After finally managing to get some rest and actually enjoying the second half of their Sea Cruise, Dick Grayson, Kori Anders, Shayera Hol and Joey Lucas were back on duty.

With his tenure as an under cover Cop terminated, Dick decided to move out of Blüdhaven and to San Francisco with Kori; travelling along with her on photo shoots and to New York, back with the Titans, as well as collaborating with the Justice League.

Shayera and Joey agreed they wanted to team up more often while on active duty, including Sentry shifts. While J’onn and Mike already did their very best to be accommodating; a friendly reminder certainly would not hurt.

In that same order of idea, Joey and Shayera asked Batman to add her to the Gotham Knights rotation as well.

On Mount Olympus, Aphrodite, Artemis, Eros and Cupid were smiling. Through adversity and obstacles, new relationships had blossomed on Earth, and existing ones had strengthened; their spell was quite effective.

That same morning, in Wayne Manor, Diana had a feeling her Mount Olympus relations were having a hand in the romances that flourished this particular summer; and she could not be happier: She and Bruce, Kal and Lois, Shayera and Joey, John and Mari, Tim and Cassandra and so many more happy couples…

Taking a sip of coffee, she cast Bruce a loving look from the Breakfast table. The founding members had agreed to add Shayera to the Gotham Knights rotation as requested, so tonight, the Gotham Knights team included Diana, Bruce, Joey, Shayera, Tim and Cassandra.

Diana chuckled, thinking "Look out Gotham City evil doers; you won’t know what hit you!" She thought.

"Penny for your thoughts Princess?" Bruce asked.

Diana charmingly gave her lower lip a gentle bite, trying to suppress her laughter, then shrugged, smiling,

"I’m trying to imagine the expression on the faces of any criminal tonight Bruce: Batman, Wonder Woman, Robin, Batgirl, Hawkgirl and Reverend Justice, all patrolling the City at once!" She said.

Bruce smiled back at her, and reached for her hand. "And that’s not all Princess: rather than having a single Knight patrolling an entire sector by himself or herself; they’ll be paired off in teams." Bruce said.

Diana smiled at him sweetly, thinking "Aphrodite, you naughty goddess!"

"And I pulled a favour with the Titans," Bruce continued, "in spite of the fact Dick has resigned his position with the Blüdhaven Police, Nightwing and Starfire have agreed to patrol the Blüdhaven area. Gotham City and the suburbs will never have been this secure, ever!"

Diana smiled brightly, "That’s quite a team tonight!" she said, "and we’ll have Oracle as well as Martian Manhunter on double monitoring duty!"

Bruce could not resist and kissed her hand. "So as you’ve probably surmised, we are team 1, Tim and Cass are team 2, Joey and Shy are team 3, Dick and Kori team 4 …" Bruce said.

Diana smiled at him, lips pursed and asked "And it didn’t occur to you Ollie and Dinah could have been team 5 if you’d asked them?"

Bruce chuckled "Green Arrow and Black Canary are off the active duty Roster for the next few weeks: it’s their turn to take some vacation time" he said, "besides, I’m not going to use the entire Justice League roster for my own selfish purpose, I find myself fortunate enough having a few volunteers at all!"

Diana leaned towards him and kissed him. She sat back up, still holding hands with him.

"Rumour has it killer Croc has made his way back to Gotham City, any truth to that Bruce?" She asked.

Bruce shrugged, eyebrows raised. "My sources say that after our last encounter he resurfaced – literally – down South in the Everglades. I’m not sure how seriously to take those reports, but Croc seems to enjoy the peace and quiet there. So why return to Gotham City and run the risk of being sent back to Prison?" He said.

He smiled and kissed Diana’s hand again, "Besides, if he did come back, he’d need to tango with the whole lot of us … as strong and tenacious as he is, he never faced an Amazon Princess, a Thanagarian soldier or a Tamaranian Princess. Then he’d have to deal with Cass; and if anything’s left of him after that, he’d have to deal with me, Dick, Tim and Joey …severely outnumbered!"

Diana moved her chair closer to his and put her arms around him. They heard Alfred clear his throat and they giggled sheepishly.

"Please," Alfred said, "do not stop on account of me, I shall refresh your coffee cups and give you some privacy…it is always a joy to witness something else than Master Bruce brooding or nursing an injury!"

Bruce cast Alfred a dirty look but could not help chuckling. "Why don’t you go assist Wilfred wise guy?" Bruce said.

"Wilfred is doing quite a good job of mowing the lawn on his own Sir, perhaps I should steam clean your uniforms to be sure you are prepared for tonight?" Alfred said, with his head tilted sideways.

Diana had reached for her serviette and covered her mouth, desperately trying not to laugh aloud.

"By all means Alfred, please do!" Bruce said.

Alfred bowed and left the dining room.

Diana’s body shook with laughter, as she wiped tears from her eyes. "S-sorry Bruce," she said, "every time Alfred matches wits with you, it’s just so …"

"Hilarious, yes, I know!" Bruce finished her sentence, also chuckling.

They resumed their embrace and kissed.

Later that night, the new, extended Gotham Knights team assembled in the Bat-Cave: Batman, Wonder Woman, Robin, Batgirl, Reverend Justice, Hawkgirl, Nightwing and Starfire were all present.

