Purple Poppy Milk Chapter Two
Suggested Themes:
Main Themes- Truce by Dresden Dolls, Noi! (Hail the Nutcracker Queen) from Madoka Magica: Rebellion
Saturn Girl is not as jittery as her fellow founding members about meeting the young Coluan. She is not pulling at the tips of her hair like Lightning Lad. She is not pacing like Cosmic Boy. She is actually very, very still and leaning against a metallic pillar. Her dark-blue eyes are latched onto the entranceway. For once, and perhaps felicitously, there isn't a villain threatening the United Planets or Metropolis. Or at least not one too powerful for the Science Police to handle. The rest of the Legion are enjoying this rare lull, but they are still within the city's limit. The Legionnaires have enough experience to know that peace does not last.
"Is it noon yet?" Lightning Lad asked like a child who wants to get his punishment over with. Cosmic Boy almost asks the very same question, but Lightning Lad is quicker. Like always.
"No, Garth, we still have another five minutes before they are scheduled to show up. Considering that Brande is with him, I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't for another twenty minutes." Punctuality is a trait that is lacking in the Brande family. At least, Chameleon Boy has the common courtesy to send a message that he'll be running late beforehand.
"I am genuinely hoping that the kid doesn't want to join the Legion. Maybe Brande pressured the kid. He has done that before." Cosmic Boy is referring, if a bit erroneously, of their first meeting before the Legion was formed. It was when they were all fifteen and were heading to Earth via aboard the most expensive ship in the galaxy. Although, only Irma had a legitimate ticket to be on the ship because her mom was an Ambassador for Titan. Rokk and Garth were stowaways that wanted to make a name for themselves, in other words, they desired glory. Irma discovered an assignation plot on R.J. Brande and, with Rokk's and Garth's help, they were able to foil the assassins and save Brande. The rich man decided the best way to reward them was by announcing to the world of the formation of a new, privately-funded superhero group. They went along with it, but Rokk always felt like they were strong-armed into it. However, they don't regret "founding" the Legion of Super-Heroes.
"Considering Brainiac Five is a Coluan, I don't think his race can be forced into anything. His people are smart enough to come up with weapons that could obliterate the universe, and no planet would dare to oppose their self-imposed isolation. I bet the kid was bored on his planet and thought joining a superhero team would alleviate his boredom. He'll probably realize, after the audition, how mentally unstimulating it is and leave." Lightning Lad sounds like a kid wishing upon a star for all his problems to go away. Lightning Lad and Cosmic Boy are clearly thinking about all the burdens of having a member so young, but only a year younger than they were when the Legion started, in their midst. Some members would accuse the Coluan of using Brande to get in the team…but what is the point in thinking this way? Lightning Lad and Cosmic Boy might be right that this is a fleeting curiosity for the Coluan.
SWISH!
It is exactly noon when Brande and the young Coluan arrive, just like they promised they would. The picture of the young Coluan is a poor representation of the boy, not even the eyes are right. His blonde hair reminds Saturn Girl of Venusian silk and is slicked back to reveal the sharp, soft face. He is wearing a long-sleeved, purple shirt (nearly reaching his knees) and black pants with a yellow utility belt and matching yellow boots. His mantis-green eyes, nearly matching his perfect skin, are appraising the place very much like a puppy looking for affection. The three founding members just realize what a mistake it was in accepting Brande's "request". The Coluan looks very much like a vulnerable prince, desperately seeking a hero. In other words, the opposite of what a hero is supposed to be.
"It's good to see that you're all here! I would like to present Brainiac Five!" Brande announces excitedly, almost matching the enthusiasm that his son would have. Brainiac Five approaches them, but does not say anything.
"It's nice to meet you, Brainy! I'm Lightning Lad." Lightning Lad is lying, but not as well, like his older brother would. He holds out his hand for Brainiac Five to shake, but Brainiac Five refuses and makes no effort to return the greeting. Normally, Lightning Lad would be offended, but he pities the child before him for not being able to return a universal greeting. To him, this child has been so closed off from the universe that his social skills must be nearly nonexistent.
