by Marc | Aug 22, 2018 | Chronicles
Synopsis: War breaks out in the Kahndaq. Freddy is roused from slumber to be told the Final Trials have begun. Getting caught up on what’s happened Freddy calls Cassie to let her know he’s headed to Kahndaq. Sometime later he arrives in Kahndaq and is brought up to speed by Conner. Afterwards Freddy makes the decision to catch up to Black Adam after getting a sense of what’s happening in the city.
STORYTELLER: Kahndaq: It begins with the roll of thunder over a land that rarely sees a storm.
^Sire! Come quickly.^
People do not summon a King, they are summoned. Such is the first thought to enter the mind of Adam. Who’s sleeping form roused long before the servant broke through the curtains surrounding his sea of pillows. The women who litter his chambers also rouse, but none speak. Their place is known and the silence is assured, except at times when they’re encouraged to break it. That fight or flight instinct was in play in the man before his servant’s voice rang out, but it is squarely in the corner of ‘fight’ once he’s heard the man’s tone.
^What madness drives you to…
^Quickly, Sire! They’re …^
That is when the first explosion rocks the palace. Debris crashes in from all angles. Instantly the serenity that was Adam’s chambers is thrown in to complete chaos. A second explosion sends his chamber maidens scrambling as the danger overtakes their senses. That second explosion is followed by a third, a fourth, then the number is endless. Completely lost in the brutality of the assault.
In the ensuing madness of of napalm bathed flames, keen eyes might find the sight of Adam. Swathed only in silken robe, crouched over the fallen form of the man who had come only moments before to summon him. The body lays crumbled amidst the rubble of the bedroom’s entry way. Blood stains Adam’s hand for only a moment, before a single word slips from his lips.
^Shazam!^
^^ – Translated from an ancient dialect of Egyptian.
Today, while standing on the White House Lawn, President Lex Luthor announced a joint task force of several major powers within the United Nation’s Security council would be answering the urgent call from war torn Kahndaq. This comes nearly 24 hours after the initial, unannounced, surge of attack made by Bialya on their neighbors. Hailing the attack on Kahndaq as heinous and uncalled for, President Luthor clarified that this would be a joint task force of Peace Keepers. His clarification was made when pressed for what his authority was to send troops, without an official Declaration of War approved by Congressional vote.
“We are not sending soldiers. We’re not deploying the armed forces. We are taking part in a special task force, sanctioned by the United Nations, aimed solely at restoring peace to the area and putting a stop the senseless loss of life.”
Less than four hours after the announcement news crews were finally able to report in real time. Videos began to make the local, national and world news. Images depicting the Canadian hero known to his people as ‘Freight Train,’ and the French born Firehawk and a woman of Italian descent, mostly known outside of Italy for her amazing operatic talents Alessandra Fermi, the Diva, are shown to the world arriving. Unsurprisingly it is the arrival of the blue and red sigil of Superman that is most touted though. Reporters would suggest that many others can be counted among this vaunted task force, each with their own special ability to render assistance.
Soon after that the ‘Humanitarian Aid’ begins with the Red Cross being covered by the task force. Medical assistance and recovery crews are the first to be brought in and kept safe by those heroes. It isn’t long before the task force is tested in it’s resolve to assist, by new attacks from the Mediterranean Sea based naval vessels of Bialya. Camera crews are able to get amazingly clear shots of the team taking to the field, but only to employ non-lethal force in disarming both troops and entire vessels themselves.
On the third day of the attack on Kahndaq, the Capital City of Shiruta experiences the first full hour without the sound of exploding bombs tolling the new noon-time hour. By this point the City is in ruins. The Red Cross tent-hospitals are overflowing with injured. At least three time that number lay dead in the street or beneath tons of rubble. With only seeming handful of people avoiding both injury or death. The sheer numbers rolling in to the major media sources are staggering.
One news clip begins to make it’s rounds on the news outlet, a small but poignant exchange between the Superman and Kahndaq’s failed champion.
“They run, it is time for us to press back,” in spite of the terrible losses he’s face, Black Adam sounds confident and almost shockingly superior.
“We will, but first we need to make sure the people here are safe from reprisals.”
“They will safe when every man with a gun, is driven from our land…” it is almost as if Adam realizes in the middle of his own words, that he is taking the wrong tact and adjusts.”.. if we allow them time to dig in it will take twice the effort to dig them out later…”
“I agree, but we’re here to restore peace my friend. Listen. You hear that? That silence is the sound of peace.”
“Peace?! All that I hear is fear. They run now. Afraid of fighting against those who might fight back. Now is the time to pursue them. To remove them from Kahndaq.” His impassioned plea ends with a very pointed message, as he spreads his hands wide to the toppled city before him. “…to avenge the dead”
“Adam,” the Canadian born Freight Train, with his larger than life personality matched only by his sheer size, finally speaks. “Before you avenge the dead, let’s help the living stay that way, man…”
It is clear, even before Adam’s hand swiftly takes hold of the camera he’s only just noticed, that he is bridling from the ‘Task Force’s’ response. But whatever the response he makes, is hidden beneath the crumbling of the camera’s lense. Shortly there after, the sound of silence is once more broken.
This time it is Kahndaq that attacks. The fury of Black Adam unleashed upon soldiers that were seemingly retreating. This time there are cameras to capture the destruction in living color.
————
“…Freddy wake up…”
The voice in Freeman’s head is as real as anything he’s ever head. The voice is the same as one he’s heard a hundred times before. It was last heard when he stood in the presence of the Wizard. Though it sounds the same as ever, it is also different. Softer. Less strained. Yet there’s is that foreboding sense of danger that lingers upon whether Freddy does as he is told.
When his open finally, the television that was not on when he went to bed is on. The local news is playing footage labeled as ‘Breaking World News.’ A man at some news desk, somewhere, is talking about footage that is playing over his shoulder. It could be a scene out of any old War movie you might have seen as a kid. Tanks rolling through the desert. Bullets and rockets that look more like lasers on the low quality cameras they’re being filmed on.
“… and in a stunning move Bialya that has shaken the United Nations and most of the world. The Sovereign Country of Bialya declared a state of War on their neighbor Kahndaq. What’s most shocking, is that this declaration was made after a suprising air raid on the Kahndaqian governments Palace….”
anchor’s telecast is interrupted then by the scene over his shoulder changing once more. Whomever was the cameraman, he was trying in vein to keep up with the action happening right in front of him. Even the shaky hand of a novice is able to see the Lightning bolt that crashes down upon a tank division. The explosion kicks up sand in all all directions. Abruptly ending the footage.
“…Kahndaq’s self-appointed ruler, Theo Adam, was quick to respond to the attack. Reports are slim, but we’ve been able to show you only brief footage. President Luthor is expected to make an official statement, but in the name of World Peace, the United Nations has implored the President to act swiftly in the face of the likely super-human war-fare that …”
“…the final trials have started Freddy…”
“…is expected. Given the nature of Kahndaq’s ruler, analysts are calling this failed assassination of Black Adam a grave miscalculation on behalf of Bialya. Those same analysts expect that the attack itself may have been aimed specifically at drawing that very response…”
FREDDY: Since the events, that had Freddy crisscrossing the nation had passed to put an end to an out of control goddess who nearly unleashed a power hungry god Freddy spent time getting acquainted with his new colleagues, but he could not spend as much time as he would have liked learning more about them, because there was work to do. No, there was no threat to steel himself against and fight, no there was healing to be done and none of it could be expedited with wishes or words of power. The healing that Freddy participated in was much like what he did in Metropolis when he, Cassie and Wally went about cleaning up the disaster that the museum had become.
However, for Freddy it went further than clearing debris and rubble and planting flowers. There were people to console, people to meet and speeches to give about the fallen, the dead. People whose lives had been lost in what had been horrible tragedies. Tragedies that could have been avoided, should have been. Life was far from back to normal. While some had to deal with the horrors of humanity the people of Fawcett City had to deal with so much more.
He knew that NOWHERE had come through to deal with the events of the bank and he knew what had been reported about what happened at the school with the explosion of the boiler that killed so many, he knew the truth. He also knew the truth of how many fine offices of the FCPD lost their lives.
There were memorials and funerals, periods of mourning that were going on to this day. There were people coming together and those that withdrew from the world. To be frank Fawcett City had lost some of its pep. A dark cloud hung over the city one that was draped in lies, but lies that were necessary if such a thing existed.
Despite everything that was to come home is where Freddy needed to be, not only to help protect Fawcett City, but to help it move past one of the darkest days. How many more dark days would it have to endure. It lost its favorite son already and now they had lost so many more. It lost the future with the population of children being decimated. They had their lives torn from them. All Freddy could think was it was better for their families to think that it was an accident than for them to know the truth that they had been turned into living horrors to do the biding of biding of a goddess that had gone mad.
One step a time. It’s how they did it, one state a time. The people of Fawcett City got knocked down a lot, but they always got up and they did it together. This was not something they could get through alone, so Freddy did what he could, which wasn’t easy, because even if he appeared as Shazam, there was the difficult question of, “Where were you?” followed by. “Why weren’t you here?”
Freddy was pushed into a room, protected by Chief Callaghan. A move the deposited him into the Metropolis Library. He had to face them and accept their anger, pain and resentment at failing to protect that which was most precious. He could not divulge what happened without creating additional pain. Complicating matters was not what he wanted to do
They did not want his platitudes or excuses. Some did not want to hear he would do better or that he was merely one person. That didn’t want to hear it, they couldn’t hear it. No one wants to hear that. Still he stood there and took it as Shazam, because it was the right thing to do. They were due their pain, their anger, their outrage. They were entitled to it. They needed someone to be the target then he would be that too, because only then could the path to healing begin.
They were difficult days, with difficult weeks ahead, but they could only move forward, not back. Memorials would be erected for the fallen. Including a statue for the mystery hero that allowed for their to be survivors. It was that opening that allowed Shazam to let people know that there will always be people who rise to help.
He considered divulging the identy of the individual, but rather than create an international incident he simply called him a ‘friend’. Someone who was here when he couldn’t be. Someone who acted when he couldn’t. Friend of Fawcett, that is how he referred to him. It was the best he could offer, because to saying they had a complicated relationship was an understatement. He was an arrogant ass, but an honorable one. His alter ego was more amenable. Either way Freddy found him to be like anyone else that walked the earth a complicated, complex individual that he admired on some level, but also knew he had to be watched.
Where Adam challenged and pushed Freddy. Freddy sought to retrain him. To encourage his more noble traits. He was certain Adriana was better suited at that, but there’s was a shared history. Literally given all that Freddy had experienced. It was these thoughts that sent considered along all that he learned upon passing the Trials of Courage and Strength.
Every night it was the same dream the one where he saw the little boy that told him to call forth his name. To take it for himself. Every night he replayed the conversation, remembering the warning, but this night it was different. This night there was a whisper, one that grew louder until Freddy’s eye shot open.
Throwing off his covers his hand moved to his forehead which throbbed a bit. The whisper he heard in his mind was not that of Solomon but another, one that had been missed. “Wizard?”
Padding over towards the glow and sound of the television which he distinctly remembered turning off he cleared the sleep from his eyes until what the newscaster said and the crawl of words along the bottom of the screen register.
Bialya. Kahndaq. Attack. Palace. Explosion.
Theo. “Theo.” He said softly as the whisper returned. As the newscast continued he knew exactly what happened. He didn’t need to see he didn’t need speculation. If they were attacking Kahndaq then it’s defender would respond.
The final trials had begun. There was only one trial left and it in the balance were lives too numerous to count, but even as that sunk in another fact sunk in. The United Nations wanted Luthor to act. Not that Freddy knew the inner workings of administration completely, but it involved a superhuman. One that could easily subdue all others. He was on par with the Wizard’s previous champion.
“Conner.” Conner equals Cassie. Either way it could quickly involved the two of them one way or another. “Cassie.” Modern Day Adam and Isis. He couldn’t let his mind go there, not yet.
He needed to intervene. He had to. Did he know what he was getting into. No. What if it was similar to with what happened with Hercules. Why would Bialya attack Kahndaq? It should matter, but did he have time? That was the question. However, there was only one way he could star to answer that question and more. It begin with a word.
“Shazam!”
Freddy had to tell Wally several times that he was not going to use the Mighty Morphing Power Rangers jingle as my ring tone for the group. No matter how cool he thought it would sounded and was, it was not happening. Regardless of what his ringtone for the others was going to be he did agree that it should be something different from everyone else, but they should avoid matching ringtones if they could help it.
He was preparing to depart. Destination? Kahndaq.
Freddy stepped out on the back porch ready to leave, but there were a few things he needed to do before he could leave. With the phone in his hand he began dialing. He didn’t know what he would say actually. Oddly enough all he could remember was the conversation about ringtones that was held. Wally said they should use the Power Ranger jingle. Freddy was decidedly against that. It made sense that they would want a ring that was specifically for them, but it wasn’t going to be the Power Ranger theme. At least not for Freddy, but right now he hoped Cassie and Wally were listening.
Either way he dialed them both and left a message, because he needed to let them know what was going on. He didn’t know what it would happen, really.
“Cassie, I’m pretty sure you’re aware of what’s going on. Long story short. I know what I’ve seen on TV. Kahndaq’s under attack. Don’t know why. Reports aren’t saying why. I do know it’s going to put Adam in a bad spot if people think he’s being unreasonable. This can go pear shape fast. There’s another bit of business. The Wizard spoke to me. He told me it’s the Final Trial. I don’t know everything I’m walking into, but if it’s anything like Isis someone’s still trying to manipulate everything including Adam.”
Possibly even Freddy.
“I can’t really say what will happen, and I now it’s my trial, but I’m also worried about Adam. I don’t know if you can get involved, but if there is something you can do I ask that you try and help the people of Kahndaq. Get them out of harms way.” The message beeped. He knew that was going to happen.
Redialed. “It’s me again. See if Wally is willing to help. I’m not asking either of you to engage. Fighting wars totally creates the wrong message, but helping people that’s what we want to do right? I just didn’t want either if you to think that I was cutting you or thinking I can do it alone.” They all had to do what they could right? “I’m going to call Wally and leave a message for him to reach out to you.” Did he even mention Conner?
“I’ll try to call you soon. If I get service.” He ended the second call and put in call to Wally.
“Hey, it’s Freddy. I’m heading to Kahndaq. Contact Cassie. She’ll get you up to speed, but if you can the people there can use your help to get them out of the combat zone. Talk to you soon.” Brief and to the point.
With that out of the way Freddy tapped off from the ground in to the air so he could get to Kahndaq as quickly as the speed of Mercury would carry him through the air. He wanted to tug on Solomon, but right now he needed to keep his head as clear as he could.
––Sometime later after arriving in Kahndaq––
FREDDY: Freddy wasn’t part of the sanctioned group gathered together to combat the army and navies of Bialya, but he could help get Kahndaqians out of the combat area. He could do that, but he also needed to find Theo. Theo he felt could be reasoned with. Black Adam, well he was pretty sure that his self-confidence could take the hits.
Upon reaching the Kahndaq’s airspace the empowered champion began scanning the area to take in what was happening. It was now that he pushed back the emotions choosing to lean on Solomon so he didn’t let himself be overwhelmed by the horrors below. He need to see where he was needed. He couldn’t ignore what was happening in front of him. The people couldn’t be forgotten but he also needed to make sure that Black Adam didn’t take it to the extreme.
CONNER: It wasn’t all that long ago, less than a week in fact, that Shiruta was a beautiful place. No, it is not one of the modern marvels of the world. You wouldn’t have found a sprawling skyscraper with some corporate logo, but you could have seen some of the most beautifully hand-sculpted statues. The people here paid homage to the past, while living in the present, with only a mindful thought towards tomorrow.
While Shiruta was not some idyllic paradise in the desert, it was a thing of wonder. In the years since it’s last Dictator was overthrown the small country had begun a sort of renaissance of the arts. Discovering the beauty in simple things, it’s people went about their days in relative obscurity from the rest of the world but they did it in peace and relative prosperity. While you wouldn’t get a good cell phone signal in most of the country, you wouldn’t have a whole lot of trouble finding one in Shiruta. In the last couple of years it begun to move towards modernization as it’s King slowly embraced the new world he was within. Though this slow creep towards ‘modern’ came under the ever watchful eye towards corruption.
That has all changed now though. A full night of bombs being dropped from sky, launched cruise missiles from the sea, while being cut off from the rest of its populace by a cordon of tanks had seen to the once beautiful city being little more than a shell of that former beauty. The market which is normally the life blood of the populace is empty. No children play in the streets. Nor do they attend the mandated schools.
Point in fact the only true signs of life in Shiruta come from those searching the rubble for survivors or those survivors that were able making their ways to the Red Cross tents. Just beyond the city there is a new sign of life. Tent City. Born from the mobilized hospital that the peace keepers brought with them.
There is little serenity here now, but there is a semblance of peace. Unless you turn an eye towards the East. In the distance, just at the best limits of the naked eye, one could make out the tell-tale signs of explosions. They seem to be growing ever further from what remains of the capital city.
Such a sight is enough to even quiet the every prattling whispers of Solomon. It doesn’t take a God’s wisdom to see all that you need from the air, of what has happened here. There is far more to this than what meets the eye though. With the proper vantage there’s a certain line that one’s mind might draw between the peace-keeper’s camp and the battle-front off in the distance. The Wisdom of Solomon is not merely what can be seen, but also what can be heard, what can be felt… and that is where the God’s aide is most effective. Whispers among the troops speak of the madness of it all. Rescue worker speak amongst themselves of the points they’re most hopeful of finding survivors. Then there’s the wounded, that if only they had just enough insight, they might be able to save one additional life.
