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[color=9e0b0f][b]Location: Mission Transport
Interactions: The Team[/b][/color][/center]

[hr]

The ride on the jet was a solemn one for Talon. He sat focusing on the mission, head low. After the briefing, they had split for a short time to prepare themselves, either suiting up or grabbing any preparatory items. Talon wasn't sure how to feel when Metamorph and Nymph prioritized snacks. He hadn't been expecting to be asked that by Metamorph, who Talon was recently having a hard time getting a read on. It seemed when they interacted his moods were all over the place. Or if not his mood, his interests, his body language. It was like they were meeting for the first time every time. It unsettled Talon, but he wasn't one to judge. He knew of Metamorph's abilities, but not of his history. 

The others also took Talon by surprise. Zatara's enthusiasm was surprisingly catching the others, and he seemed like he was particularly motivated. When Nymph shyly pointed out that she had made snacks custom made for everyone, Talon felt that same churning he felt back at Happy Harbor Mall. But something was wrong.

When it came to [i]The Mission[/i], there was only [i]The Mission.[/i]

When Talon was in the field with the others during his youth, he was taught that there was no such thing as allies. No such thing as familial connections. If someone was hurt, they were left. Weakened knives to be thrown into the dull heap of broken bodies, left to their own devices. Talon was taught never to sacrifice anything for the mission. And sacrifice anyone that needed to be sacrificed. His training was singular, finite. 

There is no one else.

There are no allies.

These were the memories ringing in Talon's head. Mixed in with the voices of Metamorph offering his other ear bud to Mirage. With Cybergirl and Brightheart giggling to each other. What would Talon do when his muscle memory kicked in? What would he be like? Would he ever shake that feeling? Could he ever be one of the others?

He caught Hex looking concerned at him from a distance, undoubtedly the empathic boy was able to pick up on his mental distress. Talon nodded to his friend in an attempt to reassure him, but wasn't sure it really stuck.

The others were talking amongst themselves, some laughing and joking, but even Zatara was looking serious. Talon was glad. He wanted the team to deliver on their promise to their mentors. They wouldn't screw this up. Talon wouldn't allow it. He'd do anything to make things right, to make up for the past. But even amongst their growing camaraderie, there was something else gnawing at Talon. It was Rain and Squad B. They had held a separate discussion among themselves, and Talon had grown easy. Self-conscious even. Rain was looking serious sitting in the transport, his arms crossed. Talon stood from his spot and sat in the empty seat across from him. He leaned in close.

[color=9e0b0f][b]"I put you in charge of Squad B because I need someone I can trust to lead the others. Don't think I need you to play babysitter. You're only leading Squad B because of that reason. Everything is riding on this mission."[/b][/color] Talon's voice was low but stern. He was expecting Rain to challenge him at this moment, but it was possible Talon could be surprised.

[hr]

The wind blew snow all around the boots of the team. Talon shivered in spite of himself. He turned to the others. His time as a member of the Court of Owls was filled with these moments. The silent stalking of prey, communicating non-verbally. But this wasn't like that. He was in charge of keeping the team on task. How could he do that? He saw his allies standing around, staring at him awkwardly. It seemed they were expecting him to say something. What could Talon do? What would Nightwing do? Talon wracked his brains. A joke? Talon didn't know any.
 
Then what would [i]Nymph[/i] do?

Talon shuffled his feet. Thinking he would come up empty, Talon searched for the words. Searched for the feelings. Even though it was a short time together, each of the heroes on this team were making a difference in Talon's life. He had thought strength was the only way to impress him, thought that power and ability were the only ways for people to inspire him.

But in such a short time, he was learning it was the opposite of those things that made people heroes. It was Brightheart's enthusiasm. It was Cybergirl's curiosity, Mirage's courage. Hex and his empathy, Fel-Gold Rush and his confidence. Each of them was gifting him something in even a small way, but in a way it ached Talon not to be able to tell them. 

[color=9e0b0f][b]"Please....do your best."[/b][/color]

With those words, something shifted in Talon. Something softened, if not just for a second. But that same earlier echo spoke back to him. Changed him to the person he was when there was a mission to be completed. Without fail.