The room was silent.
Deep underground, found in the lowest levels of Miltron Towers, was the main meeting room of the Danger Squad. In said room, everyone was silent.
Jake, codename Blue Shadow; Zack, codename Green Guardian; Paulina, codename Obsidian; Stacya, codename Sharkwoman; Ivy, new codename Black Mamba; Max, codename Red Shadow.
All silent.
Three days after the Broker incident, Milten held a meeting to discuss how the team would go on. Since then, the team hadn't said a word to each other due to their recovery.
A lot happened during that incident that needed addressing.
So much, in fact, Stacya couldn't hold it in much longer.
"Okay, I can't take it anymore. What was that?" She asked, facing Ivy.
"What?"
"You know what! That black form you used to attack me and Zack."
"And go after Galan."
"Doesn't matter. You still attacked us. What was it?"
"It was..." Ivy paused and looked at Jake. He looked back at her, his lips sealed. She hoped he'd say something, but he remained quiet, much to her disappointment. "...there were voices coming from my hammer. The one I got after the Lost Light incident. It told me to break it. That I'd get immeasurable power if I did. That I could beat Galan."
"And you listened?!" Stacya shouted, standing up.
Jake was still silent.
"What choice did I have? None of you were doing anything to Galan, and Max was being, well... Max. It was the best I could do to help."
"Well, now you have that thing saying nonsense in your mind. What if the Bishop tries to take over and—"
"I'm in control."
"Bullshit." Paulina finally spoke, surprising Zack.
"What?"
"I call bullshit on that. If you were, you wouldn't have attacked Stacya, and I doubt you only needed three days of rest to gain that control."
"I admit I didn't have control then, but I do now. Jake helped me. He's more qualified with this kind of thing than any of you. Tell them, Jake!"
She turned to Jake again. Luckily, he actually spoke.
"I did help you, but Paulina is right. You're not in control."
Exactly what she didn't want to hear from him.
"Jake..."
"I'm not gonna lie about this, Ivy. You can barely hold yourself together in that form without attacking me. We've only done three sessions. These things take time."
"You only needed a week to control your powers. Hell, when you turned into that shadow monster back in Mr. E's hellhole, you gained control in seconds."
"That's different. My willpower got me that far. Do you know how hard that was? Hell, I was lucky I even managed to do it considering the circumstances."
Ivy shrugged. From this point on, she knew he was no help.
"Just lay off the missions for a while until you find your ground, Ivy," Paulina advised.
"What? How am I supposed to gain control without experience in the field?"
"You need more training is all. It's not indefinite. Just for a few days so Jake can get you back on track."
Ivy fumbled her words for a moment and realized the conversation wasn't going her way. Then she saw Zack twiddling his thumbs.
"What about you, Zack? You've been awfully quiet as of late." She asked him, smiling.
"I was unconscious, so I didn't see your little 'form.' I did feel whatever you did to Stacya and me, that's for sure. Well, if I'm talking, how about we talk about how you killed that guy."
"That guy? You mean the Broker goon? Are you dense? He was targeting Jake."
"Yeah, and you already hit him with your stone beam. He was immobilized. You didn't have to kill him."
"So now you're angry I got rid of the trash? Whose side are you on?"
"The side of the law. I'm okay with killing in self-defense, but what you did was a straight execution."
"Yeah, and I'll gladly do it again." Ivy smirked.
"You gotta advise your girl, Jake. This is..."
"She's an adult, Zack. She can make her own choices."
Ivy smiled.
"Then again, I'm not disagreeing on her toning it down."
"Jake!"
"The guy was essentially defenseless, Ivy. You didn't need to go that far."
Max chuckled for the first time in days.
"And what are you laughing about, you piece of shit?"
"Can we refrain from insults?" Milten, their boss, said as he finally entered the room.
"It's about time. What took you so long?" Zack asked, annoyed.
"I had some business to attend to."
"Done polishing Luthor's suit?" Jake said.
"You're actually mad about this? You expected me to just leave an extremely powerful piece of war gear just lying around because the old user became an unfortunate casualty of war?"
