BATMAN: INFERNO OF VENGEANCE
Written by KowloonDusk
EXT. GOTHAM CITY DOCKS - NIGHT
It is late, yet there is activity on the pier. An unusual
amount of activity. MEN transport large shipping containers
on forklifts. Others keep watch, clutching submachine guns. A
nighttime operation.
EXT. PIER - NIGHT
A THUG in dark clothes patrols the area with a flashlight. He
approaches one of his comrades, another THUG.
THUG ONE
See anything?
THUG TWO
Yup.
THUG ONE
Well, what the hell was it?
THUG TWO
A big rat. Nasty one too.
THUG ONE
(frowns)
Let's check the side.
They walk away.
Behind them, a SHADOW passes. It's no rat.
INT. DOCKS OFFICE - NIGHT
GRIFFITH, a smug man in his fifties, stands behind the desk
of a plush office, talking on the phone. He faces the window,
overlooking the docks.
GRIFFITH
I just received the shipment. I trust
it was no trouble for you?
The VOICE on the other line is distorted by a computerized
voice mask.
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
No trouble at all. I wrote the
materials off as defective and to be
disposed of immediately.
GRIFFITH
Perfect. Then our tracks are covered.
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
Wayne Enterprises won't have a clue
that anything's missing.
GRIFFITH
And that the largest company in Gotham
is now supplying The Demon. Good work.
I must be going.
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
Of course, Mr. Griffith.
Griffith hangs up the phone and continues looking out the
window, waiting.
GRIFFITH
Come on, where are you...
EXT. PIER - NIGHT
The SHADOW moves again. It slips between two shipping
containers.
A patrolling THUG passes.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
The Thug stops. Turns around. Draws a handgun.
THUG
Who's there?
He shines a flashlight between the containers. No one's
there. He pulls out a walkie-talkie and speaks into it.
THUG (CONT'D)
Hey, I think someone's here.
ANOTHER THUG (V.O.)
Where are you?
THUG
South end of the pier.
Carefully, he creeps forward, flashlight shaking. He gets
further in when -
- SQUEAK! A RAT scampers by.
THUG (CONT'D)
Never mind. It's just a rat.
The Thug turns around and sees the SHADOW descend from the
top of the container -
- it's BATMAN.
BATMAN
Try "bat."
The Thug SHRIEKS, and Batman PUNCHES him hard, knocking him
out.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
Batman pulls out a small electronic tracking device. He holds
it up to the side of the container, and the beeping grows
louder.
He sees the words WAYNE ENTERPRISES on the container.
Batman walks to the front of the container and removes the
steel bar from the lock. He opens the door and looks inside.
It's empty.
Batman, puzzled, walks into the container and holds up his
tracker. The beeping gets even louder.
Finally, he finds a tiny flashing tracking beacon on the
floor. Nothing else.
Suddenly, the dock lights turn on! Batman spins around to see
Griffith and the two thugs aiming their handguns at him.
GRIFFITH
'Evening Batman. These tracking
beacons are useful, aren't they?
BATMAN
Griffith. Where's the shipment?
GRIFFITH
In a safe place. You see, we knew
shipments from Wayne Enterprises tend
to come with tracking beacons, so our
inside agent planted one in an empty
container, knowing you'd come for it.
You no longer control the night,
Batman. The Demon does.
BATMAN
The Demon. Ra's al Ghul must be proud
you're leading his new two-bit gang.
GRIFFITH
He'll be even prouder when he reads
your obituary in tomorrow's paper.
Goodnight, Batman.
The thugs SLAM the door shut and insert the heavy steel bar
through the lock.
INT. SHIPPING CONTAINER - NIGHT
Batman rushes to the door and tries to break it open. It
won't budge. He takes out a small flashlight and shines it
around.
EXT. PIER - NIGHT
Griffith signals a FORKLIFT THUG, who drives the forklift
forward and picks up the container.
Then he drives to the end of the pier and DUMPS it into the
water. It sinks.
Griffith and the thugs laugh.
GRIFFITH
Guys, this calls for a drink! Let's go
to my office.
INT. SHIPPING CONTAINER - NIGHT
Batman leans against the wall, trying to maintain his
balance. The side with the door dips down. Water GUSHES
inside.
INT. DOCKS OFFICE - NIGHT
Griffith and his thugs enter the room.
GRIFFITH
We did it. We killed Batman! The Demon
will be the most feared syndicate in
Gotham. In the world!
The thugs cheer, laugh.
GRIFFITH (CONT'D)
What'll it be? Whiskey?
INT. SHIPPING CONTAINER - NIGHT
The water fills the container. Batman reaches for his utility
belt. He grabs a RED TUBE.
He THROWS it at the door.
BOOM! The door EXPLODES and flies off.
Batman swims out.
INT. DOCKS OFFICE - LATER
Griffith and three thugs sit around the desk, drinking.
GRIFFITH
We're gonna be rich. The shipment -
the chemicals - are a breakthrough
invention by Wayne Enterprises.
They'll go for thousands on the black
market. I've already sold some to this
special effects guy. He'll be back for
more.
Thug One puts his drink down and stands up.
THUG ONE
Don't mind me.
He walks to a bathroom door.
INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT
Thug One enters. Turns on the light. Sees the window
shattered.
THUG ONE
What's this?
He looks out the window -
- and a gloved hand PULLS HIM OUT.
INT. DOCKS OFFICE - NIGHT
Griffith hears the thug scream.
GRIFFITH
What the hell was that? Check it.
He and the thugs pull out handguns. Cautiously, they approach
the bathroom door.
The two thugs move forward -
- and one KICKS the door in.
Just then, a BATARANG soars through the air and HITS the thug
in the face - He gets knocked to the floor.
Batman SWINGS OUT and JUMP KICKS the other thug in the
chest - He goes flying back and SLAMS into the wall.
Griffith shouts and FIRES his handgun. BLAM! BLAM!
Batman shields himself with the fins of his gloves. Then he
leaps forward and KICKS the gun right out of Griffith's hand.
Batman pulls him up by the shirt. Griffith fumbles.
GRIFFITH (CONT'D)
You... you're dead!
BATMAN
That's right. Want to see what a real
demon looks like?
Batman STARES into Griffith's eyes. Griffith is horrified. He
whimpers. Batman heaves him across the room.
Griffith HITS the desk and tumbles over. He scrambles up and
looks around. Batman is gone.
Griffith shivers, mumbles.
GRIFFITH
The bat... the demon...
EXT. PIER - LATER
POLICE and PRESS have arrived. COMMISSIONER GORDON tries to
keep the press back.
GORDON
Come on, let us through.
The police escort Griffith and the thugs away in handcuffs.
CYNTHIA HARLAND, a newscaster, tries to get near. She holds
up a microphone.
CYNTHIA
Commissioner Gordon, did Batman have
any role in capturing Griffith and his
gang?
GORDON
We don't really have any witnesses at
this time to confirm or deny that.
GRIFFITH
The bat... the bat...
CYNTHIA
It sounds like Mr. Griffith is
alluding to Batman.
GORDON
Well, Mr. Griffith isn't exactly what
I'd call coherent. He's also talking
about demons. The Gotham City Police
Department will issue a statement in
due time. Now, if you'll excuse me.
GRIFFITH
It was the bat! It was the demon!
GORDON
Uh-huh. Let's go.
Gordon takes Griffith to a squad car.
CYNTHIA
(to screen)
Was it Batman who put a stop to this
illegal operation on the docks and
captured notorious crime boss Eric
Griffith? Or was it... demons? We will
just have to see what evidence
surfaces in this mystery crime scene.
This is Cynthia Harland, Gotham City
News.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
We're in the living room. The news is on the TV. BRUCE WAYNE
is alone. He performs stretches.
ANCHORMAN (V.O.)
Thank you Cynthia for the report. In
other news, have you been hearing
explosions in Gotham lately? You're
not alone. Vincent Keller's latest
action movie, "Dark Retribution" is
filming on location in the city, and
there have been considerable
complaints about the noise level -
Bruce shuts the TV and continues stretching. ALFRED
PENNYWORTH enters.
ALFRED
Master Wayne, delighted to see you
have returned early. I do hope your
exercises are not compensating for any
serious injury.
BRUCE
No. I'm fine, Alfred.
ALFRED
Glad to hear it, Sir. I trust you
recovered the missing shipping
container?
Bruce stops exercising. He is serious.
BRUCE
It was a set-up. The container was
empty. Also, Ra's al Ghul has an agent
in Wayne Enterprises.
Bruce walks to the couch and sits down. He is frustrated.
Alfred walks over.
ALFRED
Unfortunate news, indeed. Any idea
what the crime lord stole from the
company?
BRUCE
Impossible to say, but I heard
Griffith mention chemicals. It might
be the Nitrohexane that we developed
for industrial combustion. It's very
dangerous and highly regulated.
ALFRED
And it would be quite detrimental to
Wayne Chemicals if the substance was
used for nefarious purposes.
BRUCE
Could you do me a favor. Get me the
roster of all Wayne Chemicals
employees who have access to the lab
storage and shipping facilities.
ALFRED
Doesn't Wayne Chemicals employ over
five hundred people?
BRUCE
Yeah. It's not going to be easy. But I
have to start somewhere. If Ra's al
Ghul is trying to get his hands on
this chemical, he's planning something
big.
EXT. DERELICT BUILDING - DAY
An old building EXPLODES. Flames SHOOT out the windows.
VOICE (O.S.)
Cut!
A FILM CREW rushes forward and extinguishes the flames. There
are movie cameras everywhere. It's the set of "Dark
Retribution."
CREW MEMBER
Jesus, that was huge!
DAN MULDOON, forties, gets out of a chair marked DIRECTOR. He
looks at the flames suspiciously. He turns to an ASSISTANT.
MULDOON
The blast wasn't supposed to be that
strong.
EXT. BACKLOT - DAY
In a quiet spot behind a building, GARFIELD LYNNS, thirties,
talks to SUSAN DELINI, a pretty actress. They are close to
each other, smiling and laughing.
LYNNS
That was some performance you gave,
Susan. I think you might be up for an
award.
SUSAN
What about yourself and that magic of
yours? You have any other special
effects that you'd like to show me?
LYNNS
Maybe a few.
They giggle and kiss.
SUSAN
I was so worried about you. I thought
Dan was gonna fire you the other day
after that argument you two had.
LYNNS
He'll get over it. He just needs to
relax and let the professionals handle
the effects.
SUSAN
You know how much I need you here.
LYNNS
Remind me.
They kiss again. Passionately.
EXT. BACKLOT - STREET - DAY
The fire is out. The crew sets up the next shot. Muldoon
speaks on a cellphone.
MULDOON
You got the job, Arthur. Can you come
to the set? Good. Bring your effects
guys. OK, see you in a bit. Bye.
Muldoon hangs up and looks around.
MULDOON (CONT'D)
Anyone see Lynns?
A STAGEHAND points ahead. Muldoon heads off.
The EFFECTS CREW - BRANT and CUTTER, both well-built men in
their thirties - stand near a parked special effects
equipment van, drinking beers. Brant sees Muldoon coming
over.
BRANT
Cutter. He's coming.
They put the beers down. Cutter grabs a crate of equipment
and sticks it in the back of the van. Muldoon approaches
them, stern.
CUTTER
Dan! How'd you like that blast?
MULDOON
You both know it wasn't supposed to be
that powerful. Where's Lynns?
BRANT
I think he took five.
MULDOON
Get him. It's urgent.
Brant and Cutter comply reluctantly. They walk away.
BRANT
Sure thing.
Muldoon looks at the van. He notices the crate in the back.
Inside are containers labeled NITROHEXANE.
MULDOON
Oh my God.
EXT. BACKLOT - DAY
Lynns and Susan continue to fool around behind the building.
CUTTER (O.S.)
(calling)
Boss!
Lynns glances back. Sees Brant and Cutter.
LYNNS
I got to go. How about we finish this
later?
SUSAN
I'll be waiting.
Lynns grins and kisses Susan again. Then he steps out.
Brant and Cutter see him and walk over.
LYNNS
What is it, guys?
BRANT
Muldoon's looking for you. Says it's
urgent.
LYNNS
What does that prick want now?
EXT. BACKLOT - STREET - DAY
Muldoon speaks on a cellphone again.
MULDOON
Just get here as fast as you can.
Thanks, Officer.
Lynns walks over. There is much hostility.
LYNNS
Dan.
MULDOON
Lynns, what do you think you're doing?
That last explosion was too much.
LYNNS
You hire the best, you get the best.
My effects are going to make this
movie.
MULDOON
You could have injured a lot of
people. You already violated three
safety regulations. One more, and the
studio will shut us down!
LYNNS
Would you cool it? I have everything
under control.
MULDOON
Is that right? What's this?
Muldoon swings open the backdoor of the special effects van.
Lynns sees the Nitrohexane containers.
MULDOON (CONT'D)
This stuff isn't approved for use on
set. In case you haven't heard, it's
illegal to own.
LYNNS
Come on, you know you can get that
stuff on the streets these days.
