INT. THE DOD HEADQUATERS – ARLINGTON; VIRGINIA – EARLY EVENING
Audrey Raines DROPS A FILE OF CHENG ZHI on her father's table. This is the man who has kidnapped Jack Bauer; right after he took down Charles Logan. James Heller sighs irritated at his daughter.
"Audrey please-" Secretary Heller pleas desperately.
"Dad you owe him!" Audrey coolly reminds her Father.
James Heller snaps at his daughter and stands up. "ENOUGH!" Audrey is taken back. Heller stares at his daughter cold for a long moment; who stares back at him with fury. "You will stop this obsession today! If you cannot I will fire you Audrey! I don't care that you are my daughter! You have crossed the line!" Heller presages her in a bitter cold steel voice.
Audrey looks down at her feet. She realizes her relationship with him is beyond repair. "You don't have to do that..." Audrey sighs before she looks up at him. The startle that was present on her face is replaced with utter anger and betrayal. "I resign you fucking bastard. I never want to see you again." Audrey tells him resolutely before she turns around and leaves the office.
Heller stares stunned into space while he processes what she has told him. The relationship with his daughter is beyond repair but he can still help her off book to find Jack Bauer. Heller looks up at his flat screen TV which is covering the attempted terrorist attack that occurred within Gotham City; which was foiled by the Batman. Heller fixates his stare onto the masked vigilante before he takes out his office phone and makes a call.
CUT TO:
EXT. AUDREY RAINES'S RESIDENCE – GEORGETOWN; DC – LATER NIGHT
Audrey Raines opens her unlocked front door and enters her home; while she talks to Chloe O'Brian over the phone. "Audrey this is insane! Jack wouldn't want you to go to China to look for him!"
Audrey rolls her eyes riled. She has done enough talking. "Chloe, I'm hanging up now, I wanted to see if you wanted to help me get Jack back, but apparently you don't want too, Goodbye." She replies sarcastically into her phone and ends the call. She walks into her kitchen and turns on the lights. She FREEZES- dropping her phone- ONCE she sees HIM WATCHING HER.
CUT TO:
BLACK SCREEN: 18 MONTHS LATER
BURNING. MASSIVE FLAMES. A dark shape emerges from the blue flames it is the BAT SYMBOL. Growing. Filling the screen with BLACKNESS.
CUT TO:
DAYLIGHT... Moving over the towers of downtown Gotham... Closing in on an office building... On a large window... Which SHATTERS revealing-
INT. OFFICE – HIGH RISE – DAY
A man in a CLOWN MASK holding a SMOKING SILENCED PISTOL ejects a shell casing. This man is DOPEY. He turns to a second man, HAPPY, also in wearing a clown mask, who steps forward with a CABLE LAUNCHER, aims at a lower roof across the street and FIRES a cable across. Dopey secures the line to an I-beam line- CLAMP on- sends a KIT BAG out then steps OUT the window...
EXT. HIGH-RISE – DAY
... into space... The men SLIDE across the DIZZYING DROP... landing on the lower roof across the street... sliding on the gable.
EXT. DOWNTOWN GOTHAM - DAY
A MAN on the corner of the street, back to us, holding a CLOWN MASK. An SUV pulls up to the curb. The man puts on his mask before he gets in. Inside the car- two other men wearing CLOWN MASKS.
GRUMPY is driving the SUV. "Three of a kind... Let's do this."
One of the Clowns looks up from loading his automatic weapon. This is Chuckles who lets out a sarcastic chuckle after he hears Grumpy. "That's it? Three guys?" Chuckles asks Grumpy in disbelief.
Grumpy replies while he continues to drive the SUV. "There's two more on the roof. Every guy gets a share. Five shares is plenty."
Chuckles shakes his head and laughs sarcastically at Grump's confidence. "Six shares don't forget the guy who planned this job."
Grumpy does not falter to reply. "Yeah? He thinks he can sit it out and still take a slice. I get why they call him the Joker."
BOZO cocks his weapon right after GRUMPY pulls the car over onto the curb... right in front of the GOTHAM FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
EXT. ROOFTOP OF BANK – CONTINOUS
DOPEY pries open an access panel. While HAPPY watches him. "So why do they call him the Joker?" When Dopey finishes he speaks.
"I hear he wears makeup."
"Makeup?" Happy repeats.