"Casualty of war? Well, it's nice to know how you see us," Zack cut in.
"You know what I meant. Can we get down to business, or is there more drama you want to lay on me?"
All were silent.
"Good, now let's—"
"Actually, I have something," Ivy said, raising her hand.
"What is it, Ivy?" Milten said with a sigh. "Need more help maintaining that new form of yours?"
"No. Nothing like that. I have a question."
The others turned to her at that moment.
"Go on?"
"Why the fuck is this shit-stain still here?" She said with a grimy tone as she pointed to Max.
Max let out a loud laugh.
"Because he's an indispensable member of the team and—"
"He didn't do anything when Galan was attacking."
"Because I ordered him to."
"So you could steal all the credit," Jake cut in, causing Max to chuckle again.
At this point, he could go for popcorn.
"One at a time, please," Milten said, trying to hold back a smirk. "You sly dog," he thought.
"He nearly let me die," Ivy continued. "Broker had his foot on my neck, ready to crush it. Kill me! And this slimy bastard just stood and watched. Hell, he asked him to do it!"
Milten turned to Max. He merely shrugged.
"I watched the unedited footage. It's obvious Max was taunting him because he knew that would upset Broker's ego. You were in no danger. I assure you."
"Bullshit!"
"Isn't that what you were doing, Max?" Milten asked.
Max smiled and nodded.
"Then the matter ends here."
"But he's the reason Luthor is dead! He—"
"I sent Luthor on the mission to take down the Shakers with him. It's unfortunate Luthor was attacked first, but it isn't Max's fault."
"But—"
"The matter. Ends. Here."
Ivy slumped in her chair. Jake reached out a hand to console her, but she slapped it away, causing Max to smirk.
"Speaking of footage, let's discuss your team performance. I liked what I saw there. Brutal. Efficient. Just how I like my work. Not a single survivor from that damned group. Oh wait, I forgot Brute. It seems Zack isn't a big fan of killing."
Zack shrugged.
"So much so he was willing to chastise a fellow teammate for it on live television."
"It was wrong," Zack said, annoyed.
"They were criminals on the attack. You may be soft about these things, but your teammates aren't. How about you grow a pair and actually finish the job once in a while?"
Ivy giggled for a moment until Jake nudged her to stop.
"You all did well. Max, you were exceptional out there."
"But he didn't do anything!" Zack said as he got off his chair.
"Yeah, because you had it covered. His presence wasn't necessary and he knew when to hang back. Now sit down."
Zack sat back down, annoyed. He turned to Paulina as she was thinking.
Max wasn't human to her. Or even "muman." He was some kind of thing. An evil thing. She stared at Max for the longest time until Zack shook her left shoulder, bringing her back to the meeting.
"Huh, what?"
"Ah, Paulina! Your leadership was also great. I'd like to let you know you'll be leading the team from now on."
"That's great, sir. Uh... thank you."
"You all do well to listen to her, you hear? Especially you, Jake. I saw your little display at the beginning of the Broker negotiation."
"I thought you'd be leader," Jake said, frowning.
"My power would only be needed for intense missions like the Galan battle. When I'm not mobilized, Paulina will take charge."
"Whatever," Jake said, shrugging. He was acting exactly like how Jake perceived supers to be back in the day: egotistical, lazy, only in it for the fame and glory, performative. Everything Milten was.
And he hated that.
"With the Broker gone," Milten continued, "the criminal underworld now has a massive power vacuum. While we were dealing with the Broker, the Super Society made their move on his base, trashing the place. Most of his men were either killed in the battle or captured. However, one of those men, a scientist named Dr. Bolt, escaped the base and was last seen taking refuge here."
Paulina flinched suddenly, startling Zack. Milten and Max were the only ones to notice.
"Then let's find him and—" Ivy said, before Milten raised his finger at her like a disobedient child.
"He has a cloaking device that he uses to blend in with the normal populace. Finding him is not an option."
"Okay, well, is he up to anything?" Jake asked.
"Nothing so far, but that brings me to the Dragon Clan."
