Soft, almost silent footsteps from outside the doorway are the only indication of an approaching person before Nightwing steps into the room, not that it matters as he enters an empty room. . o 0 (Mmm. No one here? I'll just leave a report and go then.) Nightwing heads for a console. Nightwing looks at the setup, studying it for a second and then pressing a few buttons. There's absolutely no warning whatsoever of Bart's approach, because, see, in the time it normally takes someone to be warned of someone else's approach, he's still fifty miles away, and then he's there. Or something like that. It can be kind of confusing, especially for El Bart-o, since he just /does/ it and never thinks abut it. Yeah. That's my excuse. Anyway, he approaches at some ludicrous speed and vibrates through the wall, already skidding to a halt as he apprears. A swish of metal doors announce Canary's arrival as she smiles charmingly. Five footsteps sound before she puses and says, "Hello? Hope I'm not interrupting anything..." Impulse looks around quickly, utterly misses Nightwing, and starts to head out again when Dinah walks in. Yes, the inevitable occurs. *WHUMPH* Nightwing looks up suddenly. . o 0 (Kory said he was quick, but he totally took me off guard. Wow.) "Hello Impulse." Looking past him to Canary he shakes his head. "No...look ou.." The blonde bounces back, landing on her firm derrier. "*Oh*!" Nightwing says "Out." Dinah look up, then starts laughing... Nightwing turns from the console and starts to move to help Canary up. Impulse aghs! Arms pinwheeling with absolutely no effect other than making him look silly, he falls right on his...umm, yeah. Derrier. Nightwing walks towards the two of you and extends two hands to help you up. "Any news as to the search for Lantern and Wonder Woman?" With a rueful "Thabnks"given to Nightwing, the blonde stands and rubs her lightly clad posterior. "Hi Impulser. It was nice bumping into you again." This is followed by a good-natured wink. "Sorrysorrysorrysorry!" tumble the words out of Impulse's chagrined face. "I-- ooh, I /so/ utterly didn't mean it! I'm sorry!" He...yeah. He accepts Nightwing's help up. Impulse just doesn't say anything. Ooh. Geez. . o O (Griiiiife...) Nightwing smiles at the joke and the youth. With a warm smile Canary releases Nightwing's forearm and steps to the young Speedster, bending forward slightly to brush her lips in a chaste kiss across his cheek. Then she smiles lopsidedly. "No harm done, sweetie." Black Canary brushes her gloved hands over her uniform with a mirthful smile apparent in her eyes. Impulse blushes sev-ere-ly, and starts to say something, but (miracle of miracles) thinks better of it. He prolley couldn't've said anything anyway. Coherent, that is. Ehn. Canary cooties? Black Canary glances at Impulse, then grins wickedly to the darker Nightwing. "I'd never try that with you. Batman would have a Canary seatcover in his fancy automobile. I'm glad the Titans are here." After a polite nod to Canary, Nightwing turns to walk back to the console to enter his message. With his weight on one arm, he leans over the panel, pressing buttons with his right hand. The light from the monitor illuminating his smile at Black Canary's words. "He is a bit....serious." he says a bit under his breath, but still loud enough to hear. Impulse makes a face. "A /bit/?" He speeds over to Nightwing, glad for the change of topic. "Guy kicked my out of Gotham. Hey. Next time you come to New York, give Spoiler a ride?" The Blonde Bomshell saunters forward to stand behind Nightwing, hands clapsed behind her back as the senior hero unconsciously mimics the Batman's very actions...her gaze scanning over the screen. Yet still she quips, "He makes a joke once every five years. I'm getting ready for the next one." Nightwing chuckles. "If I knew who Spolier was and actually had a car of my own..no problem. Unfortunately I still have to catch a bus when I leave town." In her quiet professional tone, Canary responds "Spoiler, if it is a Gotham vigilante you're talking about, seemed uncertain as to her role as such when I talked to her. "Her words hold that damned infuriating flat tone that the Manhunter, Aquaman, and Batman have adopted. Though of course...no one masters it as well as the Bat. Nightwing enters a short concise message about his fruitless search of New York for the missing heroes. "So they're female. At least I know something about her now. Funny I've never seen her in my patrols." he says as he types. Impulse ehns. "She's a Titan." IN a flat voice, Canary remarks "I wouldn't have encountered Spoiler if it weren't for the fact she was brooding atop a high distance looking distinctly ill at ease. I felt it my duty to intercept. But she's fine. Just young. She could use a guiding hand." Something suddenly occurs to the Boy Speedster. "Wonder Girl can't find