Minding the Nest Chapter 6

6. Let's Talk

As the three groups got together at the park, some surprised glances were exchanged at the make up of the assembled...civilians.  Finding a quiet area of the park with a few benches, everyone sat down, positioning a variety of baby strollers, carriers, and leashes.

Mas and Menos were in a curiously constructed double stroller that allowed them to see each other at all times, but not touch.  Bumblebee, Argent, and Starfire were all on leashes, as they had a tendency to want to fly away.  Jade was holding Bumblebee's leash, while Roy was holding Aqualad.  Jennifer held Argent's leash, and had Herald in her lap.  Victor held Hot Spot.  Rachel held Starfire's leash, and baby Robin, Timmy, and Teether were allowed to wander under Melvin's watchful gaze.

"Okay, everyone," Garfield said, taking charge.  "What do we know about what's happening so far?"

Roy spoke up.  "Well, all I've been able to determine is that they're eating at a ferocious rate."

Garfield nodded.  "Hyper-metabolic, huh?  Seemed that way to me, too, which means they're probably at an accelerated aging rate, too."

Victor spoke up.  "Whatever did this to them wasn't purely chemical.  THere were some odd compounds in the area around them when they first changed, but nothing to cause this."

"I picked up some residual traces of magic," Rachel spoke up.  "Enough to notice as out of place, but not enough to cause this on its own."

Garfield nodded.  "That sounds like a combination effect, then.  Someone who uses magic AND technology?  That's not an MO we're familiar with, so it's either an unanticipated team up or someone we haven't dealt with before."  As everyone stared at him, he continued to postulate.  "The way it was so well coordinated, to hit all three towers, says that it's someone with at the very least a good deal of competent help, or with abilities that make such things unnecessarry.  In either case, that doesn't sound like any of our usual villains.  If it were, they would either have done something far more debilitating than turning some of the Titans into babies, made sure to get all of us, or would have taken action against us by now.  THis means someone has a very long term plan in mind, and somehow this is part of it.  If they haven't taken any action since, then everything is going according to said plan."  He noticed everyone staring at him.  "What?"

"Umm...Garfield?" Victor asked slowly.  "Since when did you develop such a keen detective mind?"

Garfield smiled.  "Training under Mento.  Robin was just better at it than me, usually, so I would let him take the lead.Was easier on me, too.  Didn't make a fuss because it meant one more surprise I ahd for the bad guys."

Rachel smiled slowly.  "Quite a boyfriend I've got, wouldn't you say, girls?"

Jade and Jennifer smiled, while the boys looked shocked.  Garfield blushed at being called her 'boyfriend.'

Jade spoke up.  "I have a couple of things to add.  The memories and personalities of themselves as heroes...those are intact, but funneled through the child psyche.  They are aware of what's going on, and will probably remember all of it quite vividly.  Also, no presently active criminal organization is behind this, or I would have heard about it before I stopped at Titans East to talk to Roy."

Garfield raised an eyebrow.  "And why is that?"

Jade looked directly at him.  "Because I'm an assassin working for the League of Shadows.  If it's criminal, we know about it.  And we hadn't heard about this, which means it's a new group or individual, and someone very good at keeping secrets and biding their time.  The League of Shadows specializes in intelligence."

Everyone exchanged glances, and Garfield nodded.  "Alright, Jade.  Give us the benefit of your experience.  WHy would someone do this, in your opinion, and what can we expect?"

Before Jade could speak, Victor spoke.  "Garfield, Roy, can I talk to you two in private for a bit?"

The three boys went off a ways.  "What's the problem, Victor?" Garfield asked blandly.

"Should we really be talking about this with her?  It's a matter of Titan security, and she IS a criminal."

"So was Jennifer," Roy said bluntly.

"Jen changed sides," Victor said acidly.  "Are you suggesting Jade will, too?"

"No.  I'm saying just now she's a concerned civilian with insight we need.  So get your head out of your arse and listen.  THis isn't about where we all stand on the moral compass, it's about our friends' well being, and just now I'd make a deal with Rachel's old man to find a way to fix this."  Roy smiled coldly.  "I would think you would find dealing with Jade preferable.  The worst she'll do is kill you."

"He's got a point, Vic," Garfield said blandly.  "Besides, it's no secret she likes Roy, and just now he needs ehr to be honest."

Victor looked at Roy.  "Just one question, then.  Do you trust her?"

"When it comes to this?  Definately.  If she were going to betray me here, she'd have done so by now.  It's been two weeks, after all."

"Alright," Victor said, giving up.  "I'll leave it to the two of you."  He shook his head.  "When did I become the dumb muscle of the team?" he asked with a laugh.

"Don't worry, Victor," Garfield said happily.  "You're still the best with tech.  And don't worry about Jade."  Garfield tapped his nose.  "We can trust what she says."

Getting the point, Victor nodded.  They went back to the group.

Getting the nod from Garfield, Jade continued.  "Garfield is right, actually.  Whatever villain planned this, he - or she - has something long term in mind.  Since the babifying, there has not been a significance rise in crime that the Titans normally fight, or any increase in unusual crime.  THis isn't about getting the Titans out of the way for something, or distracting them from something that's happening.  Whatever the perpetrator is after, it's something long term."

"So what do you think we should do?" Garfield asked calmly.

"Nothing."

There were raised eyebrows all around.  "Explain."

"Whoever it is seems to be an intricately careful planner even more skilled at manipulation than Slade or Ra's Al Gul.  THey have probably taken all possibilities into account.  Be on guard, but beyond that take no obvious action or excess precautions beyond what might be expected.  No clues have been left to figure out what the plan is...so don't try to unravel it.  No moves in this game have been left for you to make...so wait for them to make a move, and be watchful for anything that can be an advantage."

Garfield nodded.  "It seems like a good plan.  It's also the best we've got."

"Excuse me."

They all turned at that voice, and Jade tried to hide.  Bruce Wayne had come upon them unawares, although it looked like he hadn't overheard anything.  "I was just in town visiting some friends, but they weren't home."  He disentangled baby Robin - who was in civilian guise - from his leg.  "Is this one of yours?"

Rachel took the child from him.  "Sorry about that.  We're watching him for a friend.  I hadn't realized he'd gotten into such trouble."

Bruce nodded.  "That's quite all-"  He paused.  He took a closer look at the infant who was reaching towards him.  He blinked a couple of times.  "Richard?" he asked suddenly, shocked.

Baby Starfire suddenly said, "Uh oh!" and giggled.