"Didn't we take down those losers?" Ivy asked.
"We only killed their leader. Or at least Jake did. The rest of the gang is having a gang war to decide who the new leader will be. They've split into two main gangs: the High Flyers and the Firebreathers. They've also chosen this place as their battleground."
"Of course they have. Let me guess, they're holding it here 'cause my head is some big prize for them, huh?" Jake said, rolling his eyes.
"Exactly. Their criminal activity suddenly skyrocketed while you all were recovering, so you've got your work cut out for you."
"Well, no matter the danger, we'll be ready!" Stacya said, pumping her fists. She turned to the others and immediately sat back down.
Max smiled at her. She smiled back.
"I appreciate the enthusiasm, Atlantean. You all should learn from her," Milten said, smiling.
Stacya blushed.
"I've received word our neighbor Kingdom City fell under attack by a demonoid invasion yesterday. Luckily, the Super Amazo and his Retribution team headed over there to deal with it. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of them."
"Is that a problem? More supers means less work for us," Paulina asked.
"I've also heard rumors of a masked figure prowling the night going by the name Watchman. A known member of the Vigilante League."
"I've heard of those guys. Aren't they those non-governmental supers?" Ivy asked again.
"Yeah. With how things are going, it could be a problem if we're not careful."
"How so?"
"You'll see soon enough."
"He doesn't want them stealing attention from his 'premier team,'" Jake said, scoffing.
"Bingo," Milten replied, catching everyone off guard.
"Why the long faces?" Milten asked with a smile. "You really think I'm going to lie to you? No more secrets. Not after the stunt I pulled with Ivy. This team finally means something. The Kobra Klan, Dao D, the Lost Light, and now the Broker and better yet, Galan the Sea King! We bested them all. Us!"
Now he was on his feet.
"This team is more than just some small business venture. I must admit, that's all it was at first. It's a genuine fighting force various political figures are fighting for. The mayor of Kingdom City and Eco City came to me yesterday with a proposal to join them! I can't let the Super Society or any stupid schmuck from wherever the fuck take that from us. I refuse!"
Everyone was silent for a third time.
Jake was flabbergasted. This whole time it wasn't about helping people. It was all a business. A game to him. He had never hated someone more than this man. The only one who came close was Mr. E.
Zack, on the other hand, wasn't surprised. Captain Rocket warned him of these kinds of people infesting the Super Society's administration. Hence why he chose Milten over them. Better to have one scumbag controlling you than a whole council of them.
Still, seeing him openly admit it wasn't something he saw coming.
"I can see some of you don't like the sound of that. Especially you two, Jake and Zack. You're free to leave. I won't stop you. You've done too much for me to hold any authority over that. What do you say?"
Jake looked at Milten for a long, hard moment. He wasn't lying; he was free to leave. But would he?
He stared into Milten's eyes. They had it—that glow every sane human had. Despite his ramblings, there was still good in him somewhere. Maybe learning more about it would help Jake find it. Plus, this city needed him. Things were only going to get worse from here, and being with Milten ensured he'd be in the thick of it all.
Plus, if he left, where would the kids go? He sure as hell wouldn't let them stay here without him. He had to protect them and this city.
And the only way to do that was...
"I'm staying," Jake said, folding his arms.
"Well, since we're a package deal," Ivy said, smirking.
"I thought you were mad at me."
Ivy's smirk became a wide-eyed smile.
"Well, if he stays, I do too," Zack said, raising his arm. Paulina and Stacya nodded in agreement.
"And you, Max?" Milten asked.
He shrugged.
"Well then, now that that is settled, meeting adjourned." Milten said and turned away.
"Wait, that's it?"
"Yeah, I've got quite a few meetings to attend to and a talk show in a few days I need to prepare for. Get yourselves some more rest. You've earned it."
He then tapped a small device in his ear.
"Surge, make sure to book all my appointments and serve the team with the 'victory meal.'"
"Right away, sir..." a robotic voice replied.
Milten left the room right after.