For someone like Freddy Freeman he was right to keep Solomon out. To filter his thoughts so as not be overwhelmed. Honing them in to what is important. None seem to understand what is happening, nor why. And even now, as the new Champion arrives can he make out the argument among those dispatched by the United Nations.
“We cannot do that Superman,” the Canadian power house is imposing himself in such a way that he seems to think himself the ‘Man of Steel’s’ equal. “We’re only here to keep the Peace, not to wage his war…”
“He’s right. We’re ‘ere to stop this madness, not take ‘art in it.”
“I know why we’re here. I know what we’re supposed to be doing. It just doesn’t seem right. They’re the bad guys, they caused all of this. Are we supposed to just let them get away with this?”
Among the group is one who actually holds even shorter stature than the Diva. Her red hair, freckled face and glasses, paint her as an abstract in this world of chaos and explosions, but of them all she seems the one most at east. As well as being the only one that ‘Superman’ seems to pay any difference too.
“You were right, when you told Adam we should focus on saving people first. Avenging them second. We’re not here to fight a War for Adam, we’re here to keep rescue these people, Kon-L.”
“I know, Doc, but..” Conner’s voice stops as soon as Fairchild’s eyebrows lift above her glasses.
“No buts. Get your team out there. Find survivors, bring them here. Only engage if there are civilians at risk. Go. Up, up and away and all that.”
FREDDY: “Be the beacon of hope that they need you to be, Superman.” He had no cape, all he had was a red suit with a gold light bolt emblazoned upon it along with a pair of gold boots. It was quite the look, but Freddy did not make his presence known to discuss fashion sense. He was here to stop a bad situation from getting worse.
“The beacon of hope that I know you can be. You’re here to help the victims of this attack not avenge them. They need your compassion not your vengeance. Listen with your ears. Look with your eyes. What do they tell you?” It’s not the first time that Freddy understood Conner’s impulse, but right now it was about managing the situation.
“You’re here to keep the peace. Pulling you away might be exactly what Bialya wants.” That was for the entire audience, but for Superman there was more which is why he lowered his voice to nothing more than a whisper. He had no idea what powers the others possessed, but he knew that Conner ears would pick up what he needed them to.
“I don’t like it any more than you do and it’s obvious that there’s more going on here, but the world is watching, Superman. Watching what you say and do. You can either chose to make billions of fans or billions of enemies, people who fear you. The trials for people like me and you never end. All eyes are on you right here and out there. Be the hero, not the weapon. You’re here to show the best that America has to offer. Uplift them. Adam has their rage and anger. Let that be enough for now. If there is a moment where you need to act you know it. You’ll feel it.” The explosions in the distance were a concern, but right now he needed to make sure this didn’t escalate.
“The people of Kahndaq will grateful for your actions today,” Freddy said his voice louder as he pulled away. “Keep them safe. I assure Adam will be thankful for your aid and assistance.” If they could make sure that his people were cared for, that they were kept out of danger then he could focus on their enemies. If he could slow their approach, then he could start to push them back.
“I will do what I can, but must find Black Adam.” Pushing them back is one thing. Destroying them is another. They needed to answer for their actions, but they needed for them to survive and Black Adam was not one to show such restraint. He was very Old Testament, before there was an Old Testament.
CONNER: How Freddy got there is not really a thing of much concern for anyone at the little gathering. This not some top secret mission, which only has members of N.O.W.H.E.R.E. involved. This is something else entirely, with people assembled from across the globe in order to help bring about a peaceful resolution. Which is in fact where the trouble stems from in the first place.
‘Peaceful Resolution,’ is not what Black Adam is going to agree to at this point. I’m not entirely sure he should either, frankly. Which is probably why this whole ‘Beacon of Hope’ thing annoys me on some level. If I were being honest with Fred, much less the rest of the company here? I’m more of a fire and brimstone sort of Superman, than hugs and handshakes kind. Every where I turn there is another hurting face, an unspoken question of why we let this happen and why we’re not putting a more permanent stop to it.
The question I find myself unable to answer is, ‘If I have the power to prevent these issues, wouldn’t it be better for me to stop them from happening? Rather than trying to render help after the problem has come home to roost.’ I suppose that’s really at the heart of what Wars between Black Adam’s mindset and that of the rest of the world. They certainly do not respond well to Adam, but they sure idolized the first Superman.
“You may not know this, Shazzy, but I didn’t put this uniform on to be a role-model. This wasn’t ever a choice for me. It isn’t always so easy to be a beacon of Hope, when all I want to do is reign down a terrible fury.” Lifting a hand, meant more to call Shazam to a halt before he tries to give his retort. “But. I’m learning. Sometimes the best thing to do is not always the easiest thing for people like us to do. In fact, the hard choice seems to almost always be the right one.”
“Being a Hero. Like Wonder Woman. Means learning to live with making that choice.”
The rest is something I understand all too well. Freddy was putting on a bit of a show. That is something I’m a class act at. I might not be the best Boyscout, but the Luthor side of me sure knows how to make a good show of it. What comes after those few words, is something else entirely.
Clearly I don’t have a lot of time here, but as Freddy is giving me his own personal take on things? I can see it pretty clearly, that this other guy’s role to play is right here. Right now. It’s no coincidence that he is here, this too is some Gods anointed Fate of his.
That’s why I put my hand upon Freddy and take him with me in to the air. Extending the force field that keeps the wind sheer at bay to him, allows me to levitate him along with me as I start to follow the Doc’s orders. It also means we have a couple moments of true privacy, because one of the few things my Hearing can’t penetrate is this very force field.
“Listen, Chum. I’m kinda glad you’re here, because you’re right about one thing more than the rest. I’m here as an appointed envoy. Something screwy around here and … there’s only so much poking around I can do without raising some diplomatic red flags.”
“First thing. The attack. Something is off about the attack. Everything from the timing, to the precision. It’s not my field of expertise, but I took tactical planning 1-oh-1 in the Virtual Simulator. Bialya isn’t this organized. They’re ruled by a jerk that was fighting a guerilla War six months ago. Now he’s leading a surgical strike against a nation with a protector like Adam?”
“Secondly. My Father made Theo sign on to letting Nowhere in. Full scale. My Father does nothing, at all, without a reason. Even if it’s a noble reason, there has to be one. If he made Theo open the gates to Nowhere, then he is interested in why Bialya attacked. Or…” this is where the old Conner shrug comes in to play. “… maybe the reason the attack is so precise is because my Father played a hand in organizing, to get the door opened.”
“Either way. I can’t be the one poking around, but… I’m the one that is going to have to write about it. Because if I’m not. It isn’t going to get printed.”
FREDDY: They all had their parts to play. They all had things they had to do, but there were ways to go about it and having Superman ripping through tanks and jets was not going to help anyone but Adam. It would give him the sense that he had an ally in his tactics and that the United States would become complicit about everything he was doing when everyone knew that wasn’t the case. Luthor from what Freddy could tell, POTUS not Superman was slipperier than that girl who generated frictionless forcefield in the comic books he used to read.
Whatever play he put into motion Freddy felt that he was playing both sides of the conflict. There were too many unknowns. Whoever was at the heart of this knew exactly where to strike Adam, one to charge him up and two put him in to a total Kobayashi Maru.
The moment Conner projected the forcefield around them Freddy focused on what he was saying. He chose to listen rather than interject.
“I agree.” He said honestly.
“And no, I know you’re not into the entire beacon of hope business. I know where you stand, but I also know that you’re important to Cassie, and you said you wanted to try and be friends so friend to friend don’t be the weapon. Not because of the beacon hope business that’s something you have to figure out, but I don’t want a target on your back.” That was what he was more worried about. Right or wrong didn’t always factor in the way people wanted it to.
“I will probably hate myself in the morning for saying it, because I hate this about as much as saying let’s unpack this, but here it goes. Optics.” He sounded like a politician or worse PR.
“The world’s watching. It’s one thing to take care of business on your turf, and I’m sure N.O.W.H.E.R.E. has been deployed elsewhere in the world, but this is different. There are no clean ups. There are no this is what NOWHERE wants you to believe. It’s been seen everywhere. By people on the ground and all over and if you follow Adam’s lead then the world will believe it has one more problem that it needs to solve and trust me, Conner, believe me when I say the world finds a way then it finds a way and I don’t want that to happen. “
They all knew that NOWHERE probably had multiple contingencies in place, but what did the world have in place? This response was unlike anything else Freddy had seen before so the calculus that everyone had put together was now being sorted and reorganized. If the United States would assemble this type of a response to aid, what happens when it feels threatened. Freddy pushed that response through his mind, so he had to make sure that he considered that in every action along with the fact that NOWHERE is also watching to see will Conner “behave” or will they have to consider a better way to keep him inline when he wanted to follow his heart and it went counter to their mandate.
“I don’t want to lose a friend.” Whether it be in death or because it pushes Conner into a fight response, because flight did not factor in. Once that path begins in earnest where did it end.
“Tell me if I’m looking at that through rose colored glasses? Is it possible or am I way off base with those possibilities? Am I overthinking it?”
He could be. Freddy had to consider it and he knew that sometimes you just had to pull the trigger and let it go, but didn’t there come a point when they had start thinking ahead. Consider the consequences? Albeit it was probably the worst timing ever, but considering the stakes Freddy thought they could use this breath before moving forward one way or another.
“If I can be selfish for a moment. I need you,” he said honestly. “I need you to be the mirror. The one that is my counterpoint. The one that prevents me from being in the echo chamber.”
“We do need to know what’s going in Bialya. I won’t say I’ve played chess, but I’ve seen enough matches to know when pieces have been arranged on the board to play into someone’s hand. I’m with you on that.” To what end? Freddy didn’t know.
“Your hands are being tied so what you need, what we need is a third option if there one.”
CONNER: What may be the most surprising aspect of this relatively private discussion? Is how quickly the answer comes to Freddy. “To be honest, I actually know you’re right. I’m just having a problem with the fact that I’m being forced to play a role. It’s frustrating. Because this is my life, Shazzy. I’m never allowed to be myself, I always have to be what someone else wants me to be or tells me to be.”
“But. At least for the moment, I completely agree with you. I’ve got to play the role that I’ve been type-cast in to. Because, for now, that’s the path which also helps the most.” Which as I’m all too sure Freddy is aware, means that I’m doing what I know Cassie would want me to be doing. Motivation, thy name is a teenager’s sex-drive. Mine is a blonde cheerleader demi-goddess. “So don’t you go worrying about me. I’m not going to be breaking my standing orders, unless I think there’s no real choice.”
There’s been a couple times when talking to this guy that it’s been… creepy. Like he can see through you. Past all the bullshit. Right through the carefully crafted secret identity that is Conner Luthor and in to the soul of who lays beneath. I brought that up to Cassie the first time I met this guy, but I’ve experienced twice more since then. This being the second time. He cuts to the heart of it. Slicing away what doesn’t need to be there and just tells you the reality of what is going on. Whether it’s what you’re ready to hear or not.
I hate it.
Yeah, I’m more of a ‘cover it in honey and swallow it before you taste the turd’ kind of guy. I like my truth coated in sugar, so it’s sweet going down and honey coming up. That’s why I’m always rather out of sorts with Freddy Freeman. We are a mirror though, I’m just the other side of it. Which is why the response he gets isn’t always so crystal clear.
“See? I told Cassie you were in to guys. Look, I know you need me dude. Most people do. I’m kind of… y’know… well, hot. I mean. I know. I get it. I’m flattered. But I’m really in to Cassie and all. So we’re going to have to just be friends. I mean… you can still need me if you want. But. Um. We’re going to have to keep this whole need me thing under wraps, okay? Last time Wonder Woman got jealous,… dude… she almost hit me with the God Bolt. Lightning from her Daddy’s ass. Right up mine.”
“So. Just. Need me. Privately. Okay? Cool.”
FREDDY: There are moments when Freddy needs things to crystalize. Some people may think it is from an intense desire to be right. Like he was on the Fawcett High Debate team with dreams of a trophy in a glass case and a scholarship in hand, but it was pretty far from it. He needed things to crystalize, because these were people’s lives. He had to except that not every action would be the right action, not even the best action in the best case scenario. Life just didn’t work that way.
Was Freddy Freeman a shining light of hope, it depended upon who you asked, because sometimes what came out of his mouth was the last thing people wanted to hear just as Conner said. He could be a cold bucket of water that no body wanted, but sometimes you needed to remind them and him of what the score was.
Sometimes it happened at the right time, sometimes it happened when it was the worst time and he was traveling down the spiral into the reads, but every so often planets converge, and there’s a grand conjunction of three suns some where and everything comes together when he needs it.
This was one of those moments. Where Conner laid bare for him what his frustration was. No matter what he was someone’s puppet to a degree, just enough for him to get tangled in things he didn’t want. His response had to be muted if not replaced with another, because of circumstance. It was a good moment it was a hamburger moment that lasted about five seconds.
“You can’t help yourself, can you. You really can’t.” It was either that or he just didn’t grasp that bit right there. Either way? “From what I hear I couldn’t hold that spot if I wanted because it’s what? You, Cassie then your new friend Kyle.”
Yes, he did. “I’m pretty sure he’d scratch my eyes out.” However, now that Conner was going to play ball with his commrades which meant that Freddy had to deal with…everything else.
CONNER: What makes this all the more curious is when that trademark dimpled smirk comes out. No one would ever be able to mistake Conner and Superman as different people if they could see this momentary look shared with someone that I actually trust. Moderately. It’s very telling, because I’m never going to actually tell the truth. Can I help myself? Or did I totally meat-head that moment of heart-to-heart awareness that Mr. Shazam was putting out there? It doesn’t seem like I’m ever going to tell someone the truth in answer to those questions. Even Solomon is going to have a problem reading this expression.
“Honestly, I’m not even sure anymore, Shazzy. It’s mostly just me and Cassie. Then there’s my new friend Kyle, who’s kinda gay in a really not-sure-if-he’s-gay but wow is he hot sort of way? And then there’s Tim, who I’m pretty sure is Gay, but Cassie says he’s not. Oh and then. There’s Flash. Listen. I’m not saying he’s Gay, I’m just saying you’re not going to see Flash and Heterosexual situations in the same room, at the same time, if you know what I’m saying. Solomon that, my friend. Soloman, that. Meanwhile, I’m like surrounded by all these amazingly hot female supporting cast members and no one to set them up on blind dates with. If you ever met the Huntress. I mean. She’s like one of those girls you actually ask to put your testicles in a choke hold. Know what I mean? Flash is just a little to effeminate for her. Then there’s Dinah. Whoah, let me tell you about Dinah. Get a pencil and paper, buddy.”
“Okay. Seriously. I’m going to get to saving poor innocent people. Being all Supermanly. You do that thing you do. The talk a lot, make a point. Things work out in the end thing. When you’re ready, give me a call.” Pausing for just a second, as if the man gifted with Soloman’s Wisdom might actually -not- know what I’m meaning… “Not with a cell phone. I mean, just say my name. I’ll hear you. From like anywhere, pretty much.”
“Superman. Does. Not. Have. A. Cellphone.”
By the time Freddy is ready to actually wade through everything I’ve just verbally regurgitated at him? I’m long gone. Up, up and away, indeed.
FREDDY: Freddy couldn’t quite point out where and when all of this happened, but happened and there was no going back, because it was already coming out of Conner’s mouth. It was best to hold the expression that spread across his features, one that said many things but most of all, ‘What just happened?’ He avoided pinching the bridge of his nose, because he was pretty sure Conner got that from Cassie from time to time (read a lot).
Solomon was uncharacteristically quiet. Freddy was shock and he didn’t lean on him to decipher any of that. That was 100 percent Conner. A hundred percent of what Freddy couldn’t quite say, but he did know that he would do his thing. Whether it was talking or not remained to be seen, because there was a mystery here to unravel and he knew they both knew that Freddy was at the center of it as it related to his trials, but the consequences. No one knew how far that would go.
Conner was off to provide the support that was needed. Freddy he was headed in the direction of Adam. Everything was a strike upon Kahndaq, but what was there anything else out of place. There was the strike. There was response, but what happened in between. A lot of things were happening all at once. Perhaps there was something that was missed.
Would Adam know? Another thing about a well set board is that you can direct where you want people to look to prevent them from seeing what’s coming. Was there somewhere else that everyone should have been looking while all of this took place? Something about what Conner said. A well precision attack. Whether than noddle Solomon’s noggin about what Conner said Freddy decided to pose that question. What was valuable in Kahndaq?
Isis was after the amulet. This was the Final Trial. Was there something here that you couldn’t get anywhere else. Another thing that Freddy couldn’t help but notice was that since things went of the rails with the Trials everything seemed to come back to Adam or something or someone connected to Adam.
Freddy did his best not to rush himself. He knew that he had to get to Adam’s position, but he needed to get a read on the situation. Like Conner said if he was here then there was more to everything that was happening on an entirely different level. While the agents of NOWHERE did what they did with the other members of the UN Peacekeeping force, Freddy was on his own he helped where he could, but when it came to actually engaging the citizens of Kahndaq they weren’t exactly forthcoming. Actually, they were suspicious of a fair skinned, dark haired man who not only spoke their language, but spoke it quite well as if he was native to the area.
