Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (Paradise Arc) (37/37)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Paradise Arc) (37/37)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Opar, Ojjix, Zatanna, Ollev, Ojen, Opal
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: Will the Milky Way Galaxy finally emerge from backwater status?
Date Of Completion (First Draft): August 21, 2008
Date Of Posting: June 8, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 2501
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Rainbow mists,
Swirling,
Whirling,
Sparkling,
Shining.
Divine
Its heart,
And know
The future,
If you can.
Alyce Grimmoire
"The Book Of Shadows"
1963 C.E.
XXXVII
MISTS OF DESTINY
The large room was designed amphitheater-style, banks of seats circling the room. A circular platform occupied the center, a small break in the rows allowing access.
The room was filling up with observers, long robes swishing silkily as they moved. Murmurs of conversation flowed, then died down as a statuesque man in a scarlet robe appeared, followed by two other men in similar robes, and a brunette woman in a dark-blue robe with yellow signs of the Zodiac painted on it. Her jewelry jangled as she walked.
The tallest man raised a hand. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased at your presence.” Silk rustled as people inclined their heads. “As we know, the forces of change are approaching quickly. Events are moving, and the Milky Way Galaxy may finally lose its backwater status and be ready to truly join the Universe.”
Heads nodded, and a hand went up. “Sire Opar, have there been new developments?”
Opar nodded. “Guardians of Oa, I present Sire Ojjix.”
The other blue-skinned man cued the lowering of a large viewscreen.
“We tested our potential new Green Lantern for Sector 2814. Terran Hal Jordan was the candidate.”
The viewscreen showed Hal in a skintight dark-green uniform, not the official uniform of the Green Lantern Corps but just as aerodynamic. A green glow emanated from a ring on his gloved finger.
Hal met a parade of foes, some monstrous, alien, or simulated Terrans. He used the ring with mental quickness.
“What training did he have?” asked an audience member.
“Very little. Also, he was in a dream-like state, but his instincts were true.”
As Hal brought down a huge, three-headed monster, murmurs of appreciation went up.
”His willpower is formidable. We plucked him from his mission on the Outer Rim. We put him back, his memory intact, except he believes it all to be dreams.”
“Why not offer him the ring now?”
“It is not yet time.” Ojjix bowed to the woman. “Madame Zatanna, your report.”
Zatanna bowed in return. She lifted her hand. “Nigeb wohs.”
The screen lit with rainbow mists, shadows and shapes forming, breaking apart, and re-forming.
“Through mystic forces, I have foreseen the great changes. For the past several years I have been traveling the target Galaxy, trying to better divine the agents of change.
“Krypton would have been a prime candidate, but exploded over two decades ago. The survivors are ruthlessly hunted down and killed.”
Murmurs of “barbarism” and “backwards species” went around the room.
“The Empire is violent, cruel, and oppressive, yet peace and prosperity have reigned on most of the member planets for at least a generation. Small brush wars crop up from time-to-time but are crushed by Government forces. The last major war outside of the Empire was nearly a hundred years ago with the warmongering Kadorans.
“The Galactic Empire has continued its predecessor’s mission of exploration. The Federation was a peaceful and prosperous Government, but was brought down by forces from within.”
Zatanna’s bracelets jangled as she gestured. “Slavery began spreading across the Galaxy, facilitated by the Orions and Rigellians. Many planets already practiced it, and those who had dropped it began to practice it again.” Zatanna walked back and forth on the platform. “Earth had established slavery as permanent after a great struggle on the North American continent. The Southern victory at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 began to turn the tide, and the assassination of Northern President Abraham Lincoln a year later finished the deal.”
“How so, Madame?”
“Destiny studies have shown that each Universe has Keystones. After careful study, those Gifted like myself can see the markers: Gettysburg was the Key battle of the American Civil War. If the North had won, eventually their superior numbers and leadership under Ulysses S. Grant would have brought them victory, as we’ve seen in alternate timelines.
“Abraham Lincoln is a Keystone of epic proportions. While some difference-makers can be ordinary citizens, sometimes it really is kings and presidents. Lincoln is instrumental in nearly every Universe he appears in. He is one of those beings who embodies ideals in a genuine way. He embodies Freedom, Union, and so much more.
