Seven's 7 Lives

 This is something of a art-visual-image-to-story situation. Each 'life' is based on a different enhanced picture of Jeri Ryan as Seven of Nine. It's more for experimentation and expanding my horizons AS a writer than anything personal or experiential. These stories do not follow each other and are only loosely connected to each-other. Plus I wrote both of them last night at 3 am. Please judge accordingly. Annika Hansen is the human name of Jeri Ryan's character on Star Trek Voyager. But because she has been Seven of Nine for as long as she can remember, she doesn't' use it...In the actual show.

“So this is how un-enhanched humans 'get their kicks'?” I said to Captain Janeway.

“You seem to be enjoying it as well.”

“Yes, the endorphins the adrenaline...not being alone as one treks through to the next discovery. It is quite invigorating. Or I suppose,” I paused for a moment. “One would say 'delightful'.”

“I'm pleased you appreciate the beauty Seven. Although trussed and loose as you are I'd almost call you Annika.”

“We do not seem to be in a command setting at the moment, Annika shall suffice.” I smiled broadly at her. Kathryn Janeway was an invigorating companion and a formidable woman. She was a superior human in all respects, my primary role model in becoming more human, as well as embracing my new normal. Over the past 2 years I had been encouraged to think and act as an individual, something I accomplished fairly quickly. Learning how to relate to humans, to think and react as one of them took significantly more time and study. I was still learning how to fully integrate myself into such a society. As Kathryn herself had pointed out it was something learned through the act of doing. It's a process that takes years if you're born into it...and we never stop learning how.'. I found myself grateful to have had such a capable and patient teacher. Our games of velocity on the holodeck had expanded into swimming laps, chasing ancient reptiles in no longer standing wild-lands and finally lighting campfires and sleeping under holographic stars. My internal clock always roused me when I was required elsewhere. And that would not happen for several hours. “Are you suggesting what I believe you are suggesting Ca..Kathryn.”

“If you can think of a better way to spend the next 5 hours, then you are delusional.”

“I shall take that at face-value and suggest finding some...appropriate shelter.”

“Suggestion noted. But tonight shall be truly under the stars. Computer: Night.” Stars appeared and the air cooled by at least 5 degrees Celsius. “Now why don't you remove some of that unnecessary clothing.” Kathryn teased.

“If you find it unseemly, delete it yourself.” For 0.35 seconds Kathryn seemed confused. “After all,” I said steering myself closer to her. “it is as disposable as the rest of our environment.”

Captain Janeway stepped up to me, her demeanor strangely challenging. “Don't ever suggest I'd take the easy road. If I can't undress you myself...” I kissed her passionately. “If you wish to undress me Captain,” I said with what I hoped was an alluring grin. “you are more than at liberty to do so.”

She put her hands at my chest and pulled my shirt completely off of my body. "I'm pleased we think alike." She said, looking up at me, desire and warmth brilliant in her eyes. Her face hardened and when next she spoke her voice had changed. Her tone was still calm, but also firm and commanding. "No more words. No more hesitation."

The left side of my face curled up in a smile. Her instructions were well consented to, her intentions understood and approved. We fell into each-other.

I do not understand why the captain insisted on this latest modification to my uniform. The blue waistband fits comfortably enough and is a commanding shade of blue against the blue-gray tones of the organic fibers which cover my limbs. Indeed the silken fabrics which wrap over my breast, lift under my arms and over my shoulder are of the same visible shade of blue and does indeed seem to pull everyone's attention to me. The cloth comes up over my left shoulder and is pinned to the first fold of the cloth, as well as the organic material of my original uniform. Kathryn says the pin is necessary to signify I am in fact a member of the senior staff. I must admit the effect of such restrictive clothing at my waist provides an admirably striking view of my midriff. And the wave of cloth surrounding my breasts, along with the narrow band of fabric supporting them, efficiently command the attention of all those serving with me. And tonight commanding the attention of my shipmates is paramount. For the next 6 hours I will command both the attention and respect of all who serve with me; including the senior staff. Tonight any crew-member awake to serve this ship also serves under me.

“Report Ensign Kim.” I say crisply to the operations officer to my left.

“No ships or inhabited systems within 20 light-years. At least, none with any form of subspace communication relays.”

“If you consider that a comprehensive report we should reassign you to the sciences.” I replied.

“I'm afraid I do not understand ma'am.”

“There could well be inhabited planets whose inhabitant are still using high-band frequencies to communicate that could be well worth our interest, or at least making note of for our charts. Or ships passing within 3 light-years of us who's interest and inclination tends toward weapons and less toward advertising their existence to other species. I understand we are on a peaceful mission Mr. Kim. But we are also as I understand it on a mission of cataloging and exploration, or 'expanding our boundaries'. It is my understanding that accounting for the unfamiliar and examining all possibilities. Is part of our job description. We should account for the possibility that capable and advanced alien systems might utilize what might be for 'us' unrecognizable configurations. Expand your parameters and deliver a through report to me within 3 hours.”

I was pleased to observe blood rushing to his facial capillaries at the reprimand. He was embarrassed. Considering the belligerent attitude he frequently displayed toward me, he was likely more embarrassed at having to 'digest' a reprimand from me than he was at receiving one. To his credit his personal attitude made little difference in his his job performance and so I gave little thought to the distinction.

“Yes...sir.” He replied before resuming his seat.

“Now, if there is no further business, I suggest we return to the bridge and each of us make the sincerest effort to do our jobs with as little cross-talk as possible.” Mr. Paris raised his hand to offer his standard 'you're not the boss of me' objection. “I remind you Mr. Paris, even when I am not your commanding officer, and then very much the boss of you, I am still Captain Janeway's chief of security, charged and trusted with maintaining the efficient, orderly operation of this ship. And I do not believe she is any more fond of your distractingly infantile commiserations either.

...Thomas Paris lowered his head.

