Fic: Rainbow's Freedom (Justice Arc) (53/61)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (53/61)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Selina/Lois/Kathy, Clark/Bruce, Dick, Barbara Gordon, Ollie/Dinah, Roy, Barry Allen, Wally West, Hal/Steve/Diana, Katar/Shayera, Arthur Curry
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: The superheroes come together to discuss a new organization.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): November 3, 2011
Date Of Posting: January 19, 2013
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 2222
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The magnificent story cover is by the wonderfully-talented ctbn60. Thanks so much, luv! :)
In the beginning
There was Justice,
And it was good.
Dale Arnold
"History Of The
Justice League
Of America"
2284 C.E.
LIII
IN THE BEGINNING…
“So, what do you think?”
Batman looked at Batwoman. “I think it could be a good idea.”
She smiled, white teeth gleaming in the darkness as they stood on a windy Gotham rooftop. “Excellent. How about we call everyone together during Halloween Week? We can’t really leave Gotham during that time.”
“All right. You’ll contact the Flash and the Hawks?”
“Yes. Wonder Woman’s already on board so she’ll let Green Lantern know.”
“Good. We’ll work out the details of where and when to meet.”
“The Clock Tower has enough space for a meeting.”
Batman nodded. “Sounds all right.”
“Good. I’ll get in touch with you about the date and time.”
Batman rolled out his decel line. “All right. Come on, Robin.”
Robin flashed a smile at Batwoman before following his mentor off the roof.
Batgirl arrived just as the Dynamic Duo disappeared into the night. “Did you get an answer?”
“I did. Batman’s good with the idea.”
“Wow, he’s usually so grumpy.”
Batwoman laughed. “It’s just his schtick, dear.”
Batgirl snorted. “Sometimes he’s a little too schticky.”
“You could be right.” Batwoman grinned as she leaped to the next roof and Batgirl followed.
& & & & & &
Bruce stroked Clark’s back. He was cherishing every moment since his lover’s return. He watched as the golden sunlight caressed Clark’s skin.
They had come such a long way. He clearly remembered the timid, beautiful slave he had first seen on the auction block in the private auction hosted by Silas Bracken. Bruce couldn’t believe that it had only been four short years since he had known Clark, and only a little less for Dick. Along with Alfred, they formed a family that he was immensely proud to call his own.
He nestled close to Clark, thinking about the proposal by Batwoman. She and Wonder Woman were proposing a network of heroes pooling their resources and working together on missions too big for one or two heroes. It was a logical idea, but it would take time to implement. Still, they had to start somewhere.
We’ll have to get you a new name, Bruce thought amusedly as he luxuriated in Clark’s warmth. Ever since his lover had regained his powers, there had been a delightful fringe benefit of extra warmth in bed, which was a boon in the cold winter months.
Bruce willed himself to relax, trying not to think of bylaws and headquarters and all the other things they might need, unless the general consensus went with a very loose network, and very little organization.
The heavenly smell of Alfred’s waffles wafted upstairs, and Bruce knew that his snuggle time was limited. As soon as Clark smelled that delicious food, he would be up and ready to go down to the kitchen. Bruce stole a few more moments.
& & & & & &
Lois surveyed the buffet. Yes, it was probably odd to set up one for masked vigilantes, but heroes had to eat, too. Lois was no cook, but she was good at planning things like this, and with Kathy’s platinum credit card, she had gone to all the best shops and picked up a plethora of goodies: finger rolls of tuna, chicken salad and ham, endive salad, baby vegetables (corn, carrots, and broccoli), Rigellian firepeppers and Jovaran lemon jelly, fresh bagels, assorted cookies (chocolate chip, raspberry sugar, lemon, and gingerbread), and a carrot cake with vanilla frosting. All fresh, all the finest that Gotham had to offer. The coffee was hot and the soft drinks were cold.
If they don’t like this spread, screw ‘em.
Selina slinked over and nuzzled Lois’ neck. “So, playing Suzy Homemaker?”
Lois snorted. “Hardly.”
Selina laughed as she put her mask on. “Well, Lo, you’ve done a fine job. Don’t sweat it.”
“Let’s hope this meeting goes well.” Lois frowned. “So many big egos in one place could be a problem.”
“Then we’ll see.” Catwoman fingered her whip. “Maybe some will have to be taken to task.”
