Titans of Justice Unlimited #91 - “A Union of Green & Black Part 2”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Editing & Maxi-micros by: Power Guy


“Mother, please stop calling me every five minutes!” Di Di Queen said into her cell phone.





“If you’d reply to my texts, I wouldn’t have to call you!” snapped Dinah Queen.





“Ok, ok. What is it? I’m late to meet the baker to try out cakes for the wedding.”

“You’re down a bridesmaid. Your friend from college, Susanna called. Called me because she couldn’t reach you.”

“What? Why??”

“Her husband’s mother is sick and she won’t be able to make it. Do you have anyone who can take her place?”

Angry at yet another wedding crisis, Di Di said, “I’ll figure it out. Look, I’ll call you back after the meeting with the baker.”

“Don’t try too many cakes. We’ve had your dress altered twice already and it finally is the perfect fit.” Her mother said.

“Good bye Mother.” Didi huffed as she entered the bakery. Daniel Jordan was already there, chatting with the staff. He kissed her cheek as she took a seat.

“I hope you brought an appetite.” He smiled. “They’ve prepared 10 cakes for us to sample.” He smiled.

Didi surveyed the cakes and suddenly wished she had taken Dan up on his offer for a small, church wedding. However, being the daughter of two of Star City’s most prominent citizens called for a more social affair. Didi worried her wedding was becoming more of a show, rather than a celebration of true love.

As they sampled delicious and intricately designed cakes, she told Dan about the bridesmaid crisis.

“So, I have Celeste, Helena, Susanna’s out, I have my other friends from college, so I’m one short.” She said, panicked.

“Why not one of the other girls on the team?” Dan suggested.





“Well, I never really became close with any of the others besides Helena and Celeste.” She said, referencing the Huntress and Black Vulcan.

“I’m sure you‘ll think of something.” He said as yet another cake was placed before them.

The next day, Dan Jordan, and his best man, Robert Queen met up with Vince Star, Eric Allen, Scott Stone, and his cousin Dan Jordan. The cousins shared the same name.

“I’m glad you picked these suits, cuz. The last wedding I was in, I had to wear a powder blue 70s tux—complete with ruffles.” The man sometimes known as Air Wave smiled.





“I think my mother would pass out!” Rob laughed.





“Any jitters?” Eric asked.





“None. I would marry her right now, today.” Dan smiled.

“You guys certainly waited long enough.” Vince said. “Some of us had a pool started to see if you’d ever pop the question!”





“Aw, he was just waiting for the right moment!” Scott Stone said, checking himself out in his tux.





“That’s right and the moment is now. I can’t wait for her to be Mrs. Jordan.” Green Lantern smiled. “I wish the wedding wasn’t getting so out of hand. With Di Di’s parents and friends, plus my parents’ friends the guest list is huge.”

“Don’t worry about it Dan. Just means more gifts for you two.” Dan’s soon to be brother-in-law smiled. “Come on, let’s you get monkey suited up!”


***


Later that evening, Dan’s friends took him out for dinner. He has asked them not to surprise him with a bachelor party as his faith and spirituality was very important to him.

Across town, Sargona practiced some new spells. A knock on her door broke her concentration.

“Dammit. Almost had that spell that time.” She said, walking over to the door. It was Di Di Queen. She asked her teammate to come in.





“Sargona, I have a favor to ask you.”

“Sure, do you need some help with your wedding?” Sargona asked, thinking she needed someone to sit at the registry or keep track of the gifts.

“I know we haven’t been close…or even friendly for the majority of the time we've known each other but, a marriage is a new start and a new beginning. I know you and Dan were close in the past, but I would really like it….if you’d agree to be a bridesmaid.”

Sargona wasn’t sure what to say. “Oh? Did one of your real friends cancel?” came from her mouth, before she caught herself.

“To be honest, yes.” Di Di quietly said. “But, I should have asked you to begin with. You’re part of Dan’s past and you’ve been there through both our highs and lows. I would like it if you’d say yes.”

“Oh, of course I’ll do it. I’d be happy too!” Sargona said as the two women hugged.


***


Days later, the big event had arrived. The Queen Estate was buzzing with activity. The back garden had been transformed into a beautiful wedding tableau. Approximately 500 guests were being ushered in. Didi watched from her upstairs window.

