Interested Bystanders

Part 7 - Conclusion

"Before we call Reverend Dimsdale, I'd like to recall Robin to answer a few more questions, please."
 

Robin, sitting in the front row along with the other Titans, nodded and took his place again.

"Thank you. Before we broke for lunch we were discussing whether or not you feel responsible for other youngsters, knowing that whether you like it or not, you're in the position of a role model."

"No, I don't feel responsible. I recognize that there are impressionable people out there and they may take things I or my friends do too seriously, but I don't take either credit or blame if someone I've never met or never had any contact with gets out of hand. I believe we're all responsible for our own actions and so, no."

The Congressman on the far right spoke. "There have been rumors regarding you and Batman for years now, rumors of impropriety, do any of these allegations have any substance?"

"You mean has he ever abused me in any way? No."

"No physical, no..."

"No physical abuse, no mental abuse and no sexual abuse. Our relationship is and has always been a working one between mentor and student or teacher and apprentice. And we're friends. That's all." Okay, they weren't actually speaking and Robin had just been fired and they hadn't said anything about emotional abuse but that wasn't one of the questions. That last part was probably true but, whatever.

"May I remind you that you're under oath?"

Robin managed to keep his temper in control but this was an old story. "You don't need to remind me, sir. This gossip has been around for years and it's garbage. It was garbage when I was nine and it's garbage now. Nothing inappropriate has ever happened between myself and Batman and, so far as I know nothing of that sort has ever happened between any of the Titans and any of their mentors. This is a dead end, may we move past it?"

"Thank you Robin, I would like to reserve the right to recall you if necessary.  Reverend Dimsdale, please come forward and be sworn." He did so, sitting in the chair Robin just vacated. "Reverend, would you please explain to us why you felt it necessary to file a motion to have the Titans be placed under your personal care and the care of your church?"

"For their own safety, of course. I saw that horrifying tape on the news, the one where Robin here was shot and I was appalled that a young man like that could be placed in that sort of potentially mortal situation and no one intervened."

"Have you considered the comment from Robin that he and the other Titans maintain that they've made the decision to become vigilantes of their own free will and understand the dangers?"

"I heard what he said and I believe that these youngsters may think they understand the possible ramifications of what they do, however, I stress their extreme youth. I don't believe they are capable of fully comprehending the finality of what could happen."

"I see. And your position is that they'd be better protected and be able to establish a better perspective about their decisions if they were housed in an insular community within your religious community, Reverend Dimsdale?"

"Well, yes, I do."

"And should they decline to join you or accept your suggestions? Robin has already stated the Titans all have supportive family situations and sufficient emotion back up. I'm curious how you'd deal with the possibility that they may, individually or as a group have significant different religious beliefs than yourself."

"...Well, naturally we'd respect their beliefs, whatever they may be."

"I'm sure you would. May I ask how you plan to protect them from the massive media intrusion and speculation they've been subjected to these last few weeks?"

"We find that our community is secluded enough that it's never been a problem."

"And what would you suggest these accomplished young people do in a community of less than one thousand people in the New Mexico desert? I don't mean in any way to disparage your home but I think we can agree that the Titans are a remarkably sophisticated and worldly group and may, forgive me, feel somewhat isolated with you and your followers."

The good Reverend heard the sarcasm and fought a losing battle with his temper. "They would learn that a full life doesn't have to include violence and being part of a constant stream of sordid rumor and innuendo about them. 'Seeing their faces displayed in every tabloid and splashed across the Internet day in and day out." His voice rose, his face took on a little too much color. "They would learn that with simplicity comes peace and true inner contentment, that dedicating yourself to a higher cause is the essence of why we're all here, sir—something I suspect that a goodly number of the members of this body would benefit from."

Senator DiGrassi took a moment and looked at Robin, sitting with his friends in the first row of spectators. "Robin, keeping in mind that you're still under oath, do you, in all honesty and in your heart of hearts believe that you and your friends here would benefit from being moved to Reverend Dimsdale's community?"

Robin hesitated, not wanting to put his foot in his mouth and bring the wrath of the fundamentalists come down on his head. "In all honesty, sir? No, I don't. Without going into my own religious beliefs, I will ay I received a solid grounding from my own parents and am happy with that." He looked down the row of seats at his team mates. "Guys?" They nodded. "We're grateful for the Reverend's concern about us but we all feel the same way."

"But you're young—you don't understand the danger you're in. I'm not just talking about your corporal bodies, I'm talking about your immortal souls."

Robin remained passive, quietly saying, "But no one asked you to, sir. We want to make our own choices; and I think we're capable."
 

* * *
 

"Superman, would you please explain your relationship with Robin and tell us your feelings about young people like the Titans engaging with dangerous criminals?"

"I've known Robin, both in his secret and civilian identities since he was about nine years old and I've been continuously impressed by his intelligence, professionalism, dedication, abilities and maturity. Even as young as he was, he was completely focused; no one forced him to do any of this—I'd like to emphasize that. I also like him very much. I suppose I think of him as a younger brother or perhaps a nephew. Beyond that, he amazes me with how I've seen him handle the stresses of both his public persona as well as his regular day to day life. He's a remarkable young man I'm proud to know."