"Well, I guess that's it then," Zack said, standing up. He helped Paulina get up as he spoke. "You got any plans, Jake?"
"No, I think I'm just gonna watch a movie with the kids. Isn't that right, Ivy?"
Ivy nodded awkwardly. She didn't expect the conversation to sound so normal so fast.
"How are they then? It's been a while since I've talked to them. How are they liking Ivy?"
"Oh, they love her! Especially Rift. She's the antisocial type, but I didn't know how Ivy did it. She's all over her."
"That's nice to hear. Well, I'm heading to my room then. See you later," Zack said and approached Jake for a handshake. Stacya ran over and shook both their hands, as well as Ivy's and Paulina's. Ivy tried her best to avoid eye contact while nervously smiling.
She liked Stacya. Despite everything, she seemed like such an innocent child.
Then she turned to Max. He stared at her outstretched hand for a moment.
Jake took a step towards her but was stopped by Ivy.
"What are you—" He whispered, but she put a finger on his lip.
"I don't want you getting hurt."
Jake turned back to the others and saw Zack's jaw dropped and Paulina with a mortified look on her face.
Stacya and Max were hugging.
"What the... when did—"
"What? Don't take me for the hugging type, Jake? I'm hurt," Max said with an exaggerated expression, causing Stacya to laugh.
"No, it's just..."
"Stacya and I have really bonded in the last three days, believe it or not."
"What?"
"It's true. Max may come off as... well..."
"Scary as shit," Max said with a chuckle.
"Oh yes! But he's truly a good guy when you get to know him..." Stacya said as Max wrapped an arm around her.
Jake vomited in his mouth.
"Come on, Stace, let's go play those board games I told you about," Max said, looking right into Jake's eyes with a smile.
"Oh joy!" Stacya shouted.
The two left the room right after.
"Okay, no way that was real," Zack said with a scared smile on his face.
"I'm afraid it is," Paulina continued.
"Whatever it is, best to leave it alone," Ivy said. She noticed Jake getting ready to object, so she grabbed his arm and quickly headed for the door.
Jake stood still.
"Jake?"
"No... this isn't right..."
"What do you mean, Jake? I—"
"Zack... are we really the good guys?"
"What do you mean? Of course we are. We stopped the Kobra Klan, the Lost Light, the Broker... Galan! We—"
"When was the last time we saved people?"
Zack was quiet.
Ivy was about to speak, to mention the time they saved some people from a burning building. Then she realized it was somewhat their fault civilians were involved in the first place.
So she kept quiet.
"Milten is evil. No doubt about it, but he's our best bet in keeping this city safe. Still, what he did to Ivy, his connections to evil people, Max being on the team despite—"
"I get you, Jake, but there's nothing we can do there. Plus, it's better than being a vigilante and being hindered by the government at every turn. And it sure as hell beats working directly for them like the Super Society."
"Does it, Zack? Does it really? Would Captain Rocket approve of this?"
Zack was silent again.
Jake stared into Zack's eyes for the longest time. Once Ivy coughed, Jake held her by the arm and left, still staring at Zack.
Paulina and Zack stared at each other awkwardly. Paulina then went for the door, but Zack grabbed her arm.
"Zack?"
"He's right, isn't he? I'm just as bad as that scum, Milten?"
"C'mon, Zack, that's not what he—"
"It is, and you know it!"
"No, it isn't. If Captain Rocket saw you now, he'd treat you as the hero you are. Now come on, let's go."
Zack stayed.
"What was that?" He asked, stopping her.
"What?"
"You flinched a little when Milten mentioned—"
"It's nothing. I just had an itch."
"You don't get itches."
"Look, I—"
"Dr. Bolt... that's the name he mentioned. The man who made you. Your father."
Paulina was speechless.
"He's here. In our city. Do you know what this means?"
"Zack, I hope it doesn't mean what you think it means."
"It means it's your chance to get revenge for all he put you through. Make him pay for..."
"I'm not gonna listen to this." She interrupted and pulled her arm away from him. Before Zack could continue, she left the room.
"Paulina..."
To be continued...