The Apprentice

It All Makes Sense

Batman draws a slow, silent breath, eyes passing over every Titan, making sure they're listening. Finally, he speaks. 

"When Robin attacked Metropolis, he left a message."

"Yeah, yeah," Beastboy cuts in with an eye-roll, waving a hand as he summarizes, "You said he's out of control-"

"No." Batman corrects, "An engraving."

His cape rustles, and an arm protrudes out from behind the wall of fabric, gripping the S-shaped throwing knife. Beastboy steps up to take it, squinting at the silvery lines scratched into one of the blades.

"I didn't see it at first, either." Superman smiles, excitement building inside him as he shifts his posture to rest his hands on his hips.

"Titans have... nano-bugs?" Beastboy reads aloud, his tone pitching into a question. He flips the knife around, looking for any other messages, then looks up to gauge the expressions around him. Batman's as unreadable as ever, but Superman's grin is growing by the second. Beastboy draws up his shoulders, and laughs weakly.

"Is this s'pposed to be some kinda weird science joke?"

"What?" Superman balks, his smile twinging. "No—"

"Say what? Nano- what?" Cyborg interrupts, his voice cracking dramatically. "Lemme see that."

He snatches the knife, holding it up to his undamaged organic eye. The other Titans crowd around him, each studying it in turn.

"He says we have bugs?" Starfire questions, looking over Cyborg's left shoulder. "Is he being a Klorbag barblernelk?"

"I don't think this is a prank." Raven muses contemplatively, hovering by Cyborg's other side.

Beastboy prods at his own chest, arms, and face with increasing urgency. Picturing the tiny invasive machines digs an itch into his skin.

"But— but how? When?" He sputters, pulling off one of his gloves to inspect the back of his hand.

Raven closes her eyes, gathering her thoughts. They open again with new clarity.

"...Remember the beam that hit us in the sewers?"

"The one we thought did not work?" Starfire adds, holding a finger to her chin and tilting her head.

"For real? Damn, I knew I should've looked into that." Cyborg swears, lowering the knife.

"This is... much to take in." Starfire realizes, returning to the ground and lifting a hand to brush her temple. Her mind whirrs uselessly, all thoughts crumbling at the memory of Robin's attack on the rooftop. She knew the concern in his voice had been real, and it had only made the situation more confusing for her. Until now.

Superman steps forward, resting a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. "We're sorry for springing this on you like this. We would have told you sooner, but Robin isn't the one we needed to block out, it's this 'Slade' character. Batman— well, I'll let him explain it."

"Robin's behaviour implies he is being monitored." Batman reasons, reclaiming the attention of the group. "It's likely you are as well."

Their communicators burn holes in their pockets, and the Titans exchange an uncomfortable look. Batman continues.

"We can assume the nano-bugs are dangerous. Currently inactive, or active invisibly. Operable remotely, or triggered by certain factors."

Starfire gasps, raising a hand. "Like on the roof of the Enterprises of Wayne!"

Batman's gaze shifts to her, and he falls silent, waiting for elaboration.

"The glowy-hurty trick?" Beastboy asks, earning a sharp look from Batman.

"So they've already been activated once." The dark detective concludes, adding and removing data from his mental notes.

"What I wanna know," Cyborg starts, stepping towards him, "is why you had us freaking out about giving up on Robin back at the tower!"

"Until we eliminate the risk, we need Slade to think his plan to vilify Robin is working." Batman reasons, to no one's approval. The silence is loud, and Batman inclines his head reluctantly. "It could have gone better."

The disapproving stares continue, but Cyborg sighs, the fight draining from him. "Yeah, sure. Glad you don't think Robin is evil."

Starfire cheers, throwing her arms up into the air.

"He's most definitely not evil!"