Young Justice: The Gold Corps: Shattered, Chapter 13: Intuitions

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I don't own either Young Justice or the Green Lantern Corps. Please read and review!

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Chapter 14: Intuitions

The next day, Rose was summoned once again to Brother Smith's office. "Well, Kim? How, er, how did it go?"

Rose had been expecting him to inquire about the details for prurient reasons, but he sounded sincere and professional. She was beginning to wonder if her private evaluation of Brother Smith was accurate. He seemed far more complex than she'd anticipated. "Quite well, actually. I explained the situation to him, and, although he had some…misgivings…about it at first—okay, a lot of misgivings-, I was able to…bring him over. He's okay, and so am I. It, uh," and here she faked a blush, "it was…very good. For, for both of us."

"So." Watching her the whole time, his attention unwavering. "It seems to have been a beneficial thing for you both. Though I'm still sensing something…unusual…from your brother."

"Unusual how, sir?"

"Like there was someone else in the picture, someone he's having a hard time thinking about. Maybe letting go. I realize that your personal lives before you came to the shelter are none of my business, but could this be the 'bad experience' you spoke of, earlier?"

Good God. Could Brother Smith sense that much about Ragnar? And from a distance, at that? What powers did this man—if he was a man—possess?

She kept her gaze lowered while she spoke. "Yes, sir. Very probably. It, it didn't end well at all, and, and, well." She fell silent for a moment, looking at her hands. Then, "Girls were always drawn to Collin, and, although he could never understand it, I saw it. Even as his sister, I saw it. Come to think of it, that may have been part of the reason why they were so attracted to him… And then that bitch…you have no freakin' idea how bad it was… I, I would'a done anything to help him. I just didn't know what. But if someone, back then, had told me that someday I'd be fucking him, and, even more bizarre, loving it, I would've asked them what they were high on." She barked a laugh. "Funny, the curve balls life throws you."

"Indeed. And make no mistake, Ms. DeMato: you play a very important role in his life. It's not just a matter of 'reward for good behavior.' This goes far beyond that, far beyond anything to do with my organization. Indeed, it's a good thing both of you found your way here when you did, for this…linkage will prove to be more valuable than you can readily know. You're his anchor, his focal point of contact with the entire human race. And that's going to be vital for his future. Not just his future here in my organization, but his future period. Always assuming, of course, that he has one.

"For I sense your brother is changing. I don't know if it's some mutation, or something else, but surely you've noticed that he's become larger since his stay here."

Rose nodded, even though she really hadn't. She knew Ragnar was slightly larger, taller, and broader than he was when he first came to Earth, but she hadn't actually seen any significant change since they'd undertaken this whole fiasco of a mission.

Rose was pretty sure they were compromised somehow. The only thing was: how badly were they compromised, and what should they do about it?

"In any case, I'm allowing you the use of a computer terminal. One's being installed in your quarters even now. With it, you'll be able to access our private domain site, and browse the web for information, especially for information about how to deal with your brother's changes. Of course, there may not be that much out there for this specific case. But there may be information you can adapt to your unique situation." He looked at her with a very sober, intense expression on his face. "He's going to need you, and need you very much, in the days to come. You do want to help him, don't you?"

"Of, of course I do! Otherwise, I never would've-*"

He held up a hand. "I know. And I know it was a big hurdle for you. You may've had thoughts about it before, or you may not, but either way, the reality is a bit different."

"I'll say."

"Your devotion to him and his to you is one reason I want you both to become my personal staff, here in this chapter of my organization, answerable only to me. I know he is devoted to you, and that's as it should be, even without…the other thing. So, I'm in the process of moving you two into better quarters, somewhat roomier, and with a higher level of security clearance, just as you have now. You'll each have a terminal of your own in your new quarters. But remember: to whom much is given, much is expected. Now. About your new responsibilities…"

Rose could hardly contain herself. Finally! They'd gotten access to the organization's data files! Sure, there was probably a lot of misinformation on them, but she could sort through that.

