A/N: This chapter contains an indirect reference to the Stanford Prison Experiment. Google for more info, but warning, some of the details of this experiment are graphic, violent and inappropriate for younger viewers.
Disclaimer: Same as always.
Terrors
Mount Justice
September 13, 04:26 EDT
Against Dinah's wishes and on Batman's orders, I had my stitches and sling removed today. It felt good to have my arm free again, but the circumstances I was under weren't exactly liberating. Going undercover in Belle Reve Penitentiary as a guard... at least I would be armed.
As soon as my stitches were out, Batman had me put in color-changing contacts to match Kate Hunt's eyes. Looking in the mirror after the fake scar was applied, I felt like a different person was staring back at me. One golden eye and one blind eye bore into me as I shrugged into my new Belle Reve uniform.
"Dinah, I'm ready to go." I called out. She came into my room quietly and set her hands on my shoulders. We stood there, silent for a moment or two, until Dinah spoke up.
"You'll be armed. But use it only when you absolutely have to. And remember your training. In a prison full of super criminals, hand to hand combat may just save your life." She said, giving my shoulders a squeeze. I nodded, my stern face remaining still.
"Now go. Batman will be expecting you. And stay safe."
"Recognized: Wildcat, B-zero one."
I stepped into the mission room, silent and solemn. Sure enough, Batman and Superman were there waiting for me. I nodded to the both of them and they nodded in return. From over Batman's shoulder, I saw Kaldur approaching us, a stern look on his face. He wasn't thrilled with me going undercover. And considering how we had just started... I guess dating would be the best term, I wasn't exactly thrilled about it either. But I knew what I had to do and, regardless of how I felt, I had to do it.
"Are you ready to go, Kara?" Superman asked me. Batman stepped forward, holding a rifle in his hands, extending it to me. He held it gingerly, as though he would vomit if he had to hold it any longer than he really had to. I stared at the gun, then glanced over at Kaldur, who glanced back at me with a pleading look, telling me not to take the gun. But I gripped the weapon in my hand, slung it over my shoulder and turned to the Man of Steel.
"I'm ready." I growled. As I began to follow Superman, I walked past Kaldur, refusing to look back at him. I knew that if I even stole a glance, I would end up changing my mind. The Kryptonian led me through the Cave, taking care to avoid crossing paths with any other members of the Team. When we reached the hangar, Superman stopped and turned to me.
"An armored car is waiting outside to bring you to Belle Reve. The warden, Amanda Waller, will meet you when you arrive. Remember, no one, not even Waller will know who you are until Superboy and Miss Martian arrive. For the next 24 hours, you will be on your own. Keep your head on a swivel and be ready for anything. Aqualad and Red Tornado will be waiting in the Bioship for you shortly after Superboy and Miss Martian reach Belle Reve. You'll be expected to report in at least once every 24 hours after Superboy and Miss Martian are admitted. Good luck, Miss Grant." He instructed me. I arched my scarred brow.
"Don't you mean, Miss Hunt?"
He gave a light chuckle, "Of course. My apologies."
"I don't mean to interrupt," Kaldur's voice entered the hangar as he approached us, "but I need to speak with Wildcat before she departs."
Superman nodded before flying away, leaving the two of us alone. Almost immediately, Kaldur's arms wrapped around me tightly. It took me a few seconds to respond, but when I did I melted into his embrace, listening to his steady heartbeat.
"You can still say no to this, Kara. Batman would understand if you said no." He pleaded, pressing his lips to my temple. I sighed and pulled my head away to look up at him.
"Believe me, I would much rather be with you in the Bioship. But I have to do this. I need to prove to myself that I can do what my grandfather did. I need to prove that I can be like him." I said moving my hand to cup his cheek, my voice strained and quiet. He opened his mouth to say something, but a horn from the armored car outside sounded, cutting him off.
I pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, wishing that time would stand still. His hands slid to my waist as he pulled me closer, wanting more. But another call from the armored car forced me to pull away.
"I'll see you soon." I called out as I walked out to the car. A bearded man in body armor sat in the driver's seat and offered me a nod as I climbed into the passenger seat. Setting my rifle in my lap, I pulled out my phone and saw that I had a text from Dinah.
Ted wants to talk to you after you get out of Belle Reve. Says it's important. Be safe.
"Sorry, kid. But you won't be able to have a phone on you when you get to Belle Reve." The truck driver told me, "It's standard policy for guards. Don't want any of those baddies getting our personal info."
I nodded and shut my phone off, shoving it into my bag and staring out the window as we drove away.
