ROBIN: But I'm not half the detective you are. Besides, all I ever wanted to be was his partner.
NIGHTWING: Are you saying I didn't want to be Robin as bad as you do?
ROBIN: You wanted to be a hero. I'm happy being Robin. You left the cave and became Nightwing.
NIGHTWING: So?
ROBIN: So that's not me. I don't plan on taking over for him someday. I won't be out here on the rooftops ten years from now. I do my shift as Robin and settle down, raise some kids, have a normal life. That's all I ever really wanted. But not you. That's why there's always friction between you these days.
NIGHTWING: Why?
ROBIN: You're different, but you're also way more alike than you'll ever admit. Either one of you.
NIGHTWING: (beat) Are you going to tell Batman I'm not cutting it here?
ROBIN: I told you, I'm not here to spy.
NIGHTWING: He'll ask you.
ROBIN: Then I'll tell him you're making a difference. Close to accomplishing the mission.
NIGHTWING: And if Flash gets a little caption with "Leader of the Teen Titans" on it, you'll know I got real close. Close just isn't good enough.
ROBIN: It is for tonight.
NIGHTWING: And you think that's all we can ask for?
ROBIN: It's enough for me.
Robin finishes his beer. Chucks it.
NIGHTWING: You're littering.
ROBIN: Didn't you hear? We work outside the law.
NIGHTWING: Well said.
He takes off the backpack, throws it to Robin.
NIGHTWING: Open it.
ROBIN: What is it?
NIGHTWING: Something that belongs to you?
Robin opens it. Inside is a ROBIN COSTUME.
NIGHTWING: I don't need it any longer. There's a phone number inside. There's going to be times when you're going to want to talk to someone. Call me at the phone number inside. I've been where you're at and I'm a good listener.
ROBIN: Thanks. B isn't much of a talker.
NIGHTWING: I know. That's his biggest problem. Don't let it be yours.
Robin climbs into the getaway car.
NIGHTWING: You're stealing their car?
ROBIN: Steal from the stealers, Dick. Two negatives make a positive, right?
Robin starts the car.
NIGHTWING: Hey! I'm glad he has you. Batman needs a Robin. Just not me.
ROBIN: Batman does need a Robin, but even more than that... he needs you. At the end of the day, he needs to know you're still on his side. It's... important.
Nightwing looks away. Throws his beer bottle into the wall, shattering it.
NIGHTWING: Tell Bruce my loyalties are never in question.
ROBIN: ...watch your back, 'Wing.
NIGHTWING: You too... Jason.
Next: Bad Ideas
INT. TITAN TOWER - REC ROOM DAY
Kory and Donna stand on a platform in the middle of the pool. It gently bobs on the surface of the water. Both are armed with battle staves.
DONNA: I've been waiting for this. You beat me in the last three workout sessions. Today's my turn. I can feel it in my bones.
KORY: I do not give up easily. And remember, I've been trained by...
DONNA: I know, I know, the Warlords of Okaara. Well, if your Warlords ever met my Amazons, they'd run home screaming for their matriarch.
KORY: First one in the water will lose?
DONNA: As we agreed.
Donna goes for a quick jab to the sternum, which Kory deflects. The speed is inhuman.
KORY: You have been practicing.
DONNA: Always.
They clash again, their staffs locking together.
KORY: You Amazons preach compassion. True warriors do not. You fight to win, not to end in a stalemate. You fight to save your friends, not protect your enemies.
She shoves Donna back. Donna stops well before she falls over the edge.
DONNA: Kory, sometimes you worry me. You can't just go around killing people.
KORY: Why?
DONNA: Because then you're no better than they are.
KORY: If they started the fight and I'm finishing it, of course I am better. Otherwise, I would not win. One cannot win while fighting to further the cause of evil, not in the long run.
She swings. Donna goes into overdrive deflecting the attacks, knocks Kory to one knee with a well-placed strike.
DONNA: I wish that were so.
KORY: Then we will make it so. Ready to give?
DONNA: Never. This is my fight and no one's taking it from me.
KORY: I regret that you are mistaken.
Donna rushes her. Kory steps out of the way and trips Donna with her stave. Donna goes into the water.
KORY: You put up a good fight, Donna, better than ever before, but...
DONNA: I've got to keep working at it, don't I? Only Diane beat me before you came along. I guess I can only be hurt by the ones I love.
Kory jumps into the water with Donna.
KORY: I am glad you feel about me the way I feel about you. Now if only I could get Dick to be as open with his emotions... get him to return my feelings of love...
DONNA: Love? Don't you think you're rushing things a bit?
Kory swims around Donna.
KORY: Oh, no. On Tamaran, we always let our emotions guide us. If something feels right, we do it. Is that not all that's important?
DONNA: It is, but there's more to it than that. Are you certain you're not just in love with being in love?
KORY: I do not know what you mean.
DONNA: Never mind, honey. Dick's going through some... emotional problems. If you really love him, leave him alone. Don't hover over him. Either he'll come around... or he's not the one you really should love.
Kory comes to a stop, floating.
KORY: Maybe you are right. Maybe he does not care about me.
Donna squeezes her shoulder reassuringly.
DONNA: It's not you. These days I wonder if he cares about anyone.
KORY: I don't understand. Have I done something wrong?
DONNA: Don't put yourself down, honey. This is Dick's problem. I've seen him go through these times before. Dick's pushing himself. He works with us, on his own, and whenever the Batman needs him. And you know how he feels about the Batman. He wants to be as good, even though he never can be. He's just not driven the way the Batman is. He hasn't got that fanatical obsession and it's a good thing, because it means there's room for someone like you in his life. But he doesn't realize that, so he's all tense trying to do too many things at once. The best thing you can do is be gentle, get him to relax. I know he's short-tempered now, but when he's not trying to live up to some impossible ideal he's one of the most wonderful people I know.
KORY: Were you ever in love with him?
DONNA: Romantically? No. But I love him as one of my dearest friends. Speaking of which... come here.
Kory swims closer.
KORY: What?
Donna dunks Kory.
INT. TITAN TOWER DAY
Kory and Donna walk down the hallway, drying themselves off with towels.
DONNA: You know, I actually like your hair better when it's wet.
She presses the call button. The elevator opens. Wally is inside, smoking a cigarette.
WALLY: Going down?
Donna manhandles him out of the elevator with one hand.
DONNA: Up, actually.
The elevator doors close. Wally makes jazz hands at the elevator. Turns and bumps into Beast Boy.
BEAST BOY: I'm gonna do it, Wally! I'm gonna ask Donna out on a date!
WALLY: Uhhh... you might not wanna bother.
BEAST BOY: Why?
WALLY: Nothing... just a hunch.
EXT. TITAN TOWER ROOFTOP DAY
Donna and Kory sunbathe on the roof.
DONNA: Okay, that one looks like a bunny.
KORY: The long ears, correct?
DONNA: Yeah. Oh, and that cloud looks like a deer!
KORY: And that cloud looks much like a voc'u'tuy.
DONNA: C'mon. You're just making stuff up.
KORY: No I'm not!
Donna squirts suntan lotion on her.
DONNA: Admit it! You're cheating!
KORY: No! I am not the cheater!
DONNA: Whatever you say, cheater.
KORY: Donna?
DONNA: Yes?
KORY: Has there ever been anyone who you felt about... the same way I feel about Dick?
DONNA: No one.
KORY: You cannot tell me there's never been anyone.
DONNA: Well, there was this one guy. Terry. Real winner. He cooked, cleaned, everything. And he did the most amazing thing with his tongue...
KORY: You're not still together?
DONNA: No. It didn't work out.
KORY: What happened?
DONNA: I killed him.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMPUTER ROOM EVENING
Cyborg sits at the computer, playing Solitaire with a USB cable he's plugged into the keyboard from his fingertip. Beast Boy stands nearby, leaning against the door as he plays Gameboy.
BEAST BOY: You really should've seen her, Vic. She was this mousy-looking librarian, then she let her hair down, took off her glasses...
CYBORG: And she was still a mousy-looking librarian, right?
BEAST BOY: Yeah. So I did her sister. Wotta dish.
A buzzer goes off. Cyborg unplugs himself.
CYBORG: Well, my shift's over. S'all yours.
BEAST BOY: Joy, another bout of monitor duty. Why do we do this, anyway? Isn't this kinda Justice League?
CYBORG: Flash says that we should keep an eye on it regardless, and when the boss-man says jump...
BEAST BOY: Wait, I thought Nightwing was the boss-man.
CYBORG: Well, there's the boss-man and then there's the boss-man, if you know what I mean.
Beast Boy nods his head, then starts shaking it.
BEAST BOY: No, not really.
CYBORG: Just... don't worry about it. Now, if you'll excuse me...
The door opens. Raven's standing there. Cyborg takes her arm.
BEAST BOY: Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
CYBORG: Bye.
The door closes. Beast Boy scratches his head.
BEAST BOY: I guess it's true what they say. Once you go black, you never go back. (beat) Once you go green, that's what you bean? No, that's terrible. That's where you lean? It's where you fiend?
INT. TITAN TOWER ATRIUM DAY
Cyborg and Raven walk around the core.
CYBORG: So, where to? A little song, a little dance... maybe take in a show? I'm actually curious where your tastes lie in the movies.
RAVEN: Actually, I was thinking of visiting the old homestead.
CYBORG: You're introducing me to your folks already? Because that would suck.
RAVEN: Trust me... it's worse than you think.
Her cape enfolds them...
EXT. ANOTHER DIMENSION
What appears to be outer space, yet there is atmosphere. Raven and Cyborg walk down a marble road suspended in nothingness. The area is lit by various SUNS, each closer than our own yet somehow giving off comfortable light. Ahead of them is an enormous WALLED CITY, shrouded in clouds. AZARATH is a land out of time. The architecure is strange, Mayan-inspired, towering.
CYBORG: What is this place?
RAVEN: Azarath. It is my home, my essense... and yet I have always felt more alone here than I do on Earth. The belief of Azarath is true pacifism. No hand is ever raised, in aggression or in self-defense. To do so would "perpetuate an unending cycle of violence." Such was the lesson I was taught since birth. And yet, unlike all the others here, I was also taught to subdue my emotions... to submerge my true feelings. To bury any chance for hatred... and for love.
CYBORG: And that's why you left?
RAVEN: I came to Earth for no reason as petty as love. If my emotions were left unguarded and unchecked, the seeds of violence buried within me would blossom into a most deadly fruit. (beat) I brought you here because I need your strength. And I have feelings for you, despite all I've been taught, despite...
CYBORG: Despite what?
RAVEN: Nothing. I'm just... glad you're with us. Soon, the acts of a few will determine the fate of the world. No sacrifice is too great to assure that what we hold dear is preserved. You understand that, correct?
CYBORG: Rave, you're not making any sense.
RAVEN: I know. Forgive me. I have much to show you and very little time.
The enormous drawbridge set into the foot of the city walls begins to lower. A shaft of golden light escapes from the opening. As the drawbridge continues to lower, the shaft of light becomes wider and brighter. It illuminates their faces. The drawbridge completely lowers, interlocking into the bridge Raven and Cyborg are standing on. For the first time, Raven is completely in the light as she pulls back her hood and soaks it in. Their bodies are silhouetted against the warm glowing light as they walk inside..
INT. AZARATH
The city is bursting with the bright colors of various vegetable and fruit gardens, and various other exotic plant life. Luscious green grass and crystal clear lakes surround many of the homes. There is a peaceful quality about the people, who are as quiet and as solemn as Quakers. They rush toward Cyborg, embracing him. Flowers are draped over him. They notably shy away from Raven.
ARELLA, still attractive despite her age and seriousness, approaches the teenagers. She is dressed in a white version of Raven's cloak, the family resemblance clear despite her graying hair.
ARELLA: Raven. It's been far too long.
RAVEN: Tell me, mother, what has the council decided?
ARELLA: They will let you speak. But they will not listen.
RAVEN: (smiles) I knew that before. But the people I have been with... they have a way of making the impossible happen.
INT. AZARATH COUNCIL CHAMBER
The domed roof rises like a cathedral, austure and pristine. Raven, Arella, and Cyborg stand on the floor. Around them, rows of seats rise upwards in circular tiers. Azarathians mill about. On a throne-like chair, the HIGH PRIEST sits. He is the latest in the line of Azarath spiritual leaders, smug that he alone has the full and correct view on everything.
HIGH PRIEST: We told you, Arella. Your daugher would not listen. Despite all her training and studies here, she never truly understood us. Was never truly ONE of us.
RAVEN: How dare you! I devoted my life to healing the sick and so heavy was my conviction that I became greatest among you all!
HIGH PRIEST: And now the sin of pride.
RAVEN: Is it now pride to take satisfaction in a job well done?
HIGH PRIEST: We are all but worms before the majesty of Azar. You are a fool to try to rise above your station. Your path was set for you long ago and nothing can change that. Just as Earth's fate is sealed. Which is why we fled Earth and its violent ways more than nine centuries ago. We established Azarath as our home to live in the ways of peace. And we will not permit you to bring Earth's evil to our temple doors again. Begone, Raven... you are no longer welcome here.
RAVEN: No! I will not go! You will hear my words! Perhaps you should have killed me when you first sensed the seeds of evil planted in me by my father, because as I grew I could not be content with your passive approach to finding peace. There can be no true peace so long as you permit evil to flourish and on Earth it flourishes! Evil in its most vile form, evil at its most deadly... the one you call Trigon. If you fail to use your powers to stop him, he will take the Earth. And you will only be promoting that which you profess to despise.
HIGH PRIEST: How simple, the mind of a child. There is a will to all. If Trigon destroys the Earth, that too is willed. Destiny cannot be changed.
RAVEN: You're giving excuses as always. You run instead of fighting for what you believe.
HIGH PRIEST: We BELIEVE that to fight is to degrade oneself. Earth will fall, but do not despair. The human race will live on, here, on Azarath.
Cyborg can't take any more of this. He yells out...
CYBORG: You'll live while everyone else dies!? What kind of madhouse is this!
RAVEN: They believe in peace above all else. In peace and NOTHING else.
CYBORG: Don't they understand? Peace doesn't just happen. You have to work for it! Peace isn't just the absense of conflict, it's the presense of justice and I can't find any of that here!
RAVEN: Victor is right!
The High Priest rises from his throne and crosses over to them.
PRIEST: Once more, dear Raven, you show yourself to be your father's daughter. You are still as unworthy as our teachings as the day your mother brought you here. You lack the compassion to understand our...
Cyborg punches him out.
CYBORG: You can pick your nose, you can pick your friends, hell, you can even pick ax... but you can't pick on MY friends. Arella, can't you do something? This Trigon guys sounds like...
ARELLA: I, above all, know the full extent of Trigon's evil. He takes lives without concern, destroys souls at the slightest whim. I know all this and still cannot offer you my help. When I stood balanced on the brink of insanity, wishing for death above all else, the priests of Azarath saved me from the darkest corner of my own soul... they made me whole again. I will not turn my back on their teachings.
RAVEN: But you will turn your back on your own daughter?
ARELLA: That is enough! The outsider you brought into our midst has carried violence in his heart. As always, you rebel against the teachings of Azarath. I still love you, Raven, but you should not have come back. You were exiled for trying to warn the Earth speedster and you should not have violated your exodus. We cannot help you or the Earth. But I offer you love and prayer.
RAVEN: You offer me air when I need steel. You give me words when I need deeds. I see now it will always be so. Farewell, mother. If I am to meet my doom, it will be with those who believe as I do... and who are willing to fight for that belief!
Next: Insubordination
INT. TITAN TOWER GROUND FLOOR EVENING
Wally is reading a newspaper on one of the couches in the lobby. The door rings. He presses the intercom.
WALLY: Yello?
BARBARA: (filtered) Let me in, Wally. It's me.
Wally opens the door. Barbara rolls in, wearing a heavy coat.
WALLY: Barbara. Get your coat?
BARBARA: No thanks.
WALLY: Racine took out a full-page ad in the Times. I think I'm making him angry. I don't like him when he's angry. (reading from ad) "Mr. Flash, your actions are working to increase human suffering, arouse animosity toward our country, increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks, damage the economy, and undermine our moral standing in the world... Blah blah war-mongering blah blah blah blah imperialist blah blah blah give peace a chance... hey, bingo!
He holds up a completed bingo card.
BARBARA: Where's Dick?
WALLY: (disgruntled) His room. Twentieth floor.
He goes back to his newspaper.
WALLY: Oh, Satchel, won't you ever learn?
INT. TITAN TOWER WOMEN'S BATHROOM TWENTIETH FLOOR EVENING
Barbara takes off her coat. Underneath she's wearing probably the tightest minidress known to man. She primps herself in front of the mirror. Nearby, Donna walks out of a stall. Gives her a critical onceover.
DONNA: Why do you wear those... things?
BARBARA: To feel sexy. Give Dick a treat once in a while.
DONNA: You degrade yourself for him?
BARBARA: Trust me, there's nothing degrading about it. We both have fun.
DONNA: You're a disgrace to your people.
Donna walks off. Barbara shakes her head.
INT. TITAN TOWER BARRACKS EVENING
Dick Grayson opens the door to see Barbara waiting for him.
GRAYSON: What are you doing here?
BARBARA: Stopping you from making a horrible mistake. I care for you too much to see you do this to yourself.
GRAYSON: I'm not doing anything.
BARBARA: The Dick Grayson I first met... the Dick Grayson I love... was warm, caring, fun. That doesn't describe you now. The others don't see it, but I do. You've shut all of us out. You don't tell us what's wrong. Just a few months ago you showed you loved me... and I still want to love you.
GRAYSON: I can't get into this right now.
BARBARA: Please. Please don't talk anymore. Do you love me or not?
GRAYSON: This has nothing to do with you, it's all on me. I'm... poisonous.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMPUTER ROOM EVENING
Wally sits down in the big chair, a dictionary under his arm. He types on the main computer (the one with the biggest screen). A file comes up. "Surveillance." He punches it. "Enter password." Wally opens the dictionary to the first page. With one hand, he flips through it at superspeed, with the only he types in possible passwords at the same velocity.
WALLY: (singing) I see you, you see me
Watch you blowin' the lines
When you're making a scene
Oh girl, you've got to know
What my head overlooks
The senses will show to my heart
When it's watching for lies
You can't escape my
A password matches. Wally smiles as a cross-section of the entire building comes up.
WALLY: Private Eyes
They're watching you
They see your every move
He holds his hand over the screen. Under his index finger, a section of the screen lights up. He presses a floor. The other floors fade out and the screen zooms around to show a top-down schematic of the floor.
WALLY: Private Eyes
They're watching you
Private Eyes
They're watching you
Watching you
Watching you
Watching you
He presses a room. We see Raven looking up a book in the library. Almost immediately, she turns to the camera, as if sensing him watching her. The screen turns to static.
WALLY: (nonplussed) You play with words
You play with love
You can twist it around, baby
That ain't enough
He presses another room, a corridor. We see a CCTV-angle of Barbara outside Grayson's room. Grayson stands in the doorway, blocking her from coming in. They're obviously arguing.
WALLY: 'Cos girl
I'm gonna know
If you're letting me in
Or letting me go
Don't lie
When you're hurting inside
'Cos you can't escape my
Barbara turns and storms off. Grayson watches her go. Wally grins, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
WALLY: Private Eyes
They're watching you
They see your every move
INT. TITAN TOWER EVENING
Wally walks the Tower, throwing a baseball around ala Jack Nicholson in The Shining. Donna opens a door the baseball is headed towards. Wally, using superspeed, catches it a split-second before it hits her nose.
WALLY: You can thank me later, jailbait.
He strolls off.
DONNA: Jailbait?
WALLY: Don't worry, I'm young enough to go all night long on an empty stomach, but still old enough to fulfill whatever naughty daddy fixation you got.
DONNA: You're sick.
WALLY: It's a gift.
INT. TITAN TOWER GYM EVENING
Barbara has changed into some exercise clothes. She does pull-ups, working off the frustration. Her arms look like thin layers of skin over braided telephone cable. Wally walks in, unable to keep the swagger from his step.
WALLY: Need a spot?
BARBARA: That's weight-lifting.
WALLY: So it is.
He walks next to a section devoted to punching bags.
WALLY: Now, is it just me or is Dick a little...
He holds his finger near his ear and spins it around, then spins it at super-speed, using it to stir a speed-bag.
BARBARA: Grayson is none of your concern.
WALLY: "Grayson," huh?
Barbara realizes she's slipped up. Wally tries to hide his smirk as he sits down on a bench, tries to lift the weight. Quickly realizes it's impossible. Muttering about Cyborg under his breath, he removes a few disks and successfully lifts it.
WALLY: Why do you hang around that guy, anyway? He hurts you. Constantly.
BARBARA: I love him.
WALLY: Pull the other one.
Barbara sets herself back down in her wheelchair and moves over to him.
BARBARA: Something's bothering you, isn't it?
WALLY: Thought we were talking about you and how much you love Dick.
BARBARA: No, there's something going on. My father was a detective. You're hiding something.
WALLY: I'm not hiding anything.
One of his hands flashes electric-blue. The barball falls through it, becoming infused with potential energy. Its arc amplifies and the falling end embeds itself in the ground as the other end shoots up like a trebucket. Wally sits up, holding his wrist. Before he can hide it, Barbara grabs his hand. Sees his fingers flickering with electricity before they return to normal.
BARBARA: My God, is that...
WALLY: Not a good thing. Heh. Everytime I close my eyes, I see the same thing. Stillness. Infinite stillness. And it scares the hell out of me.
BARBARA: Why?
WALLY: Because I still have things to do. Lots of things.
BARBARA: And when will you be done?
WALLY: When there's no one left to save.
BARBARA: That include you?
WALLY: I don't need no saving.
BARBARA: Why then? Why... any of this? Why this crusade?
FLASH: A long, long time ago I asked a good man to make my life mean something. And he sacrified his own to grant my wish. And if it takes the rest of my new life, I will live up to that. (beat) I think you know more than you're letting on. I think you... and Nightwing... and Batman... are all keeping something from me and the rest of the Titans.
BARBARA: You have quite a vivid imagination.
WALLY: Before you make your final decision on where your loyalties lie, keep in mind he's already traded up for next year's model. She's got huge tracts of land, she can fly... and when he goes out to catch baddies, she doesn't need wheelchair access to go along for the ride.
BARBARA: He wouldn't. Not with her...
WALLY: Well, he doesn't seem to with you either.
BARBARA: Alright, this has gone on far enough. I'll admit, I was a bit... charmed that you retained an interest in me, even after you found out I was Cripple Girl, not Batgirl...
WALLY: You were Batgirl? My, I bet you have a few stories to...
BARBARA: Stop that! (beat) I'm not in love with you.
Wally regroups before looking at her gravely.
WALLY: Out of all the heroes, you picked me to be your contact, to be one of your "Outsiders". That has to mean something.
BARBARA: It was just business...
WALLY: No! It's more than that. If you would just stop living in the past...
Kory enters. Barbara pulls her hands away from Wally's. The alien's liquid green eyes widen, then narrow.
KORY: X'Hal...
She walks out stiffly. Wally watches her go.
BARBARA: I should...
WALLY: Yeah.
Wally is left alone. He lights a cigarette. Puffs it with satisfaction.
WALLY: Couldn't have worked out better if I planned it myself. Which I did. Run tell dat, little alien. Run and tell Grayson everything I wanted you to see.
He lets out a long exhale.
INT. TITAN TOWER CORRIDOR EVENING
Kory and Grayson walk down a hallway.
KORY: I know what I saw.
GRAYSON: Not to insult you, Kory, but you haven't been here long. What you saw could've been misinterpreted, misconstrued... it's probably completely innocent.
KORY: We Tamaranians are ruled by our emotions. We do not deny or repress them, but recognize them. I know how he looked at her. And I know how she looked at...
GRAYSON: Don't say that! (calmer) I trust Babs.
He walks into the computer room. The doors close behind him.
KORY: Who's Babs? I thought we were talking about Barbara.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMPUTER ROOM EVENING
Grayson types in his password on the Surveillence screen. Goes into the archives. Presses through floors and into the gym. Types in the timecode. The video comes up. Nothing. It's been erased.
GRAYSON: No.
He rushes to the data retrievel keyboard. Nothing.
GRAYSON: How? No one had the password, no one could've gotten in except... Barbara.