Blessings of Solomon one would say. Omnilinguistics was a god send literally in this sense. However, no matter how well he spoke the language Freddy was still an outsider, one that appeared to be dressed in the same garb as their champion. If Freddy was hoping that this would demonstrate some kind of connection Freddy got less than a receptive reaction. If anything, it made them distrust him a bit more. They probably had their reasons. If Freddy had to hedge a guess he was probably being seen as trying to usurp Black Adam’s role as Champion of Kahndaq. Or even worse…they were Americanizing his legacy!
Which as not something that Freddy was intending to do at all. Perhaps he should have visited earlier and taken Theo up on his offer if only to show that he was a fri…acquaintance. He could go that far, because he really didn’t know how Black Adam viewed him. Annoyance. Pretender. The Mistake.
Freddy could go over several more disparaging things that Black Adam probably thought when he saw Freddy coming, and let’s face it holding his tongue was not something Black Adam considered in the least. Either way he Freddy set it aside, because he could be there for hours instead he resumed his survey of the city. He looked over the buildings that had been damaged by the attacks and those that had not. It was a lot to take in, but as he had done before in the past Freddy set aside his emotions and focused on what his eyes were showing him in hopes that they would tell him what he needed to know.
Freddy considered the photographs and videos that he had of war zones before, missile strikes specifically. How many times had the United States done precision drone strikes? How often did they strike only the target that they wanted and not have any significant collateral damage? There were always reports of that occurring. Usually when strikes occurred they were at major installations. Things that helped support the adversary. Supply lines had to be disrupted so sometimes roads, but air fields, supply depots, munition depots, and other types of installations.
There was a strike upon the palace which was for a lack of a better word ballsy, but what would it gain them outside of Adam’s wrath? They struck into the city hitting at residences, hospitals and schools, it was a major attack that seemed to be striking at any and everything. At least that’s what it would appeared to look like from first glance. If you took the thousand-foot view then everything seemed to be under fire, but the closer you got the clear it became. It started to come into focus.
Freddy wanted was information and he couldn’t acquire it from the citizens, so he had to look at the data. There was no terminal for him to pull to besides the one that sat on top of his neck. The strikes. They were clean and precise compared to the strikes of other nation. There didn’t seem to be anything was done by accident. There had been reports of kamikaze type tactics, but that is what made Freddy’s closer look at what had been hit even more critical, because again it was not what was hit that stood out, it was what wasn’t hit that did.
That he could point and pick out. In some cases there was some damage, but more minor damage. Strategic, tactical strikes. That made it stick out again, but this time what Conner had said about the command chain, more specifically, the leader. Outside of the jerk comment the fact that recently he had previously been fighting a guerilla war, which can be effective, but it had a very different set of tactics.
Tactics that apparently utilized missile strikes from sea faring vessels. Freddy couldn’t recall any time in the past when such tactics had been used. Did Bialya even have a navy? How does someone go from fighting a guerilla war to executing strike such as this?
Freddy chewed on that while he went over what he saw when he got closer to the buildings that had not been hit. At first blush one might think they were spared, because of sheer luck, given the fact that other areas had been struck, but the closer Freddy got the more a pattern began to emerge. Antique and curio shops. Ordinarily no one would think anything of it. Nothing at all if not for the fact that Freddy while not trained in the science of archaeology often found himself caught in the intersection of antiquities, myths and legends. It was the reason why he touched down upon one of the roofs of the shops that had not been hit. It was also why he had to set his emotions aside less he would find himself overwhelmed.
“Lets talk it through Freddy. At some point, Theo presented Adrianna with the amulet of Isis. It allowed her to access the power of Isis even ore the spirt of Isis possessed Adriana. It was like a seed that was planted within her that grew and grew until it had complete control of the woman that Theo loved. Black Adam intended to restore his wife in the process, but Isis had other plans.” She meant to restore Osiris by acquiring the amulet that his spirit had been placed into.
Freddy avoided twisting himself around that spiral too many times, but artifacts. Even Adam’s resurgence was the result of an artifact. He searched his shared memories for the information while considering what had been attacked and what had not. Among the curio and antique shops book stores were not attacked and it didn’t appear to be businesses that came about from Kahndaq’s resurgence hey seemed to be in place for quite some time.
The entire region was a wealth of treasures and not every treasure made it into the museum. Think Antique Road show or Storage Wars. How many times had hidden treasures been found within someone’s home or a storage unit. Perhaps they weren’t meant to be found or perhaps…perhaps they were meant to stay out of the obvious hands.
Freddy clenched his fist in slight frustration at not being able to converse with the citizens. Sure, he could speak with them, but what would they tell him? What would they answer? Right now he could only make a hypotheisis based on what he had seen and what he had seen told him that those building sand the ones near them were intact. The buildings around them were incongruous to the ones that seemed to be almost untouched. They were simply in the right place, but it was the shops where someone could acquire information about the past, objects from the past that were not targeted.
Yet the army was pushed back they would never be able to get in.
“Wait.”
He paused in his words and his thoughts. He considered what Aunt Minvera was doing in at the bank when he met Cassie for the first time. She was looking for something, but she wasn’t Minvera she was Isis. However, she knew exactly what it was she was looking for at least she knew it was in the bank. What if you didn’t know what you were looking for.
Once the clean up begins people will be allowed back in to check the damage. You can’t impersonate all of them, but. A sinking feeling began, but Freddy continued to play the thoughts through. Someone had to be responsible for all of this and there seemed to be a change in tactics. There were questions in his mind. Who or what? There had been a level up. He needed to know what he could about Bialya, but even more he needed to know what happened there recently. Someone has gotten an upgrade of some kind and Freddy had three scenarios none of them good as he touched off the ground.
He needed to be where Adam was if only to see what was happening in that area of the country was it anything like this or was it different? Someone was seeking something out, they were looking for something or somethings. Whether it was an item, or a record of the item Freddy didn’t know, but something pushed Bialya into action.
What was the scenarios? If Adam returned, Teth Adam why couldn’t someone else. Someone who coveted something Kahndaq possessed. Similar to the Osiris’s amulet, but something different, something more. He didn’t know. There was missing information.
Scenario B. The way that the tactics changed indicated that someone had taken the reigns someone or someones had. They changed the way they waged war to become effective which made Freddy’s stomach twist just a bit. What if it was another god, a war god. Considering the Trial who was left what if it was Ares? Right now, Freddy had to consider the possibility even if for a moment which made scenario C even more frightening. What if it was Athena? Those were the worst-case scenarios, but given that everything that happened to this point, Freddy was going to go with the first scenario.
First more information and the only way he could get that was by heading to where the fighting was still occurring in the direction of Adam. Hopefully, it would begin to lean towards scenario A, not that was desired at all, but it’s all Freddy along with the general notion that this was a attack over resources just resources of a different kind.
by Marc | Aug 19, 2018 | Chronicles
Synopsis: Ted Kord is attending the annual fundraising Gala at Brentwood Academy, the same school that expelled him. He announces the creation of a scholarship fund while fending off additional questions from reporter Vicki Vale, but not before entertaining Gala attendees with a performance.
— Same evening Booster Gold Arrived but earlier –
Exactly why was I in Gotham. I know that was on the mind of everyone. Especially after the outburst on the airplane. I will admit I got a bit emotional, but it couldn’t be helped. I had a friend in need, but regardless after that business was straightened out I arranged to meet with Dick for dinner in a few days as there was some business that I needed to handle before I could get to the personal side of the trip even though there was a bit of business that was mixed there.
There was a lot of work to be done to see this project move forward and I had to balance how certain items would be handled. I would have been in Gotham sooner, but I had to make a step in Detroit to allay any fears that anyone might have about my recent meetings on the coast. The last thing I wanted was for them to feel that their jobs were in jeopardy. In reality they have big things coming their way and with a stop in Ann Arbor and Detroit they knew exactly what direction they were headed in.
I was in Gotham to see a few old friends, make some new ones and revisit some of my old stomping grounds. Brentwood was probably the last place anyone thought I would grace my present with after I was summarily dismissed from its hallowed halls after the incidents that saw me removed from the student population. I often find myself coming back to series of events that led to my expulsion I guess it could not be avoided. I did destroy a lab while researching sonoluminescence and cold fusion. Though I argued that there was no real danger, the fact that I amplified the effect of sonoluminescence to the extent that it was able to destroy the school’s property was enough to warrant expulsion, a donation to from my father, and involvement of the authorities.
I remember what the record said as they were speaking. Menace . It was at that time that Dan came into my life and decided to take me under his wing encouraging my studies and experiences while showing me more of the world that I thought I would ever learn. There was always something to learn when Dan was involved, and he knew so many people, interesting people, dangerous people at that, but that was then and this is now.
Now, I am back at Brentwood at one of the annual charity event. It does a lot for the school. Its when they hit up their donors, private and corporate to try and increase their founding to ensure that it maintains its distinction as one of the top educational institutions in the world. True if you graduate with high marks from Brentwood you can write your ticket to any college of your choice. I had the dubious distinction of it holding me back to an extend until I came in for personal interviews. MIT and Oxford there I went.
It was explained that I was simply bored with the work that I was doing in the classroom and I was better at practical application, mot entirely true, not entirely false. MIT was intrigued and Oxford, well, they had to wait until I was ready. Things took off when I took over KORD Industries and I began to make strides in nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. Making a few convenient apps in college helped a lot. This changed the direction of KORD for the better increasing our value as we began to put our fingers into various pots, and now I was ready to make the next leap which is why I was in Gotham, but right now it was time for me to pay it forward as Dan would say.
However, unlike my former mentor I didn’t spend time globe trotting around the world well, not like he did. Dan taught me patience and determination. Archaeology is not for the impatient. They were very useful lessons, but I was being honored at the fundraising gala despite the fact that I did not technical graduate from Brentwood, but it didn’t stop me from recognizing the fact that the school could benefit from fresh, unorthodox minds.
What did that mean? It was time to flex some of that Ted Kord muscle.
“Mister Kord, come on. You have to give me something for the Gazette, to print.” The woman looked at him as he spun her around dipping her as they continued to dance to the song that was being played by the band which was a bit unorthodox as I had slipped the band master five hundred dollars to play a few select tunes.
“Ted, Vicki. I told you. Please call me, Ted.” I dipped her again before started that infamous Ted Kord dancing. Which would scare most, but Vicki Vale was determined to get some confirmations.
“First, California, then a quick stop to Detroit and now Gotham. Something’s going on. My sources tell me….” Before Vale could finish the statement, I spun her out as the band started the beginning to David Bowie’s Modern Love.
“What’s that?” Pulling her back to me I grin slipping away to continue dancing.
“My sources said that you met with several government officials while in California. I’ve also heard that you have had several survey teams in Iowa, Washington and Arizona. It sounds like that you are looking for another production facility. At least those are the rumors. Confirm or deny.”
Currently I was doing a few side step touches that looked more like aerobic exercises than dance movements at the moment, but they kept time with the music. “Neither.” I will neither confirm or deny. I could do no comment, but that rarely stopped Vale.
“Ted…” She sounded a little exasperated. “I also heard.” She moved close this time. “That you met with Carol Ferris.” Oh, those sources. “Joint venture perhaps now that you’ve come back from space?” I keep moving before moonwalking towards Vicki.
“Off the record,” he started. “I did meet with Carol Ferris, but if you do me a solid and sit on this for a few more days. I will give you something quotable…like really good.” I promise. “Also a answer to that piece that came out from Cat Grant today.” I could see the wheels turning.
“About Wayne.”
Nodding I pointed at her at with my fingers while doing a dance move that had me scooting backwards.
“Yay or nay. We’re still off the record here. I can deny up and down and any information you’ve been getting will dry up like the Sahara. Song’s almost over too. Come on Miss Vale. “
“Alright, Kord. What do you have?”
I couldn’t help the smirk that played on my lips. “Though I am here on personal business, there is some business I need to take care of that involves a potential venture with Wayne Enterprises. However, nothing is set in stone. I cannot say what the venture involves, but it will do a lot to help move the country forward technologically. It’s all quite exciting, the prospects.” I gave her a brow waggle.
“Also quote. Begin quote. Cat Grant’s attack on Timothy Wayne was misdirected and does nothing to help her separate herself from the tabloid past that she desperately wants to escape. Her view is slanted and to call the work he wants to do in Coast City as a means of a vanity project to make his mark upon the world is short sighted. As is her remarks regarding wiping away the past of the city and his father.”
Vale looked at me. “She wrote the only thing that was missing from the burnt ruins of Coast City was W. It was quite a vicious attack. Whether it’s a T, J, D, W or whatever letter there. I think the fact that he is taking an interest in seeing the city rebuild says a lot. Perhaps it is a way to help move past his personal loss, but it is not erasing the fact that Wayne name carries a lot of weight. Bad business decisions str not in their blood, and they are known for their philanthropic work across the world. This is not an attention grab. In fact, it is continuing the family tradition. Providing opportunities and realizing potential while others simply sit on the sidelines and think and meet about it. End quote.” Vale tipped her head to the side.
“Off the record. My family tragedy was fodder for the journalist, but she took a few steps too far. So…” Smiling I walked off the dance floor with her as the song came to a close.
“Oh…bonus.” I whispered in her ear. There were rumors about a scholarship fund which was true, but there was something else that was being done also. “Get your camera going.”
Walking over towards the students that entertained the guests with dance and musical performance I smiled nodding towards them as it was time to make my announcement regarding Brentwood, but it had to be done a certain way. At least one that was inline with who I was. Yes, school was about learning and recognizing and realizing potential among other things, but it was also about having fun.
So, when the band stopped playing music and the students moved in their place with their own instruments, the parents, donors and other guests thought it was another school sanctioned performance. Not quite. Especially not with me walking up to the microphone.
The bow tie was gone, and the top button of my shirt was undone.
“GOOD EVENING, BRENTWOOD ACADEMY! I’m happy to be back here among some of my favorite teachers in the world. I’m grateful for the invitation, but before we get to the announcements I wanted to show my appreciation for everything that Brentwood Academy has given me. It is more than an education, it’s an experience and it’s true the friends that you make at Brentwood you make for life.”
My arm fell across my chest placed on top of my heart.
“Unfortunately, my best friend, Richard Garyson could not attend this year’s gala, but I speak for both of us when I say that without Brentwood we would have never met, and your lives would not have been as rich and full as it has been.” Total truth.
“Without Dick’s encouragement and constant support I would have never been able to realize one of my dreams of going into space. He taught me to believe in myself even if it felt like the entire world was against me. He also taught me the value of determination and perseverance.” Among other things, but we didn’t need to get into that.
“Dick taught me that it’s okay to be yourself. The teachers provided the discipline and the instruction, and desire for excellence, but they also appreciated my quirks. My eccentricities. They celebrate them within reason of course. Though my time at Brentwood was short, it proved to be the most impactful. Which is why I’m so excited to be here again among old friends and new.” The excite me was clear. I couldn’t help myself.
“All of my friends may not be present, but I know they are with me no matter where I go, so it’s to them, especially Dick Grayson that I dedicate this performance. Funny story. We were supposed to perform this at the school talent show as a band, but an opportunity presented itself and I was allowed to study under one of the greatest minds in the world. Dick told me to go for it. It’s taking me some time to get to the stage, but here. This one is for you, Dick and every student at Brentwood, past, present and future.”
The band was ready, but also so where the dancers that were on either side of us in the area arranged for them, two girls and three boys from the current student body dressed in something that looked vaguely familiar and from the 80s.
“Without further ado may I present The Outsiders performing “We Are Not Alone” by Karla Devito.” After the count-off from drummer with her drum sticks the music started and some members of the audience glanced at one another, though they probably did not want to admit that they knew the song. It was starting to click from the music and the way the dancers were dressed.
Hello I’m from Chicago. John Hughes is a legend. Andrew, Bender and Brian were to my right and to my left were Allison and Clare. Welcome to our Breakfast Club. It was Vale that threw her fist up and laughing when she realized what was happening.
“He’s not.” Someone said in the audience next to her.
“It’s Ted Kord. Of course, he is.”
”Things look clear in black and white, the living color tends to dye our sight like dynamite. Just imagine my surprise when I looked into your eyes saw your disguise.“ With a spin and me grabbing the mic stand and leaning forward I couldn’t help it.
“If we dare expose our heart, just to feel the purest parts that’s when the sensations start to grooooww. We are not alone, find out when your cover’s blow, there’ll be somebody there to break your fall. We are not alone, ‘cause when you cut down to the bone, we’re really not so different after all. Af-ter alone, we not alone.”
Yep, I’m belting it out with not a bad voice so says me and the band is pretty on point and the dancers well they complete the picture, and I can see people getting into it. This was one of my favorite parts of the movie, and right now we need some injection into the gala. With a press of a button the lights start to flash and what was just another boring standard Brentwood Academy gala turned into a Ted Kord production as I cracked out the dance moves while still singing and of course the guitar solo.
By the time the performance was done there was some cheering and I know the board of governors weren’t sure what to do. The headmaster would smooth it over. With everyone’s favorite, “It’s Ted bleeping Kord.”
When the performance came to a close there were some applause, some more energetic than others. There were some snickers mostly from everyone involved, because it was fun. I also told them that they would get a pass, because I can be quite convincing at times. Also, given my history there is always something interesting around the corner.