But now it was more critically important than ever that they play their cards exactly right. That "security clearance" would have to be dealt with, as she was absolutely certain it worked both ways.

Ragnar wasn't in the room when she got back, but the shiny new computer console was. She wasted no time getting on it, and googling up all she could reasonably be expected to google. After all, it was a lead pipe cinch that someone, somewhere, was monitoring her browsing pattern. So she had to have one to monitor.

And one thing she looked up was sexual positions, especially those designed to increase the enjoyment of the act, foreplay, and everything else involved in the act. Just like a teenager would, who'd just been introduced to sex, and wanted to make the most of it.

Rose was experienced enough to know that most of it was bogus, mostly designed to sell adult toys, or promote adult websites. But she lingered on those, just as a teenage girl might…

Ragnar came in from his training session. "So, they've gifted us with a terminal. That's good. Have you found out anything of interest?" Meaning Brother Smith and his organization. He came over and looked over her shoulder. When he saw what she was looking up, he recoiled slightly. "Kim…"

She took a piece of paper and quickly wrote, it's for our cover, dammit! Aloud. "Collin, you're exhausted. Go on and shower off. I'll join you in a moment."

He found himself fervently hoping she didn't mean that literally.

Meanwhile, back in his office, the being calling himself "Brother Smith" smiled a smile like oil on water. He didn't need a terminal to know what the young woman calling herself "Kim DeMato" was looking up, and really didn't need the security cameras to spy on their activities. Had Rose known the full extent of his knowledge of them, she would have terminated the mission right then. But she didn't.

Again, a smile like oil on water. The girl was perfect. She'd do nicely.

…..

As Rose had predicted, there were layers upon layers of encryption designed to keep out anyone without clearance. And full clearance she didn't yet have.

But by working through proxy servers, utilizing knowledge she'd acquired from one of the finest covert warriors alive, plus her own experience, as well as that she'd acquired during her association with Nightwing, she was able to break into the organization's sealed files. What she found was…disturbing.

Smith's organization extended across the nation. She'd been prepared for that, and so wasn't surprised. But what did surprise her was the extent to which Smith's people really believed in their Messiah.

This was not brainwashing, not in the accepted sense. She could detect no indication of any sort of mind control, or even efforts at such. There were no (so far as she could tell) signs of such things as drug use, suspicious electronic equipment, or any indication of any sort of repeated indoctrination procedures(s). Normally, unless extranormal powers were employed, most brainwashing methods depended upon a system of repeated commands, sometimes backed up by pharmaceutical reinforcement, with, occasionally, electronic measures used to reinforce the message and make sure there was no misunderstanding, and that commands and orders were obeyed without question. There was no evidence of that in Smith's organization. None.

Which left the possibility of those "extranormal powers" she'd considered. It was clear that Brother Smith could tell things about people, at a distance, and that he had no trouble "reading" those in his vicinity. He'd pretty much hit the nail on the head when he'd told her about "someone in Ragnar's past"…he couldn't possibly know about M'gann, but just the fact that he knew what he did was enough.

And, as a control feature, he'd instituted her to service him, sexually. That thought caused her to do a slow burn. Typical patriarchal condescending male: the woman is the reward. Do the right thing, you get to dip your wick. And yet, she reminded herself, Smith hadn't started that; it was a process as old as human consciousness itself. Ever since man had been living in caves, the reward of the strong, the survivors, was the "right" to reproduce. There was only one way to do that.

Smith had however, used it in his system. Nor was their particular case all that unique: on a number of occasions, staff members who did well were often paired with one or more extremely attractive and evidently willing young women. But it was invariably the males…she couldn't find any similar system of reward aimed at the female staff members. That, of course, did nothing to relieve her temper.

What was it with these young women? Didn't they have any self-respect? Did they see themselves as just tools, pieces of meat, of the organization to ensure quality work and compliance? Or was something else at work, here?