Dopey pulls out thick CAT 5 cables from the panel as he continues to do his hired job. "Yeah to scare people. Like War Paint."
EXT. BANK – CONTINOUS
Grumpy Chuckles and Bozo get out of the car and march up the marble staircase before they enter the bank; CARRYING ASSAULT RIFLES-
INT. BANK – CONTINOUS
The Security Guard looks up as they enter- Grumpy FIRES into the ceiling. Customers SCREAM. Chuckles CRACKS the Security Guard.
As Grumpy and Bozo round up the hostages- one of the TELLERS presses a button mounted beneath her window... It is a SILENT ALARM.
EXT. ROOFTOP – DAY
Dopey watches the alarm PING his handheld. "Here comes the silent alarm," he touches the button, "and there it goes. That's funny. It didn't dial 911. It was trying to reach a Chinese Government official." Dopey revealed while finishing up.
Behind him. Happy raises his SILENCED GUN. "Is it a problem?"
Dopey shakes his head. "No. No. I'm done here." HAPPY SHOOTS. DOPEY slumps. Happy picks up the bag and FORCES OPEN the roof access door...
INT. STAIRWELL – DAY
... and speeds down the stairs to the basement. HE slams opens a door...
INT. VAULT ROOM – DAY
... and comes face to face with a huge VAULT.
INT. BANK LOBBY – DAY
Bozo and Grumpy move down the line of the hostages- Bozo hands each Hostage OBJECTS from a bag. A GRENADE. Grumpy follows, PULLING THE PINS.
"Obviously... we don't want you doing anything with your hands... other than holding on for dear life..." Grumpy announces to the fearful hostages while he walks around them, patrolling.
Chuckles hits the Security Guard hard on the shoulder blade with his automatic machine gun. "STAY ON THE GROUND! NO BODY MAKE A MOVE! NOBODY! STAY DOWN!" Chuckles roars before BLAM!
Chuckles is blown off his feet. GRUMPY and BOZO dive for cover. The Bank Manager steps outside his office- shotgun in hand. Hostages scramble with panic; clinging desperately to their grenades...
INT. VAULT ROOM - DAY
Happy CLAMPS a DRILL to the vault.
The bit SPINS- SLIDES into the metal door- a BOLT of ELECTRICITY RIPS THROUGH THE DRILL. THROWING HAPPY TO THE FLOOR-
INT. BANK LOBBY – DAY
Grumpy and Bozo cower as the Bank Manager FIRES again. While they cover- Grumpy looks at Bozo. "The man's got three left right?"
Bozo raises TWO fingers. GRUMPY squeezes off a SHOT. The Bank Manager FIRES. FIRES AGAIN. GRUMPY looks at Bozo; who nods. Grumpy pops up. The Bank Manager FIRES. Grumpy GRUNTS as buckshot CLIPS his shoulder and FALLS. The Bank Manager moves in for the kill. FUMBLING for new shells. Bozo STANDS- SHOOTS him.
Bozo picks up the shotgun. Grumpy checks his wound- it's superficial and struggles to his feet; furious at Bozo for almost getting him killed by the Bank Manager. "Where did you learn to count?!"
Bozo's mask stares him down coldly. Grumpy heads for the stairs in the back. Bozo starts loading fresh shells into the shotgun.
INT. VAULT ROOM – DAY
Happy is at the vault door- barefooted. While he is turning the hands stuffed into his SNEAKERS. Grumpy walks into the room.
"They wired this thing up with 5,000 volts. What kind of bank does that?" Happy asks Grumpy while tries to crack the vault entirely.
"The same bank that sponsored Habib Marwan and Vladimir Beirko here. I guess the Joker is as crazy as they say. Robbing a bank that is sponsored by the Chinese Government is ballsy." Grumpy pauses as he looks around confused. "Where's the alarm guy."
"The boss told me when he was done to take him out." Happy explained as he spun the Vault wheel open. "One less share right?"
Grumpy chuckles sarcastically. "Funny... he told me something similar."
Happy FREEZES when the wheel SPINS to a STOP. The vault DOOR CLUNKS WIDE OPEN.
Happy SPINS around to see Grumpy draw his weapon. "WAIT NO!" Grumpy shoots him. Grumpy steps over Happy into the vault...
