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“What did you find?” Tim asked, leaning over Barbara’s shoulder to look at her computer. On the screen was a grainy image of Dick dressed in a black and orange costume with pieces of gray metal armor.
Tim had come as quickly as he could when he heard Bab’s message, and was now impatiently waiting for the rest of the family to arrive.
“Barry sent over some footage from a robbery in Central.”
Tim scowled. Missouri, his brother, had been in Missouri. He might still be for all Tim knew.
Finally, the rest of the Bats arrived.
“Report.” Bruce grunted.
“Three hours ago, Barry sent me footage from a robbery that happened in Central City two days ago. Dick Grayson appears on the footage for 1.3 seconds.” She hits play on the footage, and on screen Dick steps into view of the camera, flashes a few quick hand signals, and then steps out of the footage.
“What did he sign?” Jason asked, stepping closer to the camera, and Babs replayed the footage, slowing it down.
Tim frowned. “Is he signing ‘plane five hours tree’?”
“Obviously.” Damian muttered.
“Well ‘plane five hours’ I think is obvious," Steph said.
“Hn.” Bruce said.
“Well, if he’s saying that it took five hours on a plane to get to Central City, then ‘tree’ must be a hint to narrow down the location. It could be a park, or a forest, or some establishment that has something to do with trees.”
“Oracle, draw up a map with a perimeter showing how far a plane would have traveled in five hours.” Bruce said.
“Already done.” she said, bringing up the map. They all stared at it. It was still such a huge radius of possibility, but it was something.
“I’ll start looking for any companies or places that would have something to do with trees.” Tim said. “But we should get Superman to check out the forests and parks along the perimeter.”
“I’ll contact him.” Bruce said.
They all stayed for a moment longer staring at the frozen image of Dick, and at the map of where he might be.
Stay safe for a little longer, Dick. Tim thought. We’re coming.
—---
Dick stood at attention in front of Slade.
“Your next mission will be in two days.” Slade said, handing Dick a tablet which he warily took.
On it was the image of an older man with graying hair and green eyes. Dick’s stomach clenched and he fought to keep his breathing even, dreading what Slade would say next.
“This is Senator Miles. Your mission will be to track down where he’s hiding and end his life.”
Even expecting the order, Dick couldn’t help but flinch minutely.
“Slade…” Dick started, but the man just stared at him. “You know I don’t kill.”
“You will.”
“Slade, please.” Dick said. “I’ll steal whatever you want, but I don’t want to kill anyone.”
“I thought it was understood that when you became my apprentice you would follow all my orders.” Slade said, his tone hardening.
“Slade–” Dick started again, but had to dodge back as Slade sent a punch at his face. He stepped back again as Slade came after him. “Slade–” he started again, dodging his hits, knowing that fighting back would make it worse.
One of Slade’s kicks landed, sending Dick crashing into the wall. Before Dick could move, Slade’s hand was around his throat. The older man pulled him forward a bit before slamming him back against the wall and holding him there.
Dick scrabbled at the hand at his throat, but Slade didn’t budge.
Dick forced himself to relax, and Slade held on for a little more before relaxing his grip enough for Dick to take in shallow breaths.
“How many times will we do this?” Slade asked. “How many times will you defy me before my patience runs out? Would you rather I go after Red Robin?” Slade continued, but Dick couldn’t answer. “Which do you hold more dear? Your morals? Or your so-called brother? Will you stay stubborn in your useless morals, or will you yield to me?”
Slade relaxed his grip more, allowing Dick to answer.
“Yield.” he whispered, closing his eyes.
“Good.” Slade said, taking his hand off his throat, but Dick only managed to take a single breath in before Slade punched him in the gut. Dick let himself crumple. There was no use fighting. Slade grabbed his hair, lifting his head so that Dick was looking up at him. “Let this be the last time you resist, apprentice, or you won’t like the consequences.”
Slade let him go and stalked out of the room.
Dick shuddered on the floor, trying to collect himself. Slade wouldn’t be pleased if he wasted any more time. He needed to start tracking down where the senator was hiding. He needed… He needed to do the mission.
Dick let a single tear slide down his cheek.
He hoped his family would be able to forgive him for what he was going to do.