bradygirl_12 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bradygirl_12) wrote2009-12-12 09:53 pm
bradygirl_12) wrote2009-12-12 09:53 pm
Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (The Dark Knight Of The Soul Arc) (38/38)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (The Dark Knight Of The Soul Arc) (38/38)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce (Clark does not appear in this chapter), Jim Gordon, Kathy Kane, Lana Lang, Martha Kent, Elias Stark, Hal/Steve, Harold Allston, Carl Winslow
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. A Great Trial crashes down upon the House Of Wayne. Can Bruce and Clark’s relationship survive? Will the Family’s strength be enough to see them through this Time of Fear and Darkness? The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Plans are made, some for justice, some for revenge.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): January 25, 2009
Date Of Posting: December 12, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 860
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
"Man and his plans…what would he do without them?"
XXXVIII
VENGEFUL JUSTICE
The screams echoed in the living room as Bruce shut off the TV.
Two very shaken women sat on the couch, a third in the overstuffed armchair. Jim Gordon sat in the other chair.
“I’m sorry you had to see that, but…”
“No, it’s okay, Bruce,” Kathy said softly.
“I stopped it after five minutes. You get the gist.”
Lana rocketed off her chair. “That sadistic bastard!” She was trembling with rage. “Those poor souls! My God, Bruce! We don’t even treat murderers and rapists like this! This…it’s utter insanity!”
“I know.”
Lana began pacing. “I’m going to show this fucking tape to the Congressional committee I’m on.”
“Some people would like what they see,” Jim said.
“No doubt, but there will be those as appalled as we are. If this tape doesn’t convince people of the need to have Slave Protection Laws, I don’t know what will.”
Martha looked parchment-white. “Are those people dead?”
“I would guess they are, Mrs. Kent,” said Jim. “We could check the Caldwell inventory, but the victims could have been purchased for torture only, and possibly from unscrupulous slave dealers who sell smuggled bondsmen. There would be no records in that case.” He sighed. “But even if they were legal purchases, we could do nothing. As you well know, a Master has utter dominion over a slave. They can torture and kill at will.”
Anger reflected in the women’s eyes. Lana stood stiffly, red wisps of hair trailing out of her ponytail.
“Commissioner,” she said. “Would you be willing to put your considerable influence behind a bill to enact sweeping Slave Protection Laws?”
“I’m not that influential, Senator…”
“Don’t be so modest, Commissioner. You are more influential than you know.”
“I would be happy to help, Senator. I’m tired of a system that ties my hands when it comes to justice.”
“It’s Lana, please, and understandable that you should be frustrated, Commissioner.”
“Jim, please.”
“A great alliance, then,” Bruce said.
“A productive one,” Lana added as she shook hands with Jim.
“We will stop these abominations.” Jim’s mouth was set in a hard line.
Everyone in the Kane living room nodded grimly.
& & & & & &
Elias Stark looked over the meeting minutes about the Kryptonian Hunt. Nothing spectacular, but still productive. A band had been discovered and wiped out just last week.
He sipped from his water glass, studying the computer screen.
Damn, he could have used Wayne’s input. Queen and Luthor hadn’t been able to make it, and a civilian could have added some needed perspective.
The little incident with Edmund Caldwell had mucked things up. So what if his whore had broken his arm? Couldn’t the slut suck it up?
Beyond his usual sucking.
Stark smirked.
It had been amusing to watch Wayne rail about breached security. He doubted they’d discover how Edmund got in.
After all, he hadn’t been a general for all these years and not know good infiltration tactics when he saw them.
Smiling, he returned to his reading.
& & & & & &
“Do you really think that Dr. Allston can come up with a substitute for the drugs the Govs are giving the Amazons?” Steve asked.
He and Hal were sitting in their living room. Hal carefully stretched, trying to keep improving.
“Bruce assured us he’s not only the best at what he does, but he’s an Aldebaran shellmouth of discretion.”
Steve settled back in his chair. “I wish we didn’t have to wait.”
“Dr. Allston says we can have the sub drug ready by the time we go on leave in September. Until then, we plan.”
Steve bit his lip. “I just hate to think of Diana suffering…” he rubbed between his eyes “…but after four centuries, what’s a few more months?”
& & & & & &
Harold studied the results of his latest tests. Soon he’d have the perfect fake drug to give to the majors.
Man, he was really getting involved in deep stuff here. Not only was he helping Bruce shield his Squire from the Hunt Decree against the Roma by supplying the masking agent to obscure the genetic evidence, he was helping to plot a major upheaval on Paradise Island against the Federal Government.
