Interested Bystanders
Part 4
The surgeons decided, reluctantly, that they simply couldn't wait any longer and would have to remove the bone fragments now. The boy's fever was holding at about one hundred and three—certainly not good but could be worse—and the toll was making itself apparent on his body, young and healthy though he was.
The procedures in a case like this were in place. Once a member of the Hero Community was admitted all permission was assumed to be granted for any and all necessary treatment no matter what their age was. Minor or not, the operation was a go.
“But with that fever his chances of a quick recovery are compromised.”
“I know that but if those chips stay in we risk them breaking loose and then we'll have a serious situation on our hands. Let's get started with this thing.”
“Has anyone called Batman, let him know?”
“The only one who's been to see the kid is Superman and he knows.”
“I guess that will have to do.”
* * *
'With the lack of information forthcoming from the Hero Community regarding the political firestorm that's erupting and the forced withdrawal of the younger Crime-fighters rumors are filling the vacuum. It was reported—and denied—this morning that Robin is dead and has been secretly buried in a hidden location.' (cut to video sound bite of Superman) 'I saw him just this morning and assure you that he's in good hands and is expected to make a full recovery.' 'Excuse me, Superman, but do you have any proof that Robin is actually being treated for and getting better?' 'I just said so, I would think that would be enough.'
'We continue to pray for Robin and all the youngsters who were forced to place their lives on the line for so long. We also have filed several lawsuits asking that temporary custody of the various members of the Teen Titans be remanded to carefully selected families in our congregation so that they might be able to make a smooth adjustment to normal lives.'
'Senator Helmsley, I understand that several of our costumed Heroes have been subpoenaed to testify at Senate hearings next week. Would you care to comment?
'We feel that these folks may have some answers to the unaddressed questions that have been circling around for years now; who are these kids, why on earth do their parents allow them to be in harm's way, are we sure that they even want to be there or are they somehow being coerced? You have to understand that we're talking about youngsters who have, in some cases, been out on the streets fighting hardened criminals since they were ten or eleven years old. To be perfectly honest, the entire situation appalls me and should have been stopped before this.'
* * *
It didn't take long for Alfred to make the connection that Wayne Manor were once again as quiet as before Dick arrived almost nine years ago. The laughter, the piles of dirty laundry and used towels carelessly thrown on the floor were missing and with them went the lightness the boy had brought with him. A week after Dick had left in anger and pain, Alfred went about his work by rote, dusting, polishing, cooking and cleaning as efficiently as ever but the will was gone.
“I simply can't help myself, Leslie. I lay this state of affairs squarely on his shoulders and have been unable to prevent the resentment which I find building in me. I fear it might for the best if I took a bit of a break and removed myself from the situation for now.”
Dr. Thompkins kept her eyes on her cup of Earl Grey, stunned by Alfred's admission. In all the years she'd been close to the Wayne family, both in and out of costume, she'd never heard Alfred raise the slightest reprimand against Bruce. Even with everything that happened in the old place, she'd never quite believed that Alfred really fully agreed with all the obsession and occasional insanity; he went along to oversee his charge, to make sure Bruce was looked after—fulfilling his promise to Tom and Martha Wayne. “I understand what you're feeling but you must realize that if you leave now it could be devastating fro Bruce. He's lost Dick and now to lose you as well...”
“He didn't lose Dick, he practically chucked him out by his collar—and when the lad was injured, as well; injured and in pain. He went too far, too far by half.”
“Yes, he did but Bruce needs you, he always has and I suspect that he's suffering now as well. I'm sure he regrets what's happened.”
Alfred shook his head. “'Would that were the case. I fear he's complimenting himself on the fact that he's taken the boy out of harm's way after making the initial mistake of allowing Dick to join in their nocturnal activities years ago. He even seems proud of the fact the he's effectively the instrument for the disbandment of the Titans.”
“But I don't understand, he was always so proud of Robin.” How many times had Bruce privately gone on and on about how the boy had broken some case on his own—'and he's only twelve years old!'
“This last unfortunate incident seems to have finally brought home the simple fact that what they do is dangerous; he fears losing Dick.”
“And so he may well have lost him.”
Alfred stirred his tea, toying with his slice of lemon. “I'm afraid so.”
