# Mount Justice - Debriefing and Aftermath
**1945 HOURS - MOUNT JUSTICE COMMAND CENTER**
The Zeta-Tube announcements came in rapid succession as the team returned from their first operational deployment:
"Aqualad - B02."
"Supergirl - B08."
"Arsenal - B06."
"Miss Martian - B03."
"Kid Flash - B04."
"Nightwing - B01."
Connor watched from the command center as his teammates materialized, each showing signs of their recent operations—minor combat damage to costumes, exhaustion in body language, but most importantly, the satisfied expressions of people who had just accomplished something significant.
Wally West was the first to break the post-mission tension, his enhanced metabolism already having processed the physical stress of combat. He pulled off his Kid Flash cowl with theatrical flair, revealing tousled red hair and a grin that suggested he was about to say something that would make everyone either laugh or groan.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Wally announced with exaggerated formality, "I would like to officially declare that we are officially awesome. Motion to make 'Team Awesome' our official designation?"
"Motion denied," Kaldur replied with the patient authority of someone who had clearly dealt with Wally's post-mission energy before. "Though I agree that the operation was successful beyond initial projections."
Kara landed near the central display table with the fluid grace that marked her complete comfort with Kryptonian abilities, though Connor's enhanced senses detected exhaustion beneath her composed exterior. Fighting an unstable Kryptonian-enhanced opponent had clearly taken more out of her than she wanted to admit.
"That was intense," Kara said, settling into one of the command center's seats with obvious relief. "Connor, your coordination made the difference between success and disaster at Site Alpha. When that enhanced operative deployed Kryptonite weapons, your tactical warning gave us exactly the seconds we needed to adapt."
"Speaking of which," Roy added, moving to check his equipment with the methodical precision Connor associated with master craftsmen, "Superboy's real-time intelligence was remarkable. Having someone who could see the entire battlefield while engaged in direct electronic warfare—that's a strategic advantage I've never experienced before."
M'gann settled near Connor, her emotional signature radiating exhaustion mixed with satisfaction and something warmer that Connor recognized as her continued feelings toward him. "Connor, are you okay? Operating at that level of parallel processing for that long—I could feel the cognitive strain even through our telepathic link."
"I'm fine," Connor assured her, which was mostly true. His quantum-level consciousness had handled the operational load, but the reintegration from five parallel threads back to unified awareness had been more challenging than he'd anticipated. "Tired, but nothing that some rest and solar exposure won't fix."
Wally, who had been studying the debriefing data on the central display, suddenly looked up with an expression that Connor's enhanced social awareness immediately flagged as trouble.
"So," Wally said with the kind of casual tone that preceded deliberate mischief, "now that we're not actively preventing international incidents, I feel like we should address something important." He looked directly at M'gann and Kara with obvious interest. "Specifically, the fact that this team has two incredibly impressive ladies who I somehow haven't properly introduced myself to yet."
Connor felt his enhanced empathy abilities detect M'gann's mixture of flattery and caution, while Kara's emotional signature showed confusion about Earth social customs mixed with wariness about Wally's obvious approach.
"Wally," Dick said with the weary tone of someone who had witnessed this performance many times before, "maybe let everyone decompress from the mission before you start your routine?"
"What routine?" Wally protested with exaggerated innocence. "I'm simply acknowledging that our team includes two remarkable women whose capabilities I greatly admire. M'gann's shapeshifting and telepathic coordination were incredible during the hostage rescue, and Kara's performance against that enhanced operative was—"
"Wally," Kaldur interrupted with calm authority, "while appreciation for teammates' capabilities is appropriate, your delivery suggests intentions beyond professional recognition."
Wally grinned, completely unabashed. "Can you blame me? I mean, Miss Martian can literally read minds and change her appearance to anything she wants. That's both incredibly useful for team operations and—let's be honest—fascinating from a personal perspective."
M'gann's emotional signature showed she was caught between amusement at Wally's obvious interest and loyalty to her feelings for Connor. "Wally, that's... flattering? But also kind of objectifying?"