Getting a glass of water, I take a few sips before passing it to the waiter who was so gracious to offer to me.
“That definitely brought back memories, but the song has pretty straightforward lyrics. We are not alone. That is the core thing that I took away from Brentwood. I was not alone. Dick was not alone. No one at the school was not alone. We were a unit, a community. We could depend on another. We surprised one another. We encouraged one another. We challenged each other and everyone deserves to have that in their lives and before anyone starts thinking I’m saying doing something radical like throwing the doors open to all the children of Gotham or around the world, I know it’s not possible, but there was something about this song and the movie it’s associated with that represented the best of Brentwood.”
Clearing my throat I held onto the mic slipping off the small makeshift stage walking over to where the dancers were. “A brain, an athlete, a criminal, a basket case, and a princess. Those were the roles that people were assigned not by the movie, but by the principal, by society. It’s all that they saw, it’s all that people cared to see, but they saw through that, they fought through it see one they were different, but also no so different all. It was their differences that made them unique. It made them strong and together they could be powerful.” I smile.
“I think I know what I fall, but it changes from day to day, moment to moment, but here at Brentwood I learned that I wasn’t alone. That there were people who would catch me. That would support me. I was a little unconventional. I was a bit unorthodox, but someone saw something in me that was worth taking a chance on and I think we all need to take more chances and that’s what the Gardner-Kord Scholarship is about. It’s about finding those individuals that have the potential, that have the talent, but may not have the means or opportunity to share in what Brentwood has to offer. It’s not about finding the diamond in the rough all the time. Sometimes it’s about finding that lump of coal and realizing the potential of what it could be if given a chance.”
Walking back to the front of the lab I stood before them looking around. “So, how does this happen. Well, sometimes the scholarships will be awarded by me personally when I’m made aware of individuals that I think would be a good fit, but the majority of individuals will be found through the Thomas Kord Innovation Labs. The Innovation labs will be partner with the local public school systems in five cities to encourage STEM education. Students who participate in them will complete projects and compete in competitions. Those individuals who are the blue ribbon winners for their labs shall be awarded a scholarship to attend Brentwood Academy here in Gotham. Tuition, room, board and fees will be handled by the scholarship.”
This is how I wanted to give back to the opportunities that had been provided to me. “The innovation labs will be a partnership with Kord Inc and several of it’s partners. Who those partners are will be announced later, but I can tell you that STAR Labs is one and Hamilton Labs is another.” I shared. “I know the news that everyone is waiting for and wanting to know where are the Innovation Labs going to be. “Gotham will be one of the hubs. Chicago is another of course. Detroit is the third. The fourth will be in Central City. The fifth, the fifth will be announced in the coming days.” I promise.
“I will be working with individuals in each of the identified cities to identify the innovation labs and how they will work with the local school systems. Though the labs will be accessible by all grades only grades 8 through 10 will be able to complete for the scholarships. Outside of those grade levels special consideration be given, but they will not be able to compete.” There would be some additional information provided, but I wanted to make sure that this was understood. Additionally, I did say that I may make selections myself, but that would be outside of the five individuals that competed in the scholarship competition.
“There are details that are still being worked out and decisions that will need to be made and as additional information is available the public relations team at KORD will arrange the appropriate press conferences, but I wanted you all to be the first to know. Now If I’m right Ms. Vale and her other colleagues probably have a dozen questions or more and I should provide a few more details, but please enjoy and have a good time and remember, we are not alone. “
by Marc | Aug 18, 2018 | Chronicles
ARTHUR: It was a relatively quiet trip. Arthur contacted Kori to let her know that they were going to be going a trip. He didn’t say where they were going only that they would be out of pocket for a bit. She was to dress comfortably for the car ride, because there would be no flying. He would be driving them to their destination.
He advised that they would arrive bright and early for their road trip. Not that it would take long, but he wanted to get an early start. There were things to do, and people to see. His request had been granted and he was about to waist anyone’s time. Of course, earlier meant that he would arrive after rush hour. No reason for them to have to deal with that. Not one to honk for someone to come out he stepped out and rang the doorbell.
Once Kori was ready he escorted her to the car opened the door and let her get in. He was back in the driver’s seat and they would be on their way to destinations unknown…actually Gotham. Outside of Gotham actually, but Kori didn’t know that not until they were well on their way. Arthur said nothing he kept a stoic face as he drove. Perhaps he had something or some things on his mind difficult to say as they drove. Either way outside of NPR coming from the speakers not much else was offered beyond pleasantries.
KORIAND’R: There had been an ominous mention of something during their last meeting. Something about an examination, a thought that troubled her and made her anxious. That anxiety was almost palpable on the ride there but she remained quiet, looking out the window and watching the world whiz by at an almost painfully slow pace. Flying would have been faster. These vehicles were not good for this planet’s environment and the reliance these humans had on them was startling. Then again, they couldn’t fly. A journey more than a couple of miles on foot was probably troublesome and tiring for most of the citizens here. At least they were not employing animals to pull them around or ride on them to carry them about from one place to another. She still didn’t understand why cars had ‘horsepower’ when there were no horses inside at all. She looked. She was disappointed to find that there were no tiny horses under the hood.
The road signs were the only indication of where they were going. She wasn’t familiar with where the roads went and she knew general destinations and landmarks to go by from up in the air. The first sign that said ‘Gotham’ made her draw in a sharp breath.
“Really? After what happened? They don’t want me there, they don’t even like super powered people there.”
Perhaps because the more criminal and heroic elements of the city seemed to have some psychological issues they needed to work through. Some more than others. They seemed to embrace this though, embraced those oddities and weaknesses. She hadn’t really gotten a chance to learn more. She was just so careful and made her choices carefully so she didn’t disrupt the careful balance of things and upset people like…Dr Light.
“Are we going to see Red Hood? He was probably concerned about me.”
ARTHUR: There was a lot on Arthur’s mind. The things that had been shared. The things that were not shared. To say he had a lot on his mind was an understatement, but it did not show. If anything it seemed like any other day when he encounter others. He engaged them in conversation and went about his business. Arthur was not known to be a ball of energy. He was rather subdued. When it became obvious what their destination was he opted not to answer the question. Really? Did it matter that Gotham was their intended destination? Yes, there had been a great deal of damage that had occurred here, but it had been handled.
Arthur would not go as far to say that he was puzzled, but he was curious. Curious about a great many things, but he kept his eyes on the road while traveling. Opting not to pull into the city he continued along the highway, past the city proper heading towards the outskirts. One might thing he was heading to Wayne Manor instead their destination was another Manor one where the grounds weren’t as well as maintained, but it seemed to have an order all its known, order out of chaos. Out of the city there was a tangle of green that seemed to be teaming with life.
Through the gates they went as Arthur pulled the vehicle up towards the entrance he stopped the glancing over towards Koriand’r.
“No, we’re not going to see the Red Hood.” However, they had arrived at their destination. “I thought it best to consult another regarding our situation.” He fastened his seat belt after shutting off the car. “They’ve agreed to the meeting. ” Opening the door, he slipped out of the car waiting for Kori to join him. “I’m afraid I will not be allowed inside. “However, you are expected.” It is best that he did not join her inside. Plausible deniability.
“I can escort you to the door.” Which he did. The manor was large, but not massive. It had a very peculiar air about it. If it felt like they were being watched perhaps they were, by who Arthur wouldn’t be able to tell her. However, there was something wild and untamed about it much like the wild growth that surrounded the structure.
Upon reaching the door he reached out to ring the bell.
KORIAND’R: “All of this secrecy is troubling me,” she said softly. Maybe it was better that she didn’t know exactly what she was walking into. If she had known, would she have gone? Only Dr. Light knew the answer to that question.
This house was not like the others she had seen. The grounds were not as well maintained, like things were allowed to grow wild and untamed. In a way it was appealing, she liked the idea of allowing things to grow unhindered. Some of it brought back memories of the gardens she had visited when she was a child and back on her home planet. Though the climate here was much cooler and the plants were less colorful and full of foliage.
She remained close to Dr. Light as they approached the manor. Despite being stronger, faster and capable of firing devastating rays of energy, she was still susceptible to her emotions. She did her best to keep a strong face on but her eyes kept wandering and darting about.
She thought about asking who they were seeing but more than likely it wouldn’t have been a name she would recognize. She could only get an idea from how the grounds were. Either someone didn’t care to tend to the grounds or they just simply preferred it this way.
ARTHUR: All of the secrecy was troubling her. Interesting, but it was true. He wasn’t being very forthcoming. Unfortunately for Koriand’r that was anot about to change. Instead he offered a nod acknowledging her discomfort. It is all that he could offer her at the moment.
He was about to say something more when the locks on the door undid themselves and the door slid open slowly creaking loudly as it did.
“Enter Koriand’r of Tamaran. We have been expecting you.” The voice was loud but not overbearing, but as the door continued t to open there was no one there. Until there was there was a flickering bit of light which caught Arthur’s attention given that it wasn’t what he expected, but he didn’t let on too much.
The little flickering bit of light danced around in the air zipping around both Light and Kori before settling back into the door way.
“He will guide you to where you need to be, Princess of Tamaran.”
KORIAND’R: A more serious look was cast at Dr. Light. The voices were ominous and the fact they knew her title and where she hailed from was a bit disturbing. Whoever ‘they’ was. She had never laid her green eyes harshly on him but at this moment she did for a very brief moment. It was an unspoken promise that there would be some problems in his future if harm came to her.
She took a deep breath and took a slow step forward to follow the little light creature. She was almost waiting for the doors to close behind her, just like those horror films.
There were just so many questions, how did they know about her? What were they? Why do they have a bouncing light doorman?
LIGHT/GREEN LANTERN: Light was unfazed by the serious look that was leveled his way, though he was more than a bit curious. He knew this was not one person’s style. People believed his associate to be a tad eccentric, but dramatic. He wasn’t sure if that’s the way he would describe his colleague. Watching Koriand’r take those brave steps forward across the threshold Arthur waited and a few seconds later the door did just that it closed on its own. Or at least it appeared that way to anyone that was looking.
The flickering light moved away from the door into the foyer. It danced around Kori before sliding through the air moving slow enough for her to keep up as it moved past the grand stair case it was heading elsewhere zipping down the hall before stopping to make sure that their guest was still with them. If she lingered too long there were a few pulses followed by a high pitch tone to get her attention. It was his way of saying, “This way! This way! Follow me!”
When Kori caught up it moved down the hall towards the room of requirement…well in this case a very large room that was filled with books. It was a library. There were other rooms that could have been selected, but perhaps it was the best place to start. The room was filled with light and there were books that lined every wall and it even had a stair case that went to a second level where there were more shelves that lined the walls. It was something out of a classic movie, including the individual that stood at the railing dressed in a black cloak.
“Welcome, Koriand’r. Welcome to the Mansion of the Emerald Grove. I am one of its guardians. I have been told you came to this world in search of sanctuary. Now that sanctuary is threatened. Your past has refused to stay where you placed it. It has followed you here to your chosen refuge. Tell me. Why have you come? Is it protection that you need? What dangers have followed you from your homeworld?”
The voice was slightly distorted, but could be made out clearly, but it did not sound human in the least.
KORIAND’R: “I came to seek refuge, away from a life of slavery. My right to freedom and control over my own destiny.”
She considered the questions very carefully, her eyes never leaving the figure. Did she need protection? That was a very good question. She had been able to fight off nearly every foe thrown her direction. It was only in numbers that they even had a chance of defeating her. Not even the bounty hunter concerned her too much. She was more concerned about the damage he would do in order to get to her though. It was the people around her that needed more protecting. It was a funny twist of fate in that way.
“I have nowhere else to go, Stranger. I may have…endangered my people by escaping my situation. A bounty hunter was employed to kill me. There was an arm of a dangerous race that had interest in me. Their resources would be poorly spent sending a ship here…not to devalue myself but I do not see it worth their investment.”
She took a deep breath before continuing, attempting to be as honest and and clear about her intentions as she could be.
“I did not wish to bring harm to those on this planet. I feel as if the consequences of my actions are causing the very thing I feared bringing upon these people. I made an oath when I arrived that I would protect them and I would do my best to embrace this planet as my own..for I have no other to call my home. If I continue as I am, more threats may come to me…more innocent people caught in the fire.”
She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment. Maybe she didn’t need a guardian to explain what she must do, she already had thoughts and there were pieces in play that could assist her. Should she return? Should she go back to the mess she left and clean it up before it haunted her once more?
GREEN LANTERN: “Tell, me Princess of Tamaran. Does Tamaran have no allies you could turn to? No one that could help you liberate your people and planet? Were you comfortable with leaving your former life behind? Surely it must have crossed your mind the danger your courted when you chose to escape? Your actions would have consequences. Your people. Those that came in contact with. Surely the specter of your past would haunt your footsteps no matter where you went. Yet you selected a world that may be ill prepared for the consequences of these actions.”
The figure pushed off the railing walking towards the stairs.
“There must have been someone that you could have reached out to to aid you against this tyrannical force of miscreants.” The cloaked figured stopped. “Does Tamaran stand alone in the dark against the villainy of the Daemonites? Do they run rampant unchecked by no one? I was told that there was a force dedicated to upholding order across the galaxy. Did they not come to your aid? Did you not think to seek them out?”
He began to walk down the steps stopping at the middle of them as he looked upon Koriand’r. “I have heard your tale. What brought you here. Why you stand here before me. Yet I find myself concerned that there are pieces missing. I find myself perplexed as to why a bounty hunter a Czarnian origin would be dispatched to kill you. Why would he want to kill you? A failed experiment as you have described it. As Mister Spock would say, that is…”
Removing the hood Green Lantern revealed his face, masked face. “…quite illogical.”
KORIAND’R: “There were not Lanterns there to stop what happened. No one heard the cries of my dying people when they invaded. No one came to aid my mother and father when they were slaughtered. No one came to aid when the tears of a child princess stained her dress as she was unwillingly taken away.”
She was getting angry with the questions. She answered them the best she could but with each passing word she found herself angrier and irritated with the entire situation. She brought her hand to her collarbone very quickly, turning the image off that disguised her as human so that this man could see the pure fury that was in her eyes and the fire that ignited among the strands of her red hair.
“I was a CHILD. I was innocent. I grew up with those creatures, my skills and my body were honed to their desires.
What else was I supposed to do? I didn’t find a Lantern until I came to this planet.”
She snorted dismissively as he mentioned the bounty hunter, “Well, he failed. I attempted to ask him but he would give no answers. I do not know what is going on with Tamaran, at all. I have not known a thing since I stepped foot off that planet. If I could find that pest I would blast the answers out of him myself.”
There was an abrupt silence when the figure removed the cloak. She wanted to scream at him but at least the shock had caused her to loosen her fists.
“That….”
She was still angry, it was very difficult for her to shift her mood so suddenly. At least she went from a boil to a simmer but her eyes were narrowed at the Lantern.
“…was not funny at all.”
KORIAND’R: “I have already considered those options. I am aware of how the organization handles ‘threats’. I was spending my time attempting to find another solution. I find sunbathing very useful for thinking.”
Though the only she had considered wouldn’t have been very nice but it certainly would have involved the bounty hunter, as he is the only one with something resembling space craft capable of travel.
Had it really come to this though? Even Dr Light was out of options for her? The only option seemed to point…wherever that fool was.
“He is capable of regenerating from devastating attacks. I’m not sure how strong he is but the chain and the bike seem to be his best tools. He was essentially grounded when the bike was blasted. However, it too seemed capable of repairing itself. I don’t know anything about Czarnians beyond the fact that they are essentially extinct. I suppose anything can be brought back with cloning.”
For a moment she thought she had misheard what he had said, neutralize sounded a lot like ‘neuter’ for a brief moment. Either way, the fact stood that he was a problem.
“More will come. I doubt he was boasting about the sizable bounty. I want to end this before it becomes worse. So…”
She feared the answer to this question, there were very few ideas jumbling in her head and there was nothing brute force was going to be able to do in this particular situation. She may have to use more subtle skills.
“…any ideas on neutralizing my bounty hunter problem? I was considering resorting to negotiations that may appeal to him.”
She didn’t really want to get into the details of what that particularly meant but she knew what the hunter had a fondness for, though it may only be a distraction at best.
GREEN LANTERN: “Doesn’t that sound like a terrible waste of resources to keep sending someone after you time and time again? Not to mention the amount of damage it will cause?” Perhaps it’s time to stop playing defense and go on the offense. You were meeting the Czarnian head on. Sounds like he was looking for a fight. Also, from everything I’ve gathered he doesn’t sound like one that will keep his mouth shut. Big bounty. Alien warrior princess.” Kyle shook his head. “Also discretion doesn’t sound like his cup of tea. You know not when there are buildings exploding and the sort. That could be a way in.” That is if they talk with other individuals.
“What I’m getting at if there will be others that means a couple of things. We have a total Han Solo – Bobba Fett situation going on. Empire Strikes Back. Recommended viewing.” He had to throw that in. “However, that means that despite the fact he wants the big score he may not be the only person on their way. They could be arriving any time to do what needs to be done. So we have decisions that we need to make. Staying planet side while potentially full of allies puts innocent civilians at risk and even if you do a death match beat down and either end it for them or send them packing their going to keep coming. That’s a total no win scenario for anyone. Total Kobyashi Maru.” No one wants that.
