Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (Project K Arc) (32/54)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Project K Arc) (32/54)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Jonathan/Martha, Kathy Kane, Carruthers, Clark/Bruce, Addison Atterby, Kevin M’Butu, Alfred, Dick
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. New superheroes appear on the scene as the Abolitionist Movement gathers strength. Meanwhile, Lex gets his heart’s desire while long-held secrets begin to spill out of the Manor. Nothing will ever be the same again.
The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Challenge, Drama, Slavefic
Challenge Category: Section E (Slavefic)
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The Caldwell trial concludes. Now it's up to the jury.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): November 19, 2009
Date Of Posting: April 13, 2011
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1091
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author's Note: Written for my 2010 DCU Fic/Art Bondage Challenge.
Humanity’s burden
Is to be aware.
Sir Allan Craigshall
"The Lost Generation"
1920 C.E.
XXXII
HUMANITY’S BURDEN
Jonathan looked around the mansion with admiration. “You have a beautiful home here, Kathy.”
“Thank you, Jonathan.”
Kane Manor was a twin to Wayne Manor in some ways with its imposing architecture, white pillars flanking the entrance, and lavish grounds.
The Kanes were as old a family as the Waynes, one of Gotham’s Founding Families. Kathy had found good homes for her slaves when she had joined the Abolitionist Movement and had hired free servants. They kept Kane Manor in sparkling condition.
The foyer was spacious with a shining parquet floor and glittering chandelier, fresh flowers in a golden bowl on the pier table in the center.
Kathy nodded to her butler, who picked up the suitcases and went to the elevator.
“Do you need help?” Jonathan called.
Carruthers shook his head. “Not necessary, sir.”
Martha slipped her arm through her husband’s. “As always, thank you for hosting me, Kathy, and now Jonathan, too.”
“I’m delighted, Martha. It’s the least I can do for such a tireless advocate of the Cause.”
Martha smiled. “I see that Gotham is quite busy with the superhero community. First Batwoman, then Green Lantern! How is Hayley?”
“She’s fine. She got nicked up by that glass from the shattered window, but she’s fine now.”
“Good. What a terrible thing.”
“Zealots of any stripe are dangerous.”
“Yeah, both sides haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory,” Jonathan said.
“Sadly, you’re right.”
“How goes the trial?” Martha asked.
“It seems to be going well, but you never can tell. The trial resumes tomorrow.”
“We’ll be there. That’s what we came for.” Jonathan leaned down to sniff the flowers in the bowl.
“Glad to have the support.”
& & & & & &
Martha and Jonathan sat next to Bruce as the trial began. The protesters outside were being closely watched by the police. Kathy was giving her summation. Throughout it all, Edmund Caldwell was as cool as a cucumber, his sons looking more nervous than him. The Kents glared at him.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you’ve seen the tape. You’ve seen the torture, the heinous sadism, the utter callousness of the defendant.
“He kidnapped Mr. Bruce Wayne’s pleasure slave and was planning to violate and kill him, after horrific torture. Do we really think that a fine is all this man should receive as punishment? You may not think much of slaves but they are human beings just like us. Keep your humanitarianism in mind as you make your decision.”
Kathy looked at the jury, then returned to the prosecutorial table.
Addison Atterby stood up, buttoning his jacket. He slowly began to walk toward the jury box.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the prosecution wishes you to observe a tape that was not relevant to this case, but we won’t discuss that any further.
“What we will discuss is how this case is agenda-driven by Kathy Kane and the National Abolitionist Society. They are asking you to ignore the facts and let sentiment enter your decision. Whatever my client intended to do with the Wayne Prize is irrelevant.
“Ladies and gentlemen, your duty is clear, the law is clear: a fine should be levied, as is fitting, but adding a prison term, even the maximum of six months, is unfair to my client. He is a respected man of the community and should be treated as such. His family is one of the Founding Families of Gotham, and is deserving of respect.”
Addison leaned on the jury box. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are not here to pursue social agendas, but to work within the parameters of the law. As citizens of this great country and of the Galactic Empire, it is your duty to uphold the law and not perform a social experiment.”
Addison smiled slightly as he looked directly at the jury, then turned away to return to his table.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you are now charged with coming to a verdict. Take your responsibility seriously as befits a citizen of this nation,” said Judge M’Butu.
& & & & & &
As Bruce and the Kents milled around in the courthouse atrium, Martha said, “Strong summation by Kathy.”