"Not objectifying!" Wally protested, moving with enhanced speed to stand near M'gann in what he probably thought was a charming pose. "Appreciating! There's a difference. Objectifying would be if I only cared about your abilities. I'm interested in the whole package—the telepathy, the shapeshifting, the fact that you're from Mars which is just inherently cool, and your obvious intelligence and courage."
Connor watched the interaction with mixed feelings. Wally's interest was genuine if somewhat performative, but Connor could sense M'gann's discomfort with being put on the spot immediately after a stressful mission.
"And Supergirl," Wally continued, apparently interpreting the team's tolerance as encouragement, "you're literally from Krypton. Do you know how incredible that is? Plus, the whole 'fought an unstable Kryptonian-enhanced opponent and won through superior technique' thing was seriously impressive."
Kara looked genuinely confused by Wally's approach, her limited experience with Earth social customs clearly not having prepared her for this level of direct attention. "Thank you? I was simply doing what the mission required."
"See, that's what I'm talking about," Wally said with enthusiasm. "Humble despite being incredibly powerful. That's hero material right there."
Roy, who had been watching the interaction with obvious amusement, decided to intervene. "West, you're making it worse. Maybe try 'hello, nice to work with you' before jumping to the flirting?"
"I said hello during the mission briefing!" Wally protested.
"You said 'hey' while running past at enhanced speed," Dick clarified. "That doesn't count as proper introduction."
Connor felt his protective instincts engaging, particularly regarding M'gann who clearly wasn't comfortable with Wally's attention despite the flattering nature of it. His enhanced social awareness detected that both women were being polite but would appreciate extraction from the situation.
"Wally," Connor said with calm directness, "maybe let M'gann and Kara process the mission before you start personal conversations? They both just completed high-stress operations."
Wally looked between Connor and M'gann with sudden comprehension that suggested his enhanced speed extended to social analysis when he chose to use it. "Oh. OH. Connor, are you and M'gann...?"
"Friends and teammates," Connor clarified before M'gann had to navigate the awkward explanation. "But regardless of relationship status, jumping from combat operations directly to flirting seems like poor timing."
M'gann's emotional signature showed gratitude for Connor's intervention while Kara just looked relieved that someone had redirected the conversation.
"Fair point," Wally acknowledged with surprising grace. "Sorry, I sometimes get a little wound up after missions. Enhanced metabolism means I process stress differently, and sometimes that comes out as... excessive enthusiasm."
"Apology accepted," M'gann said with genuine warmth. "And Wally, I appreciate the compliments about my abilities. Just maybe save the personal interest conversations for when we're not all exhausted from nearly dying?"
"Deal," Wally agreed, then with characteristic inability to leave well enough alone, added, "But we are having those conversations eventually, right?"
Before M'gann could formulate a response that wouldn't hurt Wally's feelings, Batman's voice cut through the command center's speakers with the authoritative tone that immediately refocused everyone's attention.
"Team, report to the debriefing area. We need comprehensive tactical analysis while the operation is fresh in everyone's memory."
The team moved toward Mount Justice's dedicated debriefing facility—a sophisticated room designed for after-action review with holographic playback systems and tactical analysis capabilities that would make most military organizations jealous.
Batman stood near the central display alongside Black Canary, whose presence suggested this debriefing would include psychological evaluation alongside tactical assessment.
"Before we begin detailed analysis," Batman said without preamble, "I want to acknowledge that this operation was successful beyond our initial projections. All objectives achieved, zero casualties, hostages rescued safely, and significant intelligence gathered about HIVE's capabilities and intentions."
Black Canary stepped forward with the warm professionalism Connor had learned to associate with her role as the team's psychological support. "More importantly, you functioned as a coordinated unit despite this being your first real operational deployment. That's remarkable and speaks to both your individual capabilities and your willingness to work collaboratively."
The holographic display activated, showing tactical recordings from all five operational sites simultaneously—Connor's quantum interface had automatically cataloged everything for review purposes.
"Let's break down each site's operation," Batman continued, "identifying what worked well and what requires improvement."
**SITE ALPHA ANALYSIS:**
The holographic playback showed Kara, Kaldur, and Roy's engagement with HIVE's enhanced operatives, including the critical moment when Kryptonite weapons were deployed.
