Dinah Lance lays curled on her bunk, the chains draped over her as she
stares sightlessly at the wall. 

Harold comes in slowly, casually, like he walks into cells like these all
the time. He lays his briefcase on a nearby table and settles into the
curved chair on the other side of the field, crossing his leg, regarding
Dinah for a moment, then coughing loudly. "Miss Lance." he says.

JLA Holding Cell(#1033RJ)

        The holding cells of the JLA headquarters look less like a prison, and
 more like something from a futuristic set. The walls are a muted gray, lit
 with fixtures that are set into the ceiling. Looking inside the cell, one can
 see a comfortable bed that's neatly made. A TV set in the wall is tuned to
 CNN. There is also a small table bolted to the blue carpeted floor. While the
 decor may be stark, this isn't a maximum security cell by any stretch of the
 imagination. Even more suprising is the fact that there is no apparent door to
 the cell: just an open archway. Don't try and just walk through it though...if
 you do, you'll be in for quite a shock.

Contents:
Black Canary
Obvious exits:
Out <O>

Black Canary

        Like a sleek bird of prey, the woman before you stands poised and
ready for action. Her lithe form is encased in an inky black bodysuit
which leaves the long tawny length of her legs bare. Knee-high boots
sheath her calves, the gleaming metallic g old trim matching the thin
plates on her ribcage and forearms. The long zipper of the uniform bisects
a charcoal gray leather breast plate--terminating in a thick gilt collar
with a dangling charm of a bird in flight, which matches the ebony symbol
emblaz oned on the buckle of the belt slung around her hips. 
        A slim emerald-green armband on her left bicep is the only hint of
true color on her costume, the rest a study in stark contrast. 
        Her blonde hair has been styled in a short swingy blunt cut that
accentuates the line of her jaw and determined tilt of her chin. It is her
eyes which are most arresting though; within those wide azure depths are a
myriad of emotions...pain, regre t, loss, and grief. The chains which cuff
her wrists and ankles only serve to add to the impression that this is a
truly Black Canary. 

Something about that voice commands attention. She rolls over and sits up,
the chains clanking. Then she stands and approaches the forcefield. "Mr.
Dayton." 

Harold's voice is cautious, tinged with faint concern, though it's
sincerity is impossible to judge, "I received your message. I understand
you have run into some difficulties." 

"That would be a mild understatement, Mr.Dayton. I am under arrest by the
Justice League of America for Manslaughter. Superman will be prosecutor." 

Harold was not apparently expecting -that-, and for just a moment, his
face unguardedly shows shock. Then it is gone. "I suppose the Justice
Department's agreement with the JLA hadn't expired with the cessation of
funding, or else I could solve this by calling the FBI and telling them
you'd been kidnapped. But I think from your expression that the matter
isn't that simple." 

"No sir. I've agreed to be arrested for the charges. I would never refute
Superman's judgement." The pain that crosses her features shows her guilt
freely. "I don't know exactly what they'll do...we haven't ever had a
circumstance like this. I know I won't be fit for League duty...but I may
not be allowed to act freely within my home territory at all." 

Black Canary says "Superman has made it clear, that though he feels
compassion, he will prosecute with every tool available. I'm to be treated
no differently than a normal person." 

Harold's eyes flash. "Under which state's laws will he prosecute? New
York's?" 



<<Harold was called away at short notice...here's the next meeting he has
with her...>>

Harold(#1120Pfces)

This is a man in his late forties or early fifties, as can be seen in the
faint lines on his face and the grey that extends upwards from his
temples, but little other indication elsewhere. He is fit and
athletic-looking, and his suit is a well-tailored sedate dark blue with a
black silk tie. Rimless glasses with gold frames rest on his nose, and his
eyes are a clear and mild green. His voice is equally mild and clear,
rolling and infinitely expressive and rich. When he speaks, his hands
emphasize and articulate his meaning clearly, and his whole manner,
casual and nonchalant, does little to disguise the charisma that seems to
draw attention to him. 

Harold looked at you.

Canary is once again pacing back and forth in her cell. She looks better
today. Calmer, or perhaps more centered, despite the agitated rattling of
the chains. Her cell is neat and tidy, the television turned off. 

