The Equivalents

5. Those left behind.

Cyborg, Catwoman, Robin, and Signal were all shocked when they made it back to the junkyard at the site of the explosion.

"Oh my gosh, it disintegrated them!" Signal gasped.

"It couldn't have." The scientist said. "It wasn't built for that. If the blast had killed them, their bodies would still be here."

"Then where are they?" Robin asked, as more of a threat then a question.

"The machine was meant to alter reality. If they are gone, it's possible they were sent to another one." The man explained.

"And who exactly are you again?" Catwoman asked.

"Dr. Simms." The man replied.

"Ok, Doc Simms. Can you build another machine to bring them home?" Cyborg asked.

"I can't. If I build another machine, it will only take you to another reality. And I can't guarantee you that it will be the same one your friends are in." Dr. Simms explained.

"Can you build a different machine to bring them back?" Signal asked.

"Not likely. Especially since we don't know where they are." Dr. Simms sighed.

"So you're useless." Robin scoffed.

"Maybe not." Dr. Simms continued. "I may not be able to bring them back, but if they make a machine wherever they are, I can make a machine to work as a magnet. To pull them to this universe and make sure they don't get stuck in another one."

"That could work." Catwoman nodded. "How long would it take?"

"With your help, perhaps a week? But I can't guarantee when or if they will make a device to get back." Dr. Simms said.

"It's worth a shot." Cyborg shrugged. "When do we start?"

"I'll need some things. How many of you happen to be computer geniuses?" The doctor asked.

Cyborg and Robin raised their hands. Cyborg tried to push Robin's down, but he wouldn't budge.

"I know someone else who may be capable of assisting us." Robin stated.

"Who?" Catwoman asked.

"Oracle." Robin answered. "I can contact her and have her meet us here. We need to begin."

"The kid's right. We gotta start as soon as possible. If we don't get this done before Batman gets his device done, they might get sent to another reality." Cyborg agreed.

"Well, there is also a chance they could get sucked between realities and be stuck in the void forever." Dr. Simms laughed.

"Wait, what?!?!" Signal exclaimed. "You didn't mention that!"

"Well it sadly is a possibility. But if we work hard, we can get this done in a matter of days. We should be fine." Dr. Simms smiled.

"Batman could have his device done in hours. This is not exceptable." Robin stated.

"Relax, Bat Jr." Cyborg teased. "Oracle, me, and Dr. Simms will be able to make this magnet and bring back everyone."

"Including the villains?" Catwoman questioned. "Bane was the only one who didn't get sucked in with them."

"We already caught him though." Cyborg reassured the scientist.

"Could we maybe leave a couple of them there?" Signal asked.

"It's not up to us. It's up to the heroes with them." Dr. Simms answered.

"I contacted Oracle while you were conversing." Robin spoke up. "She said she'd arrive shortly."

"Good." Dr. Simms nodded. "Alright. I need the pieces from the last machine to get started on this new one."

"Alright people, you heard the man. Fan out and look for spare parts!" Cyborg announced.

They all spread out and began looking for the parts to help bring their friends and family home.