The Amazing Spider-Man of Young Justice (Season 1)

Secrets Revealed

Mount Justice; December 30, 15:45 EST

"Tell me if this sounds familiar." Batman's voice cut through, sharp and unwavering. He stood with Black Canary, Icon, and Red Tornado, their expressions as stern and commanding as his.

Across from them, the team stood in uneasy silence. Between them sat the briefcase they had fought so hard to retrieve, perched on a pedestal, its secrets still untapped.

"You hacked League systems, disobeyed protocol, and endangered your lives," Batman continued, each word striking like a hammer. The team's shoulders tensed, bracing for the inevitable reprimand.

But then his tone shifted. "And your initiative resulted in the capture of three escaped felons, proving Warden Strange is using Belle Reve as a cover for criminal activity..." A smirk tugged at Batman's lips. "Well done."

The team's heads shot up, their faces a mix of confusion and surprise. This was definitely not the response they were expecting.

"And then there's this." Batman stepped closer to the pedestal, his cape billowing as Icon joined him. He gestured to the open briefcase, revealing glowing pink shards inside. "Biotechnology integrated with some form of nano-circuitry."

Icon carefully picked up one of the shards, holding it to the light for a closer inspection. "Though I am unfamiliar with this species, the bio component is clearly not of Earth," he remarked, his voice calm and thoughtful. Placing the shard back, he closed the case with a decisive motion.

"We'll take it to the Watchtower for further study," Batman said, already turning toward the Zeta-Tube. Red Tornado followed closely behind.

As the tube activated, Rocket flew up to Icon, her voice carrying a mix of sincerity and regret. "Congratulations on the League thing. Sorry I skipped out."

"Yes, well," Icon began, but Black Canary interjected with a warm smile. "We both seem to have found teams that suit us."

Rocket grinned, the tension easing from her posture. Black Canary placed a hand on Icon's shoulder. "We should go, too. Wouldn't want to miss the League's induction party."

With that, the two stepped into the Zeta-Tube.

"Icon, 2-0."

Before disappearing, Black Canary turned back to the team. "Oh, and Spider-Man! Are we still scheduled for tomorrow?"

Spider-Man gave her a thumbs up, to which she nodded. "A shame you couldn't join us, Spider-Man. You would've made a spectacular member." Her tone carried a hint of genuine regret before she teleported away.

"Black Canary, 2-0."

The Zeta-Tube powered down, leaving the team alone. The silence didn't last long.

"You realize we were set up," Robin said, breaking the tension with a note of certainty.

"Yes," Aqualad replied, his voice steady. "Cheshire and Riddler were tipped and ready for us."

"Not the mole thing again," Artemis groaned, pressing her fingers to her forehead in frustration.

"Mole thing?" Rocket asked, reminding them she was still present. "Again?"

"We got intel there's a mole on the team," Spider-Man explained, his voice calm but firm.

"Mainly Artemis, M'gann, or me," Conner said angrily, stepping forward with a bitter edge. He jabbed a thumb at his chest as if daring anyone to confirm it.

Aqualad placed a hand on Conner's shoulder, his tone measured. "It is more complicated than that."

Conner pulled away, his temper flaring. "But your recent behavior does concern me," Aqualad added, following him. "Your attack on Mammoth nearly got Artemis killed."