Hitchhikers Guide to the Millma Verse
Disclaimer: As usual, we own nothing but the idea and one or two characters.
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Note 1: As the title of this chapter suggest, this is based on 'The Trial of the Flash', as seen in season 4 of Flash. Yes, we're taking our shot on that but, while it is based on that, some of the circumstances are going to be the same while other things have been changed to better fit the world – especially since the crime and trial took place at Christmas and now we are in April. You'll understand fine.
Note 2: Just to let you know, the only law knowledge we have are Millie's Law and Order Degree (Sigma isn't into those show) – she watches a lot of it so is able to muddle her way through the law stuff. If you have a law degree and see something in this chapter that's not right, please don't complain correcting us. Just take it as a different world with a similar but slightly different system of laws. Like Prime's Krypton being different to others.
The Trial of Barry Allen
Mutant Earth.
Cisco had a day off from the STAR Labs Museum and was spending time in the Superflash Warehouse; he was alone until a blue vortex opened and Kayla Lane appeared with a small satchel worn over her shoulder.
"Kayla," Cisco sat up in his seat as Kayla moved from the X on the floor – the spot where multiverse travelers could come and go from.
"Hey," Kayla smiled as she moved toward Cisco now.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Cisco asked.
"Well, I was on Prime helping out with the Dominators…" Kayla started, putting her bag down and pulling out her journal.
"Dominators?" Cisco frowned at this.
"Aliens," Kayla sighed, taking a seat. "Well proper alien-aliens, not like me or Mon. Anyway, they've apparently been keeping watch on the world for a while now and finally came to pick a fight – and release a meta bomb."
"The one time I choose not to spy on Prime," Cisco groaned. "What happened?"
"Team PowerFlash are still figuring out the repercussions, but there's already an upswing on metas across the planet. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not," Kayla stated, already writing in her journal as she spoke – double-tasking that impressed Cisco.
"So, you came here to…?" Cisco asked, leaning over to her.
"Well, with their team down some members they needed the Kryptonian back-up, but I could really do with a break now the dust is settled," Kayla stated, looking up at Cisco with a smirk now.
"You mean, go to another unexplored world?" Cisco smirked, eyeing the journal.
"Well…" Kayla chuckled now as Cisco laughed.
"Last time we went to Earth 30, now called Betrayal thanks to Mon-El, so what if we did the next one up, Earth 31?" Cisco asked, rubbing his hands together, a look of glee on his face now.
"I'm game," Kayla nodded, folding her arms as Cisco put on his Vibe goggles, opening a new portal for the pair of them.
"A brand-new world," Cisco stated, jumping through the portal after Kayla, it closing behind them.
-Hitchhikers-
Earth 31.
Barry sat on the chair in STAR Labs, his head in his hands. Mon-El put an arm around him while Caitlin, Cisco, Ralph, Joe, and Cecile were pacing the room.
"I'm going to jail," Barry moaned. "I'm going to jail for a crime I did not commit."
"The trial not over yet Barry," Cisco started, just as a portal opened in the room; everyone turned to look at it as a Mutant Cisco and Hitchhiking Kayla came through.
"Hi. Oh, a room full! We're…" Mutant Cisco began.
"Multiverse," his double, Caitlin and Ralph chorused, shutting Cisco up.
"Oh, well that always makes it easy," Kayla spoke. "I'm Kayla – not Kara, who is my twin."
"Like Clark's little cousin Kara," Mon nodded, getting it. "But… you're not 12?" Kayla raised an eyebrow at that but said nothing. Kara must have only just got out of the Phantom Zone, then. "And another Cisco."
"Hey, you're blonde here too," Mutant Cisco countered, pointing at this Barry now. "You're the second Barry I've met who's blonde." Barry raised an eyebrow putting hands through his hair but didn't respond.
"Not really a good time," this Earth's Cisco voiced.
"What's going on?" Mutant Cisco asked, curious.
"Barry's been framed for murder," Ralph said.
"Wait, what?" Kayla paused at this.
"And who are you?" Cisco asked Ralph.
"Ralph Dibney… The Elongated Man," Ralph tried, and Cisco shook his head. "Ah." Ralph pulled a face at that.
"Okay, so framed by who?" Cisco moved on, looking back to Barry.
"The person he supposedly killed," Caitlin spoke, making Kayla and Cisco look at each other. "Clifford DeVoe. He's…"
"An idiot," Kayla cut Caitlin off. "Sorry, I had one on my world and my Flash actually did kill him. Then again, my Flash was pure evil so maybe not a good example."
"Okay…" Caitlin frowned at Kayla at this as the Kryptonian waved her hand, gesturing for Caitlin to continue. "Anyway, our DeVoe is a mad meta human genius. We don't know his plan, but he has decided to pick on Barry. He used a Dark Matter device to turn a bus of regular humans into meta humans, including Ralph here. Then he switched his mind out of his dying body into one of those meta humans – a nice man who could read minds. He left his original, dead, body in Barry and Mon's apartment." Mutant Cisco and Kayla didn't even blink at that. Mon had his arms around Barry, so it was obvious the pair were a couple.
"And the Prosecution did their job and did it well," Barry added. "We don't have a defense. I'm going to jail."
"No, you're not," Cecile said. "Look, Barry, you really have to consider revealing yourself as the American Flash." Mutant Cisco mouthed 'American Flash?' to Kayla at this, who shrugged. "Once you reveal yourself as the hero, this goes away – then you and Valor can join the Central City Police Metaphysical Persons division."
"I'm sorry. Metaphysical Person division?" Mutant Cisco cut Cecile off.
"Most superheroes and vigilantes work through Police Departments," Joe finally spoke up. "But Barry, Mon, and everyone else here are freelance. If Barry was to reveal his identity, he would be able to join, but can't keep a secret identity and be in the force."
"An American Flash?" Kayla asked. "There's more than one Flash?"
"Me and my uncle," Barry said, but 'uncle' was spoken with venom behind it. "Jay Garrick. He's the Flash. Although, like me the public does not know his real identity. He works with some secret program. He took his family and left the United States – didn't even call or come back. Joe was the only one there for me and my sister when mom died, and dad went to prison."
