Fic: Rainbow's Freedom (Justice Arc) (61/61) (COMPLETE!!!) ;)
Well, it took awhile to get here (RL has been slamming me hard lately) but here it is! Hope you enjoy it and thanks for your loyal readership and commentary. I'm going to post a Notes entry right away, if LJ cooperates! ;)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (61/61)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Selina/Lois/Kathy (Selina does not appear in this chapter, only alluded to), Alfred, Dick/Roy (Roy does not appear in this chapter, only alluded to), Brendan, Lana Lang, Jack Kennedy, Jonathan/Martha, Lex/Jamie, Hal/Steve/Diana
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. Clark begins training under the Bat and secrets are uncovered as the Abolitionist Movement makes rapid progress with old and new methods. Can Freedom outrace rumors of War as the Galactic Empire rushes headlong to a new future?
The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): NC-17
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Historic events take place as autumn leaves fall. ;)
Date Of Completion (First Draft): December 3, 2011
Date Of Completion (First Draft) For All 9 Arcs: January 29, 2007-December 3, 2011
Date Of Posting: March 29, 2013
Date Of Posting For All 9 Arcs: March 15, 2007-March 29, 2013
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 2278
Word Count For All 9 Arcs: 479,218
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The magnificent story cover is by the wonderfully-talented ctbn60. Thanks so much, luv! :)
“In the last days before the Kadoran War, there appeared a new band of heroes on Earth. They would be needed in the days ahead.”
The Freedom Chronicles
2363 C.E.
THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA!!! ;)
Clark stood in the gazebo watching a yellow-and-white-striped sailboat bob on the waves. His arms were crossed and the sunlight glinted off his slave collar and bracelets, creating a wildly-colorful prism of rainbow colors.
He loved the ocean. Growing up on Kansas plains, he had experienced ponds and lakes, but this was different. The power of the sea never failed to fascinate him.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Clark smiled as Bruce wrapped his arms around him from behind, nuzzling his neck above the collar.
“Yes.”
“And so are you.”
Clark laughed. “You’re so charming, Master.”
Bruce chuckled against his ear. “It’s easy to be with such a charming pleasure slave.”
Clark groaned, leaning back into Bruce’s embrace, totally relaxed. “We’ve come a long way, baby.”
Bruce laughed. “Oh, definitely.” He gently tweaked Clark’s right nipple as he slid his hand up beneath his lover’s red sweater.
“Mmm.”
They stood there in companionable silence, watching the play of sunlight on the water. Finally Clark said, “Dick’s following in our footsteps.”
“Hmm?”
“He’s in love with Roy.”
“Oh, yes.”
“So you knew?”
“I suspected.”
“Well, that’s true to form.”
Bruce nipped at Clark’s neck. “A boy like Dick can’t hide being in love for long.”
“That’s true.”
“We’ll just have to try and make the long-distance romance easier on him and see that they get together as often as possible.”
“So you see it as long-term?” Clark’s breath hitched as Bruce stroked his stomach.
”Dick might have crushes as he grows up, but this seems serious to me.” Bruce’s hand wandered down and massaged Clark’ cock through his jeans as the other man moaned. Bruce deftly unsnapped his jeans and stroked Clark’s cock through his briefs, smirking as his lover pushed back against him. Clark’s ass ground against Bruce’s groin as his bulge clearly communicated his arousal. Bruce continued massaging Clark’s cock as he pulled down his underwear. His lover bucked one final time and collapsed against Bruce’s broad chest.
“Oh, you need tending to.” Clark wiggled his ass against Bruce’s groin.
“I’d say so,” Bruce said dryly.
Clark turned around and kissed Bruce hard, then turned back to face the ocean again and dropped to all fours. He threw a mischievous glance back over his shoulder.
“Let me take care of you, Master.”
Bruce swallowed and patted Clark’s ass as he pulled down his jeans and briefs further to constrict his movement.
“All right, my Ja’zel.”
Clark’s smile was brilliant as he faced forward again.