“She’s a natural,” Bruce said with a smile.
“Who’s a natural?” Kathy asked as she and Lana came up to the group.
“You, my Lady. A fine barrister you are,” Bruce said jauntily.
Kathy laughed. “Thanks, Cousin. Hopefully it’s enough to get Edmund a sentence.”
“Do you think you can get more than just a fine?”
Kathy shrugged. “I hope so. Even though six months is all he’d get, it would set a precedent.” She frowned. “To be honest, it’s ridiculous even from a monetary standpoint. Edmund committed grand larceny, legally speaking. Six months for a prison sentence is shockingly lenient when we’re discussing a valuable asset in terms of his monetary value. If the law insists upon treating slaves as property, then your Prize’s worth should merit a stiffer sentence.”
“Why didn’t you use that argument?” Jonathan asked.
“Pushing for a longer sentence would just pile controversy upon controversy. I wanted to try and get at least the six months, though I plan to use that strategy if my fellow redhead here can get tougher sentencing laws passed.” Kathy lightly jabbed Lana in the ribs.
“Hey, that’s states’ business,” Lana smiled.
“States often take their cue from the Federal Government.”
“Let’s worry about this later,” Bruce said. “Right now I’d be happy to get Edmund’s ass into jail for even six months.”
“Amen to that,” Lana said.
& & & & & &
Clark was nervous. Manor security was tight and he and Alfred and Dick were safe…except he wasn’t sure about Dick. He was worried sick about his boy. If the truth came out about Dick’s Roma heritage…
It made his stomach turn.
“Alfred?”
“Yes?”
Clark wandered into the kitchen. “Where’s Dick?”
“Out in the backyard.” Alfred looked up from the grocery list he was writing. “Is something wrong?”
“No, I guess I’m just nervous about the blackmail.”
Alfred’s eyes flickered. “So am I. Has Master Bruce made any progress in finding the blackmailer?”
Clark shook his head. “He’s been searching but so far nothing. Did he tell you the contingency plans?”
Alfred nodded. “Our lives would be forever changed, but worth it to keep our boy safe.”
Clark nodded.
& & & & & &
Out in the yard, Dick was plotting to leave Wayne Manor.
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Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Jonathan/Martha, Kathy Kane, Carruthers, Clark/Bruce, Addison Atterby, Kevin M’Butu, Alfred, Dick
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. New superheroes appear on the scene as the Abolitionist Movement gathers strength. Meanwhile, Lex gets his heart’s desire while long-held secrets begin to spill out of the Manor. Nothing will ever be the same again.
The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Challenge, Drama, Slavefic
Challenge Category: Section E (Slavefic)
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The Caldwell trial concludes. Now it's up to the jury.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): November 19, 2009
Date Of Posting: April 13, 2011
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1091
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author's Note: Written for my 2010 DCU Fic/Art Bondage Challenge.
Humanity’s burden
Is to be aware.
Sir Allan Craigshall
"The Lost Generation"
1920 C.E.
XXXII
HUMANITY’S BURDEN
Jonathan looked around the mansion with admiration. “You have a beautiful home here, Kathy.”
“Thank you, Jonathan.”
Kane Manor was a twin to Wayne Manor in some ways with its imposing architecture, white pillars flanking the entrance, and lavish grounds.
The Kanes were as old a family as the Waynes, one of Gotham’s Founding Families. Kathy had found good homes for her slaves when she had joined the Abolitionist Movement and had hired free servants. They kept Kane Manor in sparkling condition.
The foyer was spacious with a shining parquet floor and glittering chandelier, fresh flowers in a golden bowl on the pier table in the center.
Kathy nodded to her butler, who picked up the suitcases and went to the elevator.
“Do you need help?” Jonathan called.
Carruthers shook his head. “Not necessary, sir.”
Martha slipped her arm through her husband’s. “As always, thank you for hosting me, Kathy, and now Jonathan, too.”
“I’m delighted, Martha. It’s the least I can do for such a tireless advocate of the Cause.”
Martha smiled. “I see that Gotham is quite busy with the superhero community. First Batwoman, then Green Lantern! How is Hayley?”
“She’s fine. She got nicked up by that glass from the shattered window, but she’s fine now.”
“Good. What a terrible thing.”
“Zealots of any stripe are dangerous.”
“Yeah, both sides haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory,” Jonathan said.
