Titans of Justice Unlimited #107 - “The Death of Sonic Boom Part 2”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty & Power Guy
Edited, & Maxi-micros by: Power Guy


S.T.A.R. Labs Medical Center…

“WAIT!!!” came a voice.

Apotheosis and Nucleus burst into Di Di Jordan’s hospital room. Oliver and Dinah Queen spun around, tears streaming as they let go of the plug to the machines that were keeping their daughter alive.

Illumina came running down the hall and grabbed Apotheosis by the shoulder, spinning him around. “What is the meaning of this? This is a private family moment! Not to be interrupted!!” she said, anger in her voice.





Robert Queen said, “Nucleus….what are you doing here?” as he looked at Apotheosis.





“I’m sorry….but I had to hurry. Nemesis filled us in and I believe Nucleus can help Di Di.” Apotheosis said urgently.





Nucleus had everyone’s attention. “Most of you know I’ve been away for several months. My work is very important to me and I’ve been off the radar…basically no idea what you all have been going through. I didn’t even know you guys got married.” He said looking to Dan. He noticed how tired his former teammate looked.





“You said you might be able to help Di Di?” Lian Harper asked.





“ I think so. You see, I’ve been working on regeneration of tissue and brain cells on a microscopic level. I’ve even shrunk down and performed my procedure on lab animals. Even restoring mobility to animals that were partially paralyzed….restoring function to brain damaged tissues.”

“What exactly are you saying?” Lian asked.

“I’m saying we don’t know the limits of the body…of physical ability. The lab animals, many of them are up running, playing. Nucleus replied.

“That sounds fine and good, but…would your procedure work on a human?” Roy Harper asked.

“I….I’ve never tried. I’ve been preparing my research to present to the board. It’s years in the offing for humans…the tools required for the procedure would need to be developed. I have my own set of miniature instruments I carry with me when I enter the patient…..”

“And you want to experiment on my daughter? Like some lab animal!? No thanks!” Oliver Queen said, turning away.





“Illumina. What do you think?” Daniel Jordan asked, Dinah approaching them both.





“I’d like to consult with Nucleus. I have my own questions about such a risky and unproven procedure. Even if you were able to repair the nerve damage…..the brain damage….we don’t know what shape she’d be in. Long term effects.”

“If there’s a chance…..I….I’d like to take it.” Daniel Jordan said quietly.

“Illumina, please….you and Nucleus talk. We’ll wait.” Dinah Queen said looking to her comatose daughter.





Illumina and Nucleus headed towards her office. Apotheosis walked outside and sat on a bench. “I hope I didn’t make things worse.” He thought. Just then Robert Queen sat down next to him.

“Thank you.” He said.

“Rob…I hope…I hope I didn’t complicate things. Nucleus spoke to my class the other day…and then Nemesis filled us all in. My first thought was that he could help…I didn’t mean….”

“Man, I’m glad you thought of this. My sister may have a shot now.”

“I hope so. I know how close you two are.”

“Yeah, even after our differing opinions with the Titans, we made it through. These past months have been crazy. My sister’s been through the wringer. Mom and Dad are falling apart…Dan’s like a ghost.” Just then Rob noticed Helena Wayne watching him from the hospital lobby. He waved to her.

***

Hours later, Illumina gathered the family and their friends in a conference room.

“I believe what Nucleus has proposed is logical and might work. I am willing to assist, but I have no idea how I could stay in touch with him while he’s in his microscopic size.” She said.

“Hey! I have an idea!” Apotheosis said. “Give me a few minutes….”

He rushed from the room leaving everyone startled.

Minutes later, he returned.

“I’ve got it. Nemesis was telling us about improvements and upgrades to our surveillance and communication systems. The IRAC computer…”

“I remember hearing about that….Diana and Steve developed it years ago. Even helped us with some JLA cases.” Dinah Queen offered.

“Right.” Apotheosis continued. “The technology is now portable. Tom has some of the IADC guys working on a special IRAC device for Nucleus and Illumina to use. They’ll be able to consult and stay in touch.”

“This sounds like it’s all falling into place. Ollie?” Roy said to his former mentor.





Oliver Queen sat stone faced. He looked to his wife. He looked at Dan. “Do it.”

The surgery was scheduled for the next day. Nemesis arrived and had been able to outfit Nucleus with an IRAC device that was previously discussed.

“Good luck.” the former secret agent wished Nucleus and Illumina.





“I don’t know Sonic Boom that well, but I can tell how loved she is.” Apotheosis offered.

Helena Wayne soon joined the small crowd gathered at the facility, hoping her dear friend would pull through.