Staunton, Virginia
September 13, 16:51 EDT
In Staunton, I changed cars. The guards exchanged a few words as I climbed into the second car, giving me the opportunity to check my phone without receiving a judging look. One missed call, from the Cave.
I called back, placing the phone to my ear and waiting for a response.
"Hello?" It was Connor.
"Connor, it's Kara. Did you call me earlier today?" I asked him quietly.
"Yeah. Batman wanted me to tell you that M'gann and I will be in New Orleans tomorrow at three o'clock. He's arranged to have you on the transport that will bring us to Belle Reve."
"Is that all? I thought Wally had gotten stuck trying to vibrate through a wall." I joked. I could hear him chuckle deeply on the other end of the line.
"Thanks for that. I needed to laugh, I guess." Connor admitted.
"Everything okay?" I asked. Silence was the answer. I could almost tell that he was scowling.
"Superman?" I asked knowingly. That was usually the answer to his issues and even though he didn't say it, I could tell that I was right.
I peered out my window and saw the guards returning to the car. "Hey, I have to go. Comm me if you need me, don't call my phone anymore. I'm not permitted to carry my phone in Belle Reve."
"Okay," he grunted, "I'll tell Kaldur. He's been acting weird since you left. I guess he's just worried... he cares a lot about you, you know."
I was glad he wasn't there so I didn't have to hide my blush. I didn't realize how observant Connor really was.
"Believe me, I know." I smiled, "I'll see you tomorrow, Connor."
He hung up and I stuffed my phone back into my bag, my smile still lingering on my face.
"Your boyfriend call you?" My new driver asked. I scoffed, my smile finally fading.
"No. My boyfriend is flying down to New Orleans as we speak," I explained, lying to the guard, "That was just a friend from Central City."
"Well, I'm sure Kingsley gave you the rundown about phones in Belle Reve, so I won't bore you. Get some rest, kid. You'll need it. Next car change is in Atlanta."
I nodded and turned the safety on my rifle before setting on the floor of the truck. I positioned myself to face the window and shut my eyes, drifting slowly off to sleep.
Atlanta, Georgia
September 14, 01:16 EDT
"Wake up, kid. Time to change cars. We're just outside of Atlanta." The guard shook me awake. I yawned heavily and blinked a few times, allowing my vision to clear. Grabbing my gun and bag, I slid out of the truck and crawled into the final car, checking my phone one final time. Nothing. I was officially on my own.
"Let's go. I don't want to waste any more time." I called. The guards spent no time talking, they simply exchanged nods and went their separate ways.
"I'll be delivering you directly to Warden Waller." The guard said in a heavy Louisiana accent, "She got a tip that the Terror Twins were heading to New Orleans later today; has the Justice League working to catch 'em. You and Wilcox'll be in charge of transportin' them along with Freeze and Jr. to Belle Reve. Waller also wants you to keep an eye on Killer Frost and Tuppence Terror once they're incarcerated."
"Understood." I nodded once and turned back to the window.
I dozed off again at some point during the final eight hour drive to the Belle Reve Parish. When I woke up again, it was around noon and we were driving through a thick swamp.
"Welcome to the Belle Reve Parish, new kid." The driver told me. A few minutes later, we pulled up to a massive concrete structure with armed guards at every corner. Belle Reve Penitentiary. We slowed to a stop and exited the truck, the driver leading me to a chain link fence topped with barbed wire. On the other side, two large men stood on either side of a smaller woman. The woman was smaller than me, but that didn't make her any less terrifying.
"You must be Warden Amanda Waller." I observed. She gave me an indifferent expression.
"That's right. And you're Kate Hunt, my newest guard." She replied. I nodded. She gave me a sharp grin as one of her goons opened the chain link fence for me. I stepped inside, handing my bag off to another guard and slinging my rifle over my shoulder.
"I trust that Mayer here gave you the details of your first assignment?" Waller asked me, glancing over at my driver. I nodded again. "Good. Wilcox is waiting for you. Mayer will bring you to him. And keep your safety off in New Orleans. You'll be going in to get the Terrors out."
New Orleans
September 14, 16:53 CDT
Superman and Martian Manhunter were taking down Tommy and Tuppence Terror as Wilcox and I pulled up. The two of us leapt out as the Leaguers sent the twins sailing into an old Mardi Gras warehouse. Batman intercepted us outside the warehouse, Aqualad not far behind him. I kept my gaze solely on Batman, not even considering glancing at Kaldur.
