Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (The Jewel In The Crown Arc) (31/31)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (The Jewel In The Crown Arc) (31/31)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): King Jodelle/King Jovan, Clark/Bruce, Alfred, Dick, Laylin, Brendan, Lex/Jamie (Jamie does not appear in this chapter)
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. The House Of Wayne travels off-world to the planet of Jovara on an important mission, and lovers Clark and Bruce learn more about their Master/slave dynamic through the eyes of this exotic culture. Meanwhile, Hal and Steve attempt to aid Diana and the Amazons to finally break free of their centuries-long enslavement on Paradise Island. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Challenge Category: Section E (Slavefic)
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The House Of Wayne comes home.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 8, 2009
Date Of Posting: May 20, 2010
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 2723
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Entered into my 2010 DCU Fic/Art Bondage Challenge.
"There’s no place like home."
Dorothy Gale
"The Wizard Of Oz"
1939 C.E.
XXXI
HOMECOMING
“You’re a member of our rolls now,” Jovan said with a smile.
“I look forward to your Society’s updates,” Bruce said, returning the smile.
Amethyst eyes sparkled. “The Conference report will be compiled in a month. Do you wish to contribute notes?”
“I do. My Ja’zel will write them up.”
“Excellent.” Jovan consulted his datapad. “Will a deadline of two Earth weeks be suitable?”
“Very.”
The Kings were standing on the helipad, a small entourage with them, seeing off their guests. Bruce and his House were waiting for their ship to be ready.
Alfred and Dick held snack bags of everyone’s favorites. The Jovaran chocolates were especially popular, and Bruce had commanded several boxes to be loaded aboard in addition to other Jovaran food.
Clark held the satinwood box of toys, blushing beneath his javea as he remembered the spanking Bruce had given him that morning. He doubted they would follow the planet’s adage about daily spankings but was certain it was now part of their sexual repertoire and would be used frequently.
The door to the helipad anteroom opened and Laylin dashed out. “M’lord! Your bottle of quinium.” She skidded to a halt in front of Bruce and handed him the bottle. “In case you get held up and the shot is necessary before planetfall.”
“Thank you, Laylin.” Bruce smiled as he took the precious bottle and handed it to Alfred to put with the other bottle in the ship.
Laylin curtsied, starting to retreat when Jodelle reached out and lightly grasped her shoulder, keeping her by his side.
Dick beamed at her and she blushed, the adults exchanging amused looks.
“You must be eager to return home,” Jodelle said.
“We are.” Bruce smiled. “The best season of the year will be in full bloom when we get back home, and we’ll be preparing for Halloween in another month.”
“Ah, yes, I have read about that holiday. A celebration of the dead by donning outrageous costumes and consuming candy.”
The Humans laughed, and Bruce said, “A good description, but so much more. If you ever wish to experience it firsthand, Wayne Manor will be yours and King Jovan’s.”
“Thank you.” Both sovereigns were pleased at the invitation.
One of the pilots came down the gangplank. “Ready for departure, sir.”
Bruce nodded. “Thank you, Major.” He faced the Jovarans. “Thank you for an outstanding visit, Your Majesties. Truly memorable.”
The Kings acknowledged the statement and Jodelle said, “We were delighted to host the House Of Wayne, Prince Bruce. Safe journey home.”
Laylin got a quick wave in to Dick as the Terrans turned to walk up the gangplank.
& & & & & &
When Laylin returned to her quarters after her shift was over later in the day, she found a white, gold-trimmed box on her dresser. Opening it, she gasped as she saw the glittering sapphire-and-topaz necklace resting on a bed of white satin. A folded note was tucked away in the lid, and she plucked it out and opened it, a small card falling out.
& & & & & &
Dear Laylin,
Please accept this token of my gratitude for your important service to my House.