& & & & & &
Bruce was touched by Clark’s gesture. When he’d offered himself as a slave, Bruce knew that he was showing respect. He had chosen to remain by Bruce’s side as his slave, and was willing to play that part, trusting Bruce as much now as he had before the truth of his heritage came out.
Bruce caressed the perfect buttocks, his cock more than ready. He nudged the tip of his cock between Clark’s cheeks. He spread the globes and gently eased his way in, knowing that he couldn’t hurt his invulnerable lover. He started thrusting, mesmerized as Clark arched his back. Bruce gripped his hips as he continued thrusting hot and hard.
He could smell the salt air and hear the sound of the waves as his blood thrummed with passion. It was all so elemental as he watched the sun sparkle on the waves and Clark’s skin glow with ardor. He was a force of Nature, claiming what was his and freely given. He tugged on Clark’s hair to arch his head back. With one last thrust he looked down at the beautiful man kneeling before him and came, his body shuddering.
He hugged Clark as he kissed the nape of his neck. “I love you,” he whispered.
Clark grasped the hand around his waist. “Me, too.”
& & & & & &
Bruce left Clark to enjoy the weather in the gazebo. He walked back to the Manor and waved at Kathy, who stood at the library window. He joined her and they hugged.
“Glad to see you, Cousin,” he said.
“Glad to see you, Cousin,” she smiled. They sat on the couch and Kathy said, “So you still think we ought to wait to reveal our identities with our fellow heroes?”
Bruce shifted uncomfortably. “There’s so much at stake.”
She took his hand and squeezed. “I know, Bruce, but you have to trust somebody.”
His smile was wry. “How did you know?”
She smiled. “Shall I go with feminine intuition or detective work?”
“A little of both?”
She laughed. “Yes.” Releasing his hand, she looked at the portrait of Bruce and his parents. “Uncle Thomas and Aunt Martha would be very proud of you.”
Bruce looked at the painting. “I’d like to think so,” he said softly.
“The time is right to come out.”
He smiled. “Isn’t that what they used to say about debutantes?”
“They still do.” Kathy’s green eyes sparkled. “Diana’s suggestion of a name was perfect.”
“She’s got the touch, all right.”
“So, do I get an invitation to Halloween Week this year?”
“You’ve always had a standing invitation, Cousin.”
She smiled and squeezed his hand again.
& & & & & &
After Kathy had left, Bruce wandered into the kitchen. Alfred was preparing an apple pie for the oven. Another pie was already in there. Bruce could smell lemon.
He looked fondly at his old friend. There had never been a time in his life when Alfred had not been there.
“Smells delicious, Alfred.”
“Thank you, sir. I have a cherry one to make next.”
“Heaven.”
Alfred smiled. He bustled about, efficient and precise, but Bruce felt the warmth of home.
“Would you like some coffee, sir?”
“No, thanks. Where’s Dick?”
“Out on the back lawn.”
Bruce started to go outside, then stopped. “On second thought, coffee sounds great.”
“Very good, sir.”
The coffee was dark and rich and tasted like heaven. Bruce thanked Alfred and went outside, smiling as he saw Dick performing somersaults on the leafy lawn.
Dick’s energy never changed. It sparkled around him, and had grown brighter ever since the news of the Hunt Decree on the Roma being lifted had reached them yesterday.
The proverbial Sword of Damocles has been lifted from his head.
As he watched Dick tumble and spin, he hoped that his decree of Veiling wouldn’t dampen his boy’s spirits too much. Dick was on the cusp of adolescence and was going to blossom into a beautiful young man sure to attract attention.
I’m protecting you, Dick. I know you hate being Veiled but it’s for your safety.
Dick ended his routine with a flourish and Bruce clapped and called, “Bravo!”
Dick grinned. Since he was on the estate he was not wearing dark glasses. His blue eyes sparkled like sunlight-on-the-sea. He bowed dramatically.
“Beautiful day today,” Bruce observed.
“The best!”
