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

I wake to the sound of my alarm at 5:30 AM, having managed only a few hours of fitful sleep.

The fake research notes lie on my desk, carefully crafted to look legitimate while containing subtle flaws that would render any attempt at time travel impossible - or at least wildly unpredictable.

Beside them sits the Joker's card with the address for tonight's meeting.

As I shower and dress, my mind cycles through potential scenarios for the day ahead. The Joker expects me at nightfall, which gives me approximately fourteen hours to prepare.

I need to devise a strategy for locating and rescuing the hostages without exposing my abilities, while simultaneously ensuring the Joker doesn't succeed in his insane plan.

And then there's Batman. If he's investigating the Joker's interest in me, I need to be prepared for potential surveillance or even direct contact.

The last thing I need is to become caught between Gotham's most dangerous villain and its most dangerous hero.

I'm so absorbed in these thoughts that I almost miss the subtle change in the air around me.

A faint shimmer appears in my peripheral vision, gradually solidifying into the now-familiar blue rectangle of the Omniversal Observation System.

[OMNIVERSAL OBSERVATION SYSTEM ACTIVATED]

[PARTICIPANT: SAMAEL MORNINGSTAR] [STATUS: CONNECTED]

[SESSION 3 INITIALIZING...]

"Perfect timing," I mutter, checking my watch. Exactly 24 hours since our last conversation. At least some things in my life are predictable.

The rectangle expands, splitting into quadrants. Azula, Light, and Aizen appear, each in what appears to be a private setting.

Azula seems to be in some kind of royal chamber, Light in what looks like a bedroom study area, and Aizen in what I recognize as his captain's quarters in the Soul Society.

"Another interruption," Azula says with characteristic irritation, though I notice she seems better prepared this time, seated regally as if expecting the call.

"Precisely on schedule," Light observes, glancing at a clock on his desk.

Aizen merely smiles, as if he's been waiting patiently for this moment. "Good day to you all."

A message appears in the center of our display:

[SESSION 3 OBJECTIVE: CURRENT CHALLENGES]

[PARTICIPANTS WILL DISCUSS IMMEDIATE OBSTACLES FACING THEM]

[CROSS-REALITY CONSULTATION ENCOURAGED]

[STRATEGIC ANALYSIS WILL BE MONITORED]

"How convenient," I say, unable to keep a hint of irony from my voice. "I was just contemplating a rather significant challenge."

"Oh?" Aizen's interest seems piqued. "Do share, Samael. We're all ears."

I consider carefully how much to reveal. These three are dangerous, manipulative individuals, but they're also brilliant strategists who might offer valuable perspectives - if I frame the situation appropriately.

"I've been approached by a dangerous individual who wants to use my research for destructive purposes," I say, keeping it deliberately vague.

"He's taken hostages to ensure my cooperation and has given me a deadline to provide what he wants."

"A classic coercion scenario," Light says analytically. "What does this person want from your research?"

"He believes it can be used to alter significant historical events," I reply, choosing my words with care. "He's wrong about the specifics, but not entirely wrong about the potential applications."

Azula leans forward slightly. "And these hostages - are they important to you personally?"

"No, they're strangers," I admit. "But innocent ones."

"Then why concern yourself?" she asks with genuine confusion. "Their lives are not your responsibility."

"An interesting perspective," Aizen comments smoothly. "Though perhaps one that reveals cultural differences between our worlds.

In your position, Samael, I would consider several factors:

the value of the research, the danger this individual poses beyond this specific threat, and the potential consequences of either compliance or refusal."

Light's expression remains thoughtful. "There's also the question of precedent. If you comply this time, what prevents him from using the same tactic again?

Sometimes a decisive response is necessary to prevent future threats."

The word "decisive" hangs in the air, its implications clear. Light - who will eventually become Kira - is already thinking along lines of permanent solutions to those who threaten public safety.

Possibly thinking how he could gain unique knowledge that could give him the means from us.

"There's another complication," I add. "There's a... protector in my city. Someone who deals with threats like this but follows strict rules that prevent permanent solutions.

If I take more decisive action, I risk drawing his attention and potentially making an enemy of someone who would otherwise be neutral or even an ally."

"Ah, political constraints," Azula nods with understanding. "We all face those, though in different forms.

In the Fire Nation, I must consider how my actions reflect on my father's reign, even when dealing with traitors."

"This protector," Aizen inquires casually, "is he more powerful than you?"

A loaded question. "He's more established," I reply carefully. "More connected. More experienced. Whether he's more powerful is... untested."

