Booster Gold, the Corporate Crusader, former League member, former Superbuddy and now Time Master Trainee, had not had the best day of his life. Beginning badly, by accidentally going to the wrong date and witnessing the destruction of Daxam in the 31st century, accidentally leaving a group of non-Daxamites to their deaths at the hands of a green-themed maniac. By the time he got back, only two were alive. This number had rapidly halved when Jennaux Riel, a medical student from earth, had jumped to her death.

He'd taken Rani back to the twenty first century, her clothes soiled, and her cheeks stained with tears. Once he'd finished arguing with Rip over the other man's terrible handwriting, Rip had informed him that he was now, essentially a father.

It was worse than any joke he and Ted had ever dreamed up. He, Michael Jon Carter, dumb jock with a gambling problem, who couldn't even protect a puppy, was now responsible for a little girl who'd lost her mother, been given shitty foster parents who'd thrown a five year old girl out of their hotel room unsupervised in a strange city, and who'd then witnessed the murder- no, slaughter- of five people, only to have the only other survivor vanish.

Well. If she was his responsibility, he'd need advice. His sister was out- Michelle was barely twenty-two, and grieving her boyfriend. Rip? Also out, albeit for completely different reasons. Who else could he ask for help?

Batman. He could help get Rani in the system, possibly recommend what the hell he should do. Everyone knew Nightwing was practically a second father to Red Arrow's daughter.

Dr Light. They'd never been close, but the woman had raised two young children. Perhaps her maternal instincts would overpower her dislike of Booster Gold.

Jaime Reyes had a little sister; perhaps he should get Mrs Reyes' phone number.

He looked at the little girl again, and let out a tired sigh. First, he had to get her clean. Maybe she could use one of his t-shirts as a nightgown or something?