Kayla and Mutant Cisco decided not to ask further. He'd painted a clear picture in those few words.
"Okay, one final question," Cisco rose his hand. "Why is she here?" Mutant Cisco pointed at Cecile as he said it. He knew of Cecile's, but his Joe wasn't with her.
"I'm Joe's wife and Barry's lawyer," Cecile pointed out.
"She's your lawyer?" Cisco frowned. "You would have been better off with Lucy Lane or Laurel Lance."
"I am glad you said that, extra Cisco," a voice spoke as Laurel Lance herself walked into the lab. "Where did you get an extra Cisco, anyway?" The group of this world remained silent at that. "You know what, I don't care. I'm here to save you Barry." Barry raised an eyebrow at this. "I've been keeping an eye on your case and I have to say I have not seen a more incompetent defense in my life – and the thing that gets me is you're not even a bad lawyer, Cecile. You're not great, but better than this case shows. It almost feels like you're throwing it on purpose."
"And why would I want Barry to go to jail?" Cecile asked, crossing her arms. Defensive.
"You don't," Kayla was the one to voice this as the group turned to her, having noticed something odd about Cecile's earlier wording. "You were just pushing really hard for Barry to reveal himself; you want him to let the world know who the American Flash is. But why not just tell them yourself?"
"Because revealing the identity of a freelance hero is punishable to up to 5 years in jail," Laurel filled in, surprising Mutant Cisco and Kayla.
"Cecile…?" Joe asked, stepping forward.
"Urgh, fine," Cecile groaned, raising her hands now. "Look, the city would be better off if everyone here worked with the police. You've agreed with that Joe," Cecile said, knowing she was busted. "I didn't see the harm. The minute Barry revealed himself this case would go out the window anyway."
"You don't get to decide that," Barry said, standing up and sounding annoyed now.
"Well someone needed to do something," Cecile pointed out.
"Which is why I'm here," Laurel stated. "Barry…?"
"Yeah. I'm sorry Cecile, but I can't reveal who I am, not even to save my ass. I think it's best you go – I'm taking Laurel," he stated, folding his own arms now as Laurel smirked.
Cecile turned to Joe at this, shocked.
"Joe?" Cecile started, "You know…"
"Cecile, you're my wife and pregnant with my daughter," Joe said. "I love you, but please never mess with my son again." He didn't sound angry – in fact, he sounded just as smooth as ever – but Cecile gave a nod, knowing she had to make up for this as she turned from the group and walked out of the lab.
"Bar, I'm sorry," Joe said the moment Cecile was out of earshot. "I didn't realize…"
"It's not your fault, Joe," Barry sighed. "But I am…"
"You're not going to jail," Laurel cut him off. "The Prosecution has rested their case. It's the Defense's turn tomorrow. Barry, I am Barred in this state. I can represent you – and I have a plan to turn this around."
"Okay," Barry said after a moment. "I'm putting my life in your hands, Laurel."
"You won't regret it," Laurel smirked. "First off, I need a deep internet dive."
"I'm your man," both Ciscos said at the same time; this Earth's Cisco gave his counterpart a look.
"Two geniuses are better than one," Mutant Cisco tried.
"Works for me," Laurel shrugged. "I need info on DeVoe's wife's new boyfriend, her own life, DeVoe himself… everything – especially his family." The two Ciscos nodded and rushed to the computers. "The Prosecution's biggest evidence is the forensics," Laurel continued. "Barry, you're the CSI, how good is the forensics?"
"Good, but there are also faults," Barry muttered, having been thinking it over. "In fact, a better CSI wouldn't have said that this was as air-tight as the Prosecution's CSI said."
"I need a forensics scientist to testify to that," Laurel pointed out.
"What about Julian Albert?" Caitlin asked. "Former CCPN forensic scientist. He now works for Luthor Corp, and has a book coming out about metaphysical humans. He's the best… even if he and Barry never got along that well. If the evidence is not there, he will testify to it."
"Get him on the phone. See if he's will be willing to look over the evidence tonight to testify tomorrow. I need to send a new list of witnesses to the Prosecution tonight," Laurel instructed, and Caitlin nodded. "Barry, we need to talk about you testifying."
"I can't lie under oath," Barry said.
"You don't have to," Laurel replied. "You didn't kill DeVoe."
"But I did see him and fight with him – as the American Flash," Barry pointed out.
"Technically the way the law is worded, the American Flash and Barry Allen are two different people," Laurel stated. "Until you come out and say you are the American Flash, any of the American Flash's actions are not Barry Allen's actions. This means, when you testify as Barry Allen, nothing the American Flash did is on you. You can legally testify that you did not fight with DeVoe and it would be true. It's a legal loophole but legal none the less." Laurel paused as Barry's eyes widened. "We can spend the night practicing, but Barry, that restraining order looks bad. And you're the only one who can explain it away."
"Okay," Barry said with a nod.
"And before we start practicing, I need something else… a red herring," Laurel thought. "I need to give that jury another suspect; someone that can say 'this is what really happened'. We can poke all the holes in their evidence and forensics but without another suspect, the jury will be inclined to believe Barry did it regardless."
"We can't frame someone else. We know who did this' Barry said. "And the jury won't believe it."
"Not frame. Just twist the evidence to suggest someone else," Laurel said. "It's done all the time."
"You can put me out as a suspect," Mon said. "It's my apartment too. Barry is my husband." Kayla, who had been silently watching, smiled at that; the two men who were usually with Kara were now with each other.
"No, I don't even want you testifying," Laurel said to Mon, who pouted.
"I got an idea," Ralph said. "Before becoming Elongated Man, I studied some cases," Ralph moved to a laptop and started typing, "and I think this will do well for you…" Ralph showed the computer to Laurel, who smirked as she read.
"Okay, that's perfect," Laurel said. "Everyone – we've got a lot of work to do."
-Hitchhikers-
The rest of the day had been so busy, but that didn't stop Cisco from setting up the system that day, especially given this world's obvious willingness to join them. Kayla, who had sat back well into the evening to help this group in any way they needed, was eager to help too, and the two Ciscos were consistently busy, which pleased her too.