"Then the question becomes one of risk assessment," Light suggests. "Is the threat posed by this criminal worth the potential conflict with your city's protector?

And is there a way to achieve your objectives without triggering that conflict?"

"That's precisely what I've been considering," I acknowledge.

Azula makes a dismissive gesture. "If this protector is so concerned with these hostages, let him save them. Focus on your own objectives."

"An interesting suggestion," Aizen says with a slight smile. "Perhaps there is a way to alert this protector to the situation while maintaining your own distance from it.

Allow him to handle the hostage situation while you prepare for other contingencies."

A new thought occurs to me. Could I anonymously tip off Batman about the hostages?

It would be risky - the Joker claimed he would know if I contacted Batman - but if done carefully enough...

"I'm also curious," Aizen continues, his eyes narrowing slightly with interest, "about the nature of your research. You've been rather vague about it in our previous conversations."

I hesitate, weighing how much to reveal. "It involves theoretical physics," I say carefully. "Specifically, exploring the boundaries between different states of reality."

"Fascinating," Aizen's eyes gleam with genuine interest. "In my world, there are barriers between different spiritual realms that some have found ways to traverse. The principles might be similar."

Of course they would be. Aizen eventually creates a Garganta to travel between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo. He's fishing for information that might help his own plans.

"The principles are likely universal," I say noncommittally. "Though the applications vary greatly depending on the specific properties involved."

A message appears:

[STRATEGIC DISCUSSION NOTED]

[QUERY: WHAT RESOURCES DO PARTICIPANTS HAVE AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS THEIR CHALLENGES?]

"An interesting question," Light remarks. "In my case, primarily intellectual resources. Analysis, deduction, planning."

"The Fire Nation's military might stands at my disposal," Azula states proudly. "Though for more delicate matters, I prefer to rely on a small team of elite specialists."

Aizen smiles enigmatically. "I have certain... abilities that provide me with options others might not possess. And a position that grants me access to valuable information and resources."

They all look to me expectantly.

"I have certain unique capabilities," I say carefully. "And access to advanced scientific knowledge.

But I'm still establishing myself in my current environment, which limits my options somewhat."

"Then perhaps," Aizen suggests, "the solution lies not in direct confrontation but in misdirection.

Give this criminal what he thinks he wants, while ensuring it cannot be used as he intends."

"A sabotaged version of your research," Light elaborates, nodding. "Combined with a contingency plan for the hostages."

"Precisely what I've been preparing," I admit.

"And if this fails?" Azula asks pointedly. "What then?"

"Then more direct measures may become necessary," I reply, meeting her gaze steadily.

She smiles, a predatory expression. "Now you're thinking like a true strategist."

A new message appears:

[OBSERVATION: ALIGNMENT IN STRATEGIC APPROACH DETECTED]

[RECOMMENDATION: CONSIDER LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS OF CURRENT DECISIONS]

[SESSION CONCLUDING]

[NEXT CONNECTION WILL OCCUR DURING PERIOD OF HEIGHTENED CONSEQUENCE]

"Heightened consequence?" Light reads aloud. "What does that mean?"

"I believe," Aizen says thoughtfully, "our observer is suggesting that our next conversation will occur at a particularly critical moment for one or more of us."

"How dramatic," Azula remarks sarcastically, though I notice a hint of tension in her posture.

[SESSION 3 COMPLETE]

[ANALYSIS: STRATEGIC CAPABILITIES CONFIRMED]

[RECONNECTION WILL OCCUR AUTOMATICALLY WHEN NEEDED]

[REMAIN VIGILANT]

The blue rectangle collapses and disappears, leaving me alone in my apartment once more.

I check the time - 6:15 AM. The entire conversation took less than fifteen minutes, yet it's given me much to consider.

The suggestion of alerting Batman anonymously has merit, though it would need to be handled extremely carefully.

And the System's warning about "heightened consequence" suggests that whatever happens today will have significant implications.

I finish getting ready and head to GSI. I need to maintain my cover and appear as normal as possible.

If Batman is indeed watching me, any deviation from routine would draw attention.

Besides, I genuinely need to understand more about the theoretical principles the Joker might be trying to exploit.

The morning air is crisp with a hint of Gotham's ever-present pollution. As I walk, I remain hyperaware of my surroundings, scanning rooftops and shadows for any sign of surveillance.

Nothing obvious presents itself, but that means little when dealing with Batman.

GSI is already bustling with activity when I arrive. Dr. Chen greets me with enthusiasm.

"Samael! Perfect timing. The board approved additional power allocation for our test run. We might be able to attempt a preliminary viewing portal as early as this afternoon."

