[ Just like that, the whole ship got permission to enact their sickest, most twisted fantasies, and the nightmare started again. Except this time, what would happen to J was completely his fault. Dick turned to Slade when that tight grip yanked J back. Seeing the way J flinched had his stomach dropping like a rock.

Still, the stars stretched above them, watching, still bathing the three of them in a strange, cool glow. ]

I'm not saving my secret, I'm saving him. [ There was a harshness behind his voice, a sharp edge he'd never shown J before as his hands splayed at his sides, palms open. His greatest weapon, all those years of honing martial arts, was of no use here. He was at Slade's mercy, at the mercy of this ship. Fight and he'd instantly lose his life. J would lose his life. ]

You miss me so much you tracked me down? Wouldn't be surprised if it was all the way from Gotham. It's me you want. Let him go.

[ He looked at J, something breaking in his gaze, something pained and sorry. ]

He'll survive. He's survived years of this without me.