INT. APARTMENT NIGHT
A silhouetted couple in the throes of passion.
FEMALE VOICE: YES, PLEASE, YES, WALLY!
With a bloody-murder scream of female ecstacy, they collapse. Breathless, sweaty, and happy. LINDA curled around Wally's chest, brushing her damp hair off her face. Wally strokes Linda's cheek.
WALLY: I love you.
LINDA: (sarcastic) You're so unoriginal.
WALLY: Best I could come up with on a short notice. You can let go of me now. We're done having sex.
LINDA: No, I think I prefer having you here to tend to my every sordid need.
WALLY: Sordid, eh?
LINDA:You know, opening jars, lifting furniture, programming the VCR...
Linda rolls off him, groping for the telephone on the bedstand.
LINDA: I love when you use your superspeed. Feels like you're touching me all over.
WALLY: Not so bad for me either.
LINDA: You wanna order room service?
WALLY: Go for it. (beat) Linda, you ever think of having a threesome?
LINDA: With who?
WALLY: You tell me.
Linda shifts a bit, getting comfortable.
LINDA: I don't know... assuming celebrities are out, that Dick Grayson's pretty cute...
Wally's eyes narrow.
WALLY: I meant a woman.
LINDA: Well, you should have specified that when you said threesome.
WALLY: Guy-guy-girl isn't a threesome, that's sharing.
LINDA: Says who?
WALLY: Me. I have it on very good authority. Barry told me. First lesson of the Speed Force. Threesome only counts if it's two women and a man.
LINDA: And you really want to have one?
WALLY: ...it's something I'd like to do before I die.
LINDA: Well, if that's the time table, I'm sure I'll think of someone in the next eighty years...
Wally manages a tight smile.
WALLY: You do that.
He kisses her forehead.
WALLY: One more time?
Linda smiles, nodding.
LINDA: You're insatiable.
Wally reaches under the covers.
WALLY: I'm not insatiable.
Linda GASPS sharply.
WALLY: I just want what's mine.
Next: Brotherhood of Evil
bored
03-05-2006, 03:15 PM
So.... The Flash is basically a bastard now?
Nightdevil
03-05-2006, 03:21 PM
Damn Wally is a jerk in this.
Actually, there was a point in the comics where he was even more of a dick.
http://img14.imgspot.com/u/05/251/23/Flashv20501.jpg
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/1308/flashv260pg067ow.jpg
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/52/flashv2annual01116wf.jpg
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/3047/flashv2annual01232vv.jpg
EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING THE NEXT DAY
Central City. A government highrise in the middle of downtown. Through the windows, we can see ARMED SENTRIES in urban camoflauge standing at attention, rifles at the ready.
Across the street, PHOBIA observes the building. She is beautiful and ice-cold, the well-refined product of a hundred generations of English aristocracy. Her face is strikingly cruel.
VENDOR: Hey lady, want a dog?
PHOBIA: I beg your pardon.
VENDOR: A hot dog. For eating?
She smiles thinly.
PHOBIA: These are wonderful days, my rotund friend. Days filled with laughter and fear. Perhaps you have fears? Of course you do. All men have them.
VENDOR: What are you talking about, lady? You just get out of the loony bin? You okay in the head?
PHOBIA: More than okay... deliriously happy. My emotions run strong this day. As they do in you, I see. I sense a quickening of the heartbeat. Lust, I assume.
VENDOR: Babe, I don't know what your problem is...
PHOBIA: Quiet, quiet, little man... not while I'm working... the lust is overwhelmed by your fears... growing fears... gnawing fears... Ohhhh, an odd fear that one is. I have never encountered it before. Taphephobia... the fear of being buried alive. I sense that has happened to you once, man?
VENDOR: How did you know that? What are you doing?
PHOBIA: Allowing you to live your fear, to see how ludricious it is. But of course, you can't do that, can you? No one can overcome their own fear. Taphephobia... not a very interesting fear, I'm afraid. Ah well, you do the best you can with what is provided. Adieu.
She crosses the street as the Vendor crumples to the ground, screaming.
PHOBIA: I live for emotions... raw, powerful, exposed! They give me my strength, my will, my power. The feeling of man stripped of all dignity as he gives in to his basest fears is truly without peer. Emotions, burning in their purest form. Simply exquisite.
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
An imperially-designed room, full of columns and spiraling staircases to work pits and higher floors. At the far end of the room is a single large elevator. Right beside the doors is a SECURITY STATION. A PLAINCLOTHES SECURITY GUARD with a metal detection wand holstered in his belt drinks a cup of coffee. The Sentries, obviously US military, stand ready.
Phobia walks in, green cape billowing behind her.
SECURITY GUARD: Excuse me, ma'am, but do you have a security clearance?
PHOBIA: No, but you have a fear, I see. ATTEND TO IT!
She gestures at the Security Guard, who suddenly scratches at his face as if trying to dislodge something. She turns her gaze to the Sentries as they bring their weapons to bear. They begin shivering in fear.
SENTRY 1: Oh my God...
SENTRY 2: What are you staring at? Don't look at me!
SENTRY 3: No! Stay away!
PHOBIA: Gentlemen... time to conquer your fears.
As one, they turn their weapons on themselves.
PHOBIA: And what greater fear is there... then death?
Her face courses with an almost orgasmic release as we hear a chorus of gunshots offscreen.
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING BASEMENT DAY
A large workspace. Busy technicians. Suddenly, the lights dim, workstations go dead. The FLOOR MANAGER looks up.
FLOOR MANAGER: What the hell was that?
With a BURST OF LIGHT, MONSIEUR MALLAH is teleported in. He's a six-hundred pound silverback gorilla with two bandoliers of ammo slung across his muscular chest. With a mighty roar, he launches himself into the crowd, ripping them apart. He grabs the Floor Manager, preparing to break him over his knees...
WARP: (O.S.) Non! Him we need.
WARP is weaselly, sadistic, and worst of all... French. He takes the Floor Manager.
WARP: Don't consider this a mercy. Soon, you'll be envying the others.
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
The BRAIN, a floating brain in a jar surrounded by a frightening robotic endoskeleton, watches as the Floor Manager and Warp teleport in. The Floor Manager is forced to his knees.
BRAIN: What are the arming codes for the SADMs?
FLOOR MANAGER: I don't know what you're talking about.
BRAIN: Very well.
The Brain pulses... and the Floor Manager screams.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM DAY
Wally walks into the commons, where Beast Boy, Cyborg, Kory, and Donna are gathered. Kory gives him an evil eye which goes unnoticed.
WALLY: Hey superfriends, what's up?
BEAST BOY: We're a porno!
WALLY: And I didn't even know we were playing charades.
CYBORG: No, someone made a porno of us.
WALLY: Now my life is finally worthwhile.
He jumps onto the couch.
WALLY: Oh, I'm up! Excellent!
PORN STAR: Oh! Oh! Oh! ...wait, that's it? No wonder they call you the Fastest Man Alive.
Everyone laughs.
WALLY: Hey! I resent that! Where's the phone? I'm calling my lawyer. That's defamation of characer. Homey don't play that.
NIGHTWING: (filtered, over P.A.) Everyone, report to the situation room immediately.
Everyone piles out. Wally gives the TV an "I'm gonna git you, sucka" point and goes along with the rest.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMPUTER ROOM DAY
Beast Boy is pulling on the boot to his costume as the Titans enter. Nightwing and Barbara are already there.
BARBARA: Five minutes ago there was a BIG spike in traffic on the military and intelligence networks.
Wally twists his ring. A moment later, he's suddenly wearing his Flash costume.
FLASH: An exercise?
BARBARA: No, the protocols are too varied. This is the real thing.
NIGHTWING: See if any of the Watchtower backdoors are active.
BARBARA: Are you sure?
NIGHTWING: That's why you installed them.
BARBARA: Alright...
She types in a few commands. Information scrolls down the screens.
BARBARA: Oh my god...
CYBORG: What is it?
BARBARA: They've hit a decommission center in downtown Central City.
FLASH: That's my beat. What was the target?
BARBARA: Two SADMs have been reported armed.
KORY: SADMs?
BARBARA: Special Atomic Demolition Munitions. (beat) Suitcase nuke.
DONNA: Great Hera...
FLASH: Those would be worth billions on the black market. Any terror cell would give their testicles for one of those. We can't let them get out of the city.
NIGHTWING: Justice League'll handle it. We're route it up to them, stay in support role. Crowd control.
FLASH: (sickened) Crowd control? Who do you think we are, sidekicks?
BEAST BOY: Hold up guys, I'm nobody's sidekick.
NIGHTWING: Did you happen to read who the attackers were? Society of Sin.
FLASH: Society of Sin? They actually call themselves that?
NIGHTWING: I guess Brotherhood of Evil was taken.
NIGHTWING: Society's big in Europe. INTERPOL's been after them for years. They're the guys who flooded Venice, knocked down the Leaning Tower, tried to blow up the Eiffel Tower before Superman stopped them...
DONNA: Nightwing's right. We're not ready for this.
STARFIRE: Warriors do not back down from a fight. Not when innocent lives hang in the balance.
FLASH: No, Nightwing's absolutely right. (to Nightwing) You're team leader, it's your call. If you don't think the team is ready to handle this... alright. I'll handle it by myself.
He turns to leave.
NIGHTWING: Don't you turn your back on me!
FLASH: I'm the Flash first, Titan second. In other words, I don't work for you.
NIGHTWING: Stand down! That's an order!
Flash is clearly about to disregard when Nightwing continues...
NIGHTWING: We do this, we do this together. It's all for one or it's all for nothing. (to everyone) Suit up, we're going in.
BEAST BOY: Hey, Society of Sin, SOS... I just got it!
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
MAMMOTH, a man as wide around as most men are tall, carries two SADMs, one on each shoulder. He sets them down in one of the work pits. The rest of the Society hangs back. The Brain watches as the police put up a blockade outside.
BRAIN: Look at them. Scurrying about like ants...
A phone rings. Phobia pulls a cell-phone out of her pocket.
PHOBIA: (answering) Yes. Yes sir. Everything is proceeding as planned. Yes. No sir. We'll be ready for them. (hangs up) Prepare yourselves, we're going to have company.
INT. TITAN TOWER GARAGE DAY
The Titans, now in full costume, do some last-minute checks. Cyborg finishes programming something into his wrist-mounted PDA.
BEAST BOY: So, first time going against supervillains?
CYBORG: Yeah, me too.
BEAST BOY: Mmm.
CYBORG: Whatever happens, stay close to me. I'll protect you.
Nearby, Wonder Girl adjusts her star-spangled earrings.
NIGHTWING: (gentle teasing, brotherly) We're about to go into battle and you're accessorizing?
BEAST BOY: Hey, lay off...
WONDER GIRL: (over Beast Boy) Like you didn't spend an hour packing your utility belt in the old Robin days.
NIGHTWING: Hey, don't knock the utility belt.
He walks towards Flash, who's a bit of a distance away at the other end of the garage. Flash is on the phone. He hangs up when he sees Nightwing.
NIGHTWING: Who was that?
FLASH: Linda. Told her to get out of town in case things go south.
NIGHTWING: You're not supposed to make personal phone calls before a mission.
FLASH: Rules are made to be broken.
NIGHTWING: Not by me. (beat) I don't know if there's an easy way to say this, but... stay away from my girl.
FLASH: I don't know if there's an easy way to say THIS, but... no.
NIGHTWING: Nobody screws with me, Flash.
FLASH: Well, maybe someday you'll meet the right girl and all that'll change.
NIGHTWING: This is not a road you want to go down with me.
FLASH: Anytime you want to go, World's Second Greatest Detective... no masks, no powers, no toys... anywhere, anytime... just so long as the others see you fall.
NIGHTWING: Be careful what you wish for. It's closer than you think.
FLASH: I'm all a-tingle.
EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
In the midst of all the police build-up and media scrutiny, the STAR SLIDER lands. The Titans pile out.
COP: Who are those guys!?
REPORTER: They're either a new superhero group... or the world's weirdest boy band!
The Titans look at the imposing structure.
NIGHTWING: Alright, loose formation, everybody stay close.
FLASH: Think I know how to handle a multi-villain pile-up.
WONDER GIRL: 'Cause you did so well last time.
NIGHTWING: (over her) Prove it. Give me a complete, detailed briefing on the installation.
Nobody volunteers anything.
NIGHTWING: The building's composed of forty-two floors. If the Society is smart, which they are, they'll have taken over the first floor and locked down the elevators and stairwell.
CYBORG: How do you know all this?
NIGHTWING: Computer search. It's the way the job should be done.
FLASH: Care to tell us how many bricks were used to build it, professor?
NIGHTWING: 58,412.
WONDER GIRL: Only you would actually know that.
NIGHTWING: I was making a joke. What do you think I am, anyway?
RAVEN: Batman.
BEAST BOY: (as frog) I'm sure this will be one of our most ribbeting adventures yet!
In slow-motion they POWER-WALK towards the building as AC/DC's "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)" plays.
Next: Ultraviolence
INT. OVAL OFFICE DAY
The PRESIDENT, a younger-than-you'd-expect man by the name of Prez Rickard, takes a call from Green Arrow.
PRESIDENT: Green Arrow, send in the Justice League! My people are being slaughtered!
GREEN ARROW: I'm sorry, Mr. "President," but the Justice League is unavoidably detained. Perhaps, if you could make a few concessions...
PRESIDENT: You expect me to hand over the reins of government to an unelected, power-hungry...
GREEN ARROW: Temper, Mr. President. Just think of me as a very influencial lobbyist... and think of how many will die if you DON'T.
The President sighs, this is a fight he can't win.
PRESIDENT: Name your terms.
GREEN ARROW: First, you will triple your foreign aid budget.
PRESIDENT: Triple!? We don't have the budget for that kind of...
GREEN ARROW: Then raise taxes. Surely, the American people will be willing to open their pocketbooks a little extra to support worthwhile causes? Then, you will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by fifty percent.
PRESIDENT: You can't ask me to do that! Industrial plants will be shut down, millions of people will lose their jobs!
GREEN ARROW: Millions of people will lose their LIVES unless you start being more amenable. Thirdly, you will...
An INTERN nearly breaks the door down.
INTERN: Mr. President, it's the Teen Titans! They're attacking the Society!
GREEN ARROW: WHAT!?
The President grins.
PRESIDENT: I'm sorry, "Green Arrow," but after further consideration, I must DECLINE your offer.
He reaches for the button...
GREEN ARROW: No one hangs up on...
The President hangs up. Turns the channel to breaking news footage of the Titans facing the Brotherhood.
PRESIDENT: Go get 'em, you crazy kids.
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
The Titans have made entry. Beast Boy looks around.
BEAST BOY: Did walking in here seem to take longer than it should've to anyone else?
STARFIRE: Are those the people we're going to beat up?
She points forward. BRAIN, MALLAH, PHOBIA, MAMMOTH, and WARP are waiting for them. Big Sergio Leone standoff. Nightwing cracks his neck.
NIGHTWING: Time to take out the Eurotrash.
The following happens very quickly and all at once. With a hiss of gas, Brain shoots a VIAL from his body and into Cyborg.
BEAST BOY: Wonder twin power - minus one - activate! Form of... a gorilla!
Beast Boy transforms into a GORILLA.
WARP: Zut alors!
FLASH: Frenchie's mine.
Flash streaks forward, hands outreached for Warp... who TELEPORTS out of the way. He looks at the wall behind where Warp was.
FLASH: Usually there's a hole when I do that.
In the blink of an eye, Warp teleports next to Flash, punches him, and teleports back out. Flash stumbles back, passing Cyborg. Where the vial smashed open, there is a rapidly growing PROTOPLASM.
CYBORG: Get OFF!
He scrapes it off against a pillar. It develops into a humanoid shape, becoming PLASMUS.
CYBORG: Oh... not good.
Behind him, Beast Boy-as-gorilla and Mallah trade blows. Beast Boy transforms into a ferret. He drats up Mallah's leg and onto his back, turning back into a human and wrapping an arm around Mallah's neck.
BEAST BOY: Look! This monkey has a person on his back.
In the background, Mallah backs into a wall, smashing Beast Boy. Starfire stalks across the foreground, advancing on Phobia.
STARFIRE: I have heard of this Earth custom. We will now have the "catfight."
PHOBIA: I think not.
She gestures at Starfire.
INT. ARENA TIMELESS
We see KORY riding on the back of a reptilian beast, armed with a warlance. Her harsh-faced sister, KOMAND'R rides another beast and is similarly armed. The WARLORDS OF OKAARA watch from nearby. Suddenly, Komand'r stabs Kory through the stomach.
KORY: No! The training is supposed to be as real as war, but you do not go for the kill!
KOMAND'R: I do! You see, Tamaran? You know now who should lead you!
Energy flows into Kory's hands.
KORY: I am not dead! You cannot kill me, I WILL NOT ALLOW IT!
She blasts Komand'r, setting her on fire. Komand'r falls off her mount.
KORY: You have tried to destroy me the way you destroyed our world!
Like a woman possessed, Kory pulls the warlance out of herself. Her hand tightens around it. She holds it high over her head... then, coldly, deliberately, she throws it into Komand'r. Blood spurts from between her clenched teeth. A VOICE booms down from the heavens.
PHOBIA: (V.O.) Excellent. Vicious, but wonderfully honest for a change. What delightful emotions ensue when you defeat one you have long despised. Most of us recoil from acting on our thoughts, we ear ourselves up in frustration over our impotence. But you, my dear, you acted on your desires. I roundly applaud you. But I don't think everyone feels the same way I do...
With a flash of thunder, Grayson is standing in the pool of Komand'r's blood. Blood slowly drips down on Kory, covering her.
KORY: Why do you look at me like that? She cerrtainly deserved to die for everything she's done.
NIGHTWING: You have a bloodlust I cannot accept.
KORY: It is part of my world.
NIGHTWING: And I am from a different world.
KORY: Turning away from me will not change things! You have to accept me the way I am!
NIGHTWING: But I do not... and I never will. On your world you are a warrior, one of the best. But here you are just a murderer. Why do you not go home, Kory? Why can you not go home?
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
Kory is on her knees, sobbing.
KORY: YOU KNOW WHY!
Phobia smiles.
PHOBIA: An alien mind. How novel. Let's play a little...
She continues her torture as Wonder Girl soars above her, knocked back by a blow from Mammoth. Donna twists in the air, coiling her legs beneath her, and kicks off the wall, flying back towards Mammoth. She delivers a smashing backpalm to his nose. Wonder Girl lands and sends a series of blows into his gut. He laughs it off and brings his fists down in a massive SMASH. Wonder Girl jumps out of the way as the blow lands, creating a massive cascade of cracks in the marble floor. She slips in and delivers a knee to the man's ribs. Suddenly, Nightwing swings in on a de-cel line, delivering a dropkick to the back of Mammoth's head.
Nightwing swings BACK towards Brain, but bounces off a FORCEFIELD generated by the robot body. He lands in a heap and Brain blasts him with a psi-bolt. Nightwing lands next to Starfire. He jumps to his feet, facing Phobia.
NIGHTWING: What are you doing to her!?
PHOBIA: This.
She points at Nightwing.
INT. HALEY CIRCUS TIMELESS
Nightwing hangs from a trapeze by his knees.
MARY GRAYSON: Dick, sweetie, take my hands...
Nightwing looks up. JOHN AND MARY GRAYSON
NIGHTWING: Mom? Dad?
Nightwing's line snaps. He FALLS.
JOHN GRAYSON: Goodbye, Dick...
Close on Nightwing's face. With a supreme act of will, he SHUTS HIS EYES.
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
And OPENS THEM to Phobia's disbelieving face.
PHOBIA: Impossible!
NIGHTWING: For that, I break three of your ribs.
He punches her out with an audible SNAP. Runs to the nearly catatonic Starfire. He cradles her in his arms.
NIGHTWING: Star, what is it? What'd she show you? Say something!
STARFIRE: Graub kinti ras.
NIGHTWING: ...something in English.
A shadow falls over them. MALLAH, about to crush them. Nightwing tackles Starfire out of the way just as Mallah brings his fists down. Nightwing sets Starfire down and LEAPS with an inhuman scream. He sails through the air towards Mallah, one leg extended... which Mallah grabs and swings him around by, bashing him against a pillar. He holds Nightwing upside-down, blood trickling from a cut on the hero's forehead.
NIGHTWING: Get your hands off me, you damn, dirty ape!
MALLAH: I'd prefer to rend you limb from limb! Any last words?
NIGHTWING: Just two: suit taser.
An ELECTRICAL CHARGE runs through Nightwing's suit and into Mallah, ELECTROCUTING him. Mallah staggers back. Nightwing attacks him with a series of kung-fu moves, skillfully evading the weakened gorilla's clumsy attacks.
NIGHTWING: Stop this! You can't win!
MALLAH: I was born a predator! Even with my brain enlarged, I am still a creature of instinct. I cannot stop killing anymore than you humans can!
Suddenly, he feels Raven's fingers against his scalp.
RAVEN: A human with a soul can control his baser instincts. But you... you deserve only pity... which you will not receive from me!
With a sudden lurch, Mallah flies straight up and slams against the ceiling.
NIGHTWING: You... you saved me.
RAVEN: Why would I do that?
NIGHTWING: Help Starfire!
RAVEN: I cannot. Her scars run to where I cannot reach.
NIGHTWING: Damnit! (beat) Cyborg, help Flash! Manuever A-22, just like we practiced!
CYBORG: Got it.
His robot eye GLOWS as he looks at Flash and Warp.
CYBORG'S POV
A digitized electronic scan of the room, overlaid with alphanumeric readouts which change faster than the human eye can follow. We see an overlay of everywhere Warp has teleported. A PATTERN-RECOGNITION program plays, running down where Warp is going to transport next.
WARP notices Cyborg watching him.
WARP: What the hell is this!?
Cyborg raises an arm.
CYBORG: This?
His arm transforms into a SONIC CANNON for the first time.
CYBORG: This is my boomstick.
Warp TELEPORTS away. With machine speed, Cyborg jerks his arm to the side and FIRES. Warp teleports right in the path of the blast.
WARP: Merde.
He's BLASTED BACKWARDS, slamming against a wall. Flash gives Cyborg a brief nod.
FLASH: Domo arigoto, Mr. Roboto.
He turns away just as PLASMUS slams into Cyborg. Flash rushes over to the dazed Warp, grabs him by the collar.
FLASH: Let's see you jump around now, you cheese-eating surrender monkey.
WARP: Alright.
He teleports next to a wall... leaving Flash ENTOMBED in it! He begins trying to work on Flash's death grip on his collar... when the fingers TIGHTEN.
WARP: What?
Flash VIBRATES out of the wall.
FLASH: My turn. This is for mimes!
He *****-SLAPS Warp.
FLASH: This is for berets!
He BACKHANDS Warp.
FLASH: This is for the Statue of Liberty!
He gently slaps Warp.
FLASH: And this is for AMERICA!
He punches Warp hard on the chin. Warp curses at him in French.
FLASH: Sorry, don't speak French. But I do kiss that way.
They teleport elsewhere again, revealing Plasmus struggling with Cyborg. His pseudopods seek out Cyborg's exposed skin, causing it to BLISTER under his touch.
PLASMUS: (German accent) Zis fool shall feel my terrible power! The very touch of Plasmus means a burning, agonizing end. You vill be reduced to a protoplasmic blob even as I am... only you are devoid of life!
CYBORG: Maybe some other time.
With the arm that's not holding Plasmus at bay, he rips into his shoulder and breaks open a COOLANT TUBE. Liquid nitrogen sprays out of it and into Plasmus, FREEZING HIM SOLID. With one hammer blow, Cyborg breaks Plasmus apart. Then a LASER shoots out, slicing off an arm at the elbow. Cyborg gasps in pain, turning around to see the BRAIN rolling towards him. The Brain fires again, just as Wonder Girl jumps in front of Cyborg and deflects the attack with her gauntlets!
Mammoth comes out of nowhere, sending Wonder Girl flying with a hard right. He fe-fi-fo-fums towards her, sweeping Cyborg out of the way with a backhand. He lifts up one big boot to crush Donna underfoot...
When STARFIRE grabs him from behind, putting him in a full nelson, and flying him upwards through every floor in the building.
STARFIRE: Don't!
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING TENTH FLOOR - DAY
STARFIRE: Hurt!
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING TWENTIETH DAY
STARFIRE: My!
EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING ROOFTOP DAY
STARFIRE: Friends!
EXT. SPACE EVENING
Starfire has flown Mammoth up into the upper reaches of the atmosphere. She holds him up with one hand, draws her other back in a fist. The punch sends him cartwheeling into space.
STARFIRE: Take THAT to the bank and smoke it!
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
Phobia, coming to, sees the sunlight streaking down from the hole in the ceiling. She sneers.
PHOBIA: Time for Plan B.
She slides into a work pit, in front of the two SADMs. She steps towards the first, when RAVEN appears, blocking her.
RAVEN: I cannot allow this.
PHOBIA: Spare me.
Her hand shoots out, wrapping around Raven's throat.
PHOBIA: What a pathetic case. Your fears are so RIFE. The problem with you is not so much finding your weakness as choosing which one to exploit. Your father, perhaps? No? Maybe your ludricious shyness... shall I plunge you into the center of a million souls? Wait, I have it! So delicious... You are an empath, you thrive on the emotions of others...
RAVEN: No, Phobia! For Azar's sake, don't! You do not know what you could unleash!
PHOBIA: Wrong. I do not care.
EXT. HELL TIMELESS
Raven's standing on a PLAIN OF BONES AND SKULLS stretching as far as the eye can see, rolling hills on the horizon. The low sky BOILS, a SEETHING BUBBLING REDNESS She SCREAMS as first tens, then hundreds, then thousands, then millions and more surround her. At first they are small, no larger than dolls, but they quickly grow in size, burying her beneath their numbers. They all plead with her, grab at her, pull at her, scream at her, begging her to cure them. They pick at her flesh and rip at her dress. Naked, arms wrapped around herself, desperately trying to block it all out, she sees Cyborg lurching towards her, his rotting flesh being pecked away by crows.
CYBORG: Raven, why? Why did you let him do this to me? Why did you help your father kill us? We loved you. I loved you. Is this how you pay us back? By killing us? Is it, Raven? IS IT?
She reaches out to him as his flesh sloughs off his robotic form.
RAVEN: Take my hand! My life will be passed on to you. You will live!
CYBORG: And you'll die, Raven? Is that it?
RAVEN: Yes, yes! Take my hand!
Cyborg pulls away from her as his steel body, the only thing left of him, rusts away.
CYBORG: No! You're death! You're evil! You're everything that is wrong! I'd rather die before letting you cure me! You're JUST LIKE YOUR FATHER!
And as he fully disintegrates, for the first time... Raven allows herself to hate.
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
Phobia finishes programming the timer on the SADM. She walks away, leaving Raven huddled in a fetal position on the floor. On the other side of the SADM, Flash and Warp teleport in. Flash gasps as he sees the warhead counting down.
WARP: Welcome to my nuclear family, you boorish, crude, unenlightened... AMERICAN.
FLASH: Big words from a man who's country's biggest contribution to world culture in the last century is a horny skunk.
He punches Warp, hard. The Frenchman's head reverbs off the concrete floor and he's out cold.
FLASH: But what should I expect from a nation that exerted more of its national will fighting against Big Macs than against the Nazis?
He rushes to the SADM.
FLASH: Uhhh... anybody know how to disarm a nuclear weapon?
MALLAH grabs Flash from behind. Throws him into a wall. We hear bones break. Flash slides down the wall, landing on his ass. His legs are broken. Mallah tramples towards him.
FLASH: Grodd?
MALLAH: Mallah.
FLASH: Ah. Critical distinction. Don't I get any last words?
MALLAH: No. I've learned that if you're going to kill someone, you never hesitate.
BEAST BOY charges into Mallah as a RHINO, his horn goring into Mallah's stomach.
FLASH: Good advice.
Mallah reaches for Beast Boy, who changes into a PORCUPINE. Mallah pulls his hand back, now full of quills. Beast Boy-as-an-ANACONDA slithers up Mallah and wraps around his neck, begins SQUEEZING him into unconsciousness.
WONDER GIRL: Mind if I cut it?
BEAST BOY: Be my guest.
The last thing Mallah sees is a nicely-manicured fist coming right at him...
MALLAH: My Adam's apple...
WONDER GIRL: Applesauce.
BRAIN: (O.S.) Stand down...
The Titans turn to see that Brain has a PINCER CLAW around Cyborg's throat.
BRAIN: Or I will kill him.
BEAST BOY: Vic!
Nightwing melts out of the shadows behind Brain.
BRAIN: Get down on your stomachs and interlace your hands behind your head. And Mr. Nightwing... die.
Brain fires a laser backwards. Nightwing jumps over it. Brain fires more laser bolts, which Nightwing dodges in mid-air with impressive acrobatics. He lands on Brain, planting a small DEVICE on Brain's glass headcase.
NIGHTWING: Nobody likes a scatterbrain.
He jumps away as an ultrasonic PULSE shatters the headcase. The Brain topples over, releasing Cyborg. Flash helps him up.
FLASH: You okay?
CYBORG: Yeah.
FLASH: Good. Hate to have to make another affirmative action hire.
CYBORG: Yeah, I can see how it'd be easier to find another dumb white boy.
FLASH: (to Nightwing) You going to take that from him? Don't suppose you know how to disarm a nuclear warhead.
They start towards the workpit.
NIGHTWING: Learned it on my fifth day.
FLASH: Oh yeah, smart guy? What's the capital of Bolivia?
NIGHTWING: La Paz.
FLASH: I hate you.
Nightwing jumps down to the SADM. The timer reads 2:00.
NIGHTWING: (into wrist mike) Oracle, you getting all this?
BARBARA: (filtered) Loud and clear. Files say it's a standard B-12 configuration. You could do that in your sleep.
Nightwing pulls out a MULTI-TOOL, begins unscrewing a panel on the bomb. He pulls it off
NIGHTWING: These things are built to be easy to defuse. All you have to do is cut the red wire.
He rustles through the nest of multi-colored wires and comes up with... TWO, count 'em, two red wires.
NIGHTWING: Fifty/fifty shot of blowing us all to hell.
FLASH: (reaching for wire) I'm willing to take those odds...
NIGHTWING: I'm not!
He looks around, sees Warp knocked out on the floor. Runs up to him and rips open his shirt. We see an elaborate harness.
NIGHTWING: Flash, put this on.
FLASH: What? No! We both know Frenchmen don't use deodorant!
NIGHTWING: No time to argue! Do it!
In a moment, Flash is wearing the harness.
NIGHTWING: If Warp's dossier is right, that's his teleportation system. Test out all the coordinates you can and come back here when you find someplace safe to teleport the bomb.
FLASH: In one minute?
NIGHTWING: Then you'd better get started.
Flash jams in a set of coordinates and teleports away.
BEAST BOY: So... now what?
NIGHTWING: Now we play the waiting game.
Ten seconds pass. 00:50 left...
BEAST BOY: I'm bored of the waiting game, let's play Hungry Hungry Hippo!
00:45
WONDER GIRL: Shouldn't we be running or something?
CYBORG: Doesn't matter. We'd never get out of the blast radius in time.
00:40
NIGHTWING: Wonder if Kory's okay.
00:30
CYBORG: He's not coming back, is he?
00:15
NIGHTWING: That's it, I'm cutting it.
He prepares to clip one of the red wires when Flash REAPPEARS, now wearing a coolie hat. He whips it off as he strides up to the bomb.
FLASH: Man, you visit China, fifteen minutes later it's like you were never there.
He grabs onto the bomb and TELEPORTS out.
EXT. OUTER SPACE TIMELESS
Flash blinks into existence far outside earth's atmosphere. He kicks away from the bomb and hits the teleport button.
Nothing. It's conked out!
00:10
Ice forms on Flash's body. His veins bulge. He presses the button again and again.
00:05
At superspeed, Flash disassembles the harness and puts it back together. Blood fountains from his noise and mouth, forming a red icicle over his face.
00:01
Flash presses the button one last time. And DISAPPEARS as the SADM blows.
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
Flash teleports in. He staggers down, clutching his leg. The harness bursts into flames. Flash rips it off and throws it aside.
NIGHTWING: You found a safe place to transport it?
FLASH: Sure. None of you guys have family in Tucson, right?
Then Flash SCREAMS as he's teleported into...
INT. MORGUE TIMELESS
Wally lies in a bodybag as two CORONERS stand over him.
CORONER 1: Who was he?
CORONER 2: John Doe. Found him on the streets. Nobody important.
WALLY: No! I'm not dead! I'm the Flash!
CORONER 1: Start the autopsy.
They zip up the bodybag...
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
Phobia stands by the second SADM. Wonder Girl is already on the ground, tossing and turning.
WONDER GIRL: Terry, no! NO!
Beast Boy steps towards her until Phobia points at him. We hear into his NIGHTMARES as he falls to his knees...
MAN: (V.O.) Little green freak! No son of mine!
BEAST BOY: Quiet, quiet... quiet as a mouse...
INT. MATERNITY WARD TIMELESS
Beast Boy and Donna stand at the window into the nursery. No, not Beast Boy. GAR LOGAN. His skin has a normal Caucasian pigment. Phobia approaches them, dressed in a candy-striper outfit with white stockings, white nurse's uniform, and a little white cap.
GAR: Nurse, which one is ours?
PHOBIA: That one, in the corner...
GAR'S POV
Searching through all the adorable infants to a howling GREEN ONE.
PHOBIA: (V.O.) The FREAK.
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
Cyborg steps towards Phobia.
CYBORG: Leave him alone! Why don't you pick on someone your own size?
PHOBIA: Like you?
INT. PAWNSHOP TIMELESS
SOMEONE'S POV
Cyborg, DISASSEMBLED, sits on the shelves behind the counter. PHOBIA is the proprietor.
PHOBIA: (to "us") You are interested in used body parts? Then you have come to the right place. Hands, two of them, prime and ready. Interchangeable, too. Two arms, two legs. Torso. One head. Do we match your needs, ma'am?
CYBORG: Don't listen to him, they're my parts! They belong to me!
PHOBIA: Uppity sort, he was... before his dismemberment. Never quite learned to forgive and forget. Perhaps part of a part will do? Nose? Eye? Only one, unfortunately. Ahh, I know... larynx!
Phobia picks up Cyborg's head.
CYBORG: What are you doing? Put me back together!
PHOBIA: Shut up, boy. You people always jabber away so. You're a prime specimen, despite your origins. Big. Strong. Your parts are fit for heavy labor. You were once quite a manly specimen. Pity you're no longer in mint condition. So, do we have a deal?
REVERSE ANGLE shows us that Phobia is talking to RAVEN.
RAVEN: I'll take him.
INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
Nightwing forces his way towards her. Barring his way is HIS YOUNGER SELF as Robin.
ROBIN: He doesn't stop loving you because you fail. He just stops trusting you.
Nightwing pushes past him.
PHOBIA: Give it up. No one's going to save you now.
Behind her, Raven rises. TWO RED EYES glow from the shadows cast over her forehead by her hood.
RAVEN: YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR! YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY!
PHOBIA: Please. We both operate from emotions. You feel them all. Love, hate, pain, and my personal favorite... fear. You see, dear Raven, we are matched as empaths, we both feel all emotions... but I control fear.
Raven's head rocks to the side as Phobia's power hits her. Raven slowly turns back to face Phobia.
RAVEN: No. I can control my emotions. And I will not be controlled again, not by my father and not by YOU. Perhaps it is time to taste your own medicine.
Her four eyes flash red. Phobia jerks back. Raven stalks towards her, cloak flowing behind her.
RAVEN: I take other pains and funnel them into myself. I absorb the emotions of others, but I can now release those pains, those emotions, those horrors. FEEL them, know inside you what is is to suffer! What it is to die!
PHOBIA: Keep away from me!
She throws out her powers once more, Raven deflects them without a second thought.
RAVEN: Foolish mortal, you truly think you can keep me out? Should I wish to, I can feed you with the collective fears of all mankind! You want pain now, mortal? Reach into your memory... know the pains that twists and cut through your victims. Feel those pains now, suffer them as you never have before.
Her hand wraps around Phobia's face. Phobia SCREAMS.
NIGHTWING: Raven, stop it! You're killing her!
PHOBIA: Richard Grayson, DO NOT TOUCH ME!
Nightwing flies backwards, landing in a heap on the floor. Raven turns her attention back to Phobia, who's collapsed on the ground. Her fingernails grow out into CLAWS. She rises her hand to strike when Starfire GRABS HER.
STARFIRE: She is beaten! Raven, you don't know what you are doing!
RAVEN: Get away from me, Tamaranian! Away before I destroy you!
Starfire takes Raven's head in her hands, forcing Raven to look at her.
STARFIRE: No, I want Raven back! Raven, please, hear me! Deep in your soul, hear me, listen to me! Whatever this is, you can fight it!
Starfire rips off Raven's hood, is horrified by what she sees.
STARFIRE: X'Hal...
RAVEN: I will not be... be... Azar protect me, what have I done?
She shoves Starfire aside.
RAVEN: I will not kill! I will not kill! I will not kill!
She collapses. Nightwing rushes to them.
STARFIRE: Nightwing, can you feel the heat coming off her? It is awful...
RAVEN: No! I won't let you touch me, won't let you take me over... away from me, away! Azar, help me, AZAR!
She grows still and silent.
NIGHTWING: She tried to kill us, didn't she?
STARFIRE: No. X'Hal pity her and help her... she tried to kill herself. But you're with your friends now, Raven. Everything will be alright. Everything will be alright.
In a shock moment, Raven CONVULSES off the floor in a final spasm.
RAVEN: AWAY!
VOICE: (V.O.) Only for now, daughter. Only for now.
NIGHTWING: Raven, are you...?
RAVEN: I am... well, Nightwing.
Long beat as they take it all in. A serious "what the hell was that?" moment. Starfire turns to Nightwing.
STARFIRE: (brightly) So, what did I miss?
NIGHTWING: The battle's done and we kind of won. What happened to Mammoth?
The other Titans, recovering, approach the trio.
BEAST BOY: Umm, Starfire... you kill him?
STARFIRE: I do not think so, Beast Boy. But if he is dead, I really could not care less. There is only one way to fight, my friends. You fight to WIN. Anything else is senseless!
FLASH: Now you're speaking my language.
STARFIRE: I thought I already was. Will I have to reenact physical contact?
FLASH: Not in front of the kids, Kory. Hoo-ah!
NIGHTWING: (pissed) Hey, Flash, just wondering... when Phobia zapped you, what did you see?
FLASH: (fake tears) Michael Moore... on every channel... even Playboy! What about you, Gar?
BEAST BOY: Well, now there's TWO things I'm afraid of.
FLASH: What's the first?
BEAST BOY: Transgenders. (off Flash's reaction) What? Like they don't give you the heebies-jeebies!
FLASH: Gar, you turn into ANIMALS.
BEAST BOY: But only MALE ones.
CYBORG: Come on, let's blow this popsicle stand.
They walk towards the entrance, Flash hanging back. He leans against a pillar, a moment of weakness...
RAVEN: Your legs are broken.
FLASH: No way I'm going to be carried out of here in front of the whole country, not while HE'S walking out. So either patch me up or break his legs.
Raven leans down and touches his legs.
RAVEN: Azarath metrion zinthos.
As his legs heal, her eyes widen in surprise. She looks at him.
FLASH: Yeah, I know.
She walks off as Flash gets to his feet. Clandestinely, Flash pulls up his sleeve. HIS ENTIRE FOREARM IS MADE OF LIGHTNING. He gingerly touches it. Electricity arcs between his forearm and his finger, shocking him. He wills himself back, his forearm transforming back into flesh. We get the sense that he's running out of time. Nightwing taps him around. Flash turns. Did he see anything?
Nightwing holds up a small wooden circle with a green Chinese character on it.
NIGHTWING: Any idea what this is?
Flash examines it, using his gloved hand, hoping Nightwing doesn't notice he's got one glove off.
FLASH: It's a jiang.
NIGHTWING: What?
FLASH: A xiangqi piece. Where'd you find it?
NIGHTWING: Brain had it on him. What's xiangqi?
FLASH: It means "elephant game." Chinese chess. Those two pieces represent the opposing kings of two warring armies trying to destroy one another.
NIGHTWING: Any idea what that means?
FLASH: Not a clue. Maybe he just thought it looked cool.
NIGHTWING: Maybe.
EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING DAY
The Titans exit the building to a throng of reporters. The flashing cameras give them a cool strobe effect.
BEAST BOY: No pictures, no pictures... alright, take your pictures!
He strikes a series of cheesy poses. Flash waves him aside to speak into a mass of microphones.
FLASH: Thanks to the tireless efforts of our leader, Nightwing, the Titans have averted this crisis.
Nightwing registers surprise. That's unexpected.
FLASH: Now he would like to say a few words. Nightwing?
Flash, and everyone else, turns to Nightwing. Performance anxiety times a thousand. Nightwing steps up to the plate.
NIGHTWING: Wherever there is crime, wherever there is injustice, wherever there is tyranny... the Teen Titans will be there.
FLASH: And wherever there are free drinks, lucrative merchandising opportunies, and, of course, smoking hotties... the Teen Titans will also be there! Let's roll!
Kim Wilde's "Kids In America" plays as they push through the press and into the parked Star Slider. A tricked-out PIMPMOBILE (rims, groovy paintjob, rap music, "crew") is next to them. The driver BOUNCES the Pimpmobile on its hydraulics. Nightwing smirks at him, then uses the hover-jets to shoot the Star Slider straight up.
DRIVER: (goggling) I gotta get me one of those.
Next: Follow-up
bored
03-06-2006, 05:35 PM
Okay, I suppose I don't actually read a lot of DC, but what about how Raven looks is so terrifying?
Also, is Green Arrow an ass, too?
Okay, I suppose I don't actually read a lot of DC, but what about how Raven looks is so terrifying?
Also, is Green Arrow an ass, too?
It's a surprise.
And I don't know about Green Arrow being an ass, but he does like to go around calling people fascists and punching them for no reason, often while cheating on his long-time romantic couple.
So, basically he's a leftist Wally West.
INT. LINDA'S HOUSE EVENING
Wally is laid up on the couch, his legs swollen and bloodied. He's on his cell-phone.
WALLY: Hey, if someone can sue McDonald's for spilling hot coffee on their crotch, we can make this lawsuit happen. Yeah? Well, no one ever said Jimmy Carter was a premature ejaculator. Although that would explain a lot...
Linda comes in, hands him a tall glass of milk.
WALLY: I'll call you back, Ben.
He hangs up, takes the glass.
WALLY: What's this?
LINDA: For your legs. Calcium. Figure your body needs something to reknit them out of.
WALLY: Why didn't I think of that?
LINDA: Well, this gives us an excuse for some quality time. And I know just what we're going to do with it.
Wally raises an eyebrow.
WALLY: I like where your head's at.
Linda walks to the TV... and puts on Pretty Women.
WALLY: Oh, call the Titans back, I just found the seventh member of the Society.
LINDA: It's not that bad.
She sits next to him.
WALLY: I'm walking wounded. I should have veto privilege on any TV programming.
LINDA: Doesn't look to me like you're walking anywhere.
WALLY: C'mon, give me the remote.
LINDA: (suggestively) And what will you give me in exchange?
WALLY: I'm sure I'll think of something.
He makes out with her for a while. She sets the remote down and he supersonic-snatches it up.
WALLY: Frawress victory! (flipping through channels) We are the champions, my friends...
LINDA: Give that back!
WALLY: No, no, I have to find something we'll both agree on. How about Terminator? That's an epic love story.
He stops on a news program.
WALLY: Wait a minute...
On the TV, Snow's talk show SNOWSTORM has started. RACINE is gesturing animatedly.
WALLY: (grim) Unmute it.
RACINE: What we've witnessed today isn't an act of terror, but a glorious uprising against the oppression of the American military-industry complex and their international financier compatriots. Only their brave act of defiance was stomped flat under the boots of the Eichmanns and Goerings and Mengeles of the fascist police state we have allowed our country to become. The noble heroes of this revolution are being unfairly punished, but mark my words, they will one day be vindicated as modern-day George Washingtons. In fact, I'll wager that we will see their faces on dollar bills in the near future.
Wally simmers for a moment.
LINDA: Wally, don't let him get to you.
WALLY: I put my blood and sweat into putting scum like the Society behind bars and then THIS GUY vindicates them as the people's heroes! (to TV) Racine... you ignorant slut. Zandia is a boil that needs to be lanced, and I'm gonna lance it! So why don't you and your little European pals just run along and have a garden party! Eat your sandwiches with the crust cut off, and watercress salad for dessert! Put on your tiny little swimsuits, frolic on the lawn! Throw a beach ball like a girl, explore the different aspects of your sexuality! Just step aside and let the real men take care of...
He pauses.
LINDA: Business?
WALLY: Business... it's all a business... Something about that mission doesn't make sense.
LINDA: Well, let's start with the perps. This Society, they're thieves, right?
WALLY: No, dossier says they're mercenaries.
LINDA: Freelance?
WALLY: Don't know.
LINDA: Then maybe someone hired them to detonate the nukes.
WALLY: No, detonating the nukes couldn't have been Plan A. If it was, they would've done it before we got there. They had another objective...
LINDA: Someone hired them to steal the nukes?
WALLY: Stands to reason. But who...?
INT. BLOOD'S CHAMBER NIGHT
Brother Blood watches the news on a bank of televisions. He changes the channel away from Snowstorm. Stops. CNN is showing a replay of the Titans' exit.
NIGHTWING: (filtered) Wherever there is crime, wherever there is injustice, wherever there is tyranny...
Brother Blood pauses the Tivo. Reaches out to the screen and touches Raven's face. Smiles.
BROTHER BLOOD: Cardinal Syn, call everyone in. Cancel the attacks. We've just been handed the keys to the kingdom.
INT. TITAN TOWER RAVEN'S ROOM NIGHT
Raven sits on a zafu in a full-lotus, her hands folded together in a mudra over her belly, her eyelids half-lowered.
RAVEN: Why have you done this to me, noble Azar? Surely before you perished you had to know the suffering I would endure. You had to know the changes that would befall me. Azar... I feel hate now. Azar, I feel the urge to kill, to murder! You taught me that pacifism was strength, not weakness... but you were wrong, Azar, wrong! I feel the evil growing within me and I am frightened by my new thoughts. Thoughts of death. Thoughts of decay. Thoughts of power! And I am frightened by these thoughts not because I have them, but because I relish them. Help me, Azar... give me comfort or damn me now to hell! I cannot abide what I have become!
EXT. AZARATH
Raven strides towards the city walls, which remain determinedly closed. She is repelled backwards by an unseen force as the High Priest's face is projected in front of her.
HIGH PRIEST: No! Raven, you cannot return! The evil is too strong in you. We cannot be corrupted by your pretense.
RAVEN: For Azar's sake, you must not turn me away! The darkness within me can only be expunged in Azarath.
HIGH PRIEST: We must not let your evil contaminate us. You have made your choice. When you left us, you forsook our ways and forfeited our protection. We cannot allow you near us now.
RAVEN: You can't do this to me! You must know what will happen! You know the terror you will unleash unless you take me back! Please, I beg you... help me!
HIGH PRIEST: Leave us, Raven... leave and go with Azar's prayers.
RAVEN: Damn you and damn your prayers!
HIGH PRIEST: Do not try to attack us, Raven... although we ourselves are peace-lovers, our city's defenses are merciless!
RAVEN: Do not worry about that, dear leader. The punishment I dictate to you is the worst I can conceive... you will reap the consequences of your own actions. Goodbye and may hell take you all the sooner!
EXT. TITAN TOWER MORNING
Establishing shot. The sun rises.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM MORNING
Beast Boy and Cyborg play videogames on the plasma TV. Cyborg's arm has been repaired.
BEAST BOY: So, how's the arm?
CYBORG: Good as new. Important thing is the sonic cannon works.
BEAST BOY: Yeah, that was awesome! (beat) So, you and Raven, huh?
CYBORG: Yeah.
BEAST BOY: That's cool.
CYBORG: Look, man, I'm sure as soon as you ask Donna out...
BEAST BOY: Hey, no problems on that front. Today is the day, my man. Just as soon as we finish this...
Cyborg reaches forward and turns the game system off.
BEAST BOY: ...conversation.
Cyborg glares at Beast Boy.
BEAST BOY: So, how 'bout them Yankees?
