Titans of Justice Unlimited # 62 – “Old Flames Part 3”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


IADC Headquarters………

Nemesis and Mindy Trevor were working late, going over schematics to heighten security all over the compound. After Kitty Kat easily disarmed their most complicated devices, the President ordered all new state of the art security as well as new clearance screenings for all agents.

“Mindy, you’ve been awfully quiet tonight. Everything ok?” Tom asked.







“Huh? Oh, no everything’s fine. Just looking over these plans. This system is awesome. Nothing like it in the world.” Mindy said, not looking Tom in the eye.







“Heard from Scott lately?”

“Yes, he’s fine.”

“And Steven?”

“He’s fine too.”

Tom noticed an awkwardness between them. He put his hand on hers and noticed she quickly pulled it back. “Ok, what’s going on Agent Trevor?”

“I told you nothing. Can we please get back to work?”

“Mindy, if we’re going to be partners, we have to be honest with each other. One of the reasons your mother and I were so good together is that she trusted me with everything. Well, almost everything. She never told me she was Wonder Woman until way after I had already figured it out.”

“Way to kill the mood, Romeo.” she thought. “He would bring up mother.” Mindy caught a reflection of herself. Her glasses sat on her nose and her hair was pulled back into a sleek pony-tail. She looked a lot like her mother.

“I--I’m worried about your involvement with the Titans of Authority.” Mindy said quickly, faking conversation.

“Is that all? Look, I know you and the others don’t see eye to eye with them, but the President himself made them agents of the government with top clearance. The CIA, the FBI they have the same clearance. Just not the super powers. I think of them as FBI agents to deal with the bigger threats. Does that make sense?” Mindy?

Mindy was hanging on his every word. Hearing him talk about clearances and top secret plans really got to her.

“Mindy? Are you on something?”

“No….no of course not.” She said, playing with her ponytail, much like a school girl.

“What would Scott do if he were in this situation? Duh, he’d already be on his way to a hotel by now.” she thought remembering her brother’s once reckless lifestyle. “What the hell, I’m going for it.”

“You’re acting really strange. Did I do something to upset you? Do you want to reassigned? That’s it isn’t it? It’s uncomfortable for you because I’m Scott’s father. Are the other agents giving you static? Accusing me of playing favorites? This must be hard on you too, that I’m the liaison for the Titans of Authority. Mindy I’m sorry. I should have realized……”

“Shhhh.” she smiled placing her finger on his lips. Tom wasn’t sure what was about to happen. Before he knew it Mindy was kissing him. Passionately. Her hands caressed his neck and she ran her fingers through his hair. His eyes were wide open.

“Tom, are you alright?” Mindy asked a bit flushed.

“Never better.” he said stunned. ‘Where did that come from?”

“From my heart.” she said, embarrassed. She wasn’t sure what to say or how to act.

“You mean you….me…you and me? Tom stammered.

“Yes, Oh Hera….I’ve offended you. I’m sorry. I better go….” she said, tears welling in her eyes.

“Wait!” Tom said, taking her hand. “Don’t go.”

She looked at Tom, breathless.

“I have to tell you. You really shocked me just then. But, I liked it. You, Miss Trevor, are an excellent kisser.” Tom smiled.

“Really? I’ve never kissed a man before.” she said quietly.

“Never? As in never ever?”

“No. Tom I was raised on Paradise Island where the only men who have spent considerable amount of time there are members of the royal family. Besides, I never went to a real high school. I missed out on so much….but when I’m near you….I feel different. Like I don’t know what to say…or how to act. I feel like I could throw up sometimes.”

“In this situation, I’ll take that as a complement. You know, I enjoy your company. A lot. In fact, I prefer Mindy over Champion.”

“You do?”

“I do.” He said drawing her close and kissing her. “Miss Trevor, do you have dinner plans tomorrow night?”

“No.”

“Well, you do now.” Tom smiled. The duo worked a few more hours and then set up their date for tomorrow night.

Mindy walked to the parking lot and sat in her car for a moment. “This feels right. I feel it in my heart. But…..Athena help me….Mother, Dad, Scott……what will they think? Wait. I’m a grown woman. Capable of my own decisions. And this is something I want.”

Mindy smiled at herself in the rearview mirror, speeding out of the parking lot.

***

The Hall of Justice…

Power Guy ambled into the monitor room. “Call it a night Flash, I’ve got this shift.”







“But I just got here! And if I can be honest, you look like a total wreck. When’s the last time you slept?”









“Don’t need much sleep.” Power Guy said in a tense tone.

