Batwoman # 5

[arcalian]

Elseworlds: Batwoman #5
“And Here We Go.” Part II
by Jayson Morriseau-Lussier
Cover by Zirronis
Edited by Jay McIntyre

[arcalian]

The Joker assembled his people as they all looked at each other.

“The City needs a wake up call, my friends and the moment has come for that to happen.” He paused as he waited for anyone to question his motives... but there was no protest. “Good, I was about to lobbing heads off.” As he was marching up and down the review line one of his assistants came in and handed him a note. It was from Sal Maroni.

“We're prepared to take your offer Joker, but you gotta get rid of The Bat.

-Maroni.”

“Now that's more like it!” He yelled in joy. “Apply a little pressure and that pimple will pop! Heh!” He looked at his 'troops' as none of them were cracking a smile at The Jokers statement. “You guys need to lighten up... All in good time. All in good time.” He muttered to himself as he left.

His men and they all looked at each other, because they knew they had been lucky enough to survive thus far. No telling when the clown was going to go haywire again.

[arcalian]

Kate was hunched over her Batcomputer, as she was looking up the recent activity by The Joker and his gang to try and draw a correlation.

“Kate?” She looked over her shoulder as she saw Renee standing behind her. “I thought you could use something to eat.”

“I am not hungry right now,” She waved her lover off but Renee was insistent.

“Kate you haven't eaten anything and you've not rested.”

“How many people are going to die before he's brought to justice, Renee? Hmm.. forty or fifty? How many cops aren't going to make it to their families? I can't rest until that scumbag is Belle Reve with the key thrown away, so he can rot in hell.”

“How are you going to accomplish that, if you get yourself sick?”

“I liked it better when you didn't know who I was.”

“I wish I didn't.” Renee turned her back on Kate for a moment.

“We'll worry about that later.” She called up a remote link that patched through to Wayne Manor and Alfred Pennyworth who monitored the networks for activity. “Alfred have their been any...”

“Unfortunately there's nothing to report, Madam Kate, but if you would like..”

“No what I would like isn't going to happen until he's behind bars.” Kate shook her head. “Joker's got to have a motive. Random chaos doesn't really work unless he's just completely deranged beyond the hope of reason.”

“People like him don't seem to me covet those qualities Madam Kate, but if you really must...” There was a blinking light that interrupted their conversation.

“Hang on Alfred. Looks like we've got a newsflash.” Kate punched in the commands to switch the screen to split as the Global News Nework Anchor Summer Gleason was reporting from downtown Gotham City.

“Police were alerted when a live video feed from The Joker appeared on the closed circuit television in the Federal courthouse.” Gleason continued. “What you're about to see is disturbing... Viewer discretion is advised.”

The Joker was holding the a badge of cop in his hand. “The moment we all been waiting for is approaching and the Four Horsemen are riding into the sunset.” Behind Joker was three dead bodies one of whom was a cop that Renee recognized. “We've all seen Batsie come on to the scene and save people from certain death, but what happens to The Bat when she doesn't know where the next murder is going to be at?” Joker peered into the camera. “Batwoman must take off her mask or the Gordon family will die with a grin again and again. HAHAHAH!!!” Suddenly the screen went back to Summer Gleason as she shook her head.

“There's been no word from Batwoman as of yet, but police are not able to trace the feed that hacked into the closed circuit TVs in the Federal Courthouse. Whoever this monster is... He's calling for a showdown with the caped vigilante known as Batwoman.” Kate sat back as she punched in the codes.

“Again and again.” Kate shook her head. “I don't recognize the...” She paused. “Alfred where did Bruce first appear as The Batman?”

“Dock Shore, Kate, why?”

“I think Joker is telling me where they are because he knows I'll go after them.”

Renee shook her head. “How do you know that they are going to be at the Docks?”

“I don't, but if his pattern of concrete abstract behavior are holding true, then I don't have any other leads to follow except that one.”

Alfred cut in between the two ladies. “How would Joker know about that?”

