H.I.V.E., Part Three:
“West”
Loren Jupiter snapped off the television with disgust. “Something wrong?” Smith asked him. “Steve Dayton’s holding a press conference,” Jupiter explained. “He’s announcing his own superteam.” ”Interesting,” Smith said. “And what name has he chosen?” Jupiter simply scowled. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present the future of metahumans.” Steve Dayton smiled widely as the California sun shone brightly overhead. “Titans West!” The crowd broke into applause as the team assembled on the stage. “Allow me to introduce you to the team’s leader and she will make the introductions,” Dayton said. “Flamebird!” Flamebird smiled as she stepped behind the podium. “Thank you, Mr. Dayton. First, meet Beast Boy. He has the ability to change into any animal he chooses.” Garfield Logan changed into a pigeon, pulled a reporter’s glasses off his face, and then returned to human form wearing the glasses. “Golden Eagle. He has enhanced sight, hearing and flight.” Golden Eagle flew up into the air and smiled. With the sun behind him and glinting off his armor, he looked like an angel. “Red Star. A Russian patriot, he possesses super-strength and near-invulnerability.” Red Star simply nodded in acknowledgement. “And finally, Crystal. She can create anything her mind thinks of from crystal.” Behind her mask, Kole Weathers smiled and created a crystalline waterfall. Dayton smiled as the applause was deafening. “Dayton’s up to something and it bothers me that I don’t know what.” Jupiter was pacing back and forth. “Worry will not alleviate the situation,” Smith advised. “Perhaps he simply wants to contribute to the public good.” ”The only time Steve Dayton is worried about the public good is when it will benefit him,” Jupiter said. Smith thought a moment. “It is disturbing to see young Logan and Kovar up there,” he admitted. “How did he find them?” Jupiter asked. “He doesn’t have access to the resources we do!” Silence filled the office as they considered the ramifications of these questions. “Can you see it?” Tula asked. She and Garth were in the Atlantis simulation again. Her glowing hands were raised behind his head. “Yes,” Garth breathed. His eyes were closed. “It is magnificent.” Tula smiled. “It is your home,” she said. “Yes,” Garth replied. “My home. My kingdom.” “Yes,” Tula agreed. “It was. And it will be again.” Roy shivered. Despite the heat from the shower running beside him, he was still cold. He reached under the commode and pulled out his gear. He cinched his belt around his upper arm and flicked his forearm until the vein stood out in prominence. He went to fill his needle and discovered that the vial was empty. He gasped and the end of his belt slipped out of his mouth. He held the vial up as closely as he could and studied it through the light. Still empty. He hid everything and hurried out after the phone. Fortunately, Dick was in the gym. Lloyd, the singer for Great Frog, opened his eyes and blearily searched for the phone. “Yeah?” he asked. Roy wiped sweat off his brow. “Lloyd, it’s me,” he said. He tried to wet his dry lips. “Listen, I’m out and need some more.” ”You know the price,” Lloyd said. “I’m broke right now!” Roy urgently whispered into the phone. “Listen, man, you know I’m good for it. Come on. Just this once.” ”Sorry,” Lloyd said. “I wish I could, but my boss won’t let me. Can’t you steal some money from your roommate or something?” ”I wish I could,” Roy said as his eyes roamed around the room. “But I don’t know what MacGyver’s got rigged up around his wallet.” “Listen,” Lloyd said. “I can’t help you out with the money. All I can say is that I’ll stay around the house all day. Normally I wouldn’t even do that. Get some money, come on over, and we’ll fix you up. Seeya.” Lloyd hung up the phone. Roy hung up the phone and started frantically thinking of what to do next. “This isn’t natural!” Wally yelled as he hung from the rings. ”Sure it is,” Dick said from a neighboring set. He easily pulled himself up with his hands at his sides. “Besides, it helps build your arms up. Go ahead and try.” Wally grunted as he fought and fought but never could make it up. Dick smiled as he slid back down, extending his hands outward at shoulder height. “Don’t worry about it. It’ll