"It's a pleasure to have you here, Brainiac Five. I'm Cosmic Boy." Cosmic Boy is much calmer than Lightning Lad and respectfully refuses to shorten the Coluan's name. He is certain that is why Brainiac Five refused to shake Lightning Lad's hand. However, like with Lightning Lad, Brainiac Five refuses to return the greeting. Similarly, Cosmic Boy concludes that perhaps Coluans don't care for greetings. Maybe they just want to get straight to business.
"What do you think of Metropolis, Brainiac Five? I am Saturn Girl." Saturn Girl does not make the mistake that her colleagues made. She does not start with a casual greeting. Instead, she hopes by seguing into the young Coluan's opinions, Brainiac Five might be more receptive. She also ends the sentence with her best smile, flashing her perfect teeth. She gets a reaction. Brainiac Five bores into her eyes like kryptonite piercing Superman's eyes. She is spellbound like she was watching the world end. It is the very same feeling she gets whenever she looks into her mother's eyes. Clearly, he doesn't like her very much. And Lightning Lad and Cosmic Boy notice this strained "exchange" as well.
"I believe he is very eager to start the audition." Brande comes to the defense for Brainiac Five's tepid demeanor. Unfortunately, it does nothing to reassure the founding members. However, they finally take Brainiac Five to the Audition Hall in order to get it over with. Brande will be waiting in his Cruiser for Brainiac Five to return and tell him the good news. To the founding members, they almost unanimously and secretly agree that the audition is going to be as dismal as this first meeting. However, to Brainiac Five, he has already formulated a few hundred or so contingency plans when it comes to his audition. He is determined that he will join the Legion, even if the founding members are against him.
The Audition Hall is also known as "The Room of a Thousand Eyes Constantly Judging You" (coined by Bouncing Boy) because of how the room is arranged. The room is a muted silver in color, but it is outlined in an almost jarring color of gold. What makes up the walls of the room are the cushioned benches and desk that leave enough room to have a circular pit in the middle of the room. Brande joked that this room could fill a hundred Legionnaires and there would still be enough room for another legion. The founding members go up an adjacent staircase to take their seats. Brainiac Five silently chooses to remain in the pit.
"Where are the rest of the Legionnaires? Are they on duty?" Brainiac Five asked almost reminiscent in a manner of an innocent child. The founding members are once again, almost painfully, reminded about the Coluan's youth.
"No, they are enjoying the downtime they have today. They are well within the city's limits." Cosmic Boy answered reassuringly. However, Brainiac Five narrows his gaze as though he suspects foul play.
"Shouldn't the whole Legion, or at least three-fourths, be present when deciding on whether to allow a stranger within their ranks? It is in your rules after all." Brainiac Five pointed out brutally. Clearly, Brande has brushed him up on how auditions are supposed to go. Lightning Lad cursed inwardly.
"Well, yes in normal circumstances. However, you are a special case given your age and 'special' relationship with R.J. Brande." Cosmic Boy answered quickly. However, the young Coluan frowns like he was given a failing grade on a test that he surely aced.
"You did not do that with Chameleon Boy, even though he has a much closer connection to R.J. Brande than I ever could." Brainiac Five does not want to be coddled by the founding members. He is practically demanding that he gets the same treatment like those that audition.
"Point taken. Yet, I don't think there is enough time to assemble the whole Legion here for an audition. You might be waiting for an hour or more before even half shows up." That was the biggest and fattest lie that Saturn Girl has ever heard leave Lightning Lad's lips. It beats out the lie to the Science Police that they won't interfere in Science Police matters.
"I am willing to wait as long as it takes for the rest of the Legion to show. If you are concerned about Mr. Brande's time, then I can assure you that he would wait for me as long as I wish." It is dreadful and harsh the way Brainiac Five delivers his last line because, from what the founding members can see, it is the truth. Brainiac Five has Brande in his pocket and can make the rich man do anything he wants. Even cutting off funding to the Legion. Almost instantly, Lightning Lad begins to dislike the young Coluan.