“Do you think it’s going to rain? It’s going to rain isn’t it?” She worried.

“Didi, drink this.” Celeste said, pouring her a glass of wine. “It isn’t going to rain.”





“Besides if it does, Isis is here. She can shut the storm down before it even starts.” Helena said.





“I think she did that at Scott and Jerrica’s wedding.” Sargona said.

Didi noticed her college friends seemed puzzled by the conversation and shot the other girls a look that said “shut up.”

Someone knocked at the door. It was Robert. “Can I have a moment with my sister please?”

The other girls all filed out.

“Sis, you look beuatiful. You look like Mom.”

“Rob, you’ll make me cry, ruin my make up….”

“I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and I’m glad we’re close again. We’ve had our battles over the years, but I am so happy you’re my sister. And I’m happy to be here for this day.”

Didi smiled and hugged her brother. “I could not ask for a better brother….and friend.”

In another wing of the house, Dan Jordan was pacing. Sweating.

“Dan! You’re not going off to be hanged. You’re getting married. Chill out!” Scott Stone laughed.

“I know. I’m used to being in front of people and being Green Lantern certainly gives me confidence…but today…today I feel like I didn’t do my homework and I’ve been called to solve a math problem in front of the class.” The nervous pastor said.

“Don’t worry. You’ll be fine. The hard part is over. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the day. Even Sargona and Didi have become friendly. Only good things from here out.” Vince reassured him.

“That’s right. It’s going to be a great day.” Eric offered.

“You boys ready?” Oliver Queen’s voice came.

“He’s ready.” Cousin Daniel Jordan smiled. “Come on cuz!”

The ceremony was beyond beautiful. The sun shined and there was not a cloud in the sky. The birds sang happily. It could not have been a more perfect day. Didi Queen was a radiant bride. Oliver Queen choked back tears as he walked his daughter down the aisle. Dinah Queen was proud of both her children, Didi the beautiful bride and Rob, the handsome best man. Hal and Carol Jordan were very proud of their son. His life didn’t quite turn out as they expected, but they were respectful of his faith and devotion to God. After the ceremony, the reception was in full swing.

“Looks like we’re finally in-laws.” Carol Jordan smiled as she, Hal, Dinah, and Ollie clinked champagne flutes.





“I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather have as in-laws.” Oliver smiled.





“Funny how our lives have remained intertwined.” Hall offered. “But I’m glad.”





“In a way, all our lives have remained intertwined, through our children.” Mera said, joining them along with her husband Arthur, the former Aquaman.





“Arthur, how is your son? We heard he got hurt a while back with the Legion of Doom.” Carol asked.

"He’s good. He’s here somewhere, in fact. I think I saw him asking one of Didi’s friends to dance!” Arthur replied.





On the dance floor, Storm Surge tried his best to dance. Growing up in Atlantis, he wasn’t accustomed to dancing, but was giving it his all.

“Sorry.” He said to the pretty young lady he was dancing with. “It seems I’m all feet.”





“I wouldn’t say that.” The pretty girl replied, noticing his muscular physique through his suit.

“Listen, Didi told me the pool was open. How about a dip?”

“I can’t think of anything more perfect.” He smiled. “But I don’t have my trunks.”

The girl smiled coyly and said, “No suits required.”

Scott and Jerrica Trevor were also on the dance floor. Scott’s beer sloshing everywhere. Jerrica had a glass of wine—her 6th in fact.

“Mr and Mrs Perfect have taken over the show.” Goldbug huffed.





“Dude, you seriously need to chill out and have fun. Two of our best friends just got married. It’s a celebration.” Starman replied.

“Scott, doesn’t it remind you of our wedding!? It’s all so exciting!” Jerrica said, dancing with her husband.





“It does indeed! How about another beer? More wine?” Her husband smiled.





“Bring it on, Mr. Trevor!”

“I think those two may have to crash at your parents’ house, Didi!” Helena laughed.

“Ha, it’s ok. Jerrica told me they booked a suite downtown. Connor can make sure they get downtown ok. Jerrica’s sister is watching Steven, so they’re having a wild night out.” Didi replied.

“So, how soon until you and Dan have a little one on the way?” Celeste laughed, joining her friends.

“Whoa, we just got married! Babies are a long way off!”