Diana." Nightwing nods, hitting a button to finish his message before he turns around. "A commuting Titan? Maybe I should be the one asking for a ride." he says with a half smile. Black Canary is standing with hands clasped behind her back to the left of Nightwing's Monitor chair. Impulse is hovering (from moment to moment) in the general vicinity as the three engage in conversation. Impulse shakes his head! "Nonono, she only commutes if there's an emergency. She buzzes me and I can go get her, easy. IT'd be better if she really had a ride." A click from the door is all that is heard before it opens in a rapid motion. Stepping into the room Maxima nods once to everyone present, a general acknowledgement of their presence before she proceeds. Black Canary looks to Nightwing. "No. I was in Gotham. Unfortunately...the nature of my work leads me there." She gives a heartfelt sigh. "The League. Green Arrow...Gotham. Sometimes I wish there were 48 hours in a day." Impulse glances over, then waves to Maxima, then remembers she irritates him, and quickly takes his hand back. Nightwing turns his gaze to Maxima as she enters, giving a nod before turing back to Black Canary. "It's not the cheerisest of cities, but it has it's...moments." Maxima shoots a glance of annoyance at Impulse, an emotional expression that permeates her otherwise calm features for only a moment before speaking, "Are we to continue waiting to be slaughtered or has our leadership come up with a plan to thwart the alien's invasion attempt?" Impulse sticks his tongue out at Maxima, but so quickly that you'd prolley miss it unless you were looking right at him. "That's an under statement..." Canary turns her head and looks over her shoulder. "Hello Maxima. It's a pleasure to see you." One black brow glides up as a crooked smile forms on the blonde's lips. Nightwing answers Maxima. "Not that I'm aware of. I believe we're all still getting a proper defense for this invasion, should it come, before we act rashly." Impulse pokes Dinah's arm. "Cassie can't find Wonder Woman. And that's bad. That's worse than me not knowing where Wally is. I don't /wanna/ know where Wally is. Cassie freaks if she doesn't talk to Diana /every day/." Maxima doesn't respond to Canary right away, already acknowledging her presence previously. She does, however, move closer. "Had we still had access to the satellite we could have perhaps innitiated a first defense... at the least." Black Canary responds gently to Impulse, "Cassie must be mistaken. Wonder Woman has been in frequent contact. Maybe she's just been preoccupied? The departue of the ship hit her hard...she felt a rapport with the ship." The words sounds strangely hollow to Dinah's own ears. Maxima tilts her head minutely in Nightwing's direction, a thin eyebrow arching only slightly. "There is a difference between acting rashly and being prepared. Rather than waiting I submit to you that we should be discovering whether Earth has cause to worry or not." Black Canary is standing with hands clasped behind her back to the left of Nightwing's Monitor chair. Impulse is hovering (from moment to moment) in the general vicinity as the three engage in conversation. Maxima has just entered. In an attempt to get Maxima away from her militaristic approach to the whole affair, Nightwing nods, "Perhaps. With the assembled heroes so far and the ones we're still trying to inform we should have adequate defenses, _should_ the rumored attack come any time soon." Black Canary is standing with hands clasped behind her back to the left of Nightwing's Monitor chair. Impulse is hovering (from moment to moment) in the general vicinity as the three engage in conversation. Maxima has just entered. As has Artemis. Impulse blinks! "Preoccupied? She can't be /that/ preoccupied," he hisses. "I mean, they talk /every single day/. It's so fangirlish it scares me. And she hasn't talked to her at /all/ since the ship disappears. /You/ talk to her." The faint smell of brimstone is it? wafts by your nose as the sound of boots falls across the floor. Emerging from the shadows of a doorway usually not bearing any, is a tall woman, hair the color of flame. She is clad in armor that might only be described as of hell itself. Crossing her arms she looks upon the room, her visage in a frown. Maxima manages to keep her voice calm as she continues, "A good defense is a good offense. It has become prevalent that when crisis strikes the group takes to waiting until things go from bad to worse." Black Canary quirks a brow at Impulse and says patiently, "I have. Wonder Woman has been working tirelessly to involve members of the League so that everyone know our position. She just may not have the time." A fleeting flicker of doubt flashes in Canary's eyes before she quickly quells it and smiles at Bart. Impulse shakes his head vehemently. "No, I mean, you