A/N: Well, here we are. The end of Part 1. It's been one hell of a ride, but this is only the beginning. Season 2 will be up and running soon! Big thanks to everyone that's been reading since the start. You guys are the best!

Auld Acquaintance

Mount Justice

December 31, 07:16 EST

"We have reason to feel proud of yesterday's victories. But one thing has not changed." Aqualad told his team. They had reconvened after their previous day's victory and were still riding the high of their triumph.

"Somehow the bad guys are still getting inside intel about us." Robin said.

"Yeah, but at least we know none of us were the mole." Kid Flash pointed out as the Team approached Batman and Red Tornado, who had been waiting for them in the mission room.

"That's correct." The Dark Knight pulled up a holographic image of Red Arrow, "The mole was Red Arrow."

Shock fell over the entire Team, even Rocket fell silent in surprise. The three remaining former sidekicks refused to believe it to be true.

"Roy?"

"No way!"

"Batman, that cannot be." Kaldur told his superior, "He was Green Arrow's protégé. We have all known him for years!"

"Unfortunately, the Roy Harper we have known for the last three years is another Project Cadmus clone." Red Tornado explained. Though no one could see it, Superboy tensed at the mention of Cadmus. He still had an axe to grind with both the project and its creator, Lex Luthor.

"We've learned that the real Speedy was abducted and replaced immediately after becoming Green Arrow's sidekick. The clone was pre-programmed with a drive to join the Justice League, which is why he was so angry over any delays to his admission and why he refused to join the Team. This Roy Harper had no idea he was a clone, or a traitor, and his subconscious programming drove him to become... League-worthy. So he struck out on his own as Red Arrow. When he was finally admitted, his secondary programming kicked in and he attempted to betray the League to Vandal Savage."

The Team's shocked looks didn't falter as Batman continued, "Fortunately, I had already deduced Red Arrow was a clone. We were prepared."

"Savage was subdued." RT assured the young heroes, "But Red Arrow escaped. He is now a fugitive, armed and dangerous."

"If you guys hadn't rescued me from Cadmus..." Connor said quietly. He was right; who knows what would have happened if he had remained behind at Project Cadmus?

"Wh-what happened to the real Roy?" Robin asked, though he and the others could already assume.

"We don't know." Batman told him, "He isn't at Cadmus. We have to face the possibility that the real Roy Harper is dead."

Kaldur, Robin and Wally all stiffened in a mix of sadness, anger and determination.

"The clone Roy, the Team will find him." Kaldur said firmly. Batman shook his head.

"Negative. Red Arrow is a member of the Justice League now. Leave him to us." The Dark Knight turned toward the zeta tubes, "I'm needed on the Watchtower. Tornado, stay with the kids."

"Recognized: Batman, zero two."

"Clone or no clone, Red Arrow was one of us. We will go after him." Kaldur told his friends over the newly established telepathic link. Behind him, RT attempted to place something on his neck, but he short-circuited and powered down before he could reach him.

"Tornado!"

"He's completely powered down!"

"All functions offline."

Zatanna pressed her hands to her temple, "Guys, I'm sensing a low-level mystic force at play. I don't know if this caused his shutdown, but now that I think about it, I was getting the same vibe off of Batman."

"Batman... he called us kids." Robin noted. Something wasn't right, that much was clear. Batman would never refer to them as kids.

"Look!" Wally had been searching over Red Tornado for evidence of anything that may have caused his shutdown, until he found something in RT's hand, "One of those bio-chips we confiscated off Cheshire."

"Something is wrong. Robin, Kid, Zatanna, Rocket, see if you can get Tornado back online. The rest of us will find Ro- Red Arrow." Kaldur ordered.

Washington D.C.

December 31, 13:30 EST

Flying over D.C., Kaldur, Connor, M'gann and Artemis attempted to contact Wildcat, in an effort to gain information, but there was no response. Kaldur decided that it would be best to find Roy before attempting to get into contact with anyone in the League.

"Computer logs indicate Red Arrow headed to the Hall from the Watchtower. But he could be anywhere by now." Artemis said.

"After Roy went solo, he installed equipment caches in several major cities. One is here." Kaldur explained, pointing in the direction of an abandoned apartment building, "I will go in alone. Wait here."