Rose knew, of course, that there were many young women who had no problem with using their sex to advance themselves in whatever situation they found themselves to be. Here at the shelter, that was by essentially becoming the concubine of someone in authority. They might or might not feel anything towards their bed partners, but that wasn't necessary, for a great many. Simply use it. And, Rose had to admit, most young males were more or less defenseless, to one degree or another, to such tactics. She even noticed, with some disgust, that several young women, in their late teens and early twenties, were paired with young boys, of high school age. Her lip curled automatically. Bet that was an easy score.

And knowing what she now knew about Brother Smith, she couldn't help but believe that he'd surmised, all along, that she'd "offer" to be Ragnar's "reward."

As creepy as it was, incest-wise, had they truly been what they pretended to be- just two young people on the run with nowhere to turn and no one to trust save each other-there was no reason why it shouldn't have worked. Ragnar would be even more devoted to her than before, practically tied to her, almost, not only as a brother but now as a lover, and she would pretty much be in total control of him. And what she was seeing now…Rose Wilson was no prude, but she now more than ever was glad Ragnar hadn't fallen into the clutches of one of these…these…whores.

As she got ready for bed that night, she went over her thoughts. It was troubling that, for all her expertise, she hadn't been able to find out very much about the man who went by the name of "Brother Smith." She had no doubt that wasn't his real name, of course. But in most cases, organizations, cults like these were centered around one strong, charismatic leader, about whom much (whether true or not) would be extremely public, all the more so for the sake of getting "recruits." But in Smith's case, there was only a vague mention of a leader, a powerful man who "knew the Truth." "Truth," in this case, was always spelled with the cap letters, but never defined to any better degree. Not publicly.

She'd already shared all that she could with Ragnar while he showered, as had become their custom, and was now getting undressed, ready to take her shower once he was through. He came out, paused briefly when he saw her near-nudity, then, with a neutral expression on his face, came and got into his bed. Rose had been told that their new quarters would have only one queen-sized bed. Of course.

And tonight was another "reward" night. As she showered off, Rose briefly thought that if he was excelling the way Brother Smith claimed he was just to get the "reward," that she would absolutely kill him, Doomsday genes or not.

But no, he was excelling because he'd been told she'd suffer if he didn't. Privately, Rose thought that was a bluff—except Brother Smith didn't seem like the sort to bluff. Ever.

Besides, Ragnar wasn't climaxing during their "lovemaking." Not once. She couldn't say the same.

So, once again in bed with him, she snuggled in closer, not only for appearance's sake, but also because the bed was so small. She had to practically climb inside his skin just to keep from falling out of the bed. "Okay," he whispered, "how do we do this again?" He was still hesitant.

"Same way as last time." This time she hadn't bothered with keeping her bra on; topless wasn't so bad, and was to be sorta expected anyway. That was a point they'd already passed. She guided his hands over her breasts, showing him how he should be feeling her up, playing with her body in a way consistent with their supposed level of intimacy.

But damned if she'd go bottomless. Not without really good reason. After all, there was a limit. "Sooner or later, you're gonna have to be on top, you know. Most guys prefer that position." He could almost feel himself break out in a cold sweat; it was one thing to lie there and let Rose do what she knew how to do, but he wasn't at all sure he could "fake it" in a believable manner. "Don't worry; I'll coach you on that, too." Once again, she began moving against him, moaning softly, as though with rising passion. And, as before, it wasn't a total act on her part. She felt a little guilty about that. After all, in a sense, she was essentially using his body to pleasure herself. With an effort, she wrenched herself back to reality. This was only pretend; she had to keep it that way. That was only professional.

Post-climax: she once again lay in his arms, murmuring to him in the darkness of the room. Any listeners would probably have thought she was simply muttering the words that come to a girl upon successful completion of the sexual act. They couldn't have been more wrong.