Harold enters, again nonchalant. This time he carries a leather folder
under his arm and a thick file folder. He says nothing until the door
slides shut. "Good to see you up and around, Dinah." he says crisply. 
"We've got a lot to go over today. I saw the Lane interview in the Planet.
You did well, congratulations. That could have been a disaster, but it
went tremendously well." 

Dinah turns her head, then approaches the forcefield, stopping a foot shy
of it. Her piercing blue eyes survey you for a moment: then she nods,
accepting the compliment for what it is. "Miss Lane seemed to have more
integrity than most. I was also visited by another person...a man. He
asked me questions. At first I thought he was from your law office--but
something about him screamed spook to me. So I clammed up. He wouldn't
tell me which agency he was from." 

Harold nods. "They generally don't." he says. "I'll pull some strings to
see who else is interested in this." He opens the folder and takes out a
pen. "All right." he says. "The first thing I have to advise you is that
if I take your case...and I do want to take your case...I will be pressing
for a regulatory proceeding, not a judicial one. That is, I do -not- want
the precedent on the books that the League somehow has the ability to try
people. What I see this as is an internal matter: the League is cond
ucting an inquiry to determine if it should recommend prosecution to the
New York District Attorney's office. It cannot recommend any sentence
beyond internal censure, suspension or disbarment, though of course it
retains the right to civil action." He adjusts his glasses. "This will
have two effects for you, one good, one bad. The good effect is that it
achieves for you everything you want to achieve by this course, and may I
say that I think it is a brave and true one. The bad effect is that in
regulatory proceedings, the rules of evidence are much less stringent, and
the burden of the prosecution is much lighter. What do you think?" 

[Public] Bill-Of-Rights-Man Harold says, "Spammiest thing I've ever said."

Canary sucks in her breath slightly, and considers. Then slowly she says,
"My main concern is that...you have to understand Mr. Dayton, Superman is
my comrade. And in one aspect, I consider him a friend. He will also be
prosecutor--already I've talked to him... ...as a friend. If I am not
willing to accept whatever punishment I receive for this from the League,
then I will risk TRULY operating outsidany govorning body. The League,
though it has little legal power other than for its members to make an
arre st...has almost total control when it comes to the superhero
community. If I gain the censure of my contacts, I will be forced to
retire." She lifts a shackled wrist and sighs. "I fear I've already made
your job harder by speaking unguardedly to Superman when security was
breached two days ago by an alien being named Lobo." She glances almost
apologetically at you." 

Harold nods. "It's all right." he says. "It's difficult not to trust
someone like that. In any case, I'm sure a disclosure agreement between
the defense and the prosecution will be forthcoming very soon." His voice
is reassuring. "As for punishment, you must understand my position and
that of the law. Policemen do not undertake trials, even of policemen who
are accused of crimes. Internal Affairs makes a recommendation after a
hearing to the District Attorney's office. Nor is the Police Department
allowed to punish any policeman beyond expulsion. The key," he says,
leaning forward, "is that if we allow the League to give any punishment it
likes to you, it is the -League- that is now above the law, not you." 

Understanding dawns in her eyes. "This is all so complex...I suppose a
great deal rests on the outcome of this trial, and how it's conducted." 
Canary runs a hand through her hair, then grimaces. "The thing is, I don't
think we have all the evidence. This man who came to see me--he said his
name was Eli Carstairs? No wait, Carrington." After a pause, she nods.
"Carrington. He showed me the photographs of the men the NYPD had in their
custody for this kidnapping attempt." She leans forward just a bit, her
eyes intense. "Mr. Dayton, not a single one of them were there that day. 
At least they weren't any of the people I combatted. And when I told him
that at the time, I firmly believed it was an assasination attempt, and
NOT a kidnapping...he told me to trust my instincts. Then he just left."
Canary's mouth twists in a frustrated line. "I think it makes a
difference, at least in my mind (and probably to the minds of my peers and
comrades) as to whether or not I killed an attempted kidnapper ... or a
would-be assassin."

Harold hmms and makes a note. "The Planet article mentioned guns. Do you
know if the police found any guns on their persons?" His silver fountain
pen jitters across the page, leaving a swirling, antique-looking hand. 