The Bioship came to a halt a few feet above the roof, allowing Kaldur to land silently on the roof. Without a sound, Kaldur skillfully made his way inside. He stopped outside Apartment 4A and kicked the door off its hinges. He was greeted by an arrow aimed for his heart.

"I have not come to apprehend or harm you." He said calmly, "But the Team requires answers."

"Me, first." 'Roy' said. He sounded exhausted, which made sense considering he had been on the run from the League for over 24 hours, "Tell me something you've never told anyone else."

His grip on his bowstring tightened, "Tell me who broke your heart."

Kaldur sighed, his pale eyes trailing to the floor, "Tula. The girl I once loved chose my best friend, Garth, over me. While my best friend on the surface world aims an arrow at my chest."

He looked the clone in the eye once again. They stared each other down for a moment until Roy lowered his bow and placed his arrow back in his quiver.

"We have the Bioship. Come with us."

Red Arrow nodded once and followed his comrade to the Bioship. Once inside, 'Roy' took a seat in Kara's old place. He sat silently until Kaldur spoke up again.

"We were told you were the mole, but we have reason to doubt-"

"Forget doubt. I was the mole." Red Arrow admitted.

"Batman and Tornado said you were a Cadmus clone, like me." Connor told him.

"That explains it." He scoffed, "I was a sleeper agent; pre-programmed to infiltrate the League. I think Sportsmaster was my handler. He had this phrase... 'Broken Arrow'... that could shut me down. It'd put me in a hypnotic state to steal secrets for his superiors or incorporate further programming. I'd then carry out all orders subconsciously, completely unaware of what drove me," He turned to face Connor, M'gann and Artemis, "I think one of those orders was to focus suspicion on you three... I'm... sorry."

"How did Batman discover this and prevent you from betraying the League?" Kaldur asked him.

"He didn't."

Bile rose in the back of the clone's throat, realizing the magnitude of what he had done.

"Everyone in the League is under the complete mental control of Vandal Savage. Enslaved using what Savage called 'Starro-Tech', those bio-chips you guys lifted from Cheshire. One implanted in the neck grants Savage remote control of their actions."

"I'm sorry, but how is it that you're no longer enslaved?" M'gann asked him politely.

"No Starro-Tech for starters. Just my," He shuddered, "Cadmus programming. Once I satisfied my final parameters, my mind began to clear. I'm sure Savage planned to Starro-Tech me, but he paused to... bask. I escaped, but he sent GA, Flash and Aquaman to track me down. I was able to lose them in the subway system."

"I promise I can clean any residual programming from your mind." M'gann said warmly. The shame kept its claws deep in the clone's mind, it would take more than a reboot to help him get past this.

"Here, Robin, linking both squads and decamouflaging." M'gann's voice echoed in the minds of everyone on the Bioship and on the Supercycle below.

"Good." Robin replied, "Cause we really need to compare notes."

The Watchtower

December 31, 23:16 EST

Red Arrow, Red Tornado and Black Canary returned promptly to the Watchtower to report back to Vandal Savage. It was an act of course, thanks to the work done by Drs. Roquette and Spence, Queen Mera and Dr. Vulko, that would hopefully buy the Team some time to enter the Watchtower without being detected.

"Recognized: Black Canary, one three, Red Tornado, one six, Red Arrow, two one."

The trio approached Savage, who had been there waiting for them. Beyond him, Klarion the Witch Boy hovered in midair, his usual wicked grin glued to his wicked face, and Hal Jordan standing silently, waiting for orders.

"Any problems?" Savage asked the returning Leaguers.

"Despite an initial setback, I was able to re-infect Red Tornado and Red Arrow." Canary said monotonously.

"As well as the entire Team." Tornado added, "They await reprogramming back on Earth."

Savage paused for a moment, then grinned, "I think not. You see, Starro-Tech does not reprogram the mind, it grants us remote control of it."

"We know exactly who's infected and who's not. And none of you are!" Kalrion shouted. Hal rose up into the air, sending beams of green light down on his fellow Leaguers, binding all three of them and sending them to their knees. Savage stepped forward, pulling several Starro-Tech chips from a pocket in his coat.