Captive and Hero

 This is actually the fourth scene I sketched out in my head yesterday. I haven't written the others down yet because I wanted to hurry up and write this down first. It's based on this fairly random idea I had of Oliver Queen playing the role of Captain Pike the original Series. In the two parter episode "Menagerie" they look back on the unaired pilot in which 12 years prior Captain Pike met super-powerful aliens called the Talosians who put him in a cage with a human woman named Vina. You can guess what thier intent was.

Earth 42 Oliver a Captive and a Hero

“Now that the female has been properly conditioned..” The White Martian began.

“You mean properly punished.” Oliver countered. “I'm the one who's not cooperating; why don't you punish me?” the intonation struck Armek as odd. An essence not so much of 'don't hold my sins against her' as 'why are you holding my sins against her?'.

“Would you prefer that?” Armek stated coolly.

Oliver didn't turn his head. “It would make a HELL of a lot more sense than this.”

“The next time she makes any overtures, you will accept the. Or you will find yourself on the receiving end of our corrections. Sarrin needs companionship.” Armek and his aide turned to walk out of the room.

“Wait, why do you say that?” Oliver demanded. Armek turned back around and glared at the man with a look of sarcastic superiority. “Not the part about correction. This is the first time I've heard any of you call her by her name. You usually just say 'the female' or 'the girl'. Now that you know what race she is...you call her by her name? It doesn't really...”

And only now is he beginning to suspect the truth.” Armek's aide said telepathically.

“I knew you wanted me specifically for something. And you were using her to get it. I know it was to give me a mate and perpetuate the species; I've figured that out. But it's more than that isn't it?” Armek gave a 'go on' look with his eyes. “You didn't call em her companion. You said she needed companionship.” Suddenly Oliver was struck with a new consideration. “You CARE for her.”

“We have been her keepers for over 4 decades, human.” A third, slightly more feminine voice intoned. “When it became necessary to attract a mate we selected one she would be attracted to. Is it really so difficult to believe?”

“ 'we wish our specimens to be happy in our new life'.”

 “ 'We wish our specimens to be happy in our new life'.” Olive recited. “I thought you meant you wanted me to be happy as your specimen and so put her in my cage with me. I...”

“Typical egotistical human-male reaction.” Armek intoned.

“Until last night I though we were lab rats being studied so you could understand our respective species, or we were pets in a zoo performing for their supper.” Oliver pushed back. “It's obvious now that we were breeding specimens. But if that's all we were, which of us 'wanted' this, or if eitehr of us did, was kind of a non-factor.”

“And how do you judge the situation now?” The female voice echoed. Oliver couldn't see who spoke.

“She's not an innocent thrown in with me for me to protect. Though I wasn't far off with that.” A memory passed in front of Oliver's mind of his last question and answer session with his keepers. “I'm the food to the hungry lion. Or rather lioness: Her. But she's too....” Oliver fell silent, unwilling to finish the thought.

“Too ashamed of what is expected of you to proceed in her role." The female voice finished for him. “You are correct; Sarrin's feelings for you are genuine. Let us leave it there.”

“You can read my thoughts as easily as you read hers right? You know I'm attracted to her. Put me back with her. Promise you'll draw the curtain and leave us to ourselves. I won't misbehave again. ”

“A curious change in attitude.” Armek commented.

“But not unexpected if one is paying attention.” The female voice responded.

“Your collaborator is right. “ Oliver said blandly. “I don't want anyone watching how this specimen performs. But if it will keep her safe – and if she chooses it – I'll play the role you expect me to play.”

Armek looked surprised. And somehow this made Oliver snort with laughter. “You should know I will do anything to keep her safe. You've given me plenty of encouragement in that direction.”

“I believe our human test subject has surpassed all of your expectations Armek.” A third and rather lanky-looking alien said as she walked into the room.

“I assume you are the one I've been hearing in my head without a clue who is there?”

 “I am. My name is Me'gann. I had an 'intuition' of sorts that you would make this decision. That even after such a betrayal you would choose to protect your friend.”

“SHE didn't betray anyone.” Oliver insisted, passionately. “And yes, I would do anything for her. If that's what you wanted out of this, then you've succeeded. Understand one thing. It is as much to keep her safe from your 'corrections' as to warm her heart with my own that I agree to this. But I will stay here with her...if she genuinely chooses me.”

“I do not foresee any complications in that regard.” Armek said mildly.

“You think I'm her perfect mate?”

“Why else would we have chosen such a headstrong human male.”

“What have you been doing to her this whole time?” Oliver asked, struck by a sudden realization. “Is she alright, is she safe? I'm not pretending my feelings for her you know that. Where IS she?!”

Prestine Conditions (Ruined Hearts)

Pristine Condition: New Horizons

Superman stood in the front yard of an unfamiliar house. He knew this was his destination; he'd looked up and triple-checked the address before leaving. But he wasn't sure he wanted to knock on the door. “It isn't everyday one receives a visit from Earth's favorite Kryptonian.” A soft, strong voice said from the front porch. “Let alone that he doesn't actually visit for some reason.”

“I'm sorry I...Jeremiah Danvers?”

“Yes. Who exactly sent you to find me?”

“No one. I'm here for a friend, but I'm doing this myself. I'm not sure how to proceed.”

“Does this have anything to do with the Department of Extra-normal Operations?” Jeremiah Danvers asked. “And if so why are you involved?”

“Yes but not the way you probably think. No agent of the place could ever ask me to do anything beyond try to defend the planet and expect me to comply. I have a friend who lives at the tower. She didn't send me to find you, she doesn't even know you're still alive. But I can assure you you will be safe and free if you come with me. But it is still very much your choice.”

“J'onn.” The scientist said thoughtfully. “As in J'onn J'onzz?!” He exclaimed.

“Nikita has been talking about you for the past five months. She says you're one of the two people she's met on this planet she considers her friends, without any qualifiers. It only just now occurred to me to look you up. I am here to bring you to her...nothing else.”

“Then take me to her. Just, let me tell Eliza first.”

“You underestimate your friends fairly noticeable presence.” Eliza Danvers stated from behind her husband. “If Nikita being at the DEO is enough to draw you back there, go.”

