BIRDS OF PRAYER
Chapter 3.
Aftermath:
Four days have passed since the Justice League returned the last abducted man back to Earth. There is much clean up to do and sadly many innocent victims to lay to rest. There is some solace in knowing that it could have, and rightfully should have, been much worse. Things are slowly returning to normal, but the scars of this disaster will remain for a long time.
Dinah Drake Lance is on a medical leave of absence from her job as Congresswoman Barbara Gordon's aide. She will undergo reconstructive knee surgery in two weeks to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Doctors are optimistic that she will recover from her injury enough to again live a normal life. Recreational sports may be possible in time, but highly competitive activities have been ruled out.
The Justice League has placed Black Canary on their inactive list. They recognize the probability that she will never return to active duty. Her leave of absence is indefinite and she will officially remain a league member for life.
Dinah relaxes in the comforts of Oliver Queen's Poconos retreat. Ollie has been courting Dinah for the past year and the pair have become close. Barbara pays Dinah a visit on this the first afternoon that pampering Ollie is away on duty as Green Arrow. Babs prefers it this way for she has no desire to reveal her triple identity to Queen.
The two women small talk at first. Dinah vows that she will resume her career as Black Canary. Barbara has considerable doubts but says nothing to discourage her from thinking positively. Eventually the conversation reaches the path for which both knew it was destined. Dinah admits that she is confused and hurt by Barbara's deceit. She entrusted Oracle with her secrets and both Dinah Lance and Black Canary have befriended Barbara Gordon. Lance knows not what to make of Batgirl. She understands now that Batgirl did not run away during their rescue of Gordon. Dinah can not however dismiss the feelings of resentment. Barbara had apparently tried to take advantage of her during their competition for JLA membership. She had also hid her triple identity from her, despite their multi-faceted friendship.
Barbara acknowledges that keeping her secret identities to herself presents an ethical conflict, especially regarding Black Canary. She has her reasons however and asks that Dinah hear her out. In Barbara Gordon's words ...
As you know my father has been the police commissioner of Gotham City for the past 13 years. To reach that post, he had distinguished himself for many years on the force. From my early youth, Dad's sense of responsibility and selflessness influenced me. Batman was the inspiration whom I modeled Batgirl's look and methods after, but it was Dad's dedication to justice which steered me into cape and cowl.
I loved crime fighting and became damn good at it. Over time I earned Batman and Robin's confidence as well as the support of Gotham's finest. I truly expected my Batgirl career to endure. I would fight crime until I was no longer physically capable of doing so at a high level. Given my rigorous training regimen, I envisioned remaining active into my forties.
Of course there was also my political career. In all honesty, I never dreamed I'd achieve so much success so swiftly. I won a seat in the state legislature when I was 23. The House of Representatives followed two years later. By day I was an accomplished Congresswoman. By night Batgirl was the scourge of evil-doers. Everything was ideal, that is until I became the victim of my own accomplishments. My new responsibilities put the squeeze on Batgirl. It was increasingly difficult for me to hit the streets. My time in costume dwindled as did my training. I was still in excellent shape, but not the prime condition that was a must. My timing was off and my stamina wasn't what it had been.
I feared that my negligence would catch up with me and sure enough it did on a bone chilling February evening. While preventing five punks from mugging an elderly couple, I absorbed a blow to my ribs from a baseball bat. Had I been at peak efficiency, I know I could have eluded it entirely. Instead, I wound up with a cracked rib and a bruised side so ugly that the color nearly matched my costume.
Naturally I couldn't explain my injury as Representative Gordon, so I had to hide it. That was quite tough, for the very next evening I was obligated to attend a highly publicized diplomatic soiree with visiting foreign dignitaries. As I smiled and forced my way through the night, I reached an emotionally difficult decision. It was no longer possible for me to devote enough time and effort to both politics and crime fighting. I had to choose between them. With my career thriving, that was where I could the most good. My time as Batgirl therefore had to come to an end.