"But that is easily rectified." Savage said. He walked around the trio, placing Starro-Tech chips on their necks as he continued to speak.

"Fifty thousand years of life and nothing has ever troubled me as much as the founding of the Justice League. Dedicated to maintaining society's calcified status quo. The League would protect mankind from disaster, crime, tragedy of any kind. Have you never heard of 'survival of the fittest'? In essence, you heroes sought to protect humanity from its own glorious evolution. As such, you forced my more... enlightened colleagues and myself to organize a response. We created or co-opted networks of operatives, placed key individuals in key positions, made certain we were on the cutting edge of all new technologies: genetic engineering, biochemical engineering, robotics, nano-robotics, even techno-sorcery. Not to mention every conceivable method of mind control. Cold, hard science, a little misdirection, and now you, champions of stagnation, have become our agents of change, forcing the human race to evolve on a more advanced schedule, allowing Earth to take its rightful place at the center of the Cosmos."

Green Lantern released the three and they stood stiff, waiting.

"The brats are aboard!" Klarion exclaimed, "They've already taken away four of my toys!"

Savage turned to look up at him, "Recall all League away missions. It's time to put these children in their place, once and for all."

"Finally!"

Teekl, Klarion's demonic cat who had been sitting loyally on his master's shoulders, mewed quietly to him, reminding him of something, "Oh yeah. Hey, Vandal, shouldn't those three be back online by now?"

"What?!" Savage's eyes went wide as Canary let out a scream, sending Jordan flying into the nearest concrete wall. Tornado slung a red cyclone in Savage's direction but it had no effect on him. Canary sent out another cry, this time in the direction of Klarion, as Red Arrow placed a Cure-Tech chip on Hal. The Witch Boy conjured up earmuffs for both himself and his familiar.

"You'll be sorry." He singed.

Above them, a boom tube opened, and from it came Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Wildcat, Hawkwoman, John Stewart, and finally, Batman. The seven charged toward the cured trio, taking them all down quickly and efficiently.

"The children have clearly reverse-engineered a Starro-Tech cure and vaccine. So there's no point in taking them alive." Savage said calmly.

"Goody." Klarion said, his grin growing wider. Savage turned to the seven infected heroes.

"Find the children. Kill them all."

In one of the Watchtower cargo bays, Kid Flash and Artemis were outnumbered by Green Arrow, Flash and Aquaman. Aqualad was on his way to help while M'gann, Rocket and Zatanna went to assist Robin and Superboy in the gardens. All that Artemis and Wally could do now was remain on the defensive until Kaldur arrived.

"I'm amazed we're still alive." Artemis admitted.

"It's 'cause they're being controlled. Their actions depend on whoever's pulling their strings. The very thing putting us in danger is the only thing that's giving us a chance." Wally explained.

"Artemis, Kid!" Kaldur ran into the cargo bay, shut the door and locked it, keeping his grip tight on the door, "Now!"

Artemis loosed a grappling arrow, lodging it into the door not far from Kaldur's hand. Artemis gripped her bow with both hands as Wally ran up behind her and did the same.

"Hold on!"

"Holding!"

Kaldur opened the bay doors, sending debris and various crates out into space. As the Leaguers attempted to reach their protégés, they were sucked away toward the open doors. Kaldur shut the doors quickly, just as the three heroes were about to be launched into the dark vacuum of space. They slammed against the metal doors and fell to the floor, unconscious. KF sped over and placed Cure-Tech chips on all three of them. Together, Kaldur, Wally and Artemis watched their mentors for a moment.

"Apologies, my king." Kaldur said quietly.

"Guys! We need back up in here now!" Robin shouted over the telepathic link.

"We are on our way!" Kaldur replied as the three of them took off toward the garden.

When they arrived at the outcropping above the gardens, Wally, Artemis and Kaldur found Robin going hand to hand with Batman, Connor struggling to keep Superman down, M'gann in a psychic state against her uncle and Rocket containing Wonder Woman in a force-field bubble. As far as they could see, Green Lantern and Hawkwoman were already unconscious. Wally and Artemis rushed to aid their friends, but were sent flying into the wall by a black blur. When it finally stopped in front of Kaldur, the Atlantean's heart dropped to the floor. Wildcat stood before him, emotionless. Three metal claws extended over each hand, through holes in her untaped hands, a thin trail of blood trickling down each of them.

