Open Message to the Justice League

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

Ted speaks into his Justice League communicator, on a non-emergency channel, knowing the Watchtower's systems will record the message for the membership to listen to at their convenience.

"Blue Beetle, here. As you are all aware, I have been largely inactive in the League recently, due to an unfortunate physical condition that limited my ability to contribute - and as helpful as monitor duty is, I think I can do more."

Ted pauses as he thinks of how best to phrase what comes next.

"I've developed a .. tool that will allow me to ignore the physical condition. I feel I'm once again fit for more active duty in the League. I'm sure some of you will have questions about my solution.." Bruce. "..and I'm more than happy to answer those questions."

His tone lightens as the nervousness passes. "So give me a call here in the studio, we're taking requests on our All-Rock weekend here at WBTL. Beetle out."

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_black_canary_/]

Almost instantly there's a beep. "Beeb? Wanna define 'tool' for those of us who aren't Spooky Ears?"

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

"Why, certainly, little lady. Without getting too technical, I built a robot that I can control with my brain."

"So any fleshy failings in my organics are no longer of significant concern."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_black_canary_/]

"Does this involve wires getting stuck into your brain? Because that's just gross."

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

"Not at all. It has a non-intrusive neural interface that I developed based on the technology of some of our past foes. Completely wireless."

[connor-hawke.livejournal.com]

"Ted, we could always use the assistance. The League..." Connor pauses, attempting to figure out correct words. "Hasn't been the same since the Tribunal and the Plague. I'm concerned about a 'tool' though. Elaborate, please."

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

"Nothing that would endanger myself or others. I've constructed a robot, and through an innovative new communication device, I can pilot it as if I were actually inside. I'll be in less danger, honestly, than most of the League - even if the 'bot gets blown up, I shouldn't suffer any significant side-effects."

[connor-hawke.livejournal.com]

Connor thinks a moment. "Sounds interesting. And, in addition, your technical skills would be invaluable. Well, that and a sense of humor. We've lacked one of those for a long time."

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

"What, you mean Batman stopped planting those whoopee cushions?"

[fleet-feet.livejournal.com]

"Eine minuten bitte, Bluebie. Did I hear that right? You built a ROBOT VERSION of YOURSELF to take your place in the League? Have we learned nothing from that Cyborg Superman thing?"

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

"Hey, what about Reddy? He's a robot, you know. And this isn't a 'robot version' of me - it's an avatar, essentially, under my full control. You and Canary, sheesh - it's not gonna go all 'Crush Kill Destroy'."

[fleet-feet.livejournal.com]

"Reddy's more than a robot, Beets. Honestly, I was rooting for you to bust out some nano-technology to fix your own condition or something. This is gonna creep me out, man."

Incoming E-Mail

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

To: BBeetle@jla.com
From: Atom@jla.com

Ted, I'm sending you this e-mail from the JLA full-power training facility on Titan, where I'm updating the security sytem. Won't be back for a few days, but when I do, would you terribly mind if I took a look at your new "tool." Not that I doubt you, but I wouldn't mind giving it a once over before you put it into action.

Ray

P.S. Don't make a joke about the word "tool."

Re: Incoming E-Mail

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

To : Atom@jla.com
From : BBeetle@jla.com

Hey, we can put it through the paces. I've already had it out to pick on a few muggers. Actually, the Quantum communication system it uses is partially based on your research - I'd be happy to have you take a look.

Ted

P.S. I'd never debase myself for such a small joke. I'd be selling myself short.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

The text message answer from Batman is unsurprisingly stark: We need to talk.

Doesn't even have his signature.

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

Ted's texted reply is equally terse.

Name the time and place.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

Friday evening. Stay by your comm.

Nice guy.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

To: BBeetle@jla.com
From: GreenLight1@jla.com

Ted,

It'll be good to have you around again. We should definitely grab a couple beers sometime.

Hal

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

To: GreenLight1@jla.com
From: BBeetle@jla.com

Mike mine light, and you've got a deal.

- Ted

[martian-manhunt.livejournal.com]

"My only concern, Ted, is if one of our foes manages to cut into the feed. However, we have faced mind-controllers in the past, and diversity in the field is one of our strengths. I look forward to seeing the suit in action."

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

"If this were a simple radio wave, or even a precision secure laser-based satellite comm system, I wouldn't even bring this up. Too much can interfere with or trace conventional signals. My technique employs quantum entanglement - you'd have to be a precision molecule manipulator standing near the controls or the robot itself to interfere with this, and have the requisite technical knowledge and sensory apparatuses."

"So, Firestorm, with Superman's microscopic vision, and Lex Luthor's brain."

"A telepath such as yourself might be able to track me through the connection, though. Even if that's the case.. I'm still in less danger than operatives physically in the field. Does that assuage your concerns?"

[guy-lantern.livejournal.com]

To: BBeetle@jla.com
From: GreenBling@jla.com

Kick Ass!!

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

To: GreenBling@jla.com
From: BBeetle@jla.com

I ran into your girlfriend at CapeCon, by the way. She seems like a smart, sweet girl. I had no idea the ring could do mind control. ;)

[mrs-dibny.livejournal.com]

"Kaatu Barata Nico."

[azure-avenger.livejournal.com]

"The darling Mrs. Dibny! And quoting the classics.."

[mrs-dibny.livejournal.com]

"So when do I get to beam this thing up and have the geniuses look it over?"