INT. BANK VAULT – DAY
... which is filled with an eight-foot MOUNTIAN STACK OF CASH.
INT. BANK LOBBY – DAY
Grumpy walks into the lobby. Straining under several DUFFLE BAGS filled with CASH and dumps them down; before looking at Bozo; laughing.
"Come on. There's a lot to carry." Grumpy tells Bozo annoyed.
INT. BANK LOBBY – DAY
Bozo walks back into the lobby with two more DUFFELS and sets them down on an ENORMOUS PILE. Grumpy looks at it. "That's a lot of money. If this Joker guy was so smart... he would have brought us a bigger car." Grumpy JABS his pistol at Bozo. "I'm betting the Joker told you to kill me after we loaded the cash."
Bozo looks back at Grumpy and shakes his head. "No. I killed the bus driver who was working for Cheng Zhi." Bozo replies playfully.
Grumpy aspects at Bozo; perplexed. "A Bus Driver? What Bus-"
Bozo steps sideways. SMASH. Hostages SCREAM as the TAIL END OF A YELLOW SCHOOL BUS ROCKETS through the front of the Bank. SLAMMING Grumpy dead on into the Teller's Window. Bozo tosses the duffle bags to another clown; who jumped out from the bus to help load.
"School's out time to go." The final masked clown announces. "Where the other guys?" Bozo picks up Grumpy's weapon, before he turns around and shoots him. Bozo loads the bags into the bus.
The fatally wounded Bank Manager watches him do so with fury. "Think you're smart? Huh? Well... the guy who hired you... will just do the same to you..." Bozo slowly shakes his head. "Criminals and terrorists living within this country always believe in things..." Bozo turns back to the bank manager and crouches over him. "Honor. Respect. Fear. What do you believe in?! What do you-"
Bozo slides a grenade into the man's mouth. A purple thread is noted around the pin. "I believe whatever doesn't kill you..." Bozo pulls off his mask and the Bank Manager gasps at sight. The SCARRED MOUTH and CLOWN MAKEUP. IT IS THE JOKER. "Simply makes you stranger."
The Bank Manager's eyes go wide. The Joker rises with a smile and strolls towards the bus; the purple thread attached to the grenade pin UNRAVELLING FROM THE PURPLE LINING of his jacket as he walks.
The Joker climbs into the bus and SHUTS the rear door; TRAPPING THE PURPLE THREAD... When the Bus pulls out... the Purple Thread PULLS THE PIN. Hostages scream and scurry away from the manager. Who shakes with fear- as with a fizz- the grenade does not explode... but instead spews red smoke into the air.
EXT. BANK – DAY
The School Bus pulls free from the Bank wall and pulls out onto the street- SLIDING INTO THE LINE OF IDENTICAL BUSES HEADING PAST THE BANK. The buses trundle past COP CARS racing up the street.
CUT TO:
EXT. MOVING OVER GOTHAM – NIGHT
From the top to a brick building- A SHAFT OF LIGHT comes on.
EXT. VARIOUS LOCATIONS – CONTINOUS
A PATROLMAN looks up at the BAT-SIGNAL. Smiles. A DEALER standing beside a car spots the signal within the night and takes a step back.
The DEALER looks scared at the BUYER he's doing business with. "No Man... I don't like tonight." The Dealer states fearfully.
The BUYER is furious. "What are you superstitious? You got a better chance at winning the fucking Powerball than running into him!"
INT. CTU GOTHAM – CONTINOUS
Detective Nadia Yasir- 30's- makes coffee; while watching a news show on television. That's covering a highly anticipated interview.
Mike Engel: Mr. President. You were elected on a campaign to defeat terror. Do you have thoughts on this when looking at your first couple months?
Wayne Palmer: Well Mike-
Mike Engel: Like this uh this "so-called" Batman. Many people including the re-appointed Secretary of Defense has said he's doing good as criminals and terrorists are running scared... but I say NO. What kind of a hero needs to wear a mask? You don't let vigilantes run around breaking the law. When does it end? Yet we hear rumors that instead of trying to arrest him the cops and the federal agents working at CTU Gotham are using him to fight terrorists.
Wayne Palmer: I have conflicting view points on this matter. I've been told that our men at CTU Gotham are closing in on an arrest.
"Hey Wuertz. Palmer says you're closing in on the Batman." Nadia teases him sarcastically while she strides past his station.
