"Laying the Foundation"
Loren Jupiter leaned back in his chair and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Something wrong?" Mr. Smith, the head of his company's security asked. As always, he stood before Jupiter's large desk.
"No. I was just thinking about this new endeavor." Jupiter looked over the five file folders before him. "So these are the five."
Smith nodded. "They do seem to be the optimal choices."
Jupiter stood and walked toward the massive window that served as the back wall of his office. "What about the one who can change his shape?"
Smith shook his head. "I do not recommend that. I feel that his maturity level is not where it would be required to be."
Jupiter returned to his desk and opened one of the folders. He removed a photo and held it up before Smith. "And this one's is?"
Smith smiled. "I believe that one will surprise you."
Jupiter frowned as he studied the photo. "I've trusted you this far, but I still have bad feelings about this one."
Smith spread his hands. "Perhaps I am wrong. However, I believe that this one's abilities will come in useful."
Jupiter placed the photo back in the folder that was lying open on his large desk. "There he goes," he said, looking out across the skyline as something caught his attention.
"Superman?" Smith asked.
Jupiter nodded. "Every time I see him, I'm reminded of why we need these five." He sat down at his desk, and then let out a long breath. "Go ahead and get them."
Smith nodded and walked out, leaving Jupiter alone to gaze out over the skyline.
"Boy Wonder"
Twelve-year old Dick Grayson stood on the ledge and looked around the empty circus tent. He smiled and waved at the imaginary crowd, posing just like his mother and father did.
"Dickie?" a voice came from below. Dick looked down to see the old clown walking into the tent.
"Hi, Hermann," Dick said as he started descending the pole.
"Dickie, you know Mr. Haly does not want you in here alone." The clown grabbed Dick's arm as he hit the dirt floor and started pulling him toward a seat. "You are not ready to fly that high yet." The clown looked at Dick's attire - a T-shirt and shorts. "At least you are not in your costume."
Dick smiled. "Come on, Hermann. I just…"
"What?" Hermann asked, stopping to face Dick.
"Well, I just wanted to see everything the way my mom and dad do."
"Ah, yes." A smile crossed Hermann's face. "The Flying Graysons. Your parents make magic up there, Dickie." Hermann's smile faded. "But you are not quite a magician yet."
"You know that I'm not going to get hurt," Dick said.
"If Mr. Haly catches you in here, you will." Hermann pulled Dick to his feet. "Come on. I will walk you back to your trailer and I will tell your father that we went for a walk. But no more of this nonsense!"
"All right," Dick said, already trying to figure out how to get back into the tent the following night. Just then they looked up as they heard an explosion.
"Mein Gott," Hermann whispered. "One of the propane tanks!" Hermann released Dick. "Go to your trailer now! I have to try and help put the fire out before it gets any worse!"
"Be careful," Dick said as the clown ran out. Hermann gave him a quick smile and was gone. Dick ran through the tent and stopped when he could see his family's trailer. He saw men with guns herding his parents away from the trailer. Another man emerged from the trailer with a gas can in his hand. He threw a match inside and the trailer ignited. Terrified, Dick could only watch as a gunman calmly put a round through each of his parents' heads, then threw them inside the flaming trailer to burn. Tears began rolling down Dick's face as he looked around and saw that the fire was spreading and now the big top was burning. He watched the flaming canvas sadly droop as the tent collapsed.
Dick ran into the wooded area behind the setup area. Branches and thorns scratched his bare legs as he ran further into the woods. Finally he reached a suitable tree. He shimmied up and sat down on a branch that would support his weight. He sat and watched his entire world collapse into ashes.
SECURITY REPORT
ROBIN
Real Name: Dick Grayson
Age: 15
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 150 lbs.
HISTORY
Dick Grayson loved the circus. He toured with his parents, an acrobatic act called the Flying Graysons. All report indicate that Grayson was eagerly waiting for his 18th birthday, when he could finally join the act.
Unfortunately, all that changed one night. An as yet unidentified group of assailants butchered the circus and burned everything they could. Am looking into possible mob connections for Jacob Haly (the circus's owner).
Since the fire, Grayson has lived on the streets of Metropolis (the circus's final stop). Reports indicate that he has become quite an experienced thief, but very unusual in that he seems to have a conscience. Grayson never steals anything more than he needs (clothing, food, and money for same). No police record.
POWERS
None noted. However, Grayson has exceptional acrobatic skills, as well as his "street smarts." Personality profile indicates that he should serve as team leader. Further recommendations are forthcoming.
Smith
"All In the Family"
Wally West chuckled as he put aside the newest issue of the Flash comic book.