CYBORG: Must be enjoying themselves now that the season's over.
BEAST BOY: Right right right right... wonder what Dick's up to...
EXT. TITAN TOWER COURTYARD MORNING
Grayson, Kory, and Donna walk through a small wooded area.
DONNA: And we'll have privacy?
GRAYSON: Of course. Holograph system is programmed to project an empty landscape to anyone outside the field. Extends all the way to the rooftop.
KORY: Are you sure this is alright with you? Both of us at once?
GRAYSON: Trust me. Me and Bruce ran through all these scenarios before. I know what I'm doing.
KORY: Maybe we'd better start out tiny. Just you and me, with Donna watching.
GRAYSON: Alright. Donna, you okay with that?
DONNA: It's fine, I had a headache anyway.
Donna sits on a boulder. Grayson stretches his back.
GRAYSON: Alright Kory... come at me.
Reluctantly, she fires a STARBOLT at him. He rolls out of the way.
KORY: Again?
GRAYSON: This time better, Kory. Faster. You gave me too wide an opening.
KORY: I could hurt you.
GRAYSON: So could the enemy. Do it!
Kory fires again, using both hands. Grayson jumps up and spins around on a branch, perching on it.
GRAYSON: Not quick enough, Kory. You aimed too low, didn't anticipate my movement.
KORY: I am trying.
Grayson jumps down off the branch, tackling her to the ground. He pins her hands at her sides.
GRAYSON: If you were succeeding, I wouldn't be able to do this.
They lie there like that for a moment. It would be so easy to move another couple of inches, to kiss her. Kory seems to be thinking the same thing.
GRAYSON: Think it through. Can't throw me off, you've got no leverage. So... how do you want to play this?
Kory suddenly HEADBUTTS him. He rears back instinctively and she fires a starbolt upwards. He leans back, barely ducking under it, and somersaults backwards.
KORY: You want my full power? You have it!
GRAYSON: Better! Much better!
Grayson jumps from tree to tree, keeping one step ahead of the starbolts. Then with one hang, Kory fires behind him, while with the other she "leads" him with a shot. The second shot wings him, clipping him in mid-air. He drops to the ground as Kory prepares a final starbolt...
DONNA: No!
Donna yanks Kory down to earth by the hair.
DONNA: What was that? You were going to kill him! It was as if you lost control.
KORY: No. Not control. I fell back to my training... my original training. On Okaara.
Grayson limps over to them.
KORY: I was bred as a warrior. All my instincts are for killing. You kept challenging me... egging me on until the block against killing vanished.
GRAYSON: Kory, I didn't mean...
KORY: Dick, do you not see what's happening? You've been retraining me not to use my full power., but everything inside me is fighting that. You're trying to change me into something I am not.
GRAYSON: We're talk about it later. Hit the showers.
KORY: Forgive me?
GRAYSON: You have to ask?
She gives him a quick peck on the cheek and flies off. Grayson rubs at the spot where she kissed him, lost in thought.
DONNA: What was that all about, Dick? You were deliberately provoking her. It's almost like you wanted to get hurt.
GRAYSON: I just wanted to see how far she'd go.
DONNA: Dick, I don't know what's going on with you. But if this keeps up, you'll be in no condition to lead this team. And don't think for a second that just because of our friendship, I'll hesitate to replace you if your issues endanger yourself or anyone else.
GRAYSON: Maybe you should be leading the team.
DONNA: Who said anything about me? I'll put Flash in charge if you don't shape up.
Off Grayson's reaction we cut to...
INT. TITAN TOWER GRAYSON'S ROOM NIGHT
In the background, Grayson's Nightwing suit recharges on a clothesline along with some other clothing. Grayson hangs up the phone.
GRAYSON: Just got word from the Justice League. They picked up Mammoth in central Asia. He'll be fine.
Kory steps under the clothesline, parting the clothes in front of her.
KORY: I'm glad to hear it.
GRAYSON: No you're not. I've seen you in the training sessions, you've become more brutal...
KORY: No Dick, I've always been this way, you have just never wanted to see that side of me. I'm not you, Dick. For frell's sake, I'm not even an Earthling! And it was wrong to try to act like one. Dick, my people believe in love, but we are trained to fight as warriors! It is what I grew up to believe and I do believe it!
She turns to the window, looking out at the stars, her words striking a chord deep within Grayson.
KORY: When I was a slave, I was tortured, hurt in so many ways. Only my training - my knowledge that when I could fight back, I would - kept me alive. Dick, it took everything I had not to break down and give in. But I survived and I escaped and I found you. You have to accept me the way I am... the way I accept you. Dick... did you hear what I said?
GRAYSON: I heard, Koriand'r, I heard. But I'm not like you. I just don't think I can do what you want. I can't get involved with a killer, not again.
KORY: What do you mean, "again"?
GRAYSON: Nothing, it's not important.
KORY: It is important or you would not have mentioned it.
GRAYSON: Forget I mentioned it.
KORY: Tell me the truth.
GRAYSON: (snaps) Then you tell me what Phobia showed you! We all saw things, but you were affected the most. Why? What did she show you?
KORY: I can't...
GRAYSON: What did she show you, Kory?
KORY: Don't ask me that.
GRAYSON: Tell me what you saw!
KORY: SHE SHOWED ME YOU!
Long beat.
GRAYSON: You're afraid of me?
KORY: No. I'm afraid of the way you make me feel.
GRAYSON: I'm scared too.
They kiss, slowly and tremulously, and then with building passion. Even when it's over, Kory clings tightly to him, as if afraid he'll slip away.
KORY: On Tamaran we don't... the royal family makes certain sacrifices. We're not meant to know love, we're supposed to do what's for the good of the commonwealth. I've never... and after I was sent into slavery, I never thought I'd have these kinds of feelings again. But the... the dalliances before were... diluted compared to this. This makes me afraid that I won't be able to control myself, that I won't be able to live without you. And I need to know if you feel the same way.
Grayson shoves her back, HARD.
GRAYSON: GET OUT! NOW!
Kory runs out of the room. Grayson paces anxiously, looks like he's on the verge of tears. He rips the clothesline out of the wall with his bare hands.
GRAYSON: Damnit!
INT. TITAN TOWER BARRACKS MORNING
Grayson tries Kory's door. It's locked.
GRAYSON: Kory, unlock the door. Let me explain...
No response. Grayson pounds on it repeatedly, finally collapsing against it.
GRAYSON: Kory!
Grayson looks up to see Raven staring at him. He points a finger at her.
GRAYSON: Don't start.
RAVEN: Don't have to.
She points past Grayson. Behind him, Wally throws his arms wide.
WALLY: (singing) I don't know how to love him,
What to do, how to move him.
I've been changed, yes, really changed.
In these past few days when I've seen myself
I seem like someone else.
I don't know how to take this
I don't see why he moves me.
He's a man, he's just a man.
And I've had so many men before
In very many ways:
He's just one more
Should I bring him down? Should I scream and shout?
Should I speak of love - let my feelings out?
I never thought I'd come to this - what's it all about?
Grayson claps sarcastically.
GRAYSON: Andrew Lloyd Webber? You're slipping, West.
WALLY: Yeah, well... they can't all be winners. (beat, points to Starfire's room) Of course, THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!
Grayson walks away, checking Wally as he passes.
WALLY: (in disbelief, to Raven) Did you see that? He totally body-checked me! What a dick!
RAVEN: Your crusade will end in fire. You do know that, I trust?
WALLY: So, why do you help me?
RAVEN: Restitution.
WALLY: For what?
RAVEN: I haven't done it yet.
WALLY: Then why not just... not do it? Can't you just... choose not to?
RAVEN: You'd think so, wouldn't you? (beat) One day you and I shall fight.
WALLY: Lookin' forward to that.
Next: Clique clique boom
INT. TITAN TOWER COMPUTER ROOM MORNING
Barbara works at the console, Wally hovering over her. She doesn't seem to mind.
WALLY: You know, you didn't have to come all the way down here. I could've just gone to the Clocktower.
BARBARA: No. Clocktower's my... sanctuary.
WALLY: Must get awful lonely.
BARBARA: It does.
WALLY: What?
BARBARA: I said it does.
WALLY: Can this be? Is a member of the Bat-clan actually talking about her feelings? Funny, you think they would've mentioned Hell freezing over on the news.
BARBARA: I guess that Oprah thing beat it out. So, what can Velma do for you today, Shaggy?
WALLY: Nothing much. I just need you to hack the Society's bank accounts and check who's made recent payments to it.
BARBARA: It'll be difficult.
WALLY: Good, that'll give you a break from doing the impossible for a while.
BARBARA: That wouldn't be a reference to my relationship with Dick, would it?
WALLY: You said it, not me.
He cups her chin, turning her to face him.
WALLY: Hey. I need this.
BARBARA: I know.
She turns back to the computer.
BARBARA: Come back in fifteen minutes.
Wally smirks and walks towards the door.
WALLY: (singing) Baby, look at me
And tell me what you see
You ain't seen the best of me yet.
Give me time,
I'll make you forget the rest.
I got more in me,
And you can set it free
I can catch the moon in my hand
Don't you know who I am?
Barbara looks somewhat amused.
INT. TITAN TOWER ATRIUM MORNING
Wally walks around the atrium, singing to himself.
WALLY: Remember my name. Fame!
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna learn how to fly--high!
I feel it comin' together
People will see me and cry. Fame!
I'm gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame. Fame!
I'm gonna live forever
Baby, remember my name
Remember, remember, remember, remember,
Beast Boy runs up to him.
BEAST BOY: Wally, you've got to help me!
WALLY: Dude, I haven't even reached the big finish yet.
BEAST BOY: Sorry.
WALLY: Remember, remember... great, now I've lost the harmony. What do you want?
BEAST BOY: Well, it's about Donna...
WALLY: Uh-huh?
BEAST BOY: Well, I want to ask her out, but... well... you know how it is.
WALLY: Still a virgin?
BEAST BOY: No! ...yes.
WALLY: Right, this is going to be harder than I thought. But don't fret, little padawan, you've just been drafted into the battle of the sexes. Now, first things first. You talk to her, your first instinct is gonna be to open up, okay, to tell the truth. FIGHT IT!
BEAST BOY: Fight it, yeah, got it.
Wally and Beast Boy look over. Donna is at the other side of the atrium.
WALLY: Still nervous?
BEAST BOY: As hell.
WALLY: Only reason to be nervous is if there's something at stake. There's nothing at stake. Maybe if you have a pig's chance in hell of scoring with her, then there'd be something at stake, but as it is...
BEAST BOY: Wait, you don't think I can bag someone like Donna?
WALLY: Gar, someday I'm sure you'll meet a nice girl who's favorite color is green and you'll have lots of little beast tots. Consider this a warm-up. (beat) But why Donna? You're a celebrity, there are millions of women in this city, do the math.
BEAST BOY: But Donna's just really special. I would climb a mountain just to see her smile! She's the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about at night! I think I lo...
WALLY: NO. Don't ever say that. Not ever, not even in your own head. Not until you have rode the ***** hard and put her to bed wet do you even begin to think about thinking about saying that. That is how they get you, alright? If I were you I'd set my sights a little lower, go for someone a little loose...
BEAST BOY: What, you saying Donna's some kind of prude? You saying she isn't loose?
WALLY: Loose? Loose? She is the opposite of loose. She is so unloose that if you shoved a lump of coal up her ass in two weeks you'd have a diamond. She is loose's antonym.
BEAST BOY: ...I'd really prefer if you didn't call her a *****.
WALLY: Sorry, didn't know it bothered you.
BEAST BOY: Look, can you at least put in a good word for me? So when I'm ready, I'll have a leg up.
WALLY: Anything for a pal. Be right back.
He speeds over to Donna, says something to her, then speeds away again. Beast Boy is pleased until he sees Donna walking towards him.
DONNA: Wally said you had something you wanted to say to me? He said it would blow my mind.
BEAST BOY: Oh... he did now... Look, I'm not real good at talking to women... at all... hence the me talking to you right now but I'm being awkward and now I'm coming off as a total idiot and oh **** I'm screwing this up...
DONNA: You wanna go out sometime?
BEAST BOY: YES.
Nearby, Wally and Cyborg are watching. Wally shakes his head, scoffing.
WALLY: Feminists.
CYBORG: What, you got a problem with feminists?
WALLY: Too easy. She made it too goddamn easy. Hasn't that... (can't say the word he wants to use) LADY ever heard of playing hard-to-get? If it's too easy, he won't put any value on it. Man never values what he can get easy.
CYBORG: That why you wanna lead the team?
WALLY: (beat) Screw you.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMPUTER ROOM MORNING
Wally straddles a chair next to Barbara.
WALLY: What've we got?
BARBARA: Bank used 64-bit encryption. Might as well have left the door open. I culled down the list of deposits to those who had funded all the members.
WALLY: And?
With a keystroke, the screen fills up with names. Wally lets out a low, impressed whistle.
BARBARA: My thoughts exactly. One name kinda stuck out, though.
She highlights Julian Racine.
WALLY: Aww, you've been keeping track of my feuds.
BARBARA: I do keep up with the news, Wally. Why do you think everything revolves around you?
WALLY: Because it does. What about these other yahoos?
BARBARA: That's where things get interesting. There's only one thing they all have in common. All their names are on an initative to give the Brotherhood a religious tax-exempt status. Know how I did that?
WALLY: Your feminine intuition?
BARBARA: Yes, only I like to call it basic reasoning skills. Racine and these other cronies are a front for Zandia.
WALLY: Finally, we've got hard proof to nail those bastards to the wall.
BARBARA: Then it looks like this is goodbye.
WALLY: Huh?
BARBARA: Remember? You joined my little posse to expose the men who sponsored the attack on Keystone City. Well, now you have.
WALLY: I didn't get into the Outsiders for selfish reasons. I agree with what you're trying to do. The Justice League's out of control. They love having the power of God at their fingertips, they get off on it.
BARBARA: And you don't?
WALLY: I eat humble pie now and then.
BARBARA: You know, I actually thought for a moment... never mind.
WALLY: You thought I joined to get close to you.
BARBARA: And now I feel like an idiot.
WALLY: Why? Is it embarrassing to be honest?
BARBARA: I don't like things getting too personal. I've read your file, but I have no idea who you are.
WALLY: Lot of that going around these days. But if it makes you feel more comfortable, I've got a secret too. A good one.
BARBARA: Oh really?
WALLY: I found out a few months ago that the Justice League had been monitoring me. They had cameras hidden in my home, my girlfriend's house... even my shower. Hacker like you, wouldn't be too hard to get your hands on those.
BARBARA: I don't know what you're talking about, but I'll be happy to look into...
WALLY: Did you like watching me? Because I know you've been keep an eye on me. So the question is, was it business or pleasure? What did you do while you were watching me?
Using his finger, Wally traces a looping oval around Barbara's right breast, starting at the neck, working down to the midriff, and back up her left side.
BARBARA: This is... borderline inappropriate.
Wally traces another circle inside the first one. He draws a narrowing spiral around Barbara's breast.
BARBARA: Okay, and you're crossing the border.
WALLY: Do you want me to stop?
BARBARA: Yes.
Wally leans in close to her, replacing his hand on her wheelchair's armrest.
WALLY: You don't mean that.
BARBARA: What about your wife?
WALLY: What about her? How is this hurting her? Am I going to have less love to give her because of what we're doing?
BARBARA: You think you've got it all figured out, don't you?
WALLY: There is one thing that eludes me... why you hate him.
BARBARA: I don't...
Wally shoots her a "give me a break" look.
BARBARA: Because when he looks at me, he sees the woman I used to be. And he loves her, not me.
Wally takes off her glasses.
WALLY: You really are quite beautiful, you know.
BARBARA: I think you should go.
WALLY: Kiss me.
BARBARA: What?
WALLY: Just once. Then I'll go. Word of advice, all-knowing one. Make the most of it. You don't have an excuse for next...
She kisses him. Wally scoops her up, pressing her to him. He kisses her passionately as the wheelchair does a graceful turn from the momentum of her rising. They back against a wall as he goes to work on her shirt, unbuttoning it. After a moment, she stops pushing against him and starts pulling him into her, her arms wrapping around her neck.
BARBARA: He's going to find out about us, you know.
WALLY: Please. Grayson couldn't catch a cold. He's an *******.
He pulls her shirt open, revealing her bra. His fingers trace down her shoulder.
BARBARA: He's a detective. A damn good one.
WALLY: Then let him find out. Maybe then he'll stop taking you for granted.
He cups her breast. Her breathing becomes harder, more labored.
WALLY: You think he and Kory are doing the exact same thing we'll doing right now? Would that turn you on?
BARBARA: I don't know whether to hate you or fall in love with you.
WALLY: Let me help you make up your mind...
He unbuckles her belt... then stops.
WALLY: I can't do this.
BARBARA: What?
WALLY: You're right. It's not fair to Dick.
BARBARA: Wally, this is no time to be growing a conscience.
WALLY: I can't see you anymore. It hurts too much.
He sniffles a little and then dramatically turns away from her, walking out the door without looking back.
INT. TITAN TOWER CORRIDOR MORNING
Safely outside, Wally allows himself a sly, sneaky smile.
WALLY: It's a very good thing there's nobody around to see my crafty little grin, because I am utterly failing to conceal it.
And indeed, Barbara doesn't see it... but from the shadows, KORY does.
INT. CLOCKTOWER DAY
Barbara broods. CASSANDRA CAIN, Asian, teens, possibly a robot, walks to the fridge and gets a water bottle. Gulps it all down in one go as Barbara watches.
BARBARA: Cass, have you ever been in love with a guy, I mean really in love? But you don't know if he cares about you since so much has changed since you first started seeing each other, you don't even know if he's the man you love anymore. And then this other guy comes along and he's funny and charming and sweet and he's there and he's everything you used to love about the first man, but he's not him. He's... him. And so you have this new guy you can't help but fall in love with and the old one who you still have feelings for and for some damn reason the world won't go back to making sense.
CASS: No. That's never happened to me.
She walks off.
BARBARA: Why do I even bother?
INT. ROCK'S OFFICE DAY
Flash sits across from SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ROCK.
FLASH: Come off it, Rock. Everyone knows that all Zandia wants for Christmas is to be a nuclear power.
ROCK: They weren't trying to steal the bombs, they were trying to set them off.
FLASH: What?
ROCK: The bombs' memory banks show they were primed long before you got underway. That's how they were able to arm them so quickly.
FLASH: No, I was there. Detonating them was their back-up plan, they were going to move them out!
ROCK: Priming the bombs would only make them more dangerous to transport, it makes no sense to do that unless they were going to be set off.
FLASH: That makes no sense, the Society's mercenaries, not suicide bombers. Even if they were, why use two bombs? That's just overki... Son of a *****, we did exactly what they were going to do! We interrupted them before they had a chance to teleport the bombs to their targets!
ROCK: What?
FLASH: Rock, I need to talk to the Brain. Alone.
INT. IRON HEIGHTS PENITENTIARY DAY
Flash and James Jesse walk through the metahuman wing of the prison. Flash carries a duffel bag.
JAMES: Only way Waller signed off on this was letting Brain have his lawyer present, so play nice, alright?
FLASH: I'll be on my best behavior.
JAMES: Are you sick or something? Your face looks a little puffy.
Indeed it does.
FLASH: Probably something I ate. Forget about it.
CAPTAIN COLD: (O.S.) Well, well. Look who's back.
Flash turns. CAPTAIN COLD is locked up in a glass cell.
CAPTAIN COLD: Always remember, Flash m'boy... all that separates us from you is a pane of glass... and someday even that'll be gone.
FLASH: Too bad you won't live to see it, cap'n. Don't drop the soap.
INT. IRON HEIGHTS PENITENTIARY CELL DAY
The BRAIN is stripped of his devices, sitting alone in a pan. Flash and James walk in, running into MARVIN WOLFE, sleazy lawyer extraordinaire.
JAMES: This is Marvin Wolfe, lawyer for Amnesty International.
WOLFE: I'm here to ensure none of my client's rights are violated.
Without hesitation, Flash punches him full-on in the face. The lawyer slams against the wall and slumps to the floor in a heap.
FLASH: Nice to meet you.
JAMES: Was that really necessary?
FLASH: Necessary? No. It was fun. Now don't you have a job to do?
Sourly, James exits. Flash throws the duffel bag onto the table where Brain is lying.
FLASH: Mind if I pick your brain?
From the duffel bag, Flash takes out a laptop, an acupuncture needle, a car battery. On the laptop, he brings up a JPEG of the human brain. He drives the needle like a stake into a carefully chosen section of the Brain.
FLASH: This is a six-inch stainless steel needle. I have just inserted one end into the pain center of your brain. Now, you and I both know that the brain works through tiny electrical impulses running through all the little nooks and crannies.
He holds up the car battery's jumper cables.
FLASH: See where I'm going with this?
BRAIN: You won't torture me. You're a hero. There are rules for heroes.
FLASH: Yeah. That's what the League keeps telling me.
He applies the cables to the needle. The Brain's vocalizer SHRIEKS STATIC in an attempt to capture what the Brain is trying to express in response.
INT. IRON HEIGHTS PENITENTIARY SECOND CELL DAY
MALLAH is chained to the wall. James walks in, carrying a laptop. He sets it down on the floor and opens it. It shows a LIVE FEED of Flash interrogating the Brain.
MALLAH: My beloved! Leave him alone! What do you want to know, you vicious brute!?
INT. IRON HEIGHTS PENITENTIARY CELL DAY
Flash removes the jumper cables.
BRAIN: I'll never talk.
FLASH: You don't have to.
James walks in.
FLASH: And how about a round of applause for my lovely assistant?
JAMES: We got it, Flash. Everything.
BRAIN: You played me!
FLASH: Get over it.
EXT. IRON HEIGHTS PENITENTIARY DAY
Flash and James walk out of the prison.
JAMES: Your hunch paid off. Mallah did care about Brain. As more than a friend, in fact.
FLASH: ...I am suddenly a firm believer in the sanctity of marriage. What were the targets?
JAMES: You're never going to believe this. Jerusalem and Vatican City.
FLASH: That makes no sense. They're not strategic targets, they're not even American. What possible point could be in... aside from the obvious. My God, I've been looking at this all wrong...
JAMES: What?
FLASH: Zandia was never the problem. Brother Blood is the one calling the shots. And with the dearly departed General Zahl as a scapegoat, there are no obstacles to him becoming an official religion here in the good ol' US of A. Jerusalem and the Holy See wiped out in one day. Every major Western religion thrown into turmoil, just like that. And in the ensuing power vacuum, Brother Blood steps up to the plate.
JAMES: That's thin.
FLASH: Practically anorexic.
JAMES: But if you're right.
FLASH: If I'm right...
JAMES: I have to report this to my superiors.
FLASH: You do that.
Next: Saving the world
INT. BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
Close on a cigarette being stubbed out in an ashtray. The FLASH. James Jesse gestures to a speaker phone.
JAMES: You're on with the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs.
FLASH: Think I should start with a joke? Ease the tension?
INT. LEX'S OFFICE METROPOLIS DAY
Lex's office has a spectacular view of the Metropolis skyline (it should, it's the tallest part of it). LEX LUTHOR, bald, suave, commanding, sits behind his glass desk. On his computer, we see a sound file. He's LISTENING IN.
FLASH: (filtered) Last year, approximately thirty-eight bombing attacks were made against the United States, both domestically and aboard. And although in all cases they were carried out by local terror groups, I have come to believe that these domestic terrorists were supplied, financed, and otherwise enabled by Zandian resources
INT. BRIEFING ROOM DAY
On a screen, General Rock speaks.
ROCK: And do you have any proof?
FLASH: My suspisions have been verified by agents working under the NSA, CIA, CBI, and Checkmate. Zandia's dirty as it gets.
On another monitor, we see the President on Air Force One. He wears the Teen Titan circle-T symbol on his lapel.
PRESIDENT: But they've only acted through intermediaries, correct? No different from the Soviets supplying Cuba back in the bad old days... or hell, us helping the South Vietnamese.
FLASH: It goes a bit deeper than that, Mr. President.
PRESIDENT: We're all friends here, Flash... call me Prez.
A few chuckles.
FLASH: I'm sure by now you've been briefed on the attempt to steal two nuclear devices from a decommissioning center in Central City.
PRESIDENT: (re: Teen Titans lapel pin) I don't wear this for nothing.
