Fic: Rainbow's Freedom (RobinSong Arc) (11/41)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (RobinSong Arc) (11/41)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Lex Luthor, Ron McBride
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. As Bruce and Clark try and adjust to being lovers as well as Master and slave, on a warm spring night a new member of the Wayne Household is added: a little boy whom Bruce sadly identifies with. Dick Grayson further pushes Bruce along the path of Abolitionism as the child brings further Light into the Manor. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: Drama, AU
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Lex has an important meeting in Metropolis.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): August 30, 2007
Date Of Posting: May 2, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1151
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
And, lo,
There shall come
A Great Cataclysm
That shakes apart
The earth,
And Angels shall
Appear
On the wings
Of Heaven.
Rivers will run
And volcanoes boil,
And few
Shall escape
The Day of Reckoning.
But there is
Hope,
As the Great Savior
Shall appear
To lead his people
To Freedom’s Rainbow.
The House Of The Star
Shall birth the Starchild,
Who shall suffer
The Shackles of Injustice
Yet shall be
The better for it.
Psalm 67,
Song Of The Savior
“The Book Of Rao”
Pre-Modern Krypton
XI
LEGEND
On the day of John and Mary Grayson’s funeral in Gotham, Lex Luthor smiled and shook the hand of Major Ronald McBride. He handed Ron a long, warm, paper bag as they settled on a park bench on a side path screened by bushes from the main path of Golden Grove Park in the heart of Metropolis. The sound of splashing water from a nearby fountain made a pleasant aural backdrop.
“Mmm, pastrami on rye. Perfect, Lex. "
Lex took out his own turkey sandwich from another bag. “Sometimes a salad just doesn’t cut it.”
Ron laughed. A slender man around Lex’s age, he wore a tan trenchcoat as a slight breeze blew his short chestnut hair on this overcast day.
“I’m sorry it’s so early.” Ron glanced at his watch that read 11:10.
“Perfectly okay. I had no breakfast, and besides, I’ve never been one for convention. I eat when I want to eat.” Lex took a bite of his club sandwich. “I eat deli sandwiches and five-star meals.” Lex’s gray/blue eyes sparkled. “I don’t like to be pigeonholed.”
Ron smiled. “You’ve never fit neatly into any little box, Lex.” He accepted the bottle of Sunpunch Lex handed him. “How’s Dad?”
“Bill is his usual sweet self.” Ron laughed. “After all these years as head of LexCorp Security, he’s as brilliantly efficient as ever, as a retired general should.” Lex sipped his Pepsi. “So, what have you been up to?”
“Oh, the usual.” Ron’s hazel eyes were knowing. “Good thing you have high clearance, Lex, or I’d think you were on a fishing expedition.”
“I’d never trick you, Ron,” Lex said with a smile.
“I know.” Ron relaxed. “I can say that the threat from the Collective is waning.”
“Why?”
Ron shrugged. “Who knows their motivation? They’re totally alien to us, far more than the Rigellians or Jovarans or any other humanoid races out there. All we do know is that Ambassador West has requested termination of her mission to the Collective, and she wouldn’t do that if there was an imminent threat.”
“Good to hear.”
“Really.” A robin flew over their heads, intent on gathering twigs for its nest. “But remember, the Collective isn’t the only threat out there.”
“Ah.” Lex nodded. “The Kadorans.”
Ron grunted. “A race humanoid like most of those in the Empire, and also extremely aggressive. They live for war. Only our superior technology and sheer weight of numbers have kept them at bay for so many years.”
“We defeated them a hundred years ago. We’ve skirmished, but nothing since that war except brush fires and proxy wars.”
“Don’t think the Kadorans have forgotten. They were defeated and driven back to their Empire, and that defeat grates on them even now. They’ve conquered other star systems since then, but they will never rest until they’ve avenged their defeat at the hands of our Empire.”
“So have any incursions occurred from the Kadorans?”
“Just the usual Cold War posturings.”
“Hmm, guess that sounds encouraging.” Lex sipped his drink. “So, is the Hunt for Kryptonians still on?”
Ron nodded. “They’re an interesting people, and not just for the powers they gain under a yellow sun."
“They have a strong Abolitionist streak.”
“Not all of them.”
“I don’t think any of them were practicing slavers.”
“Doubtful, certainly, but it’s dicey to generalize.”
“Point taken.” Lex enjoyed the sharp tang of brown mustard on his sandwich. “Are they completely scattered?”
“Mostly, though some are living and hiding in small bands on desolate worlds. As the Hunted, they are in constant peril of being arrested.”
“And executed.”
Ron nodded. “They’ll get little help out there. Anyone caught harbouring the Hunted can face jail time and confiscation of property.”
