Titans West Chapter 1: Class of 2010 Part 1 Opering Ceremonies
Written by: Darth_Ennis
Art by: Darth_Ennis
Edited by: Power Guy

The newly rebuilt Metrotower.

There was a calm silence, as the first rays of dawn broke. The waves lapping the shoreline gave a peaceful, serene rhythm. On the beach, a beautiful Asian woman in full ceremonial kimono robes practiced the exacting disciplined moves of her morning Tai-Chi routine. Her moves, a practiced dance were almost hypnotic. The ancient katana in her hand, an heirloom passed down from her ancestors, flashed in the light of the slowly rising sun. As deadly as she was beautiful, he could not take his eyes off of her.





It took a lot to get him up before dawn, but Imako’s morning drill was definitely worth it. She knew he was watching and she didn’t mind. Even though she had invited him to join her many times, Dr. Jason Hardwick, the man known as Nucleus, was content to sit on the veranda with his morning cup of coffee and admire it from afar. To a casual observer, one might consider this odd behavior reminiscent of that of a stalker. But neither considered it strange at all. They were colleagues first and foremost. As a fellow scientist Imako was usually the only woman he knew that understood what he was saying most of the time. As a teammate she was the unarmed combat training instructor for both the Super Friends and Titans West. Proficient in at least 4 different martial arts styles that he knew of, she was right up there with Knightvision and Sonic Boom in that department. Since their first mission together, they had both grown to be very close friends in a very short amount of time. Though he was proficient enough in basic self defense to have developed a “unique” fighting style all his own, he was not ready for Tai-Chi just yet.

Some time around his second cup, a shambling mass that could barely be described as human stumbled into the kitchen. That shambling mass was Scott Stone, better known as Starman. Newly appointed leader of Titans West and apparently NOT what you would call a morning person. Through his half closed eyes he looked around his one word response was simply “ Coffee!”



“Oh dear, you look like hell.“ replied Jason, “ For God’s sake have a cup of mine. It’s not the battery acid you normally swill but it should tide you over until you can make your own.

Scott grunted in reply as he pulled out a large cappuccino mug. It was the size of a soup bowl and was black and adorned with little Jolly Roger skulls. He poured the equivalent of half the pot into the cup and began to fumble around for the sugar container . Jason turned away shaking his head, muttering the word “Barbarian.” under his breath. Another grunt was all he got in reply. He winced at some of the noises and he heard coming from the kitchen behind him. He tried not to think about the horrors that were about to befall the poor innocent coffee maker as he glanced back toward the beach. During the commotion in the kitchen, Imako had finished her Tai-Chi drill and had now begun to kneel in meditation. He gave a slight frown of disappointment as he sat down at the small table.

“Drat.” he said to himself, ”And I was so looking forward to the finale.”

Less than a minute later, Scott sat down opposite him, Jolly Roger mug in hand. “So, are you going to ask her out or what?” he asked bluntly.

“ I beg your pardon!” asked Jason with a raised eyebrow. “ I hardly see where that is any of your business.”

“Aw c’mon , it’s pretty obvious she digs you. And everyone knows you dig her too. Even an idiot like Aaron can see that” replied Scott in between gulps of coffee. “ She’s gorgeous, you would be a fool not to jump on that. That’s all I’m saying.”

“ For your information Mr. Stone, Dr. Hoshi is a dear friend and a valued colleague. Her beauty is unsurpassed sure, but I value her for her mind” retorted Jason sternly.

After shooting him a funny sideways glance of disbelief Scott replied in a mocking tone, “Oh please! Like you wouldn’t give your left arm for one night with her.”

Without skipping a beat Jason looked him dead in the eye and said, “ You bet your little jewel encrusted bracelets I would.” To which they both burst into laughter..

“ …and speaking of idiots.” asked Jason “ I trust last nights Guitar Hero throw down with Aaron, that lasted well into the wee hours of the morning I might add, went well?

“No…no it did not” came the embarrassing reply.

“ Ouch!” replied Jason showing mock sympathy. “ There will be no living with him now.”

“ Yup. He spanked me”

“That bad Huh?”

“Umm Hmm…”

“Well in all honesty Scott, no one can be expected to play ‘ Cowboys From Hell’ on expert and get a perfect score. God does not allow it.” said Jason trying to be consoling. “ I’m sure the both of you will eventually find some other way to make fools of yourselves while trying to one up each other. You will get your chance again, I promise.”

“ Thank you very much for your support Mr. Hardwick. “ Said Scott, his voice dripping with as much sarcasm as he could muster. “ I will cherish this advice for as long as I can possibly remember.”

“ Which reminds me, exactly why are you even up this early? Six A.M is a bit early even for you. Considering the embarrassing night you had last night, I quite expected you to sleep in.”

“ Well the kids are going to start arriving soon, and there is still so much that needs to be done.” Said Scott.

“ Trust me Scott, as your deputy leader I can assure you that everything is in readiness. I have checked and double checked, everything should go off without a hitch.” He explained confidently. “ Besides, they are teenagers, they can smell fear. The best thing you can do is calm down. “

“ Oh PLEASE!!” exclaimed Scott, “ You are more of the leader here than I am.”