* * *
At the Superhero's Suite at Met Gen, Robin was wheeled out of surgery, the bone chips removed but not without incident. There had been a few moments of quiet urgency when his blood pressure nosedived but which was brought under control through quick work and medical ability. The operation took almost two hours, a long time considering the procedure, but not unexpected when dealing with a world class athlete who couldn't function professionally if his movements were compromised (even if he'd been banned by law from practicing his profession for several years).
He came out of the anesthesia slowly, drifting in and out of consciousness several times before finally opening his eyes to find Superman quietly sitting over by the window, tapping on a laptop. He watched for a while before Clark noticed.
“You're awake, how are you feeling?”
“Tired, high, sore.”
“All normal. The operation went well, you're going to be fine. You may need some PT but they said that you should make a full recovery.”
“...Good.” He closed his eyes again, he always felt like crap coming out of the anesthesia and his shoulder was seriously hurting. “Has Bruce been by, or Alfred?”
“I was going over to let them know how you're doing as soon as you woke up.”
Of course. “Okay.” N o surprise.
* * *
In the now out of business Titan's Tower a couple of the former members were packing up a few of their personal belongings.
“I can't believe this, I really frigging can't.”
“I was talking to Uncle Barry last night and he says he's surprised that it didn't happen years ago. He thinks that this was almost inevitable.”
“Good for him, Ollie thinks it's bullshit.”
“Ollie thinks everything is...what you said.”
Roy put his favorite jeans in his duffel. “Y'know, if that helicopter wasn't there when Robbie got hurt, none of this would have happened.”
“Are you blaming this on the news media or on Dick for getting shot?”
“I'm just saying, that's all.”
Wally slung the tote bag over his shoulder. “Have you gone to see him yet? He's pretty down; did you know he left the Manor? He and Bruce had some huge fight and it ended up with his walking out.”
Duffel zipped, Roy shrugged. “It would be day without sunshine if those two weren't butting heads about something, it'll pass.”
“I dunno, it seems pretty serious this time; Dick says he's not going back and he's not going to be Robin anymore, either.”
“Yeah, right...wait, are you shitting me?” The Titans, the former Titans loved teasing Roy; this was probably just...
“I wish I was but Dick said Batman canned Robin because he's afraid that he'll get killed and it will be on his head and he doesn't want the guilt trip.”
“Serious? Man, talk about too little, too late.” Roy shook his head as he and Wally headed for the door. “Asshole.”
* * *
'...And so papers were filed this morning in Gotham, Central City, Keystone City, New York and Poseidonis requesting temporary custody of Robin, Speedy, Kid Flash, Wonder Girl and Aqualad be remanded to Child Protective Services in their respective home cities. While in most cases the legal names of these young people are unknown, as they are all well known public personalities the argument is being made that they can be placed under protection in their alternate identities.
While the court states it recognizes that several, if not all of the Teen Titans are over the usual age of majority, the law recently passed clearly states that no one may engage in Vigilante Activities before the age of twenty-one. As the Teen Titans are admittedly below that age, the court agreed to hear this unusual complaint.
A ruling is expected within twenty-four hours.'
When the judge's ruling in favor of placing the Titans under protection came down the next day the reaction was immediate.
The government of Atlantis send a statement explaining in strong language that due to the extreme physical strain of living at great depths, their population tended to have a life span of thirty-five to forty years. Because of this, their young people were considered of age at thirteen and so Prince Garth would not, under any circumstances, be subjected to this interference.
Flash gave a press conference and read the following prepared statement; “Kid Flash continues to live happily with his parents. He is loved, cared for in every possible way, attends school five days a week, receives good grades and will not leave his family or the only home he's ever lived in under any circumstances.”
Queen Hippolyta sent word through her Representative that Wonder Girl is under her direct supervision and care. She would not be removed for any reason and resented the intrusion into her government's decisions.
Green Arrow said Speedy would stay with him and the critics could go screw.
There was no comment from Batman.
The religious community made arrangements for the Titans when they won the lawsuit they were sure they couldn't lose, the President has second thoughts about signing that bill, despite knowing it would have been political suicide not to. Alfred continued to agonize over 'his boy' and Batman kept to himself the growing realization that he may have been wrong.
At Met Gen Robin was kept unaware of the legal, media and public storm started when he was shot.
TBC