"…and so, we're to be moved into larger quarters, with a larger bed. One bed, I might add, though, of course, in Smith's eyes, there's no reason for two, I guess. And two terminals. I find that suspicious, all by itself."

"Why?"

"It implies you'll have use for a terminal of your own. Make no mistake: our every move, our every search, our every sign-on, will be closely monitored. Don't do anything stupid."

"I am not as unfamiliar with computers as I am with…this. I will be careful."

"Good. Now, something else to prepare for: there may be times when maybe you don't do as well as Brother Smith expects, or maybe he just decides to throw his weight around, or some other such thing. On those nights, I'll probably be instructed to 'have a headache.' So, no pretend sex that night. Just so's you know. In fact, that might be a good thing, really, since it'll give you—give us-some idea as to the range of Smith's expectations of you…."

"'have a headache'?"

"Yeah. Ancient female tactic for evading having sex with her partner that night. Oh, I won't actually have a headache, you understand, that'll just be, you know, a code-word. And I'm not saying it'll be a headache, necessarily…it might be, oh, 'I just don't feel well, tonight, Collin,' or something along those lines...anyway, when that happens, you're supposed to be, like, heartbroken, frustrated, maybe beg me a little…"

"Kim," his tone of voice caused her to look up. "I WILL NOT beg you. Not for that. Do not expect it. I don't care if it does blow our cover, I won't do it."

"Alright, alright, already! Just…act very disappointed. That'll have to do." Sigh. Jesus H. Christ. Of all the partners in the world, she hadda get stuck with…with…

Him.

"Okay. Now, I've already gotten a good look at the structural command of Smith's organization, and it's big. Too big to have been the product of just a few years. I'm thinking decades, maybe even longer. Which means Smith got a head start a long time ago. But what I'm not finding are any indications of what we're looking for: no indications of standard brainwashing equipment, no trace of the sorts of drugs normally used for such things…the drugs found in the bodies of those kids…there's no indication of them. And I've dug deep. You can't just buy drugs like that, even on the black market, and there be no record of it.

"So I'm thinking maybe it's not a drug, not in the accepted sense of the word. Smith's no normal man. He can tell, for example, that there's someone in your past, an extremely painful memory, although, of course, he doesn't know any details. But he knows. I think that might've been one reason he's having me do…this…to, to…"

"Help me get over this person in my past?" Was that a half smile on his face? The urge to absolutely murder him flickered through her mind for a brief moment. She could always blame it on PMS.

"Yeah, well, whatever. But my point is, he knows. He's either extremely good at reading people, or, or he has some kind of power. I wouldn't discount the latter."

"I see." Then he unexpectedly rolled her over on her back. "Wh-what are you-*"

"Sh," he said. "You've asked me to trust you. Now you trust me. Okay?" And he positioned himself over her just so, his body between her legs, in a reasonably good imitation of what his position would be were he to be "on top," but without actually touching her, and began moving in the same way she'd shown him. She lay back, just like a woman whose man has mounted her and was beginning his penetration of her, hands to either side of her head, looking up at him. Okay, so far, so good…he wasn't actually touching her, even through the fabric of their underwear….

His actions brought his head down close to hers, and he moved his mouth towards her ear, as though to nibble on it. Quite believable, actually. The boy was a better actor than she'd given him credit for, and he was a quick learner….

"You've got to get out of here," he whispered into her ear, far too low to be heard by the audio pickups. She could barely hear him herself, and his mouth was practically on her earlobe.

"What? Why?"

"You know I'm good with puzzles, right? Brother Smith has done a great deal to tie me to you, to strengthen whatever bonds we were supposed to have, even to the point of providing us with our own room, and, and each other, for, for sex. You think he planned that. I agree.

"But he's made no real effort to bind you to him. That's coming. He wants to tie me to you…but what's to tie you to him? And I'm thinking it could easily be something nasty. Especially if he does have some sort of paranormal power. It could be anything from drugs you may have missed, or, or direct mind control. Or even something stranger. But it will come. And soon. And because of that, you have to get out of here."