“There for we need to find out who’s sending these bounty hunters after you and why and that’s going to involve information gathering. If this Czarnian bounty hunter won’t give up the information some one will. Something be a secret not if there’s going to be a whole host of bounty hunters coming our way. However, this does mean that our immediate problem needs to be handled. We need a plan and we can’t come up with a proper plan if we have a Czarnian on our back.”
Which is problematic. “I don’t know what we can offer him outside of a complementary kick in the ass. I’m pretty sure asking or telling him to leave will be laughable at best. If that was possible problem would already be solved.” He pursed his lips. “I can do a bit of research see what I can find out about Czarnian’s, but I also think it would best if you stay here at least for the time being. You were tracked to Gotham and probably can be tracked no matter where you go, but I believe the manor can offer a bit of protection.” Maybe. He should really confirm that with Alan. Kyle was 90% sure.
“Also, it will give us a chance to come up with a plan and just as important train together.” Find out how they work as a team. The thing that always goes down how fast is trying to work together and not knowing how to work as a team. Kyle watched enough ani..read enough man….read enough to know that. Additionally, it would give him a chance to figure a few things out.
KORIAND’R: The princess was left blinking several times. There were names and things mentioned that she had no clue what they meant. One sounded vaguely Japanese but it wasn’t a language she had yet absorbed into her vocabulary but she had heard it spoken enough to know of its origin. Half of what he said made sense but she was lacking the context of some of the situation.
She was safe where she was too. Raven had good shielding up, she was very skilled even if she was quiet and a bit dark. Kori didn’t have feelings for her one way or another but it felt safe there.
“I…wasn’t going to ask nicely. I was planning on seducing him. He has a weakness and a fondness for women. I could easily use that to my advantage and perhaps he’ll even speak more about this bounty. If I can isolate him somewhere there isn’t an immediate threat to the citizens nearby, this may be possible. Though if we keep waiting, he may grow impatient and start blasting away again. He may take the safety of this planet hostage until I am given up. This other plan would cut him off before it got to that point. Or…he kills me. Or…I am taken back to Tamaran. Either way, the threat is removed from this planet. I will fight until I cannot fight anymore. This is my way.”
She shrugged. It wasn’t an ideal situation but she didn’t have strong feelings about it either way. Sex was just sex, when it was more intimate that was when things tended to get mixed up and scary. It was easier with detachment. It was what she was familiar with.
GREEN LANTERN: Sex and violence. Apparently, that was the way the world heck the galaxy worked. Who knew? Probably everyone. Kyle didn’t know if it was an epiphany or some type of cruel joke. There were dozens of thoughts that ran through his mind as Kori laid out what she wanted to do.
It was a plan to which Kyle could offer one response.
“That’s the very definition of asking nicely.”
Kyle didn’t balk, but seriously how was that not asking nicely? Anyone? Anyone?
“Ok let’s logic bomb this. Game?” She said it right?
“Let the logic bombing commence. The bounty hunger is seduced. You get the information that you’re looking for. What then? I mean was sex on the list of things that he would take in exchange for your life?” Fair question.
“If so. Well, that solves that problem. If not, is there a follow up to neutralize him after you get everything you need out of him? And to clarify neutralize him to the point that he is no longer a problem.” He thought it was a fair question. Unless she’s like Zoe from American Horror Story Coven, and it’s death by “V” Kyle didn’t see that solving the problem completely. All’s fair in logic bombing.
“Second question. What are you going to do with the information after you’ve gotten it from him? Does it change your predicament?”
KORIAND’R: “I didn’t expect that to work so easily. So, no. It’s a tool, not an end game. He has a lust for destruction as well, he could be turned towards a more appropriate target. That would also be a win. Maybe they’re only paying him so handsomely so he won’t turn on the deal. Imagine how rich he could get off of destroying them and taking the loot?”
It was very much a pirate angle, if they were already promising him a good fat sum, they probably had more to offer if they were split open with his bare hands. Part of her was pleased with the thought of being able to orchestrate such a chain of events but things didn’t always work so simply.
“I’m not sure, it depends on the information. I have considered that I may have to leave, regardless. If it’s something only I must address and fix, it would be better done with at least one powerful ally beside me. I will report anything I find, of course. If that sector is assigned to someone, perhaps they will see fit to aide me as well.”
There was a problem in this though, she didn’t know who was behind the bounty. If the Daem were involved there was a lot of unknowns about them and how far spread their influence was. If it was from Tamaran? If it was from one of her own people? It was also a complicated situation. If her leaving negated the arrangement then they were probably already under attack.
“…I need information. There is only one man with the truth of what is going on. That is completely and utterly unavoidable.”
GREEN LANTERN: The red flags were up all over the place, but, he did so Kyle listened as this was laid out. It gave him a moment to take it all in “Okay, assuming that you are successful with this plan of action you want to then suggestion to the bounty hunter that an even bigger bounty awaits if he turns on the individual or individuals that hired him?” He was restating to make sure that he heard that part correctly. He needed to make sure he heard that.
“Negotiating to bribe him is one thing with something you have is one thing. Negotiating with him for something you don’t have just on a promise is another. That can go wrong many different ways, no matter his proclivities. Sure he likes violence, but is that enough of a lure to turn him off his original bounty. I mean what happens when they make a better deal?” It happens. “Someone flips once they’ll flip again.” At least that’s a possibility that should be considered.
“I mean if he wants a challenge and he enjoys violence well, one thing to consider is that if there are more coming why not hire him to take out his competition. Like all of his competition. If the Daem hired him apparently they have resources that outstrip his competitors unless they have something of value he wants. I guess it does come back to if he was to take that type of deal what do you have or could you potentially have that would be of some value to him to take that job for you. I guess I’m just a bit iffy on turning on the person that hired you. It’s bad for busisness though someone could just as easily say you get what you pay for.”
Also, it would be nice to have a backup plan.
“I can’t say what the other Lanterns will and won’t do, but my offer to help you stands, but I have to take it a step at a time. There are too many pieces on the board right now and equal amounts of unknown.” He said honestly.
“The immediate problem needs to be handled.” Frankly without it coming back in the third act to bite them in the ass.
KORIAND’R: Everything I had was confiscated…then later destroyed and burned when he attacked.”
The wreckage was in the custody of Nowhere though but she doubted there was much left to bribe with. They had probably already destroyed it to prevent it being taken or possibly reverse-engineered.
“X’hal, I only have hope and faith. It’s all I’ve had for many years. I know in the sense of logic that doesn’t really amount to much but when things are desperate…sometimes it’s the only things that count.”
There weren’t a lot of options left and there were fewer contingencies. If they removed the Hunter’s tools…he’d only be slightly more manageable. It was a matter of taking them and destroying them utterly and completely that was the very difficult and potentially disastrous part. That would leave them both stranded and without options though.
She winced as she pushed her hair from her face and rubbed at her temple with her fingertips.
“If that fails, he kills me. That will satisfy his bounty and possibly end the conflict. It is not the option I want but it is a very real possible outcome.”
GREEN LANTERN: “Well, that’s very fatalist of you,” he said regarding the last statement. “Hope and faith are good, but a good solid plan is even better.” And that they were severely lacking in. They also should have a plan, B, C and D, but Kyle would start with A once he could get his thinking cap on.
“There are some things to consider, but there’s also some things that you need to think over, as well. Specifically, how far you’re willing to trust people, because from where I’m standing there’s there’s a severe lack of trust.” That was Kyle’s truth, and no one could tell him different as of right now.
“It may be the nature of your situation, and if it puts me out of line then it puts me out of line. As my friend…closest person I have to a best friend told me once, I can only be me. I can’t be the Green Lantern people want me to be. I have to be the Green Lantern I need to be me. The Green Lantern they need me to be and need and want don’t always go hand in hand.”
What does that mean? Hard truths.
“Fighting until you can’t fight any more isn’t a real option. It’s nice way to get dead and frankly it’s a pretty shitty thing to do to your people. You can’t help them if you’re dead.
“You are their Princess, aren’t you? That means that they look up to you, that they have some affection for you unless they don’t care? That’s not the situation is it?” Again, was it out of line? Maybe? However, there was just something about it that rubbed Kyle the wrong way. Maybe he was a little naive ok a lot naive about things, but things weren’t adding up.
“As far as getting killed or being willing to be taken back to Tamaran I don’t know. If that were the case, you wouldn’t have come here. You would’ve resigned yourself to that fate long ago.” It was frank, it was honest, it was the only way Kyle knew how to be at the moment, because…he had his reasons.
“You would’ve gone there instead of coming here or you would have attempted to figure out how to rectify the situation that you currently find yourself in. So, before I find myself trying to solve the unlogic puzzle that’s sitting here in front of me how about you tell me what’s really going on Tamaran that you don’t want to talk about?” Or whatever it is that she’s playing close to vest, because it’s obvious.
“Because A. As stated before you’re a princess. That means you have some modicum of responsibility and/or authority.” At least that’s the way Kyle saw it. Unless she’s a princess in name only.
“So, you should give a damn about your people. Which I think you do. However, you didn’t come here and say, “my planet is under attack I need your help to save it, you came and sought sanctuary. Maybe it was everything that happened I don’t know. Still those were the choices that you made. Decisions that have and will follow you no matter where you go.”
“Which brings me to B. You’re willing to get pissed off about some things, but not the right things as I see it. It confuses the hell out of me, and probably frustrates the hell out of others, but I can’t speak for them.“ The entire getting upset about being questioned the way she was. Who wouldn’t question her like that?
“Last but not least there’s C. You put this planet in jeopardy knowing full well what could and would happen, and seemed a-ok about it, because you had a nice place to chill. So, was earth a pit stop on your getaway tour? Did you really think you could out run what you’re trying to run away from? The Daem is just one part of it.”
“If we’re going to do something about this then we need to be focused and free of surprises and right now this isn’t as they say isn’t passing muster.” And no one has time for that.
“If are you going to get angry, throw a fit, and toss in some tears to boot then do so. I’ll sit and let that play out.
“I want to help you, but I feel like I’m operating partially in the dark. There’s pieces here and there that offered up, but there are other pieces that are missing at least that’s what it feels like.”
KORIAND’R: She inhaled deeply. She was trying not to be grim and dark about the potential outcomes. It didn’t suit her and darkness wasn’t something she could wear very well. She’d rather be happy, or disguise as much as she can with some optimism and finding joy in the little things.
She finally felt calm enough to sit without breaking the furniture, or setting it ablaze or any number of things she wanted to do when she was angry. It wouldn’t have been right, not when she was a guest in this man’s home and it had put Dr. Light out of his way to bring her here as well. She’d be letting two men down.
“My sister is their queen, she was put into that position during the invasion and not very long after my parents had died. The terms were quite simple, my sister Komand’r would serve as queen and I would be exiled, taken into the care of the invaders. Never to return to my home. Returning would put the safety of my people and my sister at risk, it may even negate any agreements my sister may have made to make sure our people were looked after. So, my family may be respected and I may be fondly remembered as the sweet young princess…but I fear any return may cause a great deal of problems.”
It wasn’t so simple when there were agreements that were signed. Oaths that were required to be honored.
“I didn’t have anywhere else to go, except as far away as I could. So, I don’t know if someone put the bounty to ensure I never return to my home planet. It could also be an effort to clean up any research that was performed on me. Perhaps someone doesn’t want me falling into the wrong hands. There seems to be a great deal of concern or fear on part of whomever created the bounty. They don’t want me around, they don’t want me alive and they don’t seem to like that I am here either. I do not know anymore without going straight to the Hunter, the Czarnian.”
There were other problems but at least the calmness had allowed her to think things through. What was it that frightened someone so much that they would pay many riches for her to be gone? Knowing what that is would be like possessing some intangible power.
GREEN LANTERN: Kyle watched, but said nothing. Ordinarily he was game from plenty of things, but at the moment he had to play the “straight” man to all of this. It was a lot and he could allow himself to be overwhelmed or delight in the fact that he was standing across from a rea- life alien, again, but he couldn’t. That had to be set aside by the fact that a great deal of harm came to people, a building was destroyed and there was an intergalactic bounty hunter on the loose looking for a princess.
This was the stuff comics were made from him. Who was he kidding? This was the stuff that cool ass anime were made off, but again he couldn’t bask in that. No. No. No. He had to be the Space Cop. Yay! At least that is what was passing through his mind at the moment while Koriand’r spoke about what amounted to very limited information.
Nothing about that sounded right in the least. Kyle had seen enough episodes of Game of Thrones to know how things like that worked out.
However, they would get back to that.
“Let’s do a little information sharing here. What do you know about the Czarnians? Like do you know how they died out? Do you know what they were like? What we’re dealing with here? I know. I know. I ask a lot of questions, but this is where we head into the realm of the unknown. At the moment we control neither the vertical or the horizontal. So, let’s find out what we do control.”
KORIAND’R: “I don’t know much, admittedly. I had a lot of lessons and a lot of stories were told to me but sometimes stories are tales of caution and twisted somewhat.”
She was feeling a little frustrated, she was trying to be as honest as she could manage and be forthcoming with what information she knew. It was hard when her learning was halted by her own world’s changing events. Her education had become much more brutal and out of necessity for survival.
“Czarnia used to be a thriving planet, much like Krypton. A very proud species. Something went horribly wrong. I’m not sure if it was a virus that preyed on their genetic weakness or some other kind of weapon altogether, but they were all eradicated. The entire species was gone with the exception of one. The Last Czarnian, or so the stories have said. Some say he was responsible for what happened, others say he was just lucky and was the only one immune. If that is true…then what the Hunter said was very confusing. He said something about clones. Many other races have the technology to do such a thing. It’s possible if they had the source material, I guess. I didn’t get a chance to ask more questions. I was being electrocuted and it was very unpleasant.”
GREEN LANTERN: Kyle thought about what he should share. Would it help the situation or make the situation more confusing? Clones. Should it matter? Did it matter? However, if it was possible that they were dealing with a clone it would be interesting. Kyle find himself curious about this, but decided to set it aside. Whether this individual was a clone or not it was after Koriand’r and given the fact that she was currently residing on Earth it placed the planet in jeopardy. It could quickly become a battlefield, or a bargaining chip and Kyle rather avoid either of those possibilities. He was determined to make sure that was not an option.
Koriand’r’s frustration was the least of his concerns at the moment, because she was currently was the epitome of frustration. Whether it was intentional or not she was not being as forthcoming as Kyle believed she could, because he didn’t think for a moment she was naive, far from it. Every so then he saw glimpses of the person that he wanted to get to know. Not the bubbling individual that spun tales of woe that made as about much sense as a Klingon saying Kahless skipped in fields in flowers hand in hand with a Romulan.
This was definitely two plus two equals five situation and right now there was only one person that could correct the equation.
“So, it’s possible that we can be dealing with an actual Czarnian or a clone of one?” Makes you wonder who’s churning out clones and what that could mean.
And she wants to use her powers of seduction to pump him for information. Then what? There was no real follow through there. More like hopeful humpings and potential for a bad plan of action afterwards.
“What I know of the last Czarnian is that he doesn’t roll over on his contracts. It’s part of his code. Maybe that’s a rumor. If he’s a clone, then maybe that didn’t make it through the process. Who knows, but we could be dealing with either or.” That’s the way he saw it.
“That aside, when he decides to make his next move I would prefer it to be away from earth. Alien battlefields don’t make for friendship bracelets and ice cream parties. Usually they you strapped to table and cut open. Additionally, there’s no telling if there isn’t another bounty hunter waiting in the wings.” Home court advantage only goes so far and based what he knew the amount of destruction that the Czarnian could cause would devastate the planet and if he was a clone who’s to say there aren’t more waiting to take his place and finish the job. Though this is a bit of an odd situation giving his best bud was cloned and engineered himself.
“So, how do we want to handle this? Step 1 is to remove Earth from the equation. Step 2 is to acquire information and neutralize threats. Step 3 is how do we stop this from becoming a common occurrence meaning that whatever business is going on at home will have to be handled or you’ll be running and fighting until the end of time and that’s no way to live. If there are cards to lay out on the table then lay them out. You no longer have the luxury to pick and choose, because I suspect you value life over death. If you wanted death you wouldn’t have fought back. You would have ended a long time ago.”
KORIAND’R: “I am without a craft that could handle space travel. What I arrived with was confiscated and it was hardly in flying shape. Physically I couldn’t handle the lack of atmosphere very long. I am strong, but I am not that strong. You could…your ring grants you the ability to do so? I’m assuming. Forgive me if I’m wrong. Do I just…go to Tamaran? I risk breaking the treaty, this would put my people at risk. Doing nothing would put the people of Earth at risk.”
The Lantern was right about her not wanting death. It was the reason she fought, it was the reason she endured. That and she didn’t want what happened to her and her people to happen to anyone else. Enduring everything had made her a hardened warrior and she hid that behind an armor of positivity and aloofness. She didn’t like peeling that armor back, it felt vulnerable. These people didn’t want an alien that had murdered so many in an effort to survive. They didn’t want a warrior that had been trained and changed to be some kind of weapon. She had seen that in how they treated Damien and in a way she and him were so very similar in that shared darkness.
“The Czarnian could be used. He has the information but he’s choosing not to share it right now. Clone or not, he’s a formidable opponent that not many would want to cross. Without pulling you out of your jurisdiction, without pulling others from their other missions and responsibility…he’s the only tool we have if he can only be turned the right direction. Or he won’t and then we’ll need to figure out how to throw him at the star you call The Sun.”