MULDOON
I don't want to hear it anymore,
Lynns. Get off the set. You're fired.
LYNNS
What did you say?
MULDOON
And take Brant and Cutter with you.
Lynns steps forward.
LYNNS
You'll regret this, Muldoon.
Lynns sees a SECURITY GUARD entering the backlot. A CREW
MEMBER points in Lynns' direction. The guard comes over.
MULDOON
No, I think you will if you don't
leave.
SECURITY GUARD
Mr. Lynns.
Lynns stands there, infuriated.
LYNNS
You better watch yourself, Muldoon.
EXT. STUDIO - PARKING LOT - DAY
The Security Guard walks Lynns to the studio parking lot.
STAFF watches him curiously. They whisper. All eyes on Lynns.
Lynns sees ARTHUR WHITE, a man in his thirties, getting out
of a car. White smiles at Lynns. Lynns is mad as hell.
WHITE
How the mighty have fallen.
LYNNS
White? Muldoon called you?!
WHITE
Guess he just needed someone he could
rely on. There's a lot of special
effects in his movie, after all.
LYNNS
White, you'll never replace me.
WHITE
Ah, calm down, Lynns. It's only a
movie.
The guard walks Lynns right up to his car. Lynns slams his
fist on the roof of the car.
LYNNS
I think I can handle it from here!
Lynns pulls his keys out and unlocks the door. He opens it
up.
Moments later, a POLICE CAR pulls up, lights flashing. TWO
OFFICERS get out.
OFFICER ONE
Garfield Lynns.
Lynns turns around.
LYNNS
What is it?
OFFICER ONE
Mr. Lynns. We have reason to believe
you brought an unauthorized chemical
substance onto the premises.
LYNNS
I don't believe this.
OFFICER TWO
Are you aware that Nitrohexane is
highly regulated and currently illegal
for civilians to possess?
LYNNS
Muldoon called you? Didn't he? That
bastard!
OFFICER ONE
Mr. Lynns, you're under arrest.
INT. LAIR - DAY
We're in a mysterious place. The architecture is that of a
centuries-old, Gothic castle, but the room is outfitted with
modern, hi-tech equipment. Flames flicker in the fireplace. A
holographic image of Gotham City rotates in the center of the
room.
A FIGURE sits behind a majestic desk, talking on the
speakerphone.
It's RA'S AL GHUL, a mysterious, intimidating man, wearing a
suit.
RA'S AL GHUL
Impressive work infiltrating Wayne
Enterprises. I am most pleased. Too
bad I can't say the same for Griffith.
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
Griffith has become a liability. What
if he talks?
RA'S AL GHUL
Don't worry about Griffith. He knows
nothing. Why do you think I never
addressed you by name within my
organization? Your identity is a
secret.
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
Glad to hear it. Let's keep it that
way.
RA'S AL GHUL
Now, let's get to business. I've got
international buyers lining up to get
their hands on Nitrohexane. How
quickly can you get me a shipment of
two hundred units?
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
Give me twenty-four hours.
RA'S AL GHUL
Very good. I knew you would do well in
this position. We will be in touch.
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
Yes, we will, Master.
Ra's al Ghul hangs up the phone. He grins.
EXT. STREET - POLICE CAR - MOVING - DAY
A police car travels down the parkway. It enters a large two-
lane tunnel.
INT. POLICE CAR - MOVING - DAY
Lynns is handcuffed in the backseat. The two officers in the
front.
POLICE RADIO (V.O.)
All units, be advised. A speeding
motorcycle was last seen entering the
Limehouse Tunnel, heading southbound.
OFFICER TWO
This is Gotham squad car twenty-two.
We're in the tunnel now, heading
northbound. We'll be on the lookout.
INT. TUNNEL - DAY
A SPEEDING MOTORCYCLE cuts in and out of traffic dangerously.
It cuts off a semi-truck, which blares its horn.
In the opposite lane, the police car approaches.
Then - the car in front of the motorcycle hits the breaks.
It causes a chain reaction.
The motorcycle BREAKS HARD.
The semi-truck JAMS ON ITS BREAKS and SWERVES into the
oncoming lane -
- right into the path of the police car.
INT. POLICE CAR - MOVING - DAY
The officers react.
OFFICER ONE
Oh my God!
OFFICER TWO
Watch out!
SMASH! The semi-truck PLOWS into the front of the car.
INT. TUNNEL - DAY
The semi-truck TEARS the cop car to pieces and SLAMS into the
wall.
The cop car SPINS and FLIPS UPSIDE DOWN.
The other vehicles swerve and jam on their breaks, CRASHING
into each other in the process.
All traffic comes to a complete standstill.
THE COP CAR
The officers lie sprawled where the windshield used to be.
They are motionless.
In the backseat, Lynns is crumpled in the corner. Bloody.
Motionless.
Then he TWITCHES.
He opens his eyes.
POLICE RADIO (V.O.)
Base to squad car twenty-two. How's
that motorcycle?
Lynns looks around. COMMOTION everywhere. PEOPLE are injured
and panicking. Some help, others run away.
Lynns sees the interior of the cop car is all wet. Some kind
of liquid seeps into the car.
POLICE RADIO (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I repeat, base to squad car twenty-
two. Do you copy?
MOTORIST (O.S.)
Look! A fire!
Lynns watches as the liquid IGNITES. He sniffs. It's
gasoline.
The fire trail spreads across his chest. Lynns SCREAMS.
MOTORIST (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Run! It's going to explode!
Lynns' screams are muffled by the CRACKLING FLAMES that
engulf the car. With his hands handcuffed behind his back, he
is helpless.
POLICE RADIO (V.O.)
Squad car twenty-two?
Using all his strength, Lynns rolls himself out the broken
window.
Once outside, he ROLLS on the ground. The flames on his body
DISSIPATE.
He struggles to stand. He sees the motionless officers
through the windshield - and the KEYS on Officer One's belt.
Lynns snatches the keys and UNLOCKS his handcuffs. Soon, the
entire car is covered in flames.
Lynns makes a mad dash away as -
- the cop car EXPLODES. The blast knocks Lynns to the
ground.
He looks back and sees the BLAZING FIRE. He watches. It
ENGULFS everything it touches.
Finally, Lynns gets up and runs away.
EXT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - DAY
Wayne Chemicals is a sprawling industrial facility on the
outskirts of Gotham.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - DAY
The main office is a large open work area. TECHNICIANS sit at
desks, working at computers.
Windows on the perimeter of the room provide a view into
laboratories where CHEMISTS perform experiments.
Bruce Wayne enters in suit and tie. KATYA, a female
secretary, and PETER, an enthusiastic male executive, follow
him.
PETER
We renovated our main facility last
summer.
KATYA
Last June, to be exact.
BRUCE
I thought it looked different.
PETER
A complete remodel with state of the
art infrastructure! Well, what do you
think, Bruce?
BRUCE
I like the layout. Tell me, how many
employees have access to this site
now?
KATYA
I have the figures. Five hundred
twenty-six. However, laboratories are
restricted to security level D. Only
sixty-eight have clearance.
BRUCE
Thanks, Katya.
(to Peter)
You've really expanded in terms of
personnel. Do you still oversee
inventory, Peter?
PETER
No - at our output rate, I'd have to
be a superhero to handle it all. Our
new production manager oversees
inventory.
BRUCE
And who might that be...?
PETER
(calling)
Talia...
Bruce looks to see -
- TALIA AL GHUL, a sharply dressed woman in her early
thirties, approaching. She smiles at the sight of Bruce.
Bruce, for a moment, is transfixed.
TALIA
Pleased to meet you, Mr. Wayne. My
name is Talia Head. Production
Manager.
Bruce shakes her hand.
BRUCE
Pleased to meet you. You're just the
person I wanted to see.
TALIA
Oh? I'm not in trouble, am I?
BRUCE
Not at all. I was hoping you could
give me a tour of the new facility.
PETER
Oh - Bruce, I could give you the
tour. No problem!
Bruce gives Peter a look.
BRUCE
(forced)
Why, that's so kind of you, Peter.
Talia smiles.
TALIA
(to Peter)
It's OK.
(to Bruce)
Mr. Wayne, I'd be delighted to give
you a tour.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - FACTORY - DAY
Bruce and Talia walk through a facility, wearing safety
goggles. They reach a moving production line of chemical
containers. SCIENTISTS monitor the machinery.
TALIA
Last but not least, our production
facility. Dr. Klay leads leads a
strict quality control program.
DR. KLAY, a man in his fifties, wearing a lab coat, looks
over suspiciously. He sees Bruce and is quite surprised.
DR. KLAY
Mr. Wayne. Lawrence Klay. What an...
unexpected surprise.
Bruce shakes his hand.
BRUCE
Yes, surprises are usually unexpected.
How do you do, Dr. Klay?
DR. KLAY
I'm well. Factory output is
increasing. And what brings you here
today... just out of curiosity?
BRUCE
Just observing the fine staff of Wayne
Chemicals at work. Please, carry on,
Doctor.
Bruce and Talia continue walking. Bruce sees the chemical
containers are labeled NITROHEXANE.
BRUCE (CONT'D)
Ah - so this is the new Nitrohexane?
TALIA
Indeed.
Talia walks over to a vault door and punches in a security
code on a keypad. The door unlocks, and Talia opens it. Many
containers of Nitrohexane are inside.
TALIA (CONT'D)
Fuels the Gotham City reactor at a
fraction of the cost of crude oil. And
virtually no pollutants.
BRUCE
You know it well.
TALIA
It's my job.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - CORRIDOR - DAY
Bruce and Talia exit the lab into a corridor. They remove
their goggles.
BRUCE
So, how long have have you worked
here, Ms. Head?
TALIA
Six months, three weeks.
BRUCE
You're very precise. I know you'll do
well in this position.
TALIA
Thank you, Mr. Wayne.
BRUCE
Please, call me Bruce.
TALIA
All right. Bruce. One condition. As
long as you call me Talia.
Bruce smiles.
DR. DARCEL, a man in his fifties, walks by with a stack of
papers in his hands. Talia sees him.
TALIA (CONT'D)
Bruce, meet Dr. Ebenezer Darcel.
Research Director.
DARCEL
Mr. Wayne, what a pleasure. You know,
I want to thank you personally for
recognizing the Wayne Chemicals
research team at last month's board
meeting.
BRUCE
Without the team, we'd have no
company. Your department has earned
far more than my commendation.
DARCEL
You're very generous, Mr. Wayne. Now,
you'll have to excuse me, I have a
meeting.
BRUCE
Of course, Doctor.
DARCEL
(leaving)
Good day, Mr. Wayne. Ms. Head.
TALIA
Darcel does risk analysis of our
products - and our competitors.
Knowing the right time to engage the
market is crucial in this business.
Well, I believe we've reached the end
of the tour.
BRUCE
Very good. I presume you keep records
of all the products that move in and
out of this facility?
TALIA
Of course.
(realizing)
Wait a minute. You're hiding
something, but I figured it out.
BRUCE
(unsure)
You figured what out?
TALIA
This is an audit.
BRUCE
(relieved)
Oh. No, not exactly. Wayne Enterprises
is stepping up security. Production,
inventory, and shipping data are all
going to be stored in a central,
secure data center.
TALIA
We keep track of everything. Of
course, I will submit the records.
BRUCE
Thanks. Peter will share the details
with you. I appreciate your help.
TALIA
Actually, Bruce, if I may, there's
something I'd like to ask you.
BRUCE
Sure, what is it, Talia?
TALIA
Gotham Science Journal is looking to
interview me on the factory's growth.
Would you object if I asked you to
speak in my place?
BRUCE
Me? Why me?
TALIA
You're the face of the company. Don't
get me wrong, Peter is... well, Peter.
I guess I just like to keep a low
profile when it comes to the public.
BRUCE
I can understand that. I'm... the same
way.
Talia looks at Bruce.
TALIA
You do a good job of hiding it.
BRUCE
I'm still learning to cope with it.
Bruce looks at Talia. A long beat.
BRUCE (CONT'D)
Tell you what. Here's my number.
(hands her his card)
Call me when the opportunity arises,
Talia.
Talia looks over the card with satisfaction.
TALIA
Then it's a yes?
BRUCE
Yes, it's a yes.
TALIA
(smiles)
Two yesses then? Thanks, Bruce.
INT. BAR - NIGHT
Lynns sits in the corner of a crowded bar, head down, eating.
He wears a jacket over his burnt clothes.
He takes a swig of beer and COUGHS. He grabs his chest in
pain. Stops. Looks around. No one has noticed.
He watches a TV hanging over the bar. It shows news footage
of the tunnel.
CYNTHIA (V.O.)
The fire is out, but the tunnel
remains closed as authorities
investigate. Police have released the
name of a missing suspect who escaped
from a police car during the incident.
A photo of Lynns appears on the screen.
CYNTHIA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
His name is Garfield Lynns. Anyone
with information on Mr. Lynns'
whereabouts is urged to contact
police.
Lynns stares. He gets up and heads for the exit.
EXT. STREET - LYNNS' APARTMENT - NIGHT
Lynns stands on a street corner across from his old apartment
building. He waits and looks around.