"The investigation is still ongoing." Wuertz replies and he looks up listless. While he crumples up a paper. He throws the paper at the trash. It rebounds off a board headed as "BATMAN: SUSPECTS." Lined with pictures: Abraham Lincoln. Elvis. The Abominable Snowman. Charles Logan. David Palmer. James Bond.
EXT. ROOFTOP – CTU GOTHAM – NIGHT
Nadia comes out onto the roof. Appointed CTU GOTHAM Director James Gordon sits right by the SEARCHLITE. Nadia hands him his coffee.
"Ever intend to your wife again Director?" Nadia queries him.
Gordon sips his coffee and sighs before he looks at her exasperated. "I thought you had to go look after your mother detective?"
"They checked her back into the hospital."
"I'm sorry." Gordon replies; sensitively.
Nadia makes light. "Least she has someone around the clock. Unlike your wife." She looks at the Bat Signal. "Hasn't shown up?"
Gordon gets up. Gazes into the sky at the Bat Signal; sighing. "Often doesn't. Though I like reminding everyone that he's out there."
Nadia looks perplexed at this. "Why wouldn't he come then?"
"Hopefully... because he's currently busy." Gordon answers.
EXT. PARKING GARAGE – NIGHT
Two black SUV's pull onto the top floor. A large man emerges- the CHECHEN. A BODYGUARD points at the sky. The Chechen peers up at the BAT-SIGNAL. Shrugs at it; he is not intimidated by its site.
"That's why we bring dogs!" The Chechen spoke.
BODYGUARD 2 opens the back door and THREE ENORMOUS ROTWELLERS emerge GROWLING. The Russian Chechen crouches over and kisses them.
"My little princes. The Batman's invincible to you fools... but my little princes... they can find human meat in complete darkness."
The Chechen moves to the second SUV and reaches in and drags out a skinny WILD-EYED JUNKIE by his hair. The Junkie babbles. "No! Get them off me!" The Chechen drags the Junkie towards a battered white van. The van's REAR DOORS OPEN... two armed THUGS emerge- carrying BARRELS... a third hovers in the dark interior.
Chechen hollers. "Look what your drugs did to my customers!"
"Buyers beware." The dark figure emerges from the interior and reveals to be SCARECROW; wearing his mask. "I told you my compound would bring you places. I never said they'd be places you wanted to go."
"My business is repeat customers!"
"If you don't like what I have to offer... buy from someone else then." Scarecrow says. "Assuming that Batman left anyone else to buy from." The Chechen frowns and the dogs begin to bark.
"He's here." A Bodyguard whispers.
A BURLY THUG at the periphery is suddenly SUCKED into the darkness. Within his place a shadow emerges... revealing to be POINTED BAT-EARS against the glittering skyline. Chechen laughs.
"MY DOGS ARE HUNGRY! Pity there's only one of you..." Chechen mockingly says. Then another BODYGUARD to the side DISAPPEARS with a scream and a SECOND BAT-SHADOW appears. The Chechen looks taken aback. Three more BAT-SHADOWS appear... even the dogs stop growling. BOOM! A hole appears in the SUV next to the Chechen. The first bat-shadow steps into the light carrying a SHOTGUN. CHAOS as men scatter and the rooftop erupts in GUNFIRE. The Chechen TURNS as he hears one of his men SCREAM.
"LOOSE THE DOGS!"
A Bodyguard releases the DOGS- they RACE AND SALIVATING into the darkness... The Dogs RACE towards a Bat-Shadow- the first dog LEAPS AND gets its JAWS around the Bat-Shadow's throat... Scarecrow ducks behind the van- holes PUNCHED in the side by shotgun blasts right behind him. He starts to climb into the driver's seat-
When a muzzle of a shotgun is pressed to the back of his head- a bat-shadow is behind him- he SPRAYS him with his FEAR TOXIN- the bat-shadow collapses to the ground SCREAMING induced by the drug. The Chechen cowering from gunfire; looks down at him.
"That's not him." Scarecrow announces.
"How do you know?" The Chechen probes.
"We're old friends." Scarecrow utters.
A HUGE BLACK SHAPE SLAMS down onto a row of parked cars and it's The BATMOBILE. Scarecrow is pleased by this. "That's more like it." The Chechen's men BLAST at will at the front of the vehicle: the bullets SPARK off its monstrous surface harmlessly...