"Supergirl," Batman addressed Kara directly, "your combat performance was excellent. You engaged with appropriate force, adapted to unexpected threats, and coordinated effectively with teammates. However, I noted hesitation when your Kryptonian-enhanced opponent showed signs of cellular degradation. Talk me through your thinking."
Kara's expression showed the careful consideration of someone learning to articulate tactical decisions. "When I realized his genetic structure was unstable, I considered whether continued engagement might accelerate his deterioration to lethal levels. I tried to find a balance between neutralizing the threat and not causing unnecessary harm."
"That's appropriate ethical reasoning," Black Canary confirmed. "Kara, that kind of consideration is what separates heroes from just powerful individuals. But did the hesitation create any tactical complications?"
"It gave him an opening for one hit that I should have avoided," Kara admitted with the honesty Connor was learning to appreciate about her. "Aqualad had to cover for my positioning error."
"Which I was positioned to do," Kaldur added with calm support. "Kara's ethical consideration was appropriate. My role as field commander included anticipating and covering for necessary hesitations."
Batman nodded approvingly. "Exactly right. Kaldur, your battlefield coordination at Site Alpha was exceptional. You adapted to unexpected threats, covered teammate vulnerabilities, and maintained objective focus throughout. This is textbook field command."
Roy looked up from the holographic display with obvious professional interest. "Question—the Kryptonite weapons they deployed were more sophisticated than anything I've seen outside of LexCorp development. Where did HIVE acquire that technology?"
"That's one of the concerning elements this operation revealed," Batman replied, pulling up intelligence data. "The Kryptonite weapons showed manufacturing signatures consistent with advanced weapons development programs. We're investigating potential connections to other organizations."
**SITE BRAVO ANALYSIS:**
The playback shifted to M'gann and Wally's hostage rescue operation, showing their infiltration and the complication with biological security triggers.
"Miss Martian, Kid Flash," Batman continued, "your coordination during hostage rescue was exemplary. M'gann, your decision to maintain human form when you detected biological triggers showed good tactical thinking. How did you identify the threat?"
M'gann's emotional signature showed confidence as she explained her reasoning. "The facility's electronic security was too easily disabled. Connor's quantum interface is powerful, but even he shouldn't have had that level of access that quickly. When I probed telepathically, I detected organic monitoring systems that weren't connected to electronic networks."
"Excellent analytical thinking," Black Canary confirmed. "You recognized an anomaly and adjusted tactics before the threat became critical. That's exactly the kind of adaptive thinking we want to see."
Wally, who had been unusually quiet during the analysis, spoke up with genuine professionalism. "I should note that M'gann's telepathic coordination was crucial for my speed-based trigger disabling. She showed me exactly where each biological sensor was located and gave me real-time feedback about whether my disabling methods were working."
Connor watched through the holographic playback as M'gann and Wally demonstrated the kind of seamless coordination that made team operations effective. Despite Wally's earlier awkward flirting, his professional assessment of M'gann's capabilities was genuinely respectful.
"The hostage extraction was particularly impressive," Batman noted, highlighting the moment when all six scientists were safely removed from the facility. "Zero injuries, minimal psychological trauma, and you maintained operational security throughout. Well done."
**SITE CHARLIE ANALYSIS:**
Nightwing's stealth operation showed on the holographic display, including the moment when his surveillance equipment was detected and his subsequent tactical adaptation.
"Dick," Batman addressed his former protégé with the professional detachment he maintained during operational debriefings, "you made a tactical decision to prioritize intelligence gathering over equipment recovery. Explain your reasoning."
Dick's response showed the strategic thinking that had earned him the team leadership role. "The equipment was valuable, but the intelligence about HIVE's operations was more critical. They detected my surveillance devices, but Superboy's quantum interface integrated them so deeply into their systems that they can't remove the devices without compromising their own security networks."
Batman's expression showed approval. "Correct assessment. Sometimes the best tactical decision is recognizing when to adapt objectives rather than forcing predetermined plans. The intelligence we're gathering from your surveillance equipment is already proving valuable."
Roy looked genuinely impressed. "That's sophisticated thinking. Most operators would have tried to complete the original objective rather than pivoting to long-term strategic value."
"That's why Dick leads the team," Kaldur said with obvious respect.