There would be no official announcement. That wasn't Batgirl's style, a fact which helped distance her from my very public civilian identity. I had to tell Bruce however. After all we'd been through, I owed him that much. I had planned to spend the upcoming weekend back home in Gotham, which figured to be the ideal time. Coincidentally, Bruce beat me to the punch. He arrived in Washington working on a case and requested my aid. Somehow, I couldn't resist one last fling as Batgirl, so I donned a makeshift flak jacket to protect my ribcage and away I went.
I met Batman at a prearranged rendezvous. He noted that we had to take a quick detour to the JLA satellite because he needed to access the League's files. I should have been suspicious right then because the ever efficient Batman would surely have done such background work prior to our meeting. I guess I was so preoccupied with retirement thoughts that his pretense didn't register.
Once we arrived at the satellite, I realized what was happening. It should have been a joyous time for me. The Justice League of America was offering me membership into their elite organization! My efforts as Batgirl had been recognized by the best. I was thrilled yet simultaneously anguished because it was impractical for me to continue as Batgirl. What an awkward moment!
The mood was festive. The original seven members were in attendance including J'Onn J'Onzz. Green Arrow and Hawkman were on hand, both having also received membership offers. The two men were beaming with pride in what were clearly the crowning moments of their respective careers. Alas, the occasion turned sour when I declined induction.
The very thought that a prospective member would actually turn them down never seemed to occur to the League. Everyone was momentarily speechless. Green Arrow was the first to speak up, as I'm sure you can imagine. He was none too shy in criticizing me for being unappreciative. Several leaguers pressed me to explain myself. Wonder Woman espoused the cause for women and urged me to reconsider because of the very real need to add female members to their ranks. Others said "If she feels that way, to hell with it! Who needs her?"
It was a terrible situation. I couldn't staunchly justify my decision without compromising my secret identity. My explanation that I was retiring from crimefighting was viewed with great skepticism. Most members interpreted it as a lame excuse. I quickly went from welcomed invitee to persona-nongrata. Batgirl burned many bridges that evening.
Batman never said a word as I struggled to defend myself. It wasn't until he accompanied me back to Washington that he spoke. He simply said "I understand" and disappeared into the night. I realized then that he was embarrassed not only for me, but also for himself. Clearly he had strongly advocated my membership and looked rather foolish in front of his colleagues when I refused to join. He was disappointed in me for turning the JLA down, but he was more disgusted with himself for not having considered that possibility beforehand. For a man who prides himself so on his deductive skills, Bruce was very humbled by his short-sightedness.
To my surprise, Bruce dropped by that weekend when I was back in Gotham City. I had feared that he would want nothing to do with me, but fortunately he got over the Batgirl faux pas. There was a purpose to his visit and of course it had to do with the Justice League.
Bruce explained that the JLA conducted recruitment meetings in the wake of my unexpected refusal to join their roster. They desperately wanted another female member, but he noted the dearth of candidates. Hawkman suggested that his wife Hawkgirl would be a good addition, but she was unable to move to Earth for another year or so. Supergirl and Wonder Girl were out. At the time that left just you and I, Dinah.
Batman again argued his case for me with his fellow leaguers. He suggested that I could be offered a temporary membership with the understanding that I would step down upon Hawkgirl's arrival. Batman could not promise that I would accept such an arrangement, but he urged the JLA to consider that course. There was much debate, because I had turned off many of the members. Some like Green Arrow, Aquaman and Flash wanted nothing to do with me. A reluctant majority ultimately agreed to allow Batman to convey this proposal.
I was very torn by the offer. I understood and wholeheartedly agreed with the JLA's desire to increase its female contingent. I did not want to jeopardize that, but I also had to consider what was best for me and the League. My political responsibilities made it all but impossible to give the JLA the full commitment it rightfully expects from all its members. I therefore sought a third alternative, namely another qualified heroine. The League had no interest in pursuing any teenagers; therefore the best option was you Dinah. I admit that I was not optimistic. You were relatively new on the scene and your reputation was less than sterling. I was not about to take anyone under my wing as a protégé. My intention was to team up with you for the purpose of judging your suitability for the JLA.