A TV in a store window shows a trailer for an action movie -
ON THE SCREEN
BAD GUYS shoot guns at VINCENT KELLER, a hulking action star.
He turns back and fires a FLAMETHROWER at them.
THE STREET
Lynns' eyes light up when he sees the FIRE.
ON THE SCREEN
A title card - DARK RETRIBUTION. COMING THIS SUMMER TO A
THEATER NEAR YOU.
THE STREET
Lynns notices a COP CAR turn onto the street. He watches
suspiciously.
It parks in front of the apartment.
Lynns begins walking the other way.
EXT. SUSAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Lynns now stands at the front door of Susan's house. The
place is nice, upscale, but the lights are off. He rings the
bell, knocks.
No answer.
Lynns keeps trying. A car comes down the street. Lynns
quickly jumps the gate and moves into the alley beside the
house. He watches.
The car pulls into the driveway. Susan gets out of the
passenger side while a MAN gets out of the driver side.
Lynns squints to see who it is.
Susan goes to the man and puts her arm around him. They
giggle. They kiss. They stroll to the front door in each
others' arms.
SUSAN
My God, that dinner was good. We are
definitely going back there.
MULDOON
Now we'll have to work it off.
They giggle.
Lynns sees Muldoon's face. He watches, shocked.
SUSAN
Sounds like fun.
Muldoon kisses Susan again. They unlock the front door and
hurry inside. The door shuts. It is quiet again.
Lynns is gone.
EXT. OLD WORKSHOP - NIGHT
An old, secluded workshop stands beneath a bridge on the East
End of Gotham. The doors and windows are all locked up with
metal bars. Outside, PUNKS hang around.
INT. OLD WORKSHOP - NIGHT
The workshop has seen better days. Special effects props and
equipment are scattered around the room. There are demolition
charges in cases marked EXPLOSIVE. A TV is on. Beers are on
the table. The phone RINGS. Brant makes his way over, beer in
hand. He answers the phone.
BRANT
Hello?
LYNNS (V.O.)
Looking for work?
BRANT
Boss?
INT. PHONE BOOTH - NIGHT
Lynns talks on the phone.
BRANT (V.O.)
I saw you on the news. What's going
on?
LYNNS
Minor setback. Never mind that now. I
saw Arthur White this morning.
BRANT (V.O.)
Muldoon hired him. And fired us.
LYNNS
Well, Muldoon's in for a wake up call.
Get Cutter. Meet me at the backlot in
an hour.
BRANT (V.O.)
But we were fired. We can't get in.
LYNNS
Leave that to me. Just be there.
Lynns hangs up.
EXT. LYNNS' APARTMENT - FIRE ESCAPE - NIGHT
Lynns climbs the fire escape to his apartment on the top
floor. He KICKS IN the window.
INT. LYNNS' APARTMENT - NIGHT
It is dark. A tool chest is open on the floor. Lynns packs
some of the tools into a knapsack - a wrench, a pair of wire
cutters.
He moves through the apartment, taking certain items - a
lighter, a matchbook.
He sees a photo of Susan on the desk. He picks it up and
stares -
- and he throws it to the floor.
Lynns reaches under the desk and pulls out a storage
container marked EFFECTS. Inside - containers of
Nitrohexane. He takes them.
He opens one container and begins dumping the oily liquid
around the room. He covers the walls and ceiling. Then he
goes to the broken window.
He climbs out onto the fire escape.
EXT. LYNNS' APARTMENT - FIRE ESCAPE - NIGHT
Lynns takes out his matchbook and STRIKES a match.
He TOSSES it inside and SLIDES DOWN the fire escape.
EXT. STREET - LYNNS' APARTMENT - NIGHT
KA-BOOM! The top floor of the apartment goes up in a
tremendous FIREBALL.
The COP parked in front JUMPS out of his car and looks up,
stunned.
FLAMES shoot into the sky.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Bruce sits in front of the main computer console, working. On
the screen are the Nitrohexane inventory lists and shipment
manifests from Wayne Chemicals.
The news is on another screen. It shows firefighters at the
scene of Lynns' burning apartment.
CYNTHIA (V.O.)
I'm on East 12th Street where a
massive explosion took out the top
floor of this apartment. Witnesses ten
miles away reportedly heard the blast.
Furthermore, the Gotham public
directory indicates this is the
residence of escaped suspect Garfield
Lynns, who's still at large...
Bruce stares at the screen intently.
INT. STUDIO WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
The studio warehouse is a huge storage facility full of movie
props. The lights are off, and everything is locked up, yet
there is MOVEMENT inside.
Lynns cuts a padlock off a gated door with his wire cutters.
He slides the door open. Inside are all kinds of crew work
uniforms. Lynns finds a sign marked FIRE RETARDANT UNIFORMS.
INT. STUDIO WAREHOUSE - PROPS - NIGHT
Lynns smashes another gate in with a sledge hammer. He rips
it open and goes to a metal case marked DARK RETRIBUTION.
He opens the case to see -
- the FLAMETHROWER.
EXT. BACKLOT - NIGHT
Brant and Cutter approach the backlot with flashlights. They
see a hole has been cut through the perimeter gate.
BRANT
Look!
CUTTER
He broke in!
They climb through the hole and look around.
BRANT
Boss? You there?
No answer.
CUTTER
Hey, I don't like it here.
MALE VOICE (O.S.)
What's the matter?
Brant and Cutter look ahead. They shine their flashlights.
BRANT
Boss, is that you?
A FIGURE steps out wearing a dark uniform, helmet, and
gripping the flamethrower.
It's FIREFLY.
FIREFLY
Back in action.
CUTTER
What happened to you?
FIREFLY
The time has come. Tonight, Firefly
takes flight!
He LAUGHS.
EXT. LYNNS' APARTMENT - NIGHT
The entire roof is gone. Smoke fumes from the remains of
Lynns' charred apartment. The flames are out. The
firefighters are gone. It is empty.
A GRAPPLING HOOK shoots through the window frame.
Batman climbs up and enters the ruins of the apartment. He
touches a wall. It crumbles to ash.
He sees the tool chest on the floor. The metal is twisted and
warped. He sees half of a sign that reads "EFFE..."
Batman kneels down and runs his hand across the floor where
the smoke is thickest. He checks his gloves. There are traces
of some kind of sludge. He sniffs it.
He pulls an empty test tube off his utility belt and puts the
substance inside. He caps it tightly.
Batman goes to another area. He sees the burned photo of
Susan. He picks it up. It is badly damaged and only partially
identifiable. He takes it.
Batman aims his grappling hook gun at an adjacent building
and FIRES.
He takes a running leap and SOARS off the building.
EXT. OLD WORKSHOP - NIGHT
Under the bridge, THREE PUNKS look up when they see
headlights approaching. It's the special effects van. It
pulls up in front of the workshop -
- and Firefly climbs out, flamethrower strapped around his
back. Brant and Cutter get out too.
The punks look at Firefly suspiciously.
PUNK ONE
Who the hell is that?
PUNK TWO
Looks like some freak from a sci-fi
convention.
PUNK THREE
(to Firefly)
Hey! What the hell do you think you're
doing in our territory?
Firefly starts toward the workshop. The punks step in front
of him, blocking his path.
FIREFLY
Evicting you, that's what.
PUNK ONE
Funny. But I think you're the one
who's leaving.
He pulls out a butterfly knife, twirls it, and holds it up.
FIREFLY
You know, there's a reason I built my
workshop all the way out here. Do you
know why?
Firefly pulls the flamethrower off his back and aims it at
the punks. They stop dead in their tracks.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
I like my privacy.
Firefly PULLS THE TRIGGER -
- and A STREAM OF FIRE ENGULFS THE PUNKS. They SCREAM in
agony.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Batman empties the contents of the test tube into a petri
dish and places it into a cylindrical-shaped device. The
computer flashes: ELEMENT ANALYZER - PROCESSING NOW.
Next, Batman takes out the burned photo and inserts it into a
hi-tech scanner. On another screen, the image appears. He
enters a command, and the screen begins rapidly flashing with
people's faces from various databases - employee photos,
passports, mugshots - trying to find a match.
A message appears: PHOTO RECONSTRUCTION - 1% COMPLETE.
Meanwhile, the first computer BEEPS. The screen: ELEMENT
ANALYZER - MATCH FOUND: NITROHEXANE.
Batman contemplates.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - NIGHT
Thunder CRACKLES over the ominous insane asylum.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - GRIFFITH'S CELL - NIGHT
Griffith sits in the corner of a dank cell, wearing a
straight jacket. He MUMBLES.
The door CLANGS. Griffith does not seem to notice.
GRIFFITH
The demon... the demon is coming...
A towering SHADOW appears on the wall. Griffith looks at it,
then turns around to see - Batman standing inside the cell.
Griffith SHRIEKS and falls over.
GRIFFITH (CONT'D)
The demon!
Batman walks forward. Griffith whimpers.
GRIFFITH (CONT'D)
Stay back! Demon from Hell!
BATMAN
Nice act, Griffith. Pretending to be
insane to stay in the safe confines of
a cell. All because you failed Ra's al
Ghul, and you know he's looking for
you. Looking to kill you.
GRIFFITH
The demon has come for me. The demon
has come -
BATMAN
That act won't work on me, Griffith.
Now, you're going to answer me. The
chemicals you stole, who'd you sell
them to?
GRIFFITH
The demon has come for me. The demon
has come for me.
Batman GRABS Griffith and SLAMS him into the wall.
BATMAN
You're afraid of what Ra's al Ghul
will do? What do you think I'll do to
you?!
Griffith SCREAMS. Batman SLAMS him again.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
Who did you sell the chemicals to?!
GRIFFITH
You... I sold them to you!
Griffith LAUGHS. Batman KNEES HIM in the chest. Griffith
groans. Then Batman KICKS out his legs, GRABS his arm, and
TWISTS it behind his back - about to break it.
GRIFFITH (CONT'D)
Stop!
BATMAN
Answer me!
GRIFFITH
Lynns! Garfield Lynns!
BATMAN
Who else?!
GRIFFITH
That's it!
BATMAN
Someone's trying to kill Lynns! They
blew up his apartment with the
chemicals!
Batman takes Griffith across the room and SLAMS him into the
door.
GRIFFITH
He's the only one. Just Lynns! He's
the only one!
BATMAN
Who's Ra's al Ghul's agent in Wayne
Enterprises?
GRIFFITH
I don't know!
Batman grabs Griffith's arm and TWISTS again.
GRIFFITH (CONT'D)
I don't know! I never met him! He
masked his voice on the phone. I don't
know what he's planning. They just
used my docks to move the shipments.
That's all I know, I swear! I swear!
Batman loosens his grip and drops Griffith to the floor.
BATMAN
You think you're safe in this place?
Batman walks to the door and taps. A GUARD opens it and lets
him out.
The door shuts and LOCKS. Griffith rubs his arm.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
The Guard walks alongside Batman.
GUARD
Did everything go OK in there?
BATMAN
Yeah. I think he's gotten over his
demons.
Batman walks ahead to the exit.
INT. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
The Batmobile is parked on the side of the road. Batman sits
inside, typing on the keyboard. Lynns' photo and driver's
license appears on the video screen. Batman studies the
photo.
The radio comes to life.
POLICE RADIO (V.O.)
All units in the vicinity, we have
received word of a break-in at the
Gotham Studios backlot. Eyewitnesses
reported a black grand caravan leaving
the scene earlier this evening at
around eleven.
Batman looks at Lynns' driver registration. He sees: BLACK
GRAND CARAVAN.
He starts the Batmobile.
EXT. BACKLOT - NIGHT
Batman sneaks over. He sees the hole in the gate. He slips
through it.
INT. STUDIO WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Batman inspects. He sees the severed locks. He walks to the
smashed prop gate and peers in.
There, Batman sees the empty metal case. He looks at the
cover and sees DARK RETRIBUTION.
There is movement.
Batman spins around and looks behind him. Nothing. It's
empty.
Still - Batman senses someone's presence. Cautiously, he
walks out. The SHADOW of a man remains in the room.
It is Ra's al Ghul's shadow.
INT. LAIR - DAY
Ra's al Ghul talks on the phone again.
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
Bruce Wayne is onto us. He paid an
unexpected visit to the factory
yesterday.
RA'S AL GHUL
So, Wayne catches on. Listen to me
carefully. I want you to observe. Any
changes in management procedures,
personnel, safety protocol - take
note of it.
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
I will do so. He won't interfere.
RA'S AL GHUL
Deceive him as necessary. We must
proceed with the operation. Watch the
factory with caution. When the time is
right, acquire what we need.
DISTORTED VOICE (V.O.)
Understood. I will not fail.
Ra's al Ghul hangs up. He walks over to a chess table where a
game is in session. He moves a white rook down the board -
- and captures the dark knight.
RA'S AL GHUL
I've already broken your defenses,
Bruce. The rest is just a matter of
time.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - TALIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT
A large high-class office. Multiple computers and TV screens.
Lots of glass and chrome. The door is open, and Darcel
enters, holding a report.