FLASH: Four of those involved have confessed to receiving intel directly from the Zandian government.
ROCK: And how were these confessions gathered?
FLASH: The usual interrogation. Sensory deprivation, drugged food, sleep interruptions... nothing that would rattle your average inmate.
Damn, he's smooth.
PRESIDENT: Just to be clear... are you implying that Zandia represents a clear and present danger to the United States of America?
FLASH: Yes sir. Absolutely.
PRESIDENT: ...I'll need time to make a decision on this.
The monitors turn off, leaving the Flash in darkness. He puffs on his cigarette contemplatively.
JAMES: You just lied to the President of the United States!
FLASH: I won't tell if you won't.
He gets up.
FLASH: Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some urgent business to attend to.
JAMES: Saving the world again?
FLASH: Something like that.
INT. TITAN TOWER BEAST BOY'S ROOM EVENING
Wally hands a condom to Beast Boy.
WALLY: For when the time comes. I assume you know how to use that and I'm not going to have to bust out the banana?
BEAST BOY: No man, I saw the banana.
WALLY: Good, alright. Beast Boy, open your shirt. Cyborg, you wanna help me with this?
Cyborg walks over as Beast Boy looks anxious.
BEAST BOY: Ummm... what are you doing?
WALLY: Just a little insurance.
Cyborg begins attaching electrodes to Beast Boy's chest, like a wire.
WALLY: I'm just going to give you a teensy electric shock every time you say something that might offend Donna.
BEAST BOY: You really think that's necessary?
WALLY: Always is when you're around a woman who puts the "Yowza!" in your "Trowzaz!" Alright, let's test it.
He presses a small button, not unlike a garage door opener. Beast Boy JOLTS.
WALLY: And once more to be sure.
He BZZTS Beast Boy again.
WALLY: And one last time...
Cyborg grabs the buzzer from Wally.
CYBORG: I think I'll hold onto this.
WALLY: Spoilsport.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM EVENING
Grayson sits at the table, silently and methodically slicing up an apple with a knife. Wally walks by, gets a long-neck from the fridge. Grayson's eyes follow him emotionlessly.
WALLY: Want one?
GRAYSON: No, thanks.
We know that Grayson would like nothing more than to take that knife and stick it in Wally's chest. And we know Wally wouldn't be adverse to smashing that bottle open and jabbing it into Grayson's face. But neither of them will do it.
Will they?
GRAYSON: So, hear you're helping out Beast Boy now.
WALLY: I do what I can.
GRAYSON: Helping him land a girl. That's a bit above and beyond, isn't it?
WALLY: Anything for my boys.
GRAYSON: Cyborg, too. You three are always sneaking off together...
WALLY: You, of all people, are going to accuse me of running a clique?
GRAYSON: What's that supposed to mean?
WALLY: All we ever hear is how you and Donna used to do it in the old days. And Kory, well, she's Xena: Warrior Alien. Some of us remember what it was like to be normal.
GRAYSON: I am normal.
WALLY: Sure you are.
GRAYSON: So, what is it you do on your little trips?
WALLY: Oh, nothing much. Shoot some pool, do a little training. Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about.
GRAYSON: So no reason I shouldn't sit in?
WALLY: Knock yourself out.
INT. TITAN TOWER WALLY'S ROOM EVENING
Wally is browsing through a large REFRIDGERATOR full of flower bouquets.
WALLY: First date, first date, first date... ah, here we are!
He hands Beast Boy a tastefully understated bouquet.
WALLY: That'll have her... you know what, give me a minute and I'll think up a non-sexual euphemism for how much she'll like it.
BEAST BOY: You don't think it's a little... small?
WALLY: No, no, it's understated. You don't want to come off as desperate.
BEAST BOY: I don't think I can do this. Maybe we can call her and tell her I'm sick...
WALLY: Gar, a great man once did something for me that I'm going to do for you.
He pulls out a PISTOL from the icebox on the fridge.
WALLY: Thirty, twenty-nine, twenty-eight...
BEAST BOY: Wally, what are you doing?
WALLY: Twenty-seven, twenty-six... START COURTING!... twenty-five, twenty-four...
He aims at Beast Boy, who runs out of the room.
WALLY: Is there any problem that can't be solved by the threat of gunplay? I think not.
INT. RESTAURANT EVENING
Gar wears a purple tuxedo, Donna wears a black cocktail dress with a starscape pattern, sips a gin and tonic. The restaurant is rather high-end and Gar looks incredibly out of place. He holds a menu over his face, licks his hand and tries to slick back his wild hair.
WAITER: Are you ready to order?
Beast Boy looks at the menu. All in French.
BEAST BOY: I'll have what she's having.
DONNA: I'll have a swordfish meatloaf with onion marmalade and he'll have a rare-roasted partridge breast in raspberry coulis with a sorrel timbale... Oh, I'm sorry, is that kosher?
BEAST BOY: ...I have no idea.
INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN EVENING
Grayson, Wally, and Cyborg are cramped together in the back of the van. It's covered in surveillance equipment; they all wear headphones. A single microphone is keyed into the console. Grayson speaks into it.
GRAYSON: Compliment her hair.
WALLY: Give me that! Her eyes, Gar, compliment the eyes.
GRAYSON: The eyes are a cliche, every woman hears that one. Long hair is one of the hallmark differences between femininity and masculinity.
INT. RESTAURANT EVENING
BEAST BOY: Uhhh... your hair is very... long.
DONNA: Why, thank you... I think.
The Waiter brings them salad as an appetizer.
BEAST BOY: Oh! My! What a lovely salad!
GRAYSON: (filtered) Third fork on your left.
Beast Boy picks it up, digs in.
CYBORG: (filtered) Small bites, and for God's sake don't chew with your mouth open.
DONNA: So, how you feel about the team? Any good gossip I haven't caught up on?
BEAST BOY: Not really. Everything seems to be on the surface, out in the open.
CYBORG: (filtered) You tell her, old buddy.
DONNA: Little worried about Raven, thought. She's so anti-social.
BEAST BOY: I know! I can't believe she doesn't have a boyfriend.
BZZZT! Beast Boy does a minor spasm as he's shocked.
FLASH: (filtered) Beast Boy, that is girl-code for "I would bang her first chance I get."
DONNA: Are you alright?
BEAST BOY: I'm fine... just stretching. Had a kink in my back.
DONNA: I can't believe we never did this before...
INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN EVENING
Wally holds up the microphone.
WALLY: Tell her... tell her that you were afraid you couldn't trust yourself around her. Tell her that she's so independent, that's what drew you to her, but you were afraid you'd try to dominate her and that's the last thing you want to do. You want to meet her on her own terms, not some arbitary social one.
GRAYSON: Oh, you are really loving this, aren't you?
WALLY: Yeah, I do enjoy helping out a friend.
GRAYSON: Not that. Married man gets to prove he's still got it. You're living vicariously through Gar!
At superspeed, Wally picks up a dictionary and looks up "vicarious." Puts it down and returns to his old position.
FLASH: I am not living vicariously through Beast Boy! (beat) I don't HAVE to.
INT. RESTAURANT EVENING
Huge white porcelain plates descend on very pale pink linen table cloths. Each of the entrees is a rectangle about four inches square and look exactly alike. Beast Boy looks at the haute cuisine. It looks Lovecraftian.
DONNA: Not very appetizing, is it?
BEAST BOY: But when I'm with you, I feel like I don't need food. I feel as if I could dine on your radiance.
WALLY: (filtered) Dial it down a little.
INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN EVENING
GRAYSON: So, this is pretty much it?
WALLY: Well, last night we deleted the records of black voters in Florida, so... that was pretty exciting.
CYBORG: Not cool, dude.
WALLY: What?
CYBORG: Don't even joke about that.
WALLY: Oh, how can you still play the race card? You're more Black & Decker than black.
CYBORG: Why are you giving me a hard time for that?
WALLY: Oh, you're black? I didn't notice!
He makes a big show of side-stepping to Cyborg's left side to see the human part of his face.
WALLY: Oh, now I see it!
CYBORG: Kiss my shiny metal ass!
WALLY: Of course I make fun of you for being black. Just like I make fun of Kory for being an alien, Raven for being a goth, Donna for being an Amazon, and Gar for being... whatever. Oh, and Dick for being Batman's secret lover...
GRAYSON: I am NOT Batman's secret lover.
WALLY: So you've finally decided to come out of the closet? Good for you! Remember: You're here, you're queer, now it's time for the world to get used to it. (back to Cyborg) Why should you be any different? Who am I? Why are we gathered here together to get through this thing called
life?
INT. RESTAURANT EVENING
WALLY: (filtered) Alright, now tell her...
BARBARA: (filtered) Dr. Light is attacking!
BEAST BOY: Dr. Light is attacking!
DONNA: What?
BEAST BOY: When I'm with you... it feels like Dr. Light is attacking... my heart!
DONNA: That's so sweet... in a nonsensical sort of way.
INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN EVENING
WALLY: What was that?
GRAYSON: Barbara, get off the line!
BARBARA: (filtered) You're on my line!
WALLY: No, you're on our line!
BARBARA: (filtered) Dinah, watch out!
INT. RESTAURANT EVENING
BEAST BOY: Dinah, watch out!
DONNA: Watch out for what?
BEAST BOY: ...breaking my heart.
DONNA: And why'd you call me Dinah?
INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN EVENING
GRAYSON: Barbara, we are in the middle of a sensitive mission. Switch to another frequency!
BARBARA: (filtered) This is my frequency! What are you doing?
STEPH: (filtered) Uh, Oracle, who are you talking to?
ROBIN: (filtered) Oracle, I need that bio on Killer Croc before I, you know, DIE.
INT. RESTAURANT EVENING
BEAST BOY: Killer Croc's skin has hardened to the point where it is invulnerable to most forms of abrasion.
DONNA: What does that even mean?
BEAST BOY: I'm not like Killer Croc. My skin is soft and vulnerable. I'm afraid you'll hurt me!
DONNA: You don't have anything to be afraid of.
INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN EVENING
BARBARA: (filtered) What are you guys talking about? What's going on here? Hello?
Wally and Grayson struggle over the microphone.
WALLY: Listen! Tell her... that I don't know if this is love, but when I'm with you I hope this is how love feels like, because if it's not, love would be a disappointment.
Grayson wrestles the microphone away from him.
GRAYSON: And I know we've had our fights, but letting that get in the way of what we have would be the biggest mistake in my life. I care about you, a lot, even though I don't know how to show it sometimes.
INT. RESTAURANT EVENING
Beast Boy looks down, avoiding Donna's eyes.
BEAST BOY: I feel like I'm remembering something important when I'm with you, something that I forgot... but I don't want to forget it again. You make me feel so much, but I'm not afraid of it. And I wish I could be everything you deserve and I know that I never will, but I want to try anyway. I want to give it my best shot.
INT. CLOCKTOWER EVENING
Barbara stares at the computer, crying.
VOICE: (filtered) And that's how I've felt all along. I wish I could look into your eyes and tell you this, but I'm not that brave. Even with your strength behind me, I'm not that brave, because I'm afraid what I would find there wouldn't be your love... and that would destroy me.
INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN EVENING
Wally, Grayson, and Cyborg look at each other, stunned. Wally picks up the fallen microphone.
WALLY: At least... that's what it seems like to me.
INT. RESTAURANT EVENING
Immediately, Beast Boy takes a drink.
DONNA: Your erudition amazes me.
BEAST BOY: Really? You can see it through my clothes?
DONNA: If I asked you to turn into a horse and have sex with me, would you do it?
Beast Boy does a spit-take.
DONNA: I'm intimdating you, aren't I?
BEAST BOY: Little bit, yeah.
DONNA: Hardly surprising, me looking the way I do. It'd be kinda like a film student talking to Federico Fellini.
BEAST BOY: Or an art student talking to Vincent Van Gogh.
DONNA: Which is exactly what I've been trying to tell everyone. There's all this bull**** on the outside and no one... no one cares anymore what's on the inside.
BEAST BOY: So what is on the inside?
DONNA: It's a secret.
INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN EVENING
WALLY: By Jove, I think he's got it.
He takes off his headphones.
WALLY: Well, my work here is done.
CYBORG: But you didn't do anything!
WALLY: Didn't I, Vic? Didn't I?
He walks off into the sunset
EXT. CENTRAL CITY EVENING
Beast Boy walks Donna home.
BEAST BOY: (would-be suave) So, should I buy a toothbrush?
DONNA: Actually... you really should.
She lays one on him. At first surprised, Gar then holds her there and kisses her in return.
INT. TITAN TOWER DONNA'S ROOM EVENING
Beast Boy and Donna walk in.
BEAST BOY: So... nice place you've got here.
Donna stares at him, a little scary.
BEAST BOY: Whaddaya wanna go?
Donna tugs at his pants. Awkwardly, he starts to help her. She tilts him backward onto the bed. They kiss feverishly, her
hand pulling off her shoes, then her pants. They begin to make love. About fifteen seconds later, Gar climaxes. They are both quiet for a moment, as if unsure what to do next. He is embarrassed, a little confused...
DONNA: This was your first time, wasn't it?
BEAST BOY: No... not if you believe in reincarnation.
DONNA: Probably not what you imagined, huh? No scented candles, no soft jazz...
BEAST BOY: Actually, I never thought about it much.
Donna laughs.
DONNA: Yeah, right.
BEAST BOY: No, really. I just never gave it much thought.
DONNA: Just so you know, I'm up here.
BEAST BOY: Sorry, it's just I've never had a chance to examine them... up-close before.
DONNA: That's a nipple, in case you were wondering.
BEAST BOY: Can you just...
Gar doesn't know how to say this without sounding stupid, but somwhow she understands what he's asking of her... and she embraces him. For quite some time he lies there in her arms... and she runs her fingers through his hair... and for a moment it appears as if he is about to cry.
INT. TITAN TOWER BARRACKS THE NEXT MORNING
Wally walks out of the showers, towel around his waist. He sees Gar and Donna, dressed in the same clothes as yesterday and with just-rolled-out-of-bed hair, standing in Donna's doorway.
WALLY: Wait a minute... did you two have sex?
DONNA: No
BEAST BOY: (simultaneously) Yes.
They look at each other.
DONNA: Yes.
BEAST BOY: (simultaneously) No.
WALLY: Riiiiiiight... Gar, walk with me. Don't worry, Donna, I'll bring him right back. Just need to talk with him, man-to-man.
DONNA: Sure.
Wally puts an arm around Beast Boy's shoulders, leading him away from Donna. As soon as they're out of eyeshot...
WALLY: (gives a noogie) Alright, man! I knew you had it in you!
BEAST BOY: Hey, cut it out!
WALLY: High five! Down low!
Beast Boy goes for it. Wally moves his hand out of the way at super-speed.
WALLY: Too slow! You used the condom, right?
BEAST BOY: Yeah, I used the condom.
WALLY: Good, good... you know why I want to talk with you, right?
BEAST BOY: Not really, no.
WALLY: Just want to make sure you know where your loyalties lie.
BEAST BOY: Loyalties?
WALLY: Who's been looking out for you, Gar?
BEAST BOY: You have.
WALLY: Who's been teaching you everything you know?
BEAST BOY: You have.
WALLY: And who set you up with Donna?
BEAST BOY: You did.
WALLY: That's right. But Donna... well, she's squarely in Nightwing's camp.
BEAST BOY: Hold on, you don't know anything about her...
WALLY: I know enough. I just need to know that, when push comes to shove, you're not going to let a woman come between us. Bros before hos, right?
BEAST BOY: ...right, yeah, sure, whatever.
WALLY: (smiles) Alright.
Wally takes another condom out of his wallet, hands it to Beast Boy.
WALLY: Now get back in there and give her one for me.
Beast Boy runs off as Cyborg bumps into Wally
CYBORG: Hey, what's going on?
WALLY: Donna and Gar just got done not having sex. Schrodinger's screw.
Next: Undercover
INT. TITAN TOWER KITCHEN MORNING
Normal morning. KORY runs in.
KORY: Good news, everyone! I have crabs!
ALL: (assorted WTF noises)
She holds up some nasty-looking alien "crabs."
KORY: I'll bake them immediately.
In the foreground, Donna and Dick have a sotto voce discussion.
DONNA: Do we have to let her cook?
GRAYSON: Seven Titans, seven days. We each have a turn to cook. It's not Kory's fault she... relishes it.
DONNA: Gar's a better cook.
BEAST BOY: Hey!
Back to Kory. Wally fixes eggs next to her.
WALLY: So, you're getting better at using contractions.
KORY: Yes. Watching TV helps me a lot. I can learn a lot of really useful things.
WALLY: Really? What do you watch?
KORY: Oh, I love Sex And The City.
Wally laughs.
KORY: What? That show has taught me a lot of really good things, not just about the language, but the culture as well... Sex And The City is my guide.
WALLY: Oh, no, don't do that! That's only a small slice of what America's like!
Kory realizes...
KORY: Oh, I'm not talking about the dirty stuff. You know Carrie is a writer, right? Well, she uses a lot of colloquialisms, things like that. So I hear things I'm not familiar with, then I look them up and I learn something new.
WALLY: Oh. Alright then.
KORY: And the dirty stuff is good too. You never know when you might need it.
EXT. STREET MORNING
James Jesse steps into a Photomat Booth.
INT. PHOTOMAT BOOTH MORNING
Flash is waiting for him.
FLASH: About time you got here. I think a hobo peed in this thing, it smells like asparagus.
JAMES: I've been authorized by my superiors to brief you on the situation. In a secret meeting of Congress, the President has asked for and received a declaration of war against Zandia. The first strike will occur in two weeks, when the results of the bombing investigation implicating Zandia are released.
FLASH: You wouldn't be telling me this if there wasn't something I could do to help.
JAMES: We know from experience the Justice League won't be any help. But the Teen Titans... if they were to participate in strikes against hardened targets, knocking out communications centers, bunkers, command centers... Without the support, the Pentagon estimates that twenty thousand American soldiers won't make it out of there alive.
FLASH: You want an army, you'll get one.
JAMES: And "Nightwing" won't be a problem?
FLASH: I can handle him. But I'm going to need a few things. Booze, loose women... everything a growing boy needs.
JAMES: For your friends?
FLASH: I'm sure you've done far worse than assisting the delinquency of minors in the service of this country.
JAMES: And you're sure you can pull this off in two weeks?
FLASH: I am the Fastest Man Alive.
JAMES: ...Flash, you have a greenlight on any and all means necessary to recruit your team. Price is no object, get it done.
FLASH: I was hoping you were going to say that.
INT. LINDA'S HOUSE DAY
Wally sits in front of a roaring fire. Writing on a piece of notebook paper.
WALLY: (singing) Way way back in the 1980s
secret government employees
dug up famous guys and ladies
and made amusing genetic copies
now the clones are sexy teens now
they're gonna make it if they try
loving, learning, sharing, judging
A time to laugh and shiver and
Cry
Wally is writing a list. It includes "Beast Boy need for affirmation" and "Cyborg wants to feel normal." He comes to Nightwing. Pauses.
WALLY: This could be a problem.
He folds the list up and puts it in his pocket.
EXT. TITAN TOWER DAY
Wally and Grayson jog around the island, Wally not even breaking a sweat in his suit, Grayson in more traditional jogging clothes.
WALLY: Plus, his name is BLOOD. How many good guys do you know who are named Blood?
GRAYSON: Jason Blood.
WALLY: Never heard of him.
GRAYSON: Before your time.
WALLY: Before my time? I'm two years older than you! C'mon, you can't tell me this Brother Blood is completely kosher.
GRAYSON: Rumor does have it that his sister was raped little under twenty years ago.
WALLY: And what incredibly disturbing thing did he do to the rapist?
GRAYSON: Nothing. But his sister he burned alive for being an adultress.
Wally grabs Grayson's arm, pulling him to a stop.
WALLY: Dick, Brother Blood ordered the the SADM theft.
GRAYSON: You're sure?
WALLY: Positive.
GRAYSON: Where'd you get this information? The Brain?
WALLY: Must've slipped his mind.
GRAYSON: (realizing) You tortured him for that information!
WALLY: Is this the part where I'm supposed to act all apologetic and heavy-hearted? Because I can do that. I was da bomb in my school play, brought my mom to tears.
GRAYSON: How are we any better than them?
WALLY: Someone has a gun to Barbara's head. Bullet in the brainpan, squish. You kill him before he can pull the trigger. Who's in the right? You are. Even though you killed someone and he didn't.
GRAYSON: It's not the same thing.
WALLY: It's exactly the same thing! He was going to nuke the city. Millions would die, millions more would suffer from radiation poisoning much worse than what I did to him. Intimidation wouldn't work, he's a brain in a jar, what can I threaten him with? Torture was the only way.
GRAYSON: How can you even be sure it's accurate?
WALLY: If you were being interrogated and Barbaras life were on the line, would you lie?
GRAYSON: Yes.
WALLY: I wouldnt.
GRAYSON: (disgruntled) Battle of Keystone City, West. You're still fighting it. You never stopped.
WALLY: Neither did they.
EXT. TV STUDIO DAY
Linda walks out of the studio. Wally drops in next to her.
WALLY: Linda.
LINDA: AAH! You startled me!
WALLY: Sorry. You used to be an investigative reporter, right?
LINDA: Yeah.
WALLY: Wanna recapture your glory days?
LINDA: I'm listening.
WALLY: I need your help on an undercover assignment.
LINDA: Not tonight dear, I have a headache.
Wally does a brief take.
WALLY: That wasn't an euphemism.
LINDA: Oh! Geez. I thought you wanted an Anchorman. C'mon, you can tell me about it in the car.
WALLY: Wait a minute, what's an Anchorman? Linda?
INT. BROTHERHOOD YOUTH CLINIC DAY
Wally and Linda, dressed as bland suburbanites (polo shirt, slacks, penny loafers), sit in the reception area. It's a cheerless world of polished gray concrete and brushed stainless steel accents. Ultramodern. Bland as hell. But great feng shui. Nearby is a large display with Blood's grinning face. Beneath it, text reads:
SEBASTIAN J.T. BLOOD, M.D.
PRESIDENT, BLOOD INSTITUTE FOR UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD
LINDA: It's just a harmless college thing. I was a kid. Doesn't mean anything.
WALLY: I'd still like to know. Just for my peace of mind.
LINDA: It's really not important. Seriously, you'll laugh.
WALLY: Well, go for it. I could use a good laugh.
LINDA: You really want to know?
WALLY: I really want to know.
She whispers something in his ear. Wally crosses his legs.
WALLY: Right. Let's just... not get into that... ever.
BROTHER MATTHEWS, a slick yuppie type, approaches them. He might be a high-priced attorney or an ad exec aside from the coloring of his suit, which deliberately mirrors the cut of the kurtas the hardcore Zandian believers wear.
MATTHEWS: Hello, Mr. and Mrs. West.
WALLY: Hello.
LINDA: Hi there.
Wally affects a slight Midwestern accent. Deliberately playing himself as a "mark." Linda follows suit, her voice bubbly, a little over-the-top.
WALLY: We got one of those fliers on our cars, you know, thought we'd come here, give things a look.
MATTHEWS: You should be complimented on your open-mindedness.
LINDA: Well, this church of ours is amazing! So clean...
MATTHEW: Oh, Brotherism isn't a religion. We're more of a self-help group... or better yet, a room service team. We check around your body and your soul for things you don't want, silly little things you don't need anymore, and we help you rid yourself of them. You feel... so much better. The air is cleaner, you can breathe freely for the first time in so long...
WALLY: Well, you don't have to sell us on this, we were told this was for unruly kids?
MATTHEWS: Yes. The modern world today is filled with countless challenges. In every direction we look, toxic stressors are impacting upon our happiness. We think we're healthy, but the truth is, our immune systems are engaged in a life or death struggle to maintain our well being. And children especially are being affected, that's why we have centers like this for our younger patients. Although you seem a little young to have children.
WALLY: They're not ours, they're my older brother's. He and his wife were coming home from a party... they'd had a few drinks... the roads were slick...
MATTHEWS: Oh, I'm so sorry... a car accident...
WALLY: No, cancer.
MATTHEWS: Ah.
He turns on his heel and walks, leading them deeper into the complex. Video monitors are everywhere, all playing the same Brotherhood PROMOTIONAL VIDEO. It's a slick, polished presentation with lots of fancy video effects, trendy cinematography, punchy MTV editing. The ACTORS are a Politically Correct ethnic balance, and all look happy. Wealthy. Perfect. We catch Racine doing a cameo. Our NARRATOR VOICE is warm and fatherly: Hal Holbrook, John Mahoney...