"Before you answer, I am going to give you, Saturn Girl, this piece of advice. Do not ever use your telepathy on me. I can feel your slithery, deceptive touch on my mind and I have quite enough of that. You readily using your telepathy on me has indicated to me that you are one of the Titanians born without their vocal cords. Titanians born without vocal cords tend to compensate by using their telepathy and opening their mouths to mimic verbal speech. Your telepathy cannot be detected, except by someone with high intellect like myself. I doubt your fellow Legionnaires, outside of this room, know about your disability." Lightning Lad really, really doesn't like the Coluan. He doesn't like how Brainiac Five is so willing to use dirty tactics like blackmail to get what he wants. He just knows that the Coluan knows that Saturn Girl is sensitive about her inability to communicate verbally. He can tell from those cruel, apathetic eyes like a mantis eating its mate's head. Saturn Girl is as still and as pale as a corpse.
"Blackmailing is not what a Legionnaire would do." Lightning Lad grits through his teeth, trying to hold back the urge to punch the brat. Brainiac Five is unfazed like he has no moral compass. No, Saturn Girl enters his mind, his moral compass is just slippery. He's just desperate to not be sent back to his planet. He never wants to go back. You're too damn forgiving, Lightning Lad grumbled in his mind.
"Fine. You will get an audition without any special treatment. We will give you our honest assessment afterwards." Cosmic Boy sounds like a mediator, but he has a look of one that already made up his mind. Lightning Lad has also made up his mind, no matter what the outcome. However, Saturn Girl is still reserving her judgment to the best of her capabilities. Brainiac Five has not completed his assessment on the founding members. He won't be able to fully complete it until they are all dead.
There are only twenty-five members that make up the Legion of Super-Heroes. Thee twenty-two heroes returning to the Legion base and heading to the Audition Hall. They are all equally concerned to why Cosmic Boy would call them back, especially to meet up in the Audition Hall. The last time that this happened was when the Emerald Empress took over Weber's World. They are expecting for Cosmic Boy to brief them immediately, but, instead, they are greeted by silence of the founding members and a green-skinned boy. The boy has no visible expression on his face, but the females, and Bouncing Boy, believe he has an eager glint in his eyes. However, the males, and Dream Girl, are reminded of a creepy, glazed doll. It is like the boy lacks a soul.
"Everyone, please take your seats, so that the audition can start." Cosmic Boy sounds warm, but the members can easily detect the annoyance in his tone. Lightning Lad is glaring at the boy. However, the most alarming is how oddly quiet that Saturn Girl is. Usually, she's the one to make the announcements for auditions. Most, like Nemesis Kid, have quickly gathered that this audition is not something that the founding members want to do and the rest of Legion have no choice but to participate. Some, like Chameleon Boy and Karate Kid, cannot wait to see what the kid can do. They even begin exchanging theories to what powers that this kid must have.
"You can introduce yourself now." Cosmic Boy motioned to the green-skinned boy. Fifty eyes are now focused more heavily upon the boy. Forty-four are expecting something fantastic and horrible to happen, while four cannot wait to be rid of the boy forever. Only two eyes are truly assessing the boy.
"Salutations, Legionnaires, I am Brainiac Five of Colu." The boy wisely pauses for a minute to allow the twenty-two Legionnaires to gossip amongst themselves. Why the slag would a Coluan want to join the Legion? He did say he was a Brainiac. Aren't the Brainiacs like the Royal Family of Colu? Yeah, they have ultimate influence, knowledge, and power on their planet! Did he become a dreg on his planet? No way! Colu would never let go of the smartest person in the universe like that! He must've escaped! Val, you so owe me fifty credits! The young Coluan almost smirks, but remains composed as the Legionnaires' conversations become superfluous.
"May I please have your silence? Thank you. I would like to begin my audition now." Brainiac Five is, surprisingly to many members, able to project his voice over the loud gossip. Cosmic Boy touches the screen on his desk and enters a code for a secret door to open. A robot about three times the Coluan's height and programmed to fight appears. It is made of jagged edges and has a crude, silver paint scheme with a boomerang-shaped head. The robot is like an obsolete version of the Coluan's caretakers. Brainiac Five does not let his disgust show.
"Brainiac Five, you must fight the robot before you. You don't have to necessarily defeat it. The purpose is to assess your capabilities and see if your fighting style could be applicable in the Legion. After you are done fighting the robot, we shall vote if you should be a Legionnaire." Brainiac Five stops being a blank slate. His eyes widen like he might be afraid to ask the question. Half the Legion, mostly females and Bouncing Boy, almost want to hug the young Coluan to reassure him that everything will be alright. The other half feel like something very bad is about to transpire. Chameleon Boy and Karate Kid, almost intrinsically tied to one another, are the only ones excited to see what the Coluan would do.
