Titans of Justice Unlimited #89 - “Fruition Part 2”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Editing & Maxi-micros by: Power Guy

The Hall of Justice….

Conjura couldn’t sleep. She dreamed of being on the streets, cold and hungry. She saw faces of the men….and women who had bought her for an hour’s worth of pleasure. Well, pleasure for them, torment for her. She dreamed of seeing drug addicts begging her for a fix and entering some of the most horrible places on earth to deliver drugs, in hopes of being paid with a warm place to sleep or someone’s leftover dinner. She sat upright in her bed with a start and realized she was safe, warm, and well-fed. She sat on the edge of her bed for a moment and walked down the hall. The other Super Friends were staying at the Hall for the entire week for intensive training with the Huntress. Conjura had tried to make friends with everyone but so far, she was still the new kid in school.

She made her way to the monitor room. Bullet Boy was on monitor duty and watched the screens while Black Vulcan took a break.

“Hi Conjura.” He said, politely.





“Hi Jared. Look, the other day I didn’t mean to hit you. I was aiming for Blue Dolphin.”





“It’s ok. I’ve wanted to get in her face a few times myself. She’s kind of a witch to everyone.”

Conjura smiled and plopped down in Jared’s lap. She ran her fingers through his hair. “But you like me, don’t you?”

Jared became flustered as Conjura became very affectionate. “Uh, of course..but we shouldn’t……”

“Shouldn’t what?” she whispered into his ear.

“Ahem.” Came Black Vulcan’s voice. “Conjura, if you don’t mind Jared is on duty.”





“Oh, sorry. I was just being friendly.” Conjura smiled.

“I can see that.” Black Vulcan said, crossing her arms.

Conjura waved to Jared and made her way back to her quarters. Blue Dolphin watched, undetected. She narrowed her eyes at her new teammate as she closed her door.





The next morning, Black Vulcan spoke to the Huntress. “I don’t think she means any harm. I believe she simply doesn’t know how a typical teen-age girl is supposed to act.”

The Huntress was quiet for a moment. “Yes, you’re right. She has a very troubled past. She spent years on the streets not knowing where her next meal was coming from or even if she’d be able to eat that day. She had to use her wits and body to survive. I’m sure she’ll adjust, but she isn’t making any new friends here. I’ll talk to Sargona and see if she can talk to Conjura.”





Conjura finished putting on her uniform and heard a knock on the door. “Come in.” she said. It was Constellation.

“Hi Donia. How are you this morning?”





“I’m fine.” Conjura said, sadness in her voice.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure.”

“Listen, I think you’re really nice. And I know about your past and how bad you had it. But, you really don’t have to try so hard to get the others to like you. Especially the boys.”

“Wh—what do you mean?”

“Well, you come across as…..well, I’ll just say it. Easy.”

“Really? I was just trying to be friendly, to get them to like me…I don’t want to be sent away….”

“Donia, no one is going to send you away. And you don’t need all that make up. Your skin is so smooth and pretty. And your hair! I wish mine would shine like that.”

“Th—thank you…no one’s ever complimented me—and been sincere about it.”

“I like you Donia and I think we could become good friends.”

“I think so too!” Conjura squealed, hugging Constellation.

“Oh, and one word of advice. Watch out for Blue Dolphin. She likes being the star and she’s probably jealous of you.”

“I’m not worried! I’ll win her over and we’ll all be best friends! I know it!”

Constellation remained quiet, knowing that would probably be near impossible for Conjura or anyone else……..

***

The Hamptons…

“Well, what do you have to say for yourself? Huh?” Diana Trevor demanded, fury in her eyes.





Mindy started to speak.

“I don’t want to hear it, young lady. You have disgraced yourself and disrespected your father and me. And your brother!” Diana said, pacing. “And I was so excited about this week and then you go and pull a stunt like this!”

Steve and Scott Trevor sat on the couch. Mindy sat in a wing back chair. The family was in shock after catching Mindy in bed with Tom Tressor. Donna, Jerrica, and Connor took Steven outside while the family argued. Tom had collected his clothes and waited outside.