Canary shakes her head. "No, I haven't seen any of the police reports. 
Just what's on TV and in the newspapers." She hesitates, then utters in a
low voice "Would it be possible for you to get Miss Lane to see me again?
I would ask Superman since he seems to know her, but...he's prosecuting my
case. I'd have to tell him why, and I don't want it to sound like I'm
trying to weasel out of this. I just have this gut feeling that the actual
events don't match up with the arrests that have been made." The slim line
of her brows draws into a determined frown. "And whoever this Carrington
fellow is, he seems to know a lot more about it than anyone else. I do
know that the guns used were automatics--some sort of machine gun. I never
touch the things myself." 

A delicate expression of disdain for the firearms crosses Dinah's features.

Harold nods. "Yes, I can get word to Miss Lane, certainly." he says. "I
will make contact at the NYPD myself: even regulatory proceedings
generally have the authority to issue subpoenas and serve warrants, though
I doubt that will be necessary. I believe Captain Friedlander is still
working there, and he is an old friend. Carrington." he repeats. "All
right." 

As though everything depends on you believeing her, Dinah Lance says "I
would not have killed the man if I hadn't known in my heart that he was
going to shoot the mayor." 

Harold nods. "I know." he says. "If they were carrying guns and showed
intent to use them, that should be sufficient. It would even be sufficient
if they were going to kill your partner. Who, by the way, I also should
speak to." 

A wary expression enters her gaze. "That could be difficult. He has a
secret identity. I know that sounds silly, but unlike Superman or
Batman--he has a life outside the heroic community and doesn't do it 24-7. 
That day, he was not in his costume. I don't believe the police know who
my partner was that day. My own identity of course, is public. But how
will we be able to work that?" 

Harold nods. "That depends on how the League wants to run the proceeding. 
In regulatory proceedings in the CIA, for instance, secret information is
common, but since everyone involved is in the Agency, it is considered
appropriate. Do you know if the League has made any decision on the format
of the proceeding?" 

Harold shakes his head. "Whether -anyone- will be allowed to see it other
than those associated with the League." Suddenly he pauses. "Including
myself." he says. "The staff has never known any 'secret identities', to
avoid making ourselves security risks." 

Black Canary says "There really isn't a precedent for this. 
Manslaughter...either doesn't happen within Earth jurisdiction, or is
handled by the govorning body of whatever territory it takes place in. 
Superman was forced to do this, as a result of the Mayor's decision not to
conduct an investigation." 

Dinah hmmns. "I guarantee most everyone will be in costume. The only
problem would be the key witness...my partner. His identity is known to
most current members of the League, but not all. As to whether you would
be there--again, I don't know." 

Harold nods. "I know." he says. "Well, we don't know if we'll need your
partner or not at this point. Let me see what I can have my people find,
and then we'll proceed from there." He sighs a little. "I don't like
regulatory work, I don't mind telling you, Dinah. It can ruin people
unfairly. There is no appeal from it. J'onn is an impartial man but even
the brightest, most intelligence people can make poor judgements. I admire
you for undertaking this, but my first instincts when I heard about this
was to get you into a regular courtroom as fast as I could...I just felt I
should warn you at the outset, that this may not go the way you expect." 

Dinah Lance intakes a deep breath, and nods. "I know...and thank you." A
rueful smile graces her lips for a fraction of an instant. "When I asked
to secure your services a few weeks ago, I had no idea I would be needing
them personally. I can't tell you how grateful I am. Let's just pray
Batman isn't on the jury." 

Black Canary thinks . o O (Or worse yet, be a hanging judge. *groan*)

Harold smiles tightly. "I don't think even Superman could withstand the
flurry of objections I and my aides would make to that. Does Batman even
know what a courtroom -is-?" 

Canary looks mildly suprised--but that's to be expected. Her own methods,
as high as her ideals may be, are closer to Batman's than to Superman's.
It was the rumors of the Bat ten years ago that inspired her to first step
out into Gotham's night and become serious about fulfilling her mother's
role. "Oh Mr. Dayton...The Batman is one of the most uncompromising moral
heroes I know of. He may be harsh, but it's probably one of the reasons he
dislikes other vigilantes in his city. He seems to despise those who
kill." A dull flush creeps up her cheekbones as she says this. She once
did too. 

Harold nods. "I'm sure." he says equally tightly. "In any case, I will
begin to look into the things you have given me...is there anything
else...anything at all that you think bears on the case that I should
know." The change of topic is smooth. 

Canary pauses for long moments, trying to remember. It's difficult: Oliver
Queen occupies most of her thoughts these days. "No sir. Not that I can
think of. I expect I will...be escorted to Green Arrow's funeral." Her
lashes shut tight for a moment. Then she gets it together, a steely
determined glint in her eyes when she opens them once more. "If not, I
will break out. That is my only request." 

