Sorry!!! This for SOME REASON never published!

Rann; January 5th, 04:48 UTC

The moon reflects green light as it hangs heavy in the sky, bordered by tall fauna that all have red leaves and grey bark, on the pale brown ground are two small creatures, about the size of bats, but look like small green dragons with two grey horns on their heads, two eyes that seem to pop due to their yellow sclera and red irises, except for their grey feathered wings and the same feathering at the end of their tails.

A heavy boom rings out, causing the two small creatures to flinch.

They take off for flight just before the tall red grasses are split by telekinesis, Miss Martian flies in front, a green cheetah staying at her feet and someone with a jetpack brings up the rear.

The flying to take off in front of the cheetah, M'gann uproots two large trees to create a straight path for the other to follow.  (Look, I will full-fledged admit that this was a WEIRD thing to get hung up on, but 10 years later this STILL just makes me ostensibly irritated and IMMEDIATELY untrusting of M'gann and any of her actions.)

Conner lands just behind the cheetah as a second shot fires, hitting him in the back as he goes to leap after the other two, knocking him to the ground with a cry of pain.

He skids and rolls for several feet before coming to a stop.

A third shot fires, hitting the jetpack of the alien girl, who wears a purple long sleeve that matches her boots and headdress, black pants, and yellow mid-elbow high gloves to match her long scarf, thigh holster, and the design on the headdress. Her skin appears more sallow than a human's, using greys and yellow tones rather than pinks and oranges, her hair is down to her jaw and pitch black, and she has tealy-blue markings under each of her eyes. She yells in shock and pain as she spins out of control.

Ditching the jetpack with a simple quick-release before she can fly past the tree line in the tight spin.

She drops into a freefall, before being knocked away by the explosion of her pack.

Conner jumps up and catches her quickly, but is shot in the back for a second time.

M'gann dodges another shot that takes out a nearby tree, the cheetah behind her as Conner and the other alien plummet to the ground.

Conner takes the brunt of the hit, twisting so he lands on his back with her on his front.

As they both make it to their knees the source of the shot comes up to them. A massive green hexapedal machine that is such a dark color it nearly disappears into the night.

It stops just before them, cocking the large gun that is mounted to the center of the machine, between the two control layers, on the right side. Taking aim.

Conner shifts to grab the girl to his chest and protect her from as much of the blast as he can.

The yellow ray fires.

<>X<>X<>

THEME!!

<>X<>X<>

The shot knocks the two of them back and over the crest of a hill, Conner having already spun so he's the one taking the road rash while using his bare fingers to dig into the alien soil to try and stop as they come back downhill and towards a cliff.

Conner just manages to find a secure hold in the last inch of space he has, though his companion swings out past his and now only has his other hand to hold onto before she falls down the sheer cliff-face.

The machine's legs clang as it begins to rapidly follow the trench Conner made.

Conner's fingers dig in hard to the tracks he left behind before managing to pull himself up to his elbow.

Facing down the enemy.

This is not how the mission was supposed to go.

<>X<>X<>

Ranagar; January 4th, 22:17 UTC

Garfield stares up in awe, looking out at the expanse of the city on the left, and the mountains on the right, the giant green moon in the center and partially blocked by the tall mountains behind the city, and a blue moon that appears less than a third the size sits behind it and off the left. Lining up with the tallest spire of the city. "Whoa,"  his monkey tail twitches behind him as he turns back to Adam Stange, M'gann, and Conner, who all watch the youngest member simply be a child. "I'm totally walking on an alien planet!" then something clicks and he walks back towards the other three. "Wow, sis, you must say that like every day on Earth."

"Actually, I kinda do." she remarks with a hand on her hip and a slight laugh before messing with his hair.

"Wait, we can breathe the air here, right?" Gar asks, eyes going wide and holding his neck.