This card is a voucher good for any time in the future with Royal Space Lines. You have a standing invitation to come and visit us in Gotham City any time.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wayne
Of
The House Of Wayne
& & & & & &
The Royal Seal of the House Of Wayne was raised on the exquisite paper in the ancient art of sealing wax, usually reserved for fellow nobility.
Laylin sat on her bed, staring at the note, a big grin slowly spreading across her face as she jumped up and ran to the computer.
Wait’ll Mom and Dad hear about this!
& & & & & &
Clark eased out from Bruce’s sleeping grasp. Wrapping a robe around him, he slipped out of the small cabin.
He reached the small observation part in the rear of the ship, watching the stars twinkle in the blackness of space.
The thrum of the engines running at warp speed was comforting. The journey would be short, relatively speaking, and he was glad of that. As much as he had enjoyed his Jovaran adventure, he was looking forward to returning home.
Sitting down, he crossed his legs, resting his hands in his lap. He supposed some would say that was odd. On Jovara, he was respected as a pleasure slave. He had felt no shame in pleasuring his Master in public at the ja’zanna banquos. Ja’zels were honored, not denigrated, and it had been more of a partnership instead of Bruce exerting his power. He was the honored pleasure-giver, not just some whore.
But Earth was his home, Wayne Manor most of all. He loved the ancient old manse and the grounds surrounding it. He loved the feel of the kitchen garden’s earth between his fingers as he planted vegetables and the smell of roses in the formal garden. He loved the ancient trees on the manicured grounds and in the forest surrounding the grounds, resplendent with color by now. He loved the sight of the sparkling sea and the sound of the waves crashing below on the rocks. He loved the robins with their nest over the kitchen door and the squirrels chattering as they sprinted across the lawn and from tree-to-tree.
He loved having an honored place in Bruce Wayne’s House…and heart.
A hand gently rested on his shoulder.
“Couldn’t sleep?” asked Bruce.
“Just thinking of home.”
Pleased, Bruce sat next to him.
“Me, too.”
They watched the stars, Bruce putting his arm around Clark, and Clark resting his head on Bruce’s shoulder.
& & & & & &
“Welcome home, Mr. Wayne.”
“Thank you, Brendan.”
The chauffeur smiled at Bruce’s slaves, and said to Alfred, “The kitchen survived my gastronomical adventures, and the refrigerator and pantry are stocked with everything you sent me on that list you e-mailed from the ship.”
“Excellent.”
Alfred and Brendan went to the kitchen, and Dick said, “The kitchen better be spotless, or Brendan’s dead!”
Clark and Bruce laughed, the latter saying, “It was good for Brendan to stay here in the house when he got back from vacation last week.”
Clark and Dick brought the luggage into the elevator and Bruce headed for the library. He paused at the painting of his parents, saying softly, “We’re back home, safe and sound,” then booted up his computer terminal at his desk.
He smiled at Laylin’s message of thanks and e-mails from Jodelle and Jovan, requesting notification of safe arrival. He read a long message from Lucius, glad that he could wait to start wading through a plethora of mail until tomorrow, and welcome home messages from Lex, Ollie, Dinah, Hal, and Steve.
“Sir?”
“Yes, Brendan?”
“A Security report was prepared this morning.” Bruce saw the e-mail and clicked it open. “No major incidents, though Edmund Caldwell was seen lingering at the main gates more than once. However, nothing happened.”
Bruce grimaced. Let Edmund glare all he wanted as he opened the security photos. He was still going to pay for raping Clark.
He saw messages from Martha, Kathy and Lana. Attached were several articles and podcasts about the Congressional hearing, and Bruce was pleased to see the appalled and outraged reactions over the torture tape, though some idiots were arguing that Edmund was within his rights as a Master.
A message from Jim Gordon welcomed him back and requested a meeting.
“Thanks, Brendan. I appreciate you looking after things when you got back from vacation. How was it?”
Brendan grinned. “Outstanding, sir. I went off-world for most of it. Rigel VII is most welcoming of tourists!”