If the Lantern was looking for a peek into her brutality, there it was. She wasn’t above absolutely burning every atom of his body. Still, more may come.
“I don’t know what else to do. In the end, I’m the problem, I’m the focus of this. Do I turn myself back over to the Daem? It’s not death, it would cease any hardships for either problem. They would have to deal with whoever made the contract themselves. Their problem. The odds are not great.”
GREEN LANTERN: “You already broke the treaty when you escaped.” He said it before and he said it again. “Standing here right on this ground not in the “care” of the Daem mean that the treaty is null and void. The treaty that you refer to is predicated on the idea that you would remain in the care. Unless there is something that I misunderstanding? You have violated said treated by making your escape.” He arched his brow.
“Before we go any further. Before we say anything else tell me what is the difference between you escaping and you going home? The treaty went up into smoke when you escaped.” He generated a story book and sent a rocket ship through it. “You’re blowing holes through you’re own cover story. So shall we start again from beginning or shall we continue from the middle of this half-truth, half fiction word dance you want me to engage in?”
KORIAND’R: The truth hurt. The truth she was attempting to deny all this time was thrown right in her face and it hurt worse than a slap. She needed to be told that, it took hearing it from someone else, someone who was angry and frustrated at her for it to really sink in. When it hit, she shrunk back into the couch and pulled her knees up to her chest. It was like feeling helpless again. She was a prisoner to her actions and the consequences that had rippled across the cosmos.
She broke the treaty. It didn’t matter what the reasons were or what she was trying to escape. It was a very simple chain of events, she escaped and this put Tamaran in a bad position. If the bounty had come from Tamaran like the Czarnian said, it was highly possible it came directly from royal decree. This more than likely meant that her beloved sister, Komand’r, issued the order herself. Another truth that was painful and it made her a little angry as well.
“Then I broke it. I brought this on myself and to my people. It is my responsibility to set things right but I will not surrender myself to such torment again. I feel…I feel like breaking things until it is fixed. I may even need to come against my own sister, the queen. This is not what heroes do. Does this make me a horrible person, Lantern? Does this make me as bad as they are?”
Those green eyes were wide when she looked to the man. She was out of tears to cry over her situation and it didn’t feel like it was appropriate. Still, she was nearly overwhelmed by everything she felt in this very moment. It didn’t feel like there was a ‘right’ solution.
GREEN LANTERN: “I’m less concerned about whether or not this means you’re a hero. I’m more concerned about what you want to do about this. Your actions have consequences and it’s time to deal with them. I could sit, get you something to drink and we can commiserate about what a shitty deal you got. I could say that someone in a similar situation probably would make the same choice over and over again. I don’t know. I can’t deal in hypotheticals. I have to play the cards that have been dealt as do you.” There was no way around that.
“That said if we’re working under the assumption that your sister has decided that you’re not worth the salt of your tears then we have a place to start from. This is not about whether or not you’re a hero it’s about what your survival means to you? I mean if I go big picture. I can say. Well, if one person is the cost for my planets survival than by all means let’s do this, but at what cost? Honestly, truthfully, hasn’t that struck you as odd that your planet came under attack. Your parents killed and it all stops because this deal is struck. The planet’s survival comes down to one single person being placed into the care into the aggressors. They get you and everything’s good now? Wars are usually fought over something for something. Not just because some group wants one person unless there’s something you’re not sharing or something that you’re not aware of. Theft and plunder of resources I get. Oppression I get.” Those were things that people have fought over before. A single person out of an entire planet?
“This I don’t quite get, but let’s start. What do you know about your sister? What kind of leader is she? She handed you over to the people who murdered her parents. She gave you up to stop a war. For the good of the planet. It sells well, but no festering anger or hate for the Daem? Now she or someone within her government have sent a bounty hunter after you?” He paused for a second.
“To what? Prove to the Daem that you are no friend of Tamaran? I mean…let’s think about this for a second. If this is coming from Tamaran a planet that lost a war it sounds like they’ve recovered quite well. Well enough to hire a bounty hunter and from the sounds of it he doesn’t come cheap. They can set this in motion so quickly. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?” It felt odd.
“What do you know if anything about the arrangement that was established after your were handed over. Did the Daem pack up and head to parts for unknown or did they maintain contact with Tamaran?” She may not know, but Kyle was trying to figure out what was what. He was also trying to figure out motives.
“Let’s not forget that if the Czarnian fails there are going to be more bounty hunters. As bounty hunters fail then the price will go up. How many coffers does Tamaran have to offer up? Is this the legacy you want for your homeworld? Where does it end? Say the bounty hunter kills you, succeeds in ending your life what happens then? It’s not like this a clause in the treaty is it? In the event you escape then you die. All is forgiven and the Daem forgives Tamaran? Doubtful. Do they get someone to take in your place and they become the tribute? The fate of a world rests on one person’s forced sacrifice?”
KORIAND’R: “Taking hostage is common practice to gain political leverage. Sometimes it’s not aggressive at all, some royals taken as wards instead and raised with different families to create bonds and ties. It’s not the strength of a marriage bond but it’s a show of good will between two families. Taking me may have had the effect of making my sister compliant to their demands, I don’t know what has happened since. They could have reshaped the entire political structure of the kingdom in my absence. I’m not just one person, I’m a symbol of my people, I’m a princess, I hold…held…power and influence.”
Talking this out sort of helped things make sense to her. She had to withdraw herself from her emotions about her sister to see it.
“I’m a threat, Lantern. If I am free, I am also free to disrupt whatever they have established. If my sister is out of the picture, I am next in line to rule. I don’t know if this is being done to get in the favor of the Daem again. I honestly don’t know what would make me so valuable otherwise. What they did to me made me much stronger, it unlocked power in me that was considered very dangerous. I could have easily struck a hole in the hull of their ship with a powerful blast.”
She lifts her head to give him a slight glare, “I’m not dying. It wouldn’t set things right, the next bully race would just come along and start the whole cycle all over again. Maybe not soon but perhaps the same thing would happen to my sister that happened to my parents.”
She didn’t have all the answers to these questions, the fact she didn’t was very frustrating.
“…Dr Light mentioned seeing a doctor, a medical one to see if there was something uniquely tied to me. I am not thrilled by the idea, I am absolutely nearly paralyzed with fright at the thought, but perhaps it would answer some questions.”
GREEN LANTERN: “That I’m familiar with, but you weren’t taken hostage, you were handed over. They didn’t come in and snatch you. Your sister passed you over and usually when something like that happens it occurs because the individual that was the aggressor needed to be put in check to ensure they wouldn’t be foolish to do that again. At least that’s would make more sense.”
He looked over at her. “Which would suggest that the people of Tamaran put up some type of resistance at some point. See, we keep going in circles about this and you keep telling me you were given to the Daem, but from what I understand the Daem were individuals that were causing great harm to Tamaran, so before I move forward again. Did Tamaran get conquered or did they put up resistance and get dealt a decisive blow that caused you to be taken as their “ward”? They didn’t need to stop anything if they were winning? They wouldn’t need you to keep the planet in check. They already murdered the ruling class. So, can you expand on the events with the Daem, beause otherwise I’m going to get stuck here and continue to wonder how this come to pass and have thoughts that maybe I shouldn’t have about motivations.”
He shrugged “There is always going to be someone that thinks that they can push people around. That they can do whatever they want, but see that’s the thing. If the Daem are the bullies and they were winning was it some type of situation where they were like. Alright we kicked you around enough we’re going to let you have your queen, but to remind you we’re in charge we’re going to take her sister and we’re going to what? See that’s where you lose me. They bully you for what? Resources? Then decide to take you and go off and what bully another planet? Beyond having you whatever checks do they have? They have all the upper hands here. Did they really need you to remind a defeated people who was in charge?”
KORIAND’R: “There was a lot of destruction. Many people died. We were up against weaponry that destroyed what defenses we had. I did not witness much, my sister and I were protected by the guard for as long as they were able to. I do not know how to answer these questions as I am not sure and like I’ve said before, I was a child. It was some time ago. I also do not know the details of the arrangement. My life after those events was very different and a lot of information was kept from me. I spent a lot of time in cells and labs, drugged or in too much pain to really be completely coherent of what was going on around me.”
She wanted to know the answers to those questions too but she had no way of truly knowing at the moment. The only one with a small bit of information was the one hunting her.
“The Hunter may know what I do not.”
GREEN LANTERN: Kyle took in the information that was provide and let it sit for a moment. There were things that he could say and do that could help and hinder. There were dozens of thoughts running through his mind, but he knew better than to get away from him. He should be overwhelmed, but he wasn’t. From the moment he started speaking he spoke with one thought on his mind. There were innocent lives at stake here. There were situations that he would never be able to control or assert some influence over, this was not one of them. He was taking part in this and why he may not win ever little battle here he could to make sure that his points were made, understood, and not set aside.
Whether people wanted him to or not he had been entrusted with the office a Green Lantern, it wasn’t about trying be the best it was about doing what was best. He could make it a numbers game, but the fact of the matter was this was not a problem that the people of earth needed to take on, nor should they. This was something that needed to be handled away from Earth and probably as far away from the sector as possible.
There were far too many unknowns, but that would not prevent him from doing what he felt was necessary to try to bring this to resolution. This could not and would not stop at Lobo. While he was a threat, a major one, he was one of potentially many. If he could be handled, then it would begin a never ending line of bounty hunters. This had to be stopped at the source.
“Alright. That’s fair, but as for Light’s Doctor that’s why you are here. He came to speak to my mentor about another option. This is us finding another option. This is us trying to prevent it from being a situation where you would be subjected to any type of procedure that was similar to the ones you endured already. This is us trying to figure out where to start.”
Sliding his hands to the arms of the chair that he sat in he pressed himself up to his feet so he could address one of their concerns. “As far determining what was done to you I could give it a go. There’s no guarantee that I would immediately find anything.” It all depended on what information his ring had access to. He could do a scan similar to the one he did on Conner. There should be away to detect changes that were made.
“A passive scan should be able to do the trick.” Kyle didn’t need to speak he merely needed to think it. He could keep chugging along, but Koriand’r might want a moment. “Though, I would be poor host if I didn’t give a chance to rest some and let you have a meal.” Give them both a chance to take in what had been shared and discussed.
KORIAND’R: “There is a chance it may reveal something, perhaps something I do not know. It may or may not help but it is all we can do this very moment. Confronting the Hunter is the next step. I do not have the ability to do that off the planet without the appropriate craft and appropriate permissions to leave. Something about the network they have orbiting the planet. That is completely in Nowhere’s hands. I do not expect them to grant me any favors, I am not in a good place with them.”
She wasn’t very hungry, she could eat until near bursting most days but her appetite was absent at the moment. She didn’t feel as if she had the luxury of time to eat and rest. The sooner this was dealt with, the better. If it meant going off planet, then that is what it meant.
“There are places on this planet that are barely inhabited by people, some barely habitable to most lifeforms. I could lure the Hunter there. Either way, this can not be avoided. At worst, I may be able to convince him to take me there alive. I will figure out how to deal with it from there. If I am not here, the threat to this planet is lessened. It’s not ideal but it’s all I have given the options.”
She shook her head at the offer of his hospitality, “Thank you. We have much work to do.”
GREEN LANTERN: “Then I’ll do the scan, but I’m going to veto the meeting with the bounty hunter here on the planet. Even if you go somewhere uninhabited it doesn’t mean that someone won’t be watching. Like I said Earth needs to be removed from the equation. If that means we leave the planet then we leave the planet.” Fights happen yes but the moment this takes a turn for the worse and someone catches wind of it it will make things incredibly difficult going forward.
“Put yourself in my shoes in anyone on Earth’s shoes. Would you want that going down on your planet? If it could be avoided? We have an individual that possibility caused the destruction of his entire species. An entire species. I’m not say one or two Czarnian’s and entire species. They were once a peaceful race and then things took a turn for the worst and he is either directly responsible or indirectly responsible. Whether it is true or not that is not a risk I’m willing to take. It is an unacceptable risk.”
There were other reasons why Kyle wanted him off planet. “His regenerative abilities are off the charts. His mere presence…” A chill ran through him as he considered. The possibilities. What if NOWHERE got their hands on a sample just enough to create some last resort type of weapon. What if he was turned against Conner, Wonder Woman, any metahuman that got out of line. What if they made dozens of them them that they could control. What if they behaved as the original. Was this a game of hypotheticals? Yes. However, given the rumors, what he gathered from Conner, and various bits of rhetoric if something wasn’t recovered from the Mariposa this Lantern in training would rather avoid gifting them with anything of that sort.
“The risk is too high. As for not being permitted to leave. Let me worry about that.” Among other things. They would have to figure out where this meeting and/or confrontation would take place. He didn’t care if he sounded or was behaving like an alarmist, but this wasn’t the time for him to go conservative when it came to risk.
“Let’s get the scan completed.” With a thought visor glasses appeared over his eyes they were tinted green and appeared to be a single piece that spanned across his eyes. They began as outlines that quickly were filled in as if they were bring drawn out of air. To Kori they looked like nothing more than high tech specs, but Kyle there was a HUD that gave him various readouts that were projected in front of him. They could be made visible to Kori, he was making sure everything is working order which it was.
“I’m going to need you to stand up so I scan you.”
ALAN: … and then…
Everything around the two turns green, just seconds before the spirits all around them begin to take shape. Little ghostly elements of the green spawning to life. Small impish creatures. With blue-white eyes, white hair, and smurf-like skin tones. Kyle has seen the figments of his Mentor’s before. They don’t normally have any other coloration but that of the green, similar to his own constructs. This is different. One by one their eyes turn toward Kyle and Koriand’r. Each of the impish creatures seems to have the ability to look through you with those thousand yard stares.
Except that their shapes are suddenly dispersed by…
“…. times up, Lantern. If you’re going, you’re going now. They’re coming,” Alan Scott isn’t wearing his mussed up old three piece suit, his hair isn’t loosely kept and for perhaps the very first time he doesn’t seem even the slightest bit inebriated. “If you’re both here when they get here. She’s going in a Cage and you’re going back to your Mother, without the Ring.”
“Make a choice. Right now. What do you stand for, Kyle?”
GREEN LANTERN: Kyle was in the middle of completing his scan which provided him with useful information, but noting that seemed to speak of the Daemonites. He was about to speak when the ring decided to convey some important information.
[Warning: This deals with a banished sector, please return to your central battery and await instructions.] The scan stopped and the construct disappeared.
That was not good. Definitely not good. Just then the images began to appear, they seemed to be fading into reality out of nothingness the green images, but as they came into focus he saw the eyes, eyes he had seen before. This had gone from bad to worse it seemed as Kyle took a deep breath and within in a flash they were gone and…Alan?
Was that really him? He didn’t have time to can’t his head to the side because even when they were training Alan still did it with a smoking jacket on and a drink in his hand. They’re coming. He didn’t need to be told who they were given the eyes that had gazed upon him. He had a choice to make. Hadn’t he already made it?
Saying it is one thing doing something about it is another and right now he wasn’t going to surrender the ring. Not because of something that needed to be done. He knew that there would be consequences, but if they were going to come and reclaim the ring then it was going to have to be done for something more than a simple scan.
“I think both know answer to that. I was given a ring to help keep the peace. To do what needs to be done to protect others. To help restore order. I chose to help those that need help. That’s never going to change.” It was time for them to go. They really can’t be the Guardians of the Universe less one Sector. That’s really not what they call themselves right? They say Guardians of the Universe. They are empowered to help keep order. Things have gone wrong and now it’s on his doorstep. He has no time to argue that point doubtful that they would listen.
“Time to go Princess. My superiors are coming to try repo my ring and put you in the clink.” And that’s not happening. Time to stay a step ahead as long as they can.
KORIAND’R: Kori shot up on the couch. She was on her feet, hands balled in fists and standing far taller than everyone in the room because she was actually standing on the couch itself. It was the quickest reaction she could have. The room went green and there were very strange figures and suddenly, two Lanterns. Were there two here?! How was that even possible and was this planet in that much of a threat that they needed both here?
She was shocked, looking between the two of them. She wasn’t sure what happened exactly but there was certainly something happening.
“That is not going to happen, I don’t even want to know what a clink is.”
She was trying to picture what that might be in her head but she had trouble figuring out something that made sense. It seemed such a silly word and it was conjuring similar silly imagery.
“Then we go…”
Her eyes were on the other Lantern, perhaps considering whether or not he was going to stop them or hinder their escape from this incoming threat. She wasn’t even sure where they were going, out of their reach? To Tamaran? To some far corner of space where nothing was?
ALAN: POST MISSING
GREEN LANTERN: Kyle can feel his heart racing just a tad faster. Adrenalin was kicking in. He focused on what Alan was saying. Six or seven recharges at the most then he would be cut off. Then he would have to use Alan’s old Lantern to recharge his ring. Kyle closed his eyes for a moment and remembered what Ganthet told him in the prerecorded message. Kyle was the only one that could limit what he could do. If there was a enemy that stood before him it would be Kyle himself. That’s what he focused on. He understood the risks of charging up his ring with the Starheart Lantern, but if he didn’t try then Ganthet had every right to take the ring back.