"A-dahm! A-dahm!" a new voice calls. "​​ Ol fao aeli vier qu, A-dahm!" (It's good to see you, Adam!) a young woman approaches the three of them and it's obvious despite the mispronunciation who she's talking to. (Thank you Young Justice Wiki, I'm sorry I ever said anything bad about you... though if you would mind translating the Latvian in season 3 that'd be great.)

Adam watches her, stumbling over his words slightly as she lifts her chin slightly. "Um, great... I think." he turns to the Team members he brought with him. "Uh, Zeta Squad, these are my Rannian friends. Sardath, and his daughter... Alanna."

The two share a look, her lilac purple eyes going soft and her ear spike visible now that she isn't running for her life. Her pale blue lips twitch into a learned smile.

Adam steps back towards Zeta Squad as Conner and M'gann share a look. "Uh, Sardath-Cho, Alanna... olf fao Miss Martian, Superboy ul Beast Boy... leps Urth." (Honorable Sardath, Alanna... these are Miss Martian, Superboy, and Beast Boy... from Earth.) Adam says cautiously in Rannian.

"Miss Martian, Superboy, and Beastboy.

Sardath gives a small nod, as does Alanna. "Lam talsa, "Urth-lingz". Fao A-dahm ililoc qu duss maol ao Apic-Zeta?" (​​Greetings, Earthlings. Did Adam tell you what happened with the Zeta-Beam?)

All three turn to Adam instantly.

"I'm... still figuring out the language." Adam admits with a shrug. "This is usually when we start playing charades."

M'gann smiles a bit before her eyes glow green.

"Ooh. What was that?" Alanna asks, reaching for her head.

Conner's eyebrows furrow.

"Such an odd sensation." Sardath comments.

"Wait, you're speaking English!" Adam says, stunned as he approaches the two of them.

"No, they're not." M'gann says airily. "But I linked us mentally. And I'm serving as a... psychic translator." she explains. "They speak Rannian, we speak English. But all now hear the language they understand."

(So... did M'gann learn English from old TV shows? Or does she still primarily speak Martian? If yes to English why  doesn't M'gann use outdated slang in Season 1 at the bare minimum?)

"Amazing!" Sardath muses

Alanna smiles, stepping towards Adam. "It will make communicating so much easier."

Sirens whir away in the distance, catching Sardath's attention. "Perhaps we should take this inside." he turns to head in, M'gann the first to follow. It is wise to use caution when harboring Earthlings."

<>X<>X<>

An elevator opens and the first thing gar sees the small dragon-like creature. "Alien animalage! Cool!" Taking off on all fours to explore the space.

"Sardath, have you learnt anything more about why Earthlings are unwelcome in this corner of the Galaxy?" Adam asks, as the rest of them leave the elevator at a far more sedated pace.

Sardath sighs. "The Rannian Science Command is xenophobic in general. Which is why my research into interplanetary Zeta beam travel is being conducted quietly." he shows the projection of the technology to M'gann and Conner as he stops beside it.

"And why you haven't reported the theft of your technology."

"Exactly." Sardath agrees. "If Science Command learned I had made it possible for aliens, especially you Earthlings to Zeta here to Rann, the consequences could be dire for myself and my daughter.

"I still don't get it." Conner admits. "Why the big hate for Earthlings? How do they even know any Earthlings to hate?"

Alanna reaches down and turns on a projector which shows the same images Adam showed the League on the WatchTower. "I assume Adam showed you this. We are still unclear on the details."

Garfield, now having a matching head as he scratches on under the chin realizes that he's missing the important stuff and heads back as Sardath begins to speak., shifting as he walks "Science Command is not inclined to share intelligence with its people."

"But we have learned there was an accident on the planet Rimbor... involving Earthling criminals known as the Justice League." Alanna explains.

"I assume you are not associated with these outlaws?" Sardath asks.

M'gann's gaze drops from the twisted image of her uncle before meeting the Rannians' gazes. "We are not members of the League."