DARCEL
Ms. Head, your inventory report.
He looks around curiously.
DARCEL (CONT'D)
Ms. Head?
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - FACTORY - NIGHT
The factory is dark. Staff is gone. The production line has
stopped.
On a catwalk, Talia, now dressed in a dark bodysuit, emerges
from the shadows. She peers over the edge.
Down below, Dr. Klay enters. He checks his surroundings.
Talia stays low.
Klay walks to a small cart that is stacked with chemical
containers.
Talia looks closely - the containers are marked NITROHEXANE.
Dr. Klay inspects them and marks a clipboard. Then he wheels
the cart away.
Talia stealthily climbs down a ladder and reaches the floor.
Keeping her distance, she watches as Klay wheels the cart to
the storage vault. He punches in the code on the keypad and
opens the door. He pushes the cart inside.
A few moments later, he comes out and shuts the vault door.
He leaves the factory.
Talia hurries over to the vault and punches in the code. The
electronic screen reads: INVALID CODE - ACCESS DENIED.
Talia stands there, surprised. She hears a door opening on
the other side of the room and sees a SECURITY GUARD walk in,
on patrol. Talia slips away.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - TALIA'S OFFICE - DAY
Bruce now sits in Talia's office. A video camera is set up,
and an INTERVIEWER sits across from him, jotting down notes.
INTERVIEWER
Anything else to add, Mr. Wayne?
BRUCE
I would like to say, thanks to the
dedication of the Wayne Chemicals
management and staff, the company will
continue to grow and progress as a
global leader in the chemical
industry.
INTERVIEWER
Noted. Thank you very much for your
time, Mr. Wayne.
Bruce looks over and sees Talia in the doorway, talking to
Dr. Klay. Their words are inaudible.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - CORRIDOR - DAY
Talia and Klay talk quietly. Talia is strict.
TALIA
Only you had the ability to change the
vault code.
DR. KLAY
I had good reason to. Someone here is
trying to tamper with the inventory.
TALIA
Everything is accounted for in the
logs.
DR. KLAY
So you say. Yet, there is an
unexplained increase in defective
Nitrohexane units that do not
correlate with my notes.
Dr. Klay holds up his clipboard with his handwritten notes.
DR. KLAY (CONT'D)
I have been taking samples of every
unit for the past two weeks. None are
defective!
Talia's eyes widen. She sees Bruce walking over.
DR. KLAY (CONT'D)
And if you do not take action, I'm
bringing this to the executive
committee.
TALIA
We'll discuss this later.
DR. KLAY
Yes, I think we will, Ms. Head.
Dr. Klay leaves. Talia looks over at Bruce and smiles.
BRUCE
Hey there.
TALIA
Hey. Thanks again for again for doing
the interview. I appreciate it, Bruce.
BRUCE
No pressure on you now that I just
referred to Wayne Chemicals as the
leading chemical company in the world.
TALIA
(smiles)
We'll just have to be discreet if any
nosy reporters come around.
BRUCE
As opposed to the shy reporters who
mind their own business?
Talia chuckles.
TALIA
How do you do it? Lead the life you
lead... chair the company, and...
BRUCE
And...?
TALIA
Keep your sense of humor?
BRUCE
I'm only funny when I'm not scary.
Talia chuckles again, then her smile fades.
TALIA
(bittersweet)
It's conflicting. For me, at least. To
dedicate yourself to a position... and
not let it consume it you either. To
keep personal interests aside.
BRUCE
You mean, keep them hidden?
Talia looks at Bruce.
BRUCE (CONT'D)
I know the feeling. It can be
tormenting.
TALIA
It is.
Talia finds herself staring deep into Bruce's eyes. After a
moment -
BRUCE
Say, would you like to... talk more...
over dinner? With me.
TALIA
As in alone? With you?
BRUCE
That's right.
TALIA
Yes. Yes, I would.
BRUCE
That's two yesses?
TALIA
(smiles)
Oh, yeah.
BRUCE
Two yesses and a yeah. Sounds like a
pretty favorable answer.
TALIA
Oh yes, it is.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - GRIFFITH'S CELL - NIGHT
Griffith sits on the floor. He senses someone in the cell and
turns around. There -
- Ra's al Ghul stands. Griffith gasps.
RA'S AL GHUL
Looking for a demon?
GRIFFITH
How the hell did you get in here?
RA'S AL GHUL
Mr. Griffith. Is that how you greet
your former boss?
GRIFFITH
What are you doing? Who let you in?!
RA'S AL GHUL
I must say, I've been very
disappointed in you. Blowing our cover
at the docks, getting captured by
Batman... revealing the identity of
our client.
GRIFFITH
What?
RA'S AL GHUL
I know Batman is on Mr. Lynns' trail.
And he could've only obtained that
information from one man.
GRIFFITH
Wait. He tortured me... he would've
killed me!
RA'S AL GHUL
Oh, I believe you, Mr. Griffith.
Ra's al Ghul pulls a stiletto knife out of his jacket.
Griffith looks at him, terrified.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
In a few moments, you'll be wishing he
did.
GRIFFITH
Wait, wait, wait. He doesn't know your
agent in Wayne Enterprises. No one
does! Your operation is still safe!
RA'S AL GHUL
Let's be extra sure.
Ra's al Ghul moves forward. His eyes turn RED.
GRIFFITH
Guard!
Ra's al Ghul STABS Griffith in the chest. Griffith lets out
the most chilling SCREAM.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
The Guard rushes to the door and unlocks it. He draws his
pistol and pushes the door open -
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - GRIFFITH'S CELL - NIGHT
- to see Griffith slumped on the floor in a pool of BLOOD.
GUARD
What the hell...
Ra's al Ghul is gone.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
Talia's Datsun 300ZX is parked in front of Wayne Manor
tonight.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Bruce and Talia sit across from each other, eating.
TALIA
So, what does the wealthiest man in
Gotham do once the sun goes down, and
he retreats into his "mysterious"
castle?
BRUCE
Sometimes, he spends a quiet night
in... trying to comprehend that very
mystery. Sometimes, he spends the
night out... and tries to give back to
the city. Off the record, so to speak.
TALIA
"Give back." Who are you, Robin Hood?
They smile.
BRUCE
Uh, not exactly.
TALIA
So, is that what you do for balance in
your life?
BRUCE
Well, let's just say it eats away at
me if I don't. I'm a Wayne, I guess
it's in my blood.
TALIA
It's admirable. That's what it is.
BRUCE
And what about Gotham's most promising
business manager? How does she spend
her nights once the lights go out in
Wayne Chemicals?
TALIA
Well, it's complicated. You see, my
father's business has put a strain on
the family. He runs a trading
organization. He's also from a line of
certain nobility - something that I
have to constantly live up to.
BRUCE
Ah. So that's what you meant about
keeping personal interests aside.
TALIA
Yeah. Well, there I go again bringing
my family affairs into this.
BRUCE
It's part of who you are, Talia. Don't
fight it. I know it all too well. I've
tried fighting it myself, believe me.
I can't.
TALIA
I don't know, Bruce... I know a pretty
mean judo throw.
They laugh.
BRUCE
So, you being here tonight - I hope
that doesn't cause any controversy for
the family business.
TALIA
(smiles)
I'll make an exception.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Alfred hovers near the doorway, listening to Bruce and Talia.
He hears them laughing. He smiles.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - LIVING ROOM - LATER
Bruce and Talia sit on the sofa, close, sipping wine. The
lights are low.
TALIA
Must get lonely here.
BRUCE
Sometimes. It's not often that I'm
with someone. And never with anyone
quite like yourself.
Talia smiles.
TALIA
I must say... I am surprised.
BRUCE
I think the secrecy drives people
away.
TALIA
Everyone has secrets, Bruce.
BRUCE
Not like me. You see, it's -
Bruce puts his wine glass down.
TALIA
(flirtatious)
Complicated?
BRUCE
You could say that.
TALIA
Wait, don't tell me.
Talia puts her wine glass down. A curious beat. She looks
into Bruce's eyes.
TALIA (CONT'D)
It's always once the mystery is out
that the relationship fades.
BRUCE
Then... let's hold onto our secrets
for tonight.
Bruce and Talia share a long kiss.
They peek at each other.
Then they kiss again. They fall back onto the sofa.
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Muldoon walks to his apartment, unlocks the door, and enters.
INT. MULDOON'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Muldoon steps in and turns on the lights. He stops.
Firefly stands across the room.
FIREFLY
No place like home, huh?
Brant and Cutter spring out of hiding - dressed in black and
wearing ski-masks. Brant WHACKS Muldoon in the back with a
crowbar. He SCREAMS and falls to the floor.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
What's the matter, Muldoon? Was it a
little too strong for you? I don't
think so.
Brant WHACKS Muldoon again with the crowbar, harder. Muldoon
screams louder.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
That's the spirit!
MULDOON
(struggling)
What do you want...?
Firefly walks over.
FIREFLY
Oh, just to blow you away with some
special effects.
He pulls out his flamethrower. Muldoon's eyes widen.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
Can I have a volunteer for my first
scene?
Brant and Cutter grab Muldoon and pull him up.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
Excellent! Ready for our first take?
And... action!
Brant and Cutter THROW Muldoon into an end table. CRASH! It
falls over and supplies go everywhere. Muldoon snatches a
pair of scissors off the floor.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
No, the lighting is all wrong. We're
just gonna have to set this shot up
again!
Brant goes over and grabs Muldoon again. He goes to throw
him -
- but Muldoon grips the scissors -
- and STABS him in the thigh. Brant screams, and Muldoon
breaks free. Muldoon makes a mad dash for the door.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
You're going off script, my friend.
Firefly aims his flamethrower and FIRES.
A STREAM OF FIRE blasts into the door! Muldoon ducks and
SLAMS the flaming door open. He rushes out.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
Get him!
Firefly runs out. Cutter grabs the crowbar and follows. Brant
RIPS the scissors out of his thigh and limps out.
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING - LOBBY - NIGHT
Muldoon STUMBLES down the stairs and runs to the door. A few
BYSTANDERS see him.
MULDOON
Help!
Everyone looks over to see Firefly coming down the stairs.
FIREFLY
Scene's not over, Muldoon.
Firefly aims at the door and FIRES AGAIN. Everyone SCREAMS.
Muldoon dives for cover as the fire engulfs the door,
SHATTERING the windows.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
A POLICE OFFICER on the sidewalk sees the entrance ablaze.
Instinctively, he runs over and KICKS IN the door. Muldoon
runs out.
MULDOON
There's a madman in there!
The Officer looks in and sees Firefly -
- who FIRES his flamethrower again!
The Officer JUMPS aside as the FLAMES shoot out. He draws his
handgun.
OFFICER
(to radio)
This is Matthias, PC407. I'm on the
corner of East 88th and 1st.
Requesting backup! I've got a guy here
with a flamethrower!
POLICE RADIO (V.O.)
Copy... uh, did you say flamethrower?
INT. WAYNE MANOR - BEDROOM - NIGHT
The moonlight streams in from the window. In the bed, Talia
lies on top of Bruce, asleep. The sheets cover their naked
bodies.
Bruce is awake. He looks out the window at the moonlight -
- and sees it's actually the BAT SIGNAL.
Carefully, he slips out of bed. Talia stirs, and Bruce kisses
her on the head. She smiles and curls up again under the
covers.
Bruce hurries out.
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING - LOBBY - NIGHT
The bystanders cower in the corner of the lobby. Brant and
Cutter keep them under careful watch. Firefly looks out the
front door. He hears SIRENS.
He SPRAYS his flamethrower at the doorway, creating a WALL OF
FIRE.
FIREFLY
This won't last forever. Let's move
out.
CUTTER
What about Muldoon?
FIREFLY
His time will come soon enough.
Firefly sees the cowering bystanders.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
No need to fear the fire...
He SHOOTS a plume of FIRE at the ceiling. The bystanders
WHIMPER.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
(screaming)
Fear me!
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
Two squad cars pull up in front of the apartment. Gordon and
some COPS get out. Gordon hurries to the Officer.
GORDON
What are we dealing with?
OFFICER
Situation is bad. At least four
hostages inside. Three perps. Front
entrance is blocked by flames. Fire
Department is on their way.
GORDON
Other points of entry?
OFFICER
Windows and roof.
GORDON
OK. I want a man up on that fire
escape, ready to go. And get me the
phone number to the front desk.
OFFICER
Yes, Sir.
EXT. STREET - BATMOBILE - MOVING - NIGHT
The BATMOBILE tears down a street. Police can be heard over
the radio.
POLICE RADIO (V.O.)
Requesting all available units to the
corner of East 88th and 1st. Exercise
extreme caution. Perpetrator is in
possession of a flamethrower.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
The street is now blocked off.
GORDON
Where's the phone?
OFFICER
Dialing the front desk now.
The Officer hands him a cellphone. Gordon takes it.
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING - LOBBY - NIGHT
The desk phone RINGS. Firefly, amused, answers.
FIREFLY
To which incompetent member of the
Gotham Police Force am I speaking to?
GORDON (V.O.)
My name's Jim Gordon. What's yours?