“Very.” Bruce was pleased that Brendan was able to use the account he had set up for special employees. The trip to Rigel VII was free, as were the accommodations, and Brendan had just needed money for meals and his own entertainment. “Did you see the Diamond Falls?”
“Oh, yes, sir. Amazing.”
“Glad to have you back.”
Brendan beamed. “Thank you, sir. Oh, is Dick available? I’m working on the limousine and I could use his help.”
“Check with Alfred.”
Brendan nodded and left.
Bruce worked on his messages, replying to as many as he could. He took care of some Wayne Enterprises business, and read more about the hearing, replying to Martha, Kathy, and Lana.
At lunchtime he and Clark ate in the backyard, Alfred taking lunch to Dick and Brendan in the garage.
“How’s the unpacking going?” Bruce asked as he ate his chicken sandwich accented by fresh, crisp lettuce and slices of ripe beefsteak tomatoes with a touch of Orion hot mustard.
“Very good. I’ve got most of the clothes washed, and the dryer means I should be able to put them away soon. I put away all your personal items, and mine, too.”
Music played softly from the antique radio set on the table, a melodic backdrop to birds twittering and the sound of the sea. Clark’s sandwich was the same as Bruce’s with the addition of cucumbers and wheat bread instead of raisin bread. As he drank his cranapple juice, Bruce poured himself another glass, filling Clark’s next. The music had stopped and a news update came on.
“The Mayor insists that the redevelopment project will go through.
“In other news, Batman and Robin’s capture of the Penguin last night was called ‘brilliant’ by Commissioner Gordon, the criminal’s scheme completely thwarted by the Dynamic Duo.”
Bruce laughed. “Oh, boy, we’ll never hear the end of this from Ollie and Roy!”
Clark joined in his laughter. “Sure, they’ll have stories to tell, but so do we.”
“We learned some things from the Jovarans, eh?” Bruce winked, chuckling at Clark’s blush. “But maybe not for public discussion.”
“Maybe not.”
Bruce smirked as he crunched on a Polish dill pickle.
“I got an e-mail from Jamie. Steve and Hal, too.” Clark took a quick sip of juice as he took a bite of extra-hot mustard. “They were happy we were back.”
“Hmm, Dick probably got messages from Roy and Melody. Did he check his e-mail yet?”
“I don’t know.”
Bruce smiled. “He is such a born performer. No surprise that he was the star of the acrobatic act on Jovara.”
Clark smiled. “He sure made a conquest with Laylin.”
Bruce looked down at his plate. “I got a message from Lana Lang.”
“Oh.”
Bruce looked up. “She’s really started the ball rolling with that tape.”
“Good.” Clark took a long draught of juice.
“I think it’ll do some good.”
“I hope so.” Clark took a deep breath. “Does she still think my testimony would help?”
Bruce sighed as he picked up his sandwich. “I don’t know. Slaves aren’t allowed to give testimony at trial, but she thinks that she might be able to persuade her colleagues to allow it for a Congressional hearing.” He looked at Clark with a distressed expression.
“If they allow it, I’ll do it,” Clark said softly, taking his napkin and crumpling it.
Bruce felt slightly nauseous. He hated the idea of Clark in the glaring spotlight of Congress, facing hostility and ridicule and forced to describe what Edmund Caldwell had done to him.
“We’ll see.”
& & & & & &
After lunch, Clark went back to unpacking and Bruce did more work in the library, methodically going through his e-mails.
The desk phone rang and he picked it up. “Lex! Hi! Thanks for the welcome home message.”
“Hey, I take care of my friends.”
“So, what’s up? How are you and Jamie?”
“We’re great. Are you hosting Halloween Week again this year?”
“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”
“Well, now that you’re a star diplomat…”
Bruce laughed. “Hey, you were the one who dragooned me.”
“Guilty as charged.” There was a rustling in the background as Lex moved some papers on his desk. “Jamie and I will be there with bells on. Oh, Hal and Steve may be bringing someone new.”