Bruce smiled and walked toward the seawall as Dick fell into step beside him. Their comfortable silence always soothed Bruce. Like with Clark and Alfred, words were sometimes unnecessary between them.
Sometimes I think I do my best communicating when I don’t say a word.
They stood by the seawall and Dick asked, “Can we go sailing this weekend?”
“Sure. The weather’s still good.”
Dick leaned his elbows on the seawall. “Things are really moving fast, huh?”
Bruce took a sip of his coffee. “We live in interesting times.”
Dick chuckled. “That’s one way of putting it.” He watched a seagull fly by, squawking as it flapped its wings. A lobster boat chugged along on its way toward its fishing grounds. “What did Kathy have to say?”
“That it’s time.”
Dick straightened up, bouncing on his toes. “Can we sidekicks form an auxiliary? Barry says that his nephew Wally is eager to join.”
“Good.”
“The Arrows and us are the only non-powered heroes, but we’re smart.”
“Yes, Roy and Melody are pretty bright, and Dinah and Ollie go without saying.”
Dick grinned. “Are you going t o tell Ollie that?”
“Perish the thought,” Bruce said in his best Brucie fashion.
Dick laughed. “How are we going to form an auxiliary?”
“I’ll bring it up at the next meeting. Work up a proposal for me, will you? You can present it.”
Excitement shone in Dick’s eyes. “Okay!”
Bruce sipped his coffee. Alfred really knew how to brew a fantastic cup of java. “I’ve been thinking.”
“Oh?” Dick was expectant. Whether for good or bad, Bruce thinking was always interesting.
“Yes. I think with our new hero cooperation, we should get to know each other’s organizations better. I’ll speak to Dinah and Ollie, but my idea is for you to spend part of next summer in Star City.” Bruce had to restrain his laughter as he saw Dick’s face light up. His boy was good at undercover work but otherwise he could hide nothing. “Then we could host Roy and Melody here. It’ll be good to know the workings of other heroes’ organizations, just in case.”
“That sounds good to me.” Dick’s smile was incandescent.
“Good. I’ll speak to Dinah and Ollie right away. And instead of waiting ‘til summer, we should do a mini-visit after New Year’s.”
“Awesome!’
This time Bruce did laugh. He ruffled Dick’s hair and felt very content indeed. Dick looked past him toward the house.
“Alfred’s approaching.”
Bruce turned, his fingers tightening around the handle of his mug. Could there be trouble?
“There is important breaking news on the telly, sir.”
“Good or bad?”
“You shall see. Come.”
Clark was walking toward them and joined the group. Their curiosity was afire as they followed Alfred into the house. Brendan was already waiting inside.
The living room television was on and Lana Lang was at the podium. She was looking extremely lovely in a tailored Kelly-green suit, different from the one she had worn during the Hunt Decree telecast. A gold leaf pin winked in her lapel. There was an excited hubbub from the crowd of reporters on the steps of the Capitol Building. Bruce had to admit that it was a great backdrop to use. Jack Kennedy stood at her right, slightly behind her. Other Senators were ranged to her left and right.
Lois’ voice could be heard over the crowd, excitement on the fringes. “Senator Lang, could you repeat that?”
“Certainly, Ms. Lane. My colleagues and I on the Social Advancement Committee have just introduced Bill Number 2353, the Abolition Of Slavery Law.”
Cries of outrage and cheers erupted. Dick whooped and did a backflip while Clark and Bruce hugged. Bruce grabbed Alfred’s hand and drew him into a hug, too, while Clark and Dick embraced. Alfred wiped his eyes and Brendan hugged him and Dick next.
Lana and Jack smiled from the TV screen as the world exploded with the news. A crawl at the bottom of the screen read, Local Breaking News: Gotham Police Commissioner James Gordon announced that wealthy businessman Edmund Caldwell is missing. Further updates will be forthcoming when the Gotham City Police Department becomes apprised.
That night there was merriment inside Wayne Manor while a few miles away, celebration could be heard at Briarwood.