**SITE DELTA ANALYSIS:**
The holographic display showed Connor's electronic warfare operation, though the visualization was necessarily abstract—his quantum-level technological interface operated at scales and speeds that traditional recording systems couldn't fully capture.
"Superboy," Batman said, his tone shifting to something that suggested both approval and concern, "your performance at Site Delta was exceptional. You engaged in direct combat with an advanced AI while simultaneously coordinating four field teams. However, I want to address the cognitive load involved."
Connor had been expecting this question. "The parallel processing capabilities from my current capabilities allowed me to handle the operational requirements, but I won't pretend it wasn't challenging. Approaching theoretical limits, but not exceeding them."
Black Canary leaned forward with obvious professional interest. "Connor, can you describe what that felt like? Operating at those cognitive limits?"
Connor considered the question while his enhanced consciousness organized his experience into language. "It was like conducting five different orchestras simultaneously while also composing new music in real time. Each operational thread required focused attention, but my parallel processing allowed me to maintain all five threads without performance degradation in any single area."
"But?" Black Canary prompted, clearly detecting something Connor hadn't fully articulated.
"But reintegrating from five parallel threads back to unified consciousness afterward was more disorienting than I expected," Connor admitted. "Not dangerous or overwhelming, but definitely something I need more practice with."
Batman nodded, making notes. "That's valuable feedback. Connor, your quantum-level capabilities are unprecedented, but understanding their limits is crucial for mission planning. In future operations, we'll need to factor in recovery time after sustained parallel processing."
Roy looked fascinated by the technical discussion. "So you were literally thinking five different thought streams simultaneously? That's not just multitasking—that's actual parallel consciousness?"
"Essentially," Connor confirmed. "Each operational thread had my full attention while also being part of a larger unified awareness. It's hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it."
"That sounds both incredible and potentially dangerous," Kara observed with concern. "Connor, what happens if one of those parallel threads encounters something that would normally cause you to lose focus? Does it affect all the other threads?"
"Good question," Batman said, clearly having considered the same concern. "Connor, did you experience any moments where one thread's complications threatened to impact the others?"
Connor reviewed his operational memory with his enhanced recall. "Site Delta's AI adaptation came close. When it started learning faster than I expected, there was a moment where that thread required significantly more processing resources. The other threads continued functioning, but I could feel the strain."
"Which suggests you have safety margins built into your capabilities," Black Canary noted. "That's actually reassuring—it means you can detect when you're approaching limits rather than suddenly discovering you've exceeded them."
**SITE ECHO ANALYSIS:**
The final holographic playback showed the sophisticated ambush that HIVE had prepared and Connor's subversion of it through false tactical data.
"This was the most concerning element of the operation," Batman said, his expression serious. "HIVE had been monitoring our communications and preparing specific countermeasures for each team member's capabilities. If Connor hadn't detected the ambush and fed them false information, several team members could have been seriously injured or captured."
Dick looked troubled by the revelation. "How did they get access to our communication protocols? Those are supposed to be Justice League-level secure."
"Under investigation," Batman replied. "But this demonstrates that HIVE has resources and intelligence capabilities we initially underestimated. They're not just enhanced criminals—they're a sophisticated organization with advanced technical capabilities."
Connor's quantum interface had been analyzing the ambush systems extensively. "Based on the equipment they deployed, I think they have inside information about Justice League capabilities and protocols. Some of their countermeasures were too specific to be based on observation alone."
"That's a disturbing assessment," Kaldur said with obvious concern. "If HIVE has infiltrated Justice League intelligence networks, they represent a significantly larger threat than we initially understood."
Batman's expression showed he'd reached the same conclusion. "Which is why this team's existence is more valuable than we anticipated. HIVE was preparing for Justice League-level response. They weren't expecting a coordinated team with this specific combination of capabilities."
Roy grinned with obvious satisfaction. "So we surprised them. That's a nice change from villains surprising heroes."
"But it also means they'll adapt their tactics now that they know about us," Wally pointed out with surprising tactical awareness. "They won't underestimate the team in future encounters."
"Correct," Batman confirmed. "Which means you need to continue developing coordination protocols and individual capabilities. HIVE will study this operation and prepare countermeasures. You need to evolve faster than they can adapt."