After embracing his wife Jeremiah stood as rightist as he could and told Superman to lift him up and away. A request Superman followed with as much care as he did speed.

“There's one thing I don't understand.” Jeremiah spoke, looking up into Superman's face.

“With respect sir, there is nothing I could say to explain what's going on, better than hearing it from J'onn's own mouth. Or Nikita's for that matter.”

“Is Nikita still...Does Hank treat her any better?” Superman stared down at him, bewilderment and disappointment evident on his face. The latter clearly self-directed.

“Forgive me, I was unclear. Sir, Hank Henshaw has been dead for over 3 years. Director J'onzz is... Nikita isn't an inmate or under house-arrest or anything like that. She follows her own heart and will, and has not yet chosen to leave the organization.

“So, you're telling me, J'onn J'onzz is in control of the DEO?”

“He assumed the identity of the creechta that was Hank Henshaw. That's Nikita's word for him. I'm honestly not sure what it means. She's not the most open person in the galaxy..”

“Can you blame her?” Jeremiah interrupted him.

“I mean, honestly there's a lot of this story I still don't know. I know she was at the DEO unwillingly for almost 6 years. I know Hank Henshaw led a mission, during the course of which she met J'onn. I'm only assuming Henshaw died that day. Together the two of them are doing everything they can to make sure history doesn't repeat itself. Don't know enough about either of their stories to know what brought them together. I mean as close together as they are. I'm hoping this will fill in the gaps. And that the two of them will start making sense to me once they know you're alive.”

“Of that I have absolutely no doubt.” Jeremiah said, almost wistfully.

After Clark took over Lionel’s body in the early season 4 episode Transference, he was a truly changed man. No longer the near sociopath he once was. Then after becoming the emissary of Jor El, he became a true friend, ally, mentor and even somewhat of a father figure to Clark. The Change in Lionel in the show was amazing. He took the exact opposite course as Lex. Lex started as someone who wanted to be good and for the most part was, but turned very bad. In part because of what he saw as Clark's betrayal and loss of faith in him. Lionel started off the series at least unquestionably dangerous but become a truly good man by the end. How did you feel about Lionel’s transformation from enemy to ally?

I think Lionel's redemptive arc was one of the most beautiful, powerful and important parts of the whole series. I HATE that after all of that, Clark and his friend called Lionel a liar, Jor'el an idiot and dismissed him without a thought. So much so that Lionel died alone and friendless STILL protecting Clark's secret.

They only 'learned the truth about him' after he died. Or they only learned these last three years weren't a lie, after he died. At which point they -Clark and Chloe- acknowledge they had lost a friend and a loyal ally, but they never actually admit they were wrong about him, that they shouldn't have jumped to those conclusions/assumed the worst about him after everything he'd done for them. Lionel was on his knees PLEADING to Chloe to be heard. 'think what you will of me, you have to listen to this warning from Jor'el'. She dismissed him 'can't you find any new material'. Because he'd said basically the same thing at every series finale since learning Clark's Kryptonian name. And the only reason a small man like him was helping Clark was because it was the closest he could come to being with God. This comes after someone Lionel hired to keep Clark out of the way, disobeyed his instructions and kept him in a kryptonite lined cell. But even that man while he was there tormenting Clark cleared Lionel. Declared and decried Lionel as not having the stomach for it and only doing consenting to this 'necessary step' out of a misguided sense of humanity. And it turns out that not only was Lionel's redemptive arc, the persona of a changed man he had 'created' entirely genuine, but the reason Lionel was giving the same dire warnings they'd heard the last 3 years with so much more passion wasn't because they weren't listening to him anymore, but because all hell was breaking loose in a way it hadn't before, in a way that really was far more devastating than in the previous two season finales. THAT is why he didn't care what they thought of him as long as they listened to his warning.  And things that had already been going on that Lex has been involved with for months were placed solely at Lionel's feet for no particular reason except they had finally realized the truth about him. Lois and Jimmy were investigating this on their own, knowing nothing about Lionel at all. And these two sincere intrepid reporters found unquestionable proof that Lex, not Lionel was responsible. While never having condemned Lionel for anything, they had red faces for having assumed it was Lionel. And Chloe and Clark's faces were never even red from it. It actually kind of strained credulity a bit. And strained likability a lot.

That all of the sudden Clark was so certain of what he knew. When Lionel went to Clark to try to explain he couldn't give a defense for the parts they had actually found out about, the things he had actually done including something when Clark would have been 8 years old. A part of the Luthor-Queen-Swann past. A group that had dedicated themselves as protectors for a savior from the stars and saw Kal-el as that savior. Or at least were waiting for him and the surviving members of thier group 'Veritas' are trying to fulfill their mission. They were the main bad guys of season 7. With Lex already being a super-dedicated villian but having no clue anything like this was going on. When Clark demanded of Lionel why he should still trust him 'after everything' (which I found that a painfully ironic question anyway) Lionel gave the only reply he could.

"Jor'el chose me, doesn't that mean I'm worth listening to?" 

 "I guess my father made a mistake." Clark replied coldly.

And he never took that back. Not even after Lionel died as a hero and an ally. After realizing and acknowledging that Lionel thought of him as a second son. There was enver a moent of 'I wish I'd have realized'. Chloe and Clark never admitted even to each-other that they had been wrong to judge him to quickly and they should have listened to him and to Jor-el's warnings. I found it infuriating that the man we were supposed to cheer for and believe in, the hero that more than anyone in the DC universe is the king of giving everyone second chances -- as Superman is no matter the variation and Clark Kent is known by this even more than his alter-ego. --  Never admits he was wrong. About one of his most dedicated allies. It's like the writers decided he all of a sudden has to be infallible in order for us as the audience to cheer for him...and so he can no longer admit he misjudged anyone. Because that would be too human. And not heroic enough.

