Chapter 2: Questions and Answers
12:57AM
March 11th, 2010
Undisclosed location
The Courier felt the handcuffs around his wrist briefly become undone, the freedom was short lived as he felt them placed back on. This time around the side of a pole. He assumed it was a column of support for something.
The hood was removed from his face, the scarf was pulled down from his mouth and his sunglasses were removed.
His eyes blinked several times before his natural mutations allowed him to better see his surroundings. A warehouse. Smart, out of the way of the locals and was clearly abandoned for some time considering how it appeared. Rusted pieces of metal along the floor and a rather sizeable hole in the roof. He caught sight of a blacked out vehicle parked in the corner of the room, near the open doors.
Rather...odd looking car. Apparently everything this man had was Bat themed.
The Courier took his eyes away from the car and turned them back to the pair staring him down. Batman was barely illuminated in the moonlight shining through the hole, Robin hung back in the shadows. Arms crossed and leaning on the wall, watching the Courier with a certain intensity.
"You are going to answer my questions truthfully." Batman spoke, voice promising hidden threats if he didn't answer.
"I will endeavour to." The Courier replied back evenly, not cowed by the taller man.
"Huh…" Robin chimed in, muttering to himself in a low voice which he probably assumed couldn't be heard "Younger than I thought."
"As are you." The Courier shot back, blank tone of voice "Appearance and physical structure denotes you to be young. Approximately 14-15. Roughly one hundred twenty pounds." the Courier straightened his posture as Robin narrowed his eyes "I am also observant, and less keen to judge based on appearance." he turned back to the older man "Questions?"
"Who are you?" Batman asked first.
"Courier." He stared into the man's eyes "More a title than a name. Means more to me though. Assume 'Batman' and 'Robin' were not the names you were born with either."
"Hmph." Batman grunted "You said you were supposed to head home?"
"Transport device. Malfunctioned during firefight." The Courier explained, not giving away too much detail "Activated in a rush." he titled his head "How did you find me?"
"Radiation spike."
"Ah. I see." Courier nodded "Makes sense. Transports matter surrounding me as well. Place of origin was irradiated, makes sense I would have taken some with me." he remained silent for a few moments "I assume the levels aren't at lethal dosages?"
"No."
"Good. Was concerned."
"The device on your arm." Batman gestured to his left limb "I couldn't remove it."
"Requires a digital print. Genetic information of original owner." The Courier surmised "I am not original owner. Not dead." he cut off the hidden question "Was a gift from a friend. A Doctor. Good man."
"You said you were a Courier." Batman crossed his arms "Who are you working for?"
"Currently? No one." The young man let out a breath "Was doing free lance work until recently."
"Mercenary?" Robin asked.
"Sometimes." Courier shrugged as best he could "Depends. I'm not one to turn down payment. Not an assassin though." he paused "At least not commonly."
Batman glared at him for several more seconds before he eventually went to his next question "What does the device do?"
"Monitors my vitals." The Courier explained "I assume you saw. Informs me of addictions and poisonings. Also acts as a navigation tool when linked to a satellite." he hung his head slightly "Unfortunately, no satellites available."
"Private company?"
"Hardly. Were quite well known." The Courier shook his head.
"Why were you at the Library?"
"Needed up to date information. Wanted to avoid attention." He gave a meaningful glance at the pair "Obviously that plan failed."
"Intentions?"
"Remain hidden. Find way back home." He frowned "More difficult part of the story now. Depends on suspension of disbelief."
"What, are you an alien or something?" Robin asked, a slightly amused look on his face.
"No." The Courier shook his head "Still human, or thereabouts. Genetic mutations might mean slight difference to DNA than you."
"Mutations." Batman narrowed his eyes "Metahuman?"
"Metahuman?" The Courier blinked, then racked his mind "You refer to similar result as Flash and other super powered humans." he shook his head "No. Minor mutations as a result of radiation exposure. Better than average eyesight in the dark. High resistance to Radiation, higher skin density and improved senses. Mainly hearing."
Batman narrowed his eyes "Experimentation?"
"For the radiation? No." He shook his head "For everything else...Yes." he paused "Would not be wrong to call physical strength 'inhuman'. Muscle density is higher than that of normal human." he paused "Although handcuffs were surprisingly sturdy. Not the first strengthened human you have encountered I assume."