To be honest, when we went after Killer Moth, I expected it to be a one time adventure. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised at how well you did. In our subsequent missions you continued to prove yourself. After our third case, there was no doubt in my mind that you were JLA material. I was prepared to give the increasingly impatient Batman my full endorsement of Black Canary, but there was one more test that I felt you needed to pass first.
The Justice League of America is a great organization, but they are not without their faults. The group is comprised mostly of men, stubborn ones at that. There was, and still is, an anti-Batgirl sentiment after my having rejected them. A recommendation coming from me would not carry much weight in the eyes of some of the members.
It was clear to me that you would face skepticism from your new teammates. You would officially be a member, but you wouldn't yet be part of the club. They wouldn't believe in you as they do each other. I faced a similar thing early on with Batman and Robin. Eventually I earned their trust as you would surely do in time with the League. I had to be sure, however, that you could deal with the arrogance and assorted egos you would encounter. That's why I gave you such a hard time during our partnership. You hated it of course, but it served its purpose. You handled it well. Seeing that, I advised Batman to nominate you for league membership.
As for our partnership, I didn't intend for it to end so poorly. I had hoped to offer congratulations upon your induction into the JLA and inform you of my plans to retire. We would have parted on good terms. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way, but I fully understand how you interpreted my actions that day in my office.
I missed my routine as Batgirl almost from the moment I retired her. I hadn't fully appreciated how much satisfaction I derived from my crime fighting until it was behind me. I often entertained thoughts of reprising Batgirl, but common sense always won out. Yes, I would pack my costume in the event that an emergency required Batgirl's presence, but it was impractical and unrealistic to juggle her steady activities back into my life.
As you have no doubt guessed, Oracle was the answer to my dilemma. She is a compromise. My political career is my focus while Oracle allows me to work with heroes and heroines behind the scenes. I provide the Justice League, its members and its allies with tactical information to aid them in their many cases.
My position in Washington allows me access to official, top security databases. I possess a very high aptitude for computers, therefore it was fairly easy for me arrange for Oracle to secretly access those same files. I bypass the government's sophisticated security net without their knowledge and cover my tracks in the unlikely event that this breach is detected.
I had enjoyed our Black Canary/Batgirl teamups, Dinah, and was anxious to see you succeed in the JLA. That history is why Oracle took a specific interest in working with Black Canary. Naturally this caused me quite an ethical conflict. I knew you hated Batgirl. In time I also learned that Black Canary was secretly Dinah Lance, Babs Gordon's new aide. What a pickle!
I have often wrestled with the question of revealing my triple identities to you, but I never did until this crisis brought it out. Please understand that this had nothing to do with trust. I have always been very hesitant to reveal my secrets to anyone. It took Bruce, Dick and I forever before we finally held a mutual unmasking. I figure that the fewer people who know the better. There is less chance of it getting out, either accidentally or through the aggressive actions of one of the many super villains we've encountered over the years. I am especially cognizant of my secret identity, because my career depends upon it. Were it known that I was Batgirl and Oracle, the public would never view Babs Gordon the same way. In good conscience, I would have to resign from Congress.
Well Dinah, now you know all there is to know about my two alter egos. I am sorry for having kept these secrets from you for so long.
Dinah Lance pauses a moment to consider Barbara's words. She too understands the inherent complexities of maintaining a secret identity. Barbara did what she felt was in her best interests and her intentions were proper. Dinah reasons that they have been through too much together in all of their assorted identities to allow this revelation to ruin their friendship.
As Barbara prepares to leave for her return trip to Washington, Dinah asks her about Batgirl. The Justice Leaguer wants to know if she's seen the last of the caped crime fighter. Barbara insists that Batgirl is retired, barring emergencies. Dinah grins and claims otherwise. "Black Canary and Batgirl have some unfinished business." Lance notes. Gordon looks on quizzically. "I told Oracle several times that Batgirl was an overrated coward. You had to be stewing on the other end of that line Babs!" Gordon nods affirmatively. Dinah continues "Once I'm back on my feet again, we're going to go at it. Batgirl vs. Black Canary in a competition/workout in the JLA training facility. And no offense Babs, but I'm going to whup you!" Gordon replies "You're on, but my money's on the redhead!"