NARRATOR: (on monitors) Clearly, no greater man has ever lived than Brother Blood. Even beyond single-handedly reviving Brotherism, Brother Sebastian Blood M.D. has by his own account led a most extraordinary life. It is common for people to assume that Blood is a pathological liar or some manner of megalomaniac when they learn his life story, because it certainly does sound incredible. But we have carefully researched our founder's biography and secured all the documentation to prove their claims. Keep in mind, Brother Blood has made powerful enemies who would stop at nothing to discredit him.
Wally looks to the left. Through one partially open door we see what might be a line of BODYBAGS being trundled into the back of a truck via a hook and chain pulley-system.
NARRATOR: (on monitors) Brother Blood was born approximately one hundred years ago in the tiny island republic of Zandia. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Keystone City. Blood, or as he was then known, Sebastian Wallace, was riding broncos by the age of 3, soon breaking them, and at 6, he had learned the ways of the medicine man from local tribe of Julone Indians. In kindergarten, little Sebastian defended his classmates from bullies twice his age by using a form of judo that came to him in his dreams.
A swarm of jogging TEENAGERS run by. They move in perfect unison, like robots. None of them even glance at the trio. Wally is perturbed.
NARRATOR: (on monitors) Sebastian volunteered for the Naval Reserves in 1941, where he distinguished himself with a brilliant military career. In August 1942, Lt. Sebastian was assigned to the YP-422, a patrol boat at the Boston Navy Yard. After a single training exercise, the Navy decided that Sebastian's talents were being wasted on such an insignificant task. He took charge of a submarine chaser, the PC-815. As luck would have it, on the very first day of its maiden voyage, Sebastian's subchaser encountered sonar contacts off the Oregon coast. He spent the next several hours hunting two submarines, dropping depth charges and shooting at surface debris with deck guns. The next day, four other ships and two Navy blimps were brought in to aid in the hunt. Evidently Sebastian's quick thinking ruled the day, because no trace of the submarines could be found. No doubt, they were both lying wrecked on the ocean floor. It was Sebastian's bad luck that the battle took place directly over a known magnetic deposit, which made it impossible for instruments to distinguish between the wreckage and the minerals in the seabed. Which is of course precisely what made it the ideal spot for enemy subs to hide.
Wally catches a glimpse of a man washing down what looks like an abattoir with a hose. The run-off drains away.
WALLY: What's with all the... meat?
MATTHEWS: Blood is life, Mr. West. It has to be prepared fresh for best results.
WALLY: Oh, of course.
Matthews continues on. Wally whispers to Linda:
WALLY: Distract him.
LINDA: How?
WALLY: Maybe you could give him an Anchorman.
Linda frowns at this and hurries to catch up with Matthews.
LINDA: Brother Matthews, I was wondering if I could get one of those readings...
MATTHEWS: A psi-meter? It would be my pleasure...
Wally slips into an abattoir.
INT. ABATTOIR DAY
Spotless. Wally looks into the gutter. Dim LIGHTS down the pipeline from other roobs. Wally takes some change out of his pocket, throws it down the way. A resounding PLINK.
Wally pulls at the grate covering the gutter.
INT. GUTTER DAY
Wally crawls through the gutter.
WALLY: Now I know what a TV dinner feels like.
He sees something GLEAMING in the darkness. He picks it up from the offal. A GOLD RING.
WALLY: What the hell?
He wipes it off and puts it in his pocket, then continues on. Not seeing the SEVERED FINGER that the ring slipped off of.
INT. BROTHERHOOD YOUTH CLINIC LOBBY DAY
Linda fills out a Scantron questionaire.
LINDA: "Are you a slow eater?"
MATTHEWS: It's a very telling question, isn't it? Say, where'd hubby get off to?
LINDA: He said he had to use the bathroom.
INT. BATHROOM DAY
Wally washes the last of the blood from the gutters off in the sink. He puts his wet shirt back on, then spins around at superspeed, drying himself. Dizzy, he steps out of the bathroom.
INT. BROTHERHOOD YOUTH CLINIC DAY
Suddenly, a HAND grabs Wally, pulling him into the shadows. He struggles, the hand clamping over his mouth, as two CULTISTS IN BLACK KURTAS walk by. Wally calms down, watching them pass. The hand releases him. NIGHTWING.
NIGHTWING: What are you doing here?
WALLY: I was about to ask you the same question.
NIGHTWING: I thought I'd check out this Brother Blood for myself. What are you doing here?
WALLY: Gathering evidence.
NIGHTWING: First rule of finding incriminating evidence... look for the locked door.
He draws a lockpick from his glove and goes to work on one. It swings open. Nothing but a utility closet. They move on.
NIGHTWING: So you tell me, hot stuff, what are we looking for?
WALLY: Anything that implicates Brother Blood.
NIGHTWING: What EXACTLY are we looking for?
WALLY: I have no idea.
Nightwing opens another door. No joy.
NIGHTWING: Then we're wasting our time. If these people want to believe in some weird feel-good scam, that's their business.
WALLY: Doesn't it offend you that these people, people just looking for some answers to the big questions, are getting swindled and brainwashed? Or maybe you're just offended that there are no answers.
NIGHTWING: You enjoy playing devil's advocate far too much.
WALLY: At least I'm only playing. (beat) You know what really hurts? Something twisted like this thrives while the real religions are in trouble.
NIGHTWING: You religious, West?
WALLY: Reckon so. I don't go all the time, but I believe. You?
Nightwing opens another door. It just leads to a brick wall.
NIGHTWING: My parents' brains were blown out of their heads right in front of me. I was eleven years old. Next time I go into a church, I'll be carried by six of my closest friends.
WALLY: I won't be one of them, if that's what you're worried about. (beat) Everyone has to believe in something.
NIGHTWING: I believe in myself.
WALLY: Thank you, Dr. Phil.
Nightwing opens yet another door. We don't see inside, but he does.
NIGHTWING: Think I got something here...
INT. BROTHERHOOD YOUTH CLINIC LOBBY DAY
Matthews is taking a phone call.
MATTHEWS: Yes? Uh-huh. I understand...
Linda clutches the pencil tightly, ready to use it as a weapon. Matthews hangs up.
MATTHEWS: Good news. Brother Blood himself is on his way here. You may get to meet him.
LINDA: That's be... great.
INT. STOREROOM DAY
Wally and Nightwing enter. An arsenal of weapons and... bunting? Yes, bunting. And "Vote For Hitchcock" signs and T-shirts and flags, everything from a diddle-eyed joe to a damned if I know.
WALLY: I think we've hit paydirt.
NIGHTWING: This? This right here? This is the exact moment we are in over our heads.
Wally is sorting through the bunting.
WALLY: "Re-elect Hitchcock To Congress." "Support Barrymore." "Vote Andrews." Campaign posters for the upcoming elections. Everything we need to prove that several incumbent congressmen and senators work for Blood.
NIGHTWING: So what do we do with this? Expose them?
WALLY: This country still allows freedom of religion. No, we need to take this to the media. Let someone else work it through the proper channels, this political ****'s way out of our league.
A loud SCREAM gains both their attention.
NIGHTWING: That, on the other hand...
WALLY: Is right in our ballpark.
INT. BROTHERHOOD YOUTH CLINIC DAY
Backs to the wall, our twosome approaches a corner. Nightwing holds out a small mirror, looking around it. We don't see what they see, but whatever it is has them aghast. The screams continue.
WALLY: Son of a *****...
He tries to step forward when Nightwing shoves him back.
NIGHTWING: We can't blow our cover. If they know we're on to them, we'll never get this chance again!
WALLY: How can you just stand there and let that happen?
NIGHTWING: Discipline.
Wally looks at him like he's grown a second head. Before they can discuss it further, we hear approaching footsteps. Nightwing blends into the shadows as Wally steps forward to confront them.
WALLY: This isn't the bathroom! Man, now I feel really bad about taking a piss...
CULTIST: Who were you talking to?
Wally holds his arm as if it's wrapped around the shoulders of a man who isn't there.
WALLY: You mean you don't see my friend Harvey here?
They drag him away.
EXT. BROTHERHOOD YOUTH CLINIC DAY
Wally and Linda are dragged out in front of BROTHER BLOOD, who arrives via limo. For the first time, he and Wally stare down.
BROTHER BLOOD: Mr. West. And the illustrious Mrs. Park. Expanding your horizons?
WALLY: If you're going to kill us, do it. I don't have time for the doublespeak back-and-forth.
BROTHER BLOOD: Yes, I brought you out here in broad daylight with hundreds of witnesses so I could kill you. Wise up. You're not Fox Mulder, I'm not Jim Jones, and this is not the ultimate showdown of ultimate destiny.
LINDA: Could've fooled me.
Blood smiles.
BROTHER BLOOD: Mrs. Park, may I suggest you keep a tighter leash on your husband? No telling what he's getting in...
Blood suddenly shudders, holding his hand to his head.
BROTHER BLOOD: Oh my! A vision! A divine revelation.
WALLY: Oh please.
BROTHER BLOOD: Mrs. Park, I'm afraid if you do not change your wicked ways, destruction will rain down on you like sinners in the hands of an angry god.
WALLY: Is that a threat?
BROTHER BLOOD: When I threaten you, you'll know it.
WALLY: Was THAT a threat?
Brother Blood looks directly at the FLASH RING on Wally's hand.
BROTHER BLOOD: You think you know who you are? You have no idea.
Next: Accusation
INT. TV STUDIO BACK STAGE MORNING
The Titans are a little shell-shocked at the accusations they're about to make. Nightwing attends to Wonder Girl.
NIGHTWING: Alright, run it by me one more time.
WONDER GIRL: It's the special elections being held in three states next month. These people work for Blood and he's trying to get them re-elected. Blood runs Zandia and Zandia needs arms. These three are on the arms committee and they're setting up a treaty with Zandia to sell Blood the weapons he needs. If Blood gets those weapons, there will be a war. Thousands will die.
NIGHTWING: Perfect.
Flash lights a match on Beast Boy's cheek, uses it to ignite his cigarette.
FLASH: You're sure your gal pal can handle this?
BEAST BOY: If you're so worried, why don't you make the case?
FLASH: Public's starting to distrust me. Has to come from a neutral source.
BEAST BOY: Wait, distrust you? Since when?
FLASH: Since Racine. ****er's a real cockroach.
Linda pokes her head in.
LINDA: Five minutes to curtain. You'd better get out there.
WONDER GIRL: Wish me luck.
Beast Boy kisses her.
BEAST BOY: Good luck.
INT. TV STUDIO SET MORNING
Our old friend Bethany Snow is there, along with JOHN ANDREWS (fifties, charismatic, silver hair) and STU CUMMINGS (late forties, solid build, shaved head). Wonder Girl sits on the couch.
SNOW: Today's guests are Congressional candidate John Andrews and Senatorial candidate Stu "Silverfeet" Cummings. Also in our studios today are the world-famous superheroes known as the Teen Titans. We will also have a remote interview with the controversial religious figure Brother Blood of the Church of Zandia. Our subject is the possible arms shipment to Zandia. Wonder Girl has been elected by the Teen Titans to present their views. Wonder Girl?
WONDER GIRL; Thank you, Bethany. Zandia is a military dictatorship peopled by mercenaries, criminals, and terrorists. To give that country American weapons would be a travesty of international justice.
SNOW: Heavy accusations, Wonder Girl. Mr. Cummings?
CUMMINGS: Bethany, I don't believe there's ever been any proof of what that girl's been saying.
SNOW: Thank you, Mr. Cummings. Now let go on a satellite remote to Zandia, where we will interview their religious leader, Brother Blood. Brother Blood, what do you feel when you hear these accusations?
Brother Blood appears on the monitor.
BROTHER BLOOD: My life, my honors, and my aspirations are all centered on the concept of Good Life. I believe in the greater good and the greater glory that is in all of you.
INT. TV STUDIO BACK STAGE MORNING
The other Titans watch the show on a monitor.
FLASH: (sotto, to Nightwing) Why do I get the feeling this is a set-up?
INT. TV STUDIO SET MORNING
SNOW: Brother Blood, why are you interested in negotiating an arms deal with America?
BROTHER BLOOD: Arms deal? I am a religious man with no need for weapons. No, it was General Zahl who sought these weapons for his own use!
Gasp! Shock! Horror! Watermelon watermleon!
BROTHER BLOOD: Bethany, it saddens me how Zandia has come under the control of a dictatorial megalomaniac.
INT. TV STUDIO BACK STAGE MORNING
CYBORG: Bull****! Blood controls the president!
INT. TV STUDIO SET MORNING
BROTHER BLOOD: I call all of who believe in peace. Join the Brotherhood! Fight the tyrant who rules Zandia with an iron fist! I am speaking to you and you and you! All of you who can make a difference in my land. If your lives are worthless at home, join my crusade. Speak your humble voice in my behalf. No man or woman is useless when joined in cause.
His words manipulate the audience, control them. He weaves a spell they can't ignore.
ANDREWS: I agree with Blood.
CUMMINGS: I'd say we all do. It's unanimous, Bethany.
SNOW: Or is it? Titans?
WONDER GIRL: We've been to Brother Blood's temples. We've seen how he uses children, turns them against their parents.
CUMMINGS: My son joined Blood's temple as a wild, reckless kid. He returned a good man and a better citizen.
BROTHER BLOOD: I can defend the ways of my church. The youth who enter it return to society better people. I preach a return to standards, not their obfuscation. Come to me confused, I show them the way. Come to me a loser and I show you how to win. Come to me wretched and I will make you proud.
WONDER GIRL: You can't explain away the attempted nuclear terrorism by the Socety of Sin, an attack sponsored and paid for by the Church of Brother Blood! An attack made possible because of Brotherhood double agents within the Pentagon!
SNOW: Wonder Girl, those accusations veer sharply into the realm of slander!
CUMMINGS: Bethany's right. Brother Blood may not represent my religion or yours... but he's not the threat here.
SNOW: And so the questions continue. Is Brother Blood a religious or a political figure. Does he stand as Zandia's last hope for democracy or as a new hope for mankind. Interesting questions to ponder. This is Bethany Snow, saying until next week... think for yourself!
EXT. TV STUDIO MORNING
The Titans regroup outside.
FLASH: Great going, Hollaback Girl. I was going to j'accuse him at the right time, now you've spoiled the whole thing!
WONDER GIRL: I'm sorry, alright!? And I think the issue here isn't when it was said, it's who said it.
FLASH: What's that supposed to mean?
WONDER GIRL: You wanted to be the one who brought Brother Blood down. You want all the glory for yourself.
FLASH: People like you are the reason women don't call themselves feminists anymore.
BEAST BOY: Hey man, lay off her!
FLASH: Goddamnit, we had him! Am I the only one who gets that? And now he's foisted it off on General Zahl.
EXT. PRESIDENTIAL PALACE NIGHT
SUPER: Zandia
An opulent palace in the middle of a vast garden. Most of the light is underwater, coming from pools and fountains. It gives the scene an eerie vibe.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL PALACE BEDROOM NIGHT
GENERAL ZAHL, just your average political puppet, smokes a cigar in bed, his free hand holding a rotary phone made out of pearl.
GENERAL ZAHL: I don't care! Brother Blood has no right to make me a scapegoat. He's just a figurehead, a symbol to rally around, a con man with delusions of grandeur!
EXT. PRESIDENTIAL PALACE NIGHT
A GUARD approaches one of his friends.
GUARD: Got a light?
He grabs the man's shoulder. The man slumps over, a SHURIKEN neatly bisecting his eye. The Guard is about to scream when another lodges itself in his throat, turning his words into a bloody gurgle. Before his disbelieving eyes, five more ninja stars appear in his chest. He falls over, dead.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL PALACE NIGHT
A guard's flashlight finds a SPLATTER OF BLOOD on the wall. He looks down to see one of his comrades lying facedown on the floor. He quickly runs to the other guard and turns him over, revealing a clean bullethole right between his eyes and THE GRENADE HE WAS LYING ON, the spoon of which his body was holding down.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL PALACE BEDROOM NIGHT
General Zahl turns at the sound of the distant explosion.
GENERAL ZAHL: What was that?
DEATHSTROKE: (O.S.) A little party favor.
General Zahl rolls out of bed as DEATHSTROKE melts out of the shadows. Dark blue armor. Mask with one eyehole and one side painted orange. Bandanna tassels flaring behind his head. Orange gloves, boots, and climbing harness. Bandoliers of ammo criss-cross his chest, a sword is strapped to his back, and guns are slung at his hips. One look at the way he carries himself is enough to ascertain he is a naplam-laying badass.
Zahl grabs a gun from his bureau and opens fire. In a flash, Deathstroke draws a CHINESE JIAN from a scabbard on his back. The hilt has a guard with short wings pointing forward. A tassel with metal wires worked into it hangs from the pommel. The jian smoothly jerks back and forth, deflecting the bullets away. They ricochet wildly against the marble walls.
DEATHSTROKE: Only one of us is leaving this room alive.
He draws a KATANA from a scabbard on his belt, throws it to Zahl. Zahl drops the gun and picks it up. Holding it high, he runs at Deathstroke, SCREAMING. Deathstroke deftly sidesteps him, spearing his sword out into Zahl's side as the president passes. Zahl coughs up blood and drops to his knees.
DEATHSTROKE: Looks like it's going to be me.
Deathstroke raises his sword for the coup de grace.
DEATHSTROKE: Sorry General, but you're only president... for life.
He brings the jian down on Zahl's neck.
INT. TITAN TOWER COMMON ROOM EVENING
Wally watches TV.
WALLY: Sorry Dickwing, can't make it. I've got menstrual cramps real bad. I'd better just stay home and organize my sock drawer.
GRAYSON: If I have to go, you have to go.
TV: (filtered) No bad guy stands a chance, they'll step on 'em like ants, they'll pummel every meany, look out! It's the Teeny Titans!
GRAYSON: What... the hell... is that?
WALLY: Chibi.
GRAYSON: Chibi?
WALLY: Yeah. Like, ya know, Muppet Babies? Flintstone Kids? A Pup Named Scooby Doo? Tiny Toons? The kids love it.
GRAYSON: Are you telling me we sold out?
WALLY: Even better. We presold out. So, who's idea is this little social outing?
GRAYSON: Kory's. She thought it'd be nice if we spent some time as a team not focused on a mission or training, did something with some fresh air in the equation.
WALLY: Well, if Kory's okayed it...
He exits. Beast Boy walks over to Grayson.
BEAST BOY: If we're going out in civvies, won't people recognize me and Vic? And then deduce who you guys are by association?
GRAYSON: Well, they would, but I took two hologram generators out of the trophy room. They need to recharge every four hours, so they're no good for extended use, but for our purposes they'll work fine.
BEAST BOY: That makes perfect sense!
He glances briefly at the audience and gives us a conspiratorial wink.
GRAYSON: Have you got something in your eye?
Grayson is distracted by Kory, staring out the window. He walks over to her, hands her a contacts case.
GRAYSON: These should help you blend in.
KORY: Thank you.
A long beat.
GRAYSON: I'm sorry I yelled at you. I just...
He laughs exasperatedly.
GRAYSON: I have no idea how to react to this. I mean, where do we go from here?
KORY: That depends on if you feel the same way that I do.
Peter Frampton's "Baby I Love Your Way" plays in the background.
GRAYSON: Kory, I...
KORY: Yes Dick?
GRAYSON: I'd like us to be...
VOICE: (O.S.) Ooooh, baby I love your way...
GRAYSON: WALLY, WILL YOU CUT THAT OUT!?
WHIP PAN over to Wally, who was playing "Baby I Love Your Way" on his guitar.
WALLY: Right. Sorry.
He walks off, now playing KISS.
WALLY: I! Wanna rock and roll all night!
Back to Grayson and Kory.
GRAYSON: As I was saying, I think...
WALLY: (O.S.) AND PARTY EVERY DAY!
GRAYSON: Goddamnit West! (to Kory) We'll talk at the club.
Next: Direct Confrontation
EXT. TITAN TOWER – EVENING
The Titans are gathered in civilan clothes. Kory wears a hodgepodge of clothing that no doubt looks very fashionable to her.
WALLY: So, what are we going to do when we get there? Is Kory going to wear her sunglasses in the club and at night?
GRAYSON: Kory, show him.
Kory takes off her sunglasses. She's wearing contact lenses to make her look human.
GRAYSON: Well, what do you think?
WALLY: Her eyes look like Barbara's.
Brief staredown. Kory puts her sunglasses back on and walks inbetween them, pushing them both aside.
INT. CLUB JUPITER – EVENING
Two lifetimes ago, this was a SPANISH MISSION. One lifetime ago, it was a counterculture outpost, waiting for the antiestablishment Revolution that never came. Now it's been resurrected once more as a jumping DANCE CLUB. The incognito Titans enter as Grand Funk's "We're An American Band" plays. At least a thousand people are cramped in here. The floor is huge, cavernous. Lights flash.
WALLY: THIS is my scene.
Cyborg, holographically appearing as he did before his accident, returns a pleasant smile.
CYBORG: Been a while since I looked... human. Nice not to have everyone running away in fear.
WALLY: My father may not have given me much good advice, but one thing he said that always stuck with me was "Normal is what everyone else is and what you are not." Even if you did look quote unquote normal, you'd still be black. Racial profiling, not good. And a white man, hey, you could still be a serial killer or a rapist. You want to not scare people, you'd end up going from a good-looking black man to a freakish white woman. Is that what you want? To pull a Michael Jackson?
CYBORG: You think I'm good-looking?
BEAST BOY: (sans green skin) Are you kidding? Look at that boyish face. Look at that sweet smile. Look at those baby-blue... eye. Do you wanna talk about physical strength? Do you want to talk about sheer muscle? Do you want to talk about the Olympian ideal? You are a god! No, better! You're a Titan!
They're seated in the dining area. The WAITER approaches them.
WAITER: What'll it be?
WALLY: Seven cheeseburgers, seven large orders of fries, and seven Diet Cokes. (beat, to others) You guys want anything?
Most of them decline.
GRAYSON: I'll have the chicken-fried steak.
WAITER: I'm sorry, we don't serve that after...
Grayson gives the Waiter the Batman Death Squint(tm).
WAITER: Right away, sir.
He hustles off. Donna gets up.
DONNA: I'm going to the restroom.
Kory and Raven stand and go with her.
BEAST BOY: Guess some things are universal.
INT. BATHROOM – EVENING
Raven washes her hands. They're trembling.
KORY: Raven, you look so sad. Can I help you?
RAVEN: I do not think so, Starfire. But thank you.
KORY: Really, I want to help. I know we're different, My background justifies violence, yours shuns it at all cost... and I know we haven't been all that close, but I really do like you. And I know you've been hurt.
RAVEN: Koriand'r, what I am is what hurts me. There can be no simple solution.
Kory looks at the door, obviously thinking about Grayson.
KORY: I think we're more alike than we think.
INT. CLUB JUPITER – EVENING
Wally and Grayson stare at each other, the table between them with the picked-clean remnants of Wally's meals. Beast Boy and Cyborg have left.
GRAYSON: Gar and Vic are taking a while.
Wally gestures to the dance floor. Think "A Night At The Roxbury." All that's missing is Haddaway's "What Is Love?"
WALLY: Dancing fools.
GRAYSON: Well, this is a nice place.
WALLY: Yeah.
GRAYSON: Good architecture.
WALLY: You think so?
GRAYSON: Yeah.
WALLY: Maybe they could come up with a better color scheme.
GRAYSON: Possibly.
Long beat.
WALLY: We're going to settle this. Once and for all.
He pulls out a bottle of whiskey.
GRAYSON: You have got to be kidding.
WALLY: You ever play I Never?
GRAYSON: With Barbara.
WALLY: Good. Before we start, you've got to promise me something. No matter how drunk you get, you cannot make a pass at me.
GRAYSON: For God's sake, Wally, I'm not gay.
WALLY: Dick, you're so far in the closet, you can see Narnia.
INT. CLUB JUPITER – DANCE FLOOR – EVENING
Everyone is having a good time.
BEAST BOY: Hey Vic, watch this!
He does the Robot. Someone BUMPS into him.
DANCER: Electros rule the dance floor!
