In DC/Young Justice with the Omnitrix/Ultimatrix and a Chat Group

"Target sighted at the north entrance," Batman's voice comes through the comm link, calm and precise. "Team, maintain surveillance positions."

I crouch on the rooftop beside Robin, watching the abandoned factory below.

It's my first official mission with Young Justice - a straightforward surveillance operation according to Batman, designed to familiarize me with team protocols in the field.

Two weeks have passed since my initial training session.

In that time, I've established a routine: school at Gotham Academy, research at GSI, training at Mount Justice, and careful navigation of life at Wayne Manor.

The rhythm has been predictable, almost comfortable - until tonight.

"Nervous?" Robin whispers, his masked eyes scanning the area methodically.

"Focused," I correct, though there's truth to his question. This mission represents a significant step in my integration with the team.

Robin grins. "First mission jitters are normal. Even for someone who can turn into a walking crystal."

I've come to appreciate Robin's easy confidence and strategic mind over the past two weeks. Of all the team members, he's been the most welcoming while still maintaining professional boundaries - likely on Batman's instructions.

"Movement at the loading dock," Aqualad's voice reports through the comm. "Two individuals, carrying crates."

Our mission is surveillance of a suspected arms dealer operating out of Gotham's industrial district.

Nothing meta-human related, just conventional weapons being sold to local gangs - a "starter mission" that Batman deemed appropriate for my first field operation.

The team is strategically positioned around the perimeter: Aqualad and Superboy covering the south side, Kid Flash and Miss Martian monitoring the east approach, Robin and I watching the main building.

"Remember," Batman had instructed during the briefing, "this is reconnaissance only. Identify the suppliers, track the weapons, document the buyers. Do not engage."

A light rain begins to fall, droplets glistening on my dark gray stealth suit - specially designed by Batman to accommodate the Ultimatrix while maintaining a low profile.

The material is lightweight yet durable, with muted colors that blend into shadows.

"Vehicle approaching from the east," Kid Flash reports. "Unmarked van, two occupants."

"Likely our buyers," Aqualad responds. "Everyone maintain position and continue observation."

I adjust my position slightly, getting a better view of the loading dock as the van pulls up.

Two men exit the vehicle, looking nervous and constantly scanning their surroundings - clearly amateurs compared to the professional demeanor of the arms dealers.

"Miss Martian, can you establish a psychic link?" Aqualad asks. "It would be safer than comm chatter at this proximity."

"Establishing link now," she replies.

The mention of a psychic link triggers a memory from earlier this week.

After our second training session, concerned about the team's telepathic communication methods, I had consulted the Ultimatrix privately.

"Ultimatrix," I'd asked in the security of my room at Wayne Manor, "what protections do you provide against telepathic intrusion or mind control?"

The device had pulsed softly before responding: "This unit provides baseline psychic shielding as a standard security protocol. Most conventional telepathic probes will encounter resistance.

However, protection is not absolute. Sufficiently powerful telepaths - particularly those with cosmic-level abilities - could potentially bypass these safeguards with concentrated effort."

"And what about Miss Martian's team link?" I'd pressed. "Can you prevent unintentional thought leakage while still allowing basic communication?"

"Affirmative. The unit can establish selective mental barriers that permit conscious communication while protecting deeper thought patterns and memories.

However, moments of extreme emotional distress may temporarily compromise these barriers."

That conversation had reassured me enough to participate in the team's psychic link, though I remained cautious about what thoughts I allowed to surface.

Now, as Miss Martian establishes the connection, I feel the strange sensation of the team's thoughts connecting to mine - a gentle pressure at the edges of my consciousness.

I mentally activate the Ultimatrix's selective barriers, creating a controlled pathway for communication while protecting my deeper secrets.

'Link established,' Miss Martian's voice echoes in my mind. 'Everyone online?'

'Here,' Robin confirms.

'Present,' from Aqualad.

