Cracking An Enigma (a YJ fanfic) COMPLETED

Chapter Seventeen: To Trust Or Not To Trust

"I don't like your little game."
Taylor Swift, Look What You Made Me Do

BEING STUCK IN A DARK ROOM for two days is a little more than depressing. In fact, I think it's damaging. I spent that time valuably, worrying about when Dad was gonna show up. And my friends; God, had they even survived? And Natasha was going to kill me after getting myself captured...

That's what you're worried about? We are stuck in a dungeon, with no hope of escape, and your psycho of a father will come and collect you like a package! Way to go, Brookston! Real classy!

"Oh bloody hell," I sighed. "How am I going to get out of this one? Dad knows me too well."

No one's POV

"Thanks, but no thanks!" Wally snapped, as the bowl of food landed in front of him.

"Yeah! What we want are answers!" Robin chimed in. "About Red Tornado and his siblings. And where'd they take Shadow?!"

"Exactly!" KF said angrily. "Leave the bowl," he added, as Green Arrow made to take it away. Wally began eating agressively.

Artemis hadn't even said a word, since her best friend had disappeared. In the back of the cave Kaldur was talking with Batman.
"Sportsmaster revealed the possibility of there being a mole within the team. In light of last night's attack, Tornado would appear to be the traitor. But whether he betrayed us willingly or was programmed, is still-"

"You knew?!" Superboy yelled, launching himself at Aqualad. "That Android, and his maniac family, almost killed M'gann!"

"Connor what are doing?" The Martian said, flying over.

"Kaldur knew we had a traitor among us, and said nothing!"

"You knew!" Robin said shocked.

"And you didn't tell us?!" Wally questioned.

"I sought to protect the team from-"

"Protect us from what?!" Artemis exclaimed, joining in. "Knowledge that might of saved our lives? If you had told us," her voice escalated to a yell, "Em might still be here! And because of that, I- we don't have the slightest clue whether she's dead, or alive!"

"You almost died!" Superboy bellowed, directing his words at M'gann.

"Enough!" Interrupted Batman. Slowly, reluctantly, Superboy let go of Kaldur. "With Red Tornado... Missing," he settled for, "the team will now be overseen by rotating supervisors. Captain Marvel has volunteered to take the first shift."

"I'm really looking forward to hanging with you guys!" Captain Marvel spoke enthusiastically. The others looked at each other.

"After I dismantle Red Tornado, you and I are gonna-" Superboy began to say to Kaldur, when Batman cut him off.

"Red Tornado is a member of the Justice League. That makes him a League responsibility. You will leave him to us. I have another assignment for this team."

At that moment, Black Widow silently entered the room. Artemis caught her eye, and they both shared a look of "I feel your pain." Then she leaned against the wall, and listened. New Articles came up on a screen.
"Gotham mayor attacked by guerilla gorilla?!" KF said is disbelief.

"Batman please! Tell me you're not sending us on this joke of a wild ape chase!" Robin pleaded.

"I never joke about the mission." Batman stated. "I've checked the sources, I've studied the patterns. Mayor Hill's encounter is only the latest in a series of incidents. Aqualad, you and your team will depart for India and check this out."