"My friends, I’m fully aware that you all have obligations with either the Justice League, the Titans or Young Justice; so the fact that you’ve volunteered to help me keep Gotham City safe is very much appreciated. I know I’ve never been good at saying thanks, but all the same; thank you all." Batman said. "J’onn, are you recording this?" He said in his Communicator.

"Indeed I am, Batman, as you requested." Martian Manhunter replied.

"Good my friend, do make sure Green Arrow and Black Canary hear this; they have also been very helpful in volunteering for the Gotham Knights patrols." Batman said.

Wonder Woman walked up to Batman, smiling and put a hand on his shoulder.

Nightwing winked at Starfire and said, "Why Batman, even with the mask on I do believe I’m seeing you blush!"

"Definitely, I see it too," Robin chimed in, "do you see it Rev?" he asked Reverend Justice.

"I don’t need the zoom setting of my mask to see it!" Reverend Justice said, with a sheepish smile.

"All right you three knock it off!" Batman said, "Less comedy, more attention!"

Nightwing, Robin and Reverend Justice shrugged as Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Batgirl and Starfire tried unsuccessfully to repress their giggles.

Batman cast Wonder Woman an annoyed look, but could not help smiling.

"Sorry Bruce," Nightwing said, "you know I’ve always had a smart mouth; even when I was Robin. I’ll shut up now!"

Batman chuckled and turned to the Bat-Computer. He typed a few commands and the giant screen displayed both Oracle and Martian Manhunter.

"Martian Manhunter, Oracle, I have you both on Visual; how is the link working on your respective end?" Batman said.

"Audio and visual channels both working fine Batman." Martian Manhunter said.

"Ditto here Batman," Oracle said, "Preliminary reports from the FBI and Gotham PD confirm that Killer Croc hasn’t budged from the Everglades. Arkham Asylum and Gothoam Penitentiary secure."

"However, I am getting a report from one of our informants out of Japan – Oracle please confirm? A man matching Oswald Cobblepot was seen in the presence of some of Tokyo’s most dangerous Crime Lords. The rumour has it that he is heading back to his old hunting grounds." Martian Manhunter said.

The Gotham Knights all stared at the giant computer screen. The Penguin might be in town.

"I am scanning Interpol," Oracle said, "oh my…I have just come across these records dated from last week. Look at these security photos taken from Tokyo International Airport, then to the second set taken at Gotham International a good 6 hours later."

Looking a bit thinner, sporting short hair and a small beard but still unmistakeable from his facial features was Oswald Cobblepot; The Penguin, flanked by his two female bodyguards.

"Looks like fish breath got a make-over!" Nightwing said.

"He made it in town while we were still on the Cruise Ship, but hasn’t pulled any jobs yet." Reverend Justice said.

"He’s been keeping a low profile thus far," Batman said, "but keep your eyes open for him or his two bodyguards. Penguin is a high profile thief, highly intelligent and convinced his physical skill equals his wit. In fact, Penguin has a bad limp and suffers from acute high blood pressure. Some of you are already familiar with him, but for those of you who haven’t tangled with him yet here’s what to be aware of," he said, looking at Reverend Justice, Hawkgirl and Starfire.

"First of all, trick umbrellas. Some are bulletproof shields, some are swords, others are machine guns, and others yet are knockout gas dispensers … you get the idea. His two bodyguards are Japanese twins, highly agile, acrobatic and lethal." Batman said.

"Like I used to be before you and Oracle turned me around." Batgirl said, with a stern look on her face. Robin put a hand on her shoulder; she looked over her shoulder and smiled at him.

"Not quite true Batgirl: even at your worst you still had a conscience. You knew deep inside that murder is wrong. Those two are thoroughly brainwashed; they will kill without hesitation or remorse if they have to in order to protect their boss."

Batman paused, giving Robin and Batgirl a smile he hoped looked comforting. He continued, "The twins have razor-sharp blades attached to their gloves and know how to use them."

Batman removed his gloves and rolled up his sleeves showing nasty scars on his forearms. "They got me right where the Kevlar was thinnest." He said, rolling his sleeves back down and putting his gloves back on.

"So that’s how you got those!" Wonder Woman said, a stern look on her face. "They had better pray they don’t cross my path tonight!" She said.

Batman smiled at her, "If there was ever a good time to start pairing off in teams of two tonight is it." Batman said, "The last time we went after a Super Villain, the Joker in that case, RJ almost got strangled by Harley Quinn as we hadn’t anticipated she might break Parole. We shall take no more chances like this. Any single one of us can handle Penguin one on one; it is a fact. Nevertheless, with his two bodyguards it becomes a triple-threat, and too big of a risk. Stay in pairs and call for backup should you spot him, his bodyguards or both."

Batman keyed in a few more commands and printed copies of the Airport Security photos, and handed them to his team.

"That is what Penguin looks like now. He has lost a considerable amount of weight, so he is likely to be much lighter on his feet, though his knees may still suffer from arthritis." Batman said.

"Our informant in Japan claims he has undergone massive surgery, including gastric bypass, abdominoplasty and knee reconstruction." Martian Manhunter contributed.

"Then his mobility may still be quite restricted," Batman said, nodding, "artificial knees will never have the same flexibility as the genuine article; however, beware the twins: you can bet they will never be too far from him. They will beat you to a pulp if you hesitate for one second. The first team to locate them must call for backup and use all means necessary to apprehend, and I do mean all means necessary. Do not hesitate to use sleeping gas, stun bolts, energy blasts, or super-human strength; whatever it takes."