'Connected,' Superboy thinks tersely.

'Loud and clear!' Kid Flash's mental voice somehow manages to convey his characteristic enthusiasm.

'I'm here,' I add, adjusting to the unusual sensation. It's my first experience with the team's psychic link in a field situation, and despite the Ultimatrix's protections, it's both intimate and disconcerting to feel others' thoughts brushing against my own.

'Remember to focus your thoughts,' Aqualad cautions. 'The link transmits what you actively project, but strong emotions can bleed through.'

I nod, grateful for the Ultimatrix's additional layer of protection around certain knowledge - my true origins, the full capabilities of the Ultimatrix, the Omniversal Observation System and most importantly, my goals.

The selective barriers should prevent accidental leakage, though I remain vigilant about my thought patterns.

'Transaction beginning,' Robin reports. 'Money is changing hands.'

Below, we can see the arms dealers opening crates for inspection. The buyers nod approvingly at the contents - what appears to be military-grade assault rifles and ammunition.

'Weapons confirmed,' Aqualad thinks. 'Robin, are you documenting?'

'Getting everything on video,' Robin confirms. 'Clear facial recognition on all parties.'

'This seems too easy,' Kid Flash comments. 'No guards? No lookouts?'

'Small-time operation,' Robin explains. 'These aren't major players. That's why Batman selected this for surveillance practice.'

The transaction proceeds smoothly, with the buyers loading crates into their van while the dealers count their money.

It's all very businesslike and efficient - a straightforward black market deal without complications.

'Batman, we have confirmation of weapons sale,' Aqualad reports through the comm. 'All parties identified and recorded.'

"Good work," Batman responds. "Continue observation. Track the buyers when they depart. We need to know their destination."

'Understood,' Aqualad acknowledges. 'Kid Flash, be prepared to follow the van at a safe distance.'

'Ready to roll,' Kid Flash confirms.

The buyers finish loading their purchase and prepare to depart. Just as they're about to enter the van, one of them drops a crate, causing a loud crash that echoes through the quiet industrial area.

'Amateur hour,' Robin thinks with a hint of derision.

The noise startles everyone, including the dealers who immediately draw weapons and scan the area suspiciously.

'Stay still,' Aqualad instructs. 'They're on alert now.'

We remain motionless as the dealers check their surroundings. One of them points toward the rooftop where Superboy and Aqualad are positioned.

'I think they spotted us,' Superboy reports tensely.

'Maintain position,' Aqualad responds. 'They can't be certain-'

A shot rings out, striking the ledge near Aqualad's position. The dealers are now firing wildly at the rooftops, clearly panicking.

"Team, strategic withdrawal," Batman orders through the comm. "Mission parameters have changed. Disengage and rendezvous at point Alpha."

'Acknowledged,' Aqualad responds. 'Team, execute extraction pattern Delta.'

Robin is already moving, firing his grappling hook toward a neighboring building. "Come on," he whispers. "Time to make our exit."

More shots ring out, one bullet ricocheting dangerously close to our position. The situation has clearly escalated beyond simple observation.

'Kid Flash, status?' Aqualad asks.

'Circling around to extraction point,' comes the reply. 'These guys are terrible shots, by the way.'

'Miss Martian, maintain camouflage and monitor their movements,' Aqualad instructs. 'We need to know if they pursue.'

'Already on it,' she confirms. 'They appear to be retreating to their vehicle. I think they're more scared than aggressive.'

I follow Robin across the rooftops, moving quietly but quickly away from the scene. The dealers continue firing sporadically, but their shots go wide, suggesting they're shooting blindly rather than at confirmed targets.

'Everyone proceed to extraction point,' Aqualad directs. 'Maintain stealth protocols.'

We reach the designated meeting spot - an abandoned subway maintenance tunnel three blocks from the factory - without further incident.

The team gathers quickly, everyone accounted for and uninjured.