FIREFLY
Call me Firefly.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
Gordon speaks on the phone. While he does, all the officers
watch as a COP sneaks up the fire escape to the second floor
window.
GORDON
Firefly, huh? Well, you've made your
point. Now, what is it that you want?
FIREFLY (V.O.)
Oh, just to turn Gotham into one big
melting pot. Surely, you can
appreciate that ambition.
GORDON
I'm not fooling around. Is anyone hurt
in there?
FIREFLY (V.O.)
I know what you're trying to do.
You're trying to stall me. Well,
you're failing miserably, Commissioner
Gordon.
GORDON
Don't make things worse for yourself
than they already are. Now answer my
question... hello?
(to cops)
He didn't hang up.
(to phone)
I know you can hear me. Firefly.
Firefly! Goddamn it!
Gordon squeezes the phone in his fist. He signals the cop on
the fire escape.
The cop goes to break the window -
- when a BLAST OF FIRE shoots through the glass! The cop is
thrown off the fire escape.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Move back! Move back!
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Firefly glances out the shattered window and grins.
FIREFLY
No one hurt in here, but looks like
someone is out there.
Firefly laughs. He turns to his henchmen and heads through
the corridor.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
Let's go!
Brant and Cutter lead the way. They head toward an open
window at the far end of the corridor.
All of a sudden - Batman swings in through the open window!
He SHOOTS his grappling hook gun, which clips Brant's arm and
knocks him down. Then he tosses a batarang, which hits Cutter
in the face.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
Nice entrance, Batman. Here's your
sendoff.
Firefly FIRES his flamethrower down the corridor. Batman
shields himself with his cape and gets out of the way.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
Let's see how long that will last.
This is no ordinary fire, Batman. Not
with the chemicals I'm packing.
Firefly FIRES again, forcing Batman back into a doorway.
Batman checks his cape. It is smoking. It is SINGED.
Batman sees another FIREBALL coming his way. He takes cover
and hits the floor. The fire CONSUMES the hallway, blocking
the path.
Brant and Cutter get to their feet.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
This way.
He aims the flamethrower at an apartment door and FIRES -
BLASTING the door off. Then he and his henchmen dart through.
Batman sees them escaping. No way through the fire. He heads
to a nearby apartment and kicks in the door.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Firefly, Brant, and Cutter move through the apartment and
reach the window. Brant breaks it with the crowbar, and they
climb out onto the fire escape.
EXT. ALLEY - APARTMENT FIRE ESCAPE - NIGHT
Brant and Cutter go down the ladder. Firefly straps his gun
on his back and gets onto the ladder.
In the next apartment, Batman BURSTS out the window and jumps
onto the fire escape. He SWINGS over and KICKS Firefly.
Firefly staggers back. He SLAMS Batman with his flamethrower,
hard. Batman KNOCKS it away and grabs Firefly.
BATMAN
Who do you think you are?
FIREFLY
The name's Firefly - and I hate bats.
Firefly HEADBUTTS Batman. Batman groans and KNEES him back.
They struggle.
On the ground below, Brant and Cutter look up.
BRANT
Boss!
Batman and Firefly continue to fight. Firefly PUNCHES Batman
and grabs his flamethrower. He aims -
- and Batman LUNGES at him. A BURST OF FIRE goes off as
Batman tackles Firefly. Batman's arm catches FIRE. Both of
them tumble off the fire escape.
They plummet two stories and SLAM into the roof of a derelict
car. Firefly grabs his gun and jumps off while Batman puts
out the fire on his arm with his hand.
Then Batman takes the red tube off his belt and throws it. It
hits the ground and EXPLODES. Firefly gets knocked back but
is protected by his fireproof uniform.
FIREFLY
I really like your style. My turn.
Firefly FIRES the flamethrower at the car. Immediately,
Batman DIVES OFF the roof as the car BLOWS UP. Batman hits
the ground hard.
Down the alley, Brant and Cutter get into the special effects
van. Brant starts the engine and drives over to Firefly.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
You'll have to forgive me for parking
in the fire lane, Batman.
Brant slides over, and Firefly climbs into the driver seat.
He SPEEDS away.
Batman gets up and watches the escaping van through the
flames.
Then, with fury, he runs ahead and LEAPS through the blazing
fire.
EXT. FIREFLY'S VAN - MOVING - NIGHT
Batman charges after Firefly's van. He LEAPS -
- and grabs on to the backdoor. He holds on as the van takes
a SHARP turn.
Then - Brant SMASHES the crowbar out the back window.
BRANT
Die, bat!
The crowbar hits the burn on Batman's arm. Batman winces. He
grabs the crowbar with one hand and YANKS.
Firefly SWERVES the van hard. Batman loses his grip. At the
last moment, Batman SLAMS a tracking beacon on the back of
the van. Then he falls off.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Batman hits the ground. He gets up and can only watch as the
van speeds away.
Batman is left alone on the street. It is quiet again. He
turns around and disappears into the night.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
FIREFIGHTERS extinguish the flames at the front of the
building. Cynthia stands in the street, speaking to a news
camera.
CYNTHIA
It has been a truly unbelievable
night. A man wearing a helmet, and
calling himself Firefly, set fire to
this apartment building with a
flamethrower just moments ago. As you
can see behind me, the Gotham Police
and Fire Department are evacuating the
area. Eyewitnesses also say they saw
Batman attempting to stop Firefly, but
he was reportedly unable to apprehend
him.
Cynthia sees Commissioner Gordon addressing the cops. She
goes over. The CAMERAMAN follows.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
Here's Commissioner Gordon. Let's see
if he can shed any insight on this
Firefly.
(to Gordon)
Commissioner Gordon! Is it true the
man with the helmet called himself
Firefly?
GORDON
Oh, not again. Miss Harland, please
give us some time to investigate.
CYNTHIA
Can you confirm that Batman was indeed
at the scene and tried to stop the
Firefly?
GORDON
Uh, none of my men saw Batman. I'm
afraid I can't speak to that rumor.
CYNTHIA
Oh, come on, Commissioner. Can't you
tell me anything?
GORDON
As a matter of fact, yes, I can.
Cynthia's eyes light up. She eagerly holds up the microphone.
GORDON (CONT'D)
This street is closed, and you're
trespassing. Get off. Please.
Cynthia frowns and turns to the camera.
CYNTHIA
And so the police remain hush. As
usual.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Bruce stumbles in. Talia is gone.
Bruce closes his eyes in disappointment.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - BATHROOM - NIGHT
Bruce studies his arm. It is burned badly. He turns on the
cold water and runs his arm under the faucet.
With his other hand, he takes a bottle of pain treatment gel
and some gauze out of the medicine cabinet.
EXT. OLD WORKSHOP - NIGHT
Firefly's van is parked in front of the workshop.
INT. OLD WORKSHOP - NIGHT
The door opens, and Firefly, Brant, and Cutter enter.
FIREFLY
Good work, but we can't let Batman
interfere again. We need to kill him.
RA'S AL GHUL (O.S.)
A fine plan.
BRANT
What the hell?!
Ra's al Ghul stands across the room. Firefly just grabs his
flamethrower and FIRES right at him!
Ra's al Ghul simply smiles and VANISHES. He REAPPEARS right
next to Firefly.
Firefly faces him and pulls the trigger again -
- but the flamethrower is empty. Brant and Cutter stare in
shock. Ra's al Ghul is as calm as can be.
FIREFLY
Who are you?
RA'S AL GHUL
My name is Ra's al Ghul.
FIREFLY
And how the hell did you just do that?
Ra's al Ghul just smiles and pushes the flamethrower away
with one finger.
RA'S AL GHUL
That's not important, Mr. Lynns.
Firefly SWINGS the flamethrower, but Ra's al Ghul grabs it
and easily overpowers him.
FIREFLY
(infuriated)
Who are you?! Answer me!
RA'S AL GHUL
Calm down, Mr. Lynns. For your own
sake.
FIREFLY
Lynns is dead!
RA'S AL GHUL
Right. My apologies... Firefly.
Firefly stops. Composes himself.
FIREFLY
You tell me right now, how do you know
all this?
Ra's al Ghul calmly and fearlessly walks around Firefly.
RA'S AL GHUL
It's really not all that difficult to
figure out, is it? A man purchases a
certain explosive chemical on the
black market - a man well skilled in
the art of staging explosions. That
very man escapes police custody. A few
days later, a homicidal pyromaniac
appears on the news with a knack for
the theatrics. Is it really a stretch?
A long beat. Finally -
FIREFLY
How did you know I bought the
Nitrohexane?
Ra's al Ghul smiles.
RA'S AL GHUL
Because your dealer, Griffith, worked
for me. And you were the only one he
sold to.
FIREFLY
Well. Aren't I the lucky one? I need
more of it. But your man was all over
the news. Hardly a good impression,
Ra's.
RA'S AL GHUL
He failed, and he's out of the picture
now. You want more Nitrohexane? I can
provide.
FIREFLY
What's the price?
RA'S AL GHUL
You can have it for free for all I
care. As long as you do something for
me.
FIREFLY
What?
Ra's al Ghul just smiles.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
(beat)
You want me to kill Batman? Well, why
didn't you say so? I can take care of
him. I came this close tonight.
Ra's approaches Brant and Cutter. They are still wearing
their ski masks. Ra's looks them over, amused.
RA'S AL GHUL
Nice crowbar.
He walks back to Firefly.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Then we have a deal?
FIREFLY
I want twenty canisters of it.
RA'S AL GHUL
Done.
FIREFLY
And uh, maybe more in the coming
weeks.
RA'S AL GHUL
You must be planning quite a show.
Anything else you require... Firefly?
FIREFLY
Yeah. How do I know you'll keep this
all a secret?
RA'S AL GHUL
I always respect the privacy of my
clients. You have my word.
FIREFLY
One other thing. Why do you really
want Batman dead? Because he captured
Griffith or... something else?
RA'S AL GHUL
(beat)
Because he's begun meddling in my
family affairs.
Firefly doesn't get it. He just stares.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Now, my agent in Wayne Enterprises
will meet you tomorrow at midnight at
the old Gotham railroad station with
the delivery. Don't be late.
Ra's al Ghul walks to the door.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
Good day, gentlemen.
He exits. Firefly watches him go, suspiciously.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - TALIA'S OFFICE - DAY
Talia works at her computer. The phone rings, and she
answers.
TALIA
Talia Head.
BRUCE (V.O.)
Hey. It's me.
TALIA
Bruce. I never got to thank you for
last night.
BRUCE (V.O.)
I never gave you the chance. I'm
sorry.
TALIA
No, I'm sorry. For leaving. You were
perfect. Everything was perfect. I
just - didn't want to be alone
suddenly.
INT. BATCAVE - DAY
Bruce sits at the main computer console, talking on the
phone. A piece of his burned cape is in the element analyzer.
The screen flashes: ELEMENT ANALYZER - TRACE CHEMICAL
SUBSTANCE MATCH FOUND: NITROHEXANE.
BRUCE
I couldn't fall asleep. That was all.
I want to see you again.
TALIA (V.O.)
Me too.
BRUCE
How about tonight?
TALIA (V.O.)
I... I can't. I'm working late
tonight. How about this weekend?
BRUCE
Things bad at the factory?
TALIA (V.O.)
Oh, it's fine. I just need to take
care of a few things. Just business.
Bruce stares at the screen - the Nitrohexane on his cape.
BRUCE
We received the inventory reports you
submitted. All the chemicals appear to
be accounted for.
TALIA (V.O.)
They are.
Bruce grows suspicious.
BRUCE
OK then. This weekend it is.
Saturday - you and me.
TALIA (V.O.)
Sounds lovely, Bruce.
BRUCE
Alright. I'll see you then, Talia.
TALIA (V.O.)
See you then, Bruce.
Bruce hangs up the phone. He punches in some commands on the
computer, and a photo of Talia appears on the screen. He
stares at the screen.
BRUCE
What are you hiding, Talia?
He looks at the other monitor showing the reconstruction of
Susan's photo. It is half repaired.
The screen: PHOTO RECONSTRUCTION - 55% COMPLETE.
Bruce looks again at the photo of Talia, in deep thought. He
hesitates -
- then he hits a button on the main computer. The screen
flashes: FACIAL RECOGNITION IN PROGRESS... PLEASE WAIT.
The computer scans Talia's photo. Bruce watches in
anticipation.
Finally -
MATCH FOUND: TALIA AL GHUL. 100% PROBABILITY
Photos and newspaper articles appear on the screen with
Talia's photo. In one newspaper photo, Talia is seen standing
next to her father. The headline:
"CRIMINAL MASTERMIND RA'S AL GHUL USURPS GOTHAM'S UNDERWORLD"
Bruce's jaw drops.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - TALIA'S OFFICE - DAY
Dr. Klay sits across from Talia at the table. Dr. Klay's
handwritten notes are on the table.
DR. KLAY
No one thinks twice when defective
Nitrohexane units are carted out of
here to be disposed of. But there is
in fact nothing defective with these
units at all. The records are being
manipulated. And I believe this
"defective" Nitrohexane is not being
disposed of.
