Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (30/61)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (30/61)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Hal/Steve/Diana (Steve does not appear in this chapter), Jim Gordon, Arlen/Adele (Arlen does not appear in this chapter), Roy/Johnny, Kara Zor-El, Dixie McCall, Garon Smith, Olivia Benson, Elliot Stabler, Edmund Caldwell, Harrison Caldwell, Halliburton Caldwell
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. Clark begins training under the Bat and secrets are uncovered as the Abolitionist Movement makes rapid progress with old and new methods. Can Freedom outrace rumors of War as the Galactic Empire rushes headlong to a new future?
The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Progress marches on.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 8, 2011
Date Of Posting: August 26, 2012
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1118
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The magnificent story cover is by the wonderfully-talented ctbn60. Thanks so much, luv! :)
The March of Time
Goes forward,
Inevitable,
Like the sweep of Nature
Across the sands and sea,
Because, in the end,
Time and the flow
Of History
Cannot be stopped.
Professor George Standish
"The March Of Time"
2012 C.E.
XXX
THE MARCH OF TIME
Green Lantern soared through space, safely encased in a green aura that allowed him to breath and keep his body from freezing in space. The beauty of the stars never failed to awe him.
He flew easily, with the skill of one for whom flying was in-born, keeping his eyes open behind his mask. He was on patrol today, and he was responsible for the peace and tranquility of Sector 2814. An impossible task, but he figured if he prevented war from breaking out, it was a good day.
That was why he noticed a small ship orbiting the moon of a dead planet in this part of space. He wondered if the occupants needed assistance when his Ring glowed brighter, alerting him to trouble on the next planet.
Meridian VI was a small planet used by the Empire as an outpost, close to the Outer Rim. They also used it as an execution site for captured Hunt victims, which usually meant Kryptonians, though there were others under a Hunt Decree. His lip curled.
He hated helping the Empire keep order for their insidious policies, but the Guardians of Oa had been quite firm: he was not to foment revolution. If change came, he could welcome it, but he could not initiate it. Chafing at the restrictions, Green Lantern nevertheless complied. All he needed was to become a rogue Lantern and get into hot water with the Guardians!
He flew over to Meridian VI, his Ring heading him to the trouble spot. His eyes widened.
& & & & & &
Jim Gordon regarded the woman in his office with respect. Adele Hawkins was doing the right thing. She gave her statement, crisp and cool, and Jim knew that he had enough testimony to at least make an arrest.
He smiled.
& & & & & &
Wonder Woman took the podium in full regalia, her long skirt and cape fluttering in the breeze at Metropolis University. She began to speak, passionately and clearly, her voice ringing out like bell, a call to arms. Her audience was rapt.
& & & & & &
Roy brushed a lock of shining dark hair back from Johnny’s brow as his lover slept. He was healing, and Roy planned to fight for him. Let the Government threaten or otherwise do their worst. He would use all the influence he had to get Johnny back, because Johnny belonged with him.
& & & & & &
Green Lantern saw the huddled masses of near-naked Kryptonians in the holding pen as the execution platform was prepared. Sick to his stomach, he flexed his Ring hand. He would have to make a decision.
That was when he saw the small band of commandos reaching the holding pen. When the soldiers fired on them the commandos merely shrugged them off and tore apart the wire with their bare hands.
Kryptonians?
The leader was a woman, strands of blond hair escaping her black knit cap. She was methodical and ruthless, directing her people as they freed the prisoners, who gained powers under the yellow sun after the Blue Kryptonite collars and manacles were struck.
Green Lantern smiled and flew away.
& & & & & &
Jim Gordon recorded Adele Hawkins’ statement. His pulse thrummed as he thought of his next move.
It was going to be sweet.
& & & & & &
Wonder Woman bowed as the applause washed over her. She was satisfied with her speech and its reception. College students were fertile ground: young minds clamoring to be shaped, and starry-eyed idealists looking for an outlet.
The head of the local chapter of the National Abolitionist Society smiled and shook the Amazon’s hand. “You hit it out of the park, Wonder Woman.”
Wonder Woman smiled.
& & & & & &
Johnny groaned as he walked, leaning heavily on Roy.
“That’s it, Johnny,” said Dixie, her professional eye watching his progress. “Slow and easy.”
“That’s right, Junior, slow ‘n easy,” echoed Roy. He was watching every move.
“What’s your pain level, Johnny?” Dixie asked.
“Um, about four on a scale of ten.”
“Okay, that’s to be expected.” She noticed Roy’s dismay. “It’ll get less, though you’ll have to let us know if you keep experiencing this level of pain, or it gets worse.”
Johnny nodded. “I’ll make sure to say something, Dix.”
“Good.”
Dixie took Johnny’s other arm and she, Johnny, and Roy headed for the solarium.
& & & & & &
Jim Gordon rang the doorbell at Briarwood Manor. The sour-faced butler answered.
“Yes?” His eyes flickered over to Officers Benson and Stabler, the light on their police car rotating, flashing red and blue on the house.
“I would like to see Mr. Edmund Caldwell, please.”
Another car drove up, and a portly, middle-aged man got out, his red-and-white tie askew. Jim nodded to him.
The door closed as the butler went to get his employer. Another patrol car drove up, and the two officers alighted and casually strode to the back of the mansion.
Five minutes later, the front door opened again. Edmund Caldwell stood there, nattily attired, leaning on his silver-headed cane. His sons, Harrison and Halliburton, were standing behind him, the butler lurking in the background.
“Garon says you wanted to see me, Commissioner?” His gray eyes glittered, noting the presence of his parole officer and the police.
“Yes, Mr. Caldwell. I have in my possession a statement saying that you violated your parole.”
“Oh?”
Behind Edmund, his sons looked at each other uneasily. Garon scowled.
Jim had to give Edmund credit for one thing: he was as cool as ice, his grip on his cane steady.
“Yes. Therefore, as per order from the Department of Corrections, I am to take you in.” Jim gestured, and Officers Benson and Stabler came forward, Stabler carrying handcuffs. “We can do without the handcuffs, Officer, but relieve Mr. Caldwell of his cane.”
Stabler nodded and took the cane, handing it to Harrison. He gripped Edmund’s right arm firmly, and Benson took the other arm. Edmund went quietly except for the growled order flung over his shoulder, “Get me Atterby!”
“Right away, Dad,” Harrison promised, and Edmund was placed in the back of the patrol car. Stabler and Benson got in and Stabler started up the engine. The car went down the driveway, followed by the parole officer’s car. Jim alerted the other officers and they came from around the back of the house. They got into their car and drove off.
Jim looked at the Caldwells, Harrison still holding his father’s cane. “Better get in touch with Atterby,” he drawled and turned and walked toward his car, a smile of satisfaction on his face.
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