Chapter 3.
Aftermath:
Four days have passed since the Justice League returned the last abducted man back to Earth. There is much clean up to do and sadly many innocent victims to lay to rest. There is some solace in knowing that it could have, and rightfully should have, been much worse. Things are slowly returning to normal, but the scars of this disaster will remain for a long time.
Dinah Drake Lance is on a medical leave of absence from her job as Congresswoman Barbara Gordon's aide. She will undergo reconstructive knee surgery in two weeks to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Doctors are optimistic that she will recover from her injury enough to again live a normal life. Recreational sports may be possible in time, but highly competitive activities have been ruled out.
The Justice League has placed Black Canary on their inactive list. They recognize the probability that she will never return to active duty. Her leave of absence is indefinite and she will officially remain a league member for life.
Dinah relaxes in the comforts of Oliver Queen's Poconos retreat. Ollie has been courting Dinah for the past year and the pair have become close. Barbara pays Dinah a visit on this the first afternoon that pampering Ollie is away on duty as Green Arrow. Babs prefers it this way for she has no desire to reveal her triple identity to Queen.
The two women small talk at first. Dinah vows that she will resume her career as Black Canary. Barbara has considerable doubts but says nothing to discourage her from thinking positively. Eventually the conversation reaches the path for which both knew it was destined. Dinah admits that she is confused and hurt by Barbara's deceit. She entrusted Oracle with her secrets and both Dinah Lance and Black Canary have befriended Barbara Gordon. Lance knows not what to make of Batgirl. She understands now that Batgirl did not run away during their rescue of Gordon. Dinah can not however dismiss the feelings of resentment. Barbara had apparently tried to take advantage of her during their competition for JLA membership. She had also hid her triple identity from her, despite their multi-faceted friendship.
Barbara acknowledges that keeping her secret identities to herself presents an ethical conflict, especially regarding Black Canary. She has her reasons however and asks that Dinah hear her out. In Barbara Gordon's words ...
As you know my father has been the police commissioner of Gotham City for the past 13 years. To reach that post, he had distinguished himself for many years on the force. From my early youth, Dad's sense of responsibility and selflessness influenced me. Batman was the inspiration whom I modeled Batgirl's look and methods after, but it was Dad's dedication to justice which steered me into cape and cowl.
I loved crime fighting and became damn good at it. Over time I earned Batman and Robin's confidence as well as the support of Gotham's finest. I truly expected my Batgirl career to endure. I would fight crime until I was no longer physically capable of doing so at a high level. Given my rigorous training regimen, I envisioned remaining active into my forties.
Of course there was also my political career. In all honesty, I never dreamed I'd achieve so much success so swiftly. I won a seat in the state legislature when I was 23. The House of Representatives followed two years later. By day I was an accomplished Congresswoman. By night Batgirl was the scourge of evil-doers. Everything was ideal, that is until I became the victim of my own accomplishments. My new responsibilities put the squeeze on Batgirl. It was increasingly difficult for me to hit the streets. My time in costume dwindled as did my training. I was still in excellent shape, but not the prime condition that was a must. My timing was off and my stamina wasn't what it had been.
I feared that my negligence would catch up with me and sure enough it did on a bone chilling February evening. While preventing five punks from mugging an elderly couple, I absorbed a blow to my ribs from a baseball bat. Had I been at peak efficiency, I know I could have eluded it entirely. Instead, I wound up with a cracked rib and a bruised side so ugly that the color nearly matched my costume.
Naturally I couldn't explain my injury as Representative Gordon, so I had to hide it. That was quite tough, for the very next evening I was obligated to attend a highly publicized diplomatic soiree with visiting foreign dignitaries. As I smiled and forced my way through the night, I reached an emotionally difficult decision. It was no longer possible for me to devote enough time and effort to both politics and crime fighting. I had to choose between them. With my career thriving, that was where I could the most good. My time as Batgirl therefore had to come to an end.
