It's been two days since then...and I've finally had time to do some thinking. Though I haven't come to any conclusions as to Sam's miraculous return from death, it's something I've started looking in to. But one thing I do know...the Point Men were attacking a base for something called Project: Wide-awake. After further investigation, I learned that it was a government sanctioned, privately invested organization dedicated to the destruction of Homo sapien-superiors, a.k.a. mutants. Another tasty tidbit I found...the project's major funder is Sebastian Shaw, head of the Hellfire Club and the Black King of the club's hidden Inner Circle.

While everyone else is eager for revenge against the Point Men, I've decided to play a different angle. We've had a little too much trouble with the Hellfire Club as of late. So I decided it was time to do some Robin-type investigation...while dressed as Chuck Barnes.

After all, Hellfire is just a boy's club for the rich and famous. Politicians, movie stars, and those that are just plain wealthy call themselves members of this club. As Chuck Barnes, I've got connections to the Wayne fortune, as well as my own family fortune. I figure, why try breaking in when I can walk right through the door?

The cab slowed to a stop in front of the scenic entrance to the Hellfire Club's mansion. Chuck reached into his pocket and pulled out his fare, slowly stepping out. He hated wearing a suit, but he knew he had to look the part to help get inside the club.

Bruce has been offered membership before...I know he has...though I don't know if he's accepted. Though I'm sure the people here know of my connection to Bruce, it shouldn't take much persuading to get in. And, well, tonight's a party...I understand they throw a lot of them. It would have been better to show up in a limo, but I don't want to draw too much attention to myself.

He walked up casually, his eyes constantly scanning his surroundings. As he approached the door it opened casually, a butler standing in the doorway.

"Good evening, sir," the older gentlemen greeted him kindly. "Name, please?"

"Chuck Barnes."

"Very good, sir," the butler nodded. "May I take your jacket?"

"Yes, thank you," Chuck slid his coat off and into the butler's arms.

"Enjoy the party."

"I'm sure I will," he smiled and nodded. This could get interesting...it's a big enough crowd, I should be able to slip into and out of places pretty easily...and because of my mask, no one should be able to spot me as Robin...especially because, as far as I know, there aren't really any pictures of myself or Batman out there.

He slowly made his way into the main chamber. The entire mansion was an amazing sight, completely decorated like 19th century England. The music by the live orchestra filled the party chamber, drinks were passed around and conversation flowed freely. Chuck moved in and out of groups of people, trying to fit in while making his way towards where he needed to go.

All right...made it from one end to the other...just got to slip away into somewhere secluded, get into an air duct or something.

Looking both ways, Chuck slowly turned a doorknob and made his way inside another room. A quick look about, and he found himself alone. Another look about, and he found the perfect vent that he was looking for. He made his way over and began to take it off when he heard a hand grasp the doorknob from the outside.

Uh-oh...

Stopping his work, Chuck turned to face the room's entrance as the door swung open. In stepped a young woman with short, light brown hair and blue eyes. She wore a long blue cloak covering her black bodysuit.

"The party's outside, you know," the woman said.

"I...er...was looking for the men's room," Chuck replied.

"Well, it appears you got misdirected," the woman replied. "My name is Martinique...Wyngarde."

"Chuck Barnes," he replied with a nod.

"You look familiar...is it possible we've met before?"

"I doubt it," he replied. She said her name was Wyngarde. Sam told me something about a Wyngarde...his name is Jason. He's a part of the club's Inner Circle. This woman's obviously related...but she can't be any older than I am...probably even younger.

"So...what brings you to this club this night?" she asked, stepping closer.

"What brings anyone here?" Chuck shrugged.

"Well, it depends. The older gentlemen come for the women...the politicians come for more power...as do businessmen...some come for the drinks...some for the company. But you don't seem to fit into any of those categories."

"Oh?"

"I have a knack for seeing through people," she replied. "I'm sure whatever it is you're looking for, Mister Barnes...will be found."

She turned and walked towards the door. She placed her hand on the knob and turned it, but stopped before opening it. "The walls have ears and eyes, Mister Barnes. But know that not everyone here tonight is out to get you."

With that, she opened the door and stepped out. She casually looked both ways as she returned to the party. From the top of a nearby staircase, another young woman watched.

"Linda?"

"Yes, Jason, my love?" asked the woman as she turned.

"Has something gathered your attention?" Jason Wyngarde asked, looking towards the area she was just inspecting.

"No...it was nothing," Linda answered. "You should know, that nothing could take my attention away from you..."

A grin spread across Jason's lips.

The other members of Young Justice didn't have the opportunity to spend the evening at such an elaborate party.

"He shouldn't have gone alone," Cissie King-Jones frowned. In costume, she was called Arrowette. Yet no matter which name she was called, she couldn't help but feel her attraction building towards Robin. Concern was just natural.

"If anyone could handle a solo mission, it's him," Cassie Sandsmark shrugged. She was Wonder Girl, and Cissie's best friend. The two spent a lot of time together. Just like Sam partnered off with Jennifer, and Kon-El went off with Bart.

[[Poor Illyana spends a lot of time by herself, doesn't she? Well, maybe not...better keep your eyes peeled for next issue! - Paul]]

"I know, but still," she shrugged. "With everything that's happened recently...is it really that safe?"

"He's the most capable one of all of us," Cassie shrugged. "Besides, now that he's out, maybe we could actually get out for once? A girl's night out, maybe?"

"Nah, I'd rather stay here--"

"--And sulk?"

Cissie sighed. "Yeah...sorry."

Cassie sighed right back. "We never get to hang out...it's school...then dealing with my mom's nagging...then coming here and either saving the world or sitting around doing nothing...when am I gonna get to go to parties like a normal teenage girl? I used to have so much fun!"

"You used to spend your Saturday nights doing Chem homework," Cissie frowned.

"Oh...right."

So let's hit a quick scene change across the base to the team's med lab where we join the earlier mentioned Sam Guthrie, Jennifer-Lynn Haden, aka Jade, and the team's robotic mentor, Red Tornado.

"He has passed yet another complete examination," the Tornado reported.

"Two days ago, you were dead...and then you got better," Jennifer frowned. She then blew some of her green bangs out of her green face. "How can you be not only completely recovered, but in better health than you were last week?"

"Ah'm not pretendin' to understand what happened," Sam shrugged, "but I figure it's just God working in mysterious ways. I count mah blessings...maybe it just wasn't my time? Maybe I actually do have a purpose here in life, to make a real difference?"

"Anything is possible," Red answered. "But Robin and I have been investigating another possibility. Rumors we've heard of a sub-group inside the mutant species called the Externals. Our information at this time, however, is limited."

"Well, Ah can wait for an explanation," Sam nodded. "Ah'm just happy to be back. Though, I can tell ya this much...we will be going after the Point Men the first chance we get. Not only do Ah need to give some payback...but Ah have got to find Dani Moonstar and figure out what in God's name she's doing with that bunch of psychopaths..."