“ Yes, but you are the figurehead, I am the power behind the throne. When horrible things happen, and they will, you get the blame, and I get off scott free” he said with a smile, “ It’s a win-win situation for me. You, not so much.”

“Gee, thanks.” replied Scott. “ Besides that, I guess you’re right. Jenna keeps telling me the same thing. it’s just a lot of responsibility, and I just want to make sure I don’t screw it up. I don’t know how Vince manages to make it look so easy.”

“ Pure talent. “ Answered Jason. “ And speaking of Jenna, exactly where is the “Daughter of Steel” this morning?

“ Well….she, Aunt Sandra and Andros went out clubbing last night, so I imagine she is sleeping off her sins.”

“ I see. Well that pretty much accounts for most of our little troupe. Any word on the rest?” He asked.

“ Andros and the girls invited Venus out with them, but she turned them down. She has been keeping to herself a lot lately. Arin is in Atlantis visiting friends. He will be escorting our new charges here when they are done.”

“ Charges? As in PLURAL?” Jason questioned. “ I was under the impression that we were only getting Tula.”

“ Yeah….about that…” Scott answered sheepishly.

“What have you neglected to tell me?” questioned Jason angrily.

“ Remember that deal I told you about. That we made for the Atlantean tech and most of the money to get this place rebuilt?”

“ Yes but apparently I don’t know as much about it as I should.”

“ Well she was kinda part of the deal, and I haven’t had the heart to tell Arin yet.”

Jason’s eyes widened when it finally dawned on him exactly who he was talking about. “ Not Blue Dolphin?!”

“ That would be her, yes.” He replied as he looked away trying to avoid eye contact.

“ You know that little blue %*&#@ caused a lot of trouble don’t you?” Half of the Super Freinds want to kill her. Are you out of your d**n mind bringing her here?”

“ Yes Jason I probably am, but there isn’t much we can do about it now. I’m not exactly proud of some of the deals I had to make to get this endeavor together but I stand behind them.” He said sternly. “ We will discuss this in detail later when I am better caffeinated.”

“ Duly noted ..and moving on, but this discussion is not over.”

Suddenly the tension hung in the air like a fog. Both parties fell silent. And sipped their respective coffees.

“And that only leaves Rachel.” said Jason changing the subject

“She and our Druscilla Prince are off visiting Rachel’s parents. They should both be back by tomorrow morning.

“Which of our charged are actually here or are other wise accounted for?”

“ Well Daniel is here. Volunteering for monitor duty no less. He should be there now.”

‘Daniel? Who’s Daniel?”

“ Daniel Jordan…....the other one......Airwave.”

“ Sorry, I only really know most of them by their code names. Most of their real names are a mystery to me. I suppose I will have to remedy that.”

Scott shot him a dirty look and continued on. “He’s been here for a week now but you already knew that. Ali, or Power Lad is home in Metropolis packing his things last I heard. He should be here any time now. Shayera otherwise known as Hawkgirl is here as well.”

“ Really? How long has she been here? I Haven’t seen her.”

“ She has been here for a couple of days now, but she’s been moping in her room. Apparently she and Arin have been having…ah…issues. They had a big argument before he left for Atlantis, she’s been locked in her room ever since.”

“ Really? I had no idea they were an item. I really need to come out of my lab more often.” Jason joked. “ Anyways what of “Team Stellar”?

“ Stellar who is other wise known as Freddie Batson, and Bulletboy who’s name escapes me at the moment are very excited about coming back. Sherry was rather hesitant at first about joining but she has overcome her nervousness and signed on. It didn’t hurt that her boyfriend Stellar talked her into it. Bullet Girl on the other hand has declined.”

“ Yes Sherry King I know of her. She has a tendency to act dumb but she is really a brilliant prodigy. She designs all of her ‘gimmicks’ herself. I’m actually looking forward to working with her. But I am disappointed about Bulletgirl.”

“ Well once her adopted parents found out about her “extracurricular activities” they were furious. They don’t approve of her superhero career. Fearing for her safety they have confiscated her costume and forced her into retirement. So she has to respectfully decline”

“ Well that is a shame” commented Jason,” But it’s probably for the best.. Which reminds me have you heard anything of the White Wraith?”

“Nothing. it’s like he disappeared. The kid has always been kind of aloof and distant to begin with. Besides I don’t believe any one that age should be burdened with the kind of power that being the Spectre’s protégé comes with.. So maybe it’s best that he not come back anyway.”

“ Well I agree with you on that. It is strange that he just disappear., and cease all contact like that. But it’s not out of character. Then that just leaves the Wonder Twins and Bat-Girl who are both in transit and should be here for opening ceremonies.”

As Jason looked out over the balcony, he saw that the beautiful woman that had once been on the beach was now gone. She had finished her meditation and had disappeared. As he turned back he noticed that she had silently slid into the chair next to him. His look of disappointment turned into a surprised smile.

“ Imako, good morning.” Said Jason trying to shake off the surprise of seeing her appear seemingly out of nowhere.

