Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (Paradise Arc) (25/37)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Paradise Arc) (25/37)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Steve/Diana, Paula Von Gunther, Mike Anderson, Henry Darnell
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. As Bruce and Clark continue to juggle being lovers as well as Master and slave, Bruce continues his Abolitionist work, and a shocking Family Secret is revealed. Meanwhile, the Queen Family welcomes a new member, and Steve and Hal meet their Destinies, although neither one realizes it yet. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: Drama, AU
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Steve wakes up in Paradise.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 22, 2008
Date Of Posting: May 6, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1607
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
He awoke,
In Paradise.
Bright,
Beautiful,
Exotic.
Like a dream
Come true.
Selina Selway
"Paradise Lost"
2206 C.E.
XXV
PARADISE
He could hear the sound of the sea, its gentle rhythm soothing him as he drifted, murmured voices pleasing to the ear.
Steve’s eyes snapped open, adrenaline coursing through his body. The jet was going down…!
“Relax, Major. You are safe.”
Steve’s eyes focused on an…
“…Angel! You’re an Angel.”
A beautiful vision greeted him: long, dark hair cascading around a perfect face, eyes as deep and blue as the sparkling seas.
“You…?”
“I am Diana.” She laid a cool hand on his brow. “How do you feel?”
“Tired.” Steve groaned. “A mild headache.”
“Considering your head wound, that is a triumph.”
Steve winced. “How bad is it?”
“It was bad.” Diana removed her hand. “It is better now.”
Steve suddenly noticed her slave collar and bracelets. The brand was that of the U.S. Government.
His hip was throbbing. He hoped there wasn’t a hairline fracture or worse. He could feel bumps and bruises all over his body, especially on his right shoulder.
“Do you feel up to eating anything, Major?”
“You know my name?”
Diana smiled. “We are isolated here, but we are not completely ignorant of the outside world.”
A feeling of familiarity nagged at Steve. Had he seen this woman before?
“Paula.”
A blond woman in glasses appeared by Diana’s side. “Yes?”
“Food and drink, please.”
Paula nodded. “Yes, Princess.”
“Princess!” Memory flooded Steve. He grabbed Diana’s arm. “You were the statue in the Amazon exhibit!” He blushed as she looked down at his hand, and he quickly pulled it away. “I’m sorry.”
Her wary look softened. “Have some mangoes, Major. And nectar of the Gods.”
Steve felt dizzy. The Amazons! He had read about them and seen that exhibit in Gotham, but had never expected to meet them, especially the beautiful Princess.
Paula brought a plate of mangoes and a pitcher of juice, which tasted like pineapple.
The tent kept the tropical sun off his fair skin but he wanted to see out. Diana pulled the flap back and he saw the golden domes of Paradise Island.
“It’s beautiful,” he said softly.
“Thank you.”
Diana wore a white chiton with gold clasps, her golden collar and bracelets glinting in the shaft of sunlight streaming through the tent opening.
“I…remember my plane going down.”
She nodded. “The wreckage sunk to the bottom after we had a storm on Monday.’
“Monday?” Steve frowned. “I crashed on Friday. How long was I out?!”
“Today is the eighth day.”
“The eighth…!” Steve set his glass down. “I’ve been unconscious for a week.”
“Yes, Major.”
“Steve, please.”
“Very well…Steve.”
Steve loved the play of light on her hair. Her beauty was mesmerizing.
Suddenly he felt uncomfortable. He knew what the Amazons were used for: cruise ships filled with the jaded wealthy or rewarded military men and women made visits to the Island to partake of the sexual delights here, courtesy of the U.S. Government.
“Why did you save me?”
A guarded look came into her eyes. “Why would we let you drown?”
“I’m a member of the U.S. government, your enslaver.”
“True. But you come from the sky, a gift from the Gods. I…felt that you must be saved.”
“Thank you.”
Diana smiled coquettishly. “You are very welcome.”
Uneasiness curled in his stomach. The coquettishness jarred him. It wasn’t right.
Of course she would expect that I…
He pushed away the bowl of fruit. “I’m feeling a little nauseous. Could you please let me rest?”
She nodded. “Rest well, Steve.” Paula followed her out, closing the tent behind them.
Steve curled up on his side.
& & & & & &
He awoke with the headache, though less intense. By the less-bright sunlight flowing against the tent, he guessed it was late afternoon.
He still was slightly queasy. He felt sick and guilty and fascinated all at once.
I’m not even a slaveowner, and here I’m feeling guilty. I don’t even approve of slavery!
He rubbed between his eyes. He was a representative of the Government. He doubted the Amazons thought highly of him.
Steve sighed. He was going to have to let his superiors know where he was.
Still among the living.