Sitting in the from row of spectators, Robin blushed slightly but smiled at Superman in genuine pleasure.

"And you have no problem working with youngsters who are, or were, by your own admission in grade school when they began fighting against major criminals?"

"I have any number of reservations regarding anyone doing what we—the hero community—do. However, accepting that we do accomplish good, that we do indeed help then I have no problem with young people as my co-workers, whatever their age may be." There was a buzz of conversation and surprise in the hearing room. "But having said that, I also stress that the young people who comprise the Titans are exceptional and have abilities far beyond the average. I support them and their work without reservation."

"And the entire 'hero community', as you referred to it, agrees with your opinion?" The senator seemed dubious.

"I haven't polled everyone, but I haven't heard any serious complaints, no."

"And you accept their being injured and possibly killed while still teenagers?" Senator DiGrassi looked skeptical.

"Every one of the Titans are of age to enlist in the military and risk injury there. I don't think anyone, aside from their adversaries, would like to see any young person harmed but, as I've said, we all accept the dangers of our work, including the Titans. And one point I haven't brought up yet is that the reason we're part of the community is that we're all—to be frank—good at what we do.  We know our jobs and how to avoid getting hurt, at least most of the time."

The committee members conferred among themselves, clearly agreeing there was no point in trying to shake Superman.

"We thank you for your time and you're excused, Superman."

DiGrassi said something to one of his aides, nodded and turned to the crowded room, photographers sitting on the floor between the witness table and the committee members and standing room only in the gallery. "I believe we've heard all that we need to and..."

"Excuse me, would the Committee mind if I made a statement? It was my partner's injury which started all of this."

The room buzzed as Batman walked to the witness table, waiting to be allowed to sit and have his say. Cameraman scrambled to get a good angle and clear shot. With really no choice DiGrassi nodded. "Of course."

"Thank you, Senator." It was his usual voice, polite, cold and riveting.

Dick noticed that Bruce didn't look at him, acknowledge him or in any way indicate he was in the room, sitting less than five feet away. He wasn't even all that surprised.

Batman was, as always, matter of fact and straight to the point. "First of all, I understand the concern and uproar which Robin's recent injury caused. I was horrified myself and want this committee to know that I've taken steps which I'm confident will prevent anything of that nature happening again."

Behind him, Robin looked uncomfortable and Wonder Girl subtly put her hand on his knee in support.

"I understand the controversy about young people engaging in potentially fatal police work, especially when dealing with the maniacs and madmen—and women we regularly encounter. My decision to train Robin and allow him to accompany me wasn't one I took lightly, nor do I take it lightly now. In all truth, I've agonized whenever he was injured and, as he could tell you, was not supportive when he and his friends decided to go off on their own as the Teen Titans."

The Titans sat stone-faced behind him. Not supportive? Understate much, Bruce?

"But, as Superman has just told you, Robin, as well as the other Titans, are exceptional in intelligence, ability, raining and their dedication to crime fighting. They aren't—none of them are average by any definition of the word and I can't imagine any other people their ages who could accomplish what they have. I always want to make clear that they've never really been entirely on their own because it's been made clear time and time again that not only are their individual mentors always available to help them but the entire Justice League is at their disposal."

"This is all enlightening, Batman but we're still concerned about the idea of these young people and any subsequent recruits having to face possible mortal danger when they're too young, too immature to make reasonable and informed decisions regarding their own safety."

"No doubt." Batman pulled out some papers from a file folder he'd brought in with him. "I've uncovered some recent e-mail exchanges between you and Reverend Dimsdale, would you mind if I read them into the record?"

"Personal e-mails? May I ask how you came upon them?"

"They concern my side-kick, the young man at the center of this hearing. You don't have any objections, do you?"

Dick glanced at his friends; Bruce was up to something. Let the fireworks begin.

"The first one, from Reverend Dimsdale to your personal e-mail account says, " He reads "'Have you seen the news? This could be something we can work with.' It's dated approximately five minutes after Robin was shot by the Joker and fell off the roof onto that ledge."

"I resent..." DiGrassi sputtered, immediately knowing where this was going.

Batman ignored him, his voice controlled as always. "The reply, from your personal account to the Reverend's says 'Tremendous potential. Make a statement, I'll introduce something on the floor tomorrow.'"

"I protest this sort of ambush and..."

"This was followed the next morning, as I'm sure we all recall, by the Reverend giving a press conference, insisting that the Titans be disbanded and Robin be remanded to their care. This was later amended to include all the Titans. At ten o'clock that same day, you introduced a rather hastily written bill prohibiting anyone under the age of twenty-one from any vigilante activity. Another e-mail from you to Mr. Dimsdale, dated later that evening, after the evening newscasts, says 'This will pass in a walk. Keep up the pressure.' Could you explain to me what pressure you wished the Reverend to continue?"