“In this Universe, for example, Captain America is purely symbolic, a comic book character who inspires. In other Universes, he’s real, but the embodiment of the American ideal.”
A voice called out from the audience, “As long as the stink of slavery continues in this Galaxy, there can be no Enlightenment.”
“That is why the coming changes are so heartening, and why it is time to consider a Green Lantern to help bring them about. The Mists of Destiny foretell a Revolution that will sweep the Galaxy.”
“What kind of Revolution?”
Zatanna’s hand swept out grandly. “Freedom’s Rainbow.”
A murmur of excitement went around the room.
“There are many rainbows, but only one Rainbow of Freedom. And the Rainbow is coming, gentlebeings.”
The rainbow mists on the screen grew brighter.
“Where is the launch point?” asked a sharp-eyed Guardian in the front row. He hunched his bony shoulders forward.
“Earth.”
Interest was noticeably piqued. The Guardian said, “Earth is a place of savagery, is it not?”
“Quite so.” Zatanna crossed her arms. “A people still wild with savagery, they have sublimated it to visit upon their slaves. Some say that without slavery they would tear each other apart. Since slavery’s establishment worldwide, crime is down, there are no wars on the planet, and economic prosperity has flourished.”
The Guardian’s eyes glittered. “It sounds as if you approve.”
“Hardly, Sire Ollev. It is just a statement of facts.” She turned in a clockwise motion. “Guardians of Oa, slavery is not indigent to just this Galaxy. You have found it in every era, every Universe, every timeline, yet it does not always endure. This Galaxy’s time has come to welcome Rainbow’s Freedom.”
“How so?” asked a woman in the second row. Her white hair was meticulously coiffed, not a hair out of place.
Zatanna turned back to the screen, the mists parting to reveal the blue-and-white globe of Earth. Murmurs of appreciation for its beauty went around the room.
“The Revolution begins here. I have seen the possibilities. Great heroes will come from this civilization to lead the Revolution.”
“So slavery is doomed?”
“In the long run.”
“How long?”
“Within a generation.”
Murmurs of excitement flowed around, and Zatanna smiled.
The woman spoke again. “Where on Earth do these heroes come from?”
“That is the question right now. I have some possibles, but we still need to see how certain events unfold. Let us just say that while history is often made by common folk, sometimes a Prince will do.”
The screen coalesced into a symbol, cries of “The House Of El!” going up.
Zatanna nodded. “The surviving Kryptonians are convinced Kal-El, son of Jor-El and Lara, will be their savior.”
Sire Ollev asked, “I thought he died on Krypton when it exploded.”
“He may have, but I believe that the tale of him being sent away in a rocket is true. Reading of some of the texts indicate he is somewhere in the Galaxy, hidden away safely for now.”
“Why doesn’t he show himself?” the woman asked.
Zatanna looked at Siress Ojen. “There are indications that Kal-El is extremely vulnerable right now. This could be a healing time for him, a sanctuary from his enemies. The Empire would like nothing better than to capture Kal-El and make a painful example of him.”
“Painful?”
“For him.”
The word ‘Barbarian!” was heard but Zatanna ignored it. She said, “He may be Destined to be Earth's Greatest Hero. There are several sets of heroes projected, and a Trinity, perhaps three, one intersected by a mythological figure, another…World’s Finest? However, it is really too soon to tell.”
“But this Milky Way Galaxy is Destined to be worthy of coming into our Universe?” Ollev asked.
“Sire Ollev, this Galaxy could very well become the center of the Universe someday.”
Shock and exclamations of “Ridiculous!” “Nonsense!” and “Absurd!” rang out.
Opar raised a hand. “Guardians, we have seen the most shining heroes and civilizations rise from the dregs of muck and mire. Why not Galaxies?”
Ollev’s eyes narrowed. “Still, the savagery of these peoples…are not some of the races especially vicious?”
Opar nodded. “The Orions, Kadorans, Klingons, Romulans…still, the most vicious race are the Vulcans.”