TALIA
I understand your suspicion, Doctor. I
will have security investigate the
matter. But you must share with me the
new vault code. If you don't, you're
giving yourself reason to be
implicated in the investigation.
DR. KLAY
Ms. Head, I have worked here for over
thirty years. I am not taking any
chances. Nitrohexane is simply too big
a threat if it were to fall into the
wrong hands.
TALIA
You understand that by making this
decision, you're putting your career
at stake.
DR. KLAY
That is a risk I'm willing to take.
The code will remain locked up with me
until I hear that security is
investigating. Now, if I may be
excused, Ms. Head.
Dr. Klay gathers his notes and walks out of the room. Talia
watches him go. She sits there, frustrated.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - DR. KLAY'S OFFICE - NIGHT
It is late. Dr. Klay sits in his office, working at the
computer. It is quiet.
THICK SMOKE silently seeps through the air conditioning vent.
Dr. Klay looks over. Sniffs. It is GAS.
Dr. Klay springs up -
- and DROPS to the floor. He is motionless.
The door opens, and a FIGURE enters wearing a GAS MASK and
bodysuit.
It is Talia.
She kneels next to Dr. Klay and pulls a keychain and his
security badge off of his belt. Then she goes to his desk and
uses the keys to unlock the drawers. She rummages through
Klay's belongings.
Next, Talia goes to a filing cabinet. She unlocks it and
looks through. Papers go everywhere.
Frustrated, Talia looks at the desk. Sees Klay's handwritten
notes. She goes over and picks up the notes.
On one page, an eight digit number is scribbled on the
bottom. She takes the paper.
INT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - FACTORY - NIGHT
It is empty. Talia, without her gas mask, sneaks in. She
checks her surroundings, then hurries over to the vault.
She holds up the paper and punches in the code on the keypad.
The readout flashes: ACCESS GRANTED.
Talia opens the vault and peers inside. All the Nitrohexane
units are there.
Then she goes back to the keypad and hits a button. The
screen: CHANGE PASSWORD - ACCESS DENIED.
Talia holds Dr. Klay's badge in front of an electronic
scanner. It BEEPS.
ACCESS GRANTED - ENTER NEW PASSWORD
Talia punches in the code.
PASSWORD CHANGED
Satisfied, Talia shuts the vault.
EXT. WAYNE CHEMICALS - DELIVERY AREA - NIGHT
All is quiet. Large trucks are parked in a lot near factory
garages. No one is around. Talia's car is in the distance.
INT. TALIA'S CAR - NIGHT
Talia sits in her car, facing the garages. She waits. She
checks her watch: 11:45 PM.
TALIA
Come on... Where are you?
One of the garage doors slides open, and the sound of an
engine can be heard. Talia looks ahead to see the headlights
of a delivery truck in the garage. She watches.
The truck pulls out and drives to the street.
Talia starts her engine and follows.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Talia's photo is still on the main computer screen. Bruce
sits there, tormented. His dinner is in front of him, but he
hasn't touched it.
Another computer begins beeping. Bruce looks over to see a
map of Gotham City. A small blip travels across the map. It's
the tracking beacon on Firefly's van.
Bruce watches it. He stands up.
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - REAR - NIGHT
The delivery truck pulls up behind a large abandoned railroad
station, near the tracks. A FIGURE gets out and opens the
back of the truck.
In the distance, Talia's car approaches.
INT. TALIA'S CAR - NIGHT
Talia stops her car a safe distance away and watches
discreetly. She sees the figure enter the station. She gets
out and follows.
INT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - NIGHT
The station is a decaying building with a second floor
balcony. It's dark and empty. Shops have been vandalized and
looted long ago. No one has been here for years.
On the second floor, Talia climbs up and through a broken
window. Staying low, she goes to the railing of the balcony.
She peers down and sees the FIGURE enter below.
A SHADOW appears behind her. Talia reacts.
She spins around and KICKS -
- but Batman BLOCKS her.
Talia drops down and KICKS out Batman's legs. He goes down
but rolls over and GRABS Talia's leg, pulling her down too.
She grabs Batman and tries to headlock him -
- but he ducks out of it and headlocks her instead.
TALIA
(whispering)
Let me go!
BATMAN
I don't think so, Talia al Ghul.
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - REAR - NIGHT
Firefly's van is now parked outside. Firefly, Brant, and
Cutter walk to the station with caution. Firefly holds his
flamethrower up.
FIREFLY
I heard something. Watch it.
INT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - NIGHT
Talia stops fighting.
TALIA
(whispering)
What do you know!
BATMAN
I know you're Ra's al Ghul's agent in
Wayne Enterprises. And you're here to
sell the Nitrohexane to Firefly.
TALIA
(whispering)
Get your facts straight. I'm not
selling it. He is!
Talia motions over the balcony. Batman pulls Talia over, and
they look down.
BLAM!
Batman and Talia DUCK as a BULLET hits the balcony railing.
They look down to see -
- it's Darcel, aiming a smoking revolver at them. He grins.
DARCEL
Batman! Ms. Head! So, you finally
figured it out.
Darcel FIRES again. He backs his way to the exit.
DARCEL (CONT'D)
I hope you don't mind my leaving, but
an important client awaits!
He FIRES again and darts outside.
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - REAR - NIGHT
Darcel comes out and sees Firefly. Firefly aims his
flamethrower.
DARCEL
Fool, I've got your chemicals!
FIREFLY
Who's in there?
DARCEL
The Bat! He followed us.
FIREFLY
Perfect!
INT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - NIGHT
Batman and Talia rush to the window. They both try to climb
out, but Batman pushes Talia away.
TALIA
Hey!
BATMAN
I'll deal with you later.
Batman climbs out and drops down. Talia angrily watches.
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - REAR - NIGHT
Darcel opens the back of the truck, revealing crates of
Nitrohexane containers. Firefly grabs one and pours it into
his flamethrower. Then he spins around and FIRES at Batman.
Batman jumps behind a wall as FLAMES light it up. The
building catches on fire.
DARCEL
Satisfied?
FIREFLY
I'd say the merchandise is in good
working order.
(to henchmen)
Load the van.
Brant and Cutter grab the crates. Firefly proceeds after
Batman.
INT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - NIGHT
Talia looks out the window and sees the fire spreading up the
side of the building.
TALIA
Damn!
She turns and runs down the balcony stairs.
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - FRONT - NIGHT
Firefly jumps out and FIRES again, spreading flames
everywhere.
FIREFLY
Need a light?
He stops. Batman is gone.
Then he looks up to see -
- Batman descending his grappling line. Batman KICKS Firefly
right in the face and knocks him down. Batman lands on the
ground.
BATMAN
Need some ice?
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - REAR - NIGHT
Brant and Cutter load the van with the chemicals. Brant shuts
the backdoor.
BRANT
What's this?
He sees the tracking beacon. He pulls it off, drops it, and
CRUSHES it with his foot.
CUTTER
Come on, let's get the Boss.
They jump into the van.
Meanwhile, Talia runs out of the station. She sees Darcel,
and he FIRES his handgun in her direction. Talia ducks and
rolls out of the way.
DARCEL
I can't stand a boss who's always
looking over my shoulder.
Darcel gets into the truck, starts it up, and SPEEDS forward.
As he drives, he points his gun out the window and FIRES at
Talia again. She runs.
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - FRONT - NIGHT
The fight continues. Batman KICKS Firefly. He falls but gets
back up. He CHARGES at Batman and knocks him into the station
wall -
- right into the FIRE. They struggle. Batman grabs Firefly
and KNEES him in the face, but his helmet weakens the impact.
Firefly ear claps Batman, causing him to stagger back.
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - REAR - NIGHT
Darcel SPEEDS at Talia, firing his gun repeatedly. He passes
her, and she JUMPS onto the side of the truck.
EXT. DELIVERY TRUCK - MOVING - NIGHT
Talia grabs the door and holds on. Darcel thrusts his
revolver out the window, but Talia KICKS his arm. He screams.
Then Talia opens the door and pulls Darcel out. They both
tumble to the ground, and the truck keeps going onto the
platform -
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - REAR - NIGHT
- and SMASHES through the burning station. The truck
EXPLODES, demolishing the station.
On the ground, Darcel and Talia spring to their feet. Darcel
swings his fist at Talia, but she ducks and PUNCHES him in
the gut. Then she spins and ROUNDHOUSE KICKS Darcel in the
chest. He FLIPS back.
Darcel hits the ground, and Talia starts toward him.
TALIA
I can't stand aggressive employees.
DARCEL
(scoffs)
Office politics.
Darcel reaches down and pulls a gun out of a hidden holster
on his ankle. He FIRES, hitting Talia in the side. She SHOUTS
and falls down.
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - FRONT - NIGHT
Batman has Firefly in a headlock. He hears Talia's scream and
looks back in alarm.
BATMAN
Talia!
FIREFLY
(choking)
That's right, Batman... My men are
cleaning up all loose ends... Ladies
first.
Batman furiously chops Firefly in the throat. Then he jumps
up and darts behind the station. On the ground, Firefly
chokes.
Moments later, the van approaches. Brant and Cutter rush to
Firefly. Brant grabs the flamethrower off the ground.
EXT. OLD RAILROAD STATION - FRONT - NIGHT
Darcel stands over Talia and aims his gun at her head.
DARCEL
Time to bite the bullet.
Darcel SHOUTS as a batarang impales his hand. The gun goes
flying. He turns to see -
- Batman rushing forward. Batman JUMP KICKS Darcel, knocking
him down.
DARCEL (CONT'D)
You're next!
Batman walks over, and Darcel sweeps his feet out, trying to
trip him. Batman jumps over him easily. Batman leans down and
grabs him by the collar.
DARCEL (CONT'D)
Too late, Batman. Firefly's got enough
chemicals to light up this whole city.
BATMAN
We'll see about that, Darcel.
DARCEL
Darcel? Know the real name of your
killer. Call me Dr. Darrk!
Darcel pulls out a knife and SLICES Batman's kneecap. Batman
winces.
They hear a horn. Loud. Darcel looks back to see the light of
a train coming their way. He grabs Batman and tries to throw
him onto the tracks.
DARCEL (CONT'D)
Look, your ride!
Batman grabs Darcel's arm and FLIPS him over.
BATMAN
I'm not much for public
transportation.
Darcel retaliates by KICKING Batman onto the train tracks.
DARCEL
Maybe you should try it!
The train gets closer. It BLARES its horn again.
Darcel tries to kick Batman, but Batman blocks. Then Darcel
thrusts his knife into Batman's shoulder. Batman GRUNTS in
pain.
Yet again, the train BLARES its horn. It is 500 feet away.
Batman and Darcel continue to fight on the tracks. Finally,
Batman TEARS the knife out of his shoulder, ELBOWS Darcel in
the face, and STABS him in the arm. Batman turns and LEAPS
off the tracks.
Darcel jumps too, but his foot gets caught on the track, and
he falls down. At the last minute, he shields himself with
his arms as if that will somehow protect him.
Darcel's SCREAM is cut short as the train passes. Batman
watches it roar by.
Batman turns and rushes over to Talia. Her wound bleeds
badly, and she shivers. Batman picks her up and carries her.
He glances back at the burning station. The station just
crumbles. Firefly and his henchmen are nowhere to be seen.
Batman heads off.
EXT. WOODS - BATMOBILE - MOVING - NIGHT
The Batmobile zooms through the woods.
INT. BATMOBILE - MOVING - NIGHT
Batman drives. Talia is in the passenger seat, fading in and
out of consciousness. She sees Batman.
BATMAN
Hold on.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
The Batmobile enters the cave and stops. Batman gets out and
carries Talia to a table. He lays her down and checks her
wound.
She looks at him, trying to get a clue from his face. She
can't.
Batman just holds up a small device. Talia looks at it.
It emits a puff of KO gas, and Talia instantly falls asleep.
FADE TO:
INT. BATCAVE - LATER
Talia awakens. She looks around. She's still on the table.
She looks down and sees her side is wrapped with a bandage.
She looks to an adjacent table to see a first aid kit - and
a bloody bullet in a tray.
She looks the other way and sees Batman working at the main
computer console with his back to her.
Talia slowly gets up. Batman speaks without turning around.
BATMAN
I want an answer.
TALIA
Excuse me?
Batman stops typing. He turns his chair around and faces her.
He stands up. Talia is not afraid.
BATMAN
Were you working with Darcel to steal
the chemicals?
TALIA
Did it look like I was working with
him? He's the one who shot me if you
don't remember. I was trying to stop
him!
BATMAN
How do you explain this?
Batman hits a key on the computer.
The SCREEN shows security camera footage of Dr. Klay's
office. The gas comes into the room, and Dr. Klay falls to
the floor. Talia enters with the gas mask.
TALIA
Yes. And if you bothered to
investigate, you'll find that I used
sleeping gas. Klay is fine.
BATMAN
Why did you do it?
TALIA
Klay changed the vault code. I had to
change it back so that the thief
wouldn't suspect anything. I had to
catch the thief in the act. I didn't
know it was Darcel until tonight.