“Got it. Ration my power. Last resort is your Lantern.” He took the Lantern from Alan nodding. “Lobo on the dark side of the moon.” He looked at Kori then back to Alan. “Thank you, Alan. I promise I won’t let either of you down. Thank you Starheart.” He didn’t have time to go on about anything. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be gone. My friend the one I was going to seek out Ted Kord for. Pass Ted’s name to him. Tell him I think he can help with his situation. He’ll know what I’m talking about.” His mom. She’ll be okay. She’s always okay.
“We have to go.” He held onto the Lantern his own was with him at all times. He made sure of that. It just wasn’t visible. He wasn’t sure if he could do the same with Alan’s lantern. He considered what he could make part of him thought Falcon, but he needed conserve his power.
Walking towards the door Kyle nodded. “I’ll make sure I keep my ears open for you.” Was he ready? Was he ever going to be ready? His mother told him that sometimes there was nothing to it, but to do it. This was one of those times.
The moment they stepped outside a construct began to appear before them. It was a interesting design. It was a shaped like a ‘T” with the end coming to the point and the top making the wings. The cockpit was spherical, but large enough for two. There was a gun that was along the bottom of the ship tip and the back of it appeared to have a booster of some kind. Anyone that was familiar with Cowboy Bepop would instantly recognize the Sword Fish II with some modifications.
Kyle got into the front when the cock pit opened. “Strap yourself in.” He told Kori as he did the same once she was inside. Once she was in the hatch closed. The craft roared to life and they were already lifting off, rocketing towards the sky. They needed a ship and now they had one. They were comfortable, but there would be no walking around or auto pilot, they were basically going to be hot rodding it.
“Our first destination. Darkside of the moon. Best to meet this head on. Agreed?”
KORIAND’R: Kori was a little annoyed, but she only allowed it to show a moment. She didn’t understand what was going on between the Lanterns, only that the Lantern she was dealing with was on a ration with his power. It was noted. She may need to do quite a bit of the heavy hitting if they encountered problems to avoid him using his own power. Everything was going so quickly, moving at such a pace that it seemed difficult to keep with but she adapted, she was quick to catch on. Some things weren’t worth questioning.
Part of her annoyance was the fact he could craft a space-worthy ship so easily. He could have just mentioned that it wasn’t a problem as she had indicated multiple times. She said nothing though, instead following his orders and settling into the cockpit quickly, the harness straps quickly clicking into place. This wasn’t her first rodeo with a quick escape and she doubted this would be her last. She just didn’t like that she had very little control over the situation at the moment.
“No. No stopping. Swing close enough for him to see us. He’s been stalking after me, he’ll continue to do so if he sees I’ve left. The faster we pull him away, the sooner we can get to our destination.”
Tamaran. Home. She wondered if it was even the same anymore, she had such fond memories of her home planet. Those words were not forgotten though, advice to not trust her sister no matter what she says. Perhaps time and their experiences had changed them both. She hoped it didn’t change Kom for the worst but there was no telling what happened in the years since Kori had been away. She only hoped her sister didn’t endure the torment she did. She didn’t deserve that. No one did.
“If he is able to catch up, we can deal with him then. Let him work for the prize…or his demise.”
Something had certainly changed over time. Kori felt a little bit like her old self at the moment, the personality she had to adopt for her survival, the darker edge she needed to claw through each day and each victory. Those passions she often wore on her sleeve were tossed aside for the moment and the gaze she had towards the unfamiliar evening sky was full of determination. It was time to end this, to find some closure and discover the true reasoning for the events that changed the course of her life so violently.
by Marc | Aug 18, 2018 | Chronicles
Synopsis: Aaron takes his broken stero in to Harper’s repair shop to get fixed. He also makes a request for a piece of equipment.
JASON: Two days had passed since my mother’s repast. Two days which meant the moment the door shut behind the last of my guests there was work to be done. Work that would ensure that when the landlord returned within a day’s time and Johnny perhaps less than that everything that I valued would be gone. The apartment would be picked clean as if a den of thieves had made themselves at home here and departed just as fast. The moment I returned after getting out of the hospital things were marked into three categories:
- Keep
- To my mother or father’s friends.
- Pawn.
Most of everything that we had in the apartment went to category three. There were some items that found their way into category two, but category one. well, that was rare. It was few and far in between. The things that I gathered to keep were the first things to go. They were transported to a safer place than the apartment, they were sent to what I affectionately called the Nest. The things that were going to be given away to my parents’ friends were delivered quickly.
The items to pawn or in some cases fence that went to the appropriate associates that shared their condolences, which I milked to get better prices, because they would be stashed in to their appropriate spots. I no longer had my mother to worry about raiding my accounts or my piggy banks, but there were debts that had to be settled and I rather handle them on my own. It was better that than a shake down.
When Johnny came for his money he would find nothing there for him to break or shake me down for instead he would find a neighbor who had an envelope with the money and a note saying that it’s settled. If he comes for me then I will respond appropriately, but as far as I’m concerned my mother’s debt is settled. With him, there were others and I would work my way down the list, but his was the most immediate that needed to be handled.
I have no idea what went down in the alley, but I’m sure he wasn’t too happy at the fact that I got away, but I wasn’t too happy that his poison killed my mom. I think we can come to an understanding. The lanlord had gotten the rent before my mother died so he was settled so what I paid him was the next months rent which was more of. You don’t know where I went and if CPS comes knocking you don’t have a clue and make up whatever you wanted. They wold try what? Two times tops unless Thompkins pushes them.
Of course, this left me with no place to live, nope had that taken care of, because there were times when I needed to disappear to get away from the bad moments, because there were plenty with my mom. Sadly, it didn’t really become available until my dad was sent away. When he got sent away it became mine, fair and square. It was my retreat from all the crappy things. It was the Nest. It’s all I had that was mine despite the fact that it wasn’t, but I’ll take what I can.
However, right now I caught the bus into the narrows. It’s where I needed to be to find a fixer, because I was in need of one. Why? Of the things that I kept, I kept the stereo and right now it wasn’t working as well as it could be, so I brought the unit in to get it repaired. I heard there was a good fixer in the narrows which meant one of several things. I could barter or cash. Luckily, I had cash, but let’s find out how much the repair work was going to cost before I went dolling out any. It might be a situation where barter might be better…maybe.
HARPER: It had been several days since a random bump in the road a literal one in this case had sent Harper sliding into an alleyway, and a mouthy upright Roomba of a cybernetic woman. The truly sad fact is this could not be said to be entirely unusual in a town like Gotham. Nor could it be said of the cloaked woman who emerged from thin air with a quarter staff to retrieve the Roomba moments later. Harper herself had never encountered the stranger elements of the city beyond a chance encounter with the Batman months back. So to say this most recent one had been a significant moment in her life would be an understatement.
The long, slow trip home as she pushed her busted and only means of transportation had been one of reflection. Something had changed in Harper after seeing Batman in the flesh and this had only increased in it pace of growth after meeting The Huntress. While some doubts remained about whether or not she could actually pull off the role she had chosen to play she knew she had to at least try. A part of her wished she could ask someone for advice on the matter but what would Cullen or Steph even know about playing hero? Or of what would be required to become one.
Could you even imagine what Stephanie Brown would wear!? Probably something bright purple.
At the end of her long and slow trip and her deep thoughts on vigilante..ism? Harper had rolled her scooter up to the entrance to the shop she worked out of in her role as the neighborhoods resident handyperson. That had been days ago and she had not yet left the shop the projects at the front of her mind were just to important to allow for interruptions. Lifting up the goggles she wore while using her blowtorch Harper held up what she hoped would be a suitable set of body armor.
“UGH…Hardly Bat certified level here Harps…”
Lowering the goggles again she aimed the torch down again and started to fuse the panels again. Perhaps she should start with the weaponry she would employ that she knew she could handle. Halting the torches progress she turns to look to a set of gloves on a nearby workbench.
“Shock gauntlets. YES.”
But first she had to finish her current project, being distracted would only guarantee another faulty seam.
JASON: When the bus began to approach my stop, I glanced down at the slip of paper where I had written the address down and rang the bell beside me. Moving to my feet I picked up the unit and made my way to the front of the bus. The entrance was closer. Holding on to the bar I waited for the bus to come to a step before moving past the all-important yellow line. The doors opened, and the driver gave me a look.
Yep this is where I wanted to get off at. Holding onto the stereo unit I walked down the stairs looking around. Not that the Narrows was a step up by any means it was at a bit of a crossroads if someone liked to think of it that way.
I didn’t care much else with me beyond what I had in my arms. My money was where I could get to it, but again I would have to have a discussion about payment. The stereo itself could fetch a price, but not much especially since it was busted. I headed down the street making sure to keep my eyes and ears open to everything around me without making it obvious. I knew a few people in the area, but I wasn’t about to go look them up. That would invite them into places that I didn’t want them.
Instead I made my way to the workshop with no incident, so things were looking good, at least for the moment. Pushing against the door to open it I glanced around getting my bearings as it was my first time here.
“Hello?” Was there a bell?
HARPER: There was in fact no bell or any other means by which you might signal your arrival. In fact the front of the shop had the look of a place that had not been used by anyone in sometime it could easily be mistaken for abandoned. Harper preferred it this way and used a purely word of mouth method of advertisement, which only backfired when someone couldn’t keep their mouths shut. The receiving area contained little except for an old and dusty desk piled with folders and old books, behind it were somehow dustier bookshelves also piled with random and ancient texts or so it would seem to someone of Jason’s age. The three folding chairs to the left of the door by the wall with the peeling wallpaper might have offered a place to wait if they too were not over encumbered by a leaning towers of mostly Popular Mechanics magazine.
What it lacked in bells the receiving area made up with its hidden camera and the sudden alert it sent to Harpers phone. Feeling the buzz in her pocket she turns off the torch and gently places it on a nearby table. Pulling the glasses up to sit on her head Harper removes her phone from her pocket and opens the alert.
Someone was out front, someone she did not know. Tapping the alert again she brings up the microphone function built into the camera.
“I am the great and powerful Oz! Whatta ya want?”
JASON: “Yeah, well, I guess the Emerald City has seen better days…years.” By the looks of it. My eyes moved around to see if I could spot the camera, but obvious moves would pick up what I was attempting to do. Despite the look of shop, it was obvious that the front of the house was not utilized that often or wasn’t the real front of the house.
“I’m looking for Harper. I was told that she was good with electronics. I have something that I need her to take a look at. Two things actually, three if she’s any good.” I don’t know. I mean it was all word of mouth and apps only tell you so much like anyone can buy or make an app these days. He arched his brow turning so he could find a spot to set the stereo down.
“Its work so do you do that kind of thing or do you just claim squatters rights? Also, if we’re talking Great and Powerful Oz.” Who was actually a charlatan, perhaps someone after my dad’s heart. “I’m not looking for a heart, brain or courage. Home is what is, Gotham. So, I’ll take a hovercycle. I don’t know any witches, but big Bertha comes close. So, if I dump a bucket of water on her you can make the hovercycle happen right?”
I really did need the stereo fix, but she was the one that all L. Frank Baum on me.
HARPER: Harper couldn’t help but to grin at the response she was given, this guy talked like a kid from Gotham. Peeling off one of her heavy duty gloves and then the other she lays them on the table careful to keep from placing either to close to the still warm end of the torch that she had placed on the same table. Harper turns toward the actual entrance to the shop stopping to wave a few times at the air to disperse the odor welding had dispersed throughout the shop. She loved making things but had never come to enjoy the smell a blowtorch put into the air, now the sizzle of electronic that was a different matter entirely.
Walking toward the door to her shop she scoops up a small device as she makes her way out to speak with Jason. Her hand on the panel to open the door she stops again and turns back taking a moment to slide a tarp over the objects on the main table like her body armor.
That done she taps a panel next to the door to disengage three separate sets of heavy duty locks she had placed on the door. Despite the sound proofing she had installed the sounds of this happening likely still filtered through the walls. Stepping out into the front room the taser like device still in her hand Harper looks Jason over a few times before speaking.
“I might be Harper..I might be Dorothy. I usually only work on referrals.”
She said crossing her arms over the Sex Pistols t-shirt she had on under the tool belt that hung on her like an under arm dual pistol holster. Whether or not she was Josey Wales quick with the wrenches and assorted tool in the belt would be anyone’s guess.
JASON: I waited patiently to see what was going to happen. Was the counter going to slide away revealing a hidden staircase that lead to the actual shop which lay beneath the “decadent” exterior. Or was there going to be a wall that split a part or opened out to welcoming me to the inner sanctum? That would be pretty cool, however unlikely as I heard the three deadbolts that unlocked themselves.
Perhaps in another life, another Gotham, because in this one it sounded like someone who was into security. The only thing that was missing was the rod that slipped into the little box n the door and caught along the floor.
One could never have too much security, especially when they did they type of work that Harper was alleged to do. People to tend to take anything that’s not bolted down, and when it is bolted down it just means that need to come with the right tools to make it theirs. Of course, that brings me to allegedly. Why do I say allegedly, because I haven’t seen any of her work. There’s no real proof and until I see with my eyes it is rumor and hearsay.
Also, it was the word that got me the Spelling Bee trophy in third grade, well it got me into the tie breaker. Incarceration got me the trophy.
When the proprietor finally stepped out Jason tipped head to the side. Maybe he can get a kid discount. She was probably what a year or two older at most, maybe three. She had bags under her eyes. Probably best not to mention that. His nose caught the distinct scent that comes blow torch work.
“Blow torch or acetylene.” Of course the moment I said it, Blondie’s <i>The Hardest Part</i> passes through my head. It can’t he helped. Nor can me noticing the Sex Pistol’s shirt she has on. Pretty hard to miss that, or something that looks interesting from afar in her hand. She looked me over a couple of times. I guess I passed the test, not really because she still holding that interesting item in her hand.
Trust. It will get you killed if you’re not careful.
“You don’t look like Dororthy. Maybe DG, but not a Dorothy.” Points for catching the reference since we’re all about Oz or something. Maybe she has a Scarecrow fetish. I’ll try not to visibly shudder about that. Next thing I know she’ll be chatting me up about the Mad Hatter.
“Harper most definitely, but I could be wrong, and I got a referral. You fixed a dishwasher for a neighbor of mine.” Three blocks over and two blocks down. “For a bucket of chicken and peaches. The peaches I get, because she gives everyone peaches. The chicken. She said you were a little reluctant. I bet you’re Popeye’s kind of girl and she was only dealing in the Colonel.”
The sad thing about this. It’s not the most absurd conversation I’ve ever had.
HARPER: “I try to avoid fast food it goes straight to my thighs.”
While Harper couldn’t claim to remember every person she had helped in the Narrows she absolutely remembered Miss Brenda, and her bucket of KFC. Of all the things you could invest in Gotham that might kill you fast food could still be considered one of the worst offenders in Harpers mind. Still she had placed the chicken in the fridge and had found it gone the next day. Cullen pleaded innocent but also refused to show her his fingers, tainted with grease no doubt.
“Okay then if you know Miss Brenda then we can do business.”
Harpers mind drifted to her long list of important projects and how she really shouldn’t work on anything else right now, still it might raise suspicion if she turned anyone away. Taking a step back she gestures for Jason to go first.
“After you…”
Grinning just a little she gestures inside with the object in her hand.
JASON: “Uh huh.” I left it at that, because it was best not to comment on things of that nature. Girls go upside down and sideways about it, usually against a guys head, so yeah no comment. I’ll play the innocent little lamb when it comes to that.
“I do. She says hello and something about coming to see you about her clock radio.” Message delivered. Turning towards the counter I lifted up the stereo unit and proceeded to step behind the curtain so to speak though I had no idea where I was headed really
“If you insist. So straight ahead into the back or am I making turns? Is this some kind of ploy to look my butt? I’m a little young for you aren’t I?” There might have been a hint of a smirk while I headed towards wherever we were going.
“Now if it gets me a discount feel free to look, but I may feel ashamed in the morning.”
HARPER: “Not really no, but I reserve the right to sneak a peek later.”
She could tell him it really had to do with keeping a knife or worse from being stuck into her back, she wished she could say it had never happened before. Of course Cullen would never hear about that particular incident, he worried enough as is. One bad apple had ruined it for everyone else and now Harper insisted clients go first where she could keep a good eye on them.
“I don’t prescribe it puritanical concepts of shame it’s a total waste of energy….unlike this.”
At this she sparks the device in her hand to give Jason a good look at the super taser she had been holding since he came in. The possibility excessive amount of electricity the device emits lights up the darkened front area and illuminated the shop just inside the door, as well as Harpers best don’t mess with me face.
“You can unload your stuff over there…DO.NOT. Touch anything.”
Harper points to a table on the far end of the room and well away from the center table covered by the tarp.
JASON: “I’ll go slow mo if it gets me a hovercycle.” Yep I totally said that. Whether or not I would do it another story, but we are talking about a hovercycle. I was doing my best to keep light, because let’s recap on what’s going on here.
- Stranger shows up on your door step asking for you to do some work for him.
- You work in the Narrows where lies are candy and betrayal dessert and people tend to eat dessert first all the time in the Narrows, East End, well, just about everywhere in Gotham and if you wanted something more decadent head over to Bludhaven. It’s like’s Gotham’s Red Light district.
- I’m pretty sure she has more than one weapon ready for me if I do decide to clown out on her, but totally not what I’m here for.
“Well, that’s good, because ashamed means for me I get a pint of ice cream and forget about what I was supposed to be shaming myself about.”