“He mentioned that The Batman had been the one that had set the city against the criminal underworld and he stood for something more than just one person. The crooks know that Joker is one of them, but he's willing to parade his insanity whereas they hide it behind a facade of civility.”

“You mean like Maroni or The Roman?”

“Exactly. You introduce a bit of the unknown and you generate fear which is one of the diversions that the Joker uses to get control over people. Fear can be a powerful foe.”

“The Batman used fear, Kate and he's gone now.”

“I don't believe that, but people are willing to fight for the ones they love, Renee.”

“True enough, Madam Kate, but how do you propose we find the Gordons?”

“He wants us to find them, Alfred.”

“How do you know that?”

“He wants me dead, so he can do what he wants to do.”

“Which is to burn the city to the ground.” Alfred looked down for a moment.

“Not necessarily, Alfred. The Joker may seem like he's just a wild animal, but he has plans. He wants to be the big shot.”

“Well, I hope you're right.”

“If I am not, then I am dead.” Kate nodded. She pulled off her uniform and Alfred nodded as he left her to get dressed. The next step was put things in motion... at least that's how she saw it.

[arcalian]

Lex Luthor was giving a press conference in Gotham City after his first attempt at the hostile take-over of Kane-Wayne Enterprises. “Thank you all for coming today.” He tapped the microphone. “Can you all hear me?” He smiled as he nodded. “Well, I guess I am here to announce that LexCorp has not completed the transaction of acquiring Kane-Wayne Enterprises. But, we assume this will be done soon. So, with that, I'll take some questions.”

“Mr. Luthor, why are you interested in Gotham City's biggest firm?”

“Well, the combination of the two largest companies in Gotham lessens LexCorp's ability to compete.” He grinned like a school boy who had just his first kiss from a girl. “We believe in the old adage if you can't beat them, join them.”

“Do you really think you can complete this deal?” Another reporter shouted out.

“Well, I have been known to be an optimist, but this is going to be a difficult deal; because well, we're taking on Gotham City as a whole, it seems.” He chuckled. “I don't plan on losing though.”

“Mr. Luthor you think you can pull this deal off?”

“Well, we'll see.” Luthor looked at his handlers and they gave him the cutthroat signal for him to leave the news conference. “Thank you everyone, make sure you pay attention to the news releases today.” He stepped off the podium and headed out the door and Mercy Graves, his assistant, followed behind.

“Metropolis has been buzzing with the news down here, Mr. Luthor.”

“I know, Mercy, but the problem is Kate Kane isn't going to give and inch, so this is going to be one of the most difficult acquisitions I am going to have.”

“Mr. Luthor there's a call for you.” One of his bodyguards handed him a cell-phone.

“Yes?” Luthor opened the the cell phone. “This is Lex Luthor.”

“Mr. Luthor.” It was the voice of Lucius Fox. “I thought I might try and reason with you one last time.”

“Mr. Fox, it's good to hear from you, but I heard you had become ill?”

“Just a set-back.” Fox paused. “Kate Kane has informed me to tell you that we've begun a coalition deal to acquire LexCorp Holdings overseas and then move our attention to domestic, but we will cease activities if you call off your business in Gotham City and go home.”

“My overseas holdings were weak anyway, Mr. Fox and I have yet to begin to fight.” He chuckled at the threat. “Hopefully you're able to keep up with me, old man.”

“Oh don't worry about me, Lex, I am fully capable of taking what you dish out.”

“Good enough, Lucius. I may even keep you on staff when I take over.”

“I wouldn't count on it, goodbye.”

“Goodbye.” Lex closed the phone and had a worried look on his face. “We need to find out how they pulled this off and who they are working with!” He growled.

“We'll find out how they did it.” Mercy looked at Luthor' changed demeanor. “Don't worry.” She tried to be reassuring, but Lex was past that moment for now. The moment led to a brief awkward glance at each other and Mercy opened the door for Luthor as he walked to his car.

“I am not worried, Mercy.. This city will be mine when all is said and done!” She closed his door and got into the car next to him as the chauffeur took them away from LexCorp and they headed to the airport.