talk to /Cassie/." Black Canary thinks . o O (Where IS Wonde...no. I shouldn't doubt her. Lord knows she's working overtime.) Impulse holds up his hands in a somewhat defensive gesture, if only mental. "/I/ can't argue with her. She's waaaaay stubborn. And she's /worried/." His voice drops. "And she doesn't usually /get/ this worried." . o O (And that worries /me/.) Aquaman comes along from a tunnel that leads down to the aquatic entrance to the cave. He glances around. "Okay... What the *hell* has been going on?" Artemis begins to cross the floor towards the group, her boots carrying the sound of each step with a sharp *tak* as she does, "I was about to ask the same Aquaman." Turning smartly on her heel, Canary addresses Aquaman solemnly. "How do you want it delivered?" Nightwing nods again to Maxima. "True, in most circumstances I would agree with that famous statement. However, we definitely have no means of an offensive strike against these invaders." Impulse mouths, "Takeout. And don't forget the ketchup." Aquaman says "I came by early and read the messages on the computer... The satellites missing and we're using this base. I've gathered that much. Anything else, Dinah?" Artemis regards Nightwing with a bit of a chiding smirk, "We have all the means needed, it appears all that is lacking is a will." Black Canary takes a few steps toward Aquaman. "Yes. I've read the updated files. I'm unsure of your powers, but I trust you. Do you want it short and fast, or a long debriefing?" The blonde's tone carries bothe professionalism and familiarity. Maxima clasps her hands behind her back, shifting position to favor her right foot over her left. "Perhaps your limited form of thinking leaves you to believe that but there is certainly more things we could be doing than we presently are." Her tone is that of a mother explaining to a child. Aquaman clears his throat. "Maxima is correct. Dinah, make it short and fast if you can, but don't leave anything out. Artemis, do you have a way to get in touch with Diana?" Impulse is starting to look /really/ bored, instead of /moderately/ bored. Thuis has the potential of being exceedingly dangerous. But at Aquaman's words, he clears his throat. "Wonder Girl hasn't talked to her since the satellite disappeared!" Nightwing turns his gaze to Artemis, one browline of his mask arching at her words. "I disagree. With the loss of the previous base, I see no means of launching a first strike." He turns to adress this comment to Maxima as well. Maxima turns briefly, more to address the entire room than just Nightwing. "When we lack the means, it is time to find them." Black Canary looks quietly to Aquaman. "You have telepathic ability?" After a moment, she takes a deep breath and says, "I trust you and J'Onn.I will voluntarily fill you in if you think you can do it." Nightwing rises from the monitor chair, his message entered and complete, to take a few steps toward Aquaman. . o 0 (I thought younger heroes were difficult?) Jay Garrick zooms in. Aquaman nods, and reaches his hand (not the hook, the hand) out and places his hand on her forehead, his eyes closed. After a few moments he nods slightly. "I see...." Black Canary is tanding a few feet away from Aquaman, facing him with a trusting expression of camraderie, Artemis looks towards Aquaman as he speaks, "Diana and I have just spoken, she should be arriving here shortly." Upon hearing the words of the *boy* her gaze shifts and her face draws cold, "How expectedly naive.." With that said she returns to Aquaman, "Shall I attempt to reach her again?" Aquaman turns to Jay. "Ah, good... Jay. " Aquaman says "If you can, Artemis, it would be appreciated." Jay Garrick nods to Aquaman solemnly. "Is there a problem with Diana?" Dinah's lashes lower as Aquaman touches her, and she recallsthe last few days...albeit with her tangled thoughts (unwittingly manipulated). Aquaman crosses his arms. "Okay, everyone, listen up. This bickering's got to stop." Nightwing stands confidently as he hears Aquaman's words. . o 0 (I hope I wasn't sounding that bad with those two?) Artemis flicks her gaze towards Aquaman, "We are having a discussion of tactics...nothing more." Aquaman says "We have to work out a way to protect against whatever is coming... Hopefully you all received the debriefing on what I know of the alien invasion before our pagers went haywire. If not, I can recap... I'm sorry to have been out of circulation the past few days, but I was in the underwater city of Thierna Na Oge, where I gained more allies. I believed that my pager problems were due to magical interference... I was wrong, as it turns out." Aquaman nods to Artemis. "Indeed. But we must take things one step at a time... Right now, our major concern is communication and transportation. It will be extremely difficult to mobilize an instant response in our current state. Now, does anyone have suggestions for solving this?" Black Canary thinks . o O (Diana came to me in my apartment. She said the aliens in the ship didn't like the fact that Earth was going to be invaded...said something about Earth being invaded all the time. They took off and booted Diana out. Green Lantern stopped b....funny, he didn't seem like such a boor...anyways, the ship is out of communication range. Diana and Lantern searched for Metro and New York Heroes ...We got Jay and Jack ...oh, Starman, and Impulse involved. Then...