With a turn of my head my eyes catch the sparks of the taser making note of it.
“Wait I can set my stuff down, but don’t touch anything. What happens if my finger touches the top of the counter. Is that included?”
HARPER: Harper considers giving Jason a good zap for his sass or at least she would if she herself wouldn’t have likely said the same thing. Instead she spins the taser in hand and slides it into one of the empty holsters hanging at her sides. Thankfully she doesn’t fling the weapon across the room this time, that had proven to be a bit of a disaster. Thankfully her neighbors cat had only gotten a little scorched and it’s hair eventually grew back in, of course Purrrcevil did his best to avoid her to this day.
“My fee goes up by the sass just FYI”
In contrast to the outer office Harpers actual shop is meticulously sorted, with just a smudge of chaos here and there. Where she had tools placed on the walls they were arranged in order of size and or condition, clearly a few had seen better days. In addition to the large center table covered with a tarp she had the table she was pointing to against the wall it was smaller and mostly clear except for the strange gloves she had forgotten to put away.
Spotting them Harper mutters something under her breath and hopes Jason doesn’t ask to many questions. Stepping head of him she moves in to moves the gloves aside before he sets his stuff down near them.
“Just put them on the table sassmouth.”
JASON: There had to be a little sass. I mean what’s Gotham without a little sass or wit coming from some direction. Without it, we’d be a failed Metropolis, or at least that’s what people like to think. Me, I see potential, potential for so much more, so much better, but setting it aside I couldn’t help the smirk at the fee business.
Setting the unit on the table as instructed I stepped back while taking in the shop. There were things put away in places, all neat and tidy and the tiny bits of chaos I suspect are from just finished business, in the middle business, or just started business. Things she didn’t mind people seeing.
Then there was the don’t look at me, but can’t but notice me tarp business which would likely get me a zap from the taser and if I was a betting man I’m pretty certain it’s set for twitching on the floor, foaming on the mouth sucks to be you if you have a pacemaker setting. So no peeky under the tarp.
Of course it made me wonder where other such things were that weren’t being worked on were.
“So, I guess introductions are in order less I get stuck with sassymouth, but given where your eyes were sassypants would work too.” I just can’t help myself. “Jay and I’m here because my precious has stopped working right. Tape decks running slow and the turn table is even slower.”
HARPER: Harper walks over to the table where the stereo had been placed and slowly moved her eyes over it. Leaning in a bit and pulling a small pen light out of one of the pockets on her belt she clicks it on moving it’s bright and slightly bluish light over the mentioned tap deck and then the turn table. If she even heard Jason’s comments she made no reaction to them, nor would she while she worked.
A minute or so later she turns and aims the narrow beam at Jason and then the tarp on the table, then back to Jason. Seemingly satisfied she clicks the pen off while still holding it up and after twirling it in her fingers places it back in its place on her belt.
“I think I see the problem…it’s a piece of junk.”
Offering a quick shrug followed by a rapidly fading grin Harper again turns back to the stereo.
“I’d recommend jacking…or maybe buying an iPod or phone or something. I hear Spotify is just the best.”
Her hands reach forward and begin removing the front of the stereo a tiny screw driver having appeared in her hand as of by magic. As she continues to work at removing the face of the unit she again speaks.
“But if you’re dealing with an emotional attachment I get it and…give me like five minutes?”
JASON: While Harper focused on the stereo on unit, I took a moment to look around the shop. I didn’t touch, I didn’t even try to see what was on the tarp I just looked around before looking over my shoulder at Harper as she holstered her taser. “There’s a lot to look at. I’m just taking it all in. I’m behind the curtain without a little dog running back and exposing you. I think I’m doing good.” Smirking he turned back towards her nodding.
“It’s my piece of junk and if you can get it up and going then I’ll be a satisfied customer. I like to keep it analog sometimes.” Simple as that. At least that’s the way I wanted to keep it. Don’t need to talk about any other reasons.
“So, if you can get it squared away I’d like that a lot and then I would like to talk about another project if you’re up for it. One that doesn’t deal in peaches. Deals in presidents. Dead ones.”
HARPER: “I’m not interested in joining your crew…if your looking for a criminal I’d suggest looking up my dad.”
Harpers eyes had not yet left the stereo as she removed the face and then began working on the tape deck itself. Jason had lucked out in that Harper had experience with fixing devices as old as this one, her youth had seen dozens if not hundreds of such things smashed in fits of rage or outright sold to make ends meet or even more likely so her father could buy some illicit substances. Far to often she would come home from school to find the television missing and be forced to find a cheap replacement, which she would then be forced to make work.
It had been a maddeningly predictable cycle but it had been what had made her the tech wiz she was today. No amount of skill or strength came easily or without trial and Harper would not claim to be different.
“So…Jay right? If that’s what your after you can get the hell out of my shop. I’ll still fix your stereo because I’m nice like that but…”
JASON: “Do I sound like I have a crew? Do I look like I have a crew? Talk about emotional attachments?” I pause for a moment shaking my head. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Just saying that I’ll pay you in cash. ” Did I hit a nerve probably. Wouldn’t be the first time. Walking over towards the table where she was working on the stereo I leaned up against it watching her work.
“However, I am in need of someone that has expertise in your area. Fixing things, possibly modifying them that’s all. Currently in need to be able to see someone coming that’s all. There’s a bit of business that my parental involved herself in, and due to a change in her status I am now probably on the hook for it more than likely so I want to try and be prepared if I can. My living situation is….” What’s a good word.
“Tenuous at best. Meaning I could be sleeping and someone might come knocking and I rather be in position to make a quick exit if need be. So, I need to see if this is or isn’t out of your wheel house. It could cost so hence the dead presidents.” He shrugged. “Kind of looking for night vision goggles, but not big clunky ones. I was curious if you worked on anything like that before.”
It was no big whoop if not. “Not all of the street lights are lit and I find myself running through the streets or trying to make a quick exit through various buildings I’d rather not impale myself.” I would say fourteen is too young to have a crew, but we both know that’s not true.
“As Nancy Thompson said. I’m into survival.”
HARPER: Harper stood up from the stereo and turned to face Jason holding both her hands up in apology. Twirling the small screw driver in her fingers as she lowers her hands again her mood leveling out again as she basically forces it to do so. She might have made an assumption and that wasn’t right of her.
“Okay I may have over reacted a touch…but..”
Stepping back to the table she placed the screwdriver down and brought out the pen light again. Thinking a moment she places the light in her mouth and picking the the screw driver again gets back to work.
“Night vision goggles that is some vigilante level stuff and those are illegal I hear… but yeah I can totally do that.”
Both her hands move to work their way into the stereo as the light does what it does best, illumination. A few second pass and Harper begins to place pieces back onto the stereo and again takes a step back.
“That might have done it.”
JASON: “It’s cool. I get it. I mean. It’s the environment we live in. Crime’s a way of life for some of us. You never can be sure, but trust there is no crew. I’m not crew material. Remember, I’m Mister Sassypants. I wouldn’t last a day, may not even an hour. My mouth would get me in trouble. Probably why I’ll be picking up an unwanted debt. Too many clapbacks for my own good.” My shoulders rise and fall while I watch her work.
“That they are, but sometimes to survive you have to risk it. As much as I would like to turn to the cops that usually makes a bad situation worse, and judging by your reaction I think we both can agree that not ever cop is a stand up individual.” Not in the least, but I wasn’t about to walk that winding road. I had a stereo to get fixed and goggles to see about.
“Cool. Now I can have tunes again. Sweet, sweet tunes. So let’s see. How much for the repair job? How much for the goggles, and when should I expect my hovercycle?”
HARPER: “Honestly this thing barely required any amount of effort…so we can call it even for now.”
Scratching at the side of her head with the screwdriver as she accidentally flashes Jason with the pen light still in her mouth. Eyes widening a bit she takes it out and clicking it off places it back in its proper place.
“I can look the goggles and I’ll let you know what I’ll need payment wise in a few days…and pal I make a hover cycle it’ll be all mine.”
JASON: “Aww really. Not even a box of Popeyes?” I couldn’t help it. I was completely amused, by the entire thing. Also there was a box in my fridge, because I helped Ms. Brenda with carrying in some groceries and moving furniture. I’ll take what I can get.
“Few days. Alright. I’ll drop be in a few days to check in. Oh yeah for sure. First generation is all yours. I’ll take the next one after that after all the bugs are worked out. That’s really generous of you. I guess you really are the great and powerful Oz. I didn’t even have to douse any witches.”
That’s when she flashes me with the light. Looking away I cast my eyes down for a second before looking up again. “Well, that was fun.”
Reaching out for the stereo I thought about before turning back towards Harper. “Actually…” Taking out my wallet I pull out a few bills and set them into her hand.
“Here’s seventy-five for a down payment. If it costs more we’ll discuss in a few days about payment. If it costs less well, I’ll open an account or something because if I break them someone’s going to have to repair it right?” Right. They were probably going to cost more. Either way I picked up the stereo. “Thanks for the work.” I wait for a moment. “So same drill as the first. I walk ahead of you and you see me out?”
by Marc | Aug 18, 2018 | Chronicles
Synopsis: After being released from the hospital Jason sets about to get ready to say good bye to his mother the only way he knows how.
Walking the aisles of the local market was nothing new, I had done it a million times, at least it felt like a million times. I was grabbing a few things that I needed. I left the hospital two days ago after spending two days in it after I had regained consciousness at Dr. Thompkins insistence. I acquiesced, because I new that she would not let up if I tried to leave any earlier. She meant well, she always did, but I also knew she was attempting to determine what was gone to be done with me.
I was in a hospital and I’m pretty certain that DCFS was contacted. I wanted to become a ghost, but that was complicated by the fact that my mother. That was until Dr. Thompkins asked me what I wanted to be done. What did I want done with my mother?
”Cremate her.”
There was no hesitance in my voice. If the good doctor was offering then I would provide the most convenient and least expensive solution. It’s what they do when John and Jane Does can’t be identified. The price tag is usually a couple hundred bucks if the city is involved. I knew who my mother was, but let’s be fair. I was not capable of paying for a funeral. I would not have that expensed by anyone. However, cremation that I would bargain for.
I would volunteer to pay it off. Square my debt and decide the next move.
If it was one less problem I had to deal with good, because there would be plenty more headed my way. I was certain of it, but right now everything is a big jumble for everyone. I am far from glass I will not break, but they are not aware of that. I use it to my advantage. I gathered my clothing and left the hospital and made my way home.
If the cops were not at my door good. Perhaps for the first time living in the East End would provide some kind of perverse benefit. One less problem for someone to deal with. The specter of crime would provide me the cover that I desired at the moment.
Did we…I have money. I had some, most of it stashed away in different places. Being a minor meant that my options were limited, and I had already experienced what it meant to have a juvenile account in the bank. I really control anything. My parents did. They could withdraw as much as they wanted so anything that I got through birthdays and Christmas could easily be withdrawn under the guise of doing it on my behalf.
One account closed, the other the money simply vanished just enough to keep the account open until it went to a negative balance and we owed…I owed the bank money so I opened up an account at the National Bank of Jay with branches in various places that I only knew about. I would use that to see how far it would stretch. It was the result of odd jobs here and there some legitimate and some not so legitimate.
However, most of all I would have to crack open the rainy-day fund. It was stuffed in my pockets now as I grabbed a few more items from the shelf and set them into my shopping cart. It wasn’t a lot just things I forgot.
Thirty minutes and forty dollars later I’m carrying the groceries back home. I may look like I’m lost in my thoughts, but I’m not. My eyes constantly scan the area. The world doesn’t stop because someone in your life is gone. Not around here at least. You’re just another mark for someone to take advantage of, whether it’s words or some other means it depends on the person. However, I luck out and make it back to the apartment building where a few people have gathered, men and women who I know and know me.
I don’t offer them a smile, because I’m not in a smiling mood. I’m not sure if I’m happy to see them either. I suspect that they have come to pick over my mother’s nonexistent bones.
“Jason…” My eyes move to the man speaking. A “friend’ of my father. His wife is a friend of my mother. I’ve had a few requests to be taken in, but let’s get real. It is either about collecting foster payments, that will not be used to offset the fact that there is new person in their house, or they are under the impression that my parents were financially responsible and that there’s money somewhere in an account, safety deposit box or insurance. My mother was an addict. what insurance company in their right mind would insure her?
“Mister Peterson.” I held onto the bags of groceries. “I will be seeing you later this evening?” I make the attempt an smile, because maybe it will make this go a little smoother. Probably won’t, but hey it’s worth a shot right.
“About tonight. Mrs. Peterson and I and a few other friends of your parents are concerned about you doing this on your own. This little gathering that you’re having.” Little gathering. Little gathering for a little kid. There was some collective lemming nodding by all of those gathered.
“I understand why you opted not to have a traditional wake.” We didn’t do wakes. Though i suspect you can say that this is a wake of sorts, but it’s a repast. These are my parents friends. People they considered family. Some of which that are grieving.
“I would like to help by offering to have someone come in…” Whatever was going through my head at the moment halted. it was like a deep record scratch across my mental turntable.
“No, thank you. I have it covered.” Let’s end this before it starts. I begin to turn back towards the door.
“Surely you’re a bit overwhelmed. Just out of the hospital. Coping with the loss of a loved one. You’re all alone now, Jason. What would your father say? Your mother wouldn’t want you to bear this burden alone.”
Surely.
Perhaps.
Of course.
But that is beside the point. My mother taught me many things. Love of 80s music. True my library extends past that, but it is something that we shared. She also taught me how to cheat at Monopoly and cards. She also taught me about what to do when you lose a love one, because there had been many.
“No, thank you.” There I said it. Now I shall enter the apartment building and continue on my way.
“It would be my pleasure to have some people come and handle all of this for you. Your mother’s friends…..” These are my mother’s friends? Associates yes. Friends. No. I know my mother’s friends. None of them were holding hair hair up when she was up chucking into the toilet. Nor were they at any of the card parties or trading pills.
“Are you deaf?” I reply. “I said no thank you, not once, twice.” I did. I heard me said the words. I was very polite about it. I could feel the look of offense on spreading across Mister Peterson’s face.
“Henry…” His wife started, but she was silenced with a look.
“I will let that go, Jason. It sounds like a child suffering from duress.” Now I’m being insulted. Yay! I can see closets, straps and other such manners of punishments in my future if I was to accept the offer he wants to make.
My father taught me how to read people. Not because he was a genius at it, but because he was bad at it. Horribly, horribly bad at it. He was good at teaching me how to lift wallets and other items without getting caught. He said I had a gift. Is that really a gift? Rumination for another time.
Right now I focus on how to resolve this situation. I have ice cream in my bag.
Mister Johnson clears his throat. He must be the alternative. “You should let us help, Jason. It’s all we want to do.”
“We can help you. We can have it at my hall and Mr. Peterson can have people come in and assist with the food and drinks. It will be easier for you. You won’t have to worry about anyone. They will be taken care of.” Peterson nodded at what Mister Johnson said.
They would pay for it. They would bail me out. I know it’s a cynical way to look at it, but I had to. Everyone was a mark, they were a mark if they allowed themselves to become one, but even if that was not the entire reason why I continued to refuse it was part of it.
“It is not a burden. This is not a burden. Honoring my mother is not a burden.” Let’s make that crystal clear.
“No, no that’s not what we meant, Jason. You’re twisting our words,” Mister Peterson insisted.
“I don’t need a hall. I don’t need someone to serve people. If people wish to help sure they can do that, but it will be at the apartment. My neighbors are fine with people being in the hall. They understand what’s happened. They’ve offered to let me use some of their chairs.” Furniture had been moved around with the help of them also.
The frustration on their side was starting to show. “Food has been made. Some has been donated.” But a lot of it had been made by his hands.
“Jason…” I almost wish I could change my name right now.
“As a wise woman once said, “We do not honor our family by sitting friends and family in a hall. We do not honor our family by having strangers serve those grieving. We serve comfort food to those that need comfort, and we do it with our own hands. That is how I choose to honor my mother. That is how my mother taught me to honor those we have loss.”
“That is how a family does a repast. That is how I was taught to pay my respects. I am not the only person that lost my mother, and there are those who will need comfort and care. That cannot and will not be outsourced. There is nothing of my mother in a hall. Nothing of her in strangers who could be paid to serve them. Nothing of her in the food that they will make.” I let that sink in before I continue, because it was apparent that my gentle rebuffs were not producing the desired results.
‘’I will grieve for the rest of my life. The depth of my grief will outstrip every person there, but for one day for several hours they will grieve with me. It will be on the surface they will want to share and remember. They will want to know that I am okay and the way to show that is to show them comfort. To open my home and my heart to them. To serve them. To let them help me serve others, but by their hands not by a stranger’s in a stranger place.” I could feel my jaw tighten just a touch, because I felt that I was being diplomatic. Yet I’m continued to be challenged. For a couple of hours. I can be the person that my mother wanted me to be and the person that her friends need me to be. After that I have to figure out what next.
“So, thank you for the generous offer, but no thank you. I think it’s well taken care of, but if you wish to bring a dish you’re more than welcome to.”
I move to the door smiling to Mister Wallace who was on his way out. “Hello, Mister Wallace. I’ll make sure to save you a plate.” He was on his way to work, but he stopped by earlier. As the door began to close behind me it was caught by Mister Peterson, but I kept walking. There was nothing more to say.