“I sure wouldn’t want to be Mindy right about now.” Connor said.






“I don’t know what to say, what to think.” Jerrica said. “Scott was so quiet. I could tell he was not happy.”





“What a mess. Mindy never had the experiences that we had—I mean being a normal teenager growing up. No high school dances, no puppy love. I admit, most of this was due to her own choices—wanting to be on Paradise Island all the time and shunning mans’ world---but my sister’s history with Tom and Tom being Scott’s father….oh gosh, our family has just become a story from One Life to Live.” Donna said, rubbing her temples.





Back in the living room, Mindy finally was able to get a word in. Tears flowed as she spoke. “How dare you say these things to me! You, Mother, you—you encouraged me to become more acclimated to man’s world! I took a job at IADC, followed in your footsteps!”





“In more ways than one.” Scott said under his breath. His thoughts went back to when he was told Tom Tressor was his father.





Mindy continued, “I think the real problem here is that you still have feelings for Tom!” pointing at her mother.

“Mindy, watch your tongue. I love your father with all my heart.”

“Yeah, but Tom is the father of your FAVORITE child! I think it tears you apart knowing he loves another woman and you can’t be with him!”

“Mindy, that’s enough. Don’t talk to your mother that way.” Steve said, quietly, yet firm.





“Dad, I’m sorry you had to find out like this. And I don’t want to hurt you, but I love Tom. I love him with all my heart. I hurt when I’m not with him.”

“Mindy, I don’t know what to say or think. I still have….issues…knowing what happened with him and your mother. I forgave your mother…but Tom….”

Scott piped up, “I think he took advantage of you. You’re still very naïve about some things in mans’ world. I think he’s a user and a common…a common gigolo!”

“Oh this from the man who’s posed half naked on magazine covers around the world. Give me a break!” Mindy fumed.

“That’s my job, sister. A career I worked hard to build and no one helped me along the way either! And there’s nothing wrong with how I make my living!!” He shot her a dirty look.

“Yeah right. I remember all the times you ended up in those sleazy tabloids, drunk and hooking up with any woman that looked your way!”

“Mindy! We’re not discussing your brother’s past. We are discussing you and the way you have shamed this family. Acting like a common tramp under this roof! Acting like a common street walker rather than a princess.”

“Well, maybe I learned it from your example, Mother. After all, you slept with him first!” Mindy shouted.

Before she could react, Diana backhanded her daughter.

Mindy grabbed her cheek, stunned at her mother’s reaction.

“Alright, let’s all calm down.” Steve said. “I think we’re all in shock. Let’s just take a step back. The world hasn’t ended, no one has died.”

Mindy burst into tears and ran out of the room. Steve started out after her.

“Dad, let her go. I think we all need some space right now.” Scott said, heading out back to find his wife.

“Steve, I can’t believe this. How did this happen?” Diana said. “I didn’t mean to hit her. OHHHHH, what is it about your kids that can make you crazy?!” she huffed.

“I don’t know Angel. I don’t know.”

Outside, Mindy burst through the door. Tom was sitting in a chair on the front porch. “Mindy….”





“Let’s go.”

“But your family, your things…”

“I’ll send for my things. I can’t stand being in there another minute.”

Before Tom could say another word, Scott Trevor appeared out of nowhere and punched him. Tom fell to the ground as blood poured from his lip.

“Scott, please let me explain …” Tom said, trying to stand.

Scott glared at him and walked away.

Mindy helped Tom into her car and they sped away.

Scott stormed into the backyard. He sat in a chair and held his head. “I cannot believe this.”

Connor had never seen Scott angry….and it frightened him. Jerrica motioned for Connor to take Steven.

“Scott, are you ok? I know this was a shock to you.” Jerrica said, stroking his hair.

“We were just talking about the change in Mindy. I was excited at the idea of her meeting someone…but Tom? And our relationship was growing—and Mindy, I finally felt like I had a sister. Oh Lord, Dad….this must be so hard for him. And Mom…..”