*her mind draws a blank* Lantern is an idio...wait, no he's not---her thoughts jump--we agreed to meet here last night, and now until we get a more centralized place...this is our headquarters.) Jay Garrick says "I can work as a go-between" Nightwing says "I might have some ideas, though I'd like to be caught up with all you know about the aliens. I wasn't able to find out before my pager went down." Black Canary thinks . o O (The back of my neck is tingling, but it's better than the headache I had two days ago. *ouch* What an Ibuprofrin night!) Artemis steps forward, "Maxima and I could, if she is willing, organize an offensive plan Aquaman. We will need one with these odds." Unconsciously Canary surveys the others with a good-natured smile, a gloved hand rising to rub her neck. Artemis looks over to Maxima as she says this and offers a brief nod of the head. Aquaman says "Well, Jay, I think we need something more efficient than you searching the world for our members... no matter how fast you can travel." Black Canary says "Can we get these communicators back online? They're old, but if someone has the tech knowledge..." Jay Garrick says "I don't have personal information on everyone's id, true ... now would I want it. I was speaking post-assemblage, Aquaman." Aquaman says "I don't... Only people I know of who might be able to do it are J'onn and Batman." Aquaman says "Speaking of which... Does anyone know where either of them are?" Maxima nods once in Artemis' direction, "Agreed." Artemis crosses and stands with Maxima, looking to Aquaman. Black Canary nibbles on her lower lip and lowers her gaze, slanting it to Nightwing. "I haven't been able to utilize any method of communication. It...seems to be peculiar to some League members. Others may have better luck." Impulse is more Cassandra than Cassie. I swear. Doom! Doom, I say! He tugs gently on Dinah's sleeve and asks quietly, "Will you please talk to Wonder Girl?" Aquaman turns toward Impulse. "What is this about Wonder Girl?" Artemis speaks across the way to Impulse, "She is on her way here with Diana, you may speak to her yourself then." Aquaman thinks . o O (I could have sworn Donna was a Darkstar now...) Impulse shakes his head. "She can't be. She couldn't find her." Nightwing says "Batman is in Gotham doing undercover work Aquaman. Before he dropped out of communication he told me to stand in and report back with League happenings. I realize most of you may not have the confidence in myself that you have with him, but I stand willing to do whatever is necessary to help until he is available." Jay Garrick shakes his head. "I tried to find Sentinel and he has done completely AWOL since the memorial." Artemis says "It is strange that J'onn is not here. I would have assumed him to be the first." Jay Garrick puts his hand on Nightwing's shoulder. "I've seen you in action lad, I have faith in your abilities." Aquaman says "Well, I trust that J'onn is pursuing matters in his own fashion..." Impulse is gonna give up on the lot of you soon. But he stubbornly looks for Dinah's response to his question. Aquaman clears his throat, tapping his toe on the floor. "Impulse, *what* is the matter with Wonder Girl. Nightwing turns his head and nods, his facial expression one of thanks and respect to Jay. Artemis looks to Aquaman and say something rather out of sorts for her, "Aquaman, I can respect that, but solitary action without planning with the small force we have will only server to give more of an advantage to our enemies." Black Canary sighs and looks to Impulse, "I really would, but she's been so busy. You have to understand how hard she took this. She was barely herself...Lantern and I had to offer suggestions as to how to organize." Impulse throws his hands up in the air, an exasperated experssion on his face. "She couldn't find Diana! We looked all over for her last night! And Diana hasn't talked to her in /ages/! THere's something /wrong/!" Nightwing . o o (Now she agrees with me? What is with those two?) Artemis pauses and looks to the young bundle of annoyance, "Impulse, I parted company with Diana not more than a few hours ago. What are you talking about?" Impulse blinks at Dinah. "Wonder GIrl's been busy? Maybe with /midterms/..." Black Canary's facial mucles twitch. "No." She answers evenly. "There's nothing wrong