Batman narrowed his eyes "Where are you from?"
"Mojave Wasteland." He answered "You'd probably refer to is as a desert." he paused "Will ask that you hear out full story before rendering judgement on my sanity."
Batman stared at him for nearly a full minute before he gave a minute nod of his head.
"Referred to as Wasteland because it is irradiated. Nuclear War burned away most of the old world. Occurred in 2077, United States of America and the Peoples Republic of China struck against eachother with thousands of warheads at the culmination of Resource Wars." He saw neither of them commented, Batman's face remained blank with Robin raised a single eyebrow at him "Some citizens retreated into under ground vaults. Came out around a century later. Rebuilt world, radiation affected later generations. Was born around 2260." he paused again "Background information. Currently irrelevant but will go into more detail if you ask. Device was a form of molecular transportation. Unfortunately it sent me here. Alternate timeline."
"How do you know?"
The Courier raised an eyebrow at him "No Justice League on my Earth. Would imagine I would have heard about it. They probably also would have stopped war, or tried to."
"Okay." Robin nodded "So he's a crazy."
Batman stared at him for a few moments, before he turned to Robin "The Car will return you to the Cave. I'm taking him to the other league members."
Robin frowned, sending Batman a disbelieving look for a few moments before he sighed and made his way over to the car. He jumped into the drivers seat.
Both Batman and the Courier watched as the car thrummed into life before reversing out of the building and roaring off into the distance.
The Courier and Batman stared back at eachother "Surprising. Response indicates you believe me."
"I'm sceptical." He replied back "There are ways to find out the truth. You are either lying, or you aren't." he walked back over to the Courier, slipping the bag back over his head.
1:30AM
March 11th, 2010
Undisclosed location
"Recognised: Batman – 02" An automated voice rang out, the Courier jilted slightly. Blindfold still on his head.
"Matter transportation." He called out, he heard Batman's body turn slightly and assumed he was now facing him "Been through similar encounter with device which brought me here. Yours seems more streamlined. Less stress on the body."
"Hmph." Batman grunted and led him further down, wherever they were. He assumed a bunker or base of some variety. Something that was more secure than an abandoned warehouse at least.
The pair walked for what he internally registered as three minutes before the sound of a metal door being opened alerted him to their arrival somewhere. The Courier was led inside and the bag removed from his head.
He was in a small metal room, a single table and two chairs were present. An interrogation room, his eyes drifted over to the one way mirror cut into the side of the room.
"You will remain here." Batman's voice called out from behind him.
"Do you still have hat and glasses?" The Courier asked, turning his head slightly to look Batman in the eye "Don't like having head uncovered."
The Dark knight stared at him for several seconds before he threw the ushanka and black sunglasses onto the table. The Courier nodded his head "Gratitude." Batman said nothing as he undid the cuffs on the Courier and walked out of the room, the door slamming shut and being accompanied by a quiet hissing sound.
He raised an eyebrow. Pressurised room. He looked up towards top of the ceiling and noticed a small vent. He inwardly smirked, not completely stupid in leaving him alone and uncuffed. Room could be flooded with gas.
Even his implants couldn't protect him for long against gas, and his modified heart could only do so much with toxins.
He moved over to the table, pulling his scarf back over his lower face and slipping the sunglasses on before placing the hat atop his head.
He moved over to the chair and sat himself down, crossing his arms and closing his eyes.
He mentally began his daily exercise of reciting names in his head. Best if he did, made sure he never forgot. Someone had to remember them.
1:49AM
March 11th, 2010
Undisclosed location
"Recognised: Wonder Woman – 03." The final announcement rang out. A tired looking Diana Prince rubbed her eyes as she walked out of the Zeta tube and towards the other members of the Justice league.
"Thank you all for coming." Came Batman's gravelly voice.
"Kind of hard not to…" Flash muttered, yawning while he did "When you get a call at nearly two in the morning telling you to come up, you kinda make time."
Batman didn't respond to the jab, instead remained impassive as he watched the other members of the league assemble themselves.
"Come." Batman gestured for them to follow him. The leaguers marched behind him into the meeting room, the 'U' shaped table already had several other members assembled there.
