Fic: Rainbow's Freedom (Justice Arc) (47/61)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (47/61)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Kara Zor-El, Alfred, Clark/Bruce, Dick, Lana Lang, Jack Kennedy
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): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Kara asks Clark for help while Lana and an ally plot in Washington.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): August 30, 2011
Date Of Posting: December 11, 2012
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 962
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The magnificent story cover is by the wonderfully-talented ctbn60 Thanks so much, luv! :)
Once upon a time,
In a land
Of glittering gold,
Reigned a King
Young and bold.
He led the people
With joy and vigor,
And his reign was
Praised
For vision
And rigor.
A new day
Was dawning.
Jacqueline Lee
"Camelot"
1961 C.E.
XLVII
CAMELOT
Kara walked up to the front door of Wayne Manor and used the brass knocker, the sound of it hitting heavy oak echoing inside. Light but sure footsteps sounded, and the door opened to reveal Alfred.
“Miss Kara, good to see you.”
“Thank you, Alfred. I can say the same.”
He was one of the handful of Humans she truly respected. How he maintained such dignity with the collar around his neck, she couldn’t fathom, but she admired him for it
“Come in. You are here to see…?”
“Kal-El.”
“Very good. Follow me, please.”
Kara did as requested, and they emerged into the garden. She saw Kal-El there, along with the Prince and his Squire. Bruce Wayne frowned at her presence.
You have good reason to look unhappy at my arrival, slaveowner.
“Kara, hello,” Clark said with a genuine smile.
For a moment, she regretted what she was about to say, but there was nothing for it. She had to speak the words.
“I need you to come with me, Kal-El.” His face fell but she stepped forward. “I’m sorry, Cousin, but I have no choice.”
‘You always have a choice,” Bruce growled.
She didn’t even spare him a glance. “Our people are scheduled to be executed on Cestus III. My fellow Rebels are scattered throughout the Empire on other missions.” She laid a hand on her cousin’s arm. “I wouldn’t ask this, Kal-El, except that it’s necessary.” Her voice held pride. “I know that you tried to save our people once before.”
“And was nearly killed,” Bruce said harshly. “That’s when he was doused with Green Kryptonite and captured!”
Kara looked at him coldly. “Yes, I know, but at least he tried.”
Clark stepped between the two of them. He held out a conciliatory hand. “Tell me more,” he said to Kara to Bruce’s dismay.
“The execution pen on Cestus III holds a dozen of our people: men, women and children. They aren’t part of the Rebellion, merely Krptonians just trying to eke out a living under the insidious Hunt Decree. Now their luck has run out.”
She could feel the anger radiating off Bruce. He well knew that Clark would be unable to turn her down now. Not with innocents on the line.
“I’ll go with you,” Clark said.
“Clark…”
Clark turned toward his Master with a small smile on his face. The Squire had come forward, anxiety in every movement. Alfred was similarly concerned.
“I have to go, Bruce. It’s time.”
Bruce knew that it was futile to protest, Kara thought. She could see his thoughts written all over his face.
Bruce clutched Clark’s arm. “You have to be prepared. Last time…”
“Yes, I remember last time.” Clark’s smile was rueful.
“Then let us help you.” Bruce looked at Kara. “You too, Kara.”
She wanted to snap that two Kryptonians needed no help from Humans, especially one who was a slaveowner, but instead replied, “We should pool our resources.” Seeing Clark’s pleased expression, she knew that she had made the right decision.
“Let’s plan,” Bruce said.
& & & & & &
Lana sighed as she sat down at the conference table. She had tweaked her ankle while skiing over the weekend, and walking the endless corridors of the Capitol had not helped.
She set up her laptop, the screen in the room activated as she connected the two devices. The door opened and a blond man in an expensive dark-blue suit came in. ”Hello, Lana.”
“Hello, Jack.”
The thirty-eight-year-old Senator from Massachusetts sat down at the table. He ran a hand through his thick hair, glints of gold shining through it. Bright, blue eyes regarded Lana with interest.
“So what’s up?”
“I want to propose a change to the timeline of our legislation.”
“Oh?”
She nodded. “The newly-proposed Slave Protection Laws will be the first item on the agenda.”
“I know.” Jack Kennedy, descendant of the 35th President, eyed her shrewdly. “So?”
“So I want it pushed through, and fast.”
White teeth gleamed. “Well, Senator, I’m on your side.”
“Good thing.”
His grin grew wider. “Hey, I know which side to be on, especially if it means getting my ass kicked by a certain redhead if I don’t.”
Lana smirked. She enjoyed the banter but she knew that he was as committed to the Cause as she was.
His resemblance to his namesake was extraordinary: the thick hair, Irish features, and slender body type made it easy to mark him as a Kennedy. More liberal than his ancestor, he nevertheless knew how to play the political game.
And when he smiles, he’s definitely a Kennedy.
They had worked together to defeat the Slave Branding Law, and now were firm allies in beefing up weak Slave Protection Laws. His skill was practically genetic, she thought. They made a good team.
“So that’s not news,” he said again. He looked at her shrewdly. “What have you got up your sleeve?”
“This.”
She pressed a key on her laptop and the screen displayed the document. His eyes widened.
“I want to introduce this bill right after the New Year.”
“Well, you’re ambitious enough.” Jack studied the document. “You want to get people used to the Slave Protection Laws first.”
“That’s right.”
He smiled at her, eyes shining with excitement. “You know this will be a knockdown drag-out.”
“Oh, yes, I know.”
“And the N.A.S. is ready to back your play?”
“They are.”
Jack shook his head while still grinning. “I’m in.”
Lana smiled. Always good to have a Kennedy on your side.
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