"What's so funny?" his uncle, Barry Allen, asked.
"This," Wally said, showing him the book. "You never acted like that, did you?"
Barry laughed. "Are you kidding?" he asked. "That's ridiculous! And I'm not sure that Jay would have been that rude, either."
Wally smiled and put the book back into his backpack. Barry returned to the table where Wally's parents were sitting. They'd come to give Wally a tour of Barry's lab and were now visiting.
Wally glanced up as something caught his eye. "Uncle Barry?" he asked. "There's something out there."
Barry stood and walked to the window. He paled. "Oh, no," he whispered. "The Weather Wizard. I thought he was dead."
Outside, the Wizard started laughing as he raised his wand and aimed at the window.
"Run, Wally!" Barry yelled as the Wizard fired a lightning bolt. Wally didn't even remember the explosion.
SECURITY REPORT
KID FLASH
Real Name: Wally West
Age: 15
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 139 lbs.
HISTORY
In order to understand Wally West, his family's background must be also understood. His uncle, Barry Allen, was also a superhero. He served as a sidekick named Kid Flash to the original Flash (Jay Garrick). Following Garrick's heart attack and retirement some years ago, Allen also retired (at Garrick's request) and became a scientist with the Central City Police Department.
West was present the night that a villain of Garrick's named the Weather Wizard (see attachment) attacked Allen's lab. During the attack, Allen and West's parents were apparently killed (no bodies recovered). West was severely wounded, but has since recovered extraordinarily fast.
POWERS
West has the powers of super-speed, much like his uncle and his mentor. Reports are that West has not experimented with these abilities, other than running. With training, West's potential is impressive.
Smith
"Bowman"
Roy Harper sneered as he looked around. Nothing but red sand as far as the eye could see. He turned his attention back to the old Indian man standing before him.
"You are Roy Harper?" he asked.
Roy sneered in response.
"I am called Brave Bow. Please come with me." Brave Bow started to walk towards an adobe house, then turned as he realized Roy wasn't following. "Is something wrong?"
"Listen," Roy said. "We both know what's going on here. I'm only here because some juvie judge with a sick sense of humor thought it'd be fun to strand me here for a while. So let's forget all the bonding crap. I'll hang out here until my time's up, then I'm out and back where I belong."
"It seems as if you lack respect," Brave Bow said.
Roy laughed in his face. "Listen, old man. Why don't you knock it off with the whole `caring' thing? Let's just break out some of that peyote and we'll get along just fine."
Brave Bow moved so quickly that Roy didn't even see it. The next thing Roy knew, he was lying on his back in the street with a bloody nose. Brave Bow stood over him. His bow was now in his hands, and a sharp-looking arrow was aimed at Roy's face.
"What are you doing?" Roy yelled.
"What must be done," Brave Bow said. "Do not move."
"You're crazy!"
Brave Bow released the bowstring.
Roy screamed as he felt the arrow nick his cheek and slam into the dust beside him. Despite his bleeding cheek, Roy laughed. "Looks like you missed," he said.
"Did I?" Brave Bow asked. "Follow me when you are ready to change your pants." Brave Bow started toward a house.
Roy looked down and cursed when he saw that he'd wet his pants when the arrow hit him. "What's he mean by that?" Roy muttered as he looked at the arrow. His eyes went wide when he saw what was there.
A scorpion lay on one side of the arrow, in its death throes. On the other side, its tail, severed by the arrow, still twitched.
His rage forgotten, Roy ran to the house. Brave Bow was sitting serenely in front of the door. "You have got to teach me how to do that!" Roy said with excitement.
Brave Bow smiled warmly. "Now we can begin," he said.
SECURITY REPORT
SPEEDY
Real Name: Roy Harper
Age: 15
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 153 lbs.
HISTORY
Roy Harper was only a baby when a woman, presumably his mother, left him at an orphanage. When asked for her name, the woman simply left the child. We have been unsuccessful, thus far, in locating any of Harper's relatives.
Harper has lived ever since in a constant parade of foster homes. He has quite an impressive record for getting thrown out of them - his current best time is under twenty minutes. As a result (or perhaps cause) of this, Harper has developed a bit of an attitude problem.
The one exception was court-ordered time on a Navajo reservation. While there, he bonded with a tribal elder called Brave Bow, who taught him archery. Harper resisted his removal at the end of his sentence and has subsequently returned there every time he has "escaped" his latest foster home.
Unfortunately, Harper may be a black spot on this project due to his lengthy police record (see attachment). However, all offenses do appear to be minor and the records should remain sealed. Despite the possible negatives, I do still recommend Harper for the project.