"Only these six were on Rimbor. But since then the Kroloteans have posted planetary watch alerts for every criminal in the League." Adam jumps at the sound of the now-familiar Alien Name.

"The Kroloteans!" he says as he approaches Sardath's side. "That's who stole your Zeta platform tech! They used it to secretly invade Earth, which is how they found out about other Leaguers."

"I know. I told you that the last time you were here." Sardath deadpans.

Adam smacks himself on the forehead. "Of course! Kroloteans, right! I misunderstood you. I thought it was just a Rannian word for ＂thief＂."

"It might as well be." Alanna grumbles.

Conner steps up. "Yeah, Krolotean culture revolves around stolen tech. We heard. Question is: what do we do about it?"

"My father's Zeta shield will help." Alanna says brightly, tapping a few more buttons on the projector to show a new image. A yellow sphere encircling two planets, one of them is obviously Earth and the other is presumably Rann.

"If I can perfect the design. Your primitive Zeta tubes would still function within the confines of the Earthling atmosphere, but..." two red circles go around the two planets before one come from Rann towards Earth, "unauthorized travel to and from other worlds will become impossible." Sardath turns to the three Team members. "In short, my shield will prevent more Kroloteans from invading your world via Zeta beam. While trapping any still entrenched there.

"And in the meantime Adam tells us you've located the Kroloteans' Zeta platform here on Rann?" M'gann checks.

"Indeed. But the jungles of Rann can be dangerous. you Earthlings will need a guide." Sardath informs.

"I'll go, father. You must complete your work on the Zeta shield." Alanna decides.

"But transportation out of the city of Ranagar... is not also without risks, Alanna. We must disguise these Earthlings." Sardath looks over the three of them.

"Look, enough with this ＂Earthlings＂thing." Conner cuts in. "I'm half-Kryptonian, and Miss Martian is... Martian!"

"You came here from Earth, did you not?" Sardath checks, confused.

"Yeah, but we are not-" Conner cuts himself off and sighs, "nevermind." (But like HOW did Conner nail that so perfectly. That feeling of "look it's uncomfy because society fucking sucks but I can't say that because you were socialized differently than I was"... or is it more-specifically the "look you're talking shit and I KNOW the only reason you feel comfortable enough to do so is that you think that we're all White here, except I'm just horrendously white-passing, but I'm not going to say that because I don't want to wake up dead"  thing? ... look it's one of those two I just don't know if I'm the only one reading it as that particular specification, but I at least now it doesn't smack as the "hey you're being casually homophobic and I REALLY need you to stop before I out myself just to get you to shut your mouth and think before you speak" feeling like some stuff does in later seasons.)

<>X<>X<>

Alanna leads a disguised Conner and Adam- Conner wearing an all red cloak with a hood minus the black insignia and gold belts, while Adam wears a more elaborate costume of reds with white cross bands and a belt, with a pointed hood in the front- a shape-shifted M'gann, and a dragonling Garfield to the MagTrain station.

Alanna continuously checks over her shoulder as they get on the train. She smiles as Adam sits beside her.

"We should be fine now." Alanna informs. Just to prove her wrong two people in black raid armor force the doors open and slide inside. "Unless the Rannian Science Patrol comes in for routine ID checks." she grouches.

"I'll create a diversion, lead them off the train." Adam decides, going for the jetpack in his bag.

Alanna grabs his wrist. "No, it's not safe. I'll-"

"You are the jungle guide, remember?" Adam placates. "I'll ditch these guys and circle back to your father's compound. Help him finish the Zeta shield."

Alanna rests both her hands on Adam's. "Be careful."

Conner eyes M'gann who looks away. Gar rumbles in his small chest as he looks between the two of them.

As the two guards head towards them Adam gets out of his seat. ""Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!" he grabs them by one shoulder each before continuing the stanza. "Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun the frumious Bandersnatch!"" he quotes, then reaches out and nearly hits one in the face. "Got your nose!" he then walks towards the door with a smile. "No time to say Hello, Goodbye, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!"

