P. M.

7

Peter was standing in the main hall of the Cave, waiting for the equipment and the base's schematics to be delivered. The team had just left for their Santa Prisca mission, meaning that he and Red Tornado were the only ones in the base, with the latter returning to their quarters.

The sound of the Zeta Tube system coming to life drew Peter's attention. He looked and saw Batman walk out of the Zeta Tube with several pieces of equipment covered in a green glow being carried by Green Lantern behind him.

"These are all the equipment you requested," Batman said as he pulled a tablet from under his cape and handed it to Peter. "They also include the proper working tools, and anything else you need Green Lantern can help you with. This tablet contains the schematics of the base alongside the schematics of the Hard Light Lense that is installed."

"Thank you," Peter said as he took the tablet. Pushing the lone button on the tablet, Peter watched the screen show him a map of the entire base. Tabbing the area where the main hall is, the screen zoomed in and showed more detailed schematics. Peter would have kept looking through them but realised Batman was still in front of him. "Is there something you need?"

"Robin told me about what happened to you," Batman answered.

Peter didn't really feel surprised. Batman seemed like a cautious man, in a good way, and he was placed on the Team to keep an eye on him same as Superboy, so it was only natural that Robin was also supposed to report anything he learned of them.

"And you're telling me because...?" Peter trailed off, not knowing why Batman would reveal that.

Batman placed a supportive hand on Peter's shoulder, catching the scientist by surprise. "I'm... sorry," the Dark Knight's usual rough and deep voice was nowhere to be found. Instead, he sounded like a supportive parent. "Losing family is never easy."

Peter sighed and shook his head, deciding that there was no reason to deny the support. "I'm managing. Even if I can't see them again, it makes things easier that they're safe, simply in a place I can't reach anymore, literally."

"There's a few therapists that are close friends with the League. If you need a session, the League can cover for you," Batman offered, showing he most likely has experience in this situation.

"Thank you, but I'm fine," Peter rejected the offer. He wasn't in a state bad enough to turn to therapy, plus he felt most comfortable in the lab.

"If you need anything, simply ask," Batman said before turning to leave towards the Zeta Tube. Something told Peter that he is experienced with dealing with people that lost their families.

Putting those thoughts in the back of his head for now, Peter turned to Green Lantern who stayed. "Good to see you again, Green Lantern."

"My name is John Stewart, Kid, no need for formalities," Green Lantern smiled, offering a handshake that Peter accepted.

"I have to say, you're rather lax about your secret identity," Peter commented, remembering that John didn't wear a mask even when he picked him up from the hospital.

John placed his hands on his waist and stood tall with his back straight. "I'm a war veteran, Kid. I didn't need a mask on the front lines, and I don't need one now."

Peter shrugged, accepting the explanation. He knew Soldiers, especially veterans, had their own sense of pride. "Alright, let's start," Peter opened the tablet again. "I suppose we should start with removing the Hard Light Lense first to make room for the Light-Air Particle Infusion System, can you create a lift or a raft for me to get up on?" John smiled and held his ring upwards, creating a platform that held the tools and Peter and lifted them up to the ceiling. "Thank you."