.®.®.®.®.®.Chapter 4.®.®.®.®.®.

Well bye then.

Mount Justice

August 11, 3:57 EDT

"What, you're just gonna leave without sayin' good-bye?" Wally asked as he ran out of Mount Justice, chasing an undercover Robin.

Dick didn't miss a beat as he twirled around, walking backwards. "Yup," he chuckled. "It's not like I'm gonna' be gone forever. You'll take the bio-ship to LA, stop the mob, most likely get a souvenir, and as soon as you radio me that it's over, I'll be sprinting home, fast as possible." He smiled as Wally caught up to him.

"Whoa man. That's almost creepy," he joked, trying to keep the serious mood that he felt creeping itself over his friend back as long as possible.

They walked for a few minutes. He could tell that Dick was deep in thought, developing his alias, and processing his cover.

"So..." Wally laced his fingers behind his head as he walked, pounding his knees up, almost hitting his chest. He rolled his green eyes trying to find something to finish his sentence. "...ever been on any protective undercovers before?" he blurted out the first statement that came to him.

Immediately the speedster regretted it. Dick's entire mood changed, his head dropped, he thrust his sweaty hands into his pockets, playing with his lips. "Yeah," he said quietly.

"Oh. Bet that was fun..." Idiot! Wally mentally slapped himself.

"A blast. Listen, I gotta' go. We're getting within view of the town, and Mister Caleb Lyman can't be seen with Kid Flash," Dick, now Caleb, stammered as if he was searching for an excuse to get away. Not from Wally, but from his friend's questions.

KF stopped and watched his friend march off.

He didn't say good-bye.

Wally stood there. He didn't want Rob to go, not alone, and not after that little show. What's with him? I just asked if he's done something like this before? Of course he has, he is Robin after all! What was I thinking! That's the thing, I wasn't. I never do. Such a moron!

Wally was easily one of-if not the- person on the team that was the hardest on himself. He knew that both Kaldur and Robin were, for obvious reasons. Meghan tries, but she's always... she's just too smooth and laid back. He wasn't sure if Conner really cared about stuff like that. And Artemis, she wasn't on the team. Well she was, but she didn't count. She did, but not about this. Or something like that.

Pivoting, he skid along the beach, sped across the grass, and zipped into the mountain. Batman and Green Arrow were explaining the details of their side of the mission.

"This is unlike most of the operations that you have encountered as a team previously," Bats was saying. "Like the mission in Santa Barbara it requires stealth. You are all required to were your stealth outfits at all times, unless you're in the daylight. Then, and then only, you are to wear your civilian disguises."

"Good ol' Bats is still the only one that can't say civ clothes," Wally quietly commented.

"Do not go out alone, and always watch your back. Gangs are dangerous and if they get word that the Justice League, or anyone else, is on to them they will get violent. Since Robin is on leave, Kaldur, you're in charge."

"I am honored to, yet again, resume my position as leader of this force," he said, bowing slightly. It was a habit.

I bet you are... Wally hissed.

Looking toward the rest of them, Batman continued. "We believe that the gang has stations set up in both Las Angeles and Las Vegas, with direct smuggling routes to either cities. You're team will cover Las Vegas, with the assistance of Wonder Woman."

"Best assignment ever," Wally sang as he whispered to Conner, who was standing next to him. Artemis rolled her eyes.

"Any questions?" Green Arrow interrupted the session.

Wally's arm shot up.

"Yes?"

The team rolled their eyes, all expecting some stupid question that had nothing to do with the mission. Inside they dreaded it, and were prepared to be the laughing stalks among the Leaguers.

"What exactly was the gang doing that was so illegal? I thought it was spying, but why do they need smuggling routes too? And how do we sit as far as actually getting to Sin City?"

They were taken back, relieved. Batman was unchanged, as always. But Green Arrow took over. "The mob was selling the information that Jen was giving them to France and other European countries that wish to harm the US. They have also gotten their crummy hands on some gov. research weaponry, and are constantly moving it between the cities as to avoid us getting our stuff back.

"You will be taking the Bio-ship, if Meghan can handle it, and Wonder Woman will be flying her jet." With this Green Arrow turned and looked at Meghan.

"We are in a a bit of a rush, but you don't have to worry about pushing yourself in getting there, especially since we have the Boy Wonder lookin' out for us.

"These scumbags have no reason to move until they get the girl," he finished.

Meghan nodded in understanding, even though she was fine. It didn't take a lot of energy to fly the ship and, like Robin had advised, she had been practicing.

"How much money do we get for a Vegas-style buffet?" Wally called out. Some of the team rolled their eyes, while others slapped their faces. That was the question that they were expecting. Next he would ask about seeing the sites, especially in Vegas.

"And when do we get chill time to, you know, see the sights?"

They internally moaned.

Batman ignored the inquiries and continued, explaining that they would be filled in more as they flew, and sent them to get ready.