Interest piqued in Ollev’s eyes. “How so?”
Opar looked completely calm as he said, “The Vulcans are ruled by their passions. They keep mainly to themselves but there are stories of their Warrior abilities in the Kadoran War of a century ago. They are involved in Empire politics but are fiercely private.”
Ojen remarked, “Ambassador Sarek’s son Spock is with Starfleet, is he not?”
“He is, but not with the approval of his father.”
“Some say that is because Vulcans cannot function in ‘polite society’.”
Opar nodded. “Ambassador Sarek is unique. He functions well, despite his race’s prodigious temper. Some say that his son functions due to his half-Human blood.”
“Half-Human!” Ollev frowned. “I had hear of the Ambassador’s strange…proclivities. I thought that Vulcans were strict against ‘mixing of the blood’.”
“They are. Sarek must have quite a strong will to go against his people’s code.”
“Especially T’Pau,” said Ojen.
“T’Pau is quite…formidable,” Opar agreed.
Zatanna’s expression indicated wry agreement.
“The Vulcans are savage, but the Empire counts them as their best Warriors.” Opar glided to the center of the platform. “Their mental powers are extremely sharp as well, the race on average highly intelligent. Telepathic powers are included. Such powers make them feared for more than their physical skills.”
“They are not very ethical in their use of those powers,” Ojen observed sourly.
“No,” Opar agreed. “The Vulcans prefer, however, to shield themselves from what they call ‘chaotic minds’. It is why they allow very few visitors to their planet or venture off it. It is rare indeed to get any information at all about what goes on there, but word has leaked out of an esoteric movement led by a man named Surak.”
“What kind of movement?”
“Pure logic. A sublimation of all emotion in order for the race to survive. Their …murder rate…is quite high.”
“Barbarians,” Ojen snorted.
“Yes, but Surak’s Revolution concerns only the Vulcans,” Zatanna said. “Earth is the place whereby the Galactic Revolution will come.”
“Why Earth? What do Terrans have that distinguishes them so?”
“It is true that every planet has its own characteristics. The Vulcans are savage Warriors, the Orions are sadistic pirates and slavers, the Rigellians also slavers but also incredible wealth gatherers, and the Jovarans are known for great intellectuals and creative artists, such as writers and painters and sculptors.”
“And Terrans…?”
Zatanna looked thoughtful. “Earth people are all those things, including Bhadarians’ political brilliance, but even though they can be incredibly cruel as evidenced by some freemens’ treatment of slaves, there are three outstanding characteristics of Terrans: adaptability, as no matter where you go in the Galaxy, Humans seem to be there.
“Secondly, curiosity drives the species. They have an insatiable thirst for exploration and knowledge.”
“And the third thing?”
“Love.”
Surprised exclamations went around the amphitheater.
“Love?” Ojen asked.
“Yes. It is true that all races have the capacity to love, though admittedly some ignore it, but the people of Earth’s finest redeeming quality is their capacity to love.”
“A very nice little sentiment, Lady Zatanna, but not quantifiable.” Ollev’s expression was close to a smirk.
“Love is not easy to mathematically quantify, of course, Sire, but surely there are enough examples to continue the conversation.”
“If you say.”
A flash of irritation crossed Zatanna’s face but she restrained herself from a retort.
“If they are so loving a people, why do they practice slavery?” asked Ojen.
“They are far from a perfect race, but they hold that capacity to love in high regard. There are documented instances in which Masters and Mistresses even love their slaves.”
“How generous of them.”
“Within the culture, it is just as taboo for a Master to love his slave as it is for a Vulcan to take a mate outside the race, but there are instances of both.”
“So this loving capacity of Earth people will create a Revolution?”
“Essentially.” Zatanna frowned. “The Trinities I keep seeing…they indicate bonding by love as well as common purpose. I just cannot divine who they may be.”
“And yet you know that a great change is coming?”
Zatanna nodded. “Already three of Destiny’s events have been triggered.”
“What events?”