He doubted that Hal would have been notified yet. Communications between Earth and the Outer Rim took a very long time, and besides, they weren’t married, so Hal would not be automatically notified of his lover’s disappearance.
He sat up, hoping his legs weren’t too wobbly. He had to let his parents and sister know that he was okay.
The tent flap opened.
“Are you feeling better, Steve?”
“A little, thank you.”
“Good.” This time her smile was serene instead of unsettling.
“I need to let my family and superiors know I’m okay.”
“Of course. Are you able to walk with assistance? Or shall I relay the message?”
“I’ll try walking.”
Steve stood, Diana by his side in an instant. He took a step, leaning on her heavily and hissing in pain from his hip, then straightened up. “Sorry.”
“No need.” Diana helped him toward the exit, handing him a gold-headed cane. “You have had a severe head injury, among other things.”
Steve blinked at the bright sunlight, grateful that it wasn’t high noon. “This is a separate island?”
“Yes. It would be best if you did not speak of this place.” At Steve’s puzzled look she elaborated, “Our overseers think of it as only a recreational spot.”
“It’s not?”
“We did not report your presence right away.”
Steve felt worry creep up on him. Would she be punished?
He suddenly noticed a peculiarity: thin but strong links of chain tied her bracelets together. She had freedom of movement, but it was an odd bondage arrangement.
“Let us go.”
Paula was waiting in a small boat, her bracelets chained the same way, and rowed them the short distance to the main island. Diana helped Steve out and up stone steps on the hillside.
Steve found himself in a dreamland: shining white-pillared buildings with gleaming golden roofs shimmered in the late afternoon sunlight.
Everywhere he looked, women walked the streets of the city in ancient Greek garb, beautiful and enticing. All wore slave collars and bracelets, all with links between their bracelets.
He spotted a man, dressed in fatigues. Of course there were Gov troops here. The Amazons were fierce warriors. Nearly four hundred years of slavery would not eradicate their instincts.
The man looked at Steve in surprise. He hurried from the small building he’d been leaning against.
“What have we got here?”
Steve held out his hand. “Major Steve Trevor, U.S. Air Force.”
Delight crossed the man’s face. Stocky in build, sporting a blond crewcut, he had the look of an elite trooper, his muscles honed and his grip firm as he shook Steve’s hand. Hazel eyes looked over the other man carefully.
“Major Michael Anderson, U.S. Army.” Anderson smiled. “You made the news, Major. Disappeared on that XJ-1941 test a week ago.” He looked at Diana. “You been holdin’ out on us, Princess?”
Before Diana could speak Steve interjected smoothly, “I drifted for a few days on my wing, then washed ashore on one of the small islands. Diana found me and bandaged my wounds, and now brought me here. I need to let my family and General Darnell know I’m all right.”
Anderson’s gaze lingered on Diana for a moment, then said, “This building’s the communications shack. We can get you connected right away.”
“Thank you.”
& & & & & &
After a tearful reunion with his family over the loudspeakers, General Darnell debriefed Steve on the malfunctions of the XJ-1941, then said, “We’ll get someone out to see if we gather up the wreckage, but you’ve got a week off. Rest, recuperate, and enjoy yourself in Paradise.”
“Thank you, sir. Oh, sir, will you send a message to Major Hal Jordan for me?”
A slight hesitation, then Darnell said, “Certainly.”
After the message was encoded, Anderson said, “We’ve got guest quarters for you, Major. Diana, would you escort him?”
“Of course, Major.”
They walked silently along the streets, the Amazons noticing the new man in their midst. Their expressions were mildly curious, but Steve was surprised by the lack of hostility.
Then again, slaves were experts at hiding resentment.
At the end of the street were a series of stone steps cut into a hillside.
Up above was a magnificent Palace, all gold and ivory and a place fit for a Princess.
Diana helped Steve up the steps, for which he was grateful. He was distressingly weak and his hip was killing him. He touched the bandage on his head.
“The bed in your room will be very comfortable.”
“Thanks. I could use a little rest, I guess.”
They proceeded after a few minutes up the remaining steps.
The Royal Palace was even more impressive up close. Steve touched an Ionic column, its smooth coolness echoing the cool interior.
The floors and walls were marble, edged in gold. Statuary and vases that Steve guessed were thousands of years old graced the rooms.
Finally they reached a sunny room in the corner, spacious and comfortable with a large bed, a filmy curtain hanging from its canopy, and a dresser and chair hewn from the Island’s cypress forests.
“Rest now,” Diana said as she helped Steve into bed, the links between her bracelets jingling musically.
As she started to leave the room, Steve said, “Thank you, Diana.”
She turned and smiled. “You are most welcome, Steve.”