with Diana." Again her hand rises to rub the back of her neck. "She's been incredibly busy..." Jay Garrick says "Impulse, there is a lot of confusion going on right now ... I am sure whatever is wrong with Wonder Girl is connected to this. We need an overall strategy."" Artemis nods as Canary backs up her statement and walks over to her a moment, leaning to speak wit her in muted tones. Artemis mutters to Black Canary, "Are..." Impulse /gahs/. "I just want Dinah to talk to Wonder Girl so she stops bugging me, if Wonder Woman really /isn't gone. She won't /believe/ me!" Aquaman says "A frontal assault can't be planned until we have any opponents show themselves... and with the satellite gone, our chances of getting the jump on them have dropped severely." Nightwing speaks up "I agree with Mr. Garrick. About possible stategies. I have a suggestion in that regard...." Black Canary mutters to Artemis, "I'm... a... headache.... with Diana. You must... feels." Maxima flashes annoyance once again. .oO(Why they humor this child is beyond me.) Jay Garrick looks concerned. "Dinah?" Black Canary answers solemnly to Artemis. Artemis nods to Canary and whispers to her once more before crossing back towards Maxima. Black Canary tips her head and calls to Jay, "I'm fine. Just need coffee." Impulse sighs, and slumps silently into a chair. Then he perks up at Dinah's words, and disappears. Artemis mutters to Black Canary, "... is... hers... bear.... a... IF... pains persist,... have something that may..." Aquaman says "Yes, Nightwing... What is your idea?" Impulse comes back in carrying a travel mug from Bun'N'Run. Jay Garrick returns with a thermos and several paper cups. Handing the mug to Dinah, Bart glances at Jay and shrugs. Then he grins and holds up two fingers, and quirks a thumb to Dinah. His sulk chair beckons, and he answers its call gratefully. Artemis stands speaking with Maxima as the others mull about in prattle.. Jay Garrick pours coffee for the lot, including a cup for Bart but adds in a LOT of milk. Artemis mutters to Maxima, "... again.... know..." Aquaman waits for Nightwing to give his idea. Black Canary smiles bemusedly from Artemis to the two Speedsters. "Oh, you two are so sweet. Thank you." She takes the thermos and offers quietly to the others, resting paper cups on the table and fixing her own cup from Bart. The blonde winks at Jay, then turns to Aquman. "What do you feel is our best course of action?" Maxima mutters to Artemis, "... the... of... society." Nightwing speaks to Aquaman, though loud enough for the rest of the room to hear between their own conversations. "My suggestion is more of an offer really. With the coming threat, we of course will need all of the help we can possibly get, especially in numbers. Being that I will be in New York for the forseeable future, I'd like to pose the idea of getting all of the Titans mobilized and together as one line of defense, at least for the New York area. I'm assuming the threat is not limited to just the Atlanteans here, and of course the group wouldn't be the only one in New York... Nightwing says "Well, if the team was fully mobilized, I'd like to offer some leadership...." Black Canary nods at Nightwing's answer. Aquaman nods to Nightwing. "You'd have to speak to the Titans... but I'm sure Atom and Starfire would appreciate the assistance." She then looks to Aquaman for leadership. Since the sulk thing befits his mood so well, Bart keeps at it, only pausing to add lots of sugar to his coffee from Jay. Then he sits back, holding his coffee like he would a really fat wallet if he were Scrooge MacDuck. . o O (Doooooooomed. Man, Cassie's gonna kill me. But it /has/ to be true...I mean, Diana's /never/ go for days without talking to her. There /has/ to be something wrong.) Artemis nods to Maxima and thinks a moment, then replies, "Known abilities? Weakness?" Nightwing nods. "Starfire and I have spoke about it, though not in direct reference to the invasion. Jay Garrick says "I think that's an excellent idea ... it would be advantageous to have strike teams which are used to operating together" Impulse heys! "We don't /have/ a leader. And if Atom told you he is, it's not true." Black Canary says quietly to Impulse, "Listen to Aquaman." Nightwing regards Impulse with his best serious Batman look. "Impulse...please.." Impulse quiets down. Whaddya know? Dinah has the Word. Aquaman's lips turn into a line. "I'm making the assumption that either Atom or Starfire is your leader since they are the only members of your team who have ever given me a reason to think they can take anything seriously..." Maxima mutters to Artemis, "... more information if... room engaged in... instead... seeking... She shoots a... know more... abilities... weakness' than... fought..." Impulse scowls. Nightwing . o 0 (Mmmm. The Titans situation is more nebulous thatn I