He looked at his team and with a smile, he added, "I may sound cliché but, be safe out there. If Penguin has made the trip to Gotham from Tokyo, it’s either for Jewel thievery, technology theft or Industrial Espionage. Oracle, is the Wayne Enterprises Security System on line?" Batman said.

"Yes Batman, it’s up and running. Anyone tries to hack in we’ll find out right away." Oracle said.

"Very well then," Batman said. "Robin and Batgirl, you patrol the North side. Nightwing and Starfire, while we originally agreed you would patrol the Blüdhaven suburb, but I will need the both of you patrolling the Gotham West side given that Penguin and company are in town."

"No problem Batman, Blüdhaven’s been way quiet since the Police Department cleaned up." Nightwing said.

Batman nodded, "Hawkgirl and RJ, you take the East side; Wonder Woman and I will take the South side. Everyone triangulate towards the downtown core unless of course one of us spots Penguin. In that case, we all converge to that team’s location. Since we’re paired up, I have a surprise for our motorcycle riders." Batman said, heading towards the garage section of the Bat-Cave.

Parked next to the Batmobile and the Chariot were two other black cars, hidden by darkness so Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing or Starfire would not see them as they parked their motorcycles.

"Allow me to present Blackbirds 1 and 2, "Batman said, "literally more compact versions of the Batmobile. Since Robin and Nightwing are both quite familiar with the Batmobile the Blackbirds will be a synch to operate." He handed Nightwing and Robin their respective sets of keys.

"Let’s do this team!" Batman said.

The Vehicles left the Bat-Cave: Batmobile, Chariot, Blackbirds 1 and 2.

"Batmobile to Gotham Knights, Watchtower 1 and Oracle – testing communications channels, do you copy?" Batman asked, Wonder Woman sitting by his side.

"Chariot to Batmobile we copy." Hawkgirl’s voice responded.

"Blackbird 1 to Batmobile, we copy loud and clear." Nightwing’s voice responded.

"Blackbird 2 to Batmobile, ditto for us." Batgirl’s voice responded.

"Watchtower 1 to Batmobile, we also copy loud and clear." Martian Manhunter replied.

"Oracle to Batmobile, all channels clear and I also copy." Oracle said.

"Good," Batman said, "all vehicles proceed to coordinates and begin patrolling; keep your eyes open for Penguin and company."

In a hidden Laboratory in a condemned building just north of the Downtown Gotham City core, Oswald Cobblepot - the Penguin – was conducting business.

"Well, pencil neck," he asked, "is it working? My business associates have invested a lot of money in this venture; and they would be very disappointed if you didn’t deliver."

The twins cast the man in a white Lab coat a look that could have cooled hot lava.

"J-just a bit more patience Mr. Cobblepot, it took me a bit more time to make sense of the notes your business partners sent: these facilities are hardly the Wayne Entreprises research department." The scientist, Professor Robert Jonathon had lost a high profile job in Metropolis due to industrial espionage.

"Patience is something I’m running short of Bob-o. In spite of the plastic surgery I’ve gone under it’s only a matter of time until Batman and Bird boy are wise to me." Penguin said. "It’s not hard: we’re paying you to test out my business partners’ cloning technology; using prime DNA: my precious twins’. We could have done the testing right there in Okinawa, but the authorities were buzzing too close. They entrusted me to find the best available for covert testing. You’ve been at it for days!"

Professor Jonathon shrugged pleadingly, "We had to adapt the equipment to this condemned building and get a power supply hooked up without being detected. Then I had to go over Professor Yamaguchi’s notes with a Japanese to English dictionary; nobody thought of translation to English. Your bodyguards-no offence- weren’t much help either. The process is nearly complete. Your twins will be quadruplets, complete with full memory patterns."

Penguin let out a frustrated grunt. Looking at one of his bodyguards he said, "Keep an eye on him," and looking at the other twin, "I need some fresh air, let’s get out of here. We’ll be back in a few hours pencil-neck; I expect some progress."

Professor Jonathon swallowed nervously. He gave the bodyguard a nervous look, wondering how such an attractive woman could look so cold, so deadly. She only stared back with no change in facial expression. Jonathon went back to work.

In the Blackbird 2, Robin and Batgirl were triangulating from the North side to the downtown core.

"Pretty quiet so far eh Cass?" Robin asked.

"I no complain!" Batgirl replied, putting her left hand on Robin’s lap.

Robin smiled, "Robin and Batgirl to Gotham Knights, no sign of Penguin, moving closer to Downtown."

"Copy that Robin," Batman said, "nothing to report from the other teams either. Keep on looking!"

"Robin, pull over!" Batgirl said.

Robin pulled the Blackbird over, and then gave Batgirl a curious look.

"Back up a bit?" she asked.

Robin backed up a bit, towards the entrance of a side alleyway.

Pointing at the alleyway, Batgirl said, "There, see them?"

Robin looked. He recognized a man matching Penguin’s new look, and one of his female bodyguards, walking. There was no mistaking that step. Robin backed up the Blackbird a bit farther to be sure the Penguin and company would not spot them.

"Care to do the honours Cass?" Robin asked.

"Blackbird 2 to Gotham Knights; target acquired! Spotted Penguin and one bodyguard in alleyway between condemned apartment buildings on Avonlea Drive; calling for backup!" Batgirl said.