Rose felt a chill run down her arms. It made sense: Brother Smith seemed determined to irrevocably bind them both directly into his organization. He wouldn't put them in the position of authority he kept promising without some controls. So far, Rose ("Kim DeMato") was supposed to be the control for her bear-killing brother. But what would control her, bind her to Brother Smith?

What would he most likely use? Not sex; if he offered her her choice of any of the young men in the place, that could easily lead to problems between her and "Collin." So, no, not sex. What was left? Money? Unlikely. Authority, power? They were already being promised that. Physical force? Not with "Collin" by her side.

But Rose could easily imagine some pretty scary possibilities.

And she knew about Ragnar's almost legendary ability to solve puzzles. According to Aqualad, he'd first arrived on Earth, he'd solved a Rubic's Cube in under five seconds, having never seen one before. When asked, he'd replied that the solution was "obvious." So if he sensed something like what he was talking about, there was a very good chance he was right. "What about you?'

"You leave me. I'll stay here. You just disappear, I don't know where you've gone, maybe this whole thing has, what was that expression you used the other day? 'Weirded you out?' Or something like that. I'll stay here, and try to find out more about this organization from the inside."

She shook her head slightly, making sure he felt it. "No way. I'm not leaving my partner, and I'm not abandoning the mission."

"Nobody's saying abandon it. You just go, then re-infiltrate the shelter as somebody else, no relation to me. My ring can teleport you to any place on Earth you want to go, and scramble the security cameras on this whole floor at the same time. You get on the outside, regroup, and come back in."

Again a very slight shake of her head, even as he moved a bit faster against her, working his way towards what would seem to be a climax to any observers. "No. I'm not abandoning you here. I don't care how good you are with puzzles, or how powerful you may be, this isn't something you can just figure your way through. And if he does have some sort of power, you could be in danger. We need to watch each other's back."

"I'm fairly sure there's not a lot he can do to me. Doomsday genes, remember? I can adapt to almost anything he's got, I'm pretty sure. But you could be…seriously hurt. I don't want that."

She smiled and shook her head again, very slightly. "I thought you didn't like me."

"That's irrelevant. I don't want to see you hurt. You say we're to watch each other's backs. This is how I'm trying to watch yours."

She actually pulled him a little closer, and it wasn't an act. "No. Remember, I'm in charge of this mission. Your points are well-taken and noted, but no. I'm not leaving you here. So that's final. I'll just have to be careful.

"We both will."

He sighed in resignation, continuing to move against her, faster and faster. Rose noted that at no time had he actually rubbed up against her; he'd maintained a certain slight distance between his body and hers. Maybe a half an inch or so. Or more. He was maintaining his professional level of detachment admirably, but it only served to make her feel all the more guilty for those few times she'd inadvertently climaxed while moving against him. "Very well. I acknowledge your leadership. But I will strive my utmost to keep you safe, whether you regard it as 'patronizing' or not. You can order me not to all you want; I will still do what I feel I need to do." Now she nodded against him. Okay, she guessed she'd have to be okay with that much. Now he moved faster, evidently approaching what any onlookers would assume to be a climax. "Well, here I go. What were those sounds you recommended I make, earlier?"

….

In his office, the person others knew as "Brother Smith" soaked in the lovely emotions all around him and smiled. He actually loved his people, in his own way. He knew the two newest ones, who called themselves "Kim and Collin DeMato" were almost certainly "moles." He didn't care. It really didn't matter. He could've given them both offices right underneath his own desk, let them hear and see everything he did, and it still wouldn't matter. Not a bit.

He sighed. The boy would have been perfect, but…his biology wasn't right. Not truly human, and not stable. He was probably from some other world. In any case, he was useful, but not vital. The girl, however, was different. She was in excellent physical shape, far better than she pretended to be, and she was completely human. That made a big difference.

She was perfect. Yes. Perfect. He could hardly wait.

To be continued…