BATMAN
Except there's one thing that doesn't
put the odds in your favor. The person
selling the Nitrohexane on the black
market is Ra's al Ghul.
TALIA
Yes. Well, my father and I don't
exactly see eye to eye on business
matters.
Batman looks at her.
TALIA (CONT'D)
It's the truth. Once I found out my
father had an agent in Wayne
Enterprises who was trying to steal
chemicals that dangerous... I had to
stop him. I don't stand for my
father's vision of the future. One of
death and destruction.
A long beat. They stare at each other.
BATMAN
And Firefly?
TALIA
(frustrated)
I have no idea who he is. My father's
organization has a habit for
attracting psychopaths, I suppose.
Batman turns around and hits another key. A profile of
Garfield Lynns appears on the screen.
BATMAN
Garfield Lynns. Special effects expert
of twenty years. Skilled in the art of
creating explosions for film. Criminal
records show he was arrested earlier
this week for possession of
Nitrohexane. Current whereabouts
unknown. He escaped from police
custody before they could take him to
the station.
Talia walks closer to Batman, looking at the screen.
TALIA
So, he's Firefly. Who else would need
that much Nitrohexane?
Batman looks at her. She looks at him.
TALIA (CONT'D)
What?
Batman steps back.
BATMAN
(beat)
The question is what is he planning to
do with it all? He tried to kill his
former boss, Dan Muldoon, a director,
but he got away. I think Firefly's
going to try again. He's motivated by
revenge.
TALIA
How do you know?
BATMAN
I fought him at Muldoon's apartment.
TALIA
No, I mean about him being motivated
by revenge.
Batman glances at her. Doesn't answer.
TALIA (CONT'D)
Well, how are you gonna stop him?
BATMAN
He used to own a workshop. It's been
reclaimed by the city years ago, but
nothing ever came of it. I think he's
there.
TALIA
OK, that's a start. Where's the
workshop?
Batman doesn't answer.
TALIA (CONT'D)
Come on. You brought me here, told me
all of this, and now what?
BATMAN
I brought you here to save your life.
Talia stops.
TALIA
You did. Thank you.
They look at each other.
TALIA (CONT'D)
But if you think you're just going to
send me on my way, you're wrong.
BATMAN
I work alone.
Batman turns away.
TALIA
Obviously. But those chemicals were
stolen on my watch. And I won't quit
until I get them back.
One of the computers BEEPS. Batman sees the photo of Susan
has been completely reconstructed. The computer flashes:
PHOTO RECONSTRUCTION - 100% COMPLETE. MATCH FOUND: SUSAN
DELINI
Batman studies it.
BATMAN
You hate your father that much?
TALIA
That's not what I said. I said I don't
stand for his vision of the future.
Batman faces Talia.
BATMAN
Talia, if I encounter your father, I
will not hesitate. It's better if you
and I keep our distance.
Batman marches to the Batmobile. A long beat. Talia speaks
softly.
TALIA
I know. I know you'll try to stop him.
At the Batmobile, Batman glances back.
BATMAN
Come on. You're leaving.
TALIA
(frowns)
You're impossible.
INT. OLD WORKSHOP - DAY
Firefly pours a container of Nitrohexane into a prop grenade.
There are several others on the table. The case of demolition
charges and timers is also open on the table.
The TV is on. On the screen, Muldoon speaks to the press.
MULDOON (V.O.)
First, I want to assure you that I'm
OK and in good health. I am not scared
of this Firefly character, and I'm not
about to hide...
FIREFLY
To each his own.
(to henchmen)
Take all that you need, guys. We're
moving out. Do those movie costumes
fit?
Brant and Cutter step out, both dressed as security guards.
BRANT
I think so, Boss. How do I look?
FIREFLY
You're ready for your closeup.
Cutter takes a prop gun off his belt.
CUTTER
Too bad this isn't the real thing.
FIREFLY
Patience. You'll have the real ones
soon enough. In a few hours, we will
put on the best special effects show
the film industry has ever known.
Firefly looks at the wall. There, photos of Muldoon, Susan,
and White hang on a bulletin board.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
And give our old friends the sendoff
of a lifetime.
He cocks his flamethrower and laughs wickedly.
EXT. ROOFTOP - DAY
Talia stands on a rooftop, practicing a judo kata. She is
focused but solemn.
She turns -
- and sees Ra's al Ghul standing in the corner, watching
her. He smiles.
RA'S AL GHUL
Nice moves.
He walks over. Talia continues practicing.
RA'S AL GHUL (CONT'D)
I hear your moves last night were also
quite effective.
TALIA
I bet you didn't hear that from
Darcel.
RA'S AL GHUL
Talia, what were you thinking? Why
didn't you tell me what you were
doing?
(sees her bandage)
Are you all right?
TALIA
Fine. Batman saved my life.
RA'S AL GHUL
Did he? Well, it could have all been
avoided if you would just come to the
Lazarus Pit with me.
TALIA
So I can become immortal? No, thanks.
RA'S AL GHUL
Talia, when will you accept it? You
are my rightful heir. Everything I
have done is for you. To make you the
ruler of the new world order.
TALIA
You mean, your world order, Father.
RA'S AL GHUL
The patriarch world has fallen. It is
beyond salvaging. The only way to save
it is to rebuild it. We can do that.
Talia stops exercising and looks at Ra's.
TALIA
And by that you mean first killing
everyone here? No, I won't take part
in that.
She turns away.
RA'S AL GHUL
Please, Talia. You know it must be
done. The fall of civilization is
inevitable. The new world will be here
sooner than you think.
TALIA
Not if I can help it. I'm going to
stop Firefly. Don't get in my way.
Please.
RA'S AL GHUL
(quietly)
Just don't do anything you'll regret
later, Talia.
Talia glances back -
TALIA
I regret nothing.
- but Ra's al Ghul is gone. Vanished.
Talia shouts.
TALIA (CONT'D)
The world is not beyond saving!
She looks around, saddened. Silence.
INT. BATCAVE - DAY
Bruce sits at a workbench, tinkering with a grappling hook
gun. The grappling hook has been removed, and he has run thin
tubing through the inside of the gun. There is a container of
Nitrohexane on the workbench. He uses an eyedropper to
transfer some of it into the tubing.
Alfred comes over.
ALFRED
Master Wayne, I left your tuxedo out.
BRUCE
My tux? Why?
ALFRED
The Golden Film Awards ceremony is
tonight. You are on the guest list.
BRUCE
That's tonight? I'm afraid I can't
make it.
ALFRED
Sir, I urge you to reconsider. And
perhaps invite that lovely lady, Miss
Head, whom you spent the other night
with. I know a good match when I see
one, and you two were really getting
along, if I may say so.
Bruce stops working and takes off his glasses.
BRUCE
Alfred, her real name is Talia al
Ghul. She's Ra's al Ghul's daughter.
ALFRED
Oh heavens, no.
BRUCE
But - she's not fighting for his
cause.
ALFRED
And you believe her?
BRUCE
(beat)
Yes, I believe her. But we can't be
seen in public together. I can't put
her at risk like that. It wasn't meant
to be.
ALFRED
Will you ever be seen together?
Bruce looks toward the vault where his Batsuit is stored. He
is silent.
BRUCE
I can't think about it now. Not while
Firefly's still out there.
ALFRED
I will cancel the limo, Sir.
Bruce continues staring at the vault. Finally -
BRUCE
Thank you, Alfred.
- but Alfred has already left. Bruce sits where he is,
conflicted.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY - SKYLINE - DUSK
The sun sets over the sprawling metropolis.
EXT. STREET - BATMOBILE - MOVING - NIGHT
The Batmobile drives down South Street. It turns under the
bridge.
EXT. OLD WORKSHOP - NIGHT
The Batmobile pulls up. Batman gets out and looks around.
In the distance, a DRUGGIE sees him and scurries away. Batman
walks to the workshop. He passes a large pile of ash. Flies
buzz around it. Batman looks down and sifts through it. He
sees BONES.
INT. OLD WORKSHOP - NIGHT
Batman KICKS the door in and enters. The TV is on, but the
place is empty. Batman walks around, investigating.
REPORTER (V.O.)
We're in front of the Gotham
Convention Center, eagerly awaiting
the start of the 65th Golden Film
Awards. There is exceptionally strong
competition this year as three of the
five films nominated for Best Picture
had some of the biggest openings in
box office history. Those films are of
course, the international spy
thriller...
Batman sees the photos of Muldoon, Susan, and White on the
bulletin board. He looks at the photo of Susan.
REPORTER (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Now let's see who's making their
arrival. Here comes Dan Muldoon and
Susan Delini.
Batman looks at the TV and sees Muldoon and Susan walking
down the red carpet, hand in hand.
INT. OLD WORKSHOP - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Batman pushes open the door. He steps in something and looks
down. The floor is soaked with -
- Nitrohexane.
Then Batman sniffs the air. He looks at the stove to see the
gas is on.
Quickly, he dashes out.
EXT. OLD WORKSHOP - NIGHT
Batman runs out the front door as the workshop EXPLODES. The
blast THROWS him into the air. Shrapnel goes flying in all
directions.
Batman slams into the ground hard.
EXT. TALIA'S APARTMENT - BALCONY - NIGHT
Through the glass door, Talia turns her head at the sound of
the blast. She opens her balcony door and steps out.
Looking toward the bridge, she sees THICK SMOKE rising from
beneath. A worried look on her face.
EXT. STREET - TALIA'S CAR - MOVING - NIGHT
Talia's car swerves onto the street and speeds toward the
bridge.
INT. TALIA'S CAR - MOVING - NIGHT
Talia drives, pedal to the metal. She sees a firetruck
heading to the scene. She shifts into fifth and zooms ahead
of it.
EXT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - NIGHT
The convention center is a large majestic looking theater in
Midtown. CROWDS OF REPORTERS AND ONLOOKERS gather around the
perimeter, taking photos of the big night. DOZENS OF SECURITY
GUARDS stand watch.
On the red carpet, Muldoon and Susan see White.
MULDOON
Arthur! There's my man.
SUSAN
Hi Arthur!
WHITE
Dan, Susan! Good to see you. Dan, how
are you holding up?
MULDOON
I'm fine. Really. You know, that
Firefly's a real piece of work, but I
think I've suffered more abuse on the
set.
WHITE
What? I'm not that bad to work with,
am I?
MULDOON
(sarcastic)
Oh, shut up, Arthur.
SUSAN
Come on, guys. They're gonna start!
WHITE
Right, let's take our seats.
EXT. TALIA'S CAR - MOVING - NIGHT
Talia speeds under the bridge. Flames appear ahead. She pulls
over and gets out.
EXT. OLD WORKSHOP - NIGHT
Talia runs to the fiery remains of the workshop. Batman is on
the ground, face down, coughing. Talia turns him over.
TALIA
Batman!
Batman sees her and struggles to pull himself up. Talia helps
him stand.
TALIA (CONT'D)
Are you all right?
BATMAN
I know where he's gonna hit next. The
Golden Film Awards.
TALIA
(realizing)
All of his old enemies will be there.
Batman walks ahead. The top of the Batmobile slides open, and
he climbs in.
TALIA (CONT'D)
Hey, you're welcome.
BATMAN
Get in.
Talia forms a grin. She hurries over and jumps in. The top
closes, and the Batmobile speeds away.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
The ceremony has begun. Hundreds of exuberant CELEBRITIES sit
in a giant auditorium. An ORCHESTRA plays a rousing fanfare.
The HOST walks onto the stage to much applause.
HOST
Thank you. Thank you. Wow. What an
honor it is to be your host once
again! You know, I was worried this
year. I was worried that I might end
up on the receiving end for a change.
Laughter in the air. Muldoon, Susan, and White sit in the
audience, chuckling.
EXT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - REAR - NIGHT
All is quiet at the rear of the building. A SECURITY GUARD
stands by the door.
Brant, wearing his guard uniform, approaches from the side.
BRANT
Hey, we've got a suspicious person
over here.
The guard follows Brant around the corner.
SECURITY ONE
Where is he?
Cutter, also wearing a guard uniform, springs out from
behind. He HITS the guard over the head with his nightstick,
who promptly collapses.
BRANT
You're looking at him.
Cutter takes the guard's handgun and keys. Brant wheels over
a hand truck loaded with containers of Nitrohexane.
CUTTER
Let's roll.
Firefly emerges from the shadows.
FIREFLY
After you.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Firefly, Brant, and Cutter enter through the rear entrance.
Brant wheels the hand truck. MORE GUARDS ahead. The gang goes
through a side doorway. There, another SECURITY GUARD stands
in front of a freight elevator.
Brant and Cutter approach and -
SECURITY TWO
What are you doing?
- beat the guard with their nightsticks.
CUTTER
Relieving you of duty.
Cutter steals his gun. Brant hits the button on the freight
elevator, opening the doors. The gang steps in, and the doors
slide shut.
EXT. STREET - BATMOBILE - MOVING - NIGHT
The tires of the Batmobile SQUEAL as it swerves around
traffic.
INT. BATMOBILE - MOVING - NIGHT
Batman drives. Talia glances over.