It was a good thing he liked living on the edge.
“Let me know when you’re through here, Doc, and I’ll straighten up.”
Harold looked up at the newly-hired lab tech. “Sure, Carl.”
The man nodded and closed the door.
& & & & & &
Carl Winslow smiled. It had been almost too easy getting a job here. He was very low-level, performing the most basic of tasks, but it beat cleaning houses for a living.
He didn’t mind flying under the radar. If he played his cards right, by the time he figured out a fitting revenge on the almighty Prince for getting him fired from Aaron Breck’s cleaning service*, he could strike swift and deadly. By now Wayne would have forgotten all about him.
Revenge would be sweet.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
*Chapter 3: Violation (Shadow Of The Bat Arc)
End Of The Dark Knight Of The Soul Arc
Next: The Jewel In The Crown Arc
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce (Clark does not appear in this chapter), Jim Gordon, Kathy Kane, Lana Lang, Martha Kent, Elias Stark, Hal/Steve, Harold Allston, Carl Winslow
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. A Great Trial crashes down upon the House Of Wayne. Can Bruce and Clark’s relationship survive? Will the Family’s strength be enough to see them through this Time of Fear and Darkness? The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Plans are made, some for justice, some for revenge.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): January 25, 2009
Date Of Posting: December 12, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 860
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Raj Nehru
"An Observer Of
The Human Condition"
2216 C.E.
VENGEFUL JUSTICE
The screams echoed in the living room as Bruce shut off the TV.
Two very shaken women sat on the couch, a third in the overstuffed armchair. Jim Gordon sat in the other chair.
“I’m sorry you had to see that, but…”
“No, it’s okay, Bruce,” Kathy said softly.
“I stopped it after five minutes. You get the gist.”
Lana rocketed off her chair. “That sadistic bastard!” She was trembling with rage. “Those poor souls! My God, Bruce! We don’t even treat murderers and rapists like this! This…it’s utter insanity!”
“I know.”
Lana began pacing. “I’m going to show this fucking tape to the Congressional committee I’m on.”
“Some people would like what they see,” Jim said.
“No doubt, but there will be those as appalled as we are. If this tape doesn’t convince people of the need to have Slave Protection Laws, I don’t know what will.”
Martha looked parchment-white. “Are those people dead?”
“I would guess they are, Mrs. Kent,” said Jim. “We could check the Caldwell inventory, but the victims could have been purchased for torture only, and possibly from unscrupulous slave dealers who sell smuggled bondsmen. There would be no records in that case.” He sighed. “But even if they were legal purchases, we could do nothing. As you well know, a Master has utter dominion over a slave. They can torture and kill at will.”
Anger reflected in the women’s eyes. Lana stood stiffly, red wisps of hair trailing out of her ponytail.
“Commissioner,” she said. “Would you be willing to put your considerable influence behind a bill to enact sweeping Slave Protection Laws?”
“I’m not that influential, Senator…”
“Don’t be so modest, Commissioner. You are more influential than you know.”
“I would be happy to help, Senator. I’m tired of a system that ties my hands when it comes to justice.”
“It’s Lana, please, and understandable that you should be frustrated, Commissioner.”
“Jim, please.”
“A great alliance, then,” Bruce said.
“A productive one,” Lana added as she shook hands with Jim.
“We will stop these abominations.” Jim’s mouth was set in a hard line.
Everyone in the Kane living room nodded grimly.
Elias Stark looked over the meeting minutes about the Kryptonian Hunt. Nothing spectacular, but still productive. A band had been discovered and wiped out just last week.
He sipped from his water glass, studying the computer screen.
Damn, he could have used Wayne’s input. Queen and Luthor hadn’t been able to make it, and a civilian could have added some needed perspective.
The little incident with Edmund Caldwell had mucked things up. So what if his whore had broken his arm? Couldn’t the slut suck it up?
Beyond his usual sucking.
Stark smirked.
It had been amusing to watch Wayne rail about breached security. He doubted they’d discover how Edmund got in.
After all, he hadn’t been a general for all these years and not know good infiltration tactics when he saw them.
Smiling, he returned to his reading.
“Do you really think that Dr. Allston can come up with a substitute for the drugs the Govs are giving the Amazons?” Steve asked.
He and Hal were sitting in their living room. Hal carefully stretched, trying to keep improving.
“Bruce assured us he’s not only the best at what he does, but he’s an Aldebaran shellmouth of discretion.”
Steve settled back in his chair. “I wish we didn’t have to wait.”