She closed the door quietly behind her.
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Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Steve/Diana, Paula Von Gunther, Mike Anderson, Henry Darnell
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. As Bruce and Clark continue to juggle being lovers as well as Master and slave, Bruce continues his Abolitionist work, and a shocking Family Secret is revealed. Meanwhile, the Queen Family welcomes a new member, and Steve and Hal meet their Destinies, although neither one realizes it yet. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: Drama, AU
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Steve wakes up in Paradise.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 22, 2008
Date Of Posting: May 6, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1607
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
He awoke,
In Paradise.
Bright,
Beautiful,
Exotic.
Like a dream
Come true.
Selina Selway
"Paradise Lost"
2206 C.E.
XXV
PARADISE
He could hear the sound of the sea, its gentle rhythm soothing him as he drifted, murmured voices pleasing to the ear.
Steve’s eyes snapped open, adrenaline coursing through his body. The jet was going down…!
“Relax, Major. You are safe.”
Steve’s eyes focused on an…
“…Angel! You’re an Angel.”
A beautiful vision greeted him: long, dark hair cascading around a perfect face, eyes as deep and blue as the sparkling seas.
“You…?”
“I am Diana.” She laid a cool hand on his brow. “How do you feel?”
“Tired.” Steve groaned. “A mild headache.”
“Considering your head wound, that is a triumph.”
Steve winced. “How bad is it?”
“It was bad.” Diana removed her hand. “It is better now.”
Steve suddenly noticed her slave collar and bracelets. The brand was that of the U.S. Government.
His hip was throbbing. He hoped there wasn’t a hairline fracture or worse. He could feel bumps and bruises all over his body, especially on his right shoulder.
“Do you feel up to eating anything, Major?”
“You know my name?”
Diana smiled. “We are isolated here, but we are not completely ignorant of the outside world.”
A feeling of familiarity nagged at Steve. Had he seen this woman before?
“Paula.”
A blond woman in glasses appeared by Diana’s side. “Yes?”
“Food and drink, please.”
Paula nodded. “Yes, Princess.”
“Princess!” Memory flooded Steve. He grabbed Diana’s arm. “You were the statue in the Amazon exhibit!” He blushed as she looked down at his hand, and he quickly pulled it away. “I’m sorry.”
Her wary look softened. “Have some mangoes, Major. And nectar of the Gods.”
Steve felt dizzy. The Amazons! He had read about them and seen that exhibit in Gotham, but had never expected to meet them, especially the beautiful Princess.
Paula brought a plate of mangoes and a pitcher of juice, which tasted like pineapple.
The tent kept the tropical sun off his fair skin but he wanted to see out. Diana pulled the flap back and he saw the golden domes of Paradise Island.
“It’s beautiful,” he said softly.
“Thank you.”
Diana wore a white chiton with gold clasps, her golden collar and bracelets glinting in the shaft of sunlight streaming through the tent opening.
“I…remember my plane going down.”
She nodded. “The wreckage sunk to the bottom after we had a storm on Monday.’
“Monday?” Steve frowned. “I crashed on Friday. How long was I out?!”
“Today is the eighth day.”
“The eighth…!” Steve set his glass down. “I’ve been unconscious for a week.”
“Yes, Major.”
“Steve, please.”
“Very well…Steve.”
Steve loved the play of light on her hair. Her beauty was mesmerizing.
Suddenly he felt uncomfortable. He knew what the Amazons were used for: cruise ships filled with the jaded wealthy or rewarded military men and women made visits to the Island to partake of the sexual delights here, courtesy of the U.S. Government.
“Why did you save me?”
A guarded look came into her eyes. “Why would we let you drown?”
“I’m a member of the U.S. government, your enslaver.”
“True. But you come from the sky, a gift from the Gods. I…felt that you must be saved.”
“Thank you.”
Diana smiled coquettishly. “You are very welcome.”
Uneasiness curled in his stomach. The coquettishness jarred him. It wasn’t right.
Of course she would expect that I…
He pushed away the bowl of fruit. “I’m feeling a little nauseous. Could you please let me rest?”
She nodded. “Rest well, Steve.” Paula followed her out, closing the tent behind them.
Steve curled up on his side.
& & & & & &
He awoke with the headache, though less intense. By the less-bright sunlight flowing against the tent, he guessed it was late afternoon.
He still was slightly queasy. He felt sick and guilty and fascinated all at once.
I’m not even a slaveowner, and here I’m feeling guilty. I don’t even approve of slavery!
He rubbed between his eyes. He was a representative of the Government. He doubted the Amazons thought highly of him.
Steve sighed. He was going to have to let his superiors know where he was.
Still among the living.