After going through so much together they dismissed him out of hand. And certain things that were going on, that they assumed Lionel was doing behind there back turned out to be Lex's handiwork, which should have been obvious to anyone. Lionel had always been afraid of what Lex would do, he knew his son better than anyone. By then Lex was the big bad in everyone's mind, especially Chloe and Clark's. So for the 'home team' to not only assume the worst about an ally but never actually admit fault or error sucks to watch. But these three years -Jor'el inhabiting him at the beginning of season five to Clark and Lionel actually embracing learning Lionel wasn't dead earlier in season 7 - were still beautiful. Season 5 is worth sitting through just to see the transformation Lionel had undergone and try to guess what he transformed into. He was still enigmatic, Clark and Martha didn't really know what to make of him and neither did we as the audience. Near the end of season 5, after going through a game of hangman with a masked shadowy figure Lionel Luthor calls Clark by his Kryptonian name and admits he's known for over a year. It was truly a WOW moment! The next thing I saw was Clark and Lionel embracing each-other in that very same room. Obviously time had passed. And I thought it could not have been more awesome. Then what turned out to be 5 episodes later, this happens and suddenly everything they'd accomplished together and had been for each-other was erased. I can't help thinking the writers wronged CLARK every bit as much as they wronged Lionel.

A Return to Grace

A Return to Grace

Arthur walked out of the room and into the hall. To his surprise he found Gwaine pacing the floor. “How is he?” Gwaine asked with surprising urgency.

“Gaius says it's not as bad as it looks. I think in a few more days, we'll have the old Merlin back.” Gwaine breathed a visible sigh of relief. “Come, let's go and have some supper.” Gwaine's relief was instantly replaced by sadness. “Are you not coming?”

“I'll stay here with Merlin. I'm not that hungry anyway.”

“I have not seen you so weak in the knees, even in combat. What is wrong?”

“Aren't you concerned for him?”

Arthur seemed stung by the insult. He tried not to let it show as he replied. “Of course I am Gwaine. But I can do no more for him here.”

“Arthur...Sire. Unless you order me to the great hall for dinner, I am staying Right here.”

“I've often wondered...why are you so devoted to him? I don't have a problem with it, and quite honestly I'm glad to see it but...I have never seen this devotion in you concerning anything.”

“Arthur, please let it suffice for now that you have my loyalty as my leader and my king. Merlin has my devotion as a friend. He believed in me when no one else would. And stood by my side. When I had no one else and thought I didn't want them. I simply want to return the favor.”

“Then you should stay, and be with him.”

“Gaius?”

Gwaine heard the word in s strong, soft voice that could only have belonged to his friend. He turned around and saw Merlin, sitting up straight, looking at him. “Gaius?” He repeated.

“No I...I sent him off to get some sleep about an hour ago.”

“And you stayed up for me?”

“Believe me Merlin, it was the least I could do. I'm sorry, I suppose you don't even know who I am.” Merlin nodded once. “My name is Gwaine Sir Gwaine to most people but you and I go back too far for that. When I first came to Camelot you were the only friend I had. And I want to be here for you for a change...to repay that debt I guess.”

“How long have we known each-other?”

“A little more than three years.”

“What do I do here?” Gwaine's jaw shut itself hard. “If I've lived here for more than 3 years I must have a job, something to keep busy with, to give my life meaning. What do I do here?”

“You are servant to King Arthur.”

“The blonde-haired man?”

“...Yes.”

“I should go to him.” Merlin pulled the blanket off of himself and stood up. He reached for his outer tunic. Gwaine jumped to his side. “Merlin, you're ill. I'm sure he'll understand.”

“Sir Gwaine, if there is one thing I sense, remember or know of my life it is that I belong at Arthur's side. Don't ask me how but I know this.”

“You are very much yourself Merlin.” An older man said from the doorway.

“You are Gaius, I take it?” Merlin said with a soft smile.

“Indeed Merlin. And you absolutely right, both of you. Arthur would understand if Merlin wanted to take some time for himself. But he would want to see you.”

“Merlin, there you are. I...how are you?”

“I am well enough sire, thank you. I was wondering if you'd be needing anything.”

“Are you serious?” Merlin looked thoroughly uncomfortable and if possible, unsteady.

“I do not understand. I am told this is my station.”

“Well, yeah it is I just...well if you want, go to the galley and pick out a fruit plate?”

“All-right.” Merlin said as he actually bowed his head to Arthur.

'I wonder how much of that is his amnesia and how much of it is his true feelings?' Arthur thought to himself as Merlin quietly closed the door behind him. 'He called me 'sire'. Then again, most people would. He might not know any better. He might assume that's normal between us. I hope that's it. I hope he's not...' Arthur wanted to push these thoughts to the side until evening, preferably until Merlin was actually better. But something inside him told him he needed to work out what he thought was going on and how he personally felt about anything, if he and Merlin were even going to get through the next few days.

“What is it Arthur?” Gwen asked of her intended.

“I think something is more wrong with Merlin than usual.” He replied, attempting levity.

Gwen looked at him with a thoroughly concerned expression. Though who she was concerned for was unclear. “You can't expect him to be all better so soon.”

“No that's not what I mean it's...it's something else. He and I were...still healing from something between us. I'm worried something of his distance is because he's still...keeping his distance. That's the only way I know how to explain it. But what do I do about it? I mean exactly how can I ask him what's wrong, if he doesn't know himself well enough to know that I truly care?”

“Start by letting him know that the two of you are friends. That you feel the same way he does. And remember that whatever he's feeling right now, he won't know why. If he is feeling unsteady and uncertain...”

“He might assume that he needs to walk carefully at all times. Like that's just how I make him feel, and how things are between us?” Gwen nodded solemnly/ “You are my heart and conscience you know that?”

“Arthur...I take it you were right about him?”

“...About his secret yes. About why he kept it from me...I couldn't have been more wrong.”

“You know there is one thing I don't understand about you Merlin.”

“At least we have that in common.” Merlin said, getting the words out with some difficulty.

“Have you not learned in your life not to joke so casually when your life is in jeopardy?”