"May I request for a change in opponents?" Brainiac Five asked politely and perfectly like a respectful Ambassador. Again, the Legion is divided amongst themselves. Half think he is the greatest child in the universe. The other half believe this is all an elaborate act by the Coluan to curry favor. Of course, Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad, and Saturn Girl try not to choose sides. They try.
"Why? Are you afraid that the robot will kill you? Because I can assure you that it is pre-programmed to not deal any fatal blows." Cosmic Boy briefly seemed to relish the thought of scaring Brainiac Five. However, the young Coluan frowns like he did in their first meeting.
"Actually, a robot programmed not to kill is exactly why I want a change in opponents. Villains do not hold back. They are willing to kill to accomplish their goals or even entertain themselves. I want to fight the strongest Legionnaire that you have to offer. It would be more educational for me to fight an organism capable and quite willing to deal fatal blows." As much as Cosmic Boy, especially Lightning Lad, would like to see Brainiac Five get the arrogance beat out of him, the Legion leader does not like the idea of letting the Coluan fighting a fellow Legionnaire. However, Karate Kid is smirking like mad because he is reminded exactly of his first audition. Well, except he challenged the whole Legion and only lost after Chameleon Boy shape-shifted into a space whale and swallowed him.
"Cosmic Boy, I say that you let Brainy try. No Legionnaire here would actually try to kill him. Killing does go against Legion rules after all." Lightning Lad pointed out. A part of Cosmic Boy deeply wonders if Lightning Lad just want to see the Coluan get beat up. No, Saturn Girl whispered in his mind, it's not solely for that reason. He is genuinely curious to see how Brainy would actually do. He's not a martial arts master like Karate Kid. He is also correct about pointing out that villains wouldn't necessarily hold back. He'll probably be knocked unconscious. Cosmic Boy's concern is assuaged by Saturn Girl's logical conclusion. The kid will be knocked out quick and then they could just go on with their lives.
"Okay, Brainiac Five, we'll accept your request. Ultra Boy, would you like to fight Brainiac Five?" Ultra Boy has tousled, brown hair with fiery, brown eyes. He is wearing a red and green jumpsuit with a yellow belt that has the Legion symbol and jester-like black boots. He is always eager to practice his powers, except for right now. He does not like the thought of hurting a kid who looks so impossibly young and delicate. He thinks that Brainiac Five is just posturing to seem tough in front of people older than him. However, the kid clearly has a utility belt that probably is filled with Batman-like weapons. Also, he could just knock out the Coluan at the beginning to spare the kid any injuries.
"Gladly." Ultra Boy doesn't sound as excited as he normally is about fighting. The Legion can easily pick up on his reluctance. However, he flies down to the center of the pit. Ultra Boy is going to make this fight end as quickly and painlessly as possible. He believes that his powers are unknown to the Coluan, so the match will be in his favor and fast. However, what he and the Legion doesn't know, Brainiac Five knows what their powers are from easily hacking into the Legion's computer during his ride with Mr. Brande. He also knows that the Legion is underestimating him. He will derive some pleasure in proving them wrong, but he'll be mostly disappointed at how fast the fight will end.
Jo Nah, aka Ultra Boy, likes to fight. Maybe not on the same level or enthusiasm as Karate Kid, but he does derive pleasure from fighting. Like Karate Kid, he hails from Rimbor, a planet where you have to be a skilled fighter in order to survive. Or you have to be quick enough to compete in the Galactic Games. He was both. President Wazzo suggested that he should audition for the Legion after winning the Galactic Games. He barely restrained himself from laughing in her face. On Rimbor, he heard rumors and stories of the Legion's pacifism. He was a fighter, not a lover. Although, he did at least "acted" like one with An Ryd. Without her, he would've never joined the Legion.
He had always been fast and strong, but he didn't become "ultra" until the space whale. It was right after winning the Galactic Games that Jo Nah decided to use his winnings to buy a Cruiser. Cruisers were basically expensive versions of Carriers, but they were especially built for rich brats that like to race in deep space. He wanted to take An Ryd on a trip to see the universe as an anniversary present and for her just existing. Their first stop was to visit Starhaven because she wanted to see what angels look like. And who was he to deny his angel?