POWERS
Harper is an incredible archer. He has modified arrows with special tips and has developed quite an arsenal. Harper is a genius when it comes to the art of weaponry.
Smith
"Sports Star"
Garth Curry gasped for air as he pulled himself out of the pool. Without looking, he accepted a towel he was handed. His eyes were fixed on the scoreboard. Finally his time was displayed. He smiled and walked back toward his team.
"Great work!" the beaming coach said as he thumped Garth on the back. "That's another school record!"
Garth shrugged as he sat down on the bench. "I just do what I can."
The coach's grin grew wider. "If you can keep going like that, we're bound for state!"
Garth stood and walked toward the locker room, leaving the cheers behind.
Garth looked down into the sink. He'd filled it with cold water, and his watch was at the bottom of it. Knowing that the small device he'd rigged up on the locker room door would alert him if it were opened, he began his experiment again.
Eyes open, he forced his head under the water. His eyes were fixed on the watch's second hand as it ticked along. 20 seconds. 40. 1 minute. He heard the door open at 3 minutes and pulled his head out of the water. He quickly replaced the watch on his wrist as the coach came in.
"Are you okay?" the coach asked, running to Garth's side. "You don't look so good."
"I'm fine," Garth said. "Just nerves." He continued to reassure the coach as his mind turned back to the same problem - I was underwater for three minutes. I came up and I wasn't even breathing hard! What am I?
SECURITY REPORT
AQUALAD
Real Name: Unknown - Given name Garth Curry
Age: Believed to be 15
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 178 lbs.
HISTORY
Garth Curry is a mystery. Nothing is known of his family history. He was found abandoned as a baby in a California orphanage.
He nearly perished as an infant from a mysterious sickness. The sickness has still not been diagnosed, but does appear to be in remission. The only downside is that Curry must be exposed to water (immersed or ingesting) every 60 minutes. The sickness also does not appear to be contagious.
Curry has taken the most of his gifts by joining his high school's swim team. He is currently the holder of all of his school's swimming records.
Curry also has a girlfriend. She will be outlined in my next report.
POWERS
Curry has incredible speed and agility in water. It is almost like a second home to him. His strength is also enhanced.
Curry may have some low-grade telepathic powers, but I have not discovered anything conclusive as of yet. Will include updates as available.
Smith
"Popularity Contest"
Donna Troy yawned as she put her books back into her locker. "You look like you're out of it," a familiar voice said.
Donna smiled as she gave Garth a kiss on the cheek. "Flirt," she said with a smile.
"With you, always." Garth smiled as well as Donna's hand slipped into his. "I set a new record last night," he said.
"I know," Donna said. "I love it. You should hear those cheerleaders talking. They're all so jealous they're practically turning green!"
"What did you say to them?" Garth asked.
"I told them if their boyfriends had the devotion that you do, then they'd be setting records, too!"
Garth pecked Donna on the cheek. "What would I do without you sticking up for me?" he asked.
"Probably drown," Donna said as the intercom squealed into life.
"Donna Troy and Garth Curry to the office," it said.
"Great," Garth said, frowning. "One peck and they swoop into action."
"I'm not worried," Donna said as they headed toward the office. "I'm just an innocent bystander. It's not my fault the Mad Kisser here attacked me."
"Thanks loads," Garth said. "With friends like you, who needs enemies?" They swung the door open and stepped inside.
The secretary motioned them toward a conference room. Inside sat Mr. Smith, his fingers steepled. "Have a seat," he welcomed as the secretary closed the door. He waited until Garth and Donna were seated before continuing. "Mr. Curry, Ms. Troy, I have an offer for you," he began.
SECURITY REPORT
WONDER GIRL
Real Name: Unknown - Given name Donna Troy
Age: Believed to be 14
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 152 lbs.
HISTORY
Donna Troy was raised in the same orphanage as Garth Curry. Her familial background is totally unknown.
Troy and Curry grew up together and their relationship is extremely close. At present, they are dating.
Troy is a good student, especially in classes such as history and literature. Troy has the potential to be a sports star, but has chosen not to participate in any sporting activities, preferring to cheer her boyfriend from the sidelines.
POWERS
Troy has superhuman strength, greater than any of the other recruits. Observation has also shown that she is able to fly. Her speed is greater than normal, but not nearly to the point of Kid Flash.
ADDENDUM
On a personal note, Troy has a calming demeanor around her. I feel that she may contribute that calmness to this group, and may also find herself a lynchpin for these mismatched personalities.
Smith
Next Issue: Join the new team as they meet each other, and Mr. Jupiter, for the first time! But something's stirring in a little town called Hatton's Corner…
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