“According to Nucleus, this procedure will take 8-12 hours. You are all welcome to stay, but Dan…Dan you need to rest. You are wearing yourself out.” Illumina advised.

“I can’t leave.” He replied.

Hal and Carol Jordan had arrived to support their son as well as the Queens.

“If I prepare a room here in the hospital…will you at least take a nap? I will summon you if anything happens.”

“Son, you need to rest. If this is successful, Di Di’s going to need you at 100%.” Hal Jordan pleaded with his son.

Carol whispered to Helena Wayne. “You always seemed close to our son, see if you can convince him to take a nap.”

Helena nodded.

“Yes, he will take a nap. Come on Dan.” Helena said, taking his arm.





“He loves Di Di so much.” Dinah said.

“We all do, Dinah.” Lian replied.

Hours passed. Oliver Queen paced. Dinah stared out a window. Roy texted with some of his old Teen Titans comrades to let them know what was going on. Lian’s boyfriend Max had joined the group.

“You’ve been remarkable through all this.” Rob said to Helena.

“Di Di’s one of my closest friends. I hope this works. You’ve been pretty outstanding yourself.”

“My family’s important to me. Sometimes I wonder if it’s all worth it…you know, the risks,” Robert pondered aloud.

“I think so. I mean, you’ve done some phenomenal work with the Titans of Authority.”

“You have too, with the other Titans and on your own. We worked pretty well together during that clone mess. You know, if you ever want a spot on the team, I’m sure Tom could arrange it.”

Helena smiled. “I think I’ll stay put. You know, my mother and I were talking about it the other day. She told me to consider the Titans of Authority. I think she likes your team’s independent attitude and disregard for the rules the Titans of Justice follow.”

“But you believe you are a better fit with Starman and the Brady Bunch?” Robert quietly laughed.

“I suppose.” She smiled. Before she knew what was coming out of her mouth, she said “When this is all settled, would you have dinner with me?”

Robert was taken aback. “Dinner? Did you just ask me out on a date?”

“I…I think I did….” Helena said. She thought to herself that she was becoming more like her mother. “I mean, a friendly date… no expectations---“

“I think I’d like that.” Robert Queen smiled. For a moment he had forgotten his family’s troubles and let the excitement of a possible relationship wash over him. He was snapped from his thoughts as Illumina burst into the waiting area.

“Illumina…what—“ Dan said. He had been able to rest for a couple of hours and had rejoined the others.

“I don’t know how he did it, but Nucleus…..it was perfect.” She started.

“Di Di? Is she--?” Oliver stammered.

The family gathered around Illumina.

“She’s not out of the woods yet. She’s on all kinds of meds right now….to keep her calm, to prevent infections….when she is able to wake up, she may not be able to talk or even walk for a while….”

“Oh God…” Dinah gasped.

“But—“ Nucleus said joining them. “With therapy, she should be able to get function back. It won’t be easy and she’ll need months of therapy, months of rehab. She could have spotty memory loss. But, I am optimistic she’ll be the best she can be.”

***

Several weeks passed. Daniel Jordan sat at his wife’s bedside. He talked to her as instructed by Illumina and Nucleus. He held her hand, filling her in on world events and Titans cases. Suddenly, she squeezed his hand. Dan’s eyes widened.

“Di Di! Di Di can you hear me!??” he whispered. She gripped his hand tighter and continued gripping it. A tear rolled from her closed eyes.

Dan pressed the call button and soon a team of nurses were checking her vitals. Her breathing had improved and when her feet were touched, she reacted. Dan got on the phone with Oliver and Dinah.

***

One month later…

Di Di Jordan sat in her wheelchair looking out the window.

“Ready to go?” Illumina asked her.

“I…..am…” Di Di struggled to say. Di Di was being transferred to a rehab hospital. Despite her miraculous recovery, she needed physical therapy as well as cognitive therapy. Her speech was slurred and she became easily confused. As Illumina wheeled her down the hall, Nucleus joined them. Outside, a transport was waiting to transfer Didi to the rehab facility. Didi slowly reached for Nucleus’s hand.

“Th…thank……you…” she whispered.

Nucleus hugged her. “It was my pleasure.”

Dan Jordan took a seat next to his wife and took her hand. She looked frail, hollow after months of hospitalization. She leaned her head on his shoulder and he held her.

“Thank you.” Oliver Queen said, shaking Nucleus hand. “You gave us our daughter back.”

“I’m glad I was able to help. She still has a long road ahead of her, but I think she’ll be fine.”

***

A few weeks later…

“Di Di’s doing fine. Even telling the therapists what to do. She’s getting stronger every day.” Rob said to his dinner date.

“I’m glad to hear it. When can we see her?” Helena Wayne smiled.