**OVERALL ASSESSMENT:**
Black Canary stepped forward to address the psychological aspects of the mission. "Before we conclude, I want to check in about the emotional and psychological impact of your first real operation. This wasn't training—lives were at stake, decisions had immediate consequences, and you all faced genuine danger. How are you processing that?"
The team exchanged glances, and Connor could feel through his enhanced empathy that everyone was dealing with similar post-mission reactions—relief at success mixed with awareness of how close they'd come to failure at several points.
M'gann spoke first, her emotional signature showing vulnerability mixed with determination. "I keep thinking about the hostages. When we were moving them out of the facility, one of them said 'thank you for not giving up on us.' It hit me that these were real people whose lives depended on us making correct decisions under pressure."
"That awareness is appropriate and healthy," Black Canary assured her. "M'gann, the fact that you're feeling the weight of that responsibility shows you're approaching this work with proper seriousness."
Kara nodded with understanding. "On Krypton, I trained for planetary defense operations. But this was different—not grand military strategy, but individual people who needed specific help at a specific time. It felt more personal than I expected."
"Both of you are articulating something important," Black Canary continued. "Heroism isn't abstract—it's deeply personal. Every life you save has a name, a story, people who care about them. Feeling that emotional weight is what keeps heroes grounded and prevents the kind of detachment that leads to poor decision-making."
Wally, who had been unusually thoughtful during the psychological discussion, added his perspective. "I've been doing this for a while with the Flash, but this felt different because I was responsible not just for my own performance but for coordinating with the team. When M'gann needed me to disable those biological triggers, I knew that if I messed up, the entire mission could fail and people could die."
"That's mature awareness," Batman said with approval. "Wally, your experience with the Flash has prepared you for team operations, but recognizing the additional responsibility of coordination shows growth."
Roy had been quiet during most of the psychological discussion, but finally contributed his perspective. "I've worked solo and with small teams before. This operation showed me what coordinated team operations can accomplish that individual capabilities can't. When Kaldur and Supergirl needed precision fire support during the Kryptonite deployment, I was positioned to provide it because Connor's coordination had us working as a system rather than just individuals near each other."
Connor felt something warm settle in his chest—these weren't just teammates recounting successful operations, they were people processing genuine emotional experiences together. This was what made teams more than just tactical advantages.
"Connor," Black Canary addressed him directly, "you carried the largest coordination burden during this operation. How are you processing that responsibility?"
Connor considered the question while his enhanced consciousness organized his emotional response. "Honestly? It was terrifying and exhilarating simultaneously. Every decision I made affected multiple people's safety across five different sites. But also, knowing that my coordination made the difference between success and failure—that felt incredibly meaningful."
"That's a healthy response," Black Canary confirmed. "Connor, you're processing the weight of responsibility appropriately while also recognizing the positive impact of your capabilities. That balance is crucial for sustained heroic work."
Batman stepped forward to deliver the formal assessment. "Team, your first operational deployment exceeded expectations across all measured parameters. You demonstrated tactical competence, adaptive thinking, appropriate restraint, and most importantly, genuine teamwork. You're cleared for continued operational assignments."
The relief that flowed through the team was almost tangible. They'd proven themselves not just capable, but trustworthy.
"However," Batman continued, "this operation also identified areas for continued development. Connor, you need more practice with sustained parallel processing and reintegration. Kara, your combat hesitation—while ethically appropriate—needs to be balanced against tactical requirements. M'gann and Wally, your coordination was excellent but could be more efficient with additional practice. Roy, your precision capabilities are remarkable but you need to develop better situational awareness of the broader battlefield."
Each criticism was delivered with specificity that made it useful rather than discouraging. Batman wasn't just evaluating—he was teaching.
"Dick, Kaldur," Batman addressed the team's leadership, "your coordination between strategic command and field leadership was seamless. Continue developing that partnership—it's the foundation that makes everything else possible."
Dick grinned with obvious satisfaction. "So basically, we did great but we can do better?"
"Exactly," Batman confirmed. "Which is the ideal outcome for a first mission. Success that reveals where continued development is needed."