“You haven't directly threatened my life nor ordered my silence Morganna. I'll speak as freely as I can. As freely as...as I ever do.” He said a little more slowly.

“All-right. In that case, why do you follow Arthur so blindly? He doesn't deserve your loyalty. Surely you've seen that these last days?”

“Rather the opposite Morganna. HE deserves my loyalty, I am certain of it. More than ever.”

“Are you trying to tell me that blow to your head robbed you of your senses?

“Morganna. If I didn't know it before I know it now: Arthur is not only worthy of my services and my loyalty I would give my life for him if I could.”

“And what, pray tell has led you to that conclusion?”

“Morganna I...” Merlin paused to take a breath. “I think we share a secret; am I right?”

(He means the secret of magic. He is trying to ask she knows about his magic.)

Morganna moved closer until she could practically lick his nose. “Yes I have magic and yes I used it to take your memory! I hoped if you could see things with fresh eyes you might see things a little more clearly. Obviously I was wrong.”

“Oh no Morganna. On that you were quite correct. Arthur and Gwaine might make the wrong choice for loyalty. However I acted around them before would constantly be in part for the sake of our friendship, because of our history together. Without that history, what I do stands on its own. And I can see them more clearly than ever. And THAT is why I love Gwaine more now than ever. And why I'm closer to laughing in your face than I have ever been...presumably.”

“So if I were to try to tell you that you gave Arthur your loyalty for reasons you yourself didn't understand?” Morganna prompted.

“I'd take from that you spent a lot of time with Gaius when you lived in Camelot. He told me the exact same thing yesterday morning! But yes I do see Arthur more clearly than ever. Because I've seen with my own eyes both why I follow him and why You will NEVER defeat him.”

“And why Please tell me would that be?”

“By all loves, do you even know what a friend IS Morganna?”

Morganna grabbed the collar of Merlin's tunic and pulled him close. “Enlighten me.”

“A friend is someone who will do anything for a friend!”

Morganna spun around to face her challenger, for it had been Arthur and not Merlin to answer her. For a few minutes both are fully engrossed in their battle. Merlin looked up at his shackles and suddenly the answer came to him. “Miotal, leá.” he whispered. The iron shackles melted into a tangled mess and fell to the floor. Merlin snuck up on Morganna and hit her on the back of the head with his fist. Arthur looked at him, completely amazed. “I'm surprised how good that felt.”

“I can imagine. Now let's get back to Camelot.”

Taelon DC

 Original work and final copy

The intention was to take something based roughly in season 2 of Earth Final Conflict and give the Taleon's themselves a different bent. It is useful to know that Liam and Da'an have been friends for at least 3 years. And Da'an's people were never revealed (and never undertook) the desperate genetic experiments they were 'revealed' to have done later on in the show.

“Is there something troubling you Liam?”

“Distracting yes. I...Why do you ask?”

“I do not believe I have seen such a preoccupied look on your face since you became my protector and we began learning together. Anything that can have you so distracted must eb troubling you for some reason, if only in a professional capacity. Please tell me what has you so preoccupied?”

Liam Kincaid sighed heavily. “You know Da'an, sometimes I wish I could ask you to do away with your forced, formal tones and overly selective word-choice and simply speak plainly. I know it is the result of your caste and delineated society. And I imagine it's as much apart of you as your human-looking skin or anything about you really but...”

“Liam Kincaid, What is wrong?”

The clipped intonation and sharp tone so conflicted with what he knew of Da'an that for a moment Liam simply stared. THE was forced to smile when he realized this was simply his friend's attempt to follow his advice.

“Nicely done.”

“Thank you.” Da'an replied cordially. “Now please answer my question. You really do seem...troubled by whatever it is that has you so distracted.”

“A man calling himself Samuel Francis Taylor appeared just outside my office about 30 minutes ago and I cannot make sense of him.”

“That would explain it...yes.” Da'an said uncertainly. But it was clear he thought the description at best only half of the explanation.

“Da'an I hate to ask but is this one of those 'seeing what exactly we'll do about a thing' situations your people have a tendency of creating? Where you give us a situation or a problem to solve and see how we react?”

“If it is such an experiment, his people aren't the ones behind it.” A male voice said from the doorway behind Liam.

A New Look on Superman

This is essentially my story Superman Defeated but created and written anew, five times over when I am finished. The particular stanza this edition is based on -- sprang from out of otherwise nowhere -- will be found in the story. As with the other five stanzas once I write their stories.

Superman looked in stunned silence. Nikita was suspended in front of him, dangling over a vat of some phosphorus liquid. A man stood on the other side of, a control device in his hand. There was a look of unrestrained satisfaction on the bald man's face and yet there was also__ anticipation.

“Is this a game to you?” Superman said effusively.

“You should know I take my games deadly seriously Superman. And it is not just a game.”

“Okay let me take this another way, do you know what this will do to her?”

“You mean that she'll react to the sulfur/phosphorus as if it were a pot of boiling tar, yes of course.” A look seemed to pass over his face. “Why do you care?”

“She's done nothing to you and you use her as a pawn in your game? And you expect me to just be fine with this?”

“That's not what I mean. You would go out of your way to save a total stranger. That is perfectly to be expected. But why do you care so intensely for some random alien girl? I've had that reporter Lois Lane here in these exact same proverbial shoes and you didn't debase yourself like this. Why is she different?”

“Because beyond the people she's introduced me to in the last eight weeks, I have no clue about anything. I woke up fifty miles past nowhere and she was at my side. She's been lock step with me for two months.” Superman paused to take a second look at the situation. “I assumed you knew who she was. Or why abduct her? And you dont' believe me do you?

“Did you really expect me to?”

“Sir, I realize I have no way to convince you of that. I don't know if I'd believe it either if our positions were reversed. What do you want from me?”

“Perhaps this will clarify things for you.” The man turned a dial and the claws which held Nikita by her shoulders lowered until her legs were submerged in the liquid. Nikita struggled weakly but it was obvious she was barely conscious.

“Wait please! Why are you doing this? Please at least tell me that?”

