Mockingbird #1
==Van Cleer Manor. Morning==
Miranda- Ok, sweetie, that's me off to the office now.
Drury- Oh, don't worry, don't worry, I'll drive you. Gotta drop off Cammy at the Pre-School anyway! Look at you! Look how big you're getting!
*Drury scoops up his youngest, and the doting parents kiss him*
Miranda- Aren't you mommy's special guy?
Cammy- Look! Look!
*He proudly presents Miranda with a crayon drawing of the family*
Miranda- Oh Drury look what he drew! Aren't you talented?
Cammy- It's mommy and daddy, and Simon and Kitten and Axel and me!
Drury- Oh! And is that a little Moth costume you're wearing?
*Gaige strolls in, a copy of the Gotham Gazette in one hand, a mug of Irish coffee in the other*
Gaige- Statistically, kid sidekicks don't have the most illustrious careers.
Miranda- Yeah, tell the kid that dad.
Drury- Don't listen to pip-pop, you can be our Robin if you want! Is that what you want?
Cammy- Yay!
Drury- Then let's get into the Mothmobile and do some cri- Let's get into the Mothmobile and stop some crime!
*Drury and Miranda leave the lounge with their son in their arms, passing a very tired looking Simon as they leave*
Drury- Say did Gar say when he'd be back?
Miranda- He'll be back soon! Don't worry!
Drury- I'm just saying, Mick's a bad influence!
Miranda- Mick's the bad influence?! Look, I'm sure he misses you too, let's go.
Drury- Right behind you!
==Arkham Asylum- Now==
Jim and I have been talking. About the Arkham City redevelopment scheme. Neither of us exactly think it's a good idea, but when the alternative is the asylum, it's hard to argue against it. The best term to describe the asylum is a "revolving door" for the worst killers and madmen around. I'm not the first person to call it that- most of the inmates would certainly agree. I keep hoping that one day, one day Jeremiah Arkham will finally do his job and help these people. Contrary to what some at the GCPD believe, I don't enjoy beating up the mentally ill. Yet, with Strange reinstated, I can't help feel that there's a reason behind these more frequent riots. Grange is mayor now, and despite Selina's protests, I'm of the mind Walker deserved a second chance. Though I'll never admit it, I voted for him, and despite his occasional recklessness, I believe that he truly wants what's best for Gotham. Grange meanwhile, is an old school mayor. Graduated Harvard same year as Harvey did. I can only hope she learned something from Walker's administration. The so-called Son's of Scarecrow have seized control of the Asylum- kids who worship Crane as an idol, a saviour even, for his role in the Society's chemical attack last year. They're young, but dangerous, and their delusions are going to get people killed. I have to get to Crane before they do.
Batman- How many escapees?
Captain- Ten, fifteen, at most. Opportunists mostly, none of the big players- those radicals only want Scarecrow. They're holed up in the Pacification Chamber. Six hostages, including Doctor Arkham. We haven't had a good look, but it seems they found some of Crane's old formulas?
Batman- Arkham didn't destroy them?
*No. Of *course* he didn't*
Captain- Huh. I guess not. You'll be careful right?
Batman- Yes, captain. I'll get those hostages out safely, and put an end to this.
==Van Cleer Manor. Morning==
*Simon sits down beside Gaige in the kitchen. Tiger Shark mutters words to the effect of "Y'know, there are plenty of other chairs here"*
Simon- Hey, could you pass the orange juice?
Gaige- Oh yeah. Sure.
...
Simon- Just the two of us?
Gaige- Just me actually. Go buy yourself a beer.
*He throws $20 Simon's way, in an obvious attempt to make him leave. Not aware that Simon was under age, or that it was eight in the morning*
...
Simon- So mom's got an office job?
Gaige- You're still here?
Simon- How long has that been going on?
Gaige- A few months. Needed to step up didn't she? Walker in prison, you striking out. That new bint's in office too now, so your old man ain't getting his job back anytime soon. She's smart. She's got herself a good job mind.
*Simon wanted to desperately change the subject*
Simon- Yeah, I'm sorry. About everything
Gaige- What're you apologising to me for? I wasn't the one crying.
*Simon nods, then very suddenly grabbing and hugging Gaige who immediately grabs a knife out of habit*
Gaige- Are we hugging now? Is that a thing?
Simon- I just... missed you.
Gaige- And a good morning to you too
==Arkham. Now==
*The one in the middle is Thomas Shift. A paranoid schizophrenic. I can't say that Scarecrow's gas helped him out much, it made him even more of a wreck, but even worse, now he thinks he has a purpose*
Shift- You non-believers will pay for your insubordination! You will be enlightened, as we have, in the name of our lord. Praise be the Scarecrow!
Sons- Praise be the Scarecrow!
Shift- *Doctor* Arkham, where is he? Where is the master- you said you'd arrange everything!
Arkham- I *said* we could talk this out, Thomas. Now, let me out of this ridiculous device and perhaps we could sti-
Shift- No! No! You said you would bring us Scarecrow! Where is Scarecrow!
Arkham- We keep him underground. Let me go, and I'll-
Shift- Kill me?! Is that what you were going to say? Is it?