By the next day, having spent the night at this STAR Labs, Mutant Cisco and Kayla were sitting in the court room, on Barry's side with Catlin, Ralph, this Earth's Cisco, and Joe. Cecile had stayed away from her stepson's trial now she was not the lawyer. Barry was in his suit with Laurel by his side, up in front.
"What is this?" The Prosecutor, a man named Anton Slater, asked when he walked in to see Laurel.
Laurel didn't answer though as Judge Hankerson entered the room and took his seat, everyone rising as he entered. "Cecile Horton, you look a lot different," Judge Hankerson smirked as everyone else sat.
"Laurel Lance, your honor," Laurel nodded. "I will be taking over the Defense of Barry Allen."
"Your honor, this is clearly just a ploy to get more time," Anton Slater instantly said, standing up. "The Defendant is reaching."
"No ploy. No more time. I am ready to bring my defense today and get an innocent man out of this court room," Laurel said simply. "And whatever you think, it's Barry Allen choice who defends him. He fired Cecile Horton and hired me."
"Mr. Allen," Judge Hankerson said, pointing at Barry as Barry stood. "This was your willing choice to change lawyer mid-trial, knowing your new lawyer would not ask for extra time?"
"Yes, your honor," Barry said.
"Then this is settled. The trial will continue with Laurel Lance defending Mr. Allen," Judge Hankerson said as Barry took his seat. "Counsel, call your first witness."
"The Defense would like to recall Marlize DeVoe to the stand," Laurel stated.
"Your honor, I object to this recall," Anton Slater said. "The Defense already got to cross-witness Marlize DeVoe."
"There is no law that states the Defense cannot recall a prosecution witness," Laurel pointed out. "I informed the Prosecution that I would be recalling two of their witnesses last night and informed said witnesses to be in court."
"Counsels, up here," Judge Hankerson decided, indicting with his hand for the two lawyers to come forward.
Laurel and Anton both stepped forward. "Your honor, there is no reason to traumatize this woman any further after the death of her husband," Anton stated. "The Defense had their chance to cross."
"She had already agreed to testify once," Laurel said. "As for the Defense's cross-interrogation, it was before I came on board, and I find the witness wasn't where they should be. No offense to Cecile Horton, but I think her pregnancy has confused her abilities." Laurel didn't want to get Cecile's license taken away by admitting she was purposely trying to sabotage Barry's defense. She had good intentions, after all. "And like I said, there is no exact law that forbids my recall."
"Did Ms. Lance inform you last night?" Judge Hankerson asked.
"Yes," Anton admitted, looking away now.
"Then I agree with Ms. Lance. Don't worry, you'll be able to cross-examine," Judge Hankerson said. "Ms. DeVoe will take the stand." He said this louder as Laurel and Anton moved back.
"Thank you, your honor," Laurel said as she backed up and Marlize DeVoe came over, having been sitting in the stands, waiting. She looked a little frustrated a everything.
"Just a reminder, you are still under oath," Judge Hankerson informed Marlize.
"Mrs. DeVoe," Laurel started. "First, I want to express my condolences on your husband." Marlize gave a nod. "But I find myself confused about your new boyfriend. You said you met him in a support group for people with disabled family members. Is that right?"
"Yes," Marlize said.
"Who was he there for?" Laurel asked.
"His mother," Marlize informed.
"That's funny," Laurel said. "A quick look on the internet will show his mother and father are both healthy, living it up in Florida. In fact, looking into his background he knows no one. Has no reason to be in a support group. So, tell me again, where did you meet him?"
"Objection, your honor, ground on relevance," Anton said, standing.
"It goes to the trustworthiness of this witness your honor," Laurel said. "If she's lying about where she met this man, who knows what else she's lying about."
"I agree with the Defense," Judge Hankerson said. "The witness will answer."
"I… I met him at the store," Marlize DeVoe said, surprising everyone as she stuttered her response. "I thought it would… look bad that I was cheating on my husband. I loved Clifford but… he was dying. I needed someone. I thought it looked better if my new boyfriend was going through the same."
"What else are you lying about?" Laurel asked, surprised she'd broken so fast.
"Everything," Marlize DeVoe said, sighing. Laurel took a breath as she stepped near the jury.
"Everything?" Laurel said looking at the jury. "So just to be clear, you testified your husband went to see Barry Allen that day to make amends. That was a lie?"
"I am sure Mr. Allen killed my husband, but no. Clifford never told me he was going to see Mr. Allen. It was just what I figured he did," Marlize said.
"But no proof," Laurel pointed out. "You have no idea how your husband ended up at Barry Allen's apartment that night?"
"No," Marlize said. "I didn't even see him leave that night."
"Thank you," Laurel said, going to take her seat.
Anton stood clearly, shocked by this. "Mrs. DeVoe… you testified before that you knew where Clifford DeVoe was?"
"I know," Marlize said. "I lied and I am sorry – and I feel guilty. While I believe Mr. Allen killed Clifford, I cannot prove it. I lied to help the case and it was wrong of me. I couldn't do it again when Mrs. Lance recalled me."
"So, you are recanting your former testimony?" Anton asked.
"Yes," Marlize said.
"That's all," Anton sighed, sitting down.
"That was too easy," Caitlin whispered as the Judge gave Marlize some sharp words for lying and was informing the Jury to disregard her former testimony.
"You may step down, Mrs. DeVoe. Your obstruction of justice, under oath, could cost you – it is a felony to lie under oath, after all," the Judge stated.
Marlize nodded as she stepped down, going to to head out.
"I'm going to follow her," Caitlin whispered as she got up and pushed pass Kayla and Mutant Cisco to follow Marlize out.
"The Defense recalls Captain Singh," Laurel continued.
"You know, I never saw a court case that seemed directly of Law and Order," Mutant Cisco whispered to his double, a smirk on his face as Captain Singh took the stand. "Laurel is good."
"Captain Singh," Laurel said. "Thank you for coming back. Now, Clifford DeVoe, what do you know of his medical condition?"