Unfortunately, Jo Nah and An Ryd had no idea that space whales were migrating near Starhaven that season. What was doubly even more unfortunate was that the Cruiser was not equipped to deal with being sucked into a space whale's mouth that is just as powerful and as destructive as a black hole. His angel was crushed to death, while Jo Nah's body absorbed the energy from the ultra-energy behemoth. Jo Nah was able to escape by ripping through the intestines and bones of the space whale. He was devastated by the loss of An Ryd and decided to absolve himself by making use of his newfound powers.
His favorite power is penetra-vision, which allows him to see through anything including things made of lead. Phantom Girl once commented that he easily outclassed Superman when it comes to vision. He has his penetra-vision focused on the Coluan's utility belt pockets. He can see small balls, reminding him of antiquated marbles. There is a pocket devoted to medical gel packets, or at least it looks like medical gel packets, and a miniature laser scalpel. Most of the other pockets have various amount of "toys" (like a fob watch or even a string of rope) including the pocket that the Coluan has his hand jammed in. The small, green hand is grasping at a silver stick with a purple, thin ribbon. Ultra Boy has to restrain himself from laughing because the stick reminded him of a baton that a moon princess would wave around. He hopes that the kid won't pull it out, but the young Brainiac does.
"Is that a ribbon?" Ultra Boy flinches when he hears Nemesis Kid's sarcastic question and then mean laughter. Nemesis Kid's laughter starts a domino effect, which ends with nearly twenty-one Legionnaires howling with laughter. Ultra Boy looks away from the Coluan because he doesn't want to see that crestfallen (or even crying) face.
"Ultra Boy, do you always look away from your opponents?" The child's voice, but it sounds more like a spirit, made him look at the pitiful boy again. Ultra Boy does not see the telltale signs of flushed cheeks or tear trails. In fact, he finds nothing in those eyes. Those eyes that are as unsentimental as An Ryd's mermaid-green eye shadow. The kid just wants the fight that he requested, not pity.
"No." Ultra Boy then uses his super-speed to grab the baton from the boy's loose grip. He believes that the baton is supposed to be some sort of whip that could paralyze him. The Coluan does have utility belt like Batman, so the baton is some sort of weapon.
"Sorry, kid." Ultra Boy was truly sorry for ending the fight so quickly. Brainiac Five's eyes remain emotionless, but his mouth turns upright like a storybook villain. The ribbon gains life and wraps around his arm like the barbed grip of a jellyfish. He feels agony, physical agony akin to his emotional agony of when he lost An Ryd. The pain overrides his mind and consciousness. He screams as he sent to the abyss of darkness.
By Brainiac Five's calculations, it took exactly three minutes, twenty-one seconds, and five nanoseconds for the fight to conclude. He is unimpressed by what constitutes as strength in the Legion. He goes over to Ultra Boy's still body and pries his weapon from those gloved hands. He almost pities the Legionnaire for being unable to vote.
"Calm yourself, Legionnaires. Ultra Boy is not dead. He will be unconscious for exactly three hours. My 'ribbon', as one of you so aptly put it, is purposely designed to render my opponent unconscious. Even if my ribbon is taken from me as you have all seen. Since only three-fourths of the Legion is required to make a vote, there is enough of you here to make the vote." Brainiac Five is able to quell the panic that came over the Legion when Ultra Boy's body hit the floor. The panic is replaced with angry shouts and disapproving gazes. The young Coluan just pockets his ribbon in riposte.
"ENOUGH! Brainiac Five is correct. The rest of us can vote without Ultra Boy. Now, let's vote!" Lightning Lad commanded. And so the Legion voted on their holographic screens. Brainiac Five was not kept waiting. The results were on a giant, holographic projection for all to see.
"Should Brainy be a Legionnaire?
Saturn Girl, Phantom Girl, Timber Wolf, Bouncing Boy, Triplicate Girl, Dream Girl, Shrinking Violet, Light Lass, Karate Kid, and Chameleon Boy: Yes
Lightning Lad, Cosmic Boy, Nemesis Kid, Matter-Eater Lad, Star Boy, Comet Queen, Chemical Kid, Shikari, Dawnstar, Neon, Element Lad, Dragonmage, Sensor, and XS: No
10-14
Brainy has failed to gain two-thirds of the votes. Therefore, he cannot be a Legionnaire."