“The Sadist is dead. Long live Freedom,” was whispered in Edmund Caldwell’s ancestral home.
& & & & & &
For the people of Earth, reeling or joyously giddy from the news about the long-awaited move by the United States Senate, depending on their view of the issue, the next day dawned sparkling-bright after an evening of heavy rains. There was more news to come that was destined to rock the world and the Empire.
Lois was in Lana’s office with the redhead and Jack on conference call with Martha and Jonathan in Smallville and Lex in Metropolis. Jamie could be seen hovering in the background.
Suddenly the announcement of Breaking News came up on the screen and Lana’s cellphone rang. She answered it and smiled. “Turn on the TV.” Jack clicked the remote.
& & & & & &
Lois stood in the crowd as the morning sun shed its light on the great city’s buildings. She stood next to Steve who smiled excitedly at her. As the two non-caped members of the new organization making its debut, they had formed an easy bond during the meetings.
From across the sea flew the colorful array of superheroes all gathered together, their younger partners with them. Green Lantern’s Ring carried those who couldn’t fly. Impressive, but it was the figure who stood in the center of the group at the forefront, Batman to his left and Wonder Woman on his right, who was the most impressive of them all. He wore a red-yellow-and-blue spandex costume with a scarlet cape, his handsome face smiling. She remembered him grumbling about the name she had bestowed upon him during their last meeting when Robin had presented his case for a junior members’ auxiliary. She squeezed Steve’s hand.
That kid’s a natural-born leader.
And so was Clark Kent, son of Jonathan and Martha Kent of Earth and Kal-El, son of Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, the Sal-Vor of Krypton.
“Greetings, people of Earth. My name is Superman and I introduce you to the Justice League of America!”
A rainbow curved out over the ocean.
There are many rainbows but only one Rainbow’s Freedom.
& & & & & &
Epilogue:
The vote for the Abolition Of Slavery Law was tabled when news came just before the session opened that the Kadorans had viciously attacked Cestus I on the Outer Rim. In the press gallery, Lois Lane went white and hastily left her seat.
The Cold War was over.
The Kadoran War had begun.
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Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (61/61)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Selina/Lois/Kathy (Selina does not appear in this chapter, only alluded to), Alfred, Dick/Roy (Roy does not appear in this chapter, only alluded to), Brendan, Lana Lang, Jack Kennedy, Jonathan/Martha, Lex/Jamie, Hal/Steve/Diana
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. Clark begins training under the Bat and secrets are uncovered as the Abolitionist Movement makes rapid progress with old and new methods. Can Freedom outrace rumors of War as the Galactic Empire rushes headlong to a new future?
The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): NC-17
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Historic events take place as autumn leaves fall. ;)
Date Of Completion (First Draft): December 3, 2011
Date Of Completion (First Draft) For All 9 Arcs: January 29, 2007-December 3, 2011
Date Of Posting: March 29, 2013
Date Of Posting For All 9 Arcs: March 15, 2007-March 29, 2013
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 2278
Word Count For All 9 Arcs: 479,218
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The magnificent story cover is by the wonderfully-talented ctbn60. Thanks so much, luv! :)
“In the last days before the Kadoran War, there appeared a new band of heroes on Earth. They would be needed in the days ahead.”
The Freedom Chronicles
2363 C.E.
THE JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA!!! ;)
Clark stood in the gazebo watching a yellow-and-white-striped sailboat bob on the waves. His arms were crossed and the sunlight glinted off his slave collar and bracelets, creating a wildly-colorful prism of rainbow colors.
He loved the ocean. Growing up on Kansas plains, he had experienced ponds and lakes, but this was different. The power of the sea never failed to fascinate him.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Clark smiled as Bruce wrapped his arms around him from behind, nuzzling his neck above the collar.
“Yes.”
“And so are you.”
Clark laughed. “You’re so charming, Master.”
Bruce chuckled against his ear. “It’s easy to be with such a charming pleasure slave.”