thought.) Aquaman says "Nightwing, can you get our communications online? You're the most tech-proficient among those of us here." Impulse thinks . o O (They're not even really /members/. They're JLA sellouts who agreed to mommy the team. Dammit! And they want /my/ help? Don't even take me seriously...) Black Canary turns and smiles genuinely to Impulse before redirecting her attention to the senior member of the League. Nightwing nods. "I was going to offer some assistance in that regard earlier. I think I can get it back up and running closer to it's top specs." Artemis turns and speaks to Aquaman, her voice carrying over the prattle as she means to be heard, "Aquaman. I desire to know all that you might about these invaders and their possible strengths and weaknesses." Her tone is blunt and apparently not held with a great deal of patience. Seeming to fall back into his old team frame of mind compared to his recent solo mindset, Nightwing speaks to the group. "Before we continue, let's sit down and discuss this as a group. A few small conversations around the room won't get us as far as one whole group will." Aquaman holds up a finger to Artemis. "Okay, Nightwing... I'm placing you in charge of that for right now. You can get any help that you need in that regard." He turns to Impulse, "Impulse, if you want any help with regard to "Wonder Girl's" problems, then tell me... in very clear terms... exactly what the problem is and I'll see what we can do. Jay Garrick thinks . o O (well, that should keep Bart quiet) Black Canary's lower lip disappears as she worries on it, looking at Aquaman. Artemis is a warrior. As is Aquaman. Internally sh ewinces at such a demand made of the most reticent member of the JLA. Artemis apparently does not appreciate the "finger" of silence and begins to cross towards him, intent on expressing this to him, "I will *NOT* be silenced like some child Aquaman. There is a very serious issue at hand here that you seem more apt to avoid in idle chatter than action!" Nightwing turns to glance at the monitor and console setup before turning back to the others. . o 0 (Maybe I better get some help from Babs on this one. She's a lot better than I am with computers. She'd have it above specs.) Black Canary turns and speaks one simple word, praying internally that Batman's tactics work: "Artemis." Artemis stops on her heel and whips her head around towards Canary, the long tail of her hair sweeping out behind her as she does, she responds with a single, "*What*?" Maxima almost grins at Artemis as she crosses the room toward Aquaman. .oO(Ah. Now that is refreshing.) Nightwing moves silently to the monitor as the rest of the group continues to talk. Black Canary keeps her unwavering blue gaze trained on the Amazon. "I trust Aquaman to speak in his time. Please..." She lets her words trail off and diverts her attention back to the Atlantean King. Aquaman keeps his arms crossed, waiting for a response from Impulse. Jay Garrick says "Artemis, you are adding unecessary stress to the situation." Impulse looks at Aquaman directly, and explains in an actual normal tone of voice, at a relatively slow pace. "Wonder Girl is Cassie, the girl who's always with Diana. She's my friend. She's worried because she hasn't been contacted by Diana for days now, and hasn't been able to contact her, either. If it's true that Diana's been around here, then there's gotta be something seriously wrong." He shrugs. "Maybe she /is/ preoccupied, and really busy. I still don't think that'd mean she wouldn't at least let Cassie know she's still there. And if it does? Then I want someone like Dinah to talk to Cassie, because..." he pauses, then takes a deep breath and finishes, "Because no one /ever/ believes me." Artemis stops and looks to Dinah a long moment, apparently a measure of respect in their exchange and she stops....until that is, she hears the comment from behind her. Black Canary speaks that one word yet again, this time tinged with an un-warrior unfeminine entraty. "Artemis..." Black Canary says "Please." Impulse adds quickly, "So maybe it's a small problem. Maybe it's not. But it /is/ a problem, and Cassie knows Diana really well, and the other way around. So I hope at least someone would please please please pay some attention to it?" Black Canary looks back to Aquaman. Aquaman nods. "Alright... Dinah, can you talk to this... Cassie? She's the little sister friend or whatever that Diana told us about, right? At that school? And anyone who sees Diana remind her to drop the young girl a line and make sure she knows she's alright. I'm sure she's concerned." He glances at Impulse. "Is that enough to deal with that crisis do you think? Maxima remembers the last time Jay spoke out to the JLA. She was ready to kill him where he stood though she was stopped by the others. She later found him to have the drive and determination worthy of a Warrior of Almerac. This should prove interesting. Nightwing stands in front of the monitor and looks at the surrounding consoles with an inspecting gaze. The tall Amazon begins to slowly turn over her shoulder and meets Jay with a gaze forged in the fires of death and Hell itself, "What did you say...