Zatanna sighed. “I have not been given details, only the sense that they have occurred. Three are Destined meetings, of people who will be important in the coming days. Kal-El may be mated with a Human, one of exceptional skills and talents. The Galaxy could not stand against them or the Trinities. There is extremely bright Light from certain heroes...a linchpin...we are still studying other Universes and do not have a good reliable list of events.”
“A pity.”
“It is. We could be missing something important.”
Frustration seeped out of her voice, and Opar said, “Do not be distressed, Lady Zatanna. You are giving us much information already.”
“What information?” Ollev scoffed. “There is nothing but vagaries.”
“Not so, Sire. Without Zatanna’s divination, we would be lost.”
Ollev looked unconvinced. “We need facts.”
“Divination does not deal in facts.”
“Truly said.”
“Future-telling is inexact but can give us clues.” Zatanna swept out her arm. “The Mists of Destiny are telling us that this Galaxy will convulse with change from within, and face possible enemies from without.”
The Guardians sat up straighter. “What enemies without?” Ollev snapped.
“The Collective is still a possibility, but the Kadorans look like the best threat right now. They have never forgotten their defeat at the hands of the Empire a century ago.”
“War is always a bad situation,” said Ojen, shaking her head.
“War brings changes. Perhaps an interstellar war will speed up social change.”
“That is true, Lady Zatanna, but it also been my experiences that war also represses many social liberties.”
“True, m’lady. Only time will tell.” She frowned. “Also, there is a chance that Destiny may not be reached or altered. There is a Darkness that could swallow up the Light. A Great Trial is coming, possibly for Kal-El, wherever he is.” She sighed. “Even though steel is stronger forged through fire, there are instances when it can break.”
The amphitheater was quiet, then another voice spoke up. “You have done very good work, Lady Zatanna. This information is invaluable.”
Immediately everyone quieted. When Sire Opal spoke, the rest of the Guardians listened. He sat regally in his place six seats from Ollev.
“Thank you.” The rainbow mists swirled. “This is the lull before the storm, ladies and gentlemen.
“May the stars themselves help us at what is to come.”
End Of The Paradise Arc
Next: The Dark Knight Of The Soul Arc
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Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Opar, Ojjix, Zatanna, Ollev, Ojen, Opal
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: Will the Milky Way Galaxy finally emerge from backwater status?
Date Of Completion (First Draft): August 21, 2008
Date Of Posting: June 8, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 2501
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Rainbow mists,
Swirling,
Whirling,
Sparkling,
Shining.
Divine
Its heart,
And know
The future,
If you can.
Alyce Grimmoire
"The Book Of Shadows"
1963 C.E.
XXXVII
MISTS OF DESTINY
The large room was designed amphitheater-style, banks of seats circling the room. A circular platform occupied the center, a small break in the rows allowing access.
The room was filling up with observers, long robes swishing silkily as they moved. Murmurs of conversation flowed, then died down as a statuesque man in a scarlet robe appeared, followed by two other men in similar robes, and a brunette woman in a dark-blue robe with yellow signs of the Zodiac painted on it. Her jewelry jangled as she walked.
The tallest man raised a hand. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased at your presence.” Silk rustled as people inclined their heads. “As we know, the forces of change are approaching quickly. Events are moving, and the Milky Way Galaxy may finally lose its backwater status and be ready to truly join the Universe.”
Heads nodded, and a hand went up. “Sire Opar, have there been new developments?”
Opar nodded. “Guardians of Oa, I present Sire Ojjix.”
The other blue-skinned man cued the lowering of a large viewscreen.
“We tested our potential new Green Lantern for Sector 2814. Terran Hal Jordan was the candidate.”
The viewscreen showed Hal in a skintight dark-green uniform, not the official uniform of the Green Lantern Corps but just as aerodynamic. A green glow emanated from a ring on his gloved finger.
Hal met a parade of foes, some monstrous, alien, or simulated Terrans. He used the ring with mental quickness.
“What training did he have?” asked an audience member.
“Very little. Also, he was in a dream-like state, but his instincts were true.”
As Hal brought down a huge, three-headed monster, murmurs of appreciation went up.
