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It's now or never.
The comforting, familiar weight of the mind-link rests over her, and the thoughts and feelings of her closest friends occasionally pass over her mind. She can see flashes of the team, briefly, from the various spots they hide in preparation for the ambush. Nightwing and Kid Flash are on the other side of the Cave's entrance, and Superboy and Artemis are perched up on the high ground awaiting the signal.
She hadn't realised how comforting their presence always was on a dangerous mission like this.
The floodlights scattered around the cave flicker, the bright lights hazing in and out, casting the cavern in darkness for a mere moment before the light returns. Miss Martian – still disguised as Kestrel – leads the members of the Light into the Santa Prisca cave. She carefully looks over the area, then steps aside to let Vandal Savage, Ra's al Ghul and Black Manta enter. The Brain and Mallah, wearing a new red beret to replace the one Wally had stolen six years ago, follow shortly behind.
Cardinal walks in at Kaldur's side, one hand resting over the hilt of her sword.
Across the cave, Black Beetle leads the Reach's Ambassador and Scientist, followed by a group of armed soldiers, inside. The guards hold onto their weapons tightly as they scatter across their side of the cavern, carefully observing the leaders who meet in the centre.
"Ambassador," Vandal Savage greets the short, lanky alien. His lips are curled into a smirk– though Yue believes it to be his best attempt at a smile.
The Ambassador grins back at him. "Savage."
"As head of security for the Reach," Black Beetle takes a step forward, his eyes narrowing at the humans suspiciously. Though he points at Manta, his eyes flicker between Cardinal and the disguised Miss Martian, as well. "I must insist, no masks be worn at the summit."
"Simply because you insist is no guarantee." Manta replies.
Ra's al Ghul turns to the supervillain, a humble smile crossing his face. "Manta," he says, "If you wouldn't mind. After all, we are among friends."
Black Manta growls in response, though makes no new attempt to object as he instead slowly removes his helmet. With a quick glance at Kaldur, Cardinal carefully lowers the red mask covering the lower half of her face.
"We're so in over our heads," she complains, carefully rubbing the glamour-charm that hangs around her throat before she lets her hand fall back to her side. If she's discovered and her identity is revealed while her mask is off, Bruce would kill her for revealing herself in a room full of supervillains.
Behind her, Miss Martian slides Kestrel's cowl over her head.
"Babe." She can hear Wally's voice through the mind-link, his tone dreamy and lovestruck, "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"