"He was wheelchair-bound," Captain Singh stated. "That's the extent of my knowledge."
"From your knowledge, could he get out of the wheelchair and walk?" Laurel asked.
"No," Captain Singh said.
"What floor does Mr. Allen live on?" Laurel asked.
"The fifth," Captain Singh answered.
"And does his building have an elevator?" Laurel asked.
"I think so," Captain Singh said, pausing to think.
"You think, or you know?" Laurel asked.
"Know, yes, it has an elevator," Captain Singh said with a nod.
"That's funny," Laurel said, going back to her table and taking out some papers. "Because every tenant in the apartment signed this, stating there was no elevator." Laurel handed a copy of the signature to Anton and then the Judge. "The Defense makes a motion to include this in evident."
"Added," the Judge said, simply.
"So, Captain Singh, do you know better than everyone in that building?" Laurel asked.
"It looks like I was mistaken," Captain Singh said, honestly. "There is no elevator. I just… didn't think of it. I assumed."
"So then, answer me this. How can someone who is stuck in a wheelchair get up to the fifth floor without an elevator?" Laurel asked.
"Objection," Anton said. "Defense is asking the witness to speculate."
"Sustained," Judge Hankerson said. "The jury will disregard the question."
"No, they won't," Mutant Cisco whispered as Caitlin came back. "They are all wondering now how DeVoe got up there."
"I lost her," Caitlin whispered to Kayla, taking her spot. "Near the bathroom."
"Captain Singh, in your experience working with Barry Allen, how smart is he?" Laurel asked.
"He's brilliant," Captain Singh said. "A little odd at times, but a genius."
"Genius, thank you," Laurel said. "Now, I have the crime scene pictures here." Laurel took the scene images out and started spreading them to the jury. "There was a lot of blood, but here's the clothes Barry Allen was wearing when you found him," Laurel went and took an evidence bag, taking the clothes out and showing them to the Captain and the jury. "There's no blood on them. Was there any blood on Mr. Allen when you arrested him?"
"No," Captain Singh said.
"A bloody scene… no blood on his clothes… how do explain that?" Laurel asked.
"More than likely, he changed his clothes," Captain Singh said.
"Did you find his bloody clothes?" Laurel asked.
"No," Captain Singh continued.
"And I didn't see a wheelchair in any of the pictures. Was there a wheelchair in his apartment?" Laurel asked.
"No," Captain Singh said.
"So then, what happened to Mr. DeVoe's wheelchair?" Laurel asked.
"Mr. Allen must have gotten rid of it with the bloody clothes," Singh suggested.
"But no evident of that. Just theories," Laurel said.
"Indeed," Captain Singh nodded.
"So, Mr. Allen killed Mr. DeVoe, changes his clothes, got rid of the wheelchair – but not the body or the blood, which would have made his now clean-clothes bloody – does that sound like the actions of a genius CSI?" Laurel asked Singh.
Captain Singh paused; his own words being used against him.
"No answer," Laurel said. "Fine, I'll ask another question. Defense evidence, A." Laurel took a piece of paper out. "From Mr. Allen's security company. It shows the alarm was going off for nearly a half hour before the arrest. Why was the alarm going off?"
"I assumed Clifford DeVoe broke in," Captain Singh said.
"So, you are assuming your victim broke into an apartment, not his," Laurel said. "But can you prove there was no one else there?"
"I'm sorry?" Captain Singh asked.
"Can you say with hundred percent certainty that there was no one else in the apartment who set off the alarm? Did you ever look into anyone else?" Laurel asked.
"There was no one else to look into. This was pretty clean cut," Captain Singh said.
"Is there anyone who hates Barry Allen? Anyone ever threaten him?" Laurel asked.
"Objection. Assuming facts not in evidence," Anton said.
"Sorry," Laurel said going on and taking papers from her briefcase. "I have here transcripts from a trial – it's public record in a public court, so open to anyone. I will direct you to the highlighted section" Laurel handed over papers, the Judge looking through it.
"I'll allow it, but you're on thin ice Ms. Lance," Judge Hankerson said.
"Captain Singh, can you read the highlighted section?" Laurel asked.
Captain Singh took the papers and looked them over.
"I will get everyone," Captain Sing read. "'Everyone who did this; Barry Allen you're done. I will get you'."
"Is that a threat?" Laurel asked.
"Yes," Captain Singh said.
"Who made those comments? Can you explain them?" Laurel asked .
"The metahuman named Hannibal Bates," Captain Singh said. "At the end of his trial. Barry Allen was the CSI on his case and Mr. Allen's testimony on how Hannibal's powers worked was the nail in the coffin."
"And is Hannibal Bates still in jail?" Laurel asked.
"He was sentenced to life," Captain Singh said.
"Very nice, but not what I asked. Is he still in jail?" Laurel asked.
"No," Captain Singh said. "He escaped a couple of months ago."
"Just to be clear. Before Clifford DeVoe was killed?" Laurel asked.
"Yes," Captain Singh answered.
"What was he in jail for?" Laurel asked.
"Objection. Relevance," Anton said.
"Seems pretty relevant to me. Overruled," Judge Hankerson said. "The witness will answer."
"Identity theft, general theft, and murder," Singh said; the jury take a breath in.
"Just one more thing: Did he ever frame anyone else for his crimes?" Laurel asked.
Captain Singh paused and took a deep breath himself. "From the time he got his powers to when he was caught by The American Flash and Valor, he framed close to one hundred people. That we know of," Captain Singh said.
"Thank you," Laurel said, giving a smile and taking her seat.
Anton Slater stood up, he looked agitated, but continued regardless. "Captain, did you ever doubt Barry Allen killed Clifford DeVoe?" Anton asked.
"No," Captain Singh said. "Like I said, this was an open and shut case. The body was in Barry's home, his fingerprints, his DNA, and he was the one Clifford DeVoe had a restraining order against."
"And after Laurel Lance's questioning, do you believe Hannibal Bates did it?" Anton asked.
"I can't eliminate the possibility now," Captain Singh admitted.
"Then why did you not investigate him?" Anton asked.