Clark groaned, leaning back into Bruce’s embrace, totally relaxed. “We’ve come a long way, baby.”
Bruce laughed. “Oh, definitely.” He gently tweaked Clark’s right nipple as he slid his hand up beneath his lover’s red sweater.
“Mmm.”
They stood there in companionable silence, watching the play of sunlight on the water. Finally Clark said, “Dick’s following in our footsteps.”
“Hmm?”
“He’s in love with Roy.”
“Oh, yes.”
“So you knew?”
“I suspected.”
“Well, that’s true to form.”
Bruce nipped at Clark’s neck. “A boy like Dick can’t hide being in love for long.”
“That’s true.”
“We’ll just have to try and make the long-distance romance easier on him and see that they get together as often as possible.”
“So you see it as long-term?” Clark’s breath hitched as Bruce stroked his stomach.
”Dick might have crushes as he grows up, but this seems serious to me.” Bruce’s hand wandered down and massaged Clark’ cock through his jeans as the other man moaned. Bruce deftly unsnapped his jeans and stroked Clark’s cock through his briefs, smirking as his lover pushed back against him. Clark’s ass ground against Bruce’s groin as his bulge clearly communicated his arousal. Bruce continued massaging Clark’s cock as he pulled down his underwear. His lover bucked one final time and collapsed against Bruce’s broad chest.
“Oh, you need tending to.” Clark wiggled his ass against Bruce’s groin.
“I’d say so,” Bruce said dryly.
Clark turned around and kissed Bruce hard, then turned back to face the ocean again and dropped to all fours. He threw a mischievous glance back over his shoulder.
“Let me take care of you, Master.”
Bruce swallowed and patted Clark’s ass as he pulled down his jeans and briefs further to constrict his movement.
“All right, my Ja’zel.”
Clark’s smile was brilliant as he faced forward again.
& & & & & &
Bruce was touched by Clark’s gesture. When he’d offered himself as a slave, Bruce knew that he was showing respect. He had chosen to remain by Bruce’s side as his slave, and was willing to play that part, trusting Bruce as much now as he had before the truth of his heritage came out.
Bruce caressed the perfect buttocks, his cock more than ready. He nudged the tip of his cock between Clark’s cheeks. He spread the globes and gently eased his way in, knowing that he couldn’t hurt his invulnerable lover. He started thrusting, mesmerized as Clark arched his back. Bruce gripped his hips as he continued thrusting hot and hard.
He could smell the salt air and hear the sound of the waves as his blood thrummed with passion. It was all so elemental as he watched the sun sparkle on the waves and Clark’s skin glow with ardor. He was a force of Nature, claiming what was his and freely given. He tugged on Clark’s hair to arch his head back. With one last thrust he looked down at the beautiful man kneeling before him and came, his body shuddering.
He hugged Clark as he kissed the nape of his neck. “I love you,” he whispered.
Clark grasped the hand around his waist. “Me, too.”
& & & & & &
Bruce left Clark to enjoy the weather in the gazebo. He walked back to the Manor and waved at Kathy, who stood at the library window. He joined her and they hugged.
“Glad to see you, Cousin,” he said.
“Glad to see you, Cousin,” she smiled. They sat on the couch and Kathy said, “So you still think we ought to wait to reveal our identities with our fellow heroes?”
Bruce shifted uncomfortably. “There’s so much at stake.”
She took his hand and squeezed. “I know, Bruce, but you have to trust somebody.”
His smile was wry. “How did you know?”
She smiled. “Shall I go with feminine intuition or detective work?”
“A little of both?”
She laughed. “Yes.” Releasing his hand, she looked at the portrait of Bruce and his parents. “Uncle Thomas and Aunt Martha would be very proud of you.”
Bruce looked at the painting. “I’d like to think so,” he said softly.
“The time is right to come out.”
He smiled. “Isn’t that what they used to say about debutantes?”
“They still do.” Kathy’s green eyes sparkled. “Diana’s suggestion of a name was perfect.”