“Dr. Allston says we can have the sub drug ready by the time we go on leave in September. Until then, we plan.”
Steve bit his lip. “I just hate to think of Diana suffering…” he rubbed between his eyes “…but after four centuries, what’s a few more months?”
Harold studied the results of his latest tests. Soon he’d have the perfect fake drug to give to the majors.
Man, he was really getting involved in deep stuff here. Not only was he helping Bruce shield his Squire from the Hunt Decree against the Roma by supplying the masking agent to obscure the genetic evidence, he was helping to plot a major upheaval on Paradise Island against the Federal Government.
It was a good thing he liked living on the edge.
“Let me know when you’re through here, Doc, and I’ll straighten up.”
Harold looked up at the newly-hired lab tech. “Sure, Carl.”
The man nodded and closed the door.
Carl Winslow smiled. It had been almost too easy getting a job here. He was very low-level, performing the most basic of tasks, but it beat cleaning houses for a living.
He didn’t mind flying under the radar. If he played his cards right, by the time he figured out a fitting revenge on the almighty Prince for getting him fired from Aaron Breck’s cleaning service*, he could strike swift and deadly. By now Wayne would have forgotten all about him.
Revenge would be sweet.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
*Chapter 3: Violation (Shadow Of The Bat Arc)
End Of The Dark Knight Of The Soul Arc
Next: The Jewel In The Crown Arc
no subject
Yay, always happy for new fans! :) And thank you for such kind words. :)
I have a lot of random things to say about the series as a whole so I hope I can remember everything I was thinking as I read it.
Looks like you did a good job of remembering. :)
I love that the Marvel superheroes were the comic books of the past here. I love all the little details about the way that slavery is incorporated into such an advanced society even though so much of it is horrific. The idea that there's no way for a slave to earn or be given their freedom is probably the most horrific.
I decided on that rule so that Bruce couldn't free Clark or Alfred or Dick until freedom for all could be established. I wanted to keep the shackles on for a good, long time. ;)
Even in the pre-Civil War south and other societies like ancient Rome where slavery was practiced, it was possible for their owners to set slaves free or for the slave to buy their way to freedom. That not even being an option makes this society even crueller than those but I can see why they wouldn't want to risk those they abused becoming freemen and women some day where they would have to treat them as equals.
*nods*
There's hopelessness in the lack of options, but then it would give even greater impetus to the Abolitionists to get things done.
You've done an outstanding job not only fitting familiar characters into an "alien" culture but creating new ones, both good and bad. I was never even a fan of Batman/Superman pairings because I always felt they were far too different and I don't believe in opposites attract. But here, because of the nature of their relationship to each other, it makes sense and their mutual love is beautiful and perfectly in character.
Thank you, Jen! :)
I know that Clark and Bruce are very opposite in many ways, but they're very similar, too: their thirst for justice, their compassion, their being the best of the heroes...but I'm very happy that my portrayal has made you a fan of the pairing. :)
Robin also makes more sense here. Not that we should always apply logic to comics, but Bruce takes in a young boy and suddenly Batman has a young sidekick? That would certainly be suspicious but in this world, no one would ever suspect a wealthy man of allowing his slave boy to run around fighting crime.
LOL! Logic in comics is lacking, isn't it? :) But Dick is so much a part of the Bat-mythos that it was a sure bet I'd get him in. Besides, I love the boy. :)
I'm hoping Edmund ends up at the bottom of the lake he was planning to throw Clark into, preferably in pieces. With all the maniacs running aroung Gotham, surely someone can kill the old bastard off, right? And they can add Stark in as well.
Edmund should get some kind of poetic justice as his end. :)
I'm wondering what happens if a slave in this universe develops metahuman abilities and uses them to take revenge on their abusers. I know you're heading that way with Clark and Diana but it makes me wonder if they test the slaves for any abnormal genes. If someone as powerful as say, Dr. Polaris, were raised a slave and then suddenly found themselves with powers, it would make sense that they would use them for revenge. Of course, I'm sure they would be killed as soon as they were captured but they could do a lot of damage until then.
Clark and Diana's personalities will dictate their actions, but of course there will be temptations.
Anyway, enough of my ramblings. Hello, from a fellow Massachusettian(or whatever the hell we're called.)
~waves from the other end of the state.~ I friended you. Hope that's okay.
I think the term is Bay Stater. ;)
Sure, friending me is fine! :)
no subject
Sure, friending me is fine! :)"
Great. And I guess saying Bay Stater is easier than incorporating our long state name into a title.