The Justice League, in all their brightly coloured glory, assembled themselves before sitting down.
"So." Superman began, crossing his arms and leaning back into his chair "What's the emergency?"
"At 2323 hundred hours, Eastern Seaboard time, a radiation spike was detected in Gotham City." Batman pulled pressed a button at his desk, the holographic projector in the middle of the table pulled up a map of Gotham city "The Radiation spike lasted less than several seconds before it faded."
"So…" Captain Marvel leaned forwards in his chair "Are you asking for help?" he asked, then winced as Batman glared at him.
"You misunderstand." He eventually got out "At 0012 Hours, Robin and myself investigated the point of origin. Further investigation revealed that the radiation spike had been accompanied by an individual."
Green Arrow crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes "Are we dealing with a potential invasion?"
"After purchasing a change of clothes at a Pawn Shop-"
"Huh?"
"-he visited the Gotham Public Library. Where he then engaged in reading several newspapers from the Archive which dated back four years."
"...Alright." Green Lantern, Hal, blinked "That seems a little odd."
"At 0023 Hours." Batman continued, unabated by the occasional interruption "Myself and Robin encountered the individual. Where he then turned himself into our custody."
"Alright." Superman raised an eyebrow "Did he explain the radiation?"
"After brief questioning, he alluded to being from an alternate Earth."
"Jesus Christ." Flash muttered under his breath "Please tell me you did not drag us up here to discuss an Arkham escapee."
"Currently…" Batman pressed a button, the holographic projection changed to reveal the image of a man sat in an interrogation room, wearing a long dark brown coat, jeans, black boots, and head covered with a scarf, sunglasses and a Ushanka hat. "He is in an interrogation room."
"Why is he even-"
"Because regardless of his claims of parallel Earths, he is still a heavily augmented human." Batman continued "Blood samples taken from him conclude that his DNA has been altered, likely through several generations of exposure to gamma radiation."
"Very well." Wonder Woman spoke up for the first time "Your impressions of him?"
"Sentences were curt, explaining only basic details." Batman paused "He did not lie, although it is highly likely he excluded certain details."
"Anything else?"
"Admitted to having committed assassinations." Jon Stewart pinched the bridge of his nose "Also agreed to a more in depth line of questioning."
"Do we have a name for him?" Captain Marvel asked, a slightly raised eyebrow, although the frown on his face indicated he already had a slightly lowered opinion of the man.
"He gave me the Alias Courier."
"Great." Green Arrow muttered "Dealing with a possibly crazy Mailman."
2:00AM
March 11th, 2010
Undisclosed location
The Courier opened his eyes again as the door was opened, he saw Batman standing at the entrance, alongside a man in a blue spandex suit with a red 'S' on the front and hanging red cape.
"Batman." Courier nodded, head drifting over to the other person there "Superman." he stood up, slowly and non-threateningly. He walked over to the pair of them, closely studying Supermans features "Look more human than I would have thought."
Superman raised an eyebrow and tilted his head, Courier continued on "Not an insult. Never met an apparent alien before. A first for me." he turned back to Batman "Brought super powered alien in the event of my possible escape. Clever."
Batman stared at him for several more seconds before standing slightly to the side "Come with us."
The Courier nodded his head, holding his hands out for the cuffs, Batman clipped them on without a moments hesitation. Then slipped the bag back over his head, although this time he allowed him to keep the hat and glasses on.
Superman watched the exchange silently, before his eyes scanned the Courier, briefly widening at the sight of the rather significant augmentations to his body.
Batman led the Courier down the hallway, Superman following close behind the pair.
The Courier considered himself a calm and rational man.
This was one of the few moments he found himself tested. Rather quite significantly.
"So, you claim to be from a parallel Earth?" Superman began first. The Courier blinked out of his studious glances at the 'Justice League' they were certainly comfortable in their chairs.
"Assume you have some way of determining my truthfulness?" The Courier titled his head.
"We do." The bald, green skinned, humanoid with red eyes answered "However it is your choice to submit yourself to them."
The Courier narrowed his eyes "Assume you aren't asking for voluntary torture subject."
"No." Batman answered him, head drifting to the woman in the rather...Risqué outfit. Reminded him of Old American Flag.