TALIA
I thought you work alone.
BATMAN
I do. We just happen to be going to
the same place.
Talia smirks.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Firefly, Brant, and Cutter wait in the freight elevator with
the hand truck. Brant and Cutter grip their handguns.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
An ACTOR and ACTRESS stand on the stage, presenting an award.
ACTRESS
And the winner of the Best Sound award
is... "War of the Gods."
Everyone applauds.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Firefly and his henchmen hear the APPLAUSE.
FIREFLY
Now!
Brant and Cutter open the doors -
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
- and rush out. They are under the stage. It's a tight space
with a low ceiling.
TWO SECURITY GUARDS and a STAGEHAND see the bad guys.
But Brant and Cutter FIRE their handguns, shooting them down
in the blink of an eye.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
The applause continues. No one has heard the shots.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
The sounds of the auditorium echo from above. Brant and
Cutter take the containers of Nitrohexane and begin laying
them across the floor. Firefly listens.
EXT. BATMOBILE - MOVING - NIGHT
The Batmobile approaches the Convention Center. Crowds and
traffic block the street.
INT. BATMOBILE - MOVING - NIGHT
TALIA
How are we gonna get in there?
Security is everywhere.
BATMAN
Next building over looks pretty calm.
Batman drives to it.
EXT. STREET - BATMOBILE - NIGHT
The Batmobile stops in front of an apartment building
adjacent to the convention center. Batman and Talia get out
and rush inside the building. ONLOOKERS watch curiously.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
The twenty containers of Nitrohexane are positioned around
the room. Brant places a demolition charge in the center and
sets the timer. Cutter collects the weapons off the dead
security guards.
FIREFLY
Set it for ten minutes. That'll give
us time to clear the area... and still
enjoy the fireworks.
BRANT
Got it.
Brant sets the timer. 9:59 MINUTES. It begins counting down.
Cutter finds a shotgun on one of the guards. He takes it and
grins.
CUTTER
Jackpot.
EXT. APARTMENT ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Batman and Talia run out onto a rooftop overlooking the
convention center. Batman pulls out a grappling hook gun and
gives it to Talia.
BATMAN
Do you know how to use this? You
just -
Talia takes the gun, FIRES a line at the convention rooftop,
and clips the gun to her belt.
TALIA
Try not to fall behind.
She grabs the line and SWINGS off the roof. Batman,
impressed, fires his grappling hook and follows. They swing
through the air to the convention center.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
BRANT
It's all set, Boss.
FIREFLY
Good. Let's go.
ACTOR (O.S.)
The winner of best special visual
effects is... "New Wings," Arthur
White.
Firefly freezes at White's name.
CUTTER
Boss?
Firefly stands there, struggling to keep his rage in check.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
As the show continues -
- CRASH! The skylight SHATTERS as Batman drops through on
his grapple line. Talia comes through another skylight.
People SCREAM.
Batman descends to the stage while Talia lands in an aisle.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
Firefly looks at his henchmen.
FIREFLY
What the hell was that?
(motions upward)
Let's go.
They hurry up a staircase that leads backstage.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
The Host looks at the PRODUCERS. They SHRUG. Then the Host
walks out onto the stage.
HOST
Hey, it's Batman! Must be time for the
best costume award.
Batman goes straight to the podium.
BATMAN
There's a bomb in here. Everybody out!
Everyone looks at each other and murmurs, not sure what's
going on.
BACKSTAGE
Firefly and his henchmen peer out from the curtain.
BRANT
It's the damn bat!
FIREFLY
Seal the exits.
THE AUDITORIUM
Brant and Cutter rush out and go down the aisle.
TALIA
We're serious -
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Thanks for dropping in, Batman!
Everyone, let's have a round of
applause for Batman!
Everyone CHEERS and APPLAUDS. Talia looks at Batman in
distress. SECURITY approaches cautiously.
Meanwhile, Brant and Cutter take Nitrohexane grenades off
their belts. They pull the pins and TOSS them at the exit
doors.
KA-BOOM! The doors EXPLODE. Everyone in the auditorium
screams and jumps up. The FIRE engulfs the doorways, trapping
everyone inside.
Batman pulls a red tube off his utility belt.
BATMAN
Talia!
He tosses the tube to her, and she catches. Then she throws
the tube at the wall. Batman throws another at the same spot.
BOOM! In a bright FLASH, the tubes blow a gigantic hole in
the wall, creating an escape path.
TALIA
Everyone, through here!
She begins helping everyone through the hole in the wall.
BACKSTAGE
Firefly watches.
FIREFLY
Way to steal the audience.
He holds up his flamethrower -
THE STAGE
- and charges onto the stage.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
Show's not over, Batman!
He FIRES a blast at Batman. Batman DIVES off the stage to
avoid the flames.
THE AUDITORIUM
In the crowd, Brant spots Muldoon trying to escape.
BRANT
Hey, Dan!
Muldoon looks over -
- and sees Brant aiming his handgun. Brant FIRES, and
Muldoon jumps behind a seat for cover.
The real security guards spot Brant. They charge down the
aisle after him. Cutter sees the guards, aims his shotgun,
and FIRES.
The crowd goes crazy. Talia glances back.
TALIA
(to crowd)
Go on! Hurry!
Talia rushes toward Cutter.
THE STAGE
Firefly continues to shoot flames at Batman. Batman pulls out
a batarang and goes to throw it at him -
- but he hears more gunshots. He turns around to see Brant
shooting at Muldoon. Muldoon is cornered. He SCREAMS.
Batman THROWS his batarang.
THE AUDITORIUM
The batarang SOARS and KNOCKS the gun out of Brant's hand.
Batman runs out, LEAPS over the empty seats, and TACKLES
Brant. Muldoon escapes as they FIGHT.
THE WALL
Talia runs to Cutter, but he sees her and FIRES his shotgun
again! Talia dives behind some empty seats, which get blown
to smithereens. Cutter walks forward and FIRES again.
THE AUDITORIUM
The crowd has emptied out. The FIRE spreads up the walls and
engulfs the ceiling. On the stage, Firefly shouts into the
microphone.
FIREFLY
And the award for deadliest special
effects goes to Firefly! I'd like to
thank the city of Gotham for
constructing such a glorious and
highly flammable convention center for
me to express myself.
Firefly jumps off the stage and SHOOTS his flamethrower all
around, igniting the entire place.
THE WALL
Cutter approaches with his shotgun and points it behind the
seat... but no one's there. Panicked, he looks around -
- and Talia SPRINGS UP from the next row. She jumps into the
air, kicks off the wall, and SLAMS Cutter in the head. He
tries to fight back, but Talia ducks under his punch, gets
him into an arm lock, and SNAPS his neck.
She grabs his shotgun and aims at Firefly -
- but Firefly SHOOTS his flamethrower right at her! The
shotgun catches on fire. Talia shouts and drops it.
Then she sees Firefly lobbing a Nitrohexane grenade in her
direction. Talia DIVES as the grenade EXPLODES. It blows a
hole in the floor, and Talia falls through.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
Talia SLAMS into the floor, knocking over the containers of
Nitrohexane. The chemicals spill everywhere. Talia is knocked
unconscious. The timer: 3:45 MINUTES.
EMBERS fall down from above, dangerously close to the
Nitrohexane.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Batman THROWS Brant into a wall. Brant KNEES Batman, then he
HEADBUTTS him. Batman groans. He grabs Brant and delivers a
RABBIT PUNCH. Then Batman KICKS Brant away -
- and he goes flying into the RAGING FIRE.
Batman turns around and dashes toward Firefly.
FIREFLY
En garde!
Firefly aims his flamethrower and FIRES. Batman rolls across
the floor as Firefly lights up the room. Firefly just taunts
him with an insane laugh. Then Batman rips a fire
extinguisher off the wall and hurls it at Firefly. Firefly
shoots it -
- and the fire extinguisher EXPLODES, sending foam raining
down. It puts out his flamethrower.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
Goddamn it.
In that instant, Batman springs up and TACKLES Firefly. They
hit the floor and trade punches, left and right. Firefly
SLAMS the flamethrower down -
- just as Batman rolls out of the way. The gun DENTS the
floor. Batman flips up and SMASHES the fins of his glove
through Firefly's helmet. He RIPS the helmet off.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
Now, your turn!
Firefly grabs Batman's cowl and tries to tear it off. Batman
grabs Firefly's head and KNEES him. Firefly just screams and
THROWS Batman onto the stage.
Batman CRASHES through the podium, destroying it.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
Talia lies unconscious. The timer: 2:30 MINUTES.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Batman pulls himself up and looks around. The fire spreads.
The auditorium begins falling apart. Firefly is nowhere to be
seen.
FIREFLY (O.S.)
Come on, Batman. Come on...
Batman looks through the flames. They are everywhere.
FIREFLY (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Think you can beat me in two minutes?
Before this whole place goes up?
BATMAN
Show yourself!
Batman searches. He walks forward.
FIREFLY (O.S.)
Getting warmer!
Firefly LAUGHS. Batman looks up and sees the only way out -
- the dangling grappling lines from the ceiling. He sees one
moving, and he rushes over.
There, Firefly grabs onto the line and attaches it to his
belt. He begins repelling up, laughing.
FIREFLY
It's been a blast, Batman!
Batman runs over, but he's too late. Firefly moves up toward
the ceiling, twenty feet, thirty feet...
Firefly aims his flamethrower down. Quickly, Batman pulls out
his makeshift Nitrohexane-loaded gun. He pulls the trigger
and coats the grapple line with Nitrohexane.
Firefly FIRES his flamethrower down. The flame SHOOTS out,
then flies up, straight to the Nitrohexane on the grapple
line. It IGNITES.
FIREFLY (CONT'D)
What the hell?
Firefly looks up in shock as the grapple line BURNS. The line
frays. It SNAPS.
Firefly SCREAMS as he plummets fifty feet down.
He CRASHES to the floor with a THUD. Batman quickly jumps
through the hole in the floor.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
Batman drops down and sees Talia. The timer: 0:59 SECONDS.
Batman pulls Talia up. She awakens, dazed. Batman pushes her
up through the hole, then jumps up.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Smoke and flames are everywhere. It is impossible to see.
Batman picks up Talia. He carries her through the inferno as
the room COLLAPSES.
The lights come CRASHING down. The flaming walls CRUMBLE.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
The timer: 0:30 SECONDS.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Finally, Batman finds the last remaining grapple line. He
hooks the line on his belt and picks up Talia again. She
holds onto him tight.
They begin repelling up to the ceiling. As they move up past
the flames, the night sky appears through the skylight.
They reach the skylight and climb out. Batman unhooks the
grapple line and takes it.
EXT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - ROOF - NIGHT
BATMAN
Run!
Batman and Talia run across the roof like there's no
tomorrow.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
The timer: 0:09 SECONDS.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Firefly gets up, breathing hard. He is surrounded by fire.
He closes his eyes.
INT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - BENEATH STAGE - NIGHT
The timer ticks 0:00. It BEEPS.
There is a bright flash of light and -
- KA-BOOM! The entire convention center is OBLITERATED.
EXT. GOTHAM CONVENTION CENTER - ROOF - NIGHT
Batman fires his grapple hook at the adjacent building. Talia
grabs onto him, and they SWING OFF the convention center as
it EXPLODES. The sound is deafening.
EXT. APARTMENT ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Batman and Talia make it safely to the roof. They look back
at the burning remains of the convention center. They are
exhausted but relieved.
EXT. ANOTHER ROOFTOP - NIGHT
In the distance, a shadow stands on another rooftop. It's
Ra's al Ghul. He watches Batman and Talia.
Then, in a blink, he's gone.
EXT. GOTHAM CENTER PARK - LATER
The fire at the convention center has been extinguished. Down
the street, Commissioner Gordon stands in the park,
addressing the CITIZENS. His voice echoes through a speaker.
GORDON
It was Firefly who orchestrated the
attack tonight. We can confirm that
Firefly is now dead, killed in the
explosion. And thanks to Batman, the
convention center was evacuated before
it exploded.
EXT. APARTMENT ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Batman and Talia stand on the rooftop, listening to the
speech.
TALIA
Well, there you go getting all the
credit again.
GORDON (V.O.)
We also acknowledge the woman who
assisted Batman in evacuating the
auditorium and defeating the
criminals...
BATMAN
You were saying?
Talia smiles, laughs.
TALIA
I guess things will be a little cooler
in Gotham now.
BATMAN
Let's keep it that way.
They look at each other.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
How can I contact you?
TALIA
You won't have to. I'll find you.
BATMAN
I'm a hard man to catch.
TALIA
Mmm. But I know where you live.
BATMAN
What?
TALIA
At least on the nights when you're not
giving back to the city, "off the
record" so to speak.
Batman's eyes widen, but Talia just leans over and kisses
him.
Batman is speechless.
BATMAN
How did you...?
TALIA
(winks)
See you around.
She goes to the edge of the roof and climbs down the ladder.
Batman just smiles. He aims his grappling hook gun and fires.
Then he takes a running LEAP off the roof and soars away.
FADE OUT.
THE END