The two pause for a moment before taking off after him. The doors closing behind them.

"Jabberwock? Bandersnatch?" Alanna asks, standing up to be in front of the others.

"His last name is Strange." Garfield offers. (NOT M'gann HBO!! Wow! Also, REALLY Gar I get he's like twelve AT MAX but Conner, M'gann you two were never forced to pick up Lewis Carroll?!? BULL!)

Adam runs towards the edge of the platform, his jetpack kicking in as he finishes his act. "And down the rabbit hole I go!"

<>X<>X<>

(So... I uh sliced the shit out of my hand [thumb and outside of my hand] with a bread knife between these two scenes... it made typing... well unpleasant would be the nice way to phrase it so if you see any errors from here forward on the first half please tell me. ... Three stitches later and I'm still just stunned that I managed to do this with a BREAD KNIFE!)

"We'll be in range of the coordinates soon." Alanna informs.

Gar looks between the two, before smirking, humming in his chest, moving closer to M'gann while walking on the back of the seats. "Hey, sis, remember that time you and Superboy visited me in Qurac, he picked flowers that were really poison sumac."

M'gann smiles, just a little, while Conner's eyes shoot towards the two of them before darting back to his lap. "It was a long time ago, Gar."

"Noted." Gar says slowly as Alanna puts on her jetpack.

Gar walks over to Conner. "But you remember, right, Superboy?"

            Conner looks out of the corner of his eyes- and through the hood- at Gar, before he looks away with a complex look on his face before steadying into mission mode, leaning forward. "How much farther, Alanna?"

Her face shows her obvious sadness in response to the desperate-hurt-and-something-else expression only she can see on him as she looks at the map. "We're close enough... Now." she shuts the projection and opens her jetpack.

Conner kicks the doors off, letting the three of fly out before he jumps out and to the forest floor.

The other three land far lighter than Conner, Gar immediately shifting back into his preferred form.

Alanna pulls out her map projection, glancing around quick to make sure the artifical gold light isn't too much of a beacon and that the others are ready to go. "This way."

Conner is the first to follow, finishing tucking his Rannian clothes into his pack as he does.

Gar smiles before jumping up and grabbing a hanging vine, swinging on it until he lands in front of Alanna. An even brighter look over takes his face as he sees a vibrantly pink flower, not shaped like anything from Earth. "Whoa-ho! Now that is some prime alien souvenir material!" then he leaps.

Behind him Alanna frown, but when she realizes what he's doing it turns to panic as she shouts "Wait!" managing to grab him by the tail.

"Hey!" Gar yells before he crashes to the ground. "Ow!" he grouches, glaring back at her out of the corner of his eye, right at the edge of the purple puddle with the bright pink flower in it.

Alanna steps back, picking a stick before tossing it. Gar is just starting to push himself back to his hands as it falls in the puddle in front of him.

Once it lands a loud sound ememantes from the area before the stick is swallowed up and pink fire bursts from the purple semi-sentitant tar.

Gar jumps back, on guard.

"Lucian Bog, deadly." Alnna states plainly, before dropping down by his ear. "Basically, if it looks pretty, don't touch."

"Noted." Gar muses warily, the eyebrow closer to Alanna still raised high.

<>X<>X<>

Alanna gasps taking  the massive structure. "It's bigger than I anticipated." she turns to the Team. "Even this far out in the jungle, how could something this size have been built without Science Command knowing about it?"

"I'm going in," M'gann says, pulling up her hood. "I'll send you an image of where to rendezvous." then she takes off, her camouflage making her disappear before she even breaks out the nook they've hidden themselves away in.

She flies over the treeline, only stopping briefly outside the compound before flying straight through the wall. The Kroloteans doing rounds don't even notice her as she phases through behind both its backs.

She looks around the massive base before finding something higher up and flying to it.