Mindy Trevor and Tom Tressor watched all the activity. She watched her parents and their eyes met.

“Tom, I really should go say hi to my parents.” She said.





“You go. I’ll stay right here.” The IADC agent said.





“Chicken.”

Mindy walked over to her parents. “Mom….Dad….”

“Hello Mindy. You’re looking well.” Diana said.





“Hi Mindy.” Steve said, looking past her at Tom.





“I…..this is awkward isn’t it. I know we’re all trying.” Mindy said.

Diana downed a glass of wine. “Look, we said we would try. Tell Tom to join you. I’ll keep your father in check.” The former Wonder Woman looked at Steve while he rolled his eyes.

Mindy noticed her mother was drinking quite a bit and wasn’t sure if she should bring Tom over or not.

“It’s ok. Tom is welcome to join us.” Steve said, taking a drink.

Connor Trevor watched as Mindy and Tom made their way to join the former Wonder Woman and her husband.

“Is it awkward for them?” Jenna Kent asked.





“Oh…hi Jenna. I think they’re all getting along.” Connor wasn’t sure if Champion and Tom’s relationship had gone public yet.





Jenna noticed Connor seemed preoccupied. “So, how are things out west?”

“Good, I just wish I didn’t have to wear these stupid glasses. I feel like a dork when I wear them.”

“Oh Connor. You look cute.” Lois Lane Kent smiled.





“One of the hassles of keeping things secret. I hear you‘ve met a young lady.” Clark Kent smiled at his “little brother”.





“Ha, yeah I have. She’s really cool, a bit too curious for my taste. My best friend Hank Hall Jr. figured out who I was right off.” Connor replied.

“Oh gosh, I could tell you stories about Pete Ross and Lana Lang. It’ll all be fine Connor. I promise.” Clark said.

“Come on let’s dance!” Sherry Pemberton said to Freddy Batson.





“Ok! Now, you’re talking!” Freddy said as they duo left Conjura sitting.





Conjura sighed and watched the party. “Funny how you can feel most alone in a party full of people.”





“I know what you mean.” A warm voice replied.





“You’re the Black Orchid, right?” Conjura asked.

“Yes, but please call me Alba. I heard your story. I’m really happy you made it here. We have similar backgrounds, except I….decided to live the way I do by my own choices.”

“Ah, yes. You’re the stripper?”

“I prefer exotic dancer, but yes, you could call it that. But, that was a long time. I wasn’t quite myself.”

“I read the case file. The Floronic Man really did a number on you.”

“Yeah, he did. I swore no one would control me…or make me do those things again.” Alba said, sipping her drink.

“I know what you mean.” Conjura said, watching the dancefloor.

Just then Bullet Boy approached them. “Donia, would you like to dance. We can’t let Sherry and Freddy have all the fun.”

“Of course.” Donia smiled. Donia was becoming quite a confident young lady. Her friendship with Sherry was a good influence and the Huntress noticed Conjura was beginning to fit in.

Black Orchid watched the crowd. She saw Jo Jo Gardner trying to dance with women who promptly turned away. Illumina was mingling and talking with Barry Allen and his wife. Hector Hall and Lyta had joined the Trevor’s table and were catching up with them. Black Adam and Isis sat down next to Black Orchid. Connor Trevor danced with Infierna Verde.

“Adam! Isis! So good to see you both!” she smiled warmly.

“It’s a lovely night. And what a beautiful ceremony.” Isis beamed.





“I was never close with Green Lantern or Sonic Boom, but I wish them the best. I wish them the contentment and love I found when I married Isis.” Black Adam replied, putting his arm around his wife.





Apotheosis gazed around the dance floor wishing he could have brought The Mask with him but the new couple vowed to keep their relationship a secret at this point. He struck up a conversation with Kitty Kat. He noticed just how beautiful she was. She wore a simple black sleeveless dress and emerald earrings.

“It’s kind of nice. A happy event like this.” Thanks for asking me to be your date.





“I’m glad you accepted. These things make me uncomfortable.” Apotheosis said. “Is it weird for you? I mean seeing so many of Knightvision’s friends?”





“Not really. I’ve made my peace with things. I enjoy my work with you and the other Titans. I just worry for his family.” Kitty Kat said, looking over at Bruce and Selina Wayne.