“Domo Arigato.” she said giving a slight bow of her head.” Good morning to you both.”

Scott could smell the sickeningly sweet smell of flowers and jasmine in the air. It was the scent of Imako’s perfume. But before he could make mention of it all 3 were assaulted by the blaring wail of the proximity alarm.

“ Oh for the luvva……” Shouted Scott blocking his ears. “ What the hell is that?!”

“ Intruder alarm.” Screamed Jason “ It’s a glitch in the system. It’s tied into the transporters, and it goes off whenever someone beams in. But I thought we fixed it.”

The voice of Airwave came over the communicator.



“ Uh…guys…I have one BIG baddie heading towards the tower compound. My visuals confirm that it’s Gigantus…again. It’s like he popped in from out of nowhere and ripped through the perimeter fence like it was tissue paper.”

“Gigantus?!” Asked Jason . “ Are you sure? He’s been quiet for over a year. We had thought he reformed after our battle with the Syndicate of Terror.…that can’t be him.”

“Fifty feet tall, gaudy red and yellow costume, sour disposition, and an appetite for destruction…”said the young hero.

“Yup, that’s him.” Snapped Scott “ What’s his ETA?”

“ Judging by his stride, he should be within Tower punching distance within 2 minutes. What do you want me to do?”

“But that’s not possible…it can’t be him. There has to be a mistake. “ Muttered Jason to no one in particular.

“ No mistaking the facts Jason.” said Scott shouting over the droning alarm “ Alright Adam, initiate security protocols and tell everyone to assume battle positions out in front of the Tower. We’ll try to intercept him before he makes it here.”

“ Roger that sir.” answered the young hero in training. “ Initiating now.”

As they turned towards the table again they noticed that Imako was no longer present. She had disappeared again, the faint whiff of Jasmine the only indication that she had ever bee there. Practically stumbling over each other to get out the door, the remaining two heroes quickly tried to make their way out of the building.

As the motley crew of half asleep heroes gathered outside to face the oncoming threat, many were still in their bedclothes. Except for Imako who was mysteriously clad in full costume. She was already waiting for them outside in a battle stance with full accompaniment of her hard-light samurai armor activated.

“ How does she do that?” Scott thought to himself shaking his head. Thankful to be rid of the loudness of the alarm still blaring inside. As the giant moved closer they noticed that his walking pattern was very erratic, almost like a drunken stagger. Jason nudged Scott with his elbow.

“ Does that lumbering gait of his look odd to you?”asked Jason

“ Yup. Looks like he’s piss drunk to me.”

“Hmmm..” came the reply. “ By the way aren’t you missing something? Something rather important given our present situation?” Implying that the young leader looked rather naked without his trademark weapon, the Star Staff.

“ Nope. I got it coming/’ Came the cocky reply as he extended his hand to the side as if grasping for something just out of reach. Within seconds the staff, which was collapsed down to the size of a flashlight flew down through the air from the direction of the tower. Guided by unseen hands as if it had a mind of it’s own, it landed firmly into the palm of his hand, his goggles dangling from the tip.

“ Showoff!” Grumbled Aaron rubbing the sleep from his eyes before willing the scarab attached to his back to encase him in his armored battle form.



Jason looking both shocked and impressed blinked and said “ The Force is strong with this one.”

“ Oh God, don’t encourage him” muttered a disheveled looking Supergirl who was apparently wearing the same skimpy black dress that she passed out in only hours before.



“ Morning dear,” she said giving Scott a peck on the cheek. “ Can we make this quick? I’m dying and I would like to go back to bed. Tell me what you want punched.”

“ Well, we’re going to hit that.” he said pointing to the looming giant lumbering toward them. As he pulled the goggles down over his eyes and pressed the button to extend the Star Staff to it’s full length.

“ Good .” said Hawkgirl, arriving on the scene “ I need to hit SOMETHING. “ She was quite a sight . A seven foot redhead clad in nothing but her wings, helmet, Hello Kitty underwear and matching shirt.



“So what is the plan” asked Hermes tapping his foot impatiently. He looked strangely out of place being clad in full costume without a hair out of place while everyone else was still in bedclothes.



As the giant loomed closer they noticed that his nose was gushing blood and he began to hold both sides of his head and scream in gut wrenching pain.

“ What the hell is wrong with him? “ asked Phantom Lady, “ I think he’s hurt.”



It was then that the giant voice boomed out a thunderous plea. “ Help meeeeee!!!”



He took a few more giant steps and then his large bloodshot eyes rolled into the back of his head and he began to topple forward. The impact shook the ground, and he immediately began to shrink down to normal size.

“ Bryan!” Jason shouted as he broke out into a run toward the toppled giant. The rest of the team followed suit.

As the huddled over the bloody young man he began to speak. “ Jason…mother..attack you…didn’t want to…help me…can’t think…’ choking out his last words he passed out.

“ Help me get him to the infirmary, this boy needs my help. Move!” yelled Jason emphatically as he picked up the prone form of the unconscious attacker. “I will explain everything inside……..”

TO BE CONTINUED……