"I ask the questions, sir, not you."

"Umm. The next e-mail is from Dimsdale to you again, dated two days later. 'I claim Robin, he's the highest profile and will generate the most PR. Good looking kid, injured—perfect. The girl, too many questions—boobs too big to look wholesome enough. I can set him up in the spare room, make him a member of the family—all American, wave the flag. I'll be rescuer and you're Mr. Smith in Washington, saving our youngsters from a life of danger.'

"This is outrageous...!"

"Another e-mail from you to Dimsdale reads, and this is dated a week ago, 'The book deal is in place, half a mil up front, 50/50 split between you and me, guaranteed, two hundred thou first printing and if we can get Robin to write a chapter or whatever and have pictures more (they want shirtless). Probably much more. Polls show us in like sin and reelection is in the bag. And they thought the Titans were a good team—bullshit to that!'

The noise in the room, everyone talking at once, reporters talking into their phones, cameramen shoving, the gallery in an uproar. Batman sat calmly, staring down the committee chairman, Robin and the rest of the Titans quietly got up, escorted by guards, and left the room.

In a small side room, door closed, Dick softly said, "So, that's it."

"Just like that? The Bat shows up, talks for five minutes and the whole mess goes away, poof?" Wally shook his head, "What about that law they passed, the age thing?"

"It'll be overturned, I'll put money on it. We'll be back in business in a week." Dick was right, in fact it was three days.

Roy slapped Dick on the back. "So we should be happy, right? Celebrate, anyone? I'll even let you pick the restaurant, Robin, name your poison!"

Smile in place, Dick kissed Donna on the cheek, laughing at the others elation as they left the room to a firestorm of flashbulbs and whirling camera drives, shouted questions from the assembled press drowning one another out as they left the building, surrounded by a dozen Capitol guards to clear the way. The return of the Titans and Batman's part in uncovering the scandal (which brought down both the Senator and the Reverend) led all the newscasts for days. Clark Kent's coverage was particularly insightful and earned him both an Emmy and a Pulitzer when awards season came around.
 

* * *
 

Later that night, after the big dinner, after the flight back to New York, after the Titans were allowed back into the Tower (all caught on camera, of course), after the talk and conversation and recaps and everyone settled in for the night Dick was laying on the bed in his quarters, not reading the book in his hands, thinking, when his private phone rang.

"Hello? Alfred?"

"Master Richard, I can't express how pleased I am and how proud I was watching you on the television today. You were quite wonderful and it would seem that all's well that end's well. These bystanders and strangers who know nothing about these things and who insisted on imposing themselves into your lives have been thoroughly put in their places."

"I figured they had some kind of agenda, now we know what it was." He shifted onto his back from his side, getting more comfortable. "Yeah, Bruce really nailed those jokers."

"He did indeed, but then he usually does, does he not? May I inquire when I should expect you back home? I'm ashamed to admit that your room is in need of a good airing and I was planning on restocking the larder tomorrow so must adjust my list accordingly."

"Um, that's the thing. I was thinking that I'll stay here at the Tower for a while, if that's okay."

The hesitation was immediate and pained. "...Of course, but I was hoping that...I thought that after this afternoon you and Master Bruce had put all the unpleasantness behind you. Surely you saw how upset he was with the recent events, it's past time to let bygones be bygones."

"I think, it may take, you know. It may take a little time, Alf but I want you to know that it's not anything you did—you know that, right? It's just that Bruce, um, you know how he is and I think, maybe in a few weeks or something. 'T'give it some time to settle and stuff." God this was hard, he could see Alfred's face, hear the disappointment and knew he was hurting him. Dammit.

"If you think that's for the best, well then..."

"I'll be back, you know that. Soon. You'll see. It'll be fine. We'll be fine. 'Promise." He yawned, it had been along day, to say the least.

Alfred, regrouped and his upper lip properly stiff, accepted this as well as he could. "Of course you will now off to bed with you, I can hear how tired you are and that's how one gets run down and sick—I'll not have any of that and I shall bring you some clean clothes first thing in the morning along with you school books and laptop. You can give me a list for anything else when I see you. Right. Off to sleep with you."

"Thanks, Alfred, you're the best, you always are. 'Night, see you tomorrow. Oh, hey, I want to talk to you about something, don't let me forget, okay?" Alfred could tailor anything and he had an idea...

Hanging up the receiver and thinking what Richard might need at the Tower, Alfred turned as he heard the Master's key in the front door and went to greet him. Before he could say anything Bruce cut him off.

"Please have Tom change all the locks in the main house and reset the entry codes to the gates."

"Might I ask why this is necessary?" After the surprise appearance in Washington a few hours ago, Alfred had reason to think the estrangement was smoothed over but now he knew the answer and his heart sank, seeing the long empty months and possibly years before them without Dick in their daily lives. "But surely this isn't what you really want, I beg of you to reconsider..."

Bruce crossed the entrance hall, headed down to the cave alone. "He's made his choice."

11/8/09
 

Return to Interested Bystanders