”His willpower is formidable. We plucked him from his mission on the Outer Rim. We put him back, his memory intact, except he believes it all to be dreams.”
“Why not offer him the ring now?”
“It is not yet time.” Ojjix bowed to the woman. “Madame Zatanna, your report.”
Zatanna bowed in return. She lifted her hand. “Nigeb wohs.”
The screen lit with rainbow mists, shadows and shapes forming, breaking apart, and re-forming.
“Through mystic forces, I have foreseen the great changes. For the past several years I have been traveling the target Galaxy, trying to better divine the agents of change.
“Krypton would have been a prime candidate, but exploded over two decades ago. The survivors are ruthlessly hunted down and killed.”
Murmurs of “barbarism” and “backwards species” went around the room.
“The Empire is violent, cruel, and oppressive, yet peace and prosperity have reigned on most of the member planets for at least a generation. Small brush wars crop up from time-to-time but are crushed by Government forces. The last major war outside of the Empire was nearly a hundred years ago with the warmongering Kadorans.
“The Galactic Empire has continued its predecessor’s mission of exploration. The Federation was a peaceful and prosperous Government, but was brought down by forces from within.”
Zatanna’s bracelets jangled as she gestured. “Slavery began spreading across the Galaxy, facilitated by the Orions and Rigellians. Many planets already practiced it, and those who had dropped it began to practice it again.” Zatanna walked back and forth on the platform. “Earth had established slavery as permanent after a great struggle on the North American continent. The Southern victory at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 began to turn the tide, and the assassination of Northern President Abraham Lincoln a year later finished the deal.”
“How so, Madame?”
“Destiny studies have shown that each Universe has Keystones. After careful study, those Gifted like myself can see the markers: Gettysburg was the Key battle of the American Civil War. If the North had won, eventually their superior numbers and leadership under Ulysses S. Grant would have brought them victory, as we’ve seen in alternate timelines.
“Abraham Lincoln is a Keystone of epic proportions. While some difference-makers can be ordinary citizens, sometimes it really is kings and presidents. Lincoln is instrumental in nearly every Universe he appears in. He is one of those beings who embodies ideals in a genuine way. He embodies Freedom, Union, and so much more.
“In this Universe, for example, Captain America is purely symbolic, a comic book character who inspires. In other Universes, he’s real, but the embodiment of the American ideal.”
A voice called out from the audience, “As long as the stink of slavery continues in this Galaxy, there can be no Enlightenment.”
“That is why the coming changes are so heartening, and why it is time to consider a Green Lantern to help bring them about. The Mists of Destiny foretell a Revolution that will sweep the Galaxy.”
“What kind of Revolution?”
Zatanna’s hand swept out grandly. “Freedom’s Rainbow.”
A murmur of excitement went around the room.
“There are many rainbows, but only one Rainbow of Freedom. And the Rainbow is coming, gentlebeings.”
The rainbow mists on the screen grew brighter.
“Where is the launch point?” asked a sharp-eyed Guardian in the front row. He hunched his bony shoulders forward.
“Earth.”
Interest was noticeably piqued. The Guardian said, “Earth is a place of savagery, is it not?”
“Quite so.” Zatanna crossed her arms. “A people still wild with savagery, they have sublimated it to visit upon their slaves. Some say that without slavery they would tear each other apart. Since slavery’s establishment worldwide, crime is down, there are no wars on the planet, and economic prosperity has flourished.”
The Guardian’s eyes glittered. “It sounds as if you approve.”
“Hardly, Sire Ollev. It is just a statement of facts.” She turned in a clockwise motion. “Guardians of Oa, slavery is not indigent to just this Galaxy. You have found it in every era, every Universe, every timeline, yet it does not always endure. This Galaxy’s time has come to welcome Rainbow’s Freedom.”
“How so?” asked a woman in the second row. Her white hair was meticulously coiffed, not a hair out of place.
Zatanna turned back to the screen, the mists parting to reveal the blue-and-white globe of Earth. Murmurs of appreciation for its beauty went around the room.
“The Revolution begins here. I have seen the possibilities. Great heroes will come from this civilization to lead the Revolution.”