“As long as the Kryptonians remain the Hunted, they’ll probably remain disorganized as well.”
“True, but there is a symbol they could really around.”
“Oh? What symbol is that?”
“Kal-El, Heir to the Ruling House of El.”
Interest sparked in Lex’s eyes. “I thought the House of El was destroyed in the Great Destruction?”
“The Heads of the House, Jor-El and Lara, were almost certainly killed when Krypton exploded. As for their Heir, stories abound. Some say he perished with them, others that he was placed with Jor-El’s brother, Zor-El, and his wife Allura, off-world. Some tales even tell of the baby being placed in a rocket for some unknown destination.”
“Fantastic story.”
“Yes.” Ron took another bite. “But who knows what’s fantastic and what isn’t in this world?”
“So you think this Kal-El survived?”
“He could have. If he did, he’s probably deeply closeted.”
“Yes,” Lex agreed.
“He’d be in his mid-twenties by now if he did survive. A good age to lead a rebellion.”
“Do you think he could be capable of such a thing? Even with a handful of Kryptonians?”
“A handful of super-powered Kryptonians could cause considerable havoc.”
“Against the entire Empire?”
Ron nodded. “They could.”
Lex drew a deep breath. “Can they be controlled?”
Ron shrugged. “Some people seem to think so, though it’s not clear if any control has ever been successful. The military tends to eradicate, not control. Or at least that’s their first instinct.”
Lex smiled faintly.
“All I know is that the military uses the Green K to kill the Kryptonians. It’s the only effective known weapon against them.”
“Nothing else?”
“Nothing I’ve ever heard of, and I’m pretty high clearance.”
Lex nodded. “Well, I hope that for this Kal-El’s sake, that he didn’t survive.”
A look of understanding passed between them as they thought of the cruelties the Government could bring to bear.
They discussed other things, then Ron’s lunch hour wound down and they parted, Lex strolling through the park. Overcast or not, it was a lovely spring day.
This lunch meeting had been productive. Re-connecting with Ron was his first step in gaining entry into Kryptonian matters. Ron was privy to the Hunt and would probably recommend him for that committee. If Lex had to start with the Hunt, he would do so.
Eventually he would find and join the faction who wanted control, not eradication.
Ron was no fool. He knew that Lex wanted something but seemed to have no problem with it.
Good. Because I can’t stand waste, and killing Kryptonians instead of using them is a damned waste.
Lex whistled as he walked back to the office.
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Lex Luthor, Ron McBride
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. As Bruce and Clark try and adjust to being lovers as well as Master and slave, on a warm spring night a new member of the Wayne Household is added: a little boy whom Bruce sadly identifies with. Dick Grayson further pushes Bruce along the path of Abolitionism as the child brings further Light into the Manor. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: Drama, AU
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Lex has an important meeting in Metropolis.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): August 30, 2007
Date Of Posting: May 2, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1151
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
And, lo,
There shall come
A Great Cataclysm
That shakes apart
The earth,
And Angels shall
Appear
On the wings
Of Heaven.
Rivers will run
And volcanoes boil,
And few
Shall escape
The Day of Reckoning.
But there is
Hope,
As the Great Savior
Shall appear
To lead his people
To Freedom’s Rainbow.
The House Of The Star
Shall birth the Starchild,
Who shall suffer
The Shackles of Injustice
Yet shall be
The better for it.
Psalm 67,
Song Of The Savior
“The Book Of Rao”
Pre-Modern Krypton
XI
LEGEND
On the day of John and Mary Grayson’s funeral in Gotham, Lex Luthor smiled and shook the hand of Major Ronald McBride. He handed Ron a long, warm, paper bag as they settled on a park bench on a side path screened by bushes from the main path of Golden Grove Park in the heart of Metropolis. The sound of splashing water from a nearby fountain made a pleasant aural backdrop.
“Mmm, pastrami on rye. Perfect, Lex. "
Lex took out his own turkey sandwich from another bag. “Sometimes a salad just doesn’t cut it.”
Ron laughed. A slender man around Lex’s age, he wore a tan trenchcoat as a slight breeze blew his short chestnut hair on this overcast day.
“I’m sorry it’s so early.” Ron glanced at his watch that read 11:10.
“Perfectly okay. I had no breakfast, and besides, I’ve never been one for convention. I eat when I want to eat.” Lex took a bite of his club sandwich. “I eat deli sandwiches and five-star meals.” Lex’s gray/blue eyes sparkled. “I don’t like to be pigeonholed.”
Ron smiled. “You’ve never fit neatly into any little box, Lex.” He accepted the bottle of Sunpunch Lex handed him. “How’s Dad?”