“Really? Who?”
“A gorgeous Greek woman. She was the one who found Steve after his plane crash last year.”
“Wow, I’d love to meet her. I’ll have to make sure to include her in the invitation. By the way, thanks for inviting yourself.”
Lex laughed. “Any time. There should be some interesting stories to tell.”
“How so?” Bruce leaned back in his dark-red leather chair.
“Oh, a lttle bird told me about your slaves’ heroics on Jovara. Oh, and yours, too.” Amusement laced Lex’s voice.
Bruce gripped the phone tightly, then realized that the ‘little bird’ reference was not referring to his ‘Little Bird’.
“My slaves were the real heroes.”
“Modest. Well, you impressed the Govs. Maybe you have a future career as a diplomat.”
Bruce snorted. “I doubt it, but thank you, anyway.”
Lex chuckled, then his voice grew serious. “Just watch your back, old friend. Pushing for this lawsuit against Edmund will infuriate the old man, and he’s not the most stable.”
Bruce’s fingers curled tighter around the handset. “Someone has to stop him. He’s torturing slaves to death. The things he does while they’re still alive…” He felt nauseous.
“I know, believe me.” Lex’s voice grew very soft. “He could have done it to Clark. He would have done it with Jamie, but you bought Jamie first.”
Bruce forced his nerves to calm, or he would lose his lunch.
“I know. And that’s just part of the reason why I have to go after him.”
“You’re a good man, Bruce Wayne. If you need help, just give me a call.”
"Thanks, I will.”
& & & & & &
After Lex’s call, Bruce worked diligently on catching up the rest of the afternoon, glad to call it quits for dinner.
Dick was bubbly as he said, “It’s really cool, Bruce! Brendan and I found the limo’s problem and it purrs like Catwoman now.”
Bruce and Clark laughed, even Alfred raising an eyebrow and smiling.
After dinner Bruce declared, “I want to watch television and relax. Join me?” His family nodded. “Good, Alfred, will you pop some of that excellent popcorn?”
“Certainly, sir. Dick, come prepare some soft drinks.”
“Yes, sir!”
Clark helped with clean-up while Bruce went into the living room, catching up on the news.
Fifteen minutes later he could smell the popcorn cooking. The Smallville Cornsilk brand was immensely popular, Kansas corn the best in the world. All of Smallville owned stock in the company, the processing plant right outside of town. Lex had bought shares years ago, but the majority stockholders were Smallville citizens, including the Kents.
Clark came in to sit beside Bruce on the couch. “Alfred and Dick will bring everything in when the popcorn’s ready.”
“Good.”
“Mmm, can’t wait. That Smallville popcorn is the best!”
Bruce laughed. “I was just thinking that.”
“…and our own Prince of Gotham returned today from the economic conference on Jovara. Here we see him arriving at the airport after shuttling from Spaceport Luna.”
“Good thing we changed from Jovaran clothes.” Clark grinned.
“Oh, I don’t know. You looked rather stunning in those robes.” Bruce petted Clark’s hair. “Pity people couldn’t see what kohl does for your eyes.”
“They could see what it did for you.” Clark traced Bruce’s lashes with a grin.
“Oh, right. Maybe I’ll have you make me up for my board meeting tomorrow.”
“Well…”
“Fresh popcorn and ice-cold Coke!” chirped Dick as he came into the living room.
“What, are you a vendor at the ballpark?” Bruce teased.
Alfred set the large bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and passed out smaller bowls while Dick passed out the glasses. He glanced at the TV.
“Wow, she’s pretty!”
A beautiful woman dressed in a red bodice with a golden eagle design, gold belt, and star-spangled blue shorts dominated the screen, statuesque in red boots, a gold tiara with a red star gleaming in her dark hair. Iron bracelets enclosed her wrists, and one hand rested on her hip where a gold lasso was attached to her belt.
“Hola, People of America! It is time to embrace your rich heritage of Freedom!