[arcalian]

James Gordon had struggled against his bonds as he tried to get his hands free, but he didn't see the Joker anywhere nearby so he called out to his wife. “Barbara? Jimmy? Babs?” There was no answer from anyone. He sighed as he slumped down in the chair he was tied to. His hands were already raw from his trying to loosen the ropes. He had no idea what was going to come next, but he tried to struggle again.

“Commissioner Gordon.” It was voice of the Joker.

“Let me my family go! You can take me, but please let my family go!” Jim begged, as saw the sadistic grin of the Joker appear from the shadows.

“I can't do that yet, Jimbo.” The Joker chuckled. “My plans haven't been revealed yet.”

“I'll try and give you whatever you want, but...”

The Joker laughed for a few brief moments and looked at Gordon. “I haven't even been properly introduced to your wife yet, and I am so looking forward to that.” He looked at the table to the side of Gordon and himself. “Hmm, this is odd.”

“What... what's going on?”

“Seems I've got a message from Lex Luthor.” The Joker tapped his chin with his gloved hand. “Interesting. King Lex wants to speak to the peon.”

“Joker, there's something on the TV you should see.” One of Joker's men came into the room and the Joker left the room and Gordon struggled again with a renewed fervor. The door had been cocked open so they could hear what was going on inside, but Gordon didn't care he kept trying to struggle and he was able to free one of his hands finally. He grabbed a shard of glass that was on the floor by his feet and tried cut the bonds free.

[arcalian]

The Joker was watching a closed circuit broadcast directly to his network. It was the Batwoman. “What do I need to do to get the Gordons back?” She looked direclty at the Joker for the longest time. He was able to keep some semblance of sanity as he raised an eyebrow curiously.

“Well, by taking off your mask and revealing who you are would be a good start.” He smirked as he expected her to tell him no.

“Fine. You win.” She looked at him. She unhooked her cape and lifted off her mask and her face was now easy to see.

Joker raised an eyebrow at the shock of her doing just that. “I... I don't know who you are.”

“Will you release them now?” Her true appearance had been altered by prostetics to the point that no on could tell who she really was. She had gambled that Joker wouldn't be able to tell the difference either.

“Your name?”

“Not important.” She looked at him. “Will you release them?”

“Well, a deal is a deal, but I will release the children and mother. I am keeping Commissioner Gordon as a trump card.”

“Done.” She replaced her mask. “Where will you release them?”

He smirked at her. “Well, as soon as I get out of here, sure.” He grinned. “As soon as we learn your true identity, Batwoman, I am going to kill you and your family.”

“Come and try, Joker.” She closed the closed circuit connection.

The Joker looked at his goons. “I didn't recognize her face, I think she was wearing prosthetics.”

“How do you know, Boss?”

“I trust my gut about these things, Chuckie!” He grinned and looked at the TV again. “This gives me an idea.”

“Oh?”

[arcalian]

Kate Kane pulled off the prosthetics and pulled back on her mask just as Renee was coming in from her shift. “You're leaving again?”

“Gordon is still missing.” She looked at Renee who seemed tired and down. “What's wrong?”

“Just was hoping to spend some time with you.”

“I am sorry.” She looked down. “I don't seem to be...” Renee came over and kissed her hard and passionate for a brief moment before Kate could say anything else. The kiss was broken once Renee stepped back.

“Don't be sorry. You're doing the city a good turn and I need to support you.” She hugged her tightly. “Just don't get yourself killed... I don't want to lose the love of my life.” Renee lifted up her mask and kissed her again and a bit longer. Kate was caught off guard by Renee's new attitude. It seemed like to her that there had been a turn around of some sort, but she needed to figure that out later.

“I don't plan on it, but that doesn't mean they aren't planning on not trying.” She winked at her lover and pulled down her mask.

“Maybe so.” She looked at Kate and picked up some mail and started sorting through it. “But, I don't want to attend your funeral.”