Donna had joined Diana and Steve.

“You guys ok in here?” she asked cautiously.

“Donna, come in.” Steve said. Donna could tell her sister was very, very upset.

“I saw them drive off.” Donna said. “I take it things didn’t go well.”

“You could say that.” Diana said, reaching for a Kleen-ex.

“You two talk, I want to see my grandson.” Steve said, exiting the room.

“Donna, I hit her. Hit my own child.” Diana sobbed.

“It happens. Kids know how to test their parents.”

“I know. Mother struck me once and I swore I would never do that if I had a child of my own. And I did. I’ve turned into mother.”

“Diana. you are not mother. You reacted the way you did because you care. I’m not saying Mindy is or isn’t making a mistake, but we all are reacting normally. We aren’t the most normal family, you know.”

“But I thought this week would be so perfect. Mindy was making strides and embracing us finally and now Tom has taken advantage of her….”

Donna thought before she spoke. “I think…I think they love each other. I saw the way they looked at each other. And she must care deeply to risk him coming here, risking getting caught. I don’t think Tom’s using her.”

“But this is so…..so…trashy.” Diana sniffed. “It was hard enough on Scott to find out who his true father was…and now his sister is sleeping with his father. I’m glad Mother isn’t here to see this. This is all my fault.”

Donna sat with her sister, not knowing what to say. Outside Steve held his grandson. He saw Jerrica and Connor trying to console Scott and watched what should have been a fun week fall apart before his eyes.

***

Later at Nemesis' condo…

Tom offered Mindy a beer while she cried.

“Mindy, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have shown up.”

“No Tom. I’m glad you did. This doesn’t change anything. In fact, I’m sort of glad it’s out in the open. At least I know how my family feels about us now.”

Tom took her hand. “You know, I can’t blame them. It must have been quite a shock for your mother to see us…Scott too.”

“How’s your lip?” Mindy asked.

“It’ll heal. Your brother has a mean left.”

“Mother trained him well.”

Tom put his arm around Mindy. She leaned her head on his chest as he held her tightly.

***

IADC Headquarters weeks later…

“Good work apprehending the Copperhead Twins, Superboy.” Tom Tressor said.

“Those two gave me quite the tussle.”

“How’s Scott? How’re Jerrica and Steven?”

“They’re ok. Been kind of quiet around lately. Tom, what you do is your business. I don’t want any of this to affect me serving with the Titans of Authority. I spoke to Scott and Jerrica about it and they don’t mind. I hope you don’t either.”

“Of course not, and I’m proud to have you onboard. If you feel ok with it, please tell them I said hello—oh, and I picked this up for Steven. “ Tom said, handing Connor a baby toy.

Connor smiled and said, “I’ll see that he gets it.” Superboy made his way to the transporter tube and within seconds, arrived in Beverly Hills. He returned home to find Jerrica and Steven. He handed Steven the toy. “Where’s Scott?”

“He went to see Tom.” Jerrica said, nervously.

“Oh boy.” Superboy replied.

Back at IADC headquarters, Mindy and Tom discussed their dinner plans. Scott Trevor was ushered into Tom’s office by an agent.

“Scott…” Tom said, “Connor was just here….”

“I came to see you. Both of you.”

Mindy looked at her brother, then looked at Tom. She noticed Scott looked tired.

Scott said, “I thought about things. Talked it all out with my wife. Tom, I’m sorry I punched you….my emotions were running high..”

“It’s ok. I understand.”

“I…..I’m here to tell you both I’m sorry. And if you love each other…truly love each other, what you do is none of my business. After everything our family has been through, if any of us find someone to love we should be happy—and celebrate that love.”

“Oh Scott….” Mindy said running over to hug her brother.

“I’m not saying I’m ready for Christmas together or anything like that, but I think I understand. I think Mom and Dad need to time for this to sink in and need some space. But I love you both and I don’t want my son growing up not knowing his aunt and grandfather.”

“Thank you Scott.” Mindy smiled. “How are Mom and Dad?”