"Boy that was fast!" Nightwing said with a chuckle, "just a few seconds ago you saw nothing!"

"Trust Batgirl’s keen eyes," Robin said, "she’s good!"

Batgirl smiled, putting her hand back on Robin’s lap.

"Nightwing and RJ pull over: Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl and Starfire can fly and join Robin and Batgirl much faster than we could while driving in traffic. We’ll join you all as traffic permits," Batman said.

"Copy that Batman, pulling over," Reverend Justice said. He kissed Hawkgirl before she got out of the car. "Be safe Angel." He said.

She smiled and winked at him. She flew.

"Ditto Batman, also pulling over," Nightwing said. "See you in a bit Star!" She smiled at him and kissed him. She also flew.

Batman pulled over and looked at Wonder Woman, "I know we’ve been it tougher scrapes before but…be careful Princess!"

"I will tough guy;" she said with a smile, and kissed him, "As I said before, I would like to have a word with that blade wielding female who injured the man I love. But you know me well enough to know I won’t lose my temper…too much." She winked at him and flew.

"Oh boy," Batman mumbled, "I hope she doesn’t kill anybody!"

He put the Batmobile in gear and drove towards Avonlea Drive.

"I am near Robin and Batgirl’s location my sisters," Wonder Woman said in her communicator, "are you close?"

"I can see you Diana," Hawkgirl said, "I’ll be there in a minute."

Seemingly, out of nowhere, Starfire zoomed near Hawkgirl at high speed.

"Why hello there, haven’t we met somewhere?" She asked Hawkgirl.

Hawkgirl snickered. "You’re a fast flyer Star!"

They joined Wonder Woman and landed near the Blackbird 2. Robin noticed them in the rear view mirror. He and Batgirl discreetly got out of the Blackbird.

"Penguin’s still in the alleyway, walking back and forth mumbling to himself; his bodyguard looking at him." Batgirl said.

"I don’t think they noticed us." Robin said, "At least we still have the element of surprise on our side."

"Shall we then?" Hawkgirl asked.

"Wait Hawkgirl, before we go charging in there we might as well know what he’s up to; and wait for Batman, Nightwing and RJ." Robin said.

"Let me see if I can’t help." Wonder Woman said, brushing her hair over her left ear, ‘be very quiet."

With her enhanced sense of hearing, Wonder Woman focused on Penguin’s mumbling,

"Oh my…" Wonder Woman said, "Wonder Woman paging Gotham Knights, Watchtower 1 and Oracle, emergency communiqué. It would seem Penguin is in town to experiment and test out top-secret cloning technology; you can only imagine what kind of danger that could create. Are there any records of such a technology originating from Japan?"

"Searching," Oracle said, "please standby."

"Our informant claims there are rumours of strange beings roaming the backstreets of Tokyo, which collapse and die at the slightest blow. I will see if there is any correlation Wonder Woman." Martian Manhunter said.

"Yes, I definitely think we ought to wait for Batman, Nightwing and Reverend Justice to join us my sister." Wonder Woman said to Hawkgirl. "Only Hera knows what kind of monstrosities are hiding in there."

"No reports of secret cloning technology as of yet," Oracle said, "Which isn’t to say it doesn’t exist. If there is a correlation between said technology and the Tokyo Zombies, it would give a logical explanation to the most popular urban myth in Japan."

The Batmobile, Chariot and Blackbird 1 arrived.

"Status?" Batman asked.

"Penguin’s still pacing in the alleyway, mumbling to himself like his pants are on fire." Robin said.

Batgirl giggled at the mental image.

"It would seem Penguin managed to get his hands on some state of the art cloning technology while in Japan," Wonder Woman said, "if there was a business agreement with the Tokyo Crime Lords, he’s about to break it: I head him mention the cloning technology could make him own Gotham City, Metropolis and Tokyo."

"We’ll have to see about that." Batman said.

"Guys, they just walked back in through the alleyway door." Robin said.

"Oracle, give me the status of 515 Avonlea Drive?" Batman asked.

"I wouldn’t venture in there if I were you," Oracle said, "that building was condemned a good year ago, but our good Mayor couldn’t bring himself to demolish. The front and back doors are boarded shut and chained. The only access for City workers were the alleyway door you just saw Penguin use, and there is a service door on the roof where the workers have access to the wireless antennae."

"Thank you Oracle, Batman out." He turned to his team with a smirk.

"RJ, could you use your stunners to seal that alleyway door shut?" he asked.

"Sure can Batman, what do you have in mind?" Reverend Justice asked.

"Penguin wants to test his cloning technology; we’ll test my Bat-tear gas. I took the liberty to store a few canisters in the Batmobile, Chariot, and Blackbirds’ trunks, just in case. With the alleyway door sealed, their only exit will be the roof’s service door. We’ll apprehend them there." Batman said.

Reverend Justice tipped his had with a smile, heading towards the alleyway door. He fired a few strategically aimed bolts that welded the hinges and lock. He moved a garbage container across the door for good measure. A humming sound became louder.

"Hey guys," Reverend Justice said in his communicator, "Come see what I found!"

The team joined him. "Those trash containers were hiding 4 high powered generators, good mufflers on them I must admit!" Reverend Justice said.

