A Siren's Forte [Young Justice]

Quiet Conversations

Gotham City

January 01, 21:00 EST

While waiting for everyone to arrive for another 'Anti-Light' meeting, Jenna was pacing. Her brow had a troubled wrinkle. She turned to Miss Martian, eyes narrow.

"I don't understand what's wrong with Vi. I mean, her throat was sliced open by that terrorist. Risking her life like that could have ended very badly if she couldn't heal herself," she said.

Miss M sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "I know. Which is why I benched her from the team for the time being. At least until we find out why she was even arrested in the first place," she decided. "Has she told you anything?"

Jenna scoffed. "No," she said, crossing her arms. "I'm trying to give her the chance to open up first. But now, I'm not sure that's the way to go about this."

"I encouraged her to open up to someone," Miss M added. "If not me or you, then Artemis or Helga."

Jenna went still, contemplating a question that suddenly arose at the mention of the scientist. But before she could tentatively ask it, the Zeta-Tube came to life.

"Recognized: Aquaman, two-seven."

Reflexively, Jenna's eyes darted over. Of all days...why did we have to meet today? Why do I have to see him today?

New Year's Day was forever going to leave a bitter taste in her mouth after the one that took place eight years ago. Mainly because of the relationship formed from it and the fact it was no more...even if it was her decision. Swallowing tightly, Jenna looked down at her crossed arms, only noticing Wonder Woman had also arrived by the sound of her voice.

"Alright, fill me in on what happened tonight. Something about the Outsiders?"

"It would be easier to show you," Batman answered her, turning to the computer. With a few clicks, a pre-recorded news broadcast played.

The headline read Outsiders Save Local Girl but since G. Gordon Godfrey's face was on the screen, Jenna doubted it was meant to praise them. Especially when he showed a video of Beast Boy urging everyone to get clear before the building behind them exploded.

"And there you have it, faithful viewers," Godfrey drawled. "The latest explosive exploits of every punk's favorite heroes, the Outrageous Outsiders."

He moved across the room to sit across from an annoyingly familiar man. "We're here with UN Secretary-General Lex Luthor. Mister Secretary, thoughts?"

"It's wonderful the girl was rescued, of course," Lex said. "But frankly, the local constabulary could have managed that."

Jenna rolled her eyes. If she weren't so irritated by Lex's face and all the other events of the week, she would have laughed at the irony.

"Instead, these irresponsible super-children rush in," he continued. "And the predictable result? An explosion, massive property damage...sad." If Lex was petty enough to pout, he would have.

Godfrey raised an eyebrow. "Isolated incident or pattern?"

"The latter, I'm afraid," Lex sighed. "Take Bwunda, where I personally witnessed the near-death of Kid Flash. He and Wonder Girl and Beast Boy show all the maturity of kids putting on a show in their backyards. It's appalling Flash, Wonder Woman, and the League allow it."

Jenna glanced over at the Amazonian woman in the room–so to speak–as she frowned at Lex's patronizing face. Her gaze returned to the screen, similarly glowering. It wasn't lost on her how he neglected to mention those of the Outsiders that were over eighteen, such as Banshee.