The woman stood up, Courier recognised her as 'Wonder Woman'. Several magazines were dedicated towards her. Was attractive, slightly taller than he was. Simple cuirass like armour, red in colouration around the torso with a golden 'W' shaped metal bar across the top towards her collarbone, silver bracers on her wrists. Long black hair, a golden tiara with a red star emboldened on the front of it.
Wasn't well armoured, although one picture showed her picking up a bus. Assumed she didn't need much in the way of armour if she could do that.
Her hands went to her hip, revealing a golden rope ending in a noose.
"This is the Lasso of truth." Wonder Woman explained "It will compel you to answer the questions honestly."
The Courier furrowed his brows "Is it lined with some form of drug?"
"Its magic."
The Courier stared at her, then everyone else in the room, then back at her "Would accuse you of insanity. Except I am asking you to suspend your disbelief. Insulting if I did not do the same." he looked back down the lasso "What do you require?"
"Hold out your arms." He did, the moment he did she tightened the noose around his wrists.
The Lasso glowed. He felt something invade his mind, his thoughts became clearer, more streamlined.
"Peculiar." He muttered "Ask your questions."
"You claimed to be from a parallel Earth?"
"Am. Only explanation. No mention or evidence of Justice League in my world."
"Why are you here?"
"Accident. Was investigating rumours of Fiend activity, rigged building to explode. Used 'Transportalplonder' to escape-"
The man in a bright red outfit with a white shoulder cape and a golden lightning bolt on his chest burst out laughing. The Courier stopped at the interruption, looking over at him with a deadpan expression, or as best as he could behind the coverings.
The other league members watched him in varying degree's of annoyance. Although Green Arrow held his hand in front of his mouth to hide a disbelieving smile at the name.
Captain Marvels laugh tapered off, roughly patting himself on the chest before wiping away an imaginary tear "S-sorry...Transportal-what?"
"Transportalplonder." The Courier repeated "Didn't name it. Also find it...mildly irritating. Call it the 'Teleport gun'"
"You were saying." Batman gestured for him to continue.
"Fiends rigged building to explode." The Courier went on "Wouldn't have been a problem, usually." he frowned "Bought several mini-nukes from someone. Explosion was...larger than expected. Transportalplonder was only way out."
"Mini-nukes?"
"Name states to what they are." The Courier explained with a shrug "Small portable nuclear bombs. Launched from shoulder mounted catapult. One probably enough to level small building. Three was problematic. Can only assume radiation affected Teleport gun mid transport."
"Why were you hunting these 'Fiends'?" Wonder Woman asked.
"Roving band of Junkies." He paused "Used to be larger, most of their senior membership is dead. Now they are just another wasteland gang. Consider dealing with them a public service."
"Dealing with?"
"Killing." He answered bluntly "Typical approach most Wastelanders hold to Fiends. Have a habit for targetting trader caravans. Most are depraved psychopathic murderers. One of their leaders enjoyed cooking and eating people."
"Perhaps…" Superman leaned forwards "You should tell us about your world first. Before we go any further."
"Probably for the best." The Courier agreed "Can already see certain dislike towards killing. Background information may aid you in rendering less biased judgement." he turned back to Wonder Woman "You may ask."
"What is the general history of your Earth, from the point of interest?" She asked, the Lasso glowed slightly before the Courier answered.
"Assume you had a World War 2?" He asked, at their nods he went on "Don't know too much from Pre-War. Bits and pieces from Followers and Gannon. Development in nuclear technology. Became more streamlined, less sophisticated. Problem was that this was the most popular form of energy. Supply of Uranium and Plutonium continued to dwindle due to demand from European Commonwealth, Peoples Republic of China, United States and Middle East. Resource Wars officially began in 2052. Most prominent conflict is the United States fighting the Peoples Republic of China. War lasts twenty five years. Culmination of the conflict was complete nuclear devastation on October 23rd 2077. Small percentage of population of United States had retreated into underground Vaults at the time. Wouldn't open again for hundred years. World best described as 'shit hole'."
He paused, then looked at Wonder Woman "Do I continue?"
"No." She shook her head, eyebrows furrowed "That will be enough on the history of your world."
"I assume you have more specific questions related to me?"
"What year was it when you last looked?"
"2282." The Courier replied instantly "January 5th."
"What can you tell us of where you are from?"