She flies directly to the center of the 6 platforms before flying higher up the center column. Using her telekinesis to open a hatch. "I found your entrance."

<>X<>X<>

Beast Boy has already shifted back into the dragonling form to fly up to the compound in front of Conner, who jumps to land on top of it as he approaches the edge, Alanna using her jetpack.

Conner lands silently mere feet from the hatch, Alanna joining him as he reaches the edge of it and Gar joining as the two begin to look inside.

"All clear." M'gann informs.

She uses her telekinesis to lower them out of the large port before flying to the edge of the building. Entirely unobserved by the Kroloteans below.

As they land on a higher level, Gar shifts into a small chimp. Alanna crouched beside him while Conner hides behind the nearby column.

"Six Zeta platforms?" Alanna questions, stunned.

"Not for long." Conner assures, taking off his bag and easing a box out of it. "These are small target explosives." he opens the box to show the small spheres to Alanna, holding one in between his forefinger and thumb. "Should permanently disable the platforms without blowing the whole base. Three minute triggers will give us plenty of time to get out before the Kroloteans know what hit 'em."

It's taken from his hand and the other five join it in moving towards M'gann's chest. "Beastboy and I will plant them." Four go to her and two to Gar. "You two wait here."

She and Gar take off, Gar hopping along as quietly as he can while M'gann flies across the room in camouflage.

Gar places one before heading off to do the second.

M'gann uses her telekinesis to do all four of hers from the same position, now that she knows where they need to go.

Gar pulls his hand away from the last one. "All set, now let's blow this popsicle s-"

He's cut off by a loud alarm ringing out.

Gar and M'gann move to find hiding places while Conner and Alanna get a better look at what exactly is happening.

The Korolotean leader looks at the projection in front of it, showing a familiar picture to the one Sardath showed Zeta Squad. "Incoming Zeta-Transmission." it screeches. "Raise the antennae!"

A large antenna raises up into where Conner, Gar, and Alanna made their entrance into the compound.

"The escape route's blocked," Alanna reailizes with a slight bit of panic in her voice, "we're trapped inside with the bombs!"

The antenna finishes fully extending outside the compound's roof.

Inside the space begins to light up, before each of the Zeta platforms are occupied by several Koroloteans.

Conner can only watch, stunned. "Yeah with the bombs and a lot of angry company."

(Commerical break in the middle of the scene that I STILL don't know what to do with.)

The Krolotean at the highest control platform screeches down to the one with the red sash. "Sir, what happened?"

The one in the red sash steps forward, stepping off the platform. "The Meta-earthlings drove us back here."

M'gann floats beside the platform, looking up towards Conner and Alanna."New plan, when the platforms blow, use the chaos to charge through the front door. I'll cover you."

Conner's eyes are focused on the Korlotean in the red sash.

"And then we blow the popsicle- AH!"

The explosions start and ring out one right after the other.

M'gann's eys blow wide in panic as she looks around for the young boy. "Beastboy! Gar! Are you alright?"

Gar moans a little before pushing himself up, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah, I'm good." Gar's face hardens. "Go!" he shapeshifts into a large gorilla before roaring.

Heading towards the exit and knocking Kroloteans out with easy swipes of his massive hands.

Alanna uses her jetpack to help Superboy down the walkway and he runs to catch up with Gar.

M'gann uses her telekinesis to force the paneled door open. "The exit is clear!"

The Korlotean General from Gamma Squad's target watches them go, catching at least three of them fleeing the scene. Its eyes widen before it screeches to the one on the raised platform above it. "The Meta-Earthlings followed us back! This humiliation must not stand!" it turns back, deeper into the compound. "Break out the Mech!

(This is pretty much exactly halfway, so YAY! Like I said, you notice any issues in this, let me know, I cranked this out in one go [pretty late in the week too {the only ppl who get to know when are those who have the Google Drive file link}] and then injured myself and had to give myself stitches which makes typing unpleasant so I might've missed something.)