“You really don't want to know, Kryptonian.”

“Nikita says I'm a hero to your people. Lois says the only criminal...You're Lex Luthor.”

“Indeed I am.” The man said with a bow of his head. “And you really *don't remember do you. Well that will almost take the fun out of this. But not all of it.” A mechanism that resembled nothing so much as a pair of industrial pliers reached out to 'clasp' Nikita at the waist. A moment later the apparatus at her shoulders retreated.

Superman understood what was happening, though he could scarcely believe it.

“Sir please! I don't understand what's going on. But whatever happened between us, don't hold my arrogance against her. She is true innocence if such a thing exists on this planet. Whatever you want from me, you have it. Whatever I have to do to make this right I will do it. Just PLEASE stop hurting her.” Superman put his hand to his mouth and bit into his own palm. “You say I'm a monster. Well you haven't SAID that but you treat me like one. And so be it. I'm telling the truth, I don't know why you hate me. Min Gud I barely know who I am.” Superman flew over the rampart directly up to Lex, his demeanor anything but threatening. “Mr. Luthor, I appeal to the humanity I am certain you must have, whatever I did to you, or even if I did nothing, don't make her suffer for MY sins. Take your revenge upon me alone. There must be something that can penetrate my iron flesh. I'll happily submit.”

Lex Luthor raised an eyebrow. Superman steadily returned his gaze. “That's what you want from me isn't it? You want my surrender my...submission. You have it.”

“Short of using Kryptonite on you__nothing will. From what I understand, I get you around that stuff and a normal medical needle would penetrate your skin. It's also about 30 different kinds of painful for you.”
“Then why do you not...” Superman said, sincerely confused.

“It is not the most accessible substance in the world. Being from 7 galaxies away. and all that."

Superman pulled himself down to his knees but looked steadily at Lex. “I submit. I'll do whatever you want, I swear it. All I ask is that you let her go.” Superman clutched Lex's hand desperately. “Please Mr. Luthor, spare her, I Beg of you.”

"...Thank you Superman." Lex said almost congenially.

Dark Arrowverse

 Oliver Queen of our Earth captured by the Earth-X doppelgangers of himself and Supergirl  Earth-X being a world where the Nazi's actually won WWII.

Supergirl of Earth-38 fell to her knees, repeating blissful mantras of devotion. Sarah Lance and Amaya of the Legends soon followed. The Flash got away with 1000'ths of a second to spare. Overgirl let him go. She would enjoy chasing him down later. She saved Oliver for last. The leader of these heroes and the sentimental doppelganger of her own husband, she took particular pleasure in commanding him to admit his failure.

“Forgive me Overgirl. I have failed in everything important to me. I have failed my city, I have lost my team. I have abandoned my Earth. I have betrayed my own mind. Worst of all, I have failed my own heart, fighting against you instead of serving you. I beg you for forgiveness. I beg you, show mercy.” Of course he would beg mercy, a quality that in his own mind went hand in hand with greatness. Oliver fell to his knees, arms unrolled in front of him, his eyes sincere and pleading. “Please, I know I deserve nothing but death. Yet I beg you, let me live and serve you.” He put his hands away at his sides and lowered his head. “I await your command, Overgirl.”

“Death is the cowards way out. You deserve to live with your failure and I will make sure you never delude yourself with visions of freedom again.” She motioned to a pair of Oberleutnant nearby. “Take him to the Aberdeen work camp. He is the plaything of the Aufseher there until further notice.” She turned back to Oliver, a glint of sarcastic superiority in her face. “Do you understand the fate I have decreed for you, Oliver?”

“You've assigned me to the ass-end of nowhere and to a camp run by someone with a grudge against your husband, I assume.”

“Not quite. Adrian suffers from an over eagerness to prove himself. And humiliating one of the Reich's worse enemies will certainly pique his interest. He wanted to become Prometheus. Instead was passed over into the purgatory of rural Montana.”

“Adrian...Adrian CHASE? I almost take comfort in knowing he's a lackey here.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

“On our Earth, he was Prometheus....and a deluded sociopath who came closer to breaking me than anyone ever has.” He bowed his head, playing the subservient he knew was expected of him. “Until you actually accomplished that, mistress.”

“Well, this sounds like a match made by destiny.” Dark Arrow said, entering the room and conversation in the same stroke. “I'll assume you're the one who killed the Prometheus I knew.”

“Your Tommy killed himself as you damn well know!” Oliver growled.

“So you haven't completely given up fighting after all, encouraging.” Dark Arrow quipped.

“You think there might be hope for him after all? All right Green Arrow, I will give you a SHOT at redemption. If you survive Seven Weeks under Adrian's care without breaking, I will bring you back here to serve me, as you promised.

“Thank you, mistress. I will endeavor to learn the proper attitudes. And when I return, I promise I will make you see me Overgirl...even if it is ever only as a slave.”

Kneeling before evil Kara, Oliver's friends were gagged & bound before his eyes. He made a snap decision. “You've won. Alright? So take me. But spare my friends please ...I beg you.”

“Choose one to be spared.” Overgirl said easily. Oliver looked up, confused and humiliated. “What's that look in your face Oliver?”

“I cannot. To chose one of my friends to live while the others were slaughtered. I cannot...”

“Well I can understand that, but you draw more horror from this offer than needs be. All of your friends will live Oliver. But that one will be released. The others will live their lives serving the Fatherland in whatever capacity my husband and I see fit.”

“Felicity. Let Felicity go free.”

“She already hid herself away from us. We don't know where she is. Choose again.”

“Barry Allen.” Oliver said immediately. “Spare his life, let him go. Once I know that he is safe, I won't resist anymore. You can do what you want with me.”

“We don't have a Barry Allen in our data-banks. He must be a truly great man.”

“No, I'm a great man. Barry Allen is a GOOD man. And I cannot stand what even being around your kind will do to him.”

“Well, your mind is as sharp as your arrows. Very well. Once we find a way to permanently remove his power, he'll be released. You have my word on that Oliver Queen.”