“So slavery is doomed?”
“In the long run.”
“How long?”
“Within a generation.”
Murmurs of excitement flowed around, and Zatanna smiled.
The woman spoke again. “Where on Earth do these heroes come from?”
“That is the question right now. I have some possibles, but we still need to see how certain events unfold. Let us just say that while history is often made by common folk, sometimes a Prince will do.”
The screen coalesced into a symbol, cries of “The House Of El!” going up.
Zatanna nodded. “The surviving Kryptonians are convinced Kal-El, son of Jor-El and Lara, will be their savior.”
Sire Ollev asked, “I thought he died on Krypton when it exploded.”
“He may have, but I believe that the tale of him being sent away in a rocket is true. Reading of some of the texts indicate he is somewhere in the Galaxy, hidden away safely for now.”
“Why doesn’t he show himself?” the woman asked.
Zatanna looked at Siress Ojen. “There are indications that Kal-El is extremely vulnerable right now. This could be a healing time for him, a sanctuary from his enemies. The Empire would like nothing better than to capture Kal-El and make a painful example of him.”
“Painful?”
“For him.”
The word ‘Barbarian!” was heard but Zatanna ignored it. She said, “He may be Destined to be Earth's Greatest Hero. There are several sets of heroes projected, and a Trinity, perhaps three, one intersected by a mythological figure, another…World’s Finest? However, it is really too soon to tell.”
“But this Milky Way Galaxy is Destined to be worthy of coming into our Universe?” Ollev asked.
“Sire Ollev, this Galaxy could very well become the center of the Universe someday.”
Shock and exclamations of “Ridiculous!” “Nonsense!” and “Absurd!” rang out.
Opar raised a hand. “Guardians, we have seen the most shining heroes and civilizations rise from the dregs of muck and mire. Why not Galaxies?”
Ollev’s eyes narrowed. “Still, the savagery of these peoples…are not some of the races especially vicious?”
Opar nodded. “The Orions, Kadorans, Klingons, Romulans…still, the most vicious race are the Vulcans.”
Interest piqued in Ollev’s eyes. “How so?”
Opar looked completely calm as he said, “The Vulcans are ruled by their passions. They keep mainly to themselves but there are stories of their Warrior abilities in the Kadoran War of a century ago. They are involved in Empire politics but are fiercely private.”
Ojen remarked, “Ambassador Sarek’s son Spock is with Starfleet, is he not?”
“He is, but not with the approval of his father.”
“Some say that is because Vulcans cannot function in ‘polite society’.”
Opar nodded. “Ambassador Sarek is unique. He functions well, despite his race’s prodigious temper. Some say that his son functions due to his half-Human blood.”
“Half-Human!” Ollev frowned. “I had hear of the Ambassador’s strange…proclivities. I thought that Vulcans were strict against ‘mixing of the blood’.”
“They are. Sarek must have quite a strong will to go against his people’s code.”
“Especially T’Pau,” said Ojen.
“T’Pau is quite…formidable,” Opar agreed.
Zatanna’s expression indicated wry agreement.
“The Vulcans are savage, but the Empire counts them as their best Warriors.” Opar glided to the center of the platform. “Their mental powers are extremely sharp as well, the race on average highly intelligent. Telepathic powers are included. Such powers make them feared for more than their physical skills.”
“They are not very ethical in their use of those powers,” Ojen observed sourly.
“No,” Opar agreed. “The Vulcans prefer, however, to shield themselves from what they call ‘chaotic minds’. It is why they allow very few visitors to their planet or venture off it. It is rare indeed to get any information at all about what goes on there, but word has leaked out of an esoteric movement led by a man named Surak.”
“What kind of movement?”
“Pure logic. A sublimation of all emotion in order for the race to survive. Their …murder rate…is quite high.”
“Barbarians,” Ojen snorted.
“Yes, but Surak’s Revolution concerns only the Vulcans,” Zatanna said. “Earth is the place whereby the Galactic Revolution will come.”
“Why Earth? What do Terrans have that distinguishes them so?”