"Kara." He breathed, as though the sound of his voice would break her free from Savage's control. It didn't. She lunged at him, with a speed he had never seen before. He was able to react though, jumping out of the way before she could reach him. He didn't want to fight her, he didn't think he could. And that was exactly what Savage wanted. He dodged Kara's jabs and kicks, silently sending a thanks to Black Canary, before sending a punch of his own. He made contact with Kara's jaw, sending her sliding backwards a few feet, but it wasn't enough to keep her down.

She charged again, this time dodging Kaldur's swings, before finding the opportunity to drag her claws against his exposed left side. He groaned and stumbled back, setting his hand on his side. When he pulled it back, he saw his own blood dripping down his hand. He scowled, and looked angrily back at Kara. Enough was enough. He drew his water bearers and saw Kid helping Artemis stand up again.

"Kid!" He called out to his friend telepathically. The speedster looked over at him and Kara and nodded. Kaldur's water bearers turned into swords. He and Kara both lunged, locking their respective blades with a loud, metallic clang. They pushed against each other, both fighting for the upper hand, their attentions focused solely on the fight. That meant that Kara was exposed, giving Kid the perfect opening. He sped in and place a Cure-Tech chip on Kara's neck. She went rigid, her claws sliding back into her hands, then fell forward, unconscious. Kaldur replaced his water bearers in his pack, his heart heavy, and turned to see how the rest of his Team was faring. He had lost all track of time, but it was finally over. At least, the easy part was.

The remaining infected Leaguers were down. Which meant it was time to confront Vandal Savage. They ran to the mission room, but when they arrived, he disappeared, along with Klarion. They stood in silence for a moment or two, until Red Tornado, who was currently missing his limbs spoke up.

"Congratulations, Team. You have won the day."

A holographic clock appeared in front of them, followed by the computer's A.I. voice.

"Happy New Year, Justice League."

Auld Lang Syne began to play as Wally scooped Artemis up in his arms.

"I should've done this a long time ago." He admitted.

"No duh." Artemis smiled, pressing a kiss to his lips. Connor and M'gann turned to each other and did the same as Zatanna grabbed Robin by the sleeve and pulled him in.

Kaldur sighed, walking toward the glass wall that overlooked the gardens. Down below, he saw the final seven Leaguers begin to rise. Kara had removed her mask and was being helped up by Batman and Superman. The former looked up at Kaldur, and as though they themselves had a telepathic link, both understood what the other was telling them.

They needed to talk.

Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow, Red Arrow, Black Canary, Red Tornado and Wildcat all sat with Robin and Aqualad at the League's conference table. The members of the Team had long since returned to the Cave and the League was being checked out in the Watchtower infirmary. Red Arrow leaned heavily on the table in front of him.

"Everything I thought I knew about myself was a lie." He said, his mind distant, "I'm not a hero, or a sidekick. I'm a traitor, a pawn."

"Roy," Kara tried to set a comforting hand on her companion's shoulder, but he shrugged it off.

"I'm not Roy." He said quickly, "I don't know what I am. All I know is that I need to find the real Roy. I need to rescue Speedy."

"Guardian is already searching Cadmus." Batman told him, "After being cleared, the rest of the League will arrive to assist in the search."

Red Arrow nodded, then stood to leave. Black Canary and Green Arrow went with him, followed by Aquaman, who claimed he needed to return to Atlantis at once. Wildcat remained in a daze, her normally bright gray eyes had turned to a dull shade.

"Something else is wrong." Batman said quietly, "What is it, Dick?"

The Boy Wonder sighed, pulling up several images on the holo-computer.

"The entire League was under Savage's control for just over a day. We've accounted for most of that time, but these seven Leaguers disappeared for a full sixteen hours we can't account for."

Batman and Wildcat looked up to see not only their images, but Superman, Wonder Woman, John Stewart, Hawkwoman and Martian Manhunter."

"Sixteen hours." Wildcat breathed, her eyes filling with fear, her entire body starting to shake, "What did we do?"