There would be no official announcement. That wasn't Batgirl's style, a fact which helped distance her from my very public civilian identity. I had to tell Bruce however. After all we'd been through, I owed him that much. I had planned to spend the upcoming weekend back home in Gotham, which figured to be the ideal time. Coincidentally, Bruce beat me to the punch. He arrived in Washington working on a case and requested my aid. Somehow, I couldn't resist one last fling as Batgirl, so I donned a makeshift flak jacket to protect my ribcage and away I went.
I met Batman at a prearranged rendezvous. He noted that we had to take a quick detour to the JLA satellite because he needed to access the League's files. I should have been suspicious right then because the ever efficient Batman would surely have done such background work prior to our meeting. I guess I was so preoccupied with retirement thoughts that his pretense didn't register.
Once we arrived at the satellite, I realized what was happening. It should have been a joyous time for me. The Justice League of America was offering me membership into their elite organization! My efforts as Batgirl had been recognized by the best. I was thrilled yet simultaneously anguished because it was impractical for me to continue as Batgirl. What an awkward moment!
The mood was festive. The original seven members were in attendance including J'Onn J'Onzz. Green Arrow and Hawkman were on hand, both having also received membership offers. The two men were beaming with pride in what were clearly the crowning moments of their respective careers. Alas, the occasion turned sour when I declined induction.
The very thought that a prospective member would actually turn them down never seemed to occur to the League. Everyone was momentarily speechless. Green Arrow was the first to speak up, as I'm sure you can imagine. He was none too shy in criticizing me for being unappreciative. Several leaguers pressed me to explain myself. Wonder Woman espoused the cause for women and urged me to reconsider because of the very real need to add female members to their ranks. Others said "If she feels that way, to hell with it! Who needs her?"
It was a terrible situation. I couldn't staunchly justify my decision without compromising my secret identity. My explanation that I was retiring from crimefighting was viewed with great skepticism. Most members interpreted it as a lame excuse. I quickly went from welcomed invitee to persona-nongrata. Batgirl burned many bridges that evening.
Batman never said a word as I struggled to defend myself. It wasn't until he accompanied me back to Washington that he spoke. He simply said "I understand" and disappeared into the night. I realized then that he was embarrassed not only for me, but also for himself. Clearly he had strongly advocated my membership and looked rather foolish in front of his colleagues when I refused to join. He was disappointed in me for turning the JLA down, but he was more disgusted with himself for not having considered that possibility beforehand. For a man who prides himself so on his deductive skills, Bruce was very humbled by his short-sightedness.
To my surprise, Bruce dropped by that weekend when I was back in Gotham City. I had feared that he would want nothing to do with me, but fortunately he got over the Batgirl faux pas. There was a purpose to his visit and of course it had to do with the Justice League.
Bruce explained that the JLA conducted recruitment meetings in the wake of my unexpected refusal to join their roster. They desperately wanted another female member, but he noted the dearth of candidates. Hawkman suggested that his wife Hawkgirl would be a good addition, but she was unable to move to Earth for another year or so. Supergirl and Wonder Girl were out. At the time that left just you and I, Dinah.
Batman again argued his case for me with his fellow leaguers. He suggested that I could be offered a temporary membership with the understanding that I would step down upon Hawkgirl's arrival. Batman could not promise that I would accept such an arrangement, but he urged the JLA to consider that course. There was much debate, because I had turned off many of the members. Some like Green Arrow, Aquaman and Flash wanted nothing to do with me. A reluctant majority ultimately agreed to allow Batman to convey this proposal.
I was very torn by the offer. I understood and wholeheartedly agreed with the JLA's desire to increase its female contingent. I did not want to jeopardize that, but I also had to consider what was best for me and the League. My political responsibilities made it all but impossible to give the JLA the full commitment it rightfully expects from all its members. I therefore sought a third alternative, namely another qualified heroine. The League had no interest in pursuing any teenagers; therefore the best option was you Dinah. I admit that I was not optimistic. You were relatively new on the scene and your reputation was less than sterling. I was not about to take anyone under my wing as a protégé. My intention was to team up with you for the purpose of judging your suitability for the JLA.
