Return of a Speedster

The Day After

Mount Justice
July 5, 2019 0500 EDT

After the party died down, the members of the Team and the League decided to turn in for the night. The League left the Team to get reacquainted with their home. And the Team retired to their rooms--each a perfect reproduction, down to the last detail. It there that the Team slept peacefully once more, under the mountain's silent and ever present watch.

In one of the rooms,during the early hour of the morning, a young couple stirs awake. They are Artemis and Wally. Wally gently pecks Arty on the forehead; which she replies with a quiet giggle. They stare at each other in awe. Each waiting for one or the other to say something, for there is an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed. Not being able to stomach the tension any more, Artemis begins to speak.

"Soo...," she starts.

"Soo...," Wally returns, with a chuckle.

"What do we do about this?"

"About what?"

"Our relationship?"

"What about it?"

"Well...do we pick up where we left off or what?"

For the second time in his life, the fastest kid alive takes a moment to think of a response.

"How about," he starts. "How about we just taking it one step at a time....and....just see where it leads?"

"That's probably the wisest thing you have ever said in your life."

"Well, I'm not always an idiot," he states with a kiss.

"That's for sure."

They share a laugh, only to be interrupted by the sound of a bugle playing Reveille.

For the spitfire couple are not the only livid people in the Cave at this hour. For unknownced to them, a small group of men and soldiers stormed into the base through the Zeta Tubes. There were no alarms. Well, one wouldn't expect any for the entry of the site's propeietor--a one Mr. Joseph Graves.

He is accompanied by his son--Joseph Domingo--, his nephew, Director Disakvo, and their respective protection details and advisors. His nephew approaches the center of the Mission Room, holding a small, brass trumpet-like instrument.

"Rally the troops," Mr. Graves instructs.

"Of course," his nephew responds, and does exactly that.

Upon the second repetition of the ages old tune, the entire Team is gathered in the Mission Room. There are a few thoughts running through their minds. First, when did they get drafted. Second, who are these men. And third, why is one of them playing a bugle.

With everyone gathered, the bugler ceases his tune, and Mr. Graves gives his a round of applause.

"Forgive my nephew, Tom," the billionaire security expert implores, "he has a taste for theatrics. A taste that both me and my brother--his father--share.

"At any rate, you are all wondering who most of us are and why your are up at this hour. So....lets start with the introductions now shall we.

"Team, as all you may well know, my name is Joseph Graves and the guy standing next to me is my son, Joe."

He gestures to his son, who waves to the Team, and ten continues on.

"You all were warmly greeted by this handsome fellow in the center. He is my nephew, Thomas Graves, III."

The said individual waves to the groggy Team, who return his gesture with looks of disgust and hatred.

"This fine man over here is my close friend and business associate Colonel Tyler Disakvo. Some of you may be acquainted with him. His is the Director of a top-secret organization that I founded nearly two decades ago  when you mentors first appeared in the public spotlight.