“PeeGee…Vince, Everyone needs sleep. Even Supermen.” Flash smiled warmly. “I know what happened in the Universe of Evil has been rough on you. Look at what happened to Green Lantern’s hand. I still have a scar on my leg…it changed us all.”

“Green Lantern’s hand healed once we got back. You’re back in top form. Sargona….she…” Power Guy choked.

“Here, sit.” Vince, you have to talk about this. Have to deal with it.”

“I can’t. I can’t rest until we get her back.”

Green Lantern joined them. “Vince, we’re all working as hard as we can to try to find a way to get her back.”







Corporal Marvel entered the room. “Yeah, I’ve even consulted with the Wizard. We all miss Sargona.”








“But…I’ve failed…” Power Guy said, his head slumped.

“Man, don’t you know what an inspiration you are? You inspire me every day to do the right thing. To help others. Power Lad looks up to you so much and Sargona…she lived that example.” Corporal Marvel smiled.

“Vince, she made a choice to save us including you. She cared for us. Her friends.” Green Lantern said, putting his hand on Power Guy’s shoulder.

“And if I know Sargona, she’s got something up her sleeve to get back here to you.” Flash said, taking his seat at the monitor board.

Power Guy was silent. He looked at his friends and thanked them.

Black Vulcan had overheard all this. She approached Power Guy.

“Vince, have faith in your girl. We don’t call her The Sassy Sarge for nothing. Come on. Will you try to sleep? Just for a little while?” she asked, putting her arm around their former leader. He nodded his head. “You’re going to need some energy for when she returns. You know she’s going to drag you to the mall so she can get a new wardrobe and a half!”





Hours later, she rejoined Flash, Green Lantern, and Corporal Marvel.

“How is he?” Corporal Marvel asked.

“Finally resting. He’s harder to put to sleep than Steve and Jerrica’s little boy is right now. I think he needed to talk. He finally fell asleep about a half-hour ago and I sat with him a little while. I think he’ll be out all night.” Black Vulcan smiled.

“Good news. And so far the monitor board has been quiet.” Flash said. “Here’s to a quiet night for us all.”

***

The Headquarters of the Society of Insanity…

Sub Zero struggled to open his eyes. He remembered Faust taking him, but that was it. He felt hot, as if he was on fire. He lifted his head and tried to focus. He could make out a few hazy shapes but that was about it. He could smell rust and mildew. A light flickered every few moments and he could see dust drifting through the air. He clenched his fist and tried to create a cold blast to cool him off, but his powers weren’t working. He noticed the room becoming hotter, especially his back. He realized he was restrained, a collar around his neck emitting heat. He had been stripped to the waist and his hands were bound behind his back.

“Look who decided to join our little soiree!” Punchline laughed. He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt, Bermuda shorts, and flip-flops. Oversized sunglasses and a big floppy hat completed his look. “Welcome to our little tropical paradise!”






“What do you want Punchline?” Subzero spat, realizing the seriousness of his situation.








“Why, I want you to relax and have fun! Would you like a drink?”

Subzero didn’t reply as he noticed Bonfire walking his way with a cup. He tried to keep his mouth shut as Dr. Natas pried it open.

“Now, now, be a good boy and take your medicine.” The wrinkled doctor laughed.





Bonfire replied, “Drink up, down it goes!”







Subzero choked as he realized they were feeding him hot sauce. He gagged and tried to spit it out.

“Don’t tell me you don’t like my refreshing drink! It won top prize down in Texas!” Punchline laughed walking around the gasping Sub Zero.

As the lights flickered and shorted in and out, Sub Zero heard a loud snapping noise. He saw Ragdoll shuffling out of a corner, the light illuminating her broken body. She was joined by Briar Rose, Prince Vertigo, and Faust.

“This one is quite lively.” Faust smiled.







Ragdoll garbled something that no one understood.







“Punchline, what do you have in store for this…..man? Perhaps my roses can seek revenge for the cold he brings? I always hated frost and the cold.” Briar Rose smiled as roses grew from her foot-steps.





“Well my friends, I have something special in store for Sub Zero here! A treat all the way from the African jungles! An ages old ritual that our new friend Gored Ox told me about. Pull up a seat and enjoy the show!” Punchline clapped.

Out of the corner of his eye, Sub Zero saw Dr. Natas produce 2 large meat hooks as Prince Vertigo hung pulleys and ropes from the ceiling.



***

Beverly Hills, The Hall Modeling Agency…

“Why don’t you boys call it a day?” Melody Hall said, cheerfully. “After all, it is Friday and you’ve been here all week.”

“It’s cool, Mom. We don’t mind helping you go through these headshots.” Hank Hall Jr smiled at his mother.