“She’s got the touch, all right.”
“So, do I get an invitation to Halloween Week this year?”
“You’ve always had a standing invitation, Cousin.”
She smiled and squeezed his hand again.
& & & & & &
After Kathy had left, Bruce wandered into the kitchen. Alfred was preparing an apple pie for the oven. Another pie was already in there. Bruce could smell lemon.
He looked fondly at his old friend. There had never been a time in his life when Alfred had not been there.
“Smells delicious, Alfred.”
“Thank you, sir. I have a cherry one to make next.”
“Heaven.”
Alfred smiled. He bustled about, efficient and precise, but Bruce felt the warmth of home.
“Would you like some coffee, sir?”
“No, thanks. Where’s Dick?”
“Out on the back lawn.”
Bruce started to go outside, then stopped. “On second thought, coffee sounds great.”
“Very good, sir.”
The coffee was dark and rich and tasted like heaven. Bruce thanked Alfred and went outside, smiling as he saw Dick performing somersaults on the leafy lawn.
Dick’s energy never changed. It sparkled around him, and had grown brighter ever since the news of the Hunt Decree on the Roma being lifted had reached them yesterday.
The proverbial Sword of Damocles has been lifted from his head.
As he watched Dick tumble and spin, he hoped that his decree of Veiling wouldn’t dampen his boy’s spirits too much. Dick was on the cusp of adolescence and was going to blossom into a beautiful young man sure to attract attention.
I’m protecting you, Dick. I know you hate being Veiled but it’s for your safety.
Dick ended his routine with a flourish and Bruce clapped and called, “Bravo!”
Dick grinned. Since he was on the estate he was not wearing dark glasses. His blue eyes sparkled like sunlight-on-the-sea. He bowed dramatically.
“Beautiful day today,” Bruce observed.
“The best!”
Bruce smiled and walked toward the seawall as Dick fell into step beside him. Their comfortable silence always soothed Bruce. Like with Clark and Alfred, words were sometimes unnecessary between them.
Sometimes I think I do my best communicating when I don’t say a word.
They stood by the seawall and Dick asked, “Can we go sailing this weekend?”
“Sure. The weather’s still good.”
Dick leaned his elbows on the seawall. “Things are really moving fast, huh?”
Bruce took a sip of his coffee. “We live in interesting times.”
Dick chuckled. “That’s one way of putting it.” He watched a seagull fly by, squawking as it flapped its wings. A lobster boat chugged along on its way toward its fishing grounds. “What did Kathy have to say?”
“That it’s time.”
Dick straightened up, bouncing on his toes. “Can we sidekicks form an auxiliary? Barry says that his nephew Wally is eager to join.”
“Good.”
“The Arrows and us are the only non-powered heroes, but we’re smart.”
“Yes, Roy and Melody are pretty bright, and Dinah and Ollie go without saying.”
Dick grinned. “Are you going t o tell Ollie that?”
“Perish the thought,” Bruce said in his best Brucie fashion.
Dick laughed. “How are we going to form an auxiliary?”
“I’ll bring it up at the next meeting. Work up a proposal for me, will you? You can present it.”
Excitement shone in Dick’s eyes. “Okay!”
Bruce sipped his coffee. Alfred really knew how to brew a fantastic cup of java. “I’ve been thinking.”
“Oh?” Dick was expectant. Whether for good or bad, Bruce thinking was always interesting.
“Yes. I think with our new hero cooperation, we should get to know each other’s organizations better. I’ll speak to Dinah and Ollie, but my idea is for you to spend part of next summer in Star City.” Bruce had to restrain his laughter as he saw Dick’s face light up. His boy was good at undercover work but otherwise he could hide nothing. “Then we could host Roy and Melody here. It’ll be good to know the workings of other heroes’ organizations, just in case.”
“That sounds good to me.” Dick’s smile was incandescent.
“Good. I’ll speak to Dinah and Ollie right away. And instead of waiting ‘til summer, we should do a mini-visit after New Year’s.”