“So proclaims Wonder Woman, Princess of the Amazons!”
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): King Jodelle/King Jovan, Clark/Bruce, Alfred, Dick, Laylin, Brendan, Lex/Jamie (Jamie does not appear in this chapter)
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. The House Of Wayne travels off-world to the planet of Jovara on an important mission, and lovers Clark and Bruce learn more about their Master/slave dynamic through the eyes of this exotic culture. Meanwhile, Hal and Steve attempt to aid Diana and the Amazons to finally break free of their centuries-long enslavement on Paradise Island. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Challenge Category: Section E (Slavefic)
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The House Of Wayne comes home.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 8, 2009
Date Of Posting: May 20, 2010
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 2723
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Entered into my 2010 DCU Fic/Art Bondage Challenge.
"There’s no place like home."
Dorothy Gale
"The Wizard Of Oz"
1939 C.E.
XXXI
HOMECOMING
“You’re a member of our rolls now,” Jovan said with a smile.
“I look forward to your Society’s updates,” Bruce said, returning the smile.
Amethyst eyes sparkled. “The Conference report will be compiled in a month. Do you wish to contribute notes?”
“I do. My Ja’zel will write them up.”
“Excellent.” Jovan consulted his datapad. “Will a deadline of two Earth weeks be suitable?”
“Very.”
The Kings were standing on the helipad, a small entourage with them, seeing off their guests. Bruce and his House were waiting for their ship to be ready.
Alfred and Dick held snack bags of everyone’s favorites. The Jovaran chocolates were especially popular, and Bruce had commanded several boxes to be loaded aboard in addition to other Jovaran food.
Clark held the satinwood box of toys, blushing beneath his javea as he remembered the spanking Bruce had given him that morning. He doubted they would follow the planet’s adage about daily spankings but was certain it was now part of their sexual repertoire and would be used frequently.
The door to the helipad anteroom opened and Laylin dashed out. “M’lord! Your bottle of quinium.” She skidded to a halt in front of Bruce and handed him the bottle. “In case you get held up and the shot is necessary before planetfall.”
“Thank you, Laylin.” Bruce smiled as he took the precious bottle and handed it to Alfred to put with the other bottle in the ship.
Laylin curtsied, starting to retreat when Jodelle reached out and lightly grasped her shoulder, keeping her by his side.
Dick beamed at her and she blushed, the adults exchanging amused looks.
“You must be eager to return home,” Jodelle said.
“We are.” Bruce smiled. “The best season of the year will be in full bloom when we get back home, and we’ll be preparing for Halloween in another month.”
“Ah, yes, I have read about that holiday. A celebration of the dead by donning outrageous costumes and consuming candy.”
The Humans laughed, and Bruce said, “A good description, but so much more. If you ever wish to experience it firsthand, Wayne Manor will be yours and King Jovan’s.”
“Thank you.” Both sovereigns were pleased at the invitation.
One of the pilots came down the gangplank. “Ready for departure, sir.”
Bruce nodded. “Thank you, Major.” He faced the Jovarans. “Thank you for an outstanding visit, Your Majesties. Truly memorable.”
The Kings acknowledged the statement and Jodelle said, “We were delighted to host the House Of Wayne, Prince Bruce. Safe journey home.”
Laylin got a quick wave in to Dick as the Terrans turned to walk up the gangplank.
& & & & & &
When Laylin returned to her quarters after her shift was over later in the day, she found a white, gold-trimmed box on her dresser. Opening it, she gasped as she saw the glittering sapphire-and-topaz necklace resting on a bed of white satin. A folded note was tucked away in the lid, and she plucked it out and opened it, a small card falling out.
& & & & & &
Dear Laylin,
Please accept this token of my gratitude for your important service to my House.
This card is a voucher good for any time in the future with Royal Space Lines. You have a standing invitation to come and visit us in Gotham City any time.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wayne
Of
The House Of Wayne
& & & & & &
The Royal Seal of the House Of Wayne was raised on the exquisite paper in the ancient art of sealing wax, usually reserved for fellow nobility.