“Thank you Kara Zor'el.” He bowed his head to the ground. “I thank you, my master.”

The next several days were hell. They kept him in a room fittingly called the forge. Thanks to the geothermal heat that poured through floor it was easily 130 degrees Fahrenheit in there. They hung him up from the ceiling, had varlets, for lack of another word bring him water and food but no one spoke to him. Damien was the only one to actually speak to him. And that was just to ensure he had all of his ribs. “Nice to see you're as much of a dick on this Earth as you were on mine.”

“Hehe, likewise. No seriously. As I'm sure you're well aware you are an absolute DICK here. It's nice to see you keep at least some of your backbone across the multiverse.”

“May I ask you a question? Besides that one I mean.”

“If you let me punch you in the face afterward.”

“Agreed. Is Laurel Lance...still alive on this Earth?”

“Yes she is. We call her Siren-X.”

“She's a Nazi? Of course, Lance is a high-ranking Nazi officer. It makes sense that she'd want to follow in her father's footsteps.”

“I take it she's dead on your Earth. And I'm surmising the 'me' you know had something to do with that.” Oliver nodded. “Elaborate.”

Oliver sighed. “On our Earth Quentin Lance is a police captain. He fought with my team against you. And you...made good on your threat...and stabbed her through the heart.”

“Well that is good news.” Olivers eyes shot harpoons. “Not, I expect for you. But the only version of myself I ever met was a sniveling coward. The phrase 'soft-hearted fool' is the kindest way I have to describe him. Good to know he's the exception not the rule.”

“You're lying Damien.”

“Excuse me, Oli-ver.”

“You were glad to hear a doppelganger of yourself had a backbone. But you are not pleased the cowardly version was the exception. I spent a year chasing you down before I stabbed you through with an Arrow. We got pretty good at reading each-other.”

“Hehe over here Chase was my only professional antagonist.”

“God it seems like that guy rattles pretty much everyone's rankles.”

“And not without reason either.” Damien agreed. “Now just so you know, I'm about to punch you in the face.”

“It's fine by me.”

Damien stepped back and delivered a vicious backhand to Oliver's jaw. Then without another word to the man's face, turned and walked away. “rajul sharaf. takhayal dhalika.”

“What what did you just say?” Oliver yelled after him. “What was that..Ara...”

Damien spun on him. “If you know what is good for you, you'll keep your mouth SHUT!”

“This is...something new.” Oliver breathed. He hung his head, a non-verbal 'understood' gesture that seemed to satisfy his keeper.

Several days later Damien returned. “I have one question for you. Well somewhere between an insistence and a demand really.”

“Something you're curious about and you want to know if I understand it any better?”

“Oliver, you are seriously creeping me out. But yes, that's about the size of it.”

“Then pose your query.”

“alhikayat alati yajib riwayitiha – tabda alan.”

“That's not a question. You want to know if I know what you just said?” Damien Darhk nodded.

Oliver looked Damien squarely in the eyes. “ 'the tale to be told, begins now'.”

“Okay...I guess that answers my other questions.”

“And that's why you sound the way you do, like you're not entirely sure how to speak English like a native-speaker. You are...but you speak a language that requires far more deliberate diction.”

“Okay....NOW you are creeping me out.”

“Would you believe me that for all of 5 minutes the League called me Rashe al Ghul?”

“There's not many other things that could explain that.”

“Were...were you Rashe, on this world?”

“Officially the League has no demon's head, no leader. We were...'disbanded' to use the PC phrase almost 20 years ago. Chose survival over identity. I continue the Leagues ways...yes.”

“Which is why you were so glad-relieved- to hear that another version of you had a back-bone. Proof that you don't need to be Nazi-strong to be Strong.”

“It is unsettling how well you seem to understand me.”

“Yeah, I can't say I find it particularly comfortable either.”

“You were close to your Laurel.”

“The ONLY good things to come out of the year you ruled Star City was that I found my son and Quentin and I found some common ground.”

The Arabic phrase Damien said to himself on the way out the door translates as 'a man of honor; imagine that'. And was Damien's personal opinion of this 'sentimental doppelganger of the fuhrer'. Damien Darhk of our Earth, of Oliver's Earth was a former member of the League of Assassins who quote 'continues the Leagues ways but through his own organization'. It is noted by several characters over the course of the show that however twisted their aims or extreme their methods, the League of Assassins believes very deeply in a code of honor. So to hear Damien say something about him being a man of honor, in Arabic got Oliver's attention, to say the least.

She saved Oliver for last. The sentimental doppelganger of her own husband, she took particular pleasure in commanding him to admit his failure and beg for the mercy that in his own mind went arm-in-arm with true greatness. Oliver fell to his knees, his arms unrolled in front of him, his eyes pleading. “I have failed my city, Overlord. I have failed my mission, my team and my own mind. I deserve nothing but death. Yet I beg you, let me live and serve you.” He bowed his head until his back was stretched over his legs. “I await your command Overgirl.”

“Death is the cowards way out. You deserve to live with your failure and I will make sure you never delude yourself with visions of freedom again.” She motioned to a pair of Oberleutnant “Take him to the Aberdeen camp. He is the plaything of the Aufseher there until further notice. Oh I'm sorry do you need me to translate that for you?”

“I have a pretty good idea. And who exactly do I belong to now?”

“Well, I will tell you this, Adrian will take great interest in your humiliation Oliver. In fact, he might even play a hand in it himself.”

“Adrian...Adrian CHASE What did I do to him on this Earth?”

“You did nothing to him. But he has, as you would say a desire to prove himself since he was sent to the purgatory of all detention centers instead of becoming Prometheus.”

“What's the German for 'the more things change'?”

“Desto mehr ändern sich die Dinge. The point is he'll take this assignment as his chance at redemption, a way to prove he can break even the hardest of obstinate enemies. Being a military governor of a population of sheep provides little room for advancement. Survive a few weeks under his care and I might reconsider if you yourself have a shot at redemption.”