“Right now, it’s just immediate family. They don’t want to overwhelm her.”

“The baby…does she know?”

“No, not yet. Dan is waiting until she’s more stable. Dealing with all the physical stuff is hard right now.”

“Well, whatever I can do, I’m happy to help.”

“I know. And I appreciate it.”

The two of them chatted over their meal and then headed to an upscale bar for after dinner cocktails.

Rob ordered a beer for himself and a martini for Helena.

“I propose a toast.” He smiled.

“And just what are we drinking to?” Helena asked.

Rob thought for a moment. “Here’s to good news…..and looking forward to things to come.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Helena said, a twinkle in her eye.

“And I’ll drink to that too!” came a jovial voice.

Apotheosis was out in his civilian identity with the Mask.

“The man of the hour!” Rob said, greeting his teammate.

“I’m glad your sister is doing well.” He smiled.

“Man, we owe it all to you! If not for that lecture….” Rob started.

“Well, I’m glad it all worked out.” Apotheosis noticed it seemed Rob and Helena were on a date. He was curious about their seemingly budding relationship and what it might mean for their respective teams. He and his date excused themselves to the bar.

“Who were those people?” the Mask asked.





“Just some friends.” Apotheosis smiled. As close as he and the Mask had become, he was not about to betray his teammates confidence to her. For a moment he was content knowing Di Di Queen was doing well and he had contributed to her getting better. His mind drifted to the Brotherhood of Evil and how he wished he could rip them limb from limb for what they had done.

“Jared! Jared!” his date asked, snapping him from his thoughts. “Where were you? It’s like you were a million miles away!”

“Sorry.” He smiled sheepishly. “Just thinking about work.”

“Oh? When do we get started?” teased the Mask.

***

EPILOGUE:

Daniel Jordan walked into his wife’s room, ready to give her the news about her miscarriage. His heart was beating rapidly, he was shaking and sweaty.

Di Di immediately noticed something was wrong and questioned, “Dan? What is it?”

“Di Di…..” began the pastor, “This isn’t going to be easy for you to take but it’s time for you to know that….”

Just then, Sargona stepped into the room, having bypassed security with teleportation. Daniel and Di Di were startled to see their mystic teammate before them.

“Your baby is alive and healthy,” revealed the daughter of Sargon the Sorcerer and Zatanna.





“My baby?” asked a confused Sonic Boom. “What are you talking about?”

“You were pregnant when we were taken prisoner by the Brotherhood of Evil. I knew this because when I awoke in their headquarters and saw everyone who was there, I noticed an extra presence in the room. A spell of clarity helped me to realize you were pregnant. I figured that the Brotherhood was about to harm or kill us so I used all of my remaining strength to cast a spell of protection around your unborn child so they could not be harmed by the physical world.”

“But Illumina told me the baby had died!” pointed out Daniel Jordan.

“It would seem that way to her and her scientific tests,” explained Sargona. “The spell I used kind of transports the person to a pocket dimension so they leave only an ether of themselves in their place. I assure you that your baby is fine and ready to be born in about forty-five days.” Sargona raised her hand and it began to glow. “There! Your little one is back home inside of mama now.”

“But why didn’t you tell me this months ago?” Daniel asked, confused.

“Because if Di Di hadn’t pulled through, the baby would have died too without her being able to give birth to it. The spell protects the baby but it still needed its mother to nourish and birth it for it to stay healthy. I didn’t want to get your hopes up for nothing in case Di Di didn’t make it.”

“I didn’t even know I was pregnant,” revealed Di Di. “I must have only been a few weeks along when the Brotherhood grabbed us.”

“Yes, that was the case,” confirmed Sargona. “Now you know why I was too weak to do much to get us out of the Brotherhood’s prison.”

“Sargona - I can’t thank you enough for this gift you’ve given Dan and I,” Di Di said, holding out her arms to give Sargona a hug. “After all of the cat fights we had in the past, you really came through when I needed you to.”

“Di Di, we patched all of that up a while ago plus I’m not one to hold a grudge,” Sargon said as she and Di Di hugged each other. “I am happy that you and Dan are both healthy and committed to one another. Your child will have a fine home with two wonderful parents like yourselves.”

“Dan, I hope I’m not jumping the gun here but I’d like Sargona to be our child’s godmother,” Di Di suggested, looking up at her husband.

“I can’t think of a better choice,” Dan smiled and then gave Sargona a hug. “Sargona - you are a literal life-saver!”

“Just doing my job….” grinned the raven-haired beauty. “Now I’m sure you two would like some time alone so I’ll be going. Talk to you soon! Emoh” she said, using one of her backwards spells to teleport away.


THE END!