“It is true that every planet has its own characteristics. The Vulcans are savage Warriors, the Orions are sadistic pirates and slavers, the Rigellians also slavers but also incredible wealth gatherers, and the Jovarans are known for great intellectuals and creative artists, such as writers and painters and sculptors.”
“And Terrans…?”
Zatanna looked thoughtful. “Earth people are all those things, including Bhadarians’ political brilliance, but even though they can be incredibly cruel as evidenced by some freemens’ treatment of slaves, there are three outstanding characteristics of Terrans: adaptability, as no matter where you go in the Galaxy, Humans seem to be there.
“Secondly, curiosity drives the species. They have an insatiable thirst for exploration and knowledge.”
“And the third thing?”
“Love.”
Surprised exclamations went around the amphitheater.
“Love?” Ojen asked.
“Yes. It is true that all races have the capacity to love, though admittedly some ignore it, but the people of Earth’s finest redeeming quality is their capacity to love.”
“A very nice little sentiment, Lady Zatanna, but not quantifiable.” Ollev’s expression was close to a smirk.
“Love is not easy to mathematically quantify, of course, Sire, but surely there are enough examples to continue the conversation.”
“If you say.”
A flash of irritation crossed Zatanna’s face but she restrained herself from a retort.
“If they are so loving a people, why do they practice slavery?” asked Ojen.
“They are far from a perfect race, but they hold that capacity to love in high regard. There are documented instances in which Masters and Mistresses even love their slaves.”
“How generous of them.”
“Within the culture, it is just as taboo for a Master to love his slave as it is for a Vulcan to take a mate outside the race, but there are instances of both.”
“So this loving capacity of Earth people will create a Revolution?”
“Essentially.” Zatanna frowned. “The Trinities I keep seeing…they indicate bonding by love as well as common purpose. I just cannot divine who they may be.”
“And yet you know that a great change is coming?”
Zatanna nodded. “Already three of Destiny’s events have been triggered.”
“What events?”
Zatanna sighed. “I have not been given details, only the sense that they have occurred. Three are Destined meetings, of people who will be important in the coming days. Kal-El may be mated with a Human, one of exceptional skills and talents. The Galaxy could not stand against them or the Trinities. There is extremely bright Light from certain heroes...a linchpin...we are still studying other Universes and do not have a good reliable list of events.”
“A pity.”
“It is. We could be missing something important.”
Frustration seeped out of her voice, and Opar said, “Do not be distressed, Lady Zatanna. You are giving us much information already.”
“What information?” Ollev scoffed. “There is nothing but vagaries.”
“Not so, Sire. Without Zatanna’s divination, we would be lost.”
Ollev looked unconvinced. “We need facts.”
“Divination does not deal in facts.”
“Truly said.”
“Future-telling is inexact but can give us clues.” Zatanna swept out her arm. “The Mists of Destiny are telling us that this Galaxy will convulse with change from within, and face possible enemies from without.”
The Guardians sat up straighter. “What enemies without?” Ollev snapped.
“The Collective is still a possibility, but the Kadorans look like the best threat right now. They have never forgotten their defeat at the hands of the Empire a century ago.”
“War is always a bad situation,” said Ojen, shaking her head.
“War brings changes. Perhaps an interstellar war will speed up social change.”
“That is true, Lady Zatanna, but it also been my experiences that war also represses many social liberties.”
“True, m’lady. Only time will tell.” She frowned. “Also, there is a chance that Destiny may not be reached or altered. There is a Darkness that could swallow up the Light. A Great Trial is coming, possibly for Kal-El, wherever he is.” She sighed. “Even though steel is stronger forged through fire, there are instances when it can break.”
The amphitheater was quiet, then another voice spoke up. “You have done very good work, Lady Zatanna. This information is invaluable.”
Immediately everyone quieted. When Sire Opal spoke, the rest of the Guardians listened. He sat regally in his place six seats from Ollev.
“Thank you.” The rainbow mists swirled. “This is the lull before the storm, ladies and gentlemen.
“May the stars themselves help us at what is to come.”
End Of The Paradise Arc
Next: The Dark Knight Of The Soul Arc
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