"I want Hunt coming in. She's dealt with criminals like this at Iron Heights. Mr. Wilcox, stay out here. Superman will be with you shortly to handle the oncoming media. Move out, now!" Batman ordered. I slipped into the warehouse on silent feet, my gun raised. Kaldur went around to meet J'onn. As the Terror Twins came to, I hid in the shadows and waited for Batman's signal. J'onn and Kaldur slapped inhibitor collars onto the twins.
"That don't feel right..." Tommy groaned, "My strength... but... I done just went toe to toe with Superman."
"Congratulations." Connor and M'gann stepped into the light, the former dressed like Tommy, his hair was even bleached and cut. He wore his signature scowl on his face, "That's more quality time than he's ever given me."
I fought the rising sense of empathy, keeping my expression stone cold and my gun aimed at Tommy Terror's head.
"Got your inspiration, sister Tuppence?" Connor asked in an accent that matched Tommy's to a tee. M'gann walked up and studied Tuppence for a moment before shapeshifting into Tuppence herself.
"I believe I do, brother Tommy." She replied with a matching Southern accent.
"Somebody tell me what's goin' on?" The real Tommy asked.
"It's simple." Batman emerged from the shadows and so did I. The Dark Knight placed inhibitor collars on Connor and M'gann, "They're under arrest."
"I don't understand..." The real Tuppence started. I cut her off angrily.
"You don't have to. Now, keep your trap shut!" I aimed for her head without hesitation, my finger resting on the trigger.
"Stand down, Hunt!" Batman barked. My glare remained strong as I slowly lowered my gun. I glanced over at Kaldur, who was staring at me incredulously. I scoffed and backed away, slinging my rifle easily over my shoulder and grabbing Tommy roughly by the shoulder, yanking him to his feet.
"Let's go, Terror."
I pushed Tommy to our armored truck and shoved him inside, while Wilcox and Superman held off Cat Grant and a flurry of reporters. Once I was certain Terror number one was secure, I stepped out of the truck and signaled to the Kryptonian. He gave me a nod and ducked inside the warehouse to grab Terror number two. When both were secured, Batman brought them to a nearby League facility for 'booking', while Connor and M'gann were fingerprinted and processed at a local facility.
Belle Reve Parish
September 16, 21:55 CDT
I sat next to Wilcox as we made our way back to Belle Reve Penitentiary. Connor and M'gann sat to my right, Icicle Jr. and Freeze on my left. Freeze kept quiet and glared the entire trip. Jr. made flirty faces at 'Tuppence' much to her disgust. When he saw that he wasn't getting anywhere with her, he leaned across the way and whispered loudly to 'Tommy'.
"Dude. Dude! Your sister is sweet! How about you put in a good word for me?"
Connor rolled his eyes as Wilcox moved forward, slamming Jr. back into his seat with the butt of his rifle.
"Sit down! We're here. Welcome to Belle Reve."
We led the four of them out of the truck and brought them into the processing atrium. Waller stood over us on a small balcony along with an armed guard and a man I didn't recognize.
"I am the law of last resort. My name is Amanda Waller. I am not you mother, your maiden aunt, or your friend. I am your warden. And you are my prisoners. The proprietary collars you wear are custom designed to inhibit your specific meta-abilities. No strength, no ice. In addition, the collars can and will be used to discipline inmates. A con who breaks the rules gets one warning." Waller drew a small remote from her pocket, and pressed a small button. Immediately, the collars that the four of them were wearing produced electric shocks. They fell to their knees screaming in pain and a few seconds later, Waller turned the collars off.
"If order has not been restored," Waller continued, "The next shock will render the offender unconscious. At the slightest hint of trouble, this facility goes into lockdown. Belle Reve's walls are thick enough to hold Superman. We know. We checked. No one's ever escaped Belle Reve. No one ever will." The stranger then coughed and pushed forward toward the edge of the balcony, gaining Waller's attention.
"Oh. This is Professor Hugo Strange. He is your maiden aunt."
"Actually," Strange adjusted his tinted glasses, "I'm the prison psychiatrist. And I promise you a sincere attempt at rehabilitation."
"Because we know you types are all about... sincerity." Waller finished, before nodding to us guards to escort the prisoners to their cells. I moved to escort M'gann and was joined by another woman guard. She gave me a quiet nod and we began to make our way to the women's wing.
"Connor, Kara, can you hear me?" M'gann asked telepathically.
"Yes, M'gann, I hear you." I responded as we headed to her cell.
"Yeah, but I thought the collars-" Connor replied genuinely surprised.
"Custom designed to inhibit Tuppence Terror's super strength, not my telepathy. But your strength is-"
"Not at Superman's level. I get it."
"Connor," I cut in, "That's not what she-"
"Whatever." He grunted before going offline. The other guard and I brought M'gann to her cell, where Killer Frost was lounging on the top bunk.