“Thank you, mistress. I will endeavor to learn the proper attitudes. I will make you see me Overgirl. Even if it is only as a slave.”

“eventually I will ask you for more details on who everyone was on your world. If nothing else you can inspire me with stories. And tell stories of your Earth as a satire for the children.”

“ 'I'm a defeated idiot. These are the fairy tales I used to fight for'.” Oliver said and nodded sagely. “as long as someone hears the stories. Of what my Earth was like...and the people I once knew...and still love.”

“You've won, Alright? So take me. Of my own free will I am your pet and your slave. I've come to accept this. I am yours. I will confess it to the whole planet. I will bow myself before anyone, pleasure you in front of the assembly itself if I must. Just please spare my friend this shame. Keep her in the barracks or the work camps, I doubt she'll object. But leave her OUT of this!”

“You've never mentioned a version of Sasha before. How do you know this woman is anything like your...whatever she was to you?”

“Sasha has the same open face across the multiverse. And I learned to read her face pretty well after the four years she spent dropping in on my team and my friends. It's not sentiment. At least not for the woman I knew. I'm not seeing her through clouded eyes. Sasha is the antitheses of polluted. She sucked at lying and abhorred obfuscation. This woman. Has lived her life in your world and she sees the fuhrer when she looks at me. I know it is not her/ But there is one thing you should understand about us hero types. Well, other than what you already know about us. We will attempt to save any innocent life we have the power to save. It tears us up inside if we can't.”

“You mean like this?” Overgirl pulled Sasha backward into her lap and kissed her, forcefully and passionately. I saw her hand trail down Sasha's ribs to undo her 'knickers' was the only word I could think of. This version Sasha must have been used to such encounters: She didn't struggle at all. I turned away and looked at the ground.

“I am yours Overgirl. I will confess to the whole world that I am yours to beat and abuse according to your whims. What must I do? What would you have me do to prove my submission?”

She looked at me, almost as a challenge. I realized it was a show of sincerity, and determination. To prove she not only meant what she said but would follow through on it. “Prove it.” I told her . The woman I had coveted for so long dropped, almost sank to her right knee and raised her left hand. A position of submission and resignation. “In the more exotic regions of the world, what you just did would signify you had given up all expectation of rights and privileges. And you would be mine to do with as I pleased from this moment on.”

“I know. I learned to fight in those 'exotic regions'.” White Bird said matter of factly.

“Are you also aware White Bird that the promise is binding__and unconditional?” She nodded deeply. “Unclothe.” I commanded. She pulled her skirt down with both hands, and tugged at the sleeves of her blouse until it fell from her shoulders. The breasts. Her breasts were firm and strong. She grabbed my hand and placed my palm against her chest. I clutched her breast.

“Permission to kiss you?”

“Permission granted.” She pulled me in and kissed me. I felt like I was being kissed by a warrior and an equal. “Have you ever been with a woman before?” I asked harshly.

“You are far above us lowly humans Overgirl. You are more than a woman you are a goddess! And to touch a GOD, to know I give you pleasure, makes it worth it.”

“You have some mettle in your bones my dear.” Mistress said as she sat before me, stroking my breasts. “And you are a very beautiful Silver Fox besides.”

“The praise of my superior is the delight of my heart.” I told her, almost mechanically. I knew that if I did not play along, if I did not let myself be coddled and caressed she would send me to the lower cells for some correction. And only after taking a more violent pleasure in my. And so I held my tongue and played the mild, delicate, willing submissive she told me to be. I knew Supergirl's powers, from the Dominator invasion. Overgirl's were at least as strong. And she had none of Kara's restraint. The strange thing was, it felt really good to have another woman in bed with me. She spun herself behind me, put herself against my back and grabbed my breasts.

I flinched but made no protest. She was being gentle with me. I forced myself to remember how nice it felt to not have to fight. To feel warmth in her embrace, rather than fear. To be safe and cared for was a feeling I never expected to enjoy. And had started to wonder if I would ever feel again. “I never knew it was possible to do little more than sit down in front of a person and feel loved. Or at least to BE loved.” She pushed my hair down the front of my shoulder and licked my neck. I knew what that meant. Somehow I had inspired an idea in her head for a new game.

“If you seek a greater challenge, a new adventure, you will find me most accommodating. And a formidable enemy to fight.”

“Forgive me Master I simply meant...Never mind.”

“You cannot sit around doing nothing. Like me, you find discomfiture in in-action. There are ropes above your head. Grab them.” I reached up and felt metal rings, like from a gymnasium and pulled myself up by them. “Now hold yourself up for as long as you can.”

“That shouldn't be too difficult.” I said with a smile. She reached for a control and the rings lifted themselves 40 feet in the air. I was hanging by fingers! I tried to keep the false smile as she tore off the rest of my clothes.

“Ask and you shall receive Sarah. Though it won't always be what you wanted. Only my desires matter. Your only concern is that you please me well enough I keep you as a prisoner under my supervision. The commander of this base would be flattered to enjoy a classic beauty like you. You are the closest thing to a classic beauty I have ever seen with my own two eyes. And you have the heart of a warrior in you. I have a feeling I will enjoy you often. It would be SO much easier on you if I had your cooperation.” She pushed me against the wall and started kissing my throat. “But it is not really required.” She licked the top of my breast. I gasped. “You have permission to fight me.” She said simply. I made a move, a bad move and tried to clock her. She grabbed my fist in her palm and lifted me even higher into the air. “I see you need a little assistance.” She said mockingly. With one hand around my waist she began to 'favor' me with kisses. And soon I was kissing her right back. She put her mouth on my tit and I began to lose myself. “Oh Mistress...Oh...my...”

“Tell me what you know I want to hear.” she commanded, with a hint of threat in her voice.

“Mistress, I am honored and I am humbled. I am sorry I ever resisted you. You are every thing I could ever hope to be and far above anything I deserve. You are the only thing that makes life in this miserable world worth living. You are perfection. I live for you alone Overgirl!!!”