This complicates matters. If we achieve even a partial success today, it could accelerate the Joker's timeline.

"That's... great," I manage, trying to sound appropriately excited. "Though I was hoping to refine the stability equations further before we attempted anything."

She waves away my concern. "We'll start with minimal power - just enough to validate the basic principles. No risk of dimensional instability at these levels."

I follow her to the lab, my mind racing. I need to balance multiple competing priorities now:

appearing enthusiastic about the project while subtly delaying any significant breakthrough, preparing for tonight's meeting with the Joker, and formulating a plan to rescue the hostages.

The morning passes in a blur of equations, simulations, and equipment calibrations. Around noon, Dr. Chen calls everyone together for a briefing.

"We'll attempt our first test at 3:00 PM," she announces. "If successful, we should be able to create a stable viewing aperture approximately five centimeters in diameter - just large enough to observe conditions in the adjacent dimensional plane."

"What safety protocols are in place?" I ask, genuinely concerned. Even a small portal could have unpredictable effects.

"Full containment field, remote monitoring, and emergency shutdown procedures," she assures me. "We're scientists, not reckless thrill-seekers."

As the team disperses to make final preparations, I slip away to the restroom and lock myself in a stall. I need a moment to think.

If the test succeeds, it will prove the basic principles of our research - principles the Joker could potentially adapt for his twisted purposes.

I could sabotage the test, but that would draw unwanted attention and potentially jeopardize my position at GSI.

Besides, the scientific part of me is genuinely curious about what we might discover.

I decide to let the test proceed but to carefully document any unexpected results or anomalies that might help me better understand the risks of the Joker's plan.

Knowledge is power, and right now, I need every advantage I can get.

When I return to the lab, there's a visitor speaking with Dr. Chen - a tall, distinguished man in an expensive suit whom I immediately recognize as Bruce Wayne.

My heart rate spikes, but I maintain a calm exterior as I approach.

"Ah, Samael," Dr. Chen calls, waving me over. "Mr. Wayne was just asking about your contributions to the project."

Bruce Wayne turns to me with a practiced smile that doesn't quite reach his calculating eyes. "Dr. Chen speaks very highly of your work, Mr. Morningstar. I understand today's test incorporates several of your theoretical models."

"I've been fortunate to work with an excellent team," I reply modestly, studying his face for any sign that he suspects my connection to the Joker. "Dr. Chen's guidance has been invaluable."

"Too modest," Dr. Chen interjects. "Samael's insights into quantum resonance patterns have accelerated our timeline significantly."

Wayne nods, his expression pleasant but unreadable. "The Wayne Foundation is always pleased to support promising young scientists. I look forward to seeing the results of today's test."

"You're staying for the demonstration?" I ask, trying to keep my tone casual.

"Wouldn't miss it," he replies. "It's not every day one gets to witness a potential breakthrough in our understanding of dimensional physics."

Great. Batman will be watching our test directly. This complicates matters further.

"I should get back to my preparations," I say politely. "It was good to see you again, Mr. Wayne."

As I turn away, he adds, "Oh, Mr. Morningstar - I heard there was some excitement on campus yesterday. A street performer causing a disturbance? You weren't involved in that, were you?"

The question is delivered casually, but there's nothing casual about the intensity in his eyes.

"I saw some commotion from a distance," I reply carefully. "Some kind of magic show that ended with a smoke bomb, I think. Campus security seemed to have it under control."

He studies me for a moment longer than necessary. "Good to hear. Gotham has enough theatrical personalities as it is."

I nod and return to my workstation, my mind racing.

He knows.

He might not know everything, but he's connected the campus incident to me, which means he's investigating.

Whether he's made the connection to the Joker yet is unclear, but it's only a matter of time.

The next two hours pass in tense preparation. At precisely 3:00 PM, we gather in the testing chamber - a reinforced room with multiple layers of safety equipment surrounding a central platform where our experimental apparatus is mounted.

"Initiating power sequence," Dr. Chen announces, her voice steady with professional calm. "Twenty percent... forty percent... sixty percent..."

The machine hums to life, a soft blue glow emanating from its core. Displays around the room show various readings - energy levels, quantum fluctuations, dimensional stability metrics.

"Eighty percent... full power achieved. Initiating resonance sequence."

The hum deepens, becoming a pulsing vibration that I can feel in my chest. The blue glow intensifies, focusing into a narrow beam at the center of the apparatus.

"Quantum tunneling detected," one of the technicians reports. "Dimensional barrier thinning at projected coordinates."

I watch the readings carefully, noting how closely they align with our theoretical models.