BEAST BOY: That so?
INT. CLUB JUPITER – EVENING
GRAYSON: I've never... paid for sex.
WALLY: ...damn you.
He takes a shot.
WALLY: I never killed anyone... who didn't have it coming.
That comes out of left field. Grayson reaches for the drink... then withdraws his hand. Stares dead at Wally.
WALLY: Well, don't that beat all?
GRAYSON: You really kill someone?
WALLY: They're as good as dead. Let's leave it at that. Now you have to answer one of my questions.
GRAYSON: Go for it.
WALLY: Why does Batman hate you so much?
GRAYSON: ...I grew up.
WALLY: Figures.
Beast Boy runs up to the table.
BEAST BOY: Wally, you're needed.
WALLY: What happened?
BEAST BOY: We got served.
Wally looks at the dance floor. The ELECTROS are krumping.
WALLY: This calls for some divine intervention.
Wally starts for the dance floor.
GRAYSON: I... I had no choice.
Grayson obviously isn't talking about growing up.
WALLY: We never do. You wanna come? We could use back-up.
GRAYSON: I don't dance.
WALLY: Come on. When was the last time you put a little motion in the ocean? A little dip in the hip? Some glide in your stride? Gotten jiggy with it? Wiggled it, just a little bit? Got down with your bad self? Gotten your freak on? Boogied down?
GRAYSON: I haven't danced since my girlfriend could.
That shuts Wally up. Beast Boy tugs him away. Halfway there, Wally gets a call on his beeper. He looks at it.
WALLY: Hold on a minute, I've got to take this.
BEAST BOY: Uhhh, Wally? We got served? Is that registering with you?
WALLY: Trust me, this guy you don't leave hanging.
EXT. METROPOLIS – EVENING
The City of Tomorrow.
FLASH: (V.O.) Yeah, I saw your cartoon.
INT. LEX'S OFFICE – METROPOLIS – EVENING
Lex sits behind his glass desk.
LUTHOR: Yes. We had some trouble obtaining copyrights for you and Wonder Girl... the latter's tied up with Wonder Woman's license and apparently Barry Allen licensed himself out for some Filmamation thing...
Flash stands in front of him, arms crossed.
FLASH: Let's be honest, Mr. Luthor. You didn't call me all the way up here to talk about cartoons. Although if you do make one, you should do something about the theme song. Lacks zip.
LUTHOR: Please. Call me Lex. I find it helps communications to be on a first name basis... with equals. Don't you agree... Wallace?
FLASH: How did you...
LUTHOR: A man of my resources learns many things, some more valuable than others. I know most of the "secret identities" of those in your Justice League. Except for the Big S, of course. I don't hold any illusion of him being "super" all the time. I've kept abreast of his activities, monitoring him. Sometimes he disappears off the scopes for hours on end. I think he uses the time to walk the earth, like King Henry before the Battle of St. Crispin's Day. I wonder how he looks at us. With some secret pity? With dark schadenfreude?
FLASH: You're obsessed.
LUTHOR: Obsession is merely the mark of a focused mind, Wallace. We're more alike than you'd care to admit.
FLASH: I very much doubt that.
LUTHOR: You weren't born with your powers. You earned them. Just as I earned the power and wealth to build this structure we sit in. But someone like Superman... and his League... they have their power handed to them on a platter. They've never learned the responsibility that goes with it. They do not consider themselves gifted... they are privileged. Above us "mortal men." Join me for a smoke?
FLASH: Why not?
Lex hands Flash a Havana cigar, lights one for himself.
FLASH: Thought you couldn't get these anymore.
That actually makes Lex laugh out loud.
LUTHOR: Mercy, make our guest feel at home.
MERCY, Lex's bodyguard/lover, steps out of the shadows. Flash gives her the once-over as she lights his cigar.
LUTHOR: That will be all, Mercy. Unless you'd prefer she stayed...?
FLASH: No, I'd rather talk man-to-man.
Mercy steps outside.
LUTHOR: You know, you remind me of myself as a boy... only with more hair (I assume).
FLASH: Speaking of which, can I rub your head for good luck?
LUTHOR: No!
FLASH: Can I lick it? How much would it cost for me to lick your head?
LUTHOR: My pate is not for sale!
FLASH: Okay... can you put your hands to your head and say "To me, my X-Men!"? Please?
LUTHOR: I see I'm not getting anywhere with flattery. Very well, on to the main event.
He opens a drawer, pulls out a remote control.
LUTHOR: Hold on a minute, let me figure this out. SET, TV/VIDEO, SATELLITE... they call me evil, I didn't invent this... ahh, here we are.
He clicks an impressive combination of buttons, causing a HOLOGRAPHIC WALL to form in the middle of the room. KRYPTONIAN HIEROGLYPHICS scroll over it vertically and horizontally. We recognize the Superman crest.
LUTHOR: Look familiar? It's Kryptonian. As in "Kal-El," as in "Superman," as in "bane of my existance."
FLASH: And I care because...?
LUTHOR: You're not afraid of me. That's refreshing. Deep-range radio astronomy (I own four of the largest satellite dishes in the world) picked it up two years ago. As near as we can figure it, this is their version of SETI. Sending out subspace signals to any civilization who wanted to chat. Of course, starships might've been more useful around the time their planet started exploding, but hindsight is 20/20.
He walks towards the hologram, as excited as a kid showing off a science project. His hand nears the wall, which slows down automatically. One particular symbol bears a marked resemblance to Nightwing's chest embelm.
LUTHOR: Recognize this?
FLASH: Coincidence.
LUTHOR: O ye of little faith...
He touches it. The symbol expands to fill the "wall," now filling with images and Kryptonian text.
LUTHOR: Nightwing was cast out of his family. He dreamt of justice. He dreamt of helping the weak. He dreamt of showing his family that he was better than they gave him credit for. He used his talents and his skills to fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves. Such heroic nonsense, such populist idealism crap...
FLASH: Did his family ever realize their mistake?
LUTHOR: Does it matter?
FLASH: I suppose not.
LUTHOR: He flew unfettered anyway. And his name's rough translation is Nightwing.
He taps the wall again. It now shows an image of the KRYPTONIAN NIGHTWING. Nightwing's costume obviously was inspired by his.
LUTHOR: Do you care now?
FLASH: Nightwing's been setting me up, this whole time... I knew he wasn't leadership material, but I never imagined... then he's been putting the League ahead of the Titans, all along.
Flash zooms out. James Jesse steps out of the shadows.
JAMES: Well, can I pick 'em or what?
LUTHOR: He's perfect for our needs. Superman and his pet reporter won't be able to stop us this time. No one will.
INT. CLUB JUPITER – EVENING
Wally returns, lost in thought. After a brief consideration, he takes out a cell-phone, makes a call.
SOMEONE'S POV
Wally appears to be arguing vehemently into the cell. He hangs up.
New angle reveals that Grayson is brooding in the rafters. Kory floats up to him.
KORY: Do you not wish to dance?
GRAYSON: I don't dance.
KORY: Friends are good. You should enjoy them while you have them.
GRAYSON: You asking me to dance?
KORY: Yes, I am.
GRAYSON: ...sorry to disappoint you.
INT. CLUB JUPITER – DANCE FLOOR – EVENING
Wally pushes his way through the dancers as Kory catches up with him. Cyborg and Beast Boy are beside him.
KORY: I need you to dance with me.
WALLY: So Dick'll get jealous? No thanks.
KORY: You will dance with me!
CYBORG: I don't know what you see in the guy anyway. It's not like he's what you'd call a long-term prospect.
WALLY: Hell, sometimes I worry about that guy. I mean, he's like a machine. Sometimes I think he views life like a ticking clock, just waiting for it to run down so his suffering can end.
KORY: Nightwing IS NOT a ticking clock!
WALLY: He might as well be. How can he fight to protect life when he doesn't even enjoy it? It's like performing surgery on someone you hate. (beat, to Cyborg and Beast Boy) Then again, I might be wrong. We're not close. Not like him and Kory. Kory, you know him so well. You're practically his right arm. Tell me, what does he care for? What does he take pleasure in?
Kory makes a noise like a sob and flies off. Wally shakes his head.
WALLY: He doesn't treat her right, that's for damn sure.
The ELECTROS have gathered to confront Wally.
DANCER: Well well, if it ain't M. West. You've been off the streets too long, West. You've lost your edge!
WALLY: You're the loser here, McGarrett!
"Combat" by Ice-T plays as the Titan boys and the Electros get into a vicious dance-off. The Electros serve the Titans. The Titans serve them back. And then it's ON.
INT. CLUB JUPITER – EVENING
Kory forlornly eats a napkin as Grayson walks up to her.
GRAYSON: Can we talk?
KORY: We are talking right now.
GRAYSON: I just wanted you to know why I've been such an ass lately.
KORY: You've been wonderful.
GRAYSON: No, I haven't. I think I may have given you... false hopes. Crossed signals. I don't know... you have to understand, I was brought up by the Batman. He always taught me to be guided by my head, not my heart. Sometimes I wonder if I even have a heart. I look at Barbara and I feel nothing when I should feel SOMETHING.
KORY: Do you feel something when you look at me?
GRAYSON: (evading the question) Can I really be honest with you? Part of you frightens me. Really scares me deep down. Not that fact that you're not human, but something else. It's hard to explain, but despite my reputation for knowing everything, I realize I don't know anything about myself.
KORY: I know something about you. I know you love me.
Grayson shakes his head, unable to speak.
KORY: If you don't, just say so.
GRAYSON: I... I really need time to sort out my emotions.
KORY: I'll give you all the time in the world.
EXT. CLUB JUPITER – EVENING
Donna and Raven are getting some air by the exit.
DONNA: Look, I think you have to tell him the truth. It's the only honorable thing to do.
A man pushes by them.
MAN: Excuse me, ma'am.
That voice...
DONNA: No problem.
It's DEATHSTROKE.
INT. CLUB JUPITER – DANCE FLOOR – EVENING
The DJ has switched to U2's “Hold Me, Kiss Me, Thrill Me, Kill Me.” Wally sits on a stool, Gar massaging his shoulders, Cyborg waving a towel at him like a cornerman.
CYBORG: You can't take this guy, his moves are too fresh!
WALLY: I've never backed down from a fight.
CYBORG: Yes you have!
WALLY: Well, never when it MATTERED.
BEAST BOY: You're gonna get yourself killed out there!
WALLY: Maybe... but not today.
He steps out onto the dance floor. Under the strobe lights, REVEAL Kory and Grayson talking in close proximity. Wally's eyes narrow. He's so absorbed in processing this new development that he doesn't notice DEATHSTROKE approaching him from behind. Deathstroke shoves a SYRINGE into his leg. Immediately, something is injected into the speedster.
WALLY: (spaced out) Spider-sense... tingling...
He turns, sees Deathstroke.
WALLY: You...
He begins spasming violently. His face twitches. He looks around fearfully, suddenly unable to control his own body. Deathstroke melts back into the crowd as Wally falls to his knees. Beast Boy and Cyborg run up to him. He's convulsing so hard they have to hold him down.
CYBORG: Wally, what's wrong? Who did this?
WALLY: B-behind you...
Deathstroke strikes, impaling Cyborg on his jian. Electricity pulses through the blade, SHORT-CIRCUITING Cyborg. The hologram shutters on and off, flipping between the reality and the illusion before shutting down. Cyborg collapses.
BEAST BOY: No!
He turns into a HAWK, flying over the heads of the crowd after Deathstroke.
BEAST BOY: Hey ugly, you forgot to save the last dance!
He turns into a LEOPARD, landing on Deathstroke and mauling him. His claws rend the armor, but don't penetrate.
DEATHSTROKE: There's a reason for my rep.
He short-punches a KNIFE into Beast Boy's chest. Beast Boy lets go of him, turning back into a human.
BEAST BOY: Not cool, dude.
Deathstroke spin-kicks him into unconsciousness. That's when he notices the remaining Titans, now in costume, have surrounded him. The music reaches its climax as the patrons run away, clearing out the room until only the Titans and Deathstroke are left.
DEATHSTROKE: Well, looks like we've got a Mexican stand-off. Only without any Mexicans.
NIGHTWING: Raven, help the wounded. The rest of you... with me.
Nightwing, Wonder Girl, and Starfire grab makeshift weaponry as Deathstroke draws a sword in either hand. Nightwing draws his twin escrima sticks, Wonder Girl extends BLADES from her bracelet, and Kory's hands glow dangerously.
DEATHSTROKE: C'mon, kid. Show me your moves.
NIGHTWING: Titans together!
Nightwing and Wonder Girl attack as one, working in concert with well-honed moves. Deathstroke dodges their blows, arms pedalling with inhuman speed. Starfire hovers above, looking for an opening. Nightwing comes in for another pass and Deathstroke meets him head on, metal flashing against metal. Wonder Girl comes in from behind, Deathstroke stops her in her tracks with a swift kick to the breadbasket. While he's distracted, Nightwing gets in a hard shot at Deathstroke's ribs. Deathstroke groans and sidesteps when Nightwing presses the attack, using a whirling elbow to hurry Nightwing on his way.
That's when Starfire picks Deathstroke up from behind, flying him through the air in a chokehold. Deathstroke swings his legs backwards, kicking his heels deep into Starfire's gut. She drops him and he hits the ground rolling, coming up to confront Wonder Girl. She manages to hold him off long enough for Nightwing to join in. The heroes leap and whirl, attacking almost at random, while Deathstroke continues to outmaneuver them in his gracefully methodical way. They keep tripping and stumbling and getting in each other's way. Deathstroke saws Nightwing's escrima sticks in two with one precise strike, then whips the tassel on his jian across Wonder Girl's face. A STILETTO WIRE built into it runs over her eyes, BLINDING her.
NIGHTWING: Donna!
Starfire flies down to attend to her. An orange boot slams against Dick's throat, pinning him against the wall. Deathstroke returns his swords to their scabbards.
DEATHSTROKE: Just you and me now, Robin. Oh, that's right. You prefer Nightwing now.
A jab to a nerve cluster in Deathstroke's thigh does absolutely nothing. Deathstroke actually chuckles before leaping onto his other foot to deliver a roundhouse kick to Nightwing, sending him corkscrewing to the ground. Nightwing gets up, wiping blood from his mouth with the back of his fist.
NIGHTWING: Who are you?
DEATHSTROKE: Someone who likes watching you.
He moves in again, aiming a hard jab at one of Grayson's nerve clusters. Nightwing shimmies out of the way and retailiates with a dropping elbow to Deathstroke's ribs.
NIGHTWING: Care to be more specific?
DEATHSTROKE: I used to call myself the Terminator, but then that stupid movie came out... now I go by Deathstroke.
NIGHTWING: Is it the nineties in here or is it just me?
DEATHSTROKE: Mockery of my name means little coming from you... "Dick."
NIGHTWING: How do you know my name?
DEATHSTROKE: My employer told me.
A swift kick knocks Nightwing back, almost taking him out of commission. Nightwing lands on his back, jumps back to his feet and rolls forward, going into a legsweep which Deathstroke jumps over. He lands into a punch to the midsection from Nightwing, sending him stumbling backwards. Deathstroke roars with rage and tackles Nightwing into the MEN'S ROOM, the door flapping behind them.
Meanwhile, STARFIRE flies the blinded Wonder Girl to Raven, who's crouched over Wally, chanting fervently.
STARFIRE: Is he going to be alright?
RAVEN: I can release some of his pain, but not all. My abilities are not... exact. Or without limit. When one has been sedated as heavily as Wallace, we must depend on his will to make the difference. He must want to awaken. He must fight to awaken. I may only show him the way, it is up to him to take that final step. Azarath metrion zinthos...
Wally stops spasming, becoming as still as the grave.
STARFIRE: Is he...?
Wally's eyes snap open. Focus on Raven.
WALLY: You saved me?
RAVEN: I helped.
WALLY: Much obliged, sister.
STARFIRE: Now do Donna!
Wally gets a hopeful look on his face.
RAVEN: I'll heal her as soon as I've recovered.
Wally's face falls.
INT. MEN'S ROOM EVENING
Deathstroke quick-draws a SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN from his belt. Nightwing kicks it aside and the shot goes wild, BLOWING THE **** out of a urinal. Nightwing grabs Deathstroke by the collar and slams his head against a paper towel dispenser, then throws him over the sink into a mirror, shattering it.
DEATHSTROKE: Nice form.
NIGHTWING: Who hired you!?
DEATHSTROKE: A very highly-placed individual.
NIGHTWING: The President?
DEATHSTROKE: No. Someone powerful. They took out a contract on you. A Judas contract.
Deathstroke kicks Nightwing in the chest, taking him by surprise and knocking him back into the wall so hard that tiles go flying. And just like that he's up again, gloved hands wrapping around Nightwing's throat and lifting him off his feet, pressing him HARD against the wall. Nightwing reaches out and TAPS the hand dryer. Deathstroke is distracted by it, giving Nightwing an opening to KNEE HIM IN THE BALLS!
NIGHTWING: How do you like that stroke?
Nightwing throws Deathstroke against a locked door, which pops open, banging inward. Nightwing pins Deathstroke against the tiled wall.
NIGHTWING: Someone in my teams a traitor?
DEATHSTROKE: Sure looks that way.
NIGHTWING: I dont believe you.
DEATHSTROKE: Believe what you want. You're still going to die. Deathstroke always gets his man.
A spinning back fist knocks Nightwing through the wall and into the next stall. Deathstroke jumps for a small window, climbing through it.
DEATHSTROKE: But not today.
INT. CLUB JUPITER DANCE FLOOR EVENING
RAVEN: Zinthos.
She takes her hands off Wonder Girl. Raven's eyes are now white with cataracts.
RAVEN: And now I can't see.
Wally, now in FLASH uniform, helps Wonder Girl to her feet.
FLASH: Payback time!
He runs into the women's restroom. SCREAMS! Flash runs back out.
FLASH: Can't blame a guy for trying.
INT. MEN'S ROOM EVENING
Starfire flies inside. Nightwing, winded, points at the window.
NIGHTWING: He went through there. If you cut around back you can still...
Starfire flies right through the wall.
NIGHTWING: ...that works too.
EXT. CLUB JUPITER EVENING
Starfire catches up with Deathstroke just before he reaches his JEEP. He sidesteps the attack like a quarterback dashing into the endzone... not noticing Nightwing landing off a swing. A punch neatly scrapes off the side of Deathstroke's full-head mask. A retaliatory jab has Nightwing choking on his own blood.
NIGHTWING: So, tell me, are you working for the Flash or someone else?
DEATHSTROKE: Yes, I am working for the Flash or someone else.
STARFIRE: (in Tamaranian, subtitled) Clear!
Nightwing jumps away as Starfire unleashes a torrent of starbolts. Explosions lick at Deathstroke's feet as he somersaults away. Starfire flies in to engage at close quarters, unarmed.
NIGHTWING: Starfire, no! Pull back!
Deathstroke draws his secondary sword and swings it at her. Starfire GRABS it in one hand. The blade can't penetrate her nigh-invulnerable skin.
STARFIRE: I was taught by the greatest warriors in the Vegan star system!
She CRUSHES the metal in her hand, then kicks Deathstroke backwards. He slides down the length of the street. Deathstroke stabs his jian into the ground, bringing himself to a stop.
STARFIRE: I just wish I was allowed to show what I can do more often...
She walks towards him, starbolts at the ready. Deathstroke throws a GRENADE at her.
DEATHSTROKE: Eat this!
Starfire catches it. Looks at it quizzically, rattling it, trying to figure out what it is.
STARFIRE: Is it some kind of vegetable? Do I have to unwrap it first?
BOOM! Starfire flies backwards, a FIRE HYDRANT breaking her fall. Water geysers up from it, falling down on her like rain. Deathstroke raises her chin with the flat of his blade.
DEATHSTROKE: End of the line for you, darlin'.
And suddenly a BLUR hits him, so fast we'd be forgiven for assuming it was Wally. It's not. It's Nightwing, who kicks Deathstroke's jian away with impossible speed and begins just ****ing laying into him, an outright SLUGFEST.
NIGHTWING: Word of advice, *******. In the future, you see a woman with pure green eyes, you turn the other...
He knocks Deathstroke's mask off. Sees SLADE WILSON'S FACE.
NIGHTWING: No... it can't be you!
DEATHSTROKE: It can.
He jerks his wrist and a DERRINGER flies into his palm. Immediately he pumps five shots into the stunned Nightwing. Nightwing falls, numb. Deathstroke crouches over him, presses a XIANGQI piece into his hand and closes his fist around it.
DEATHSTROKE: A get-well present.
Nightwing fights his way to his feet as Deathstroke runs for his jeep. He steps towards Deathstroke, working on sheer willpower. Starfire holds him back.
STARFIRE: You need a healer!
NIGHTWING: I'll be fine as soon as I get my hands on him.
Starfire carries Nightwing upwards.
STARFIRE: No! We're doing this my way! I know you. You'd march into hell with two broken legs and two broken arms.
And below them, Deathstroke has grabbed a ROCKET LAUNCHER from his trunk. He aims it at Starfire and Nightwing, getting a bead...
DEATHSTROKE: Aww, where's the fun in that?
He shifts his aim and FIRES.
INT. CLUB JUPITER DANCE FLOOR EVENING
Flash is checking Beast Boy for injuries. Cyborg, fully rebooted, runs up to them.
CYBORG: Shouldn't we be going after that guy?
FLASH: Nightwing can handle it. Titans come first. (yells) Raven, get your spooky ass over here!
Raven stumbles into a wall.
RAVEN: I hate being blind. Remind me never to do it again.
CYBORG: Gar, say something!
BEAST BOY: On the goo-oo-ood ship Lollypop, It's a swee-ee-eet trip to a candy shop!
FLASH: Hold on, I know first aid.
He conks Beast Boy on the head.
BEAST BOY: Jem is truly outrageous, truly truly truly outrageous, Jem, the music's contagious, outrageous, Jem is my name, no one else is the same, remember my...
Flash hits him again.
BEAST BOY: The Love Boat soon will be making another run! The Love Boat promises something for everyone!
Flash raises his hand again.
CYBORG: Hold on, I like this song.
Suddenly, they hear something ROAR overhead.
FLASH: That can't be good.
EXT. HOSPITAL EVENING
Starfire drops Nightwing down on a helipad.
NIGHTWING: You can't do this!
STARFIRE: Listen to me, Dick, you need help. You never let yourself admit how much you've been hurt. I love you too much to let you kill yourself just to protect your pride.
NIGHTWING: There's a menace down there, as leader I'm needed.
STARFIRE: As leader we need you alive. And as the man I love... well, for once you're going to have to take orders from me.
NIGHTWING: You don't know what love is.
STARFIRE: No, I suppose not. But neither do you.
We hear the ROAR of the MISSILE as it approaches. Nightwing and Starfire look up to see the missile arc towards a small COMMUTER PLANE. Starfire flies upwards to intercept it.
NIGHTWING: KORY!!!
INT. PLANE EVENING
BOOM! A five-foot hole is BLASTED through the hull. The cabin wobbles loosely, the plane buckles. The engine spool to a stall. Metal twists under extreme pressure. People panic. Oxygen masks fall. Every unrestrianed object on board flies to the hole; paper, books, luggage, pillows.
The engines DIE. The cabin begins to tilt downwards... then straight down. Debris tumbles toward the flight deck as if falling from a cliff.
A FLIGHT ATTENDANT screams as he's pulled into the sky.
EXT. CLUB JUPITER EVENING
Cyborg and Flash step out of the club in time to see the missile detonate against the Plane's wing. Starfire is blasted backwards by the explosion, knocked out by the concussive blast.
CYBORG: She's not gonna make it!
FLASH: Oh, she'll make it.
He zooms off. Cyborg looks up, focusing on the plane in freefall...
Flash reappears, holding Starfire in his arms. She takes a moment to realize she's no longer in danger.
STARFIRE: Nice catch.
FLASH: Yeah, I am.
STARFIRE: The plane!
FLASH: Under control. Go up there, try to get it level with the ground. We need a crash landing.
CYBORG: At that speed the crash will still be fatal.
FLASH: That's where we come in.
CYBORG: What do you mean we?
EXT. PLANE - EVENING
The sick familiar SOUND of an aircraft going down. The Flight Attendant screaming as he PLUMMETS. Until Starfire CATCHES him.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Are you from heaven?
STARFIRE: You could say that.