Laylin sat on her bed, staring at the note, a big grin slowly spreading across her face as she jumped up and ran to the computer.
Wait’ll Mom and Dad hear about this!
& & & & & &
Clark eased out from Bruce’s sleeping grasp. Wrapping a robe around him, he slipped out of the small cabin.
He reached the small observation part in the rear of the ship, watching the stars twinkle in the blackness of space.
The thrum of the engines running at warp speed was comforting. The journey would be short, relatively speaking, and he was glad of that. As much as he had enjoyed his Jovaran adventure, he was looking forward to returning home.
Sitting down, he crossed his legs, resting his hands in his lap. He supposed some would say that was odd. On Jovara, he was respected as a pleasure slave. He had felt no shame in pleasuring his Master in public at the ja’zanna banquos. Ja’zels were honored, not denigrated, and it had been more of a partnership instead of Bruce exerting his power. He was the honored pleasure-giver, not just some whore.
But Earth was his home, Wayne Manor most of all. He loved the ancient old manse and the grounds surrounding it. He loved the feel of the kitchen garden’s earth between his fingers as he planted vegetables and the smell of roses in the formal garden. He loved the ancient trees on the manicured grounds and in the forest surrounding the grounds, resplendent with color by now. He loved the sight of the sparkling sea and the sound of the waves crashing below on the rocks. He loved the robins with their nest over the kitchen door and the squirrels chattering as they sprinted across the lawn and from tree-to-tree.
He loved having an honored place in Bruce Wayne’s House…and heart.
A hand gently rested on his shoulder.
“Couldn’t sleep?” asked Bruce.
“Just thinking of home.”
Pleased, Bruce sat next to him.
“Me, too.”
They watched the stars, Bruce putting his arm around Clark, and Clark resting his head on Bruce’s shoulder.
& & & & & &
“Welcome home, Mr. Wayne.”
“Thank you, Brendan.”
The chauffeur smiled at Bruce’s slaves, and said to Alfred, “The kitchen survived my gastronomical adventures, and the refrigerator and pantry are stocked with everything you sent me on that list you e-mailed from the ship.”
“Excellent.”
Alfred and Brendan went to the kitchen, and Dick said, “The kitchen better be spotless, or Brendan’s dead!”
Clark and Bruce laughed, the latter saying, “It was good for Brendan to stay here in the house when he got back from vacation last week.”
Clark and Dick brought the luggage into the elevator and Bruce headed for the library. He paused at the painting of his parents, saying softly, “We’re back home, safe and sound,” then booted up his computer terminal at his desk.
He smiled at Laylin’s message of thanks and e-mails from Jodelle and Jovan, requesting notification of safe arrival. He read a long message from Lucius, glad that he could wait to start wading through a plethora of mail until tomorrow, and welcome home messages from Lex, Ollie, Dinah, Hal, and Steve.
“Sir?”
“Yes, Brendan?”
“A Security report was prepared this morning.” Bruce saw the e-mail and clicked it open. “No major incidents, though Edmund Caldwell was seen lingering at the main gates more than once. However, nothing happened.”
Bruce grimaced. Let Edmund glare all he wanted as he opened the security photos. He was still going to pay for raping Clark.
He saw messages from Martha, Kathy and Lana. Attached were several articles and podcasts about the Congressional hearing, and Bruce was pleased to see the appalled and outraged reactions over the torture tape, though some idiots were arguing that Edmund was within his rights as a Master.
A message from Jim Gordon welcomed him back and requested a meeting.
“Thanks, Brendan. I appreciate you looking after things when you got back from vacation. How was it?”
Brendan grinned. “Outstanding, sir. I went off-world for most of it. Rigel VII is most welcoming of tourists!”