"From Mojave Wasteland. Survival odds depend on where you live. Safest places are close enough to NCR territory. Although by the time of my...departure. Was making an attempt to claim the Eastern side of the wasteland. Wouldn't recommend living there though. More chance of Legion." He shook his head "Will be more specific. Never been compelled to tell truth before. Trying to filter thoughts. Post Nuclear Wasteland hazardous. Excluding violent gangs, have to contend with mutants and genetic experiments. Very much 'Kill or be killed' mentality. Mercy often seen as weakness."
"Do you view it as a weakness?"
"View it as something to be used sparingly. Depends on situation." He replied back evenly "If it is necessary for them to die, they die. Simple as. Resources scarce enough, not much tolerance for fiends and Legionnaires."
"You talk as if you don't regret killing them." The blonde haired woman in the purple jacket asked, eyes slightly narrowed.
"Depends of definition of regret." The Courier replied "Regret the ease of the act, not the act itself. Everyone I killed deserved death."
"And that's for you to decide?" The same man in white cape growled out.
"Someone has to." The Courier shrugged "Wasteland law is what you decide it to be in that moment. Hold myself to standard. Don't leap at every opportunity to kill someone. A beating will suffice for certain situations."
"Very well." Superman narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms "What are your intentions?"
"To go home." The earned him slightly surprised looks from everyone else in the room.
"Forgive me for asking this." The Flash leaned forward "But your bare bones explanation made your world seem...not great."
"It isn't."
"So...why do you want to go back?"
"Still home." The Courier shrugged "Was raised there. Lived there. Some friends. Your world, alien to me. Safer and less...harsh in punishment."
"You mean summary executions." Captain Marvel scoffed, the Courier turned to him slightly.
"Understand how it appears from your perspective." He replied "Random murder still frowned upon. No real jails, only one in Mojave was overtaken by the prisoners. Killed the guards and used it as a base to go out raiding."
"How did you propose to get home?" Martian Manhunter titled his head.
"Device was broken upon my arrival and is beyond my understanding." The Courier explained "Would have attempted to contact scientist. Star Labs considered a leader in scientific community, from few newspapers I read." his head turned down slightly "Not best plan. Wasn't sure how I would convince them I wasn't crazy." he looked back up "Now fate depends upon you."
The Justice league looked around for a few moments, before Batman looked to the Courier "We will deliberate further. For now we will return you to your cell."
"Understandable." The Courier nodded "Will await judgement."
2:14AM
March 11th, 2010
Undisclosed location
"So…" Flash started off "What do we do with him?"
"He hasn't committed any crimes on this Earth." Batman pointed out "And we do not hold jurisdiction on his world."
"He still killed people." Captain Marvel pointed out "He even admitted he didn't regret it."
"He also said he was from a post-apocalyptic Nuclear wasteland." Green arrow countered "Now, considering our position, I don't think we really have the right to judge him based upon what we would perceive as lawful. None of us have lived there."
"He doesn't carry himself like a psycho either." Jon Stewart spoke up "For a 'Courier' he acts an awful lot like a soldier. Not saying he is, but clearly the he's had encounters with some form of military. And from his testimony of these 'Fiends' we can assume that few in his wasteland are going to miss them."
"Alright so…" Hawkgirl asked "What? We help him get home?"
"I don't even know if we can." Flash sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose "Star Labs is pretty advanced but multiverse travel? And then add onto that the fact that his 'Transportalplonder'-"
"Amazing name." Green Arrow muttered under his breath.
"-wasn't even supposed to do that in the first place." He shrugged "Even if we do decide to help him...where the heck do we even begin?"
"To say nothing of the length of time it would take to understand the device to make repairs." Red Tornado's robotic voice rang out throughout the room "It could very well take months or perhaps years to allow his return to his Earth."
"All of which brings us back to our question." Martian Manhunter pressed the button at his seat, the holographic projector bringing up the image of the Couriers cell "What do we do with him?"
"J'onn." Wonder Woman spoke up "Did his mind reveal anything?"
"It was difficult to read." J'onn replied "He is a strong willed individual. I would need more time to read his thoughts and it would be a gross abuse of his ignorance to do so." he frowned "It would also become unpleasant for him."
