Fic: Mourning In America V: The Good Fight (1/1)
Title: Mourning In America V: The Good Fight (1/1)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: Lois Lane, Diana Prince
Series Notes: This series will star various DC characters as they live under the new regime in America. The entire series can be found here.
Genre: Drama
Rating: G:
Warnings: Mention of rape.
Spoilers: None
Summary: For the women of Man's World, the Amazons are invaluable allies.
Date Of Completion: May 5, 2022
Date Of Posting: May 21, 2022
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 986
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
When the world is dark and dreary,
And your body and soul are weary,
Remember that the good fight
Will always be on the side of Right.
Marjorie Howland Smith
"Suffrage Tales"
1909 C.E.
Lois looked up as Wonder Woman swept down from the sky, alighting in front of the clinic. The crowd applauded and cheered as the Director shook hands with the Amazing Amazon. Cell phone cameras clicked and photographers wielded their professional equipment. Reporters called out questions while Wonder Woman smiled and deflected expertly.
A small podium was erected in front of the entrance. Director Kelly Stafford, a middle-aged woman with light brown hair curling around her ears and wearing purple-framed glasses, stepped up and tapped the microphone.
"Welcome, everyone. Today is a remarkable day." She waved at the yellow ribbon that stretched across the double doors. "Today we open the latest Hera's Haven here in Niagara Falls, Ontario." As if on cue, the roar of the nearby Falls sounded loud and clear. Lois glanced at the magnificent scenery. Niagara Falls never disappointed. "Now, to officially open the center, may I introduce Princess Diana of Themyscira, also know as Wonder Woman!"
More applause. Wonder Woman stepped to the podium. "Welcome, my friends. This is an important day."
Lois agreed with that statement. She scanned the crowd, seeing mostly women but there were men here, too. Wonder Woman stood tall and serene at the podium, her star-spangled cape fluttering in the breeze. Sunlight glinted off her golden tiara as she spoke.
"Hera's Haven does important work not only through North America but all over the world. We offer a full range of health services, shelter from abuse, a crisis hotline. We serve women in Man's World, where often they must struggle simply because they are women. We endeavor to ease that struggle. In challenging times, we offer solace."
Lois wrote a few notes, impressed by the simplicity of the speech. Nothing grandiose, but powerfully persuasive.
"We are opening new Havens every day. Here in Canada we are located in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and St. John's. This new center in Niagara Falls is important. It will be right on the border between Canada and America, ready if necessary. We are also opening a new center in Mexico close to the border. We are ready to do our work." She smiled. "Now, to open this new center."
Wonder Woman picked up the ceremonial scissors and cut the ribbon as the applause swept over the crowd like the Falls over the precipice.
"Refreshments right over there," said the Director, pointing to a long table with a fantastic view of the Falls. Wonder Woman was surrounded by admirers as she moved toward the buffet table.
The reception went very well, Wonder Woman moving in a swirl of long skirts. She drank sparkling cider and sampled vanilla teacakes and chocolate cupcakes. Lois chose lemon cookies with her cider.
it always amazes me that Wonder Woman can be a skillful Warrior and a charming diplomat. Talk about a woman of many facets!
An hour later, the reception began to break up as tours were given of the building. The Director led those who were interested in the short tour. On a bluff overlooking the Falls, Lois approached Wonder Woman.
"Diana?"
Wonder Woman turned. "Hello, Lois. I saw you in the crowd."
"If there's news, I'm there."
"The Daily Planet considers the opening of another Hera's Haven of interest to their readers?"
"Perry does."
"The venerable Mr. Perry White has solid journalistic instincts."
Lois smiled. "He certainly does."
Diana returned her attention to the spectacle of the Falls. "Do you have questions for me?"
"I'm a reporter. I always have questions."
Diana smiled. "Go ahead."
"How many new centers are you planning to open?"
"As many as necessary."
"On the Canadian and Mexican borders?"
"Yes."
"I know you Amazons can afford it. The jewelry, artwork and books your Amazon creatives make are in high demand here in the world, and those tours of Amazon artifacts certainly bring in enough money."
"Yes, we are not lacking for funds." Diana crossed her arms. "The fight never ends."
"I'm guessing you mean..."
"Yes." She sighed. "The war on women never ends."
"Never." Lois shifted her feet. "I suppose your mother and sisters are appalled."
"Oh, yes."
"Do they think any change can be made in this sorry world?"
"Every time we take one step forward, we take two steps backward."
Lois watched the tourist boat, The Maid Of The Mist, bobbing on the waves as it chugged toward the base of the Falls. "I can't argue that."
Diana inclined her head toward the Falls. "It is eternal, like the water plunging over that cliff, this battle for women's rights in Man's World." Diana shook her head. "In some societies in this world, women are treated like chattel. This is not some tales of the Middle Ages, Lois. This is the 21st century and yet women are still dying in childbirth, still shamed for being raped, as if it were their fault, denied autonomy over things men never even think about."
Lois detected an undercurrent of rage in Diana's calm words. The boat was as close as its captain dared to the thundering curtains of water.
"Diana?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for your support."
Diana looked at Lois. "The Amazons will always fight the good fight."
"Hallelujah."
Diana smiled. "Whatever comes, we will be ready."
She caught a draft of air and flew off, her long cape fluttering out behind her. She flew over The Maid Of The Mist as the passengers exclaimed and pointed. Lois swore she could see mist sparkle in Diana's dark hair. She flew through the Falls in joyful abandon, emerging like a Goddess of the Sea, and then she was gone.
"Thank heaven for the Amazons," Lois murmured, gripping her notebook as she began the slow walk to her car.
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth. Comment on either entry as you wish. :)
This story can also be read on AO3.