INT. BATMOBILE – CONTINOUS
The cockpit is completely EMPTY. One of the many screens reads "LOITER". The shooting STOPS. The digital screen switches to "INTIMIDATE".
EXT. PARKING GARAGE – CONTINOUS
The men STARE at the Batmobile for a quiet moment. THEN BOOM! The Batmobile CANNONS blast cars all around the terrorists. A bat shadow lines up his shotgun on a running bodyguard. CLUNK! A BLACK GAUNTLET grasps the barrel and BENDS it upwards with a HOWL of tortured steel- the bat-shadow looks into the face of the Batman. The REAL BATMAN. The Bat-shadow STUMBLES BACKWARDS; leaving the bent shotgun in Batman's hand. Batman OPENS his hand- revealing a PNEUMATIC MANGLE hidden in his palm-
Batman takes out two armed terrorists before he bends down on the dogs mauling another bat-shadow- DRAWS his GRAPPLING GUN and SHOOTS his grapple into the fake Batman's leg and RIPS him from the dogs; one dog HANGING ON as Batman pulls the unconscious man away... the Chechen RUNS down the ramp towards the exit...
When Batman KICKS the dog off the fake Batman- the Chechen gets into his SUV- another dog LOCKS ITS JAWS around Batman's forearm- RIPPING and TEARING- Batman SWINGS THE DOG OVER HIS HEAD- SMASHES it against the ground- its jaws OPEN... Batman rises as an engine RACES coming from behind him- he can't turn before- BLAM! Batman is SLAMMED sideways by the speeding van.
INT. VAN – CONTINOUS
Scarecrow- driving- NODS at him and hits the gas... Batman raises his hand; revealing his jointed mangle and pistons. The mangle STRAIGHTENS and ROTATES from his palm to the knife edge of his hand...
Batman CHOPS straight through the windshield- pulls his hand out and CHOPS again- the mangle gets STUCK- Scarecrow steers towards a column...
EXT. PARKING GARAGE - CONTINUOUS
Batman can't free himself- he turns a dial on his forearm piston- EXPLOSIVE BOLTS blow- freeing his gauntlet from the mangle- he ROLLS free of the van as it SCRAPES the column and barrels down the circular exit ramp. Batman rises. A phony batman lying on the ground watches as Batman climbs up to the edge of the ten-story corkscrew ramp and stands there; waiting for something.
After a moment he JUMPS... and falls... ten stories... He's about to hit the exit ramp- the van appears- his cape POPS OPEN- he SLAMS into the roof; CRUSHING the van and shattering its glass.
EXT. PARKING GARAGE ROOFTOP – MOMENTS LATER
The Chechen's men are lined up against the wall; bound with zip-ties. So are the fake batmen. Batman DUMPS Scarecrow next to the three "Batmen" and RIPS his mask off. "Don't let me find you out here again!" Batman growls; using his raspy fake voice.
"We're trying to help you!" The Fake Batman says.
"I don't need help!" Batman announces definitely.
"Not my diagnosis." Crane says as he gets into the Batmobile.
"What gives you the right?! What's the difference between you and me?!" The Fake Batman demands furiously as he watches the canopy close.
"I'm not wearing hockey pads!" Batman answers. The Fake Batman looks down at his makeshift costume as the Batmobile ROARS past.
EXT. BANK – NIGHT
CTU Gotham Director James Gordon ducks the barrage of SHOUTED QUESTIONS from press and picks his way into the lobby of the bank.
INT. LOBBY – SAME
CTU FORENSIC SPECIALISTS work the room. Nadia Yasir hands Gordon PRINTS- indicates the surveillance cameras feed. It is THE JOKER.
"He can't resist showing us his face." Nadia points out.
Gordon looks at the grainy blow-up; THE JOKER'S FACE: sweating clown makeup plastered thick around the scarred mouth. "What's he hiding under that makeup?" Gordon approaches a FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHER shooting Grumpy's body. Gordon crouches to look at his clown mask. Batman steps from the shadows. Gordon nods at Yasir.
"Give us a minute people!" Nadia yells. The Forensic Team and Nadia leave. Gordon hands Batman the photo who looks at the photo.
"Him again? Who are the others?" Batman inquires.
Gordon sighs; shrugging. "Only uh Smaller Timers."