She flies upwards and HURLS him carelessly back into the plane, then works to correct its descent. She braces herself against the underbelly of the plane and PUSHES, slowly tilting the plane level. But it's obviously too heavy even for her alien strength.
EXT. NIGHTCLUB EVENING
CYBORG: Now what?
FLASH: You still got those rollerskates built into your feet?
CYBORG: ...you're kidding, right?
FLASH: I need to hear a yes here.
EXT. CENTRAL CITY EVENING
Flash is actually PUSHING Cyborg through the streets at superspeed. Cyborg slides along on ROLLERSKATES extending from his metal feet, Flash keeping him parallel with the rapidly falling plane. Cyborg SCREAMS as Flash narrowly dodges between two buses.
CYBORG: Are you TRYING to hit these people?
FLASH: No! (beat) Alright, maybe that mime...
INT. CLUB JUPITER DANCE FLOOR EVENING
Beast Boy sits, nursing the knife in his gut. Raven stands nearby, still blind.
BEAST BOY: (bored out of his mind) You know what I like best about this job?
EXT. OVERPASS EVENING
The plane literally lands right on Cyborg's head! But he CATCHES IT, his hands digging into the hull as he strains to keep it from smearing all over the pavement.
INT. CLUB JUPITER DANCE FLOOR EVENING
BEAST BOY: The excitement.
EXT. OVERPASS EVENING
Flash, still pushing Cyborg, looks past him.
FLASH: Cyborg! The bridge is out!
CYBORG: (looking over his shoulder) What?
CYBORG'S POV
The bridge is still under construction. Rushing towards them is the PRECIPICE... and a long fall.
CYBORG: FLASH! THE BRIDGE IS OUT!
EXT. CENTRAL CITY EVENING
Deathstroke, at the wheel of his jeep, is making good his escape. Then he looks in the rear-view mirror.
ANGLE ON REAR-VIEW MIRROR
WONDER GIRL is running after him, actually gaining on the jeep.
DEATHSTROKE: Woman oughta know her limitations.
He picks up a M-16 from the passenger seat and FIRES it backwards through the rear windshield. Wonder Girl DEFLECTS the bullets with her gauntlets. The bullets ricochet back and hit the back wheels of the jeep, causing it to spin out of control. Deathstroke throws himself clear as the jeep slams into a gas station. It impacts a GAS PUMP with explosive results. A TANKER TRUCK offloading gas is BLOWN UPWARD.
Deathstroke stares at the carnage before drawing his jian and turning his attention back to Wonder Girl.
DEATHSTROKE: Well, let's finish it then.
EXT. OVERPASS EVENING
Our guys are rapidly running out of road.
CYBORG: Flash, DO SOMETHING!
Flash spots a PILE OF LUMBER at a nearby construction site.
FLASH: Hold on, I've got an idea!
He zooms off. Cyborg, no longer being guided by Flash, tracks lazily back and forth across the lanes from one guardrail to the other, throwing sheets of sparks where he hits.
CYBORG: (moans) Oh God, we're all going to die!
STARFIRE tugs on the tail of the plane, slowing it down further. But it's still not enough. Any second now they're going to... and that any second now becomes any HOUR now as we shift into FLASH-TIME. And we see, reaching upwards in herky-jerky stop-motion animation (at least, that's what it looks like to us), the SUPPORTS for a BEAM BRIDGE being built at superspeed out of LUMBER. Then the bridge itself is built, one beam at a time just as Cyborg rolls out into space. One nanosecond he's treading open air like Wile E. Coyote, the next he's on solid ground. More beams follow, effectively extending the bridge in front of Cyborg like a red carpet until...
Flash runs out of lumber.
And he's running out of time again and thinking, thinking HARD, thinking so hard the sweat boils down his brow and then he's got it.
In the space of a breath he moves from problem to solution, going back to work and CANNIBALIZING the first parts of the makeshift bridge to finish it. Which he does just in time, ferrying Cyborg to the other side. Cyborg slows to a stop with Starfire's help.
In real-time, Flash looks at his handiwork.
FLASH: I am a goddamn rock god.
He throws his arms high.
FLASH: ALL HAIL FLASH! THE ROCK GOD! WOOOOOOOOOOO!
CYBORG: Ahem.
FLASH: Oh, and you guys helped out some too. (beat) But it was mostly me.
CYBORG: The plane, Flash.
FLASH: Alright, set it down over there... no, a little to the left... on second thought, go back, the old way looked better.
CYBORG: (exasperated) Flash!
FLASH: Geez, it's a joke. You get so *****y when you're carrying a couple hundred tons on your back.
Cyborg puts the plane down. The passengers start to disembark. Flash rushes over to greet them.
FLASH: (as stewardess) Okay, alright, have a nice day, bye bye now, thank you for flying We Just Saved Each And Every One Of You Guys Because We Kick Ass.
INT. CLUB JUPITER DANCE FLOOR EVENING
Flash, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Starfire are reunited. Flash leans over Beast Boy, looking at the knife.
FLASH: Alright, I'm going to pull it out so fast that your brain won't have time to process the pain.
BEAST BOY: You can do that?
BLINK! The knife is gone and the wound is bandaged in a split-second. Beast Boy HOWLS in agony.
FLASH: Guess not.
CYBORG: Hey, anyone seen Wonder Girl?
The door creaks open. The four look up to see Wonder Girl stumbling in, a short sword protruding from her abdomen. Her left arm hangs limply by her side and and a goose egg is raised under one eye. Covered in blood. No idea why someone who looks like that is still alive.
WONDER GIRL: (off their stares) You should see the other guy.
That said, she promptly collapses.
Next: Regrouping
INT. HOSPITAL NIGHT
Flash, on the phone, tries to light a cigarette. In the background, a NURSE gives Raven an eye exam. All around we see the minor injuries of the plane crash survivors being tended to. The place is overflowing.
FLASH: No, I'm fine. Just gave me a little knock-out juice, I'm already back on my feet. Yeah. Love you too. Bye.
NURSE: (arriving) You can't smoke that in here.
That's when STARFIRE picks her up by the throat.
NURSE: Alright, he can smoke, he can smoke!
STARFIRE: Where is Nightwing!?
NURSE: We don't know! He left out the window!
Cyborg walks in, carrying a bundle of wheelchairs.
CYBORG: Yo, Star! Bird-boy flew the coop and took your ride with him.
STARFIRE: Where would he go?
INT. CLOCKTOWER NIGHT
DINAH LANCE (late twenties, blonde, lithe, somewhat on the short side) and HELENA BERTINELLI (mid-twenties, Italian, voluptuous) are talking.
HELENA: It's not that you're being dishonest, but it's a lie of omission...
NIGHTWING stumbles in, bloody bandages coming his chest.
NIGHTWING: Ladies... you wouldn't happen to know where Barbara is by any chance...
He trips. Helena catches him.
HELENA: These bandages are fresh... get Barbara!
Dinah runs off.
NIGHTWING: ...never did get that chicken-fried steak... Guy shot me... with a gun!
HELENA: Yeah, that's how people usually shoot other people. Guess we have something in common now... aside from the sex, I mean.
NIGHTWING: Huh?
HELENA: Gunshot scars.
NIGHTWING: Need the nanites...
HELENA: No way Barbara would sign off on that.
NIGHTWING: I don't have time for anything else. Please...
HELENA: That's Brainiac technology. It could kill you.
NIGHTWING: Can't kill me. Whoever heard of... dying twice?
Helena looks conflicted.
NIGHTWING: Please... for old time's sake?
INT. HOSPITAL NIGHT
It's been a long night. Flash opens his lunchbox. There's a handkerchief (a Homer Hankie to be exact) in it, covering the food.
STARFIRE: What's that?
Flash looks up sharply. He didn't hear her coming.
FLASH: A hanky. People use it to blow their noses.
STARFIRE: Why is it on your food?
FLASH: Blame Linda. She's kinda a history buff and in the Middle... a long time ago, women gave these things to their knights as a symbol of their favor, or so she tells me. Just her way of telling me... God, I love that lady. Here, smell.
He holds the handkerchief out to her. She breathes in its scent.
FLASH: Perfume. I don't know why she does that. Sometimes she leaves me these little notes with "I love you" written on them. Not all the time, just... some of the time. I never know what I'm supposed to do with them. I mean, seems kind of heartless to just throw them out.
He catches himself, roots through the lunchbox some more.
FLASH: Also, pudding!
There's a ringing noise. He puts his finger to his earpiece. Instantly hardening a shell around his previous sentimentality.
BARBARA: (filtered) Heard you guys ran into a spot of trouble.
FLASH: Trouble? I don't know if you've been paying attention to current events, but WE JUST GOT OUR ASSES HANDED TO US!
BARBARA: (filtered) Listen, Dick's fine.
FLASH: Oh, Dick's fine. Great, that solves all our problems.
BARBARA: (filtered) Whatever went wrong, it won't be solved by yelling at me.
FLASH: (sighs) I'm sorry. It's just... this guy knew us. He blindsided us.
BARBARA: (filtered) You get a name?
FLASH: No... I think he called himself Death something... wore a mask with only one eyehole, if that helps.
BARBARA: (filtered) I'll see what I can dig up.
FLASH: Hold on, I need you to talk to someone for me.
He removes the wing from his head and hands it to Starfire.
FLASH: It's for you.
Starfire holds the earpiece to her ear.
STARFIRE: Hello?
BARBARA: (filtered) Kory? I just wanted to let you know that Dick's fine. He's with me, resting.
STARFIRE: Glorious! When can I see him?
BARBARA: (filtered) Put Wally back on.
STARFIRE: When can I...
Flash takes the earpiece from her.
FLASH: Barbara, what's wrong?
BARBARA: (filtered) Nothing's wrong...
FLASH: Barb...
BARBARA: (filtered) I'm feel alone all the time and I don't know why.
FLASH: Want me to come over?
BARBARA: (filtered) No... no, there's something I have to do first.
The line goes dead. Starfire grabs Flash.
STARFIRE: Tell me where Nightwing is!
FLASH: Why? You've got nothing I want.
STARFIRE: No... but he does.
Flash looks at the earpiece in his hand. Starfire gently turns his gaze back on to her.
STARFIRE: And maybe I could sweeten the pot...
She moves in to kiss him. He holds up a hand.
FLASH: I love my wife.
STARFIRE: I never said you didn't.
Flash shuts his eyes.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY DAWN
PAN UP the length of a tall, gothic building to find Nightwing, heroically perched on a ledge. He LEAPS OFF... quickly catching up with BATGIRL in freefall. For the first time, we see him happy. You know all those folk tales where a wizard or someone takes out their heart and stows it somewhere else for safekeeping? This is what it looks like when they get it back.
NIGHTWING: This is great, Babs! Feel the air! Listen to the traffic!
BATGIRL: What day is it?
NIGHTWING: Say what?
BATGIRL: What day is it?
NIGHTWING: Uh, I dunno. What difference does it make?
BATGIRL: What month is it?
NIGHTWING: Get a calender, okay?
Batgirl draws a grapple-gun from her utility belt.
BATGIRL: You don't know, do you? You're a mess, former boy wonder.
She fires out a line.
NIGHTWING: What's with the third degree?
The wind catches him. He begins plummeting out of control, no longer athletically skydiving. Batgirl swings away.
BATGIRL: Good night, Dick Grayson.
CUT TO
Nightwing, flat as a pancake. The pavement cracked under him. Landed.
BATGIRL: (O.S.) You still here, Grayson? Do you even know where here is?
The pavement DISSOLVES into a bed. Nightwing's in...
INT. CLOCKTOWER INFIRMARY NIGHT
A bed, to be specific. He looks pretty beat up and is in total denial of that fact. Barbara sits next to him.
BARBARA: Or am I talking to myself again? You took a big fall this time, soldier. I'm surprised you made it to my door. Lucky for you I offer valet parking.
GRAYSON: Hands're cold.
BARBARA: Whine, whine, whine. You let yourself get beat up by one supervillain and you moan like a little girl.
GRAYSON: Not just any... this one's special.
BARBARA: Should I be jealous?
GRAYSON: Nah, he's a man. Unless you've been listening to Wally...
BARBARA: I mean of Kory.
Beat. Grayson lets that one lie.
BARBARA: She seems like a nice girl.
EXT. SKY EVENING
Starfire cleaves through clouds at supersonic speed.
INT. F-15 COCKPIT NIGHT
PILOT: Mission control, I have visual contact.
MISSION CONTROL: (filtered) Have you identified the bogey?
PILOT: It's a girl.
Long, LONG beat.
PILOT: In a purple bikini.
MISSION CONTROL: (filtered) Uhh, Hal, you might want to pack it in for the night.
INT. BATCAVE NIGHT
Alfred is on the red rotary phone. We see the back of a throne-like bat-shaped chair in front of the BAT-COMPUTER. It's clearly occupied, but we don't see Batman... not yet, anyway.
ALFRED: How much blood has he lost? I see. Yes, you were quite right to call... I do understand the Herculean nature of this task, but may I ask you to try to keep him still? Yes, that might work, or perhaps heavy chains? Mm. I recommend plenty of bed rest and will find it in my heart to forgive you just this once should you find it necessary to render him unconscious. Thank you, Miss Gordon. Goodbye.
BATMAN: (O.S.) It's Dick, isn't it?
ALFRED: Yes, Master Wayne. Five gunshots to the chest. Astonishingly, Master Dick seems to believe his own injuries quite beneath consideration in the ongoing war against crime. Now where do you suppose he would get such an idea?
INT. CLOCKTOWER NIGHT
Barbara hangs up the phone just as Grayson walks in, wearing some pilfered exercise slacks and one of Dinah's larger jackets. For the first time, we see him breaking out of his inertia, his ennui shattered by the events of the past evening.
GRAYSON: If he asks you whether you like scary movies, hang up.
BARBARA: Grayson, what are you doing out of bed!?
GRAYSON: Now I'm 'Grayson'? Must've touched a nerve. Where's my costume?
BARBARA: I'm selling it on eBay. I was hoping to use the proceeds to buy you a clue. You should've stayed at the hospital. Do you know how dangerous it was to come all the way out here in your condition? What if I hadn't been here...
GRAYSON: C'mon, Babs. I can always count on you to be home on date night.
He is, of course, oblivious to her discomfort at the remark. She, of course, doesn't make anything of it as she rolls over to him... but it's a near thing.
BARBARA: Come on, let's go, back to bed...
She leads him towards the elevator.
GRAYSON: You going to join me?
BARBARA: I'll admit, it is tempting...
She pulls his jacket open sultrily... to see that his wounds have shrunk impossibly.
BARBARA: You used the nanites, didn't you? After I told you how dangerous they were, after I told you what they almost did to me...
GRAYSON: It was the only way.
BARBARA: Why are you like this? Always living life on the edge, always pushing yourself too far, always trying to prove you're worthy of our love...
GRAYSON: It's not like that...
BARBARA: You have no regard for your own life and no regard for the feelings of those you'd leave behind if you'd satisfy this death wish of yours.
GRAYSON: Babs, c'mon...
BARBARA: IT'S WHY I'M BREAKING UP WITH YOU!
A stunned beat.
GRAYSON: Don't joke like that. I can't imagine a life without you in it.
BARBARA: I'm sorry, Dick. But I can. All I've ever had is me. This is all I've ever been, all I've ever known.
She looks up at him plaintively.
BARBARA: I want more.
GRAYSON: Don't ask me for what I can't give.
BARBARA: I never did. Only what you refused to give.
GRAYSON: Babs...
BARBARA: Don't call me that! If you want to be Batman, fine. But don't pretend you can be the man I loved as well.
Grayson addresses her in a low, scary growl. He's more broken than angry.
GRAYSON: Where's. My. Costume?
Barbara points silently. She just wants this to be over.
EXT. STAR SLIDER NIGHT
Starfire drives. Grayson stares outside, his battered costume in his lap. Just a dude and his exiled alien princess babe cruising home in a flying car.
Hey, it could happen.
INT. TITAN TOWER DONNA'S ROOM NIGHT
Donna is on life support. Her entire hospital bed and all the medical equipment has been moved into the space. Beast Boy sits next to her bed, straddling an office chair.
BEAST BOY: Come back. We need you here. Kory's falling back on her Okaara training more and more, I can tell. Nightwing's disappeared. Flash blames everything on him... I don't know if he's far wrong. (beat) I know what you would say if I told you this. You'd say it's just because you're the first person to give a damn about me in my whole ****ed-up life. But you're wrong. It's a lot more than that. I have friends Wally, Vic but you're more than that. I love you. (beat) Don't leave me.
INT. TITAN TOWER BARRACKS NIGHT
The Titans (aside from Kory and Dick, obviously) are gathered, back in civvies, waiting. Wally holds his Flash costume in his hands. Play the silence for a bit. Beast Boy walks out of Donna's room.
WALLY: How is she?
BEAST BOY: I have a feeling she'll be okay.
WALLY: Thank God. We'll need as much firepower as we can get if we're going to pay this ****er back.
CYBORG: Jesus Christ, you're already thinking about revenge?
WALLY: I'm thinking about neutralizing the threat before it worsens! Because next time it could be you lying in that bed... or in a coffin. Or maybe it could be Raven. This guy knows who we are. He's got to go.
BEAST BOY: Wait a minute, GO? What does that mean?
WALLY: What do you think it means, Gar?
GRAYSON: (O.S.) I'm gone five minutes and already you're plotting first-degree murder.
Wally turns. Kory supports Grayson as they step inside.
GRAYSON: I'll give you this, West, you're efficient.
WALLY: Hey Dick. Nice of you to join us. Love shack need airing out or did you just run out of quarters?
GRAYSON: Where's Donna?
BEAST BOY: She's fine. In there.
CYBORG: Raven checked her out. Sword missed any vital organs. Lucky.
GRAYSON: Sword?
WALLY: Didn't you hear, mon capitaine? Donna got her belly button pierced... the hard way.
GRAYSON: And you brought her here? What, was the hospital full up?
WALLY: Well, gee, hoss, I was a little worried that the psycho ninja guy that blew through half our team in about thirty seconds might come back to finish the job. So you tell me where she's safer, in a hospital room or here?
INT. TITAN TOWER DONNA'S ROOM NIGHT
Grayson bends over Donna, checking on her. He brushes some hair out of her eyes. Kory sits at Donna's side quietly. Wally leans against the wall, arms crossed.
GRAYSON: You alright?
DONNA: Peachy.
WALLY: Satisfied?
GRAYSON: Far from it.
Grayson stands.
WALLY: You got a problem with me? Because last time I checked, you weren't exactly winning any award in the all-out-of-bubblegum sweepstakes either.
GRAYSON: Deathstroke took you out pretty easily.
WALLY: Big words from the guy who got five doses of lead added to his diet then comes back here hale and healthy. For that matter, Cyborg bought it in one hit. And we saw how well Donna did.
DONNA: Yeah, I took a sword through the gut to cover up being a traitor. Have any of you considered that none of us is a traitor? That he's just going this to set us against each other?
GRAYSON: He knew where we were and what our names are. And to be frank, sentiments like that aren't exactly helping your case.
DONNA: My case? Why don't you ask Wally who he was talking to on the phone?
GRAYSON: (suspicious) Who'd you call before we left?
WALLY: My wife, Dick, is that alright with you? I was calling to tell Linda I wouldn't be able to spend the evening with her and her family. Just one of the many sacrifices I've made for this team.
GRAYSON: You don't know the first thing about sacrifice.
WALLY: No? I put more than my life on the line for the Titans. I put my name on the line. I know someone like you could never understand this, but my name has value. People respect it. If this team fails, it doesn't just reflect badly on me, it reflects badly on my predecessor and my predecessor's predecessor. So don't try to tell me I don't care. I need this little endeavor to succeed. I'm risking everything here. And if things go south... well, as you so often remind us... you are the leader.
GRAYSON: Oh, now you remember that little tidbit. Let me refresh your memory on something else. Funniest thing. DEO is under review. Might have budget cuts. But a couple of high-profile metahuman attacks
bet that would put 'em in the black. How deep you in bed with them?
WALLY: What a vivid imagination you have...
GRAYSON: And Lexcorp supplies the DEO. DEO having its budget slashed would put a hamper on Lex Luthors revenue.
FLASH: Lex Luthor? What the hell does Lex Luthor have to do with anything?
By now Cyborg and Beast Boy have gathered in the doorway to hear what all the commotion's about.
GRAYSON: You tell me. All I know is who holds the merchandising rights to the Titans. That would be Lexcorp. And you sold it to them. (beat) You hired Deathstroke. To frame Zandia so you could have your little war.
Flash is taken aback, although from outrage or fear of being discovered we can't tell.
WALLY: Cute idea. Wish I'd thought of it. You really think Id falsify evidence?
Grayson begins circling Wally. The hunter has become the hunted.
GRAYSON: You always talk about being willing to use all necessary force.
WALLY: The whole point is that I dont need to falsify evidence. Zandia speaks for itself.
GRAYSON: Really? Im starting to wonder. After all, you gathered the evidence that proved they had violated human rights.
WALLY: Keep pushing, *******. Someones gonna push back.
GRAYSON: (persisting) You're the only one with the resources to hire him.
WALLY: Are we forgetting who's the ward of Bruce Wayne?
GRAYSON: Why would I want the services of an assassin?
WALLY: Why indeed?
GRAYSON: I'm not the one on trial here.
WALLY: Neither am I!
He shoves Grayson. Grayson shoves him back. They charge for each other, Kory stepping in between them. She restrains Grayson as Beast Boy and Cyborg drag Wally back, kicking and screaming.
WALLY: There's a hole in your mind! Something's supposed to be there... and it isn't! You don't know why people cry, why they laugh, why they do anything. You're a ****ing cypher, man!
The doors close on his screams. Grayson stares at the door, cooling down.
GRAYSON: He's out of control. Way out of control. Batman was right about him. He's an arrogant, xenophobic sociopath! He doesn't care about anyone but himself! He's been using us all from day one!
DONNA: Dick, calm down!
GRAYSON: If it weren't for him they'd still be alive!
KORY: Who? Who'd still be alive?
Grayson breaks down. Leaning against the wall on both hands, hyperventilating.
GRAYSON: You ever feel like you're being punished for something?
DONNA: Like what?
GRAYSON: The lies you've told, the secrets you've kept?
DONNA: All the time.
GRAYSON: Sometimes I feel that way. Like we're all just sinners in the hands of an angry god.
KORY: I used to feel that way... until I met you.
He looks into her eyes. The simple yet absolute faith she has for Grayson breaks his heart into a million pieces.
INT. TITAN TOWER BARRACKS NIGHT
Wally calms down, but still paces furiously in front of Beast Boy and Cyborg.
WALLY: Son of a ***** is trying to deflect suspicion off himself. You saw how he immediately started accusing me? No reason, not one! You think it was a coincidence that all of us met up on Justice League property? One of us is a mole. And who among us has the strongest connection to a member of the League? Does anyone really think the little red robin has cut all his ties to the big, black bat? Nightwing's Batman's boy. Always has been. Always will be.
He storms off, yelling over his shoulder.
WALLY: Hell with this, I'm out of here!
As he walks down the corridor, he sees Raven staring at him as if she just saw the meaning of life written on his forehead.
WALLY: What the **** are you looking at, sister?
RAVEN: We are not what we appear to be. You will learn this, Wallace.
WALLY: Call me Flash.
Next: What Slade Did
INT. APARTMENT – GOTHAM CITY – FLASHBACK
Slade, a few less lines on his face, sits in the apartment. It's a low-rent place, from the stained mattress to the dartboard on the wall. Obviously Slade hasn't come up so far in the world yet. His hair is black as midnight, with a few touches of white creeping in along the temples. In the palm of his hand he holds two pills, one white, one black. He stares at them with both his eyes, then dry-swallows them both.
GRAYSON: (O.S.) You killed them.
Slade turns around. DICK GRAYSON, age eleven, stands in his doorway.
SLADE: You're gonna have to be more specific.
GRAYSON: You killed my parents!
SLADE: I've killed a lot of men's parents.
GRAYSON: You're not going to kill anymore!
He hurls himself at Slade, his tiny body packed with fury. They fight, Grayson's small fists trying to pound Slade's head into the floor. Slade shoves him off, picks him up by the scruff of the neck.
SLADE: You're a scrappy one, I'll say that much for you.
GRAYSON: I hate you!
SLADE: You don't know what hat