“Bill is his usual sweet self.” Ron laughed. “After all these years as head of LexCorp Security, he’s as brilliantly efficient as ever, as a retired general should.” Lex sipped his Pepsi. “So, what have you been up to?”
“Oh, the usual.” Ron’s hazel eyes were knowing. “Good thing you have high clearance, Lex, or I’d think you were on a fishing expedition.”
“I’d never trick you, Ron,” Lex said with a smile.
“I know.” Ron relaxed. “I can say that the threat from the Collective is waning.”
“Why?”
Ron shrugged. “Who knows their motivation? They’re totally alien to us, far more than the Rigellians or Jovarans or any other humanoid races out there. All we do know is that Ambassador West has requested termination of her mission to the Collective, and she wouldn’t do that if there was an imminent threat.”
“Good to hear.”
“Really.” A robin flew over their heads, intent on gathering twigs for its nest. “But remember, the Collective isn’t the only threat out there.”
“Ah.” Lex nodded. “The Kadorans.”
Ron grunted. “A race humanoid like most of those in the Empire, and also extremely aggressive. They live for war. Only our superior technology and sheer weight of numbers have kept them at bay for so many years.”
“We defeated them a hundred years ago. We’ve skirmished, but nothing since that war except brush fires and proxy wars.”
“Don’t think the Kadorans have forgotten. They were defeated and driven back to their Empire, and that defeat grates on them even now. They’ve conquered other star systems since then, but they will never rest until they’ve avenged their defeat at the hands of our Empire.”
“So have any incursions occurred from the Kadorans?”
“Just the usual Cold War posturings.”
“Hmm, guess that sounds encouraging.” Lex sipped his drink. “So, is the Hunt for Kryptonians still on?”
Ron nodded. “They’re an interesting people, and not just for the powers they gain under a yellow sun."
“They have a strong Abolitionist streak.”
“Not all of them.”
“I don’t think any of them were practicing slavers.”
“Doubtful, certainly, but it’s dicey to generalize.”
“Point taken.” Lex enjoyed the sharp tang of brown mustard on his sandwich. “Are they completely scattered?”
“Mostly, though some are living and hiding in small bands on desolate worlds. As the Hunted, they are in constant peril of being arrested.”
“And executed.”
Ron nodded. “They’ll get little help out there. Anyone caught harbouring the Hunted can face jail time and confiscation of property.”
“As long as the Kryptonians remain the Hunted, they’ll probably remain disorganized as well.”
“True, but there is a symbol they could really around.”
“Oh? What symbol is that?”
“Kal-El, Heir to the Ruling House of El.”
Interest sparked in Lex’s eyes. “I thought the House of El was destroyed in the Great Destruction?”
“The Heads of the House, Jor-El and Lara, were almost certainly killed when Krypton exploded. As for their Heir, stories abound. Some say he perished with them, others that he was placed with Jor-El’s brother, Zor-El, and his wife Allura, off-world. Some tales even tell of the baby being placed in a rocket for some unknown destination.”
“Fantastic story.”
“Yes.” Ron took another bite. “But who knows what’s fantastic and what isn’t in this world?”
“So you think this Kal-El survived?”
“He could have. If he did, he’s probably deeply closeted.”
“Yes,” Lex agreed.
“He’d be in his mid-twenties by now if he did survive. A good age to lead a rebellion.”
“Do you think he could be capable of such a thing? Even with a handful of Kryptonians?”
“A handful of super-powered Kryptonians could cause considerable havoc.”
“Against the entire Empire?”
Ron nodded. “They could.”
Lex drew a deep breath. “Can they be controlled?”
Ron shrugged. “Some people seem to think so, though it’s not clear if any control has ever been successful. The military tends to eradicate, not control. Or at least that’s their first instinct.”
Lex smiled faintly.
“All I know is that the military uses the Green K to kill the Kryptonians. It’s the only effective known weapon against them.”
“Nothing else?”
“Nothing I’ve ever heard of, and I’m pretty high clearance.”
Lex nodded. “Well, I hope that for this Kal-El’s sake, that he didn’t survive.”
A look of understanding passed between them as they thought of the cruelties the Government could bring to bear.
They discussed other things, then Ron’s lunch hour wound down and they parted, Lex strolling through the park. Overcast or not, it was a lovely spring day.
This lunch meeting had been productive. Re-connecting with Ron was his first step in gaining entry into Kryptonian matters. Ron was privy to the Hunt and would probably recommend him for that committee. If Lex had to start with the Hunt, he would do so.
Eventually he would find and join the faction who wanted control, not eradication.
Ron was no fool. He knew that Lex wanted something but seemed to have no problem with it.
Good. Because I can’t stand waste, and killing Kryptonians instead of using them is a damned waste.
Lex whistled as he walked back to the office.