Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (Rainbow Prisms Arc) (15/42)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Rainbow Prisms Arc) (15/42)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Barbara Gordon, Jim Gordon, Kathy Kane
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. Clark finally learns about his identity and heritage. Will that knowledge tear him and Bruce apart? Meanwhile, Rebellion and Abolition twist and turn in the pageantry of events.
The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Challenge, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Barbara and Batwoman make their case to Jim about Batgirl.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): November 12, 2010
Date Of Posting: October 25, 2011
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 676
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The magnificent story cover is by the wonderfully-talented ctbn60. Thanks so much, luv! :)
XV
THIRST FOR JUSTICE
The heart of the young
Is pure and true,
Support the young,
In all they do.
Brett Sadler
"Ode To
The Baby Boomers"
1967 C.E.
“Dad, I need to speak to you.”
Jim Gordon looked up from his paperwork. If a criminal didn’t kill him, the red tape would.
“Sure, honey.” He laid down his stylus and leaned back in his chair, glad for the break.
Barbara closed the office door, shutting out the noise of the chaotic squadroom. She approached the chair in front of her father’s desk.
“What’s up, sweetheart?”
Moonlight began to shimmer through the window as evening took hold. Jim was intrigued. His daughter was rarely nervous. She was the type to forge ahead, steadily and confidently.
Barbara clutched the back of the chair with one hand. “I’m being trained, Dad.”
“Yes, I know. An Olympic gold medallist is always in training.”
“Not for that.”
“Oh? What, then? Acting lessons? You’re really good on the stage.”
“Not exactly.”
“What, then?”
Barbara turned and walked toward the window and opened it, letting the cool autumn air in. A rustle of silk and the appearance of the Bat did not surprise Jim, though he had been expecting Batman, not Batwoman.
The redhead sinuously flowed into the office, a red-lipped smile on her face. Jim had to admit her use of the black costume with red accents created a stunning effect.
No doubt it distracts criminals.
“Good evening, Commissioner.”
“Good evening, Batwoman. And you’re training my daughter in what?”
“Crimefighting techniques.”
Jim raised an eyebrow. “Barbara?”
Barbara took a deep breath. “I’m training to be Batgirl, Daddy.”
Jim looked at his daughter, Batwoman standing a few feet away, but still close to Barbara.
“I see.”
“I have a costume and everything.”
“Mmm.” Jim picked up an antique letter opener and tapped his desk with it. “You’re still a high school student, Barbara.”
“I know, but I’m older than Robin.”
Amusement laced Jim’s voice. “And Robin told you how old he is?”
“Well, no, but I can guess that he’s at least a few years younger than I am.”
“Hmm.” Tap, tap.
Barbara came out from behind the chair. “Dad, I can do this.”
“Why?” Tap, tap.
She blinked. “To fight for justice.”
“And this is the way you choose to do it? Why not become more active with the National Abolitionist Society? You’re already a junior member. Or why not use your gold medal status to promote your pet causes? Why don a cape and tights and fight on Gotham’s mean streets?”
“Because…I have the brains and ability to do it.”
Jim laid the letter opener down. “I admire your heart, Barbara, but are you really prepared to go up against the likes of the Joker?”
“No one can be totally prepared to go up against someone like the Joker, Commissioner, but there are things that can be done,” said Batwoman.
“It’s too dangerous,” Jim said.
She nodded. “But of course the Joker’s in Arkham, along with the Riddler and Penguin in Blackgate.”
“New villains turn up all the time.”
“And new heroes can counter them.” Batwoman put a hand on Barbara’s shoulder. “I won’t pretend that this isn’t hard and dangerous work, but there is precedent with Robin and Speedy.”
Jim looked at his daughter’s hopeful face. It was true that Robin and Speedy were young and talented, but they weren’t his daughter.
“How much more training does she need?”
“At least a month.”
Jim took a deep breath. “Come back to me in a month.”
Batwoman nodded. “I will see you then.” She went out the window into the night.
“So, Dad, does that mean you’re good with this?”
“It means that we’ll re-visit this in a month.”
Barbara almost pouted but thought better of it. “Okay, thanks, Dad.” She turned to leave.
“Barbara.” She turned back. “Justice can be obtained many ways.”
She smiled. “I know, Dad.”
After she had left his office, Jim merely stared at the closed door for several minutes, then returned to his work.
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