"He didn't come up," Captain Singh said. "Like I said, the case was open and close. We had our guy."
"Thank you," Anton said with a nod and Anton sat down himself. Singh could then leave the stand.
"Your honor. The Prosecution requests a half hour recess," Anton stated now.
"If no objection, we'll meet back here in a half hour," Judge Hankerson ruled, and then got up as there was no objection to this.
Kayla though focused her hearing on Anton, who was talking to a woman who had been watching – clearly his boss.: "This Laurel is good. She's raising doubt. Offer a deal," the woman whispered to Anton. Kayla had to smirk as they exited the courtroom.
Laurel and Barry met them outside.
"They're going to offer a deal," Kayla whispered to Laurel, who raised an eyebrow at this. "Oh, I have good hearing," she realized this team didn't know of Kryptonians.
"Marlize DeVoe has me confused," Caitlin said, her mind still on that.
"Laurel Lance, a word – with you and your client," Anton said, coming out. Laurel nodded as the three moved aside. "Good job Ms. Lance, but let's get this over with and get everyone home: If Mr. Allen pleads guilty and admits he killed Mr. DeVoe after DeVoe broke into his apartment, we're willing to offer manslaughter. He'll be out in 5 years."
"I won't say I did something I didn't do!" Barry objected immediately.
"You heard it. No deal," Laurel said, smirking.
"You should reconsider. You might have raised doubt on the story but the forensic evidence still points to Mr. Allen," Anton said.
"We'll take our chances with the jury," Laurel stated. "See you in there." Laurel put a hand on Barry's shoulder and moved back to the team, away from Anton. "They are getting nervous."
"You turned this around in one day!" Joe stated to Laurel, smiling now. "And you're not even done calling witnesses in yet." Laurel gave a smile at this.
It wasn't too long later when everyone was recalled back into the courtroom and when everyone was back Laurel started: "The Defense calls Julian Albert to the stand."
Julian walked over to stand and put his hand on the bible, swearing to tell the whole truth with the judge before Laurel moved over to him.
"Mr. Albert, for the record will you please tell the jury your qualifications?" Laurel asked.
Julian agreed, answering about his degrees, his experience in the CCPD as a CSI and his current job at Luthor Corp – he even mentioned about his book coming out soon.
"Good. And you have looked over the forensic evident from this crime?" Laurel asked, ignoring his publishing skills.
"I did," Julian said, nodding.
"And in your expert opinion, does it say that Barry Allen completely, one hundred percent, committed this crime?" Laurel asked.
"While it does lean that way, no the evidence is not enough to confirm Barry as the killer," Julian said, honestly.
"Really?" Laurel said turning to the jury as she talked. "But the fingerprints on the knife…?"
"Since Mr. Allen does not deny the knife belongs to him, the fingerprints are not proof that he held the knife for the purpose killing Mr. DeVoe. His fingerprints should logically be there, with the knife being his property. As for no one other fingerprints being on it, that can easily be taken care of by the person who used it wearing a glove," Julian stated.
"And the DNA under Mr. DeVoe's fingernails? That belonged to Barry Allen. How could it have gotten there besides the two fighting?" Laurel asked.
"A fight is one explanation, but a medical examination of Barry Allen the day he was arrested disproves the fight," Julian said.
"This medical examination?" Laurel asked, going to where she was sitting and taking out the paper.
"Yes, it shows no scratches, no bruises… No signs that Barry Allen was in a fight," Julian stated. "For there to be as much DNA under Mr, DeVoe's fingernails as was found, there had to be a mark left on Barry. However, there was none."
"But how else could they have gotten in there?" Laurel asked.
"Skin cells are some of the easiest human DNA to collect – we leave them on almost everything we touch. There are many ways someone could have collected it to leave the DNA evidence there." Julian said.
"Now, you're a metaphysical-persons expert, more concentrated on humans with abilities than aliens," Laurel said. "Have you ever studied the metahuman known as Hannibal Bates?"
"Objection!" Anton called standing up at this. "If we allow this line of questioning, we are allowing anyone suspected of a crime to make up a metaphysical person and claim that person did it."
"I agree we can't let anyone make up a metaphysical person. But we are talking about one metahuman, who my client has history with and who threatened my client for getting him into jail, who is out of jail now and who has framed people before," Laurel snapped to Anton.
"I agree with Ms. Lance. Overruled," Judge Hankerson wavered.
"So, I will repeat: Have you ever studied Hannibal Bates?" Laurel asked.
"Yes, in fact he's a chapter in my book," Julian said.
"Can you explain his powers for the jury?" Laurel asked.
"He has the ability to transform into any person after touching them," Julian said.
"So, he can transform into any person. Let's say, hypothetically, if he transformed into me and stabbed someone, whose fingerprints would be on the knife?" Laurel asked.
"Yours," Julian stated.
"And if he got into a fight with someone as me, who's DNA would be left with my attacker?" Laurel asked.
"Yours," Julian said.
"So, this evident was weak before, but could also point to Hannibal Bates as the killer?" Laurel asked.
"Yes," Julian said.
"All he needed to do was touch Barry, bump into him in the street or something. Would that be enough?" Laurel asked.
"Barry shook his hand," Julian said. "When he was investigating, he went with Detective Joe West to interview Bates' grandmother. The grandmother was really Bates in disguise. Barry shook his hand. Since that day, Bates could turn into Barry whenever he wanted."
"Thank you,' Laurel said, going to take his seat.
Anton stood up and walked towards Julian, looking severely disgruntled.
"You, Mr. Albert, used to work with Mr. Allen?" Anton asked.
"Actually, I was his superior," Julian pointed out.
"How would you describe your relationship with him?" Anton asked.
"Objection, relevance," Laurel said.
"Goes to the witness's motives," Anton pointed out.
"Overruled," Judge Hankerson said.
"Barry and I hated each other," Julian admitted, and Anton took a step back at this as Laurel smirked. "Often times I would hear Barry say 'I hate that guy' when referring to myself. The feeling was mutual."
"But, you're here testifying in his defense," Anton stated. "Why?"