“It’s not even like work at all.” Connor Trevor added looking at a pretty blonde’s headshots.







“I can go through these. Half them aren’t cut out for the industry.” Hank Hall Sr. added. “The client wants fitness models, not rails for this job.”





“Here, take this.” Hank said to his son, handing him a $100 bill. “You and Connor have really been a big help to us this week. You two go have some fun. It’s Friday afternoon, the sun’s out.”

“What do you say, Connor?” Hank Jr asked his friend.

“Man, I’m up for whatever!”

The two boys thanked Hank and Melody and exited out the front door onto the busy sidewalk.

“Hard to believe what Connor has been through.” Melody said, taking her husband’s hand.

“Reminds me a lot of my own troubles. But, you and I got a happy ending. I’m sure he will too.” Hank smiled at his beautiful wife.

“If Hank Jr has anything to do with it, I’m sure he will. We really are lucky Mr. Hall. A great life, a great business, and the best blessing of all, our son. Not a day of trouble from him.”

Hank Jr and Connor decided to grab a bite at a restaurant with a patio. The two boys discussed their weekend plans and laughed.

“Dude, look over there. It’s Cassie.” Hank Jr said.

“Oh no. Has she seen us?” Connor said nervously.

“She’s looking right at us.” Hank Jr whispered. Just then his phone rang. Cassie made her way to the boys’ table.

“Hi Connor.” She said awkwardly.





“Hi. We were just about to leave….”

“Connor. I just saw you walk in. It’s ok.“

Hank Jr said, “It’s my mom. My Uncle Don is having some big benefit tonight. Something about preventing animal cruelty. You want to go? I can bring a friend.”

“Why don’t I catch up with you later?” Connor said. Hank Jr said his good byes as Cassie took his chair.

“About the other day….” Cassie began.

“It was quite a shock for us both. Cass, you still are so beautiful.”

“Thank you. Connor, I am really happy for you. I know what you’ve been through. I talked to Scott. I hope it’s ok that I called him.”

Connor smiled at her. “Checking up on me, huh?”

“When you were kidnapped, I spent years looking for you. I need you to know that. I had no idea that you had been abducted. I think…..I think I grew to resent you over those years. Here I was looking for my boyfriend while I put my life on hold.”

“You dumped me. Remember?”

“I do. I was leading the Titans. Trying to live up to Diana and Donna’s example. I took it so seriously. No wonder you turned to Rose.”

“She was just a friend. We never—“

“I know. I think I knew I drove you away. I’m just sorry I wasn’t there for you when Luthor killed Ma Kent. Do you remember that night---THE night in the barn? I was so embarrassed the next morning when Pa and Ma Kent caught us—I had on your t-shirt, but they were so sweet. Even made us breakfast.”

“I remember.” Connor said, his eyes tearing up. “Ma and Pa were the best. And that night, it was special.”

“And you died that day. Or at least we all thought you were dead. I was so happy when you came back. We were happy for a time.”

“It seems we never quite made it though, did we?”

“Time wasn’t on our side. But it is now, for you at least.”

“What do you mean?”

“Connor, you will always hold a special place in my heart. But, I have moved on. I have a career—one that doesn’t involve Wonder Girl—and I’m happy. I have my work, my relationship with my mother is great. I want all those things for you. Go finish high school, go to college. Enjoy living with Scott and Jerrica.” She smiled.

“I feel like I’m getting dumped again.” Connor said, the sun shining on his face.

“I think we’re getting closure. I will always, ALWAYS love you Connor Kent…er, Trevor.” Cassie smiled, taking his hands. “But, you have a new life to lead. One where you aren’t trapped by being Superboy, or living up to impossible expectations. You can be whomever you want now. I think starting over with Scott and Jerrica is the best thing. They’re both outstanding people and I know they love you very, very much. “

“I couldn’t ask for better people in my life. They took me right in. You know, I think Jerrica and I both were good for each other. I just woke up and realized a big chunk of my life was missing and she had just lost a baby. She reminds me of Ma in so many ways.”

“I’d better get going. I have a flight to Fiji. Mom has found some fertility idols we need to examine.”

“Kinky.” Connor smiled.

“I see some things haven’t changed.” Cassie laughed. “You know, I think fate led us here today. We were meant to have this conversation.”

“I think so too, Cass. I wish you the best.”

“And I wish you the best. I think you need to pursue that girl. Katie.”

“You know about her?” Connor asked startled.

“Hey, they didn’t call me Wonder Girl for nothing.” She kissed Connor and theheek and walked away. She turned and waved to Connor and he waved back.