Despite the circumstances, I can't help but feel a surge of scientific excitement. This is working exactly as I predicted.

"Visual confirmation," Dr. Chen says triumphantly. "We have an aperture!"

On the main screen, a small circle of... something... appears. It's not quite light, not quite energy, but a window into somewhere else.

Through it, we can see what appears to be an identical lab to our own, but with subtle differences - the colors slightly shifted, the proportions slightly altered.

"A parallel Earth," Dr. Chen breathes. "Just as theorized."

I study the image carefully. It's not time travel - the Joker is wrong about that - but it is a genuine connection to another dimension.

With the right modifications and significantly more power, could it be adapted to reach specific dimensions?

Or specific points in time within those dimensions? The theoretical implications are staggering.

And potentially catastrophic in the wrong hands.

Bruce Wayne steps forward, his expression one of controlled fascination. "Remarkable achievement, Dr. Chen. You and your team should be proud."

"This is just the beginning," she replies, her eyes still fixed on the tiny portal. "With refined targeting and increased power, we could potentially create larger, more stable connections."

"How precisely can you control the destination?" Wayne asks, the question directed at the room but his eyes finding mine.

"Currently, not very," I answer honestly. "We're essentially opening a window to the nearest parallel dimension along the quantum resonance spectrum.

Targeting specific dimensions would require much more refined calibration and probably different equipment altogether."

He nods thoughtfully. "And the theoretical applications? Beyond observation, I mean."

"Eventually, matter transfer might be possible," Dr. Chen says. "Though that's years away, at least."

"Unless someone were to dramatically increase the power input and bypass the safety protocols," I add, watching Wayne's reaction carefully.

"Though that would be extremely dangerous and unpredictable."

Something flickers in his eyes - recognition of the warning I'm trying to convey? It's gone too quickly to be sure.

"I trust GSI will maintain appropriate safety measures," he says smoothly. "The potential for misuse of such technology is considerable."

"Absolutely," Dr. Chen assures him. "We're scientists first and foremost. Safety and ethical considerations guide everything we do."

The test continues for another twenty minutes, during which we gather data on the portal's stability and the conditions in the parallel dimension. Finally, Dr. Chen initiates shutdown procedures, and the portal winks out of existence.

"A successful first test," she announces to applause from the team. "We'll analyze the data and prepare for a follow-up test next week with refined parameters."

As the team disperses, Wayne approaches me directly. "Impressive work, Mr. Morningstar. Your understanding of quantum mechanics is remarkable for someone your age."

"Thank you," I reply, maintaining eye contact despite my internal tension. "It's a fascinating field with enormous potential."

"And equally enormous risks," he adds, his voice lowering slightly. "Especially in a city like Gotham, where certain individuals might take an unhealthy interest in such research."

There it is - the warning, delivered with perfect deniability.

"I'm well aware of Gotham's reputation," I say carefully. "Rest assured, I take the security implications of our work very seriously."

He studies me for a long moment, then nods once. "Good. I'd hate to see promising research - or promising researchers - become casualties of Gotham's darker elements." He hands me a business card. "If you ever need assistance with anything, my door is always open."

With that, he turns and leaves, stopping briefly to congratulate Dr. Chen once more before departing.

I examine the card - plain white with "Bruce Wayne" and a phone number embossed in elegant script. It seems innocent enough, but the message is clear: Batman is watching me, and he's offering a lifeline if I need it.

It seems he's not hiding his identity from me - does he reckon I know it since the Joker knows it? Does he already have an idea what the joker is intending?

The question as well is, can I trust him? And more immediately, how will his surveillance affect my plans for tonight?

As the afternoon wears on, I finalize my preparations. The fake research notes are tucked securely in my bag

. I've memorized the address on the Joker's card and mapped multiple routes to reach it.

And I've devised a contingency plan that might allow me to locate the hostages without exposing my abilities.

At 5:00 PM, Dr. Chen calls an end to the day's work, her excitement about our successful test evident in her animated discussions with the team.

I say my goodbyes, careful to maintain my normal demeanor despite the tension coiling within me.

Outside, the early winter darkness has already fallen over Gotham. Streetlights cast pools of sickly yellow light on sidewalks glistening with recent rain.

I head toward my apartment, alert for any sign of surveillance - either from the Joker's men or from Batman.

I have six hours until my midnight meeting with the Joker. Six hours to finalize my strategy and prepare for whatever comes next.

The stakes couldn't be higher - not just for the hostages, but potentially for the very fabric of reality itself if the Joker somehow succeeds in his insane plan.

Whatever happens, by dawn, everything will have changed.