Lois smiled. “Oh, baby, you know it.”
Batwoman appeared, checking her ipad. “You girls got the food and drinks ready?”
“Yes, we girls are ready.”
Batwoman smirked. “Ah, our first guests.” She went over to the window and opened it. “Come in, gentlemen.”
Batman and Robin slipped inside gracefully, followed by the Blur. Clark was wearing a black domino mask and clad in black, a long, black coat completing his simple outfit.
“Do we call you Blur?” asked Catwoman with a smirk.
”Kal is fine.”
“Kal it is.”
The doorbell rang and Lois opened the door. “Welcome, Arrows!”
“Maybe we’re Canaries,” Black Canary sniffed.
Lois grinned and ushered her, Green Arrow and Speedy in. A blur of red followed them in.
“Welcome, Flash,” said Lois.
The Flash solidified with a smile. “Guilty as charged.” He swept his arm out. “And here’s Kid Flash.”
Kid Flash dashed in and was greeted by Lois.
“The buffet’s open, ladies and gentlemen. We can’t start until the rest get here.”
The heroes followed Lois’ suggestion and mingled at the buffet table, joking and chatting as they chose their dinner. They brought their plates to the center of the room, sitting on the couch and chairs arranged around the coffee table.
The doorbell rang again and this time Batwoman opened it. “Great to see you, Princess. Welcome, Green Lantern.” She cocked her head. “And Major Trevor?”
Wonder Woman explained, “He has just come back from the Outer Rim. We will need the intelligence he has gathered there. Please be assured that like Ms. Lane, he is sworn to secrecy.”
This was accepted and a tap at the window revealed Hawkman and Hawkgirl, who came in through the window once Catwoman opened it.
“We just have to wait for Aquaman.” Batwoman adjusted her cape.
“He’s an interesting hero. King of the Sea is an impressive title,” said Flash.
“Quite so. I have met with Aquaman. A fine man,” said Wonder Woman. She looked regal in her star-spangled skirt and cape.
The heroes talked again and Aquaman arrived ten minutes later. He smiled warmly as he shook hands.
“Let’s get started, shall we?” asked Batwoman.
“Yes,” said Batman, preferring business to small talk.
Batwoman said, “Several of us have discussed the idea of getting together and figuring out a way of working together when the situation calls for it.”
“Are you thinking a loose network or a more defined organization?” asked Batman.
“That depends on what the general consensus is. What are your ideas, ladies and gentlemen?”
“I like the idea of an organization with the primary mission being to communicate with each other,” said the Flash.
“I’m not sure I like the idea of an organization,” said Hawkman. “Hawkgirl and I like our independence.”
“We all do,” agreed Catwoman, “but joining a league wouldn’t restrict us. We’d still have our own cities and things to do.”
“And there’s strength in numbers.” Batwoman sipped her coffee. “Against supervillains, alien invasion or even the Govs.”
Heads nodded as the heroes agreed. “The Govs could be a problem,” Green Lantern said.
Hawkman frowned. “Wouldn’t banding together invite Government scrutiny?”
“Possibly, but there’s already been rumblings about forcing us to register with the Govs,” Batwoman stated.
“Ugh, I hate the idea of registration.” Black Canary took a long sip of her coffee.
“We would have to register as civilians.” Green Lantern shrugged.
“Which is an abomination.” Green Arrow frowned.
“I agreed,” said Catwoman.
“But it’s the way of things, at least for now,” Batman said.
Hawkman looked suspiciously at Steve. “I still don’t like a representative of the Govs here.”
“I’m no rep of the Govs,” Steve said firmly. “I work for the U.S. Air Force but I’m no spy.”
Robin, Speedy, and Kid Flash were sitting by the window while enjoying their food and drink. The adults were going to make the decisions about all this but their younger partners were allowed to listen. Green Arrow had said, “If you’re old enough to risk your lives out on the streets, you can sure attend this meeting.” So here they were, very interested and eating good food as well.
A tap on the window caught their attention and they grinned. Speedy opened the window and Batgirl slipped in.
“Argh, I’m late,” she whispered.
“It’s okay, you didn’t miss much,” Robin assured her. “Go get something to eat and come join us.”
She nodded and went over to the buffet table.
“I think an organization with some structure would be the way to go,” said Batman.