Black Canary smiled warmly at the team. "You should all be proud of what you accomplished today. Not just the tactical success, but the way you supported each other and processed the emotional weight of genuine heroic work. This is what makes teams effective over the long term."
As the formal debriefing concluded, the team began to relax into more casual conversation. The post-mission adrenaline was fading, replaced by the comfortable camaraderie of people who had just been through something significant together.
Wally, who had been maintaining uncharacteristic professionalism throughout the debriefing, finally let his natural energy reassert itself. "So, now that we're officially an awesome team with Batman's approval, can we talk about celebration plans? Because I'm thinking team dinner, possibly followed by activities that don't involve nearly dying?"
"Celebration sounds appropriate," Kaldur agreed with a slight smile. "Though perhaps we should prioritize rest and recovery first?"
"Rest is for people without enhanced metabolisms," Wally countered, though his grin suggested he wasn't entirely serious. "Though I guess some team members might need more recovery time than others."
Connor caught Wally looking meaningfully at M'gann and Kara again, and felt his protective instincts engage despite his confidence that both women could handle Wally's attention themselves.
"Wally," Connor said with careful directness, "maybe let M'gann and Kara decide their own recovery priorities without additional pressure?"
Wally raised his hands in surrender. "Message received, Connor. Though for the record, I was genuinely asking about team dinner plans, not exclusively trying to spend time with specific team members."
"Team dinner sounds wonderful," M'gann said diplomatically, her emotional signature showing appreciation for both Connor's protection and desire to include Wally without awkwardness. "Though maybe tomorrow after we've all had proper rest?"
"Deal," Wally agreed readily. "Tomorrow night, team bonding over food and recounting how awesome we were today."
As the team began dispersing toward their respective recovery priorities, Connor found himself approached by Kara, who moved with the careful attention of someone wanting private conversation.
"Connor, can we talk for a moment?" she asked quietly.
They moved to a quieter section of Mount Justice, and Kara's expression showed something between curiosity and concern.
"That was remarkable today," Kara said directly. "Your coordination capabilities, I mean. But Connor, I'm concerned about the strain I detected during the operation. You were operating at levels that seemed beyond what should be sustainable."
Connor appreciated her directness. "The quantum-level parallel processing gives me capabilities I'm still learning to fully utilize. Today pushed limits, but didn't exceed them."
"But what happens if you do exceed them?" Kara pressed. "Connor, we're both Kryptonian—or share Kryptonian genetics, in your case. I know how easy it is to push ourselves past reasonable limits because our bodies can technically handle it. But that doesn't mean it's wise."
Connor felt his enhanced emotional processing recognizing genuine care beneath Kara's concern. She wasn't questioning his capabilities—she was worried about his wellbeing.
"Kara, I appreciate your concern. Truly. And you're right that I need to better understand my limits through practical experience. But I promise I'm not being reckless—I'm being appropriately ambitious."
Kara smiled slightly. "That's exactly what I tell myself when I push too hard in training. Connor, just... promise me you'll ask for help if you need it? We're a team now. You don't have to carry everything alone."
"I promise," Connor said with sincerity. "And Kara? The same applies to you. That hesitation you showed today when your opponent's cellular structure was degrading? That was you being a hero rather than just powerful. Don't let Batman's tactical critique make you forget that."
Kara's expression showed gratitude mixed with relief. "Thank you for understanding that. Sometimes I worry that Earth's approach to heroism is so different from Kryptonian military protocols that I'm going to make critical errors through cultural misunderstanding."
"We're all figuring this out together," Connor assured her. "That's what makes it a team rather than just individuals working in parallel."
As they rejoined the others, Connor felt his system provide final mission assessments:
*[MISSION COMPLETE: Operation Nightfall]*
*[TOTAL XP GAINED: 615]*
*[CURRENT LEVEL: 8 (815/10,000 toward Level 9)]*
*[TEAM STATUS: Operational, cleared for continued assignments]*
*[PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Coordination capabilities validated, limits identified, relationships strengthened]*
*[NEXT MILESTONE: Continue advancement toward Level 10 for Wonder Woman Combat Mastery absorption]*
Connor looked around at his teammates—Dick's satisfied leadership expression, Kaldur's calm competence, M'gann's warm friendship, Kara's developing confidence, Roy's professional respect, and even Wally's energetic enthusiasm—and felt like his life was exactly where it should be.