Harold looks at his perfectly shined shoes. "I don't think that will be
necessary. I anticipate no such difficulties." he says, quietly closing
the folder. He rises smoothly. "Is there anything else I can undertake for
you...are you comfortable? Do you need me to bring anything or contact
anyone?" 

This illicits a scowl. "Those whom I would contact have been cut-off by
The Joker's seige on Gotham." In a huskier, more defeated voice she adds
"That person would not come to the trial. Nor would they understand. Just
ask that Miss Lane see me--and that she keep it confidential."

Black Canary thinks . o O (Oracle will despise me. She doesn't work with
killers.) 

Harold nods. "All right." he says, picking up the file box. "I will
contact you when I learn more. Good evening, Dinah." He smiles
half-comradely, half-paternally, all-reassuringly, and turns to go. 

Superman enters the hallway.
Superman has arrived.

Black Canary lifts a shackled hand in a wave, a hopeful smile..perhaps her
first this week, on her pretty features. 

Harold moves towards the door and almost bumps into Superman. He looks up
at his chiselled face and adjusts his glasses. "Good evening," he says.
"Can I help you with something?" 

Dinah's eyes widen, lighting with both pleasure and anxiety at the sight
of The Man of Steel. 

Superman steps in from the Monitor Room, then pauses as he sees Harold,
"Mr. Dayton....I'm sorry, is this a private consultation?" He takes a step
back toward the door, "I was just coming by to make sure that Dinah was
doing alright. I can come back later."

Harold squints, sizing up Superman.

(OOC) Harold says, "Always wanted to pose that."

After clearing her throat, Dinah Lance offers in a respctful tone of voice
"Superman, this is my lawyer, Mr. Dayton. Mr. Dayton..." Maybe she pauses
just a bit for dramatic effect. This is after all "Superman." 

Harold extends his hand. "We've never met," he says carefully. "I was at
the UN Legal Committee when you appealed to bring back the League. Greased
the wheels, so to speak." 

Superman eyes Dayton almost nervously, raising an eyebrow, one hand moving
to grasp the edge of his cape. He glances to Dinah as she speaks, and
straightens slightly, releasing his cape to take the offered hand, "I know
of you, from the time, and I've seen you here and there in the news since.
You have quite the impressive list of legal accomplishments." He glances
to Dinah, a weak dilution of his usual smile coming to his lips, "I'm sure
that Dinah has nothing to worry about in terms of her defense." 

Amazingly enough, Dinah's eyes gaze from her cell with compassion for Big
Blue. She knows him to be an honest and loyal comrade. Never in a million
years would she blame him or envy him for the position he is in now--and
it shows in her expression. 

Harold shakes Superman's hand. "I think I should tell you that if you
discuss the disposition of the case with her without me present, you'll be
in violation of Federal regulatory law, which, under the agreement with
the Department of Justice, the Leagueis suject to. Oh, and." He smiles.
"It's an honor, sir." 

Harold really does look honored, too.

The Man of Steel blinks, and his smile wavers slightly, before coming back
once more, "I wouldn't think of it. I was actually here more to discuss
the situation with...Green Arrow. Make sure that she's bearing up
alright." He glances to Dinah almost guiltily about talking about her
right in front of her like this, "But again, if I'm disrupting a private
consultation, I can return later this evening." 

Hope fills Canary's breasts as she hears those words. Pragmatically, she
bites her tongue against the spate of questions that leap to her
lips...and lets the two men talk. 

Harold shakes his head. "I was just on my way out...though I would
appreciate it if you would call on me at my office sometime this week. I
believe this is the first actual internal hearing the League has ever had,
at least in it's current incarnation, and I want to do everything possible
to make it go smoothly." Then he, without looking over at Canary, he moves
to the side slightly. "Please...I am sure she is anxious to hear any news
you have." He gestures to the chair. "Good evening to you, sir." 

With a slight nod, Superman steps around Harold, "And good evening to you. 
I'll contact you as soon as I'm able." He pauses for a moment, before
sitting, "And, on a personal note, thank you for taking this case." That
stated, he looks to Dinah, lifting his cape slightly as he sits down to
face her, quietly for the moment. 

Harold has left.