Batman smiled. "Robin and Batgirl, wait for my signal and shut the generators off, then join us on the rooftop. Nightwing, Startfire, Wonder Woman, RJ and Hawkgirl, follow me."

They went to the cars and each took out a pair of canisters of Bat-Tear gas.

"This building has five floors of abandoned apartments," Batman said, "Two cans per floor should be more than enough to flush them out to the roof."

"RJ, shoot your canisters in the basement windows and head for the roof. Hawkgirl, shoot yours through the ground floor windows and well, give RJ a boost to the roof!"

"My pleasure!" She said with a smile. Reverend Justice looked back at her with a pleased smirk.

"Starfire, if you could give Nightwing a boost to the second floor so he can shoot his canisters through those windows? And Nightwing, you could give her a hand by throwing her canisters through the third floor windows, and then make your way to the rooftop."

"Sounds like fun!" Nightwing said. Starfire giggled at that.

"Princess, you and I handle the 4^th and 5^th floors. Once that place is fully fumigated, I will give Robin and Batgirl the signal to cut the power off. Then, let us be on our guards; even with a lungful of tear gas our old acquaintances will be quite upset and feisty."

"On my mark RJ… now." Batman said.

Floor by floor, canisters of Bat-tear gas were thrown in the building.

"Robin and Batgirl, now." Batman said.

They shut off the generators and made their way to the rooftop using their grappling hooks.

Robin heard Reverend Justice tell Hawkgirl: "I flew in my Angel’s arms again!" as he was adjusting his hat.

"Now, now preacher, are you flirting with me?" She replied, with a teasing grin.

"Maybe I am a little?" He said.

"Look guys, not that I want to rain on your little love fest, but we’re about to be pretty busy here!" Nightwing said.

"Spoil sport!" Reverend Justice said, giving Nightwing an amused look.

The service door opened, thick smoke coming out of the door. Professor Jonathon was the first to exit coughing and wheezing, a handkerchief over his mouth. Next to exit was Penguin, who was also hacking heavily, eyes teary and red. He dropped on all fours, trying to catch his breath.

Next to come out…the Gotham Knights could not believe their eyes as the twins were now sextuplets, all coughing and wheezing, tears and drool dangling from their faces.

"Now there’s a dainty sight!" Nightwing could not resist saying, Starfire giving his arm a swat.

"Clones," Batman said in his communicator, "Penguin tested his cloning technology on his bodyguards."

"You all remember what J’onn said about the Tokyo Zombies? If they were a trial run of the cloning technology…" Oracle said.

"Understood Oracle," Batman said, "You all got that Knights?"

All nodded, keeping their eyes on Penguin, his bodyguards and their clones. Professor Jonathon was the first one to catch his breath, in a hoarse voice he said" "What the hell just happened?"

Still coughing, Penguin replied, "I don’t know! But when I find out I’ll…" He stopped mid-sentence as his vision cleared. He recognised his old nemesis, and his select team of crime fighters.

"You, you, always you," Penguin snarled, "I don’t know how you found out but you did! You always do! "He panted to catch his breath. "And you came with reinforcements too … care to match them to mine? Are you feeling better my darlings? Papa Cobblepot needs your talents!"

The bodyguards and their clones eerily replied "Hai!" in a creepy chorus.

"I only have one question," Wonder Woman asked, "Which one of you slashed Batman across the forearms?"

Unable to resist, the twins raised their hands. Before Batman had a chance to think, "Good work in isolating the real twins from the clones my love!" Wonder Woman took a flying leap towards the twins, grabbing them by their shirts so fast they did not have a chance to react.

Before they knew what had hit them, the twins found themselves tied up in Wonder Woman’s magic Golden Lasso, powerless. The fight was on.

Just as Wonder Woman leaped at the twins, Robin and Reverend Justice deployed their quarterstaffs. Batgirl assumed a defensive stance and Shayera powered up her mace. Batman and Nightwing also assumed defensive stances and Starfire levitated, her eyes glowing their green light.

With a blood-curdling scream, Penguin charged towards Batman, wielding his umbrella like a bayonet. The clones attacked in the same manner the twins would have: blades a-blazing, using flip-flops and summersaults that would have made a gymnast proud.

Batman greeted Penguin with a boot to the mid section, doubling him over. That gave the clones a second’s hesitation as they paused – one in front of Reverend Justice and Hawkgirl, one in front of Robin and Batgirl, and the one in front of Nightwing and Starfire. The last clone flanked the Penguin, a puzzled look on her face.

"Nice show ladies, what do you do for an encore?" Nightwing said.

Leaning on his umbrella, Penguin wheezed, "What are you waiting for you brainless drones? Kill them!" He took a roundhouse swing at Batman with his umbrella, which Batman ducked with ease.

The clone by his side attempted a karate kick to Batman’s head, which he blocked with his right arm, and held onto the clone’s foot. With his enhanced reflexes, he missed very little. He twisted her ankle to his left, forcing her to roll towards Penguin in a reverse roundhouse kick, falling on top of him. She collapsed, lifeless.

Penguin looked at her in disbelief, uttering a confused "Wha …?"

The other three clones were not faring any better: the one facing Robin and Batgirl was overwhelmed as they matched her move for move, kick for kick, and punch for punch.

When the blade attachments to her gloves finally collided with Robin’s quarterstaff, it gave Batgirl the opening she needed for a knockout kick. The clone staggered, then collapsed, lifeless.