“Awesome!’
This time Bruce did laugh. He ruffled Dick’s hair and felt very content indeed. Dick looked past him toward the house.
“Alfred’s approaching.”
Bruce turned, his fingers tightening around the handle of his mug. Could there be trouble?
“There is important breaking news on the telly, sir.”
“Good or bad?”
“You shall see. Come.”
Clark was walking toward them and joined the group. Their curiosity was afire as they followed Alfred into the house. Brendan was already waiting inside.
The living room television was on and Lana Lang was at the podium. She was looking extremely lovely in a tailored Kelly-green suit, different from the one she had worn during the Hunt Decree telecast. A gold leaf pin winked in her lapel. There was an excited hubbub from the crowd of reporters on the steps of the Capitol Building. Bruce had to admit that it was a great backdrop to use. Jack Kennedy stood at her right, slightly behind her. Other Senators were ranged to her left and right.
Lois’ voice could be heard over the crowd, excitement on the fringes. “Senator Lang, could you repeat that?”
“Certainly, Ms. Lane. My colleagues and I on the Social Advancement Committee have just introduced Bill Number 2353, the Abolition Of Slavery Law.”
Cries of outrage and cheers erupted. Dick whooped and did a backflip while Clark and Bruce hugged. Bruce grabbed Alfred’s hand and drew him into a hug, too, while Clark and Dick embraced. Alfred wiped his eyes and Brendan hugged him and Dick next.
Lana and Jack smiled from the TV screen as the world exploded with the news. A crawl at the bottom of the screen read, Local Breaking News: Gotham Police Commissioner James Gordon announced that wealthy businessman Edmund Caldwell is missing. Further updates will be forthcoming when the Gotham City Police Department becomes apprised.
That night there was merriment inside Wayne Manor while a few miles away, celebration could be heard at Briarwood.
“The Sadist is dead. Long live Freedom,” was whispered in Edmund Caldwell’s ancestral home.
& & & & & &
For the people of Earth, reeling or joyously giddy from the news about the long-awaited move by the United States Senate, depending on their view of the issue, the next day dawned sparkling-bright after an evening of heavy rains. There was more news to come that was destined to rock the world and the Empire.
Lois was in Lana’s office with the redhead and Jack on conference call with Martha and Jonathan in Smallville and Lex in Metropolis. Jamie could be seen hovering in the background.
Suddenly the announcement of Breaking News came up on the screen and Lana’s cellphone rang. She answered it and smiled. “Turn on the TV.” Jack clicked the remote.
& & & & & &
Lois stood in the crowd as the morning sun shed its light on the great city’s buildings. She stood next to Steve who smiled excitedly at her. As the two non-caped members of the new organization making its debut, they had formed an easy bond during the meetings.
From across the sea flew the colorful array of superheroes all gathered together, their younger partners with them. Green Lantern’s Ring carried those who couldn’t fly. Impressive, but it was the figure who stood in the center of the group at the forefront, Batman to his left and Wonder Woman on his right, who was the most impressive of them all. He wore a red-yellow-and-blue spandex costume with a scarlet cape, his handsome face smiling. She remembered him grumbling about the name she had bestowed upon him during their last meeting when Robin had presented his case for a junior members’ auxiliary. She squeezed Steve’s hand.
That kid’s a natural-born leader.
And so was Clark Kent, son of Jonathan and Martha Kent of Earth and Kal-El, son of Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, the Sal-Vor of Krypton.
“Greetings, people of Earth. My name is Superman and I introduce you to the Justice League of America!”
A rainbow curved out over the ocean.
There are many rainbows but only one Rainbow’s Freedom.
& & & & & &
Epilogue:
The vote for the Abolition Of Slavery Law was tabled when news came just before the session opened that the Kadorans had viciously attacked Cestus I on the Outer Rim. In the press gallery, Lois Lane went white and hastily left her seat.
The Cold War was over.
The Kadoran War had begun.
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