“But what kind of organization?” Hawkman asked. “Are we talking a loose network or some official kind of structure?”
“Why can’t we work out some kind of structure as we go along? See what works and what doesn’t,” Black Canary suggested.
Wonder Woman set aside her plate and stood. She was impressive in height and for her air of serenity. Everyone immediately looked to her.
“On my home of Paradise Island, we have a monarchy with my mother as Queen.” She knew only she, Hal and Steve in this room remembered the truth about her home. The Mists of Nepenthe had done their work well. “Yet we have councils to discuss certain issues and advise my mother. While her word is final, we can adapt the model for own use.”
“What’s your idea, Princess?” asked Hawkgirl.
“A sharing of responsibility, but perhaps with a rotating chairperson. In that way there is consensus, but someone to lead.”
“I like the hybrid cooperative/authority model,” said Black Canary. “There has to be someone in charge, but since it’s a rotating chairmanship, everyone would have the chance to wield leadership responsibility.”
Wonder Woman nodded. “With the exception of my mother permanently in the authority role, it is the way we conduct business in Paradise.”
Everyone smiled at her statement, intrigued by the place she spoke of with such fondness. Steve and Green Lantern exchanged glances.
“So are we agreed? We try out this model to see if this works?” asked Black Canary.
“How do we choose the first chairman?” Hawkman inquired.
“We can make a random choice to start, and make up a list the same way.”
“How long will each chairman serve?” asked Catwoman.
“How about we start with two months?” Batwoman suggested. “Nothing’s set in stone so we can lessen or lengthen the term of service until we agree on the best scenario.”
“That sounds all right,” said Green Lantern.
The rest of the heroes nodded.
“Are we going to have bylaws?” asked Batman.
“We probably should.” Batwoman sipped her coffee. “We’d better come up with only a few because we’re sure to add more in the future.”
“Yeah, we don’t want to get bogged down with a bunch of rules,” said Green Arrow. “Ow! What was that for?” he asked Black Canary, rubbing his bicep where she had punched him.
“You follow your own rules,” she smirked.
He leered. “For you, Pretty Bird, you bet.”
Grins all around greeted this little comic interlude.
“Okay, bylaws,” said Batwoman. “The first one should codify the rotating chairmanship.” She wrote on her datapad.
“Should we have a mission statement, too?” Aquaman asked.
“That’s a good point.” Batwoman looked up from her datapad. “Defending the weak, striving for truth and justice?”
“How about freedom for all?” Catwoman stretched lazily.
“I like it.”
“Sounds Abolitionist to me,” Hawkman said.
“Are you against the Cause, sir?” Lois asked sharply.
“Not on the face of it. I’m just not sure it would be wise to sound like Abolitionists and engender hostility right off the bat.”
Lois shrugged. “Maybe we should court hostility in the name of Freedom.”
“We, Ms. Lane?” Hawkman frowned. “Come to think of it, why are you here, a civilian and a reporter to boot? This meeting won’t end up on the front page of The Daily Planet, will it?”
”Now listen, you…”
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s calm down,” said Flash as Kal put a light restraining hand on Lois’ arm. She was about to angrily shake him off but when she met his eyes, she backed off.
“Nothing said here will find its way into the paper,” Lois declared.
“I hope not,” said Hawkman, ignoring Lois’ glare.
Before another dust-up could occur, Black Canary quickly interjected, “Lois will keep our secrets. If she doesn’t, she’s out and she knows it.” The blond looked at the reporter. “Right, Lois?”
“Right.” Lois struggled not to blush as Kal smiled warmly at her. The blue eyes sparkling through the holes of the domino mask were stunning, an unearthly blue that captivated her.
“We need to band together,” Steve spoke up. “I can’t go into details, but rest assured that the Kadorans are getting ready to cause trouble on the Outer Rim. It’ll probably be wise to have experience in working together before that happens.”
The heroes grew more serious after Steve’s statement. As they hammered out their mission statement and bylaws, Batgirl whispered, “We’re seeing history being made.”
“Really?” asked Speedy. “Sounds like this might not last.”
“They’ll work it out,” Robin said confidently.
“I hope so.” Speedy took a bite of his carrot cake.
The teenagers watched in amusement as the adults argued, but Robin was right.
They worked things out, at least for now.
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