"I am," Julian said. "Because the evidence is not here to prosecute him on this; the CSI you had look over this is a quack, who looks for an easy answer. I believe in facts, Mr. Slater. Your facts are not here."
"That will be all," Anton said, a look on his face as he took his seat and Julian stepped down.
Laurel took up now.
"The Defense calls Barry Allen to the stand," Laurel called, and there was a whisper in the jury as Barry went to go take the stand. Swearing to tell the truth. "Mr. Allen. I want you to take us back. How did you come to know Clifford DeVoe?"
"Me and my friends at STAR Labs were investigating a dark matter explosion that happened – turning people on a bus into metahumans. We called them the Bus Metas. Our research led us to Clifford DeVoe, so I brought it to Joe West, and we went to have a talk with him. We didn't know he was in a wheelchair until then. I had forgotten to ask a couple of questions so went to his classroom to follow up, waiting for the class to be over to politely ask him. He went to Captain Singh later and complained and Singh told me to stop investigating."
"But you didn't," Laurel said.
"No," Barry said. "On my own time from STAR Labs, I looked into it. I knew he had created metahumans such as Kilgore, who were killing, robbing and ruining lives. I needed the proof."
"How did you end up with a restraining order?" Laurel asked.
"I was spending all my time trying to find the proof I needed. I went a little nuts, I must admit. Too focused. One night I decided to go by his house. I saw Marlize DeVoe leave and I walked up and just walked in. I didn't break and enter. I didn't break anything to enter – I just walked in. I was in the house for a few minutes at most before I walked out. I told my friends what I did, and they told me I had to let it go. To take time. We would find the evidence the right way. Of course, the DeVoes had security cameras which caught me in their properly. I got suspended from my job and a restraining order."
"Okay. So, you were in their property without permission but did no harm," Laurel surmised, to a nod from Barry. "Now onto the knife. It was your knife, correct?" Laurel asked.
"Yes, it was a wedding gift for me and my husband," Barry stated.
"And you touched the knife?" Laurel asked.
"I had taken it out of the box and put it on the counter," Barry said.
"Can you tell us about the night Clifford DeVoe died?" Laurel asked.
"I was out with my husband. We were going to my foster father's house and my cellphone alerted me the alarm was off. I told Mon, my husband, to go on and I went back to check it out. I didn't think it was anything. I went in turned off the alarm, checked the apartment, and there was Clifford DeVoe, dead. Next thing I know, the cops are breaking down the door and arresting me."
"So, just for the record, did you kill Clifford DeVoe?" Laurel asked.
"No, I did not," Barry said immediately away without hesitation.
"That will be all," Laurel said, going to take her seat.
Anton stood up now.
"Your mother was stabbed to death," Anton said, wasting no sympathy. "Is that correct?"
"Objection!" Laurel called, generally surprised at this question. "Relevance."
"If the court would give me some time with this," Anton said, "you will see where I am going."
"I'll allow it," Judge Hankerson said.
"Good. So, Mr. Allen, your mom's death?" Anton said.
"She was stabbed, yes," Barry said not ready for this question and a little shaken by it.
"And your dad was falsely arrested and convicted of it?" Anton asked.
"Yes, until Harrison Wells, otherwise known as the Reverse Flash, confessed in his will," Barry said.
"And he left you STAR Labs?" Anton said. "That was a nice inheritance from your mother's murderer."
"Objection, there was no relevant question," Laurel spoke.
"Sustained. Ask a question," Judge Hankerson said.
"Where is this guy going?" Kayla whispered to Mutant Cisco now, who shrugged, unsure himself. She didn't like this Anton guy.
"Your father... About a year after he was released he too was killed, stabbed to death?" Anton asked.
"Yes, by Queen Rhea of Daxam during the Daxamite invasion. Wrong place, wrong time," Barry said. Kayla and Cisco from gave Mon a look, but Mon remained emotionless at the comment of his mom killing Barry's dad. On other worlds, Zoom had killed Henry Allen.
"And your foster sister, Iris West, she too was stabbed to death a year ago?" Anton asked. "Wasn't she? Could you explain that?" Now Kayla and Cisco looked to Joe, but he too remained emotionless at this.
"Well, that sucks," Kayla muttered to Cisco, who nodded sadly.
"Yes," Barry was saying, however. "She was a reporter, investigating an object that fell to Earth. It was the Kryptonian Prison, Fort Rozz. One of the prisoners stabbed her during their escape," Barry said. Kayla now had to remain emotionless at knowing this information; no one had mentioned Iris or Fort Rozz in her time when setting up the multiverse communication system last night, not that it had been part of their helping research for this case.
"All these people in your life stabbed to death, just like Clifford DeVoe. Seems kind of unusual to me," Anton said.
"Objection," Laurel said, standing up. "Barry Allen is on trial for one murder and one murder only. Are you trying to imply Barry killed all these other people?"
"I am agreeing with Ms. Lance. Are you trying to say Barry Allen killed these other people? If so, I will have to strike this line of questioning unless you plan on amending the charge," Judge Hankerson asked.
"No, I am not. If you would just let me go a bit longer,' Anton said.
"Okay, but you better make your point and make it fast. You are now on thin ice," Judge Hankerson said.
"All these people in your life stabbed to death – you're so sure DeVoe made these bus metas and he comes to you. After everything and you get angry, and you do to him what so many people did to people you loved. You stab him and kill him," Anton said.
"Objection, prosecution is testifying!" Laurel called, standing and pointing to Anton now.
"Sustained, ask a question!" Judge Hankerson ordered.
"Did that happen?" Anton said to Barry. "Did you kill Clifford DeVoe just like people killed your love ones?"
"No," Barry said right away. "I did not kill Clifford DeVoe."
"So, you expect us to believe Hannibal Bates did it?" Anton asked.
"Can you say he did not do it?" Barry retorted, and Anton blinked.
"I'm done," Anton said, stepping back.
Barry took a breath as Laurel nodded to him. He stepped down.
"The Defense rests, your honor," Laurel said.
"Fine, we'll go in recess until tomorrow when the jury will hear closing arguments," Judge Hankerson said.