"Regardless of what Manhunter reveals." Aquaman interrupted the pair "It does not answer our question."
"It depends upon him." Batman spoke up "At this moment, he is alone in an alien environment. As we cannot sympathise with his reality, he likely cannot sympathise with ours. He would need to be monitored, for his own safety as much as anyone else's." he took in a breath "I move to vote that we aid him. What he does during in the mean time is dependent upon him."
The other leaguers looked around for a few moments, before they nodded their heads and cast their votes.
The Courier was led back into the meeting room, bag removed from his head. There was a silence permeating throughout the rather large hall, the members of the Justice League looking at the Courier with varying expressions.
The Mail man decided to break the silence first "Assume you have rendered judgement."
"We have." Batman nodded "We have moved to aid you in repairing the device and allowing your return to your own Earth."
The Courier nodded his head "Gratitude."
"I will point out, however, that we cannot begin to estimate the length of time that such repairs would take." Batman went on "You must be open to the possibility of remaining here for some time."
The Courier took in a sharp intake of breath before letting out a small sigh "Regrettable...but understandable. Assume you want the device."
Batman nodded "Considering it wasn't on your person, I assume you have it hidden somewhere."
"Of a sort." He nodded back "Easier to demonstrate." he raised his cuffed wrists slightly "If you would?"
Batman stared at him for several moments before he seemed to press something on his belt, the cuffs made an audible clicking noise before they loosely fell to the floor.
"Electromagnetic locks." The Courier mused, rubbing his now free wrists "Guessed as much." he held his Pip-boy up to his face, right hand flicking through the dials before it came across inventory. He clicked the 'Transportalplonder' there was a brief flash of light from his Pip-boy before the device manifested in his hands.
He nodded to himself and placed it down on the table.
"Teleportation?" Batman guessed.
"Digital storage." The Courier replied.
"Hmph." He growled "I assume you have more in there."
The Courier felt it was wiser to remain silent and not bring up the small armoury of weapons he had on hand. Would probably go a lot further for trust as well.
"Neat." Green Arrow muttered.
"Will be willing to offer aid." The Courier spoke up.
"Aid?" Superman titled his head "What sort of aid?"
The mail man shrugged "Whatever you feel is appropriate to what I have asked of you. You are helping me, fair that I help you." he paused "Was first and foremost a mail man in case someone needs something delivered."
"...Was that a joke?" Captain Marvel blinked.
"No." He shrugged "Experience in other tasks. Bounty hunting, pest control, repairs, electronics. Wouldn't call myself a Doctor...believe appropriate term would be field surgeon."
"I am also informing you that whatever happens, you will be monitored." Batman informed him, the Courier nodded once.
"Understandable. Unknown environment to me. Not used to...calmer civilisation." He shrugged "Not the first time I've been in this situation though."
"Did you have a preference on what manner of aid you wanted to provide?" Black Canary asked.
"Not especially. Often helped in whatever manner was deemed necessary." He released a huff that was equal parts amusement and disbelief "Once helped a man take photos of Wasteland signs."
"Anything you haven't done?" Hal Jordan titled his head slightly, a raised eyebrow.
"Never been a farmer." Someone snorted. "Maybe should give it a go, some plant seeds on my person. Wasteland plants have good medicinal purposes, some recipes for healing...taste quite good as well."
"What did you actually do, aside from being a mail man?" Green arrow asked "Your list of skills seems a little...odd. Even for someone who was a courier."
"...Tried to do what I could." He shrugged "Consider myself somewhat moral, or as moral as can be. Helped Followers and Kings bring some semblance of calm to Freeside, noted that Gotham Street held same aura as it. Like a knife hanging over my back."
"So you were a vigilante?"
The Courier straightened himself out, blinking behind his sunglasses "Never considered it, wasn't much of a law in the Wasteland outside of Vegas...Suppose I would fit definition of Vigilante." he raised an eyebrow "Didn't think you'd need my help in that regard."
"Would you like to help?" Black Canary asked.
"Read some papers." The Courier answered "You have...bizarre criminals." he sighed "Will admit, would probably be tempted to kill a few."
"Tempted?"
"Not my world." He shrugged "Didn't kill every Freeside thug who attacked me. Morality would have demanded I kill others I met...one was a troubled man but...he was trying to be good."