No, you-
*Crane's held in "The Hole"- at Strange's request. One of the most remote cells on the island, second only to Bolton's (who can't be kept in a regular cell, he knows just about every lock out there). They used to keep Joker there, before deciding, in the wake of the City of Fear incident, that Crane was the bigger threat. It requires three different eye scans to get in and out, and food is sent in through chutes, not unlike the system in place for Croc. It also violates several human rights- something I'll have to talk to Arkham about. But the Sons don't know that or even care, and they'll start executing hostages if I don't interfere. Now. A well placed batarang will cut the wires attached to Arkham. A smoke pellet will distract them while I take down Shift. Their screaming deafens the sounds of my punching, as I take them down hard and fast. The main threat dealt with, I can head to maximum security and check on Crane. Or that was the idea until I heard the sirens go off*
Tannoy- Alert. Alert. Metahuman dampeners offline. Extreme Incarceration on lockdown. May all staff evacuate to the upper floors.
*Seems like someone wants to keep me busy. Sorry Selina, I can't risk Grundy or Phosphorus getting out tonight, or even- A guard, Michaels, slides through the closing doors towards me. Strange, that opening seemed too small*
Michaels- Batman, you got to help me, Ivy just shot up through the floor, Freeze just burst through that wall- all the metas are running loose!
Batman- Stay calm officer I-
*The next thing I know, "Michaels" knocks me down the hallway*
Michaels- There's a sucker born every minute huh Bats?
Batman- Hagen.
*Michaels laughs, then morphs his body back into that of Matt Hagen- The second Clayface. The star of a reality TV show who fell into a pool of protoplasm filming his last survival show. The same chemicals Daggett had been using in his illegal Renew-U formula for years. Karlo was fueled by rage after his accident. Hagen just saw a quicker route to fame*
Hagen- I'm getting better, ain't I? Admit it, I had you fooled.
Batman- Michaels has green eyes Hagen.
Hagen- Well, y'know showbiz, it's a constant learning process!
*A mallet. It's always a mallet. And yet, I still think something's off. Hagen has never been one to stay behind. He's stalling for something- or someone. A lead pipe answers my question. The cowl takes the brunt of the force but I'm still disoriented. And then he comes in, while I'm stunned. He's a good fighter, good enough to take me on while I'm this at least. It's like he knows the moves I'm going to make. Wrath? Prometheus? Could it be Strange, even? Before I lose consciousness I look back up to see my own face staring back at me.*
Bruce- Tommy.
Hush- Hush, Batman. Hush. Now prep the cell. Time he had a taste of his own medicine
Mockingbird #1
==Van Cleer Manor. Morning==
Miranda- Ok, sweetie, that's me off to the office now.
Drury- Oh, don't worry, don't worry, I'll drive you. Gotta drop off Cammy at the Pre-School anyway! Look at you! Look how big you're getting!
*Drury scoops up his youngest, and the doting parents kiss him*
Miranda- Aren't you mommy's special guy?
Cammy- Look! Look!
*He proudly presents Miranda with a crayon drawing of the family*
Miranda- Oh Drury look what he drew! Aren't you talented?
Cammy- It's mommy and daddy, and Simon and Kitten and Axel and me!
Drury- Oh! And is that a little Moth costume you're wearing?
*Gaige strolls in, a copy of the Gotham Gazette in one hand, a mug of Irish coffee in the other*
Gaige- Statistically, kid sidekicks don't have the most illustrious careers.
Miranda- Yeah, tell the kid that dad.
Drury- Don't listen to pip-pop, you can be our Robin if you want! Is that what you want?
Cammy- Yay!
Drury- Then let's get into the Mothmobile and do some cri- Let's get into the Mothmobile and stop some crime!
*Drury and Miranda leave the lounge with their son in their arms, passing a very tired looking Simon as they leave*
Drury- Say did Gar say when he'd be back?
Miranda- He'll be back soon! Don't worry!
Drury- I'm just saying, Mick's a bad influence!
Miranda- Mick's the bad influence?! Look, I'm sure he misses you too, let's go.
Drury- Right behind you!
==Arkham Asylum- Now==
Jim and I have been talking. About the Arkham City redevelopment scheme. Neither of us exactly think it's a good idea, but when the alternative is the asylum, it's hard to argue against it. The best term to describe the asylum is a "revolving door" for the worst killers and madmen around. I'm not the first person to call it that- most of the inmates would certainly agree. I keep hoping that one day, one day Jeremiah Arkham will finally do his job and help these people. Contrary to what some at the GCPD believe, I don't enjoy beating up the mentally ill. Yet, with Strange reinstated, I can't help feel that there's a reason behind these more frequent riots. Grange is mayor now, and despite Selina's protests, I'm of the mind Walker deserved a second chance. Though I'll never admit it, I voted for him, and despite his occasional recklessness, I believe that he truly wants what's best for Gotham. Grange meanwhile, is an old school mayor. Graduated Harvard same year as Harvey did. I can only hope she learned something from Walker's administration. The so-called Son's of Scarecrow have seized control of the Asylum- kids who worship Crane as an idol, a saviour even, for his role in the Society's chemical attack last year. They're young, but dangerous, and their delusions are going to get people killed. I have to get to Crane before they do.