"Is everyone alright?" Aqualad asks, his natural leadership asserting itself as he quickly assesses each team member.

"All good here," Kid Flash confirms, vibrating slightly with excess energy. "Those guys couldn't hit the broad side of a warehouse."

"We got what we came for," Robin adds, tapping his wrist computer. "Full video documentation of the transaction, clear IDs on all parties."

"The buyers are leaving the area," Miss Martian reports, her eyes glowing slightly as she maintains distant awareness. "The dealers are packing up quickly. They seem frightened by the encounter."

"Batman will want a full report," Aqualad notes. "Despite the complication, we completed the primary mission objective."

I remain quiet, processing my first field experience with the team. The mission was straightforward as promised, though the unexpected gunfire at the end added a dose of reality to what had been a simple observation exercise.

Batman appears from the shadows of the tunnel, his arrival so silent that even Superboy seems startled.

"Report," he says simply.

Aqualad straightens. "Mission parameters were fulfilled. We identified the weapons dealers and buyers, documented the transaction, and disengaged when discovered. No injuries sustained."

Batman nods once. "The mission yielded the required intelligence. The buyers' identities will help GCPD track the weapons before they reach the streets."

His assessment is matter-of-fact, neither particularly positive nor negative. "However, your detection could have been avoided with better positioning. We'll review the tactical errors during debriefing."

"The noise came from the buyers," Kid Flash points out. "Not exactly our fault they're clumsy."

Batman's expression doesn't change. "Part of surveillance is anticipating such contingencies and positioning accordingly. That's why this was a training exercise."

He turns to me. "Your first field operation. Assessment?"

I consider my response carefully. "The team coordination was effective. The psychic link provided secure communication, and everyone maintained discipline until the withdrawal became necessary."

Batman studies me briefly, then nods. "A fair evaluation. Return to Mount Justice for debriefing. Full analysis will follow."

The journey back to Mount Justice is relaxed compared to the tension of the mission. Despite the minor complication at the end, there's a sense that we functioned effectively as a team.

Through the still-active psychic link, I can feel the others processing the experience - analyzing what worked, what didn't, and how we might improve.

'Not bad for a first mission,' Robin's thought reaches me directly. 'Pretty straightforward, but that's how they all start.'

'It was informative,' I respond. 'The team works well together.'

At Mount Justice, Black Canary awaits our arrival. The debriefing is thorough but efficient, with each team member reporting their observations and actions.

Batman joins midway through, adding context about the weapons dealers and their connection to Gotham's gang activity.

"The intelligence gathered will allow GCPD to intercept the weapons before distribution," he explains. "A successful outcome despite the procedural issues toward the end."

When my turn comes, I report my observations concisely, focusing on the tactical aspects rather than my personal experience.

Batman acknowledges this with a slight nod, seemingly approving of my professional approach.

After the formal debriefing, the team disperses to unwind. Kid Flash immediately heads for the kitchen, his metabolism demanding refueling after the night's activities.

Miss Martian and Superboy withdraw together, their quiet conversation suggesting shared processing of the mission. Robin and Aqualad remain to discuss tactical improvements with Black Canary.

Batman approaches me as I prepare to leave. "A moment, Samael."

I follow him to a quieter area of the main chamber, curious about this private conversation.

"Your performance tonight was acceptable," he begins, his tone neutral but not disapproving. "You maintained discipline and followed team protocols appropriately."

Coming from Batman, this is high praise indeed. "Thank you."

"The psychic link - was it problematic for you?" he asks, surprising me with the direct question.

I consider what to say for a moment. "It was... unusual," I reply carefully. "But manageable. I was able to communicate effectively while maintaining appropriate mental boundaries."

Batman studies me, his expression unreadable behind the cowl. "Miss Martian's telepathic abilities are a valuable team asset, but I understand they can be... invasive for those unaccustomed to such contact."