***

The Society of Insanity’s Headquarters…

Laughter and mockery reigned supreme in the torture chamber.

“You see, Sub Zero in my country this is a rite of passage. It separates the men from the boys.” Gored Ox smiled as he stabbed Sub Zero in the chest with a meat hook.

Sub Zero screamed in agony. “You son of a b*tch!!! I’ll kill you!! AGGGGGHHH!!!!”

“Will you now?” Gored Ox smiled, kissing Sub Zero on the forehead. He then held the other meat hook up into the light before plunging it into the other side of his Sub Zero’s chest.





Kitty Kat grimaced as she could hear his flesh tearing. It reminded her of the torture Knightvision endured before he died. She turned her head.

“Weak stomach?” Faust smiled.

“Of course not. On with the show.” She smiled.





Sub Zero was gasping for air. Dr. Natas attached ropes through the hooks and ran them through the elaborate pulley system. “You see, my boy, the pectoral muscles can withstand lots of strain. We are going to test that theory today. Prince Vertigo if you please.”

“Of course.” Prince Vertigo smiled as he cranked a pulley lifting Sub Zero into the air.

“AGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!” he screamed as the hooks in his chest lifted him upward roughly. “When I get down, I’ll kill you….I’ll kill you all!!!!”

Blood spewed from the wounds, but incredibly the hooks did not rip his skin.

“Let’s make this a real challenge!” Punchline smiled producing a set of dumbells.

“N…No….” Sub Zero pleaded.

Gored Ox took each of the dumbbells and attached them to Sub Zero’s feet. “Now, when I let these go. We’ll see just how tough you are, boy.” taunted the beast-man as he glanced at the three ladies present.

“Do it! Drop them!!!” Briar Rose shouted.

“Rip him apart!!!” Bonfire screamed!

“Show him that no one crosses us!” Kitty Kat added, secretly disgusted.

“The ladies have spoken.” Gored Ox smiled, dropping the 50 lbs dumb bells. For a moment, Sub Zero’s skin stretched before ripping. RRRIPPPPPPPP!!!!! He screamed as he plummeted to the dirty floor.

Punchline was out of control. He jumped up and down. He found a broom stick and started jabbing Sub Zero’s bleeding wounds. “Oh does that hurt? Poor, poor baby!”

Sub Zero had gone into shock. He was convulsing and trying to breathe.

“Don’t let him die! Not yet!” Punchline commanded.

“Here, this should keep him in the land of the living….for now.” Dr. Natas grinned, injecting Sub Zero with a serum. He then bandaged up the gaping wounds but just enough to keep Sub Zero from bleeding to death.

Bonfire and Prince Vertigo dragged the whimpering Sub Zero to the holding cell. Sub Zero saw the bloody body of the Riddler slumped over and Sting Ray leaning against a wall, a spiked collar around her neck.

“There, that should hold you.” Bonfire said, attaching a chain to Sub Zero’s feet.

“Oh and one last touch.” Prince Vertigo laughed, producing a salt shaker and pouring the salt onto Sub Zero’s chest.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH!!!!” Sub Zero cried as the salt made it feel like his wounds were set on fire. The door slammed shut as his cries echoed throughout the compound.

“Ah music to my ears.” Punchline smiled.

***

Back in Beverly Hills, the gala was underway. Connor made his way through the crowd and an 80s band was playing. He spotted Don Hall, Mal and Karen Duncan, and Donna Troy. Betty Kane-Parker was signing autographs and her husband, the former Golden Eagle, Chuck Parker was at the bar getting his wife a drink.

Lilith Clay was dancing along with Hank and Melody Hall.

Connor spotted Hank Jr dancing with Katie.

“Hey buddy, mind if I cut in?” Connor winked.

“Just my luck, always getting cut in on.” Hank Jr smiled as he danced away and approached Lilith. Hank Jr and his family began whopping it up on the dance floor.

“I’m glad you came Connor. Hank invited me and told me you were coming.” Katie smiled.

“I’m glad too Katie. Glad you’re here. I feel like a new man tonight.”

‘Well aren’t you chipper!” she smiled as the band played.

Later, Connor sat with Lilith.

“I don’t mean to pry, but you are giving off the most positive, happy vibes.” Lilith said. “I think I’m getting a buzz off you!”





“Connor, you ‘re positively glowing.” Donna noticed.





“I’m happy. Happier than I’ve been in a long time.” Connor smiled at the former Titans. He sat back and let the night of fun wash over him. He knew brighter days had arrived and he would protect his new-found happiness, friends, and family. No matter what.


THE END!