“Worried. Worried about you. Worried about me.”

“I’m sorry I’ve caused so much strife in the family.”

“We’ve been through worse than this. We’ll be ok.” Scott said, flashing his million dollar smile. “I love you sis.”

“I love you too.”

Scott walked over to Tom and shook his hand. “I love you too, Tom.”

“I love you son.”

***

The home of Steve and Diana Trevor, Gateway City…

“I wonder how Mindy is.” Steve said, flipping through the channels on the big screen TV.

“I’m sure she’s happy knowing how miserable she’s made us.” Diana huffed, looking over the top of her glasses.

“Maybe we’re at fault here.”

“STEVE? WHAT?” Diana exclaimed.

“Maybe we pushed her so hard to fit in, to try to find happiness here. I mean, you can’t help who you fall in love with. Do you remember how your mother didn’t approve of us?”

“I do….I remember how I did anything and everything to be with you. Even entering the contest when she had clearly forbidden me to do so.”

“Our children are grown up. Capable of making their own decisions. Do you remember how worried we were when Scott started modeling….and partying?”

“I remember. We didn’t interfere, let him find his own way. Even though I lost sleep almost every night.” The former Wonder Woman sighed. “I just can’t accept this. I mean, why Tom. There are thousands of men, good men that would be perfect for Mindy. She fell for the first man she met!”

“So did you.”

Diana was silent at her husband’s words. “Oh Steve, I didn’t mean…”

He put his arm around her. “I know, it’s ok. Listen, Tom Tressor is not my favorite person but I love our daughter. I miss her and I worry about her. It’s not going to be easy for me to accept this. He took my son—“

“Steve, Scott loves you. That has not changed! You are his father, you raised him. He knows no other father!”

“I know, but you get what I mean. Tom in a weird way is part of our family. And now he and Mindy…..” Steve stopped.

“I don’t want to shut our daughter out. I don’t want her to feel abandoned. I don’t want her to feel the way my mother made me feel so often.”

***

Days later………………….Washington D.C….

Mindy walked out of the IADC headquarters to her car. As she fumbled through her purse to find her keys, a figure approached her. “Mother!” she gasped.

“Hello Mindy. How have you been?”

“I’ve been ok. How’s Dad?”

“We need to talk.”

A few minutes later the mother and daughter were seated at an exclusive restaurant known for serving the elite of the city.

“Mother, how did you get us in here? I’ve been trying to get reservations for weeks.” Mindy said.

“Diana Trevor still has some pull in this town. Mindy, I want you to know that I am still trying to take all this in. Your dad is too. But, he and I talked it over and we don’t want something like this to derail our relationship with you. I trust you and if you believe Tom is the one for you……..your father and I will do our best to accept it.”

Mindy could tell how much it hurt for her mother to be so candid with her. She wished she had never snuck Tom into the beach house that night and disappointed her parents. “Mother, that means so much to me…..I never meant for any of this to happen. It just did……”

“I know. I know so well.” Diana smiled ordering a bottle of red wine.

***

IADC Headquarters…

Tom Tressor glanced at the television as he collected his things and called it a day.

“Hey, way to go Connor!” he smiled, seeing Superboy’s commercial for nutritional supplements flash across the screen.

“He’s really doing well living with Scott, isn’t he?”

Tom spun around and was surprised that Steve Trevor had snuck up on him.

“Steve…I didn’t hear you come in.”

“I know you didn’t. I come here with a warning. If you hurt either of my children or my grandchild, I swear to you, you will suffer. I created half of the procedures the IADC uses and I know how to take you down if need be. I don’t know if you’re using my daughter or if you truly love her, but know this: If you ever hurt her, you’ll answer to me. Understood?”

Tom was stunned. He had heard that Steve Trevor had gone soft after becoming a family man, but the man before him……intimidated Tom.

“Yes sir.” Tom said, his mouth going dry.

“Enjoy your evening.” Steve said, turning and walking briskly down the hall, his footsteps echoing.


THE END!