“Sadly, you’re right.”
“How goes the trial?” Martha asked.
“It seems to be going well, but you never can tell. The trial resumes tomorrow.”
“We’ll be there. That’s what we came for.” Jonathan leaned down to sniff the flowers in the bowl.
“Glad to have the support.”
& & & & & &
Martha and Jonathan sat next to Bruce as the trial began. The protesters outside were being closely watched by the police. Kathy was giving her summation. Throughout it all, Edmund Caldwell was as cool as a cucumber, his sons looking more nervous than him. The Kents glared at him.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you’ve seen the tape. You’ve seen the torture, the heinous sadism, the utter callousness of the defendant.
“He kidnapped Mr. Bruce Wayne’s pleasure slave and was planning to violate and kill him, after horrific torture. Do we really think that a fine is all this man should receive as punishment? You may not think much of slaves but they are human beings just like us. Keep your humanitarianism in mind as you make your decision.”
Kathy looked at the jury, then returned to the prosecutorial table.
Addison Atterby stood up, buttoning his jacket. He slowly began to walk toward the jury box.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the prosecution wishes you to observe a tape that was not relevant to this case, but we won’t discuss that any further.
“What we will discuss is how this case is agenda-driven by Kathy Kane and the National Abolitionist Society. They are asking you to ignore the facts and let sentiment enter your decision. Whatever my client intended to do with the Wayne Prize is irrelevant.
“Ladies and gentlemen, your duty is clear, the law is clear: a fine should be levied, as is fitting, but adding a prison term, even the maximum of six months, is unfair to my client. He is a respected man of the community and should be treated as such. His family is one of the Founding Families of Gotham, and is deserving of respect.”
Addison leaned on the jury box. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are not here to pursue social agendas, but to work within the parameters of the law. As citizens of this great country and of the Galactic Empire, it is your duty to uphold the law and not perform a social experiment.”
Addison smiled slightly as he looked directly at the jury, then turned away to return to his table.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you are now charged with coming to a verdict. Take your responsibility seriously as befits a citizen of this nation,” said Judge M’Butu.
& & & & & &
As Bruce and the Kents milled around in the courthouse atrium, Martha said, “Strong summation by Kathy.”
“She’s a natural,” Bruce said with a smile.
“Who’s a natural?” Kathy asked as she and Lana came up to the group.
“You, my Lady. A fine barrister you are,” Bruce said jauntily.
Kathy laughed. “Thanks, Cousin. Hopefully it’s enough to get Edmund a sentence.”
“Do you think you can get more than just a fine?”
Kathy shrugged. “I hope so. Even though six months is all he’d get, it would set a precedent.” She frowned. “To be honest, it’s ridiculous even from a monetary standpoint. Edmund committed grand larceny, legally speaking. Six months for a prison sentence is shockingly lenient when we’re discussing a valuable asset in terms of his monetary value. If the law insists upon treating slaves as property, then your Prize’s worth should merit a stiffer sentence.”
“Why didn’t you use that argument?” Jonathan asked.
“Pushing for a longer sentence would just pile controversy upon controversy. I wanted to try and get at least the six months, though I plan to use that strategy if my fellow redhead here can get tougher sentencing laws passed.” Kathy lightly jabbed Lana in the ribs.
“Hey, that’s states’ business,” Lana smiled.
“States often take their cue from the Federal Government.”
“Let’s worry about this later,” Bruce said. “Right now I’d be happy to get Edmund’s ass into jail for even six months.”
“Amen to that,” Lana said.
& & & & & &
Clark was nervous. Manor security was tight and he and Alfred and Dick were safe…except he wasn’t sure about Dick. He was worried sick about his boy. If the truth came out about Dick’s Roma heritage…
It made his stomach turn.
“Alfred?”
“Yes?”
Clark wandered into the kitchen. “Where’s Dick?”
“Out in the backyard.” Alfred looked up from the grocery list he was writing. “Is something wrong?”
“No, I guess I’m just nervous about the blackmail.”
Alfred’s eyes flickered. “So am I. Has Master Bruce made any progress in finding the blackmailer?”
Clark shook his head. “He’s been searching but so far nothing. Did he tell you the contingency plans?”
Alfred nodded. “Our lives would be forever changed, but worth it to keep our boy safe.”
Clark nodded.
& & & & & &
Out in the yard, Dick was plotting to leave Wayne Manor.
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