“Very.” Bruce was pleased that Brendan was able to use the account he had set up for special employees. The trip to Rigel VII was free, as were the accommodations, and Brendan had just needed money for meals and his own entertainment. “Did you see the Diamond Falls?”
“Oh, yes, sir. Amazing.”
“Glad to have you back.”
Brendan beamed. “Thank you, sir. Oh, is Dick available? I’m working on the limousine and I could use his help.”
“Check with Alfred.”
Brendan nodded and left.
Bruce worked on his messages, replying to as many as he could. He took care of some Wayne Enterprises business, and read more about the hearing, replying to Martha, Kathy, and Lana.
At lunchtime he and Clark ate in the backyard, Alfred taking lunch to Dick and Brendan in the garage.
“How’s the unpacking going?” Bruce asked as he ate his chicken sandwich accented by fresh, crisp lettuce and slices of ripe beefsteak tomatoes with a touch of Orion hot mustard.
“Very good. I’ve got most of the clothes washed, and the dryer means I should be able to put them away soon. I put away all your personal items, and mine, too.”
Music played softly from the antique radio set on the table, a melodic backdrop to birds twittering and the sound of the sea. Clark’s sandwich was the same as Bruce’s with the addition of cucumbers and wheat bread instead of raisin bread. As he drank his cranapple juice, Bruce poured himself another glass, filling Clark’s next. The music had stopped and a news update came on.
“The Mayor insists that the redevelopment project will go through.
“In other news, Batman and Robin’s capture of the Penguin last night was called ‘brilliant’ by Commissioner Gordon, the criminal’s scheme completely thwarted by the Dynamic Duo.”
Bruce laughed. “Oh, boy, we’ll never hear the end of this from Ollie and Roy!”
Clark joined in his laughter. “Sure, they’ll have stories to tell, but so do we.”
“We learned some things from the Jovarans, eh?” Bruce winked, chuckling at Clark’s blush. “But maybe not for public discussion.”
“Maybe not.”
Bruce smirked as he crunched on a Polish dill pickle.
“I got an e-mail from Jamie. Steve and Hal, too.” Clark took a quick sip of juice as he took a bite of extra-hot mustard. “They were happy we were back.”
“Hmm, Dick probably got messages from Roy and Melody. Did he check his e-mail yet?”
“I don’t know.”
Bruce smiled. “He is such a born performer. No surprise that he was the star of the acrobatic act on Jovara.”
Clark smiled. “He sure made a conquest with Laylin.”
Bruce looked down at his plate. “I got a message from Lana Lang.”
“Oh.”
Bruce looked up. “She’s really started the ball rolling with that tape.”
“Good.” Clark took a long draught of juice.
“I think it’ll do some good.”
“I hope so.” Clark took a deep breath. “Does she still think my testimony would help?”
Bruce sighed as he picked up his sandwich. “I don’t know. Slaves aren’t allowed to give testimony at trial, but she thinks that she might be able to persuade her colleagues to allow it for a Congressional hearing.” He looked at Clark with a distressed expression.
“If they allow it, I’ll do it,” Clark said softly, taking his napkin and crumpling it.
Bruce felt slightly nauseous. He hated the idea of Clark in the glaring spotlight of Congress, facing hostility and ridicule and forced to describe what Edmund Caldwell had done to him.
“We’ll see.”
& & & & & &
After lunch, Clark went back to unpacking and Bruce did more work in the library, methodically going through his e-mails.
The desk phone rang and he picked it up. “Lex! Hi! Thanks for the welcome home message.”
“Hey, I take care of my friends.”
“So, what’s up? How are you and Jamie?”
“We’re great. Are you hosting Halloween Week again this year?”
“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”
“Well, now that you’re a star diplomat…”
Bruce laughed. “Hey, you were the one who dragooned me.”
“Guilty as charged.” There was a rustling in the background as Lex moved some papers on his desk. “Jamie and I will be there with bells on. Oh, Hal and Steve may be bringing someone new.”
“Really? Who?”
