Man of the People
a Justice League story
by Merlin Missy
Copyright 2005
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In response to the "Thanagar in 250 Words" challenge. Spoilers up through "The Once and Future Thing Part 2."

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From his apartment, Carter can see halfway across the city. Spindly towers reach up and spread branches toward the darkening sky: lodgings, offices, all the places where Thanagarians might need to be inside due to sensitive equipment or inclement weather. Suspended courtyards out under the clouds and stars, these are where people live and work and love and exist.

Tonight the sky bustles, people flocking and breaking away to head home. Spicy odors drift from the restaurant one tower over; Carter’s favorite dish will be the special. Two towers past, construction proceeds on the new temple. Most Thanagarians are leery of the new converts with their robes and shorn heads, but there have been no protests.

Many things have changed since the war ended.

Carter’s too young to remember most of the war, but he remembers the stories Mom told. His brother was always bored with tales of Thanagar itself, favoring details concerning battles and tactics over politics or history. To their parents’ bewilderment and disappointment, he suspects Carter preferred to know "Who?" and "Why?" rather than "With what weapon?"

The war is over now, and the dead are buried, and the rest have moved on. Carter has helped rebuild this airy world, with his strong back and his careful words. People accept and even respect him here. Although he has never been able to explain his need to Rex, the people here look like him, too. He’s normal here.

Carter spreads his wings, catching the evening air.

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