He doubted that Hal would have been notified yet. Communications between Earth and the Outer Rim took a very long time, and besides, they weren’t married, so Hal would not be automatically notified of his lover’s disappearance.
He sat up, hoping his legs weren’t too wobbly. He had to let his parents and sister know that he was okay.
The tent flap opened.
“Are you feeling better, Steve?”
“A little, thank you.”
“Good.” This time her smile was serene instead of unsettling.
“I need to let my family and superiors know I’m okay.”
“Of course. Are you able to walk with assistance? Or shall I relay the message?”
“I’ll try walking.”
Steve stood, Diana by his side in an instant. He took a step, leaning on her heavily and hissing in pain from his hip, then straightened up. “Sorry.”
“No need.” Diana helped him toward the exit, handing him a gold-headed cane. “You have had a severe head injury, among other things.”
Steve blinked at the bright sunlight, grateful that it wasn’t high noon. “This is a separate island?”
“Yes. It would be best if you did not speak of this place.” At Steve’s puzzled look she elaborated, “Our overseers think of it as only a recreational spot.”
“It’s not?”
“We did not report your presence right away.”
Steve felt worry creep up on him. Would she be punished?
He suddenly noticed a peculiarity: thin but strong links of chain tied her bracelets together. She had freedom of movement, but it was an odd bondage arrangement.
“Let us go.”
Paula was waiting in a small boat, her bracelets chained the same way, and rowed them the short distance to the main island. Diana helped Steve out and up stone steps on the hillside.
Steve found himself in a dreamland: shining white-pillared buildings with gleaming golden roofs shimmered in the late afternoon sunlight.
Everywhere he looked, women walked the streets of the city in ancient Greek garb, beautiful and enticing. All wore slave collars and bracelets, all with links between their bracelets.
He spotted a man, dressed in fatigues. Of course there were Gov troops here. The Amazons were fierce warriors. Nearly four hundred years of slavery would not eradicate their instincts.
The man looked at Steve in surprise. He hurried from the small building he’d been leaning against.
“What have we got here?”
Steve held out his hand. “Major Steve Trevor, U.S. Air Force.”
Delight crossed the man’s face. Stocky in build, sporting a blond crewcut, he had the look of an elite trooper, his muscles honed and his grip firm as he shook Steve’s hand. Hazel eyes looked over the other man carefully.
“Major Michael Anderson, U.S. Army.” Anderson smiled. “You made the news, Major. Disappeared on that XJ-1941 test a week ago.” He looked at Diana. “You been holdin’ out on us, Princess?”
Before Diana could speak Steve interjected smoothly, “I drifted for a few days on my wing, then washed ashore on one of the small islands. Diana found me and bandaged my wounds, and now brought me here. I need to let my family and General Darnell know I’m all right.”
Anderson’s gaze lingered on Diana for a moment, then said, “This building’s the communications shack. We can get you connected right away.”
“Thank you.”
& & & & & &
After a tearful reunion with his family over the loudspeakers, General Darnell debriefed Steve on the malfunctions of the XJ-1941, then said, “We’ll get someone out to see if we gather up the wreckage, but you’ve got a week off. Rest, recuperate, and enjoy yourself in Paradise.”
“Thank you, sir. Oh, sir, will you send a message to Major Hal Jordan for me?”
A slight hesitation, then Darnell said, “Certainly.”
After the message was encoded, Anderson said, “We’ve got guest quarters for you, Major. Diana, would you escort him?”
“Of course, Major.”
They walked silently along the streets, the Amazons noticing the new man in their midst. Their expressions were mildly curious, but Steve was surprised by the lack of hostility.
Then again, slaves were experts at hiding resentment.
At the end of the street were a series of stone steps cut into a hillside.
Up above was a magnificent Palace, all gold and ivory and a place fit for a Princess.
Diana helped Steve up the steps, for which he was grateful. He was distressingly weak and his hip was killing him. He touched the bandage on his head.
“The bed in your room will be very comfortable.”
“Thanks. I could use a little rest, I guess.”
They proceeded after a few minutes up the remaining steps.
The Royal Palace was even more impressive up close. Steve touched an Ionic column, its smooth coolness echoing the cool interior.
The floors and walls were marble, edged in gold. Statuary and vases that Steve guessed were thousands of years old graced the rooms.
Finally they reached a sunny room in the corner, spacious and comfortable with a large bed, a filmy curtain hanging from its canopy, and a dresser and chair hewn from the Island’s cypress forests.
“Rest now,” Diana said as she helped Steve into bed, the links between her bracelets jingling musically.
As she started to leave the room, Steve said, “Thank you, Diana.”
She turned and smiled. “You are most welcome, Steve.”
She closed the door quietly behind her.
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