Kayla listened in as Anton talked to his boss again: "You have a problem. The jury likes him. More importantly they believed him." Kayla had to smirk at that as Anton agreed.
-Hitchhikers-
After court, the group were walking to STAR Labs, pleased with that they had achieved.
"Laurel, you killed it!" Mutant Cisco was saying. "I might come back tomorrow for closings. I need to know how the jury rules."
"I've got nothing going on," Kayla spoke up as they entered the cortex of the Labs, "I may…" she was cut off as she saw a lone woman sitting behind the desk in the cortex, tossing a ball into the air. She had her back to them, but was obviously a woman with her long dark hair tied back into a ponytail.
"Who are you?" This Earth's Cisco moved forward to the newcomer. "How did you get in here"
"You might want to invest in better security. Anyone can walk in," a familiar voice to Kayla spoke as the chair turned around. Sitting there was the familiar face of Rachel Garrick; she was wearing all-black, with gloves over her hands.
"Rae," Kayla said with a smile, knowing the New Justice version the best. Barry had mentioned Jay Garrick the other day, and a family of his, but she had not pieced together that Rae existed on this world.
"Only few people still call me Rae," Rae said sternly, standing up. "Most call me either by my full name Rachel or my codename: Rogue." Rae stepped out from behind the desk as she said this. "So, the question is, do I know you?"
"Um… yeah, well no. I know of you," Kayla said.
"Oh, you must be talking multiverse," Rae stated, waving it off and turning to Barry who seemed in shock at his cousin's appearance. "It's been a long time, cousin."
"Yeah," Barry said, sounding annoyed now. "You never came back for me. I was waiting for my uncle to come and make everything right. After mom died… to come for me and Amelia. Why? Why didn't you come?"
"The answer is simple but you're not going to like it," Rae stated, looking Barry up and down at this. "We didn't know," Barry seemed shocked. "Your dad and my dad had a major falling out, Barry. Uncle Henry was upset that dad got re-married and was having another child so soon after my biological mom died; Dad felt it was none of his business. We left the United States to be closer to Themyscira for my mom. We worked with Legion – a secret organization that takes care of threats in other countries – black ops stuff. Between that and bringing the male and female Amazonians together, we never checked. Besides, Uncle Henry never called when he was locked away. We didn't know anything until I came back to the United States. But I did not come here to justify what happened."
"Then why are you here?" Barry asked in a hollow voice, it was impossible to tell what he felt to this revelation. Mon put an arm around him, though.
"I am here because you're my cousin and I love you. And no one messes with my family," Rae said. "I'm here to help you."
"The trial is already over," Mon stated, darkly.
"I didn't say I was here to help with the trial," Rae waved this off, taking out her phone and pushing some digits. She turned her phone around to show on the screen a dark male tied down to a chair; power dampening cuffs on his hands and feet, a gag in his mouth.
"That's DeVoe!" This Earth's Cisco stated, shocked on this group's faces. "He took over one of the Bus Meta's body – that one."
"For a man who has super intelligence as a meta human power was surprisingly very easy to capture," Rae said, putting the phone away. "He was actually kind of stupid too. But he's in a Legion holding cell; not going anywhere."
"What will happen to him?" Ralph asked.
"He's in a stolen body. Every measure will be taken to give the body back to its rightful owner," Rae said. "But if that cannot be done, the law is pretty clear. No man or woman shall be allowed to live is a body they forcibly stole. He will be killed. One way or the other."
"What did you do to his wife?" Caitlin spoke, Rae looking her with a smirk. "Threaten her? Brainwash her? You had to do something to make her give that testimony."
"Oh, you're good," Rae laughed, Caitlin blushing to this. "No, nothing that dramatic. She's in a holding cell as well and will be transferred to federal custody for a life sentence," Rae said waving it off. "As for the testimony, well, that wasn't her..." she paused for dramatic effect. "Maybe I helped with the trial a little."
"You're a shapeshifter," this Earth's Cisco pieced it together.
"No," Rae said. "My codename is the clue to my power."
"Rogue," Mutant Cisco spoke up. "You're like Rogue from X-Men. You can take other people's powers. That is really cool!"
"Multiverse, shut up," Rae said, smirking though as Mutant Cisco closed his mouth. "But yes, touching my skin leads to me absorbing what we call a lifeforce. Only temporary though, but through that I get talents, memories, and, for metahumans, powers. The longer I hold on… well my touch can kill. I used the powers of Hannibal Bates to transform into Marlize DeVoe."
"Hannibal Bates…" everyone but Kayla and Mutant Cisco seemed to moan in realization.
"You really think he broke out on his own? We got him. He's a Legion agent now," Rae stated, surprising them. "Now, I want to make one thing clear: What I did with the trial and DeVoe I did because you're my cousin and no one messes with you like that. Not without having to deal with me." She addressed Barry now, who was generally surprised by her caring. Or at least he assumed it was caring – it was disguised in her gung-ho attitude. "But what I do now I do because the American Flash and his team have great potential and could be amazing Legion agents."
"Wait, what?" Mon and Ralph were the ones to voice this.
"Legion used to be just international, but due to major threats on our own land we are opening a homeland chapter, which I will be leading," Rae started.
"You? How old are you?" Ralph asked, Caitlin slapping him for asking the question.
"24, but I have been in the Legion since I was like 5, training with Legion and Amazonians – an active field agent since I was 10. I am one of the most qualified agents there is," Rae said, giving Ralph a look who returned it with shock. "I am recruiting people whose identities are not revealed to the public, and I think the American Flash, Valor, Elongated Man, Vibe, and Killer Frost would make great additions."
The group looked at each other at this as Mutant Cisco and Kayla took a step back, feeling out of place in this.
"I can see you're unsure," Rae said, not seeming bothered by this. "So, let me explain a bit: If you were to accept, you would all be put through Legion training, especially since you suck at following people." Rae pointed at Caitlin as she said that, who blushed. "STAR Labs will be turned into a Legion base with the best equipment. You'll still be a team, one of you will be made leader – more than likely Barry – but whoever does best. You'll still be expected to make the public think you're freelance, but you'll be given assignments from me. I can give orders if necessary. I can assign people to your team or reassign people off your team if I need abilities elsewhere."