*man*? Impulse winces, fully understanding Aquaman's take on his situation. "Yes. Thanks," he answers quietly, and shuts up. Aquaman nods. "Alright." Black Canary looks at Aquaman in an 'You're asking me to do WHAT?!' look, then sighs and smiles. "Of course." Herchin jerks silently in Artemis' direction as though asking an equally as unpleasant favor. Black Canary says "Go easy, Arthur." Jay Garrick doffs his hat, he smiles broadly at Artemis, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Oh, you are one of those ... hippies, yippies, is it?" Aquaman winces, "Flash... Now I think you may be inadvertently aggravating a situation..." Artemis actually turns on the comment and takes a step towards him, the only sound from her a low..growling almost. Her eyes are narrowed to sapphire slits and intent on his throat. Maxima looks at Aquaman, "It is not our place to get involved." She says simply. Artemis seethes, "Let us see your wit when I remove your tongue dog..." Impulse thinks . o O (And the JLA things the /Titans/ are batty?) Jay Garrick nods, still beaming. "My apologies, Aquaman, you are quite right." He turns to Artemis, "Ma'am, I am quite sorry for having caused any offense. Perhaps it would simplify matters if we heard Aquaman's plan, and then commented on its advantages and flaws afterwards? I will be more than happy to consider any alternatives you have." Aquaman glances at Maxima, then places himself between Artemis and Jay. "Wrong. It *is* my place. Artemis, you'll back off." He meets the Amazon's eyes. Black Canary's brows lift in tension, though she does not turn back to her beloved uncle or the Amazon. She just gives Aquaman that pleading look. Black Canary sighs and mutters, "Thank god." Maxima makes a dismissive motion, apparently conent that she voiced her opinion. Artemis shoots Aquaman a angered look as the rememberances of past oaths come to her mind now and she holds her position. Looking to Jay, she meets his eyes with a loathing look and with that done looks back to Aquaman, "Very well." It almost seems to kill her to say those words. Nightwing kneels before the monitor and removes a panel..inspecting the wiring inside and reconnecting some loose connections. Impulse sees what Nightwing's doing, and is instantly beside him, but holding quite still. "Can I help?" he whispers. "Please?" Black Canary says quietly withot turning as she hears Artemis' words, "You are a true warrior." . o O (WHEN will Diana come? She can make everything right.) Nightwing looks up to Impulse. "I think I've got it." He replaces the panel, rising to his feet. Aquaman nods. "Jay has apologized for any offense. If you have personal conflicts, they can be dealt with when the world's fate isn't being debated." He turns toward Jay, "If you would, Jay, help Nightwing with getting the Titans pulled together over the next few days... One of our first orders of business will be to get communication between here and Titans headquarters established." Nightwing sits down in the monitor chair and turns on the systems, local and international. Jay Garrick nods. "Consider it done ... Nightwing, consider me at your disposal in this matter." Impulse sighs. Artemis says "Aquaman, I would like to know what you have learned of these invaders in regards to their weakness and strength. It is essential to our planning." Artemis already seems to have buried the matter. Impulse just...sighs. It really, really, really sucks to be utterly and completely powerless. And my little pond was so nice... Starfire has arrived. Nightwing sits in front of the monitor. Aquaman says "Now, as far as direct confrontation... from what I have been lead to believe of the Explorers -- although, granted, this information is 50 thousand years old -- they are incredibly proud of their descendants... the ship under Poseidonis extrapolates that before the Explorers move to "reclaim" their colony world they will approach the remaining cities of Atlantis in an attempt to get us to join with them, so that we may rule over the world which we helped "prepare" for our race. We will, of course, turn them down -- and they will move to eliminate us." Maxima arches an eyebrow, "Will you turn them down? Turn down the chance to rule over the Earth?" Jay Garrick says "Have you any idea of their force of arms? level of weaponry?" Black Canary supressesher own sigh, then notices Impulse. She smiles lopsidely and walks to him, whispering "There's a great acting phrase Mom passed down to me: Hurry up and wait." She straightens her shoulders