Batman- How many escapees?
Captain- Ten, fifteen, at most. Opportunists mostly, none of the big players- those radicals only want Scarecrow. They're holed up in the Pacification Chamber. Six hostages, including Doctor Arkham. We haven't had a good look, but it seems they found some of Crane's old formulas?
Batman- Arkham didn't destroy them?
*No. Of *course* he didn't*
Captain- Huh. I guess not. You'll be careful right?
Batman- Yes, captain. I'll get those hostages out safely, and put an end to this.
==Van Cleer Manor. Morning==
*Simon sits down beside Gaige in the kitchen. Tiger Shark mutters words to the effect of "Y'know, there are plenty of other chairs here"*
Simon- Hey, could you pass the orange juice?
Gaige- Oh yeah. Sure.
...
Simon- Just the two of us?
Gaige- Just me actually. Go buy yourself a beer.
*He throws $20 Simon's way, in an obvious attempt to make him leave. Not aware that Simon was under age, or that it was eight in the morning*
...
Simon- So mom's got an office job?
Gaige- You're still here?
Simon- How long has that been going on?
Gaige- A few months. Needed to step up didn't she? Walker in prison, you striking out. That new bint's in office too now, so your old man ain't getting his job back anytime soon. She's smart. She's got herself a good job mind.
*Simon wanted to desperately change the subject*
Simon- Yeah, I'm sorry. About everything
Gaige- What're you apologising to me for? I wasn't the one crying.
*Simon nods, then very suddenly grabbing and hugging Gaige who immediately grabs a knife out of habit*
Gaige- Are we hugging now? Is that a thing?
Simon- I just... missed you.
Gaige- And a good morning to you too
==Arkham. Now==
*The one in the middle is Thomas Shift. A paranoid schizophrenic. I can't say that Scarecrow's gas helped him out much, it made him even more of a wreck, but even worse, now he thinks he has a purpose*
Shift- You non-believers will pay for your insubordination! You will be enlightened, as we have, in the name of our lord. Praise be the Scarecrow!
Sons- Praise be the Scarecrow!
Shift- *Doctor* Arkham, where is he? Where is the master- you said you'd arrange everything!
Arkham- I *said* we could talk this out, Thomas. Now, let me out of this ridiculous device and perhaps we could sti-
Shift- No! No! You said you would bring us Scarecrow! Where is Scarecrow!
Arkham- We keep him underground. Let me go, and I'll-
Shift- Kill me?! Is that what you were going to say? Is it?
No, you-
*Crane's held in "The Hole"- at Strange's request. One of the most remote cells on the island, second only to Bolton's (who can't be kept in a regular cell, he knows just about every lock out there). They used to keep Joker there, before deciding, in the wake of the City of Fear incident, that Crane was the bigger threat. It requires three different eye scans to get in and out, and food is sent in through chutes, not unlike the system in place for Croc. It also violates several human rights- something I'll have to talk to Arkham about. But the Sons don't know that or even care, and they'll start executing hostages if I don't interfere. Now. A well placed batarang will cut the wires attached to Arkham. A smoke pellet will distract them while I take down Shift. Their screaming deafens the sounds of my punching, as I take them down hard and fast. The main threat dealt with, I can head to maximum security and check on Crane. Or that was the idea until I heard the sirens go off*
Tannoy- Alert. Alert. Metahuman dampeners offline. Extreme Incarceration on lockdown. May all staff evacuate to the upper floors.
*Seems like someone wants to keep me busy. Sorry Selina, I can't risk Grundy or Phosphorus getting out tonight, or even- A guard, Michaels, slides through the closing doors towards me. Strange, that opening seemed too small*
Michaels- Batman, you got to help me, Ivy just shot up through the floor, Freeze just burst through that wall- all the metas are running loose!
Batman- Stay calm officer I-
*The next thing I know, "Michaels" knocks me down the hallway*
Michaels- There's a sucker born every minute huh Bats?
Batman- Hagen.
*Michaels laughs, then morphs his body back into that of Matt Hagen- The second Clayface. The star of a reality TV show who fell into a pool of protoplasm filming his last survival show. The same chemicals Daggett had been using in his illegal Renew-U formula for years. Karlo was fueled by rage after his accident. Hagen just saw a quicker route to fame*
Hagen- I'm getting better, ain't I? Admit it, I had you fooled.
Batman- Michaels has green eyes Hagen.
Hagen- Well, y'know showbiz, it's a constant learning process!
*A mallet. It's always a mallet. And yet, I still think something's off. Hagen has never been one to stay behind. He's stalling for something- or someone. A lead pipe answers my question. The cowl takes the brunt of the force but I'm still disoriented. And then he comes in, while I'm stunned. He's a good fighter, good enough to take me on while I'm this at least. It's like he knows the moves I'm going to make. Wrath? Prometheus? Could it be Strange, even? Before I lose consciousness I look back up to see my own face staring back at me.*
Bruce- Tommy.
Hush- Hush, Batman. Hush. Now prep the cell. Time he had a taste of his own medicine