Snickers reverberated around the room as a seated figure eyed the television set in front of him. Grainy footage of a recorded press conference played, dated April 12, 2011.

On-screen, a dark-haired man in his mid-forties addressed the hordes of journalists with a charming smile and a mild Quebecois accent. Rapid camera flashes captured every move the man made, illuminating the purple walls of the room in which the recording played. The spectator leaned forward in anticipation, his snickers merging into full-blown laughter as the man on-screen turned to a new question.

"Mayor Martin, how do you plan to deal with the recent escape of the Joker from Arkham Asylum, given Gotham's previous failure to bring him under control?"

"Smart reporter…"

"Well, personally, I don't find Gotham's previous attempts to be failures-"

More laughter.

"-considering the fact that he was apprehended in the first place. That being said, my top priority is a full revamp of the security measures and physical structure of Arkham Asylum-"

"Like that will do any good, ha, ha…ha…"

"-particularly the high-risk facilities."

"Ooooh, so I'm high-risk now, am I?"

"I also plan to strengthen the Gotham City Police Department as I believe they play a sizable role in creating a bright future for Gotham, and for the time being, bringing the Joker to justice."

"Mayor Martin, how do you feel about the widespread allegations that Gotham's police force is in league with the mob?"

"I thought we covered this last time…"

"To be perfectly honest, I'm extremely disappointed with that attitude. A city that has no faith in its authorities cannot expect them to perform to the best of their abilities. I truly believe that the Gotham City Police Department represents the remaining good in this city and I put my complete trust in them-"

"Oh, you would, wouldn't you…"

"-as I believe everyone should. Back in my hometown in Quebec, we value a strong community above all-"

The viewer began to shake with loud, high-pitched giggles.

"-and I firmly believe in integrating that concept during my time as mayor."

"Speaking of community, Mayor Martin, do you believe your French background will have any…negative consequences? Given the fact that Gotham is a predominantly English-speaking city?"

The mayor chuckled to himself for a few moments, eliciting scattered and confused laughter from the press. Only the figure watching the recording was able to catch the dangerous flash in the mayor's eyes and the tightness of the smile he aimed at the inquiring reporter.

"I'd first like to point out, my friend, that I am Quebecois, not French. Vast difference. As for your question, I have absolutely no issue with native English speakers. I have lived in Gotham with my family for 11 years now and have learned to love both the language and culture of this city. In fact, I believe my becoming mayor brings the world one step closer to eliminating any perceived tension between the English and French communities-"

The recording abruptly stopped as the figure turned off the television, snickering to himself in absolute delight and wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

"Oh, you are a liar, aren't you, Mayor Martin? On top of other things, ha, ha…this will be easier than I thought…"