They'd proven themselves capable. More importantly, they'd proven themselves trustworthy—to each other, to the Justice League, and to the people who depended on heroes to show up when it mattered.
This was only the beginning of what their team could accomplish together.
And Connor couldn't wait to discover what came next.
---
**CURRENT STATUS:**
- **Level:** 8 (815/10,000 XP toward Level 9)
- **Progress toward Level 10:** 68.2% complete
- **Team Status:** Fully operational, first mission success achieved
- **Relationships:** Strengthened through shared operational experience
- **Next Objective:** Continue development through additional missions and training
The path toward Wonder Woman's Combat Mastery at Level 10 was progressing well, but more importantly, Connor Kent had become exactly who he was meant to be—a hero who used extraordinary abilities in service of others, working as part of something larger than himself.
The real adventures were just beginning.
—
# ARGUS Black Site - Undisclosed Location
**2015 HOURS - THREE HOURS POST-OPERATION**
Colonel Rick Flagg Sr. moved through the ARGUS facility's security checkpoints with the practiced efficiency of someone who had been navigating classified military installations since before most of the current personnel were born. His weathered features and steel-gray hair marked him as a veteran of conflicts most people had never heard of, and his clearance level granted access to information that could destabilize governments.
The facility itself was a marvel of paranoid engineering—buried three hundred feet beneath what appeared to be an unremarkable government agricultural research station, shielded against every form of electronic surveillance short of divine intervention, and staffed by personnel who understood that their work here would never appear on any official record.
Amanda Waller waited in the primary intelligence analysis center, surrounded by holographic displays showing satellite surveillance footage from multiple angles. Her expression was unreadable, but Flagg had worked with her long enough to recognize the calculating intensity behind her professional composure.
"Colonel Flagg," Waller said without turning from the displays, "I assume you've reviewed the preliminary analysis?"
"Every frame," Flagg confirmed, moving to stand beside her as the holographic playback showed the young heroes' coordinated operations across five simultaneous sites. "This team is more sophisticated than initial intelligence suggested. The coordination, the tactical adaptation, the precision—this isn't amateur hour."
Waller nodded slowly, her eyes tracking the displays with the focus of someone analyzing both capabilities and vulnerabilities. "Focus on the technological specialist. The one they're calling Superboy."
The holographic display zoomed to show Connor's operations at Site Delta, though the visual representation could only hint at the quantum-level technological warfare he'd been conducting. What was visible was remarkable enough—security systems failing with impossible precision, communication networks compromised instantaneously, and coordination that suggested awareness of all five operational sites simultaneously.
"Quantum-level technological interface," Flagg said, reading from his briefing tablet. "Can manipulate systems at subatomic level, engage in unlimited parallel processing, coordinate multiple operations while conducting direct electronic warfare. Colonel, this kid makes our best cyber warfare specialists look like they're using tin cans and string."
"And he's operating under Justice League oversight," Waller added with obvious concern. "Which means his capabilities are being developed for heroic purposes rather than national security objectives."
Flagg studied the surveillance footage with professional assessment. "The question is whether that's a problem or an opportunity. Ma'am, this team just dismantled a HIVE operation that our intelligence agencies didn't even know existed. They rescued hostages, recovered stolen research, and gathered intelligence that we're already using to trace HIVE's broader network."
"They also revealed that HIVE has access to Justice League-level intelligence," Waller countered, pulling up classified analysis of the Site Echo ambush. "This organization knew the team's capabilities, communication protocols, and tactical approaches. That suggests infiltration of systems we thought were secure."
Flagg's expression darkened as he reviewed the ambush specifications. "You think HIVE has sources inside the League?"
"I think HIVE has resources we've been underestimating," Waller replied carefully. "Which means this young team might be encountering threats beyond what Batman and the others are preparing them for."
The holographic displays shifted to show individual profiles of each team member—capabilities, known vulnerabilities, psychological assessments based on behavioral analysis.