To be honest, when we went after Killer Moth, I expected it to be a one time adventure. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised at how well you did. In our subsequent missions you continued to prove yourself. After our third case, there was no doubt in my mind that you were JLA material. I was prepared to give the increasingly impatient Batman my full endorsement of Black Canary, but there was one more test that I felt you needed to pass first.
The Justice League of America is a great organization, but they are not without their faults. The group is comprised mostly of men, stubborn ones at that. There was, and still is, an anti-Batgirl sentiment after my having rejected them. A recommendation coming from me would not carry much weight in the eyes of some of the members.
It was clear to me that you would face skepticism from your new teammates. You would officially be a member, but you wouldn't yet be part of the club. They wouldn't believe in you as they do each other. I faced a similar thing early on with Batman and Robin. Eventually I earned their trust as you would surely do in time with the League. I had to be sure, however, that you could deal with the arrogance and assorted egos you would encounter. That's why I gave you such a hard time during our partnership. You hated it of course, but it served its purpose. You handled it well. Seeing that, I advised Batman to nominate you for league membership.
As for our partnership, I didn't intend for it to end so poorly. I had hoped to offer congratulations upon your induction into the JLA and inform you of my plans to retire. We would have parted on good terms. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way, but I fully understand how you interpreted my actions that day in my office.
I missed my routine as Batgirl almost from the moment I retired her. I hadn't fully appreciated how much satisfaction I derived from my crime fighting until it was behind me. I often entertained thoughts of reprising Batgirl, but common sense always won out. Yes, I would pack my costume in the event that an emergency required Batgirl's presence, but it was impractical and unrealistic to juggle her steady activities back into my life.
As you have no doubt guessed, Oracle was the answer to my dilemma. She is a compromise. My political career is my focus while Oracle allows me to work with heroes and heroines behind the scenes. I provide the Justice League, its members and its allies with tactical information to aid them in their many cases.
My position in Washington allows me access to official, top security databases. I possess a very high aptitude for computers, therefore it was fairly easy for me arrange for Oracle to secretly access those same files. I bypass the government's sophisticated security net without their knowledge and cover my tracks in the unlikely event that this breach is detected.
I had enjoyed our Black Canary/Batgirl teamups, Dinah, and was anxious to see you succeed in the JLA. That history is why Oracle took a specific interest in working with Black Canary. Naturally this caused me quite an ethical conflict. I knew you hated Batgirl. In time I also learned that Black Canary was secretly Dinah Lance, Babs Gordon's new aide. What a pickle!
I have often wrestled with the question of revealing my triple identities to you, but I never did until this crisis brought it out. Please understand that this had nothing to do with trust. I have always been very hesitant to reveal my secrets to anyone. It took Bruce, Dick and I forever before we finally held a mutual unmasking. I figure that the fewer people who know the better. There is less chance of it getting out, either accidentally or through the aggressive actions of one of the many super villains we've encountered over the years. I am especially cognizant of my secret identity, because my career depends upon it. Were it known that I was Batgirl and Oracle, the public would never view Babs Gordon the same way. In good conscience, I would have to resign from Congress.
Well Dinah, now you know all there is to know about my two alter egos. I am sorry for having kept these secrets from you for so long.
Dinah Lance pauses a moment to consider Barbara's words. She too understands the inherent complexities of maintaining a secret identity. Barbara did what she felt was in her best interests and her intentions were proper. Dinah reasons that they have been through too much together in all of their assorted identities to allow this revelation to ruin their friendship.
As Barbara prepares to leave for her return trip to Washington, Dinah asks her about Batgirl. The Justice Leaguer wants to know if she's seen the last of the caped crime fighter. Barbara insists that Batgirl is retired, barring emergencies. Dinah grins and claims otherwise. "Black Canary and Batgirl have some unfinished business." Lance notes. Gordon looks on quizzically. "I told Oracle several times that Batgirl was an overrated coward. You had to be stewing on the other end of that line Babs!" Gordon nods affirmatively. Dinah continues "Once I'm back on my feet again, we're going to go at it. Batgirl vs. Black Canary in a competition/workout in the JLA training facility. And no offense Babs, but I'm going to whup you!" Gordon replies "You're on, but my money's on the redhead!"