"For the time being." Batman spoke up, silencing everyone else in the room "You shall remain in the Hall of Justice, until we can determine a role for you."
"...Hall of Justice?" The Courier titled his head to the side "Rather bizarre name. Assume it shall also serve to keep me close at hand."
Batman offered no response, although the Courier didn't need one to know he was correct. The Dark knight stood up from his seat "You will be informed by the end of the week on whether or not we accept your aid."
"I see." The Courier nodded his head.
3:00AM
March 11th, 2010
Hall of Justice
"Recognised: Red Tornado – 16" The same automated voice called out, the bag was once again removed from the Couriers head, revealing what appeared to be a lobby of some kind.
"This is the lobby area of the Hall of Justice." The robotic voice had the Courier turn his head towards his automated companion "You will remain here for the next week, while the league arrives at its conclusions."
"Understood." The Courier nodded, then titled his head slightly "You are an artificial life form?"
"I am." Red Tornado affirmed "Curious, you refer to me as a life form as oppose to the more common designation of 'Robot'. May I inquire as to why?"
"Had artificial travelling companion." The Courier replied "Were not as advanced as you, however had their own personality." the courier then turned away "Other artificial life forms as well. Most had rather exaggerated personalities."
"Was that not part of their programming?"
"Vick told me his personality archetype was a basic level of programme." The Courier replied "However, it was designed to be a learning computer." he looked back to Red Tornado "Argue that he 'grew' as a person."
"I see." Red Tornado replied, then moved past the Courier "There are several rooms which were created for on-site personnel which are not currently being utilised. You will be placed in one of these. I shall also guide you to the other relevant facilities."
"Gratitude."
The Tour had continued on, Red Tornado answering the few questions that the Courier had posed to him over the course of the journey. Most of his questions were geared towards the library however.
He had never seen a more intact collection of books, he mentally smiled at the thought of Gannon discovering this place. The man would probably cry over the sheer volumes of reading material available. While he wasn't as devoted as Gannon, he would not deny the appeal that the library held. For both history of his current location and for entertainment value.
"These are your quarters." Tornado stated as they arrived at their final destination, the robot opened up the door to reveal a rather mundane room. Single bed frame in the corner, desk at the opposite end and a cupboard situated to the left of it. Upon the desk with a single terminal, although this one looked far more advanced than the blocky ones he was used to.
"The computer will be monitored." Red Tornado warned "Please refrain from using it for illicit purposes."
"Of Course." The Courier nodded his head, then turned back to Red Tornado "Gratitude."
"You are most welcome." Red Tornado replied, then moved to walk away before pausing for a few moments "Your artificial companion, what was their name?"
"ED-E" The Courier replied "Eyebot. Communicated via beeps."
"I see." Tornado's voice held no emotion in it "I would ask that should the opportunity arise in the future, you speak to me further as to the nature of the artificial life forms from your own dimension."
"Perhaps." The Courier nodded "Dependent upon duration of my stay." he turned away and moved into the room "Have a pleasant evening."
Red Tornado paused for a few moments, head turning to look back at the Courier "To you as well." before he continued on his way back.
The Courier closed the door behind him, eyes moving back over the room he was in. He wasn't stupid, for the time being this was effectively a prison until it was decided how they would deal with him.
Still. He thought to himself. It was one of the nicest prisons he had ever been in, despite its rather bland conditions it was quite telling how it could almost match the hotels on the Strip. Although that probably revealed more about the Wasteland that a janitors room could compete with luxury hotels.
He released a sigh as he moved towards the bed, he hadn't actually had a decent night sleep in a few days. Camping in a wasteland would often do that to a person.
Nestling himself on top of the bed itself, far too tired to bother removing his clothes, he initiated his nightly routine of speaking names to himself.
AN: Yeah…
I lied.
Sort of.
The story falls pretty low on the list of important stories so far. Basically it gets updated when I feel like writing it for the moment, like I said before. Its going to get a pretty weird upload schedule until another story is completed first.
And no, this isn't going to turn into a 'Badass courier kills evil doers and calls Justice league spineless cowards for not making the hard choices' because he obviously isn't a psycho himself.
Also Captain Marvel is a ten year old boy, so he was obviously going to be a fair bit more naïve when it came to justice.