"The Kryptonian clone is the most interesting," Waller continued, highlighting Connor's profile. "Genetically engineered by Cadmus using Superman's DNA, but with additional capabilities that suggest modifications beyond simple Kryptonian physiology. The technological interface isn't a natural Kryptonian ability."
"Intelligence suggests it's some kind of AI integration system," Flagg added, pulling up technical analysis. "Cadmus claimed it was designed to allow adaptive capability acquisition, but the quantum-level sophistication we're seeing exceeds anything in their documented research."
Waller's expression showed calculation. "Which means either Cadmus had research programs we don't know about, or Superboy has developed capabilities beyond his creators' intentions."
"There's another possibility," Flagg said carefully. "The boy might not fully understand his own capabilities. He's been conscious for less than a month. If his abilities are still developing, we might be seeing only the beginning of what he can become."
The surveillance footage showed Connor coordinating five simultaneous operations with seamless precision, and Waller's expression showed she was running through strategic implications.
"A Kryptonian with quantum-level technological control and unlimited parallel processing," Waller said quietly. "Colonel, that combination makes him potentially the most dangerous individual on the planet if his development goes wrong."
"Or the most valuable asset for global security if his development goes right," Flagg countered. "Ma'am, we have two choices here. We can treat this team as a potential threat to be monitored and contained, or we can recognize them as resources to be supported and guided."
Waller turned to face Flagg directly. "You're suggesting cooperation with the Justice League?"
"I'm suggesting we stop assuming that superhuman capabilities automatically represent threats to national security," Flagg replied with the bluntness of someone who had earned the right to speak plainly to superior officers. "This team just accomplished an operation that would have required three separate special forces units plus cyber warfare support. They did it in four hours with zero casualties."
"They also operated without government oversight, accountability, or authorization," Waller pointed out.
"With Justice League oversight, which has proven more reliable than most government agencies when it comes to appropriate force usage," Flagg countered. "Amanda, I've read your file. I know you've been developing contingencies for enhanced individuals since before Superman appeared. But this team isn't a threat to contain—it's an opportunity to establish cooperative protocols between enhanced individuals and legitimate security agencies."
Waller was quiet for a moment, studying the surveillance footage with calculating intensity. "What are you proposing?"
"Contact," Flagg said simply. "Not confrontation, not manipulation—genuine outreach establishing ARGUS as a resource rather than an adversary. These kids are going to encounter threats that exceed Justice League preparation. When they do, having established relationships with organizations that can provide intelligence, resources, and support could make the difference between success and disaster."
"And if Batman refuses cooperation?"
"Then we've lost nothing but gained information about their operational boundaries," Flagg replied. "But Colonel, Batman is tactical pragmatist. If we approach this as potential partnership rather than territorial challenge, I think he'll recognize the value."
Waller studied the team profiles with obvious calculation, her mind running through strategic implications and risk assessments. Finally, she nodded slowly.
"Prepare a contact protocol," Waller ordered. "Nothing aggressive, nothing that could be interpreted as surveillance or threat assessment. Frame it as inter-agency cooperation opportunity. But Colonel—" her expression hardened, "—I want comprehensive monitoring protocols maintained. This team represents unprecedented capabilities, and I need to know if they become a threat."
"Understood," Flagg confirmed. "Though ma'am, might I suggest we also develop protocols for if we need their help? Because based on what I saw today, there might come a time when ARGUS needs capabilities only this team can provide."
Waller's expression showed she'd already considered that possibility. "One step at a time, Colonel. First, we establish communication. Then we determine whether cooperation is possible."
As Flagg left to prepare the contact protocols, Waller returned her attention to the surveillance footage, watching Connor Kent coordinate impossible operations with capabilities that could reshape global power dynamics.
Amanda Waller had spent her career preparing for threats most people couldn't imagine. But watching this young team operate with such precision and power, she found herself facing a question that challenged her fundamental assumptions:
What happened when the greatest threats and the greatest assets turned out to be the same individuals?
The answer to that question would determine not just ARGUS's approach, but potentially the future relationship between enhanced individuals and conventional security agencies.
And Amanda Waller was determined to ensure that future served humanity's interests—even if that meant fundamentally rethinking everything she thought she knew about power, control, and security.
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