and looks to Aquaman calmly. Artemis crosses her arms and nods, "I see. So we must assume that they are far more advanced than we could think, which may also serve as their weakness...overdependance on the flash of technology." Over the monitor speakers, the following ERUPTS. "Reporting the latest breaking news on the Metro Bank robbery...the felons have blocked the entrances and are holding the police off with automatic gunfire. There are apparently six to ten hostages inside the building with what has been reported as a dozen or more heavily armed men." Nightwing turns to the group, "Sorry to interupt Aquaman. It looks like there's some trouble in Metroplois this group could help out with..." he says, his loud voice trailing off and blending with the massive amount of gunfire noise coming out of the speakers. Impulse blinks at Dinah. "...!" Then he jumps, and looks at the monitor in utter surprise. Aquaman nods. "The technology which Atlantis has available is a divergence from the Explorer technology 100 thousand years ago..." He turns toward the speakers, frowning. "Great. What's the situation? Artemis begins to speak but as the others, is also cut off by the blaring of the monitor. Maxima waves a dismissive hand toward the speaker, "Weak humans with weak weapons. Hardly a worthy task." Impulse scowls at Maxima. "So go fix it yourself." Nightwing rises. "There's a big bank robbery at the Metro Bank that's turned into a standoff. Hostages are involved...." Black Canary looks sharply tp Maxima. "Then decide quick what you're here for. We're the Justice League. Any questions?" Nightwing says "And the police are pinned down...helpless..." Jay Garrick looks at the screen. "No costumes ... I think Impulse and I could handle this in a Flash." Aquaman says "No pun intended..." The arm of Impulse's chair didn't /used/ to look like Ch'p had been at it at dinnertime...but it does now. Nightwing says "True. This could be seen as a bit of...training with the new group aesthetic we've got going here though..." Black Canary moves forward to Nightwing to mutter quickly to him, "Please tell me it's not near Chelsea? Artemis snaps to Nightwing, "There is no training aspect to this, crush the criminals, leave them for the police to clean up and then return here. Although I hardly see what comitting outr entire force to this will solve. We have more pressing matters.:" Nightwing shakes his head. "No..right in the middle of downtown Metropolis actually." Nightwing rises and gives Artemis his full attention. "I disagree Miss. With all due respect to where you've come from and what you've done...these people are the same ones we'll be fighting for if this invasion does come to Earth." Aquaman nods. "I suggest that Jay, Impulse, Nightwing, and Artemis handle this... I'd like a quick word with both Maxima and Canary, and Starfire stands out too much. Artemis nods to Aquaman and looks to Nightwing as she walks to the door, "Come boy, I will show you how such rabble is dealt with." Jay Garrick chuckles, and gets ready to follow Artemis. Aquaman clears his throat. "Nightwing's in charge of this mission." You say "Ooh. The entire Justice League and half the Titans descend on a pack of horrifying bank robbers, with...gasp.../guns/!" He juts out his jaw and looks at Jay. "Since I'm just a kid, you'd better tell me exactly what to do, and remember to explain it like you would to a two year old, since I am." Impulse is scowling really, really deeply. Oh, no! His face might freeze that way! Black Canary nods to Aquaman. "Of course." Despite her hunger for battle on the streets, Dinah trusts in Aquman's judgement. Aquaman glances specifically at Artemis and Impulse. "You are all expected to follow Nightwing's instructions. Is that clear? Artemis continues to walk towards the door as if that did not faze her in the least, "Very well." IS all she speaks...again. Nightwing says "With all due respect Aquaman, I'd like to remain here and keep the one's going in updated over the comm...I think I've got the basic functions back..for now...and if they do go down, I may be the only one to get them back up quickly." Jay Garrick thinks with this force of arms he might just retire to, ah, advisory capacity ... and make sure Artemis doesn't fillet anyone. Maxima nods to Aquaman, glad to not have to waste her time with the other matter Aquaman frowns. "Fine, then coordinate from here if that's how you feel you need to do it. But the fact is that of the people available, you're the one most qualified to deal with this situation." Aquaman says "Starfire, you go too, but keep a low profile." Nightwing nods to Aquaman. "Okay...hopefully the system doesn't reject my minor repairs. Are the rest of you ready?" Black Canary nods. Nightwing stands and begins walking towards the door. "Let's go show these guys the penalty for illegal withdrawals..."