"And what if we want families someday?" Cisco asked.
"Our agents have families. Some of those families out of the life. For some, this becomes a family affair," Rae explained. "I won't lie, this life is not easy. Then again being freelance heroes is not easy either. What I can promise you, if you accept, is a life of adventure; the best equipment; the best team backing you up; and we never betray or leave one of our own behind. And the pay isn't bad and considering I don't know how this place makes money, so you should consider it."
Rae took a card out of her wallet. Holding it out to Barry. "Ignore the name and what it says I do. That's my number," Rae stated. "Talk it over, decide, and if you accept, give me a call and we will set up training. Black Canary, you have an offer too." Laurel had remained quiet through all this but raised an eyebrow. "Not the rest of your Team Arrow, since they busted their identities when offered to work with the Starling Police." Mutant Cisco looked to Laurel at this, surprised by the move from her Team Arrow. It seemed Laurel's Black Canary alone hadn't been revealed to the public.
"And Barry," Rae brought attention back to her, "if you reject my offer, still give me a call. Me, you, Mon, and Eli will do dinner some time. Maybe we'll track down Amelia as well. If she's not undercover…" Barry blinked at this.
"You know where Amelia is? I haven't heard from her in years," he looked sad as he said this.
"Oh," Rae bit her lip at this, "you didn't know your sister was a cop, did you?"
"Eli?" Barry asked, deciding not to add to the comment of his sister.
"My brother," Rae said.
"Your brother's name is Roland," Barry pointed out, knowing this information at least.
"My twin is Roe, yes. My little brother, however, is Elliot," Rae stated as Barry paused again, and then nodded. "He came stateside with me. Everyone else is still overseas," Rae explained.
"Rae, we'll call, one way or the other," Mon said before Barry could say anything, obviously wanting to spare Barry some pain in her presence and get this over with. "Thank you."
Rae gave a nod and moved to walk out, but then stopped.
"Multiverse," Rae spoke, turning around to face Kayla and Mutant Cisco. "Prime, Karry, or Mutant?"
"What?" Mutant Cisco asked, surprised she knew the names Prime had dubbed them so many years ago.
"Well, it's usually one of those three who hop, so which are you?" Rae asked.
"He's Mutant, I'm… nowhere," Kayla stated, not sure whether to laugh or not.
"Ah, the hitchhiker," Rae nodded, as Kayla now frowned. "It was decided a long time ago we would accept this system if you were to come. So, if you need a place to set it up, come find me."
"We already set it up here," this Earth's Cisco pointed out.
"How do you know the names of our Earths and about our system?" Mutant Cisco added.
"I'm Legion," was Rae's only response as she shrugged, turned away and walked out.
"Is it me or is she really scary on this Earth?" Mutant Cisco asked.
"Intense, yeah," Kayla agreed. "I don't like her – I prefer New Justice Rae."
"I like her," Caitlin stated quietly.
"She was a bit..." Laurel tried to find the words now.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Mutant Cisco stated, looking back to the rest of this world's Team Flash, and Black Canary, who seemed to remain in thought now from the encounter. "Um… I think we should go."
-Hitchhikers-
Kayla was in the warehouse on Mutant Earth now. It was late as she looked over her journal and considered all she had witnessed over the past few days; especially on the latest world they had visited. She had to take time to consider what she was going to write as the put pen to paper.
So, this new Earth is… she tried to find the words before concluding with, just wow! I don't know what else to say. Most Earths we go to we help or do something with them, but this time it felt like we were just watching. You see, Barry was convicted of a murder he didn't commit, and Laurel helped get him off. She didn't want to go into too much detail. There wasn't much point given the verdict. They had everything settled by the end – besides, I have a feeling that Rae, who's insanely intense there, would not have let Barry go to jail even if he was convicted. Long story.
She paused again as she bit the pen, wondering what to write now as she looked over at the computer. It was quiet in the warehouse currently, calm.
Cisco went back earlier today to find out the verdict of Barry's conviction and it was good news – he was found Not Guilty. It was an open and shut case thanks to Laurel. She smiled to herself as she wrote that. He's another Blonde Barry too.
Anyway, it seems this Earth has brought superheroes into the fold of law enforcement. The only world I know to do that, so far. I mean, Hero Earth has like several Leagues and stuff, but nothing to do with the police force – even Amelia we found out there works as an undercover cop, and she has the power of cellular regeneration. She changed her last name to Thompson though; her mom's maiden name. Team Arrow, Clark and nearly everyone, really, works for some type of police force, although I don't know if Barry and his team will join this Legion Rae offered them – I think Rae was a little… she didn't know how to finish this sentence, reflecting back on Rae's offer and everyone's reaction. Her intensity was offputting - to everyone, but Caitlin it seemed.
I wonder if one day this Legion will become 'The Legion of Superheroes' though? She added, changing tact, writing her thoughts. It seems inevitable. There are a few out there now already.
But on to their name, and well, Cisco and I were unsure what to name this world. 'Cop World' sounded stupid, and Cisco wanted to joke 'Law and Order Earth' but I vetoed that. I think we settled on calling it 'Blue Earth', since a cop's color is blue. She chuckled to herself as she wrote this one down. You know, I thought the name was clever for a bit but now writing it down it seems a little lame. Could be 'Legion Earth' eventually, but it's not like these names are ever clever, anyway – I mean 'Karry' is literally a couple name, and 'SuperEarth' isn't precisely clever when it should be 'Empowered Earth'. It doesn't matter; we have a ton of Earths on this system now and even more to explore. Maybe we should have stuck to numbers, as we may run out of names soon. In fact, I wonder how many worlds we're up to now?
Kayla sighed as she looked up from the book, thinking. It was then that an alert came over the computers as she moved over to check it out – it seemed one of Mutant's previously-released prisoners had been spotted nearby. She smirked as she closed the journal. She could do with some hero work now.
Post Chapter Note: And another Hitchhikers done. We hope you liked this long chapter.
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Karry Beta and Master OUT!