Robin noticed the shocked expression on Batgirl’s face. He put a hand on her shoulder and in a voice low enough for her only to hear, he said, "Not your fault, do you understand me? Martian Manhunter warned us this may happen."

She nodded, trying to focus in the fighting still happening around her. She replied in a low voice, "Thanks Robin, needed to hear it." However, under her mask, her eyes were stinging with tears.

The clone facing Nightwing and Starfire faked an attack on Nightwing but instead pulled an acrobatic leap in the air attempting a roundhouse slash with her blades at Starfire. An energy beam from Starfire’s eyes neatly sliced the blades off the glove. She dismissively slapped the clone’s hand away from her.

The clone landed on her feet in front of Nightwing, a perplexed look on her face. Clenching her teeth, she attempted a karate kick to Nightwing’s face that would have decapitated the average man.

Nightwing ducked, and gave the clone a playful slap behind the head as she regained her balance. With a frustrated grunt, she attempted a slash at Nightwing’s face with her other glove, but using her momentum, Nightwing flipped her effortlessly in a basic Judo move. She hit the rooftop and like the other two, collapsed lifeless.

It was about the same time Robin was telling Batgirl the death of the clone attacking them was not her fault. "Listen to him Batgirl, that flip was hardly enough for a sore back and it killed this clone."

Batgirl nodded at Nightwing, struggling with feelings of guilt, unable to repress her tears – but Robin and Nightwing were right. Those women were clones, poorly engineered ones at that, the slightest impact could kill them.

Starfire stopped levitating and put a hand on Batgirl’s other shoulder.

Just before the clones began dropping like flies, Hawkgirl had told Reverend Justice, "Allow me preacher, this one’s on me."

"Let me know if you need my help!" He replied in his mock Cajun accent.

Hawkgirl dropped her mace and removed her helmet.

"Come get some clone girl!" She said.

The clone threw a flurry of punches, kicks and chops at Hawkgirl, which she blocked move for move with relative ease; smirking.

"Is that all you got?" She asked, her smirk turning into a grin, raising an eyebrow. "I take it speed and agility are lost with each reproduction!"

With an angry grunt, the clone lunged at Hawkgirl with her blades. Out of instinct of protection for the woman he loves, Reverend Justice took a step forward and blocked the blades with his electrified quarterstaff sending a low current through her body. Like the others, the clone collapsed, lifeless.

"Damn," Reverend Justice said, looking at Hawkgirl, "J’onn wasn’t kidding!"

They noticed Robin, Nightwing and Starfire comforting Batgirl.

"Poor kid, this must have brought back memories of her past when she was Rà’s al Ghul’s bodyguard, killing mercilessly." Reverend Justice said to Hawkgirl in a low voice, feeling a bit choked up from the scene.

Before he and Hawkgirl could join them – after all, Batgirl considered him like a big brother- they were all startled by a blood-chilling scream.

The Penguin had stood up, and looked around in mixed horror and anger. Wonder Woman had rendered his twins helpless; and his precious clones all lay lifeless on the rooftop. He screamed, "Ya-ma-gu-chiiiii! You double-crossing bastard! Your technology’s worthless!"

In a desperate attempt to escape, Penguin stabbed Batman in the thigh with a knife hidden in his jacket sleeve. His goal was not to kill him, but to cause enough of a diversion to escape using his umbrella – the mini-copter one.

"Batman!" Wonder Woman screamed. Batman winced in pain. He knew that since becoming an Amazon initiate, the flesh wound would heal rather quickly, but it was painful nonetheless.

As the umbrella-copter began revving up, Reverend Justice who was the next one closest to the Penguin tackled him to the rooftop, knocking the umbrella out of his hands. Out of nowhere, Professor Jonathon came to tend Batman’s injured leg, in hopes of clemency in court.

Reverend Justice picked up the Penguin from the rooftop by has jacket lapels.

To Hawkgirl, Reverend Justice mumbled in her ear, "Follow my lead, catch us."

"It’s high time for you to get some religion in your life, Brother Cobblepot!" Reverend Justice said, in a deep gravely voice. "You’ve already broken two of my Commandments by attempting murder and by pissing me off. Still you tried to ascend to heaven and failed miserably."

"Wha… what’s that moron talking about? Put me down I say! Put me down!" Penguin said, struggling.

Giving the Penguin a cold grin, Reverend Justice continued, "Heaven isn’t meant for wretches like you Ozzie. Purgatory might save your soul, but Purgatory’s packed and your soul’s already so dark, you might as well get ready for your descent to hell!"

"Wha…, wha…, what are you doing?" Penguin said in a panicky voice, as Reverend Justice threw himself off the top of the building taking Penguin along with him.

"I just hope Shy catches us quickly, even with the n’th metal belt activated it’s only meant to decelerate the fall of a single person, not the combined weight of two men." Reverend Justice thought, flipping the switch that activated the n’th metal belt.

Penguin screamed a high-pitched "Nooooooooooooooo!" as he felt his body dragged down, Reverend Justice’s left hand clamped onto his jacket with an iron grip.

Reverend Justice smiled as he felt strong, familiar hands around his ankles. Hawkgirl had timed the fall just right, stopping their fall a few feet from the pavement.

"Need any help Preacher?" She asked in a teasing voice.