“You looked so pretty standing up there. What a great choice Didi made when she asked you to be her maid of honor.” Selina smiled at her daughter.





“Thank you mother. Dad, I haven’t seen Dick or Barbara around. They were invited weren’t they?”

“They were but Barbara isn't feeling well.” Bruce Wayne said, noticing Carla Bendetti, the Kitty Kat. “Excuse me.”





“I wish Mari could have been here. “ Hal Jordan said to Robert Queen.

“Rachel and her mom send their best, but they stay out of sight. Especially Mari. The Gored Ox has sworn to kill them both.”

“I heard. So, Totem’s still part of the Titans of Authority?”

“Yeah, we think having her on the team is great. Still wish she could have joined us tonight. Tom thinks it best if she stays out of the public eye for now, except for being Totem and we can all back her up if the Ox shows up.”

“I remember hearing about how badly John Stewart was hurt. And Rachel was there as he died. So much for one so young to handle.” Hal Jordan said, watching the party.

Sargona and Vince Starr moved around the dancefloor.

“I’m so happy for them, including Sonic Boom.” Sargona smiled.

“You two certainly seem to have mended your fences. I was surprised you accepted her offer to be in the wedding. I’m glad you did. It was my pleasure to escort you down the ailse.” Vince held her close.

“Since I got back….and lost Vladko and Branislava, I guess life is different. I don’t want to waste time holding grudges. I don’t think Didi and I will ever be best friends, but at least the air is cleared. Besides, I enjoy our ‘banter’.” Sargona laughed.

“I’m glad. I’m glad to share this evening with you.” Vince said.

“Me too. When I thought I would never see any of you again, especially you….it was too much to bear.” She said, her head on his shoulder.

“Come on everyone! They’re leaving!!” Infierna Verde shouted, grabbing Connor Kent’s hand and running to where the bride and groom would make their exit.





All the guests grabbed packs of birdseed and tossed them at the happy couple as they ran to an awaiting limo.

“Dan, we did it!” Didi smiled.

“That we did. Mrs. Jordan, I love you.”

“And I love you.”

The newly married couple kissed passionately as the limo sped away.

“Where are they going for their honeymoon?” Kid Comet asked.





“I heard the Napa Valley.” Trickshot replied.





“Oh, it’s so romantic!” Hawkgirl gushed.





“That’s so unlike you, carrying on like that!” Robert Queen said to his teammate.

“Rob, every girl dreams of a day like today. And marrying one as true as Dan.” The usual gruff Hawkgirl smiled.

Robert Queen made his way to the dj stand. “Listen! My parents sprang for this party! Still lots of booze and food!!”

The music cranked up and the party lasted until the early hours of the morning.

“Not bad, Mr. Queen.” Dinah smiled at her husband.

He took her hand and kissed her. “Went off without a hitch. Come on, let’s show these kids how it’s really done!” He led his wife to the dance floor and lost themselves in the celebration.

***

Napa Valley…

Didi Queen was nervous. She looked at herself. She wore a sheer pink nightie. She and Dan had committed to waiting for their wedding night. Fighting villains was nothing compared to this. She was actually nervous! She slipped into a matching robe and entered the bedroom where her husband waited.

Dan smiled at her, taking her hand. He started kissing her, slowly…gently….

She melted into his arms as his hands caressed the back of her hair. He took her arm…

“Dan, Dan….my arm…you’re hurting me…Dan….?” Her eyes popped open and Dan was staring at her. An expression of anger across his face.

“Dan, what is it?” she whispered.

Before she could say another word, Dan slammed her head into a mirror. Shards of glass and blood splattered. Didi was so stunned, she didn’t know what to do. She started to use her sonic scream, but Dan wrapped both his hands around her neck, lifting her from the ground.

He dragged her into the bathroom, struggling all the way. She couldn’t get any traction to use any of her martial arts moves. He smashed her face into the bathroom mirror and then bashed her head in on the sink. The tub had been filled with bubble bath. Before she could even comprehend what was happening, her head was submerged into the bath, blood mixing with the bubbles.

She garbled a scream as he yanked her head out of the tub, rolling her over on her back. The last thing she saw was his ring, creating a green machete that he promptly brought down on her throat.


TO BE CONTINUED!