Brainiac Five knows that the computer's calculations are not wrong. He has already stored the results in his memory. He is not angry or sad. However, he will not concede to the Legion. He will join the Legion even if he cannot ever be one of them. He is okay with that since it has always been that way for him. He is genetically designed and trained to be alone. It's in his blood to not be accepted. He is a Brainiac after all.
"I accept your decision that I cannot be Legionnaire. However, you have need of my services." Brainiac Five's logically cold voice breaks through the silence that ensued when the results were posted. Lightning Lad was going to tell Brainiac Five to stop being a sore loser, but Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl shook their heads for him to keep quiet. They feel obligated to at least hear the failure out.
"I will outline five basic reason to why it would be in your best interest to let me work for you. The first reason is that I can update your obsolete computer system. I was able to hack into your system and get all of your files within three seconds. I know all of your names, where you came from, and even what's left of your families. There are villains who are masters of hacking and can procure your files just as easily as I have." Brainiac Five comes from a planet where their technology is the best in the universe. Of course, Brainiac Five can design a better computer system.
"The second reason is that I can provide you funds. I have harmless inventions that I can sell to the government for a tidy profit. Mr. Brande cannot keep paying for the Legion, especially with the medical bills and reconstruction fees that increase with every mission. He has a business to run and maintain." Chameleon Boy is surprisingly unoffended by Brainiac Five's assessment. He completely agrees with the Coluan. His dad will go broke if he keeps on funding the Legion.
"The third reason is that I can create inventions to aid you. You might encounter a foe that is on Darkseid's level or can repel all of your attacks. My inventions can either defeat the foe, like Ultra Boy, or at least buy you enough time to escape. Also, you cannot keep using Saturn Girl as your main means to secretly communicate. She can easily be knocked out, which would cost you your communications. I can devise an invention that would take the pressure of constantly using her." Lightning Lad and Cosmic Boy know that's another jab at Saturn Girl, but the rest of the Legion don't know that.
"The fourth reason is that as a Brainiac, I can guarantee you access to planets that would normally refuse your help. Since my planet does not have an Ambassador, I am the current Ambassador for my planet. I do not need to tell you that many planets would like to set-up a trade, no matter how xenophobic they are." There are many planets within the United Planets that need help, but the government would refuse the Legion because of some political bullshit or out of pride. Greed tends to be those planets' weakness, and Colu is practically priceless.
"The fifth reason is that I can handle all of the administrative duties efficiently. I can easily come up with schedules and team rosters to ensure maximum efficiency for everyone. From your files, I know that Auditions are the most dreaded time for you all when it comes to advertising the event and keeping the Legion hopefuls under control. I have the correct disposition in dealing with minor annoyances." If he didn't win the Legion over with his first four reasons, then he won them over with this reason. No Legionnaire likes Audition days. There is a reason why Cosmic Boy didn't tell them to return to headquarters for an Audition because then most of them wouldn't have come.
"I would be most beneficial to your organization if you let me. Also, I will add this. Do not ever reveal who voted "yes" or "no" because it would inspire rejected hopefuls to exact vengeance." Brainiac Five is not grinning like a psychopath like most of the Legionnaires are imagining.
"You do make many valid points, but this will have to be put up to a vote." Cosmic Boy announced. The holographic screens come alive again. Again, Brainiac Five is not kept waiting.
"Should Brainy be employed as part of the maintenance crew?
Yes: 24
No: 0
24-0
Brainy has been unanimously voted to be part of the maintenance crew."
Brainiac Five knows that Lightning Lad is the one that controls the holographic screens. He knows that Lightning Lad has purposely gave him that loathsome nickname, but Brainiac, no, Brainy is unfazed. He is actually quite elated that already one of his suggestions have been actually used. Lightning Lad is not such a childish hero as Brainy gleamed from their interactions. There is potential for the Legion, and Brainy shall shape that potential. Even if he has to do it from behind the scenes.
Author's Comments- It took two months because of school and I was in a rut again. Poor Brainy, he has not learned that the Legion is practically immune to logic. Or immune to logic from a being that they can never quite comprehend.
