| “ | These kids need help. Oh, when don't they? And why is it always my problem? No, it was... It was amusing at first, but now it's just annoying. You can help me overcome the darkness within me, Courtney. You did it when you beat Eclipso. How do I do that? It was all kind of a dream. I-I heard Starman, and I heard Pat. But I broke free from Eclipso, because I knew if I didn't, my friends and family would get hurt. Yes, excuse me. What are you saying? What I'm saying is saving Todd might be the thing that lets her expel the darkness out of her ring... And get you back to normal. I think she's right, Shade. Right, then... let's go upstairs and get your brother. |
” |
The Infiltration into the Helix Institute for Youth Rehabilitation was Jennie-Lynn Hayden's attempt to rescue her brother, Todd Rice, from the Helix Institute.
History
Background
After Jennie-Lynn Hayden assisted the Justice Society of America against Eclipso, she realized that her Starheart Power Ring and the Shadowlands infected each other, affecting each other's capabilities. The Shade was the first to notice the glitches in his abilities, and subsequently traced the source to Hayden.[1][2][3]
Swift traced Hayden to the Helix Institute for Youth Rehabilitation, where she located her brother at thanks to Sandy Hawkins' dreams. To deal with both Hayden's urge to rescue her brother and his own problems, Swift abducted Courtney Whitmore and Pat Dugan during one of their missions, and demanded their assistance. Whitmore theorized that since both powers are controlled by emotions, the only way to eradicate the infections is to save Rice from captivity. Swift reluctantly accepted, and led the group to the upper levels.[4]
Rescue Attempt
Using their respective abilities, Swift and Hayden were able to make it to Rice's room, where he was exposed to flickering lights that suppressed his abilities. The group entered his room and startled him, triggering his abilities and releasing shadows across the room. The shadows sent Dugan and Swift to the Shadowlands, while the explosion caused by the collision knocked Hayden and Whitmore unconcsiousness.[4]
Aftermath
Escaping the Shadowlands
Dugan and Swift landed in the Shadowlands, where they faced their respective regrets. Dugan faced his late, abusive father, while Swift faced his past of leaving his sister to die alone. Despite their attempts, they were unable to escape the Shadowlands due to the infection, and had to travel through the Starheart flames to leave the illusions.[5]
The Light and the Darkness
While Hayden was imprisoned in a cell, Whitmore conversed with Nurse Love and Mister Bones, who revealed the existence of powered-individuals born with abilities. Bones emphasized the importance of hiding from the outside world, though was convinced to let Hayden try and ease Rice of his pain. Hayden then touched Rice while using the Starheart Power Ring, entering his mind and reassuring him that they will figure each of their abilities out eventually. Rice was liberated from his pain and suffering, soon releasing Dugan and Swift from the Shadowlands and eradicating the Starheart-Shadowlands mutual infection.[5]
Love later revealed that Rice was actually free to leave the institute at any point in time, but he refused to do so to protect the world. Whitmore also questioned her of their involvement in the monitoring of Blue Valley, and Love denied of the claims. Moreover, Swift reluctantly offered to provide guidance to the siblings, showing them how to properly wield their dangerous abilities.[5]
Appearances
| Appearances | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
Chapter Seven: Infinity Inc. Part One | Appears |
|
Chapter Eight: Infinity Inc. Part Two | Appears |