Batman pulls a DEVICE from his belt- moves to the bundles of cash scattered near the clown's body. The device PINGS. Batman picks up a BUNDLE.
Batman hands it to Gordon. "The marked bills I gave you."
Gordon nods. "My detectives have been making drug buys with them for weeks. This bank was another drop for the terrorist mob. That makes five banks- we've found the bulk. It's from a Chinese Government Official. The one that kidnapped Jack Bauer."
Batman smiles. "Time to move in."
Gordon waves the surveillance photo. "What about this Joker guy?"
"One man or the entire mob? The guy can wait." Batman states.
Gordon agrees. "We'll have to hit all the banks simulationsly. CTU Teams. SWAT Teams. Backup. When Cheng realizes where on to him." Jim Gordon holds up the bank notes. "When the new DA and Audrey Raines from Wayne Enterprises hears about this. They'll both want in."
"We've worked with her before I trust her. Do you trust him?"
"It'll be hard to keep him out." Gordon replies while bagging the cash. "I hear he's as stubborn as Audrey is about rescuing Jack Bauer and arresting Cheng Zhi for kidnapping and funding terrorists."
Gordon though stops when he sees that Batman has already left.
CUT TO:
INT. WAYNE PENTHOUSE – MORNING
Alfred walks past soaring downtown views as he carries a breakfast tray for Bruce and Audrey through the vast empty penthouse. He stops; looking at a still-made bed. Alfred sighs.
CUT TO:
EXT. RAIL YARDS - MORNING
Alfred gets out of the Rolls carrying a thermos. He walks towards a RAILWAY BRIDGE and stops at a FREIGHT CONTAINER sitting lopsided on blocks. Alfred unlocks the RUSTY PADLOCK AND CHAIN. Alfred pauses for a second before he steps inside the container.
INT. FREIGHT CONTAINER – CONTINOUS
Alfred FUMBLES as the FLOOR LOWERS. Alfred sinks down into...
INT. BAT-BUNKER – CONTINOUS
The container floor lowers on a giant PISTON. Alfred steps off the cart and into a large LOW-CEILINGED CONCRETE CHAMBER. The Batmobile sits in the middle. Machines- 3D printers and power tools- dot the high-tech space. Bruce Wayne sits at the end he and Audrey Raines watch the CCTV footage from the Bank Robbery.
"Be nice when Wayne Manor's rebuilt." Alfred said out loud; causing Audrey but not Bruce to turn around as he walked towards them. "You can swap sleeping in a Penthouse for not sleeping in a mansion." Alfred smiles at Audrey and gives her a cup filled with coffee.
"Thank you Alfred." Audrey softly says to Alfred with a smile. Alfred nods before he goes over to Bruce and places the second coffee cup next to Wayne. Who is miserably stitching up his arm. Alfred looks back at Audrey; who sighs. "I wanted to do it but he insisted that he could stich himself up without making a mess."
Alfred looks bewildered as Bruce chuckles at Audrey's remark. They've developed a friendship between each other. "Whenever he stiches himself up Audrey. You can always count on him to make a bloody mess." Alfred puts on his glasses and takes the needle.
Bruce sighs and forms a smile. "But I learn from my mistakes."
"Then you ought to be pretty knowledgably by now right Bruce?"
Alfred laughs at her jest. Bruce looks at Audrey; playfully rolling his eyes before he gets serious again. "My armor... I'm carrying too much weight. I need to be faster... More agile." Bruce reveals to them as Alfred continues to stich him up.
"I'm sure Fox can oblige." Alfred looked at the gnarly wound. "Did you get mauled by a tiger?" Audrey has to stop herself from laughing.
"It was a dog." Bruce reveals and Alfred looks at him shocked.
"It was a big dog." Audrey clarified and he nods embarrassed.
"There were more copy cats last night Alfred." Bruce reveals.
"Why not hire them and take the weekend off?" Alfred solicits.
Bruce chuckles at the suggestion. "This wasn't what I exactly had come to mind when I said that I wanted to inspire people here."
Audrey remedies him. "You have inspired people here and to be fair things have gotten better. The terror rate over America has lowered since you became Batman. Look at the new District Attorney..."
Bruce indicates the monitor: a handsome man. "I am. Closely. I need to know if he can be trusted before I go to Hong Kong to capