Wings of Fate (Book 1 in the ALIFEROUS Series)

Arguments and Baking

I watched as John Stewart, one of the Green Lanterns, created a large green crane construct that lifted the Caves main generator. All the lights came on as the piece fit into place. I sighed as GA put a bowl of pretzels on the table the others were sitting at. As if that would help lift the heavy tension at the table. Artemis, Wally, Robin, and M'gann were sitting at the bench the League had brought for us. I felt like we were stuck at the kiddie table while the adults talked. Or in this case, tried to find answers. Superboy and I were standing. I was in a corner, leaning against a wall. Supey was standing right next to the table.

Kaldur and Batman were talking right next to me. I could hear every word they said.

"It was during the Taipei mission with Red Arrow. Sportsmaster revealed the possibility of a mole within the Team. In light of last night's attack, Tornado would appear to be the traitor. But whether he betrayed us willingly or was pre-programmed is still--" Aqualad was abruptly cut off. Apparently Superboy could hear every word they said too.

"You knew?!" Supey shouted as he charged toward Kaldur. Batman got out of the way quickly. I was swift to intervene. I stepped in front of Aqualad like I melted out of the wall. I held my hands up and stopped the angry ravenette's progress.

"Superboy, stop. We have no idea the reasoning behind our leader's actions. Calm down." I said.

"That android and his manic family nearly killed M'gann!" Superboy shouted.

"Calm down. I nearly died too. So did Kaldur. Dude, we all almost died. You need to chill before you do something you regret." I said. I was struggling to keep my voice level. All I wanted was to yell at him to stop being a whiny child, but I knew that wouldn't help.

"Something I regret?! What I regret is letting you stall me for this long. Now get out of the way." He growled.

"Connor, what are you doing?!" M'gann asked, slightly panicked.

"Kaldur knew we had a traitor among us and said nothing!" Superboy accused. Sweat dripped down my face as I struggled with the raging Kryptonian. Luckily he was so ticked, he didn't even think of throwing me to the side. Thank goodness.

"You knew?" Rob asked, narrowing his eyes.

"But didn't tell us?" Wally finished his voice dangerously low.

"I sought to protect the team from--" Poor Kaldur didn't even get to finish his sentence before a certain blonde archer interrupted.

"Protect us from what? Knowledge that may have saved our lives?" Artemis asked sarcastically.

"You're acting like we died." I muttered. Everyone's gaze snapped to me. "What."

"How are you so nonchalant about this? You should be chalant. Very chalant!" Robin exclaimed. I shrugged as best I could while holding back a Kryptonian.

"Simple."

"How is it so simple, might I ask?" Wally scoffed. I narrowed my eyes.

"Because I trust Kaldur's judgement. Because we selected him leader for a purpose. I might not totally agree with his actions, but I trust that he wanted the best for us." I said.

"Some leader." Superboy sneered. I kneed him in the gut. He fell to his knees, groaning.

"Some teammate." I mocked. "He makes one mistake and you guys are ripping him to pieces." I shook my head.

"M'gann almost died!" Superboy said.

"No offense to M'gann, but... SO DID EVERYONE ELSE." I yelled. I took a deep breath and counted to three. "Stop acting like a child. This whole job is dangerous. If you want to throw a tantrum every time your girlfriend gets hurt, you will end up getting punched. If you don't like Kaldur so much, then you lead. See how many simple decisions could get your team killed. Because I bet you the first mission we go on will get someone killed. Not almost killed. Dead. So put on your big boy pants and stop whining." I snapped. He opened his mouth. Before he even got the chance to say anything, I was gone. I heard something about Captain Marvel babysitting us, so I snuck back in and sat in the shadows.