"I'll be back tomorrow at 6 am, M'gann. Keep your head low until I get back." I instructed the Martian as the cell door closed.
"Understood. See you tomorrow."
An hour later, I was changed into civvies, and trudging my way through the swamp near the penitentiary. The Bioship was supposed to stay in camouflage mode while we were undercover, but at my request, Kaldur made it visible when I told him I was on my way. Red Tornado was the one who met me when I first arrived.
"Greetings, Wildcat." The robot said, "Are Miss Martian and Superboy in position?"
"Yes. They're securely in their cells for the night, and M'gann established a telepathic link, allowing us to communicate." I reported, looking around the ship aimlessly, "Where's Aqualad?"
"He is at the helm. He requested that I send you to him to speak after you gave your report." Red replied, "I will report to Batman while the two of you speak."
I nodded and headed toward the bridge. Kaldur was waiting for me when I got there, his face stern, his eyes filled with concern.
"You wanted to talk?" I asked quietly. He nodded once, standing up and turning to face me.
"Yes. I was hoping to speak to you about what happened in the warehouse. The way you spoke to the Terror Twins."
I shut my eyes and took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of my nose, "What about it?"
"Something in you changed, Kara. I could see it in your eyes." He began, his voice unusually strained and quiet, "And it was terrifying."
My head snapped up to look at him, my false eyes growing wide. I opened my mouth to speak but he held up a hand, cutting me off.
"I was terrified, Kara. Seeing you so angry, so... violent... I don't want you to lose control of yourself because you want your undercover work to be too believable. I don't want to lose you to this mission." He took my hand in his and intertwined our fingers. I gazed up at him and cupped his cheek with my free hand.
"Kaldur," I started, turning to look out the window, "I never meant for you think that of me. I've spent years training for any mission that I've been assigned. I've studied the psychology, the behaviors of prison guards from all over the country. And the sense of power that comes with carrying that gun... it's intoxicating. It's a socio-psychological phenomenon and it proves the point that power corrupts absolutely."
I untangled our hands and walked to the window, shoving my hands into my jean pockets, "I'll do everything in my power to prevent myself from turning into that person you saw, but I can't guarantee that I'll be the same person you knew. Prison changes everyone, not just the prisoners, but the guards as well."
Kaldur wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, letting me lean back onto his chest. He leaned down and kissed my collarbone before trailing feather-light kisses up my neck to my jawline.
"Even if you aren't the same," he whispered in my ear, sending a chill down my spine, "My feelings for you will not change, Kara. That I can guarantee you."
I turned around in his arms, wrapping mine around his neck. I pulled his head down and our lips collided. We stood there, for how long, I don't know, but when we pulled apart, we both gasped for air.
"When do you have to return?" He asked me, panting slightly, setting his forehead against mine. I moved one of my hands to cup his cheek again.
"Not until the morning." I answered at a whisper.
"Stay?" He begged. I smiled widely and pecked him on the cheek.
"Well, I'm not going to say no when you ask like that." He began to lean in once more when my phone rang. I whipped it out turned it to speaker phone.
"You've got Grant." I announced.
"Kid. It's me." A gruff, Brooklyn voice responded on the other end. The voice of Ted Grant.
"Why are you calling me?" I pulled away from Kaldur, my voice becoming harsh and cold, "I thought you wanted to talk after Belle Reve."
"I did. But this can't wait any longer. I found your dad, Kara. Or, he found me, really. And he wants to see you."
I froze. My father had fallen after the radar when I was about 5 years old. I barely knew him, since he and my mother never married. As far as I had known, my father was dead. Clearly, I was wrong.
"You can't be serious, Ted." I replied shakily, "My father is dead, has been for over a decade."
"I'm not makin' this up, kid. He's alive and he wants to see his daughter. Any chance you can zeta to New York after your assignment?"
I sighed heavily and waited a moment before replying, "Yeah, sure. I can swing by when this is over. I'll call you."
I hung up and flopped down onto the floor, my head in my hands.
"Kara?" Kaldur kneeled down and set a hand on my shoulder. I choked back a sob. "Talk to me."
"My father has been presumed dead for eleven years. He disappeared when I was five. If he's been alive this whole time..."
I trailed off, tears burning at the corner of my eyes. I wasn't the type to burst into tears, but this... this was too much. Instantly, Kaldur pulled me close, letting me cry into his shoulder. I don't know how long I cried for, but I ultimately ended up falling asleep in his arms. It was peaceful, dreamless, and I knew that, at least for the night, I would be safe.