"This is your lucky day Ozzie my boy, my Avenging Angel has decided to be an Angel of Mercy tonight. You’ll be making it to Purgatory after all; in the form of Gotham Penitentiary."

Hawkgirl put them down gently. "Yes! Yes! Take me to Gotham Pen and away from that raving lunatic! Help me Hawkgirl, he’s insane!" Penguin said in a high-pitched, panicky voice.

Hawkgirl clenched her teeth not to laugh aloud. As the Reverend, Joey could take some calculated risks … with results!

She flew them back to the rooftop.

"Batman, are you okay?" Hawkgirl asked.

"I’ll live." Batman said.

"I’ll see to it he takes it easy and heals well my sister." Wonder Woman said, still holding onto the Golden Lasso, making sure the twins did not get away.

"You may need a tetanus shot and some antibiotics," Professor Jonathon told Batman, while bandaging his leg.

"I’ll be sure to see a Doctor Professor." Batman said, "You have 5 minutes until we call the Cops. Get lost."

Jonathon nodded and left. Reverend Justice cuffed the Penguin. "5 minutes eh?" he said, looking at Batman.

"Spare me the ‘I’m getting soft with age’ jokes RJ, Superman’s already used that line!" Batman said with a grin.

Reverend Justice shrugged as Hawkgirl chuckled, picking up her mace and helmet from the rooftop. He took Penguin to Wonder Woman who added him to the Lasso loop. It rendered Penguin and his twin bodyguards quite helpless.

"Batman to Oracle, come in, time to call your Dad for a pickup." Batman said in his communicator.

"Copy that Batman," Oracle said, "Police pickup on the way."

Reverend Justice and Hawkgirl walked up to Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing and Starfire.

"How about you little sister, how are you feeling?" Reverend Justice asked. Robin, Nightwing and Starfire turned to him.

"She needs all of her friends’ support right now." Starfire said.

"I know, Martian Manhunter said it could happen, so did Oracle …," Batgirl said, "But my kick kill that girl, still feels bad."

"There is nothing to feel guilty about," Hawkgirl said. "You were fighting for your life, we all were."

"That could have as easily been my quarterstaff blow Batgirl." Robin said. She leaned on him. He held her.

"You struck a clone in legitimate defence, a clone with defective genes. If that makes you guilty of murder, I’m equally guilty, so is Nightwing and so is Batman." Reverend Justice said.

"You really think so big brother?" She said, tears running from under her mask.

"It’s a fact Batgirl." Nightwing said. "That kick of yours was meant to knock her out, had it been one of the twins, that’s exactly what would have happened."

"Yet the clones collapsed at the slightest blow," Starfire said, "they on the other hand showed no hesitation in trying to kill us."

"I lucky girl," Batgirl said, grammar once more erratic from emotion, smiling through her tears, "Got good friends like you guys," she whispered in Robin’s ear "and loving boyfriend like you!"

Robin blushed. They surrounded Batgirl in a protective group hug. The police showed up and booked the Penguin and his bodyguards. Wonder Woman walked up to Batman and helped him up.

"Looks like I’m carrying you home again tough guy!" She said.

"No arguments here Princess," Batman said, and then turned on his communicator. "Batman to Bat-Cave, come in? Alfred, could you drive Wilfred to the abandoned building on Avonlea and have him take the Batmobile back to the Bat-Cave? Thanks Alfred. I’ll meet you all back at the Bat-cave."

Wonder Woman scooped Batman off his feet in a way that made the Gotham Knights repress an urge to giggle. A few minutes later, Bruce Wayne’s limousine pulled over near the building, and Wilfred stepped out, climbed into the Batmobile and drove off.

"I think it’s safe for us to drive back to the Bat-Cave now." Nightwing said. They got to their vehicles and drove off.

In Blackbird 2, Robin cast Batgirl a worried glance.

"Talk to me Cass, I’m worried about you!" He said.

She smiled. "Don’t worry Timmy, feeling better," she said, "seeing the dead clone brought back bad memories, but you there for me boyfriend!" She put her left hand on his lap. He held it, driving with his left hand. "My friends there for me too: Dick, Kori, Shayera, big brother, Diana and Bruce …" her voice trailed off. She looked at Robin, and pulled his left hand closer to her.

"I just needed to hear you all say not my fault. If it was Penguin’s real bodyguards, we still be on rooftop fighting now." She said, her facial expression looking more relaxed.

Robin smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"I wouldn’t mind if you spent a bit more time with me Timmy; I feel a bit shook-up still." She said, giving Robin a tentative look.

His smile widened. "All night long or longer Cass; you need me I’m there."

She smiled, heart beating a bit faster. She leaned towards Robin and kissed his cheek.

In the Bat-Cave, Batman had already changed into his civilian clothes with Wonder Woman’s help, and Wonder Woman had changed into her civilian clothes as well. He was sitting at the Bat-Computer, leg extended.

The Chariot, Blackbirds 1 and 2 drove in.

"That was quite an eventful evening!" Starfire said.

"You said it, Star!" Nightwing said, as he took the Blackbird’s set of keys to Bruce.

"How’s the leg feeling Bruce?" Reverend Justice said, as he and Hawkgirl got out of the Chariot.

"It’s just a flesh wound Joey," Bruce replied, "Penguin’s knife missed any major arteries and I have no nerve damage. Diana already gave me a tetanus shot and Alfred will be bringing me antibiotics from the Drug Store tomorrow morning– prescription faxed in from the Watchtower by Dr Wilder herself. The anaesthetic spray is working wonders."