“You won't. Not yet anyway.” She looked back over her shoulder and then went to the veranda and pointed her grappling gun to the nearest flag pole and fired. With that she was gone with the night.

[arcalian]

The Joker was pacing from one end of the room as he waited for Luthor to pick up his phone. “C'mon, c'mon!”

He looked at his goons as they had guns aimed at the Gordons. Finally Luthor picked up the phone and saw The Joker. “Well, I don't have much time to talk," Lex said.

“Then why are you wasting my time?” The Joker raised an eyebrow in frustration.

“We have a mutual enemy, Joker.” Luthor replied.

“I don't do boardroom brawls, Luthor.” He clicked his tongue in a mocking tone.

“I happen to know you're trying to kill The Batwoman.”

“If I were trying to kill her, she'd be dead already.” The Joker grinned and chuckled to himself.

“Then what are you trying to do?” Luthor shook his head and raised and eyebrow. “Never mind, I don't care, listen this is the proposition; I want her dead and I will pay you..”

The Joker shook his head. “I don't need money, Luthor, but I can use your influence in Metropolis.”

“Stay away from my town.”

“Oh, was that a threat?” The Joker smiled and chuckled and then broke into a laughter. “HAHAH, you.” He paused. “You do realize that I am a man with a plan and whatever I want I get.”

“What is it with you Gotham whackos?!” Luthor was finally frustrated.

“Time to go, Luthor. Tata. Heh.” The Joker hung up the phone. “We need to go ahead...” The Joker looked around and saw that his men were on the floor knocked out. “Hmm, Bats..” The Batwoman had taken out his men in swift punches that he hadn't heard in his argument with Luthor.

“You're late.” The Joker watched her as she had freed Commissioner Gordon and his family from their ropes.

“Com'on kids, Barbara... Let's go.” Jim Gordon ushered his family out the door as Batwoman readied for Joker's attack. The Joker grabbed the gun that by his side and fired at her. She had already moved had leaped up and dropped a kick into Joker's abdomen.

“Ugh!” He fell back and the gun was knocked out of his hand. “You don't play fair little girl!” He looked at her as he laughed out. “Now stand still so Daddy can put some holes in you!” Batwoman saw him grab his gun again and she took out a batarang from her belt and flung it at his hand and it struck the gun and it flew against the wall which was out of his reach. He struggled to try and reach it, but then Batwoman hit The Joker in the jaw and he fell back against the wall. “Why aren't you talking to me!!” He screamed out.

“I am talking.” She hit him again and blood came pouring out of his mouth as he was knocked unconscious. She saw him sprawled out on the floor and she saw out of the corner of her eye Gordon, Renee and some other cops come in guns drawn.

“Are you okay?” Renee looked at Batwoman.

“Fine.” Batwoman said, frowning. Renee shouldn't have come, least of all now, cop or not. turned around to face Gordon. “Are they okay?”

“Yeah, we're okay. Just a little worn down... it's been a trying time for everyone.” Gordon put on his glasses as he looked at the Joker. “This him?”

“No. That's his stand in.” She shook her head.

“How do you know that?” Gordon raised an eyebrow. “I mean they look the same...”

“It's a set-up, Jim.” Batwoman shook her head.

“Set up for what?” Renee cut into their conversation.

“I don't know exactly, Lieutenant.”

“Whatever Joker's got planned, you can be sure he's planning on making hell in Gotham City.”

“We'll get him, Jim.” She looked at Renee for a moment and then she stepped out onto the balcony. Renee came over and touched her arm for a moment.

“Will you be home?” Renee said in a hushed tone.

“No, not til I find him.” Batwoman raised grappling gun and fired it. The line was taut and she leaped off the side of the building and she was gone.

Renee sighed. “Kate..”

Gordon came up behind her. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just wishing some things were different.”

“Don't we all Lieutenant, c'mon let's go.” Both cops left and there was a sound of footsteps as the real Joker appeared from the shadows.

“Gotham City is going to burn. HAHAHAHAHA!!!”

To Be Concluded

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