come.” “Sure,” Wally said as he dropped to the floor. “What’s so great about it anyway?” Dick’s smile got wider. “Dismounting with style.” He supported himself first with one hand, then the other as he pulled his shirt off and threw it to the gym floor. Wally watched as he started to swing back and forth. Finally, when he decided he had enough momentum, he let go of the rings and curled into a spinning ball. He straightened out just before he hit the water and slid into the pool with barely a splash. Wally gaped as Dick popped out of the water and pushed his hair back. “How… How…” was all Wally could get out. “Years of practice,” Dick said as he climbed out of the pool and picked up a towel. “I was raised as an acrobat.” His eyes closed as he thought about his parents, something that was still extremely hard for him. “Are you okay?” Wally asked. “Sure,” Dick said. “I’m just going to get changed.” He started toward the locker room, glad that he hadn’t dried his face. His tears mixed in perfectly with the water running off his hair. The murderer of Nicholas Galtry stood nervously in the center of the room. Finally 6 men wearing hooded purple robes entered and stood in a half-circle above him on a balcony. “We have seen your tape,” Number 6 said. “Most impressive,” Number 4 added. “Yes,” the killer said. “Your own metahuman army.” “It may come in most useful,” Number 1 admitted. “But are you sure your control is complete over them?” The killer smiled. “Yes. My scientists have spent years developing that serum for the government for use on prisoners of war. As long as they have it in their systems, they will obey me without question.” ”And how often must the serum be administered?” Number 5 asked. “Is there a danger of them coming out from under its effects while on a mission?” ”None. The serum is in all food they consume and all water in their headquarters. As an added precaution, all food and water in their jet is similarly dosed, and the pilots are equipped with the serum as well. They have been trained to pass it off as everything from an inoculation to protection from frostbite.” The six men conferred among themselves. Finally they returned to their original positions. “They may indeed come in useful for our upcoming operations,” Number 1 announced. “You have earned your entry. You shall now serve as the HIVE’s Number 7.” Steve Dayton smiled widely as the purple robe was placed on his shoulders. “I will not fail you,” he vowed as he pulled the hood up over his head. ”See that you do not,” Number 1 warned. “Come in,” Donna Troy called as she heard a knock at the door. Roy staggered in. “Roy?” she asked as she jumped up and helped him to a chair. His shirt was soaked with sweat. “Are you okay? You know you’re not supposed to be up here.” Roy licked his lips. “Need money,” he croaked. “Help me.” Donna backed away. “Roy, why do you need money?” she asked suspiciously. “What’s going on?” “Give me money,” Roy repeated as he barely stayed seated in the chair. “I don’t think so,” Donna said as she moved to her desk. “I’ll call Mr. J and we’ll get you help.” ”No!” Roy was on her before she knew it. Before Donna could make a move, Roy had ripped the phone cable out of the wall. Donna backed away toward the door as Roy threw the phone to the ground. “You have money. I know you do.” ”Roy, listen to me,” Donna said. “I don’t know what’s going on, but you need help. Please let me help you. I love you.” ”All I need is money!” Roy said, taking another step forward. “I don’t have any,” Donna said. “Liar!” Roy yelled. Without thinking, his fist flew forward and slammed into Donna’s face. Shocked, Donna fell to the floor. Roy punched her a couple more times and grabbed her purse off the desk. He emptied it on the bed and grabbed any money that fell out. Smiling, he bent over her as he slid the money into his pocket. “Thanks,” he said as he talked out as nonchalantly as he could. Donna just sat on the floor and cried. Roy slumped on the floor of Lloyd’s apartment. Tears rolled down his face as he thought about what he’d just done to Donna. Then Lloyd slid the needle into his arm and everything was perfect. Next Issue: Problems continue as the HIVE captures one of the Titans! Plus, Roy continues his downhill slide. Previous Issue | Next Issue |