“A gorgeous Greek woman. She was the one who found Steve after his plane crash last year.”
“Wow, I’d love to meet her. I’ll have to make sure to include her in the invitation. By the way, thanks for inviting yourself.”
Lex laughed. “Any time. There should be some interesting stories to tell.”
“How so?” Bruce leaned back in his dark-red leather chair.
“Oh, a lttle bird told me about your slaves’ heroics on Jovara. Oh, and yours, too.” Amusement laced Lex’s voice.
Bruce gripped the phone tightly, then realized that the ‘little bird’ reference was not referring to his ‘Little Bird’.
“My slaves were the real heroes.”
“Modest. Well, you impressed the Govs. Maybe you have a future career as a diplomat.”
Bruce snorted. “I doubt it, but thank you, anyway.”
Lex chuckled, then his voice grew serious. “Just watch your back, old friend. Pushing for this lawsuit against Edmund will infuriate the old man, and he’s not the most stable.”
Bruce’s fingers curled tighter around the handset. “Someone has to stop him. He’s torturing slaves to death. The things he does while they’re still alive…” He felt nauseous.
“I know, believe me.” Lex’s voice grew very soft. “He could have done it to Clark. He would have done it with Jamie, but you bought Jamie first.”
Bruce forced his nerves to calm, or he would lose his lunch.
“I know. And that’s just part of the reason why I have to go after him.”
“You’re a good man, Bruce Wayne. If you need help, just give me a call.”
"Thanks, I will.”
& & & & & &
After Lex’s call, Bruce worked diligently on catching up the rest of the afternoon, glad to call it quits for dinner.
Dick was bubbly as he said, “It’s really cool, Bruce! Brendan and I found the limo’s problem and it purrs like Catwoman now.”
Bruce and Clark laughed, even Alfred raising an eyebrow and smiling.
After dinner Bruce declared, “I want to watch television and relax. Join me?” His family nodded. “Good, Alfred, will you pop some of that excellent popcorn?”
“Certainly, sir. Dick, come prepare some soft drinks.”
“Yes, sir!”
Clark helped with clean-up while Bruce went into the living room, catching up on the news.
Fifteen minutes later he could smell the popcorn cooking. The Smallville Cornsilk brand was immensely popular, Kansas corn the best in the world. All of Smallville owned stock in the company, the processing plant right outside of town. Lex had bought shares years ago, but the majority stockholders were Smallville citizens, including the Kents.
Clark came in to sit beside Bruce on the couch. “Alfred and Dick will bring everything in when the popcorn’s ready.”
“Good.”
“Mmm, can’t wait. That Smallville popcorn is the best!”
Bruce laughed. “I was just thinking that.”
“…and our own Prince of Gotham returned today from the economic conference on Jovara. Here we see him arriving at the airport after shuttling from Spaceport Luna.”
“Good thing we changed from Jovaran clothes.” Clark grinned.
“Oh, I don’t know. You looked rather stunning in those robes.” Bruce petted Clark’s hair. “Pity people couldn’t see what kohl does for your eyes.”
“They could see what it did for you.” Clark traced Bruce’s lashes with a grin.
“Oh, right. Maybe I’ll have you make me up for my board meeting tomorrow.”
“Well…”
“Fresh popcorn and ice-cold Coke!” chirped Dick as he came into the living room.
“What, are you a vendor at the ballpark?” Bruce teased.
Alfred set the large bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and passed out smaller bowls while Dick passed out the glasses. He glanced at the TV.
“Wow, she’s pretty!”
A beautiful woman dressed in a red bodice with a golden eagle design, gold belt, and star-spangled blue shorts dominated the screen, statuesque in red boots, a gold tiara with a red star gleaming in her dark hair. Iron bracelets enclosed her wrists, and one hand rested on her hip where a gold lasso was attached to her belt.
“Hola, People of America! It is time to embrace your rich heritage of Freedom!
“So proclaims Wonder Woman, Princess of the Amazons!”