He smiled, looking at Diana with thanks; she returned hid smile and put a hand on his shoulder.

"How about you Cassandra," Diana asked, "you looked pretty shook up back there."

"Feeling bit better Wonder Woman," Cassandra said, pulling her mask back, revealing that she had been crying; "Needed to hear from boyfriend and all my best friends it was not my fault." Cassandra smiled. She hugged Robin and said, "I just don’t want to be alone, still feel little shook up inside."

Bruce, Diana, Shayera, Joey, Dick and Kori all smiled as they watched Tim remove his mask and embrace Cassandra in a protective, loving way.

Cassandra tilted her head, remembering something. She looked into Tim’s eyes, an expression of surprise on her face, then looking at Reverend Justice.

"Timmy, Big Brother! Open night at Sadie’s, isn’t that tonight?" Cassandra asked.

Robin looked at Joey as he also remembered, "She’s right: you promised to take us to see your brother’s band play!"

"Dang, you’re right! Had it not been for the Penguin hogging most of our time tonight and stabbing Batman, we’d be enjoying the show now! I’d been looking forward to seeing Marc and Sadie, I’d promised to take Tim and Cass along with Shy and me; but hell, I think we could all use a drink, let’s all go!" Reverend Justice said.

"Good idea, I wouldn’t mind to kick back with a drink myself," Bruce said, "I’m not due on antibiotics until tomorrow and the anaesthetic spray has made my leg numb. I’m pretty sure Diana wouldn’t mind a bit of R and R!"

Diana said, "Sounds like fun! I’m in!"

"What do you think Kori, feel like it?" Dick asked.

"It sounds wonderful, I would love to go!" Kori replied.

"What about you Cass, do you feel up to it?" Tim asked.

"Yes, going out would change my uhh … mind frame!" Cassandra said, smiling at Tim, still hugging him.

"Well, if we all hurry and change we can make it at Sinful Sadie’s in time for the second set, third set for sure. We’ll need to use the transport thought, the Javelin would be too noticeable," Joey said, removing his mask and hat, "we could transport our cars straight to the parking lot while no-one’s looking."

"Are you sure they won’t give Cass a hassle?" Dick asked, "Tim’s 19 but she’s only 17, it is a night club after all."

"A night club owned and managed by my brother’s fiancée," Joey said, "Don’t worry; I’ve cleared it with Sadie myself. In fact let’s ask Oracle and J’onn to join us; I’m sure they could also use some distraction; let’s make it a big outing! Shy, me, Dick, Kori, Bruce, Diana, Tim and Cass Barb and J’onn … the more the merrier!"

"Let’s hurry up and get changed then," Shayera said, "Meet you all back here?"

"Sounds like a plan," Tim said, "I guess we can all cram in Bruce’s big limo? Transporting the one vehicle may be easier."

"Looks like Alfred’s going to be busy!" Dick said.

"Okay," Bruce said, "meet you all here in half an hour; I’ll convey your invitation to Barbara and J’onn myself."

They transported – Dick and Kory to her apartment in San Francisco, Tim and Cassandra to their respective rooms, Shayera and Joey to his apartment. They changed and transported back to the Bat-cave. They would recover the Chariot, Bat-Cycle and Redbird the next day.

"Okay," Bruce said, "everybody get upstairs – we’ll get into the big limousine in the upstairs garage and request a point to point transport from Mr. Terrific."

J’onn, morphed into his human form of John Jones, walked up to Joey.

"Thank you for inviting me my friend," he said, "this would be my first time in a night club for pleasure rather than for business. Kal-El would have loved to join us, but he is currently in Paris keeping a promise he made Lois. You did say the more the merrier?"

"That I did J’onn," Joey said, "in fact Wally, Linda, John and Mari are also welcome!"

"Wally is currently on active duty, Linda is nursing tonsillitis, John and Mari are enjoying quality time in the Bermudas," J’onn said, "so that’s all of us for tonight."

"Yes Joey, thanks for inviting me too," Barbara said, "though getting this wheelchair up those stairs and to the garage won’t be a picnic."

"Don’t sweat it Barb," Bruce said, "we’ve done it before."

"In fact, allow me." J’onn said, gently and effortlessly picking her up from her wheelchair.

"Chivalry isn’t dead!" Barbara said, with a snicker.

"Wilfred," Bruce said in the intercom, "please come down here and bring Barbara’s wheelchair to the big limousine, then watch over the property while we’re out."

"Right away sir," Wilfred said, in a synthesized voice that sounded eerily like Alfred’s.

They climbed the stairs to the Study, and made their way to the Garage.

Diana helped Bruce in, as J’onn helped Barbara to her seat. Diana, Shayera, Joey, Dick, Kori, Tim, Cassandra and J’onn all climbed in. Alfred pulled down the driver’s partition window.

"What are your instructions Sir?" he asked.

"Hold onto your cap Alfred," Bruce said with a grin, "Wayne Manor to Watchtower 1, do you copy Mike?"

"Loud and Clear Bruce," Mr. Terrific replied, "if you like I could transport the limo to a near street which is currently abandoned. Alfred only needs to drive a few streets to the night club, it would look less conspicuous."

"That’s a great idea Mike," Bruce said, "transport us when ready."

End of episode 6