"I've taken precautions," I say, deciding a partial truth is necessary. "The Ultimatrix provides some baseline protection against unwanted telepathic intrusion. It allowed me to participate in the link while maintaining personal privacy."

His eyes narrow slightly. "You didn't mention this capability before."

"It's a security feature," I explain. "It is quite the experimental device with me having in essence put many things together, into something akin to a pattern generator for various things such as genetic possibilities. 

Its only recently that I have found out that it creates mental barriers against most telepathic interference, though it most likely has limitations against particularly powerful entities."

Batman is silent for a moment, processing this new information. His expression remains inscrutable, but I can sense his analytical mind working through the implications.

"This 'pattern generator' concept," he finally says, "suggests capabilities beyond the crystalline transformation we've observed."

I nod cautiously, recognizing both the opportunity and risk in this conversation. I need to be truthful - Batman's detective skills would likely detect outright deception - while still protecting my secrets.

"Yes," I confirm. "The quantum field manipulation principles could potentially generate multiple genetic patterns, though Chromastone is currently the only fully stable and tested configuration."

"And these other potential forms - what's their status?"

"In development," I answer, which is technically true - I haven't unlocked the Master Control, so many forms remain inaccessible.

"The device requires significant calibration for each stable transformation. It's not simply a matter of flipping a switch."

Batman's eyes narrow slightly. "I expect to be informed of any new stable configurations before they're deployed in team operations. Unexpected abilities can disrupt tactical coordination."

"I understand," I agree. "Team safety and protocols are important."

He studies me for another moment before continuing. "Your device's capabilities are... impressive for someone your age.

The combination of genetic manipulation, energy conversion, and now telepathic shielding suggests sophisticated integration. What was your purpose in creating it?"

This is a crucial question. I need to provide a rationale that aligns with my cover story while still being truthful enough to withstand Batman's scrutiny.

"There are two primary purposes for the device's existence," I begin carefully.

By framing it this way, I'm discussing the Ultimatrix's purposes rather than falsely claiming I created it with these intentions.

"The first is protection. In a world with meta-humans, aliens, and constant threats, I wanted the capability to defend myself if necessary."

This isn't a lie - the Ultimatrix's blueprint was absorbed by my soul in what must have been an instinctive act of self-preservation. That survival instinct is genuine, even if the circumstances differ from what I'm implying.

"And the second purpose?" Batman prompts.

"It's something like a Noah's Ark," I explain. "The pattern generator can potentially catalog genetic data from various species.

In theory, this data could be preserved and, if necessary, used to revitalize endangered species in controlled environments - perhaps even on another habitable planet if Earth ever faced a catastrophic threat."

This explanation serves multiple purposes in my mind.

It's truthful about the Ultimatrix's actual capabilities while providing a plausible ethical justification for wanting to collect genetic samples from various beings -

including potential future acquisitions from Superman, Martians, and other alien species I might encounter.

It frames my interest in their DNA as scientific preservation rather than power acquisition.

Batman's expression doesn't change, but I sense a slight shift in his assessment. "A contingency for extinction events," he says, not quite a question.

"Exactly," I agree. "Knowledge preservation is as important as physical preservation."

He nods once, seemingly accepting this explanation. "Your foresight is... uncommon for someone your age.

Continue documenting your research and any new developments with the device. The preservation concept has merit, though it would require significant ethical oversight."

"I agree completely," I say, relieved that the conversation has moved from suspicion toward potential value.

"That's partly why I've been cautious about development - ethical considerations are as important as technical ones."

"Return to the manor," he instructs, his tone returning to its usual businesslike cadence. "Alfred will be waiting. I'll remain here to coordinate with GCPD on the weapons interception."

"Understood," I reply.

As I prepare to depart via the zeta tube, Robin approaches. "Heading out?"

I nod. "Batman's orders. You staying?"

"For a bit," he confirms. "Going to refine some of the surveillance footage for GCPD." He hesitates, then adds, "Not bad for your first mission. Pretty routine, but that's how we all start."

"Thanks," I reply, appreciating the validation from someone who clearly has significant experience despite his age. "It was... educational."

Robin grins. "They get more interesting, trust me. Batman likes to ease new team members in with the simple stuff first."

"I look forward to it," I say, and realize I genuinely mean it. Despite the constraints of team operations, there's something satisfying about working within a coordinated unit.

"By the way," Robin adds casually, "that crystal form - Chromastone, right? Pretty useful. Got any other tricks in that watch?"

The question is delivered lightly, but I detect genuine curiosity behind it. Robin's natural intelligence and Batman's training would make him particularly observant about such details.

"Theoretically," I reply with a slight smile. "But most are still in development. When I have something stable and tested, you'll know."

Again, not a lie - I haven't tested most forms in this universe yet, and Robin would indeed know when I reveal them.

He seems satisfied with this answer. "Cool. See you at training tomorrow."

The zeta tube announces my departure, and moments later I materialize in the Batcave. Alfred is indeed waiting, as Batman predicted.

"Good evening, Master Samael," he greets me. "I trust your excursion was educational?"

"Very," I confirm, removing my mask. "Straightforward, as intended."

"Indeed," Alfred says dryly. "Master Bruce believes in a progressive approach to field training. One must walk before running, after all."

"Or before dodging bullets," I add with a slight smile.

Alfred raises an eyebrow. "I see the evening had its moments of excitement despite the supposed simplicity."

"Nothing serious," I assure him. "Just some startled arms dealers with poor aim."

"How reassuring," Alfred remarks with gentle sarcasm. "I've taken the liberty of preparing a late meal, should you require sustenance after your exertions."

"Thank you, Alfred," I say gratefully, suddenly aware of my hunger. "That would be appreciated."

As we ascend to the manor, Alfred adds casually, "I believe you'll find the menu selection satisfactory. Chef Boyardee's finest chili accompanied by pommes frites."

I can't help but laugh at his formal description of what is essentially canned chili and french fries. "You're never going to let me live this down, are you?"

"I consider it my duty to accommodate the dietary preferences of all residents, Master Samael," Alfred replies with perfect dignity, though his eyes twinkle with amusement.

"No matter how questionable those preferences might be."

In the kitchen, I find not just the promised chili fries but also a properly balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and a tall glass of milk.

Alfred's way of ensuring proper nutrition while acknowledging my inexplicable craving.

As I eat, I reflect on the night's events.

My first mission with Young Justice was precisely what Batman intended - a straightforward exercise that allowed me to experience team protocols in a relatively controlled environment.

Despite the minor complication at the end, it accomplished something important - it solidified my position with the team.

I demonstrated reliability, appropriate behavior, and willingness to follow tactical leadership.

More significantly, my conversation with Batman has established a framework for revealing additional transformations in the future.

By describing the Ultimatrix as a pattern generator with preservation capabilities, I've created a truthful explanation for my interest in collecting genetic data from various species I might encounter.

The "Noah's Ark" - Azmuth's original purpose provides both ethical justification and a plausible reason for continued development of new transformations. 

It was a delicate balance - avoiding outright lies while still protecting my true origins - but Batman seemed to accept my explanation.

His request for notification before deploying new forms is reasonable and one I can work with as my revealed capabilities expand.

The psychic link had been a concern, but the Ultimatrix's protective measures functioned as intended, allowing me to participate fully while safeguarding my deeper thoughts and memories.

This will be crucial for future, more complex missions where the team's telepathic communication might be even more important.

I have a geniune smile as I finish drinking my glass, and put it down.

All according to plan.

-----------------------------

(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

Yep, finally the excuse has been made for future different transformations and eventually, after the scan function is unlocked - the gaining of Superman's DNA alongside MM's and more.

Also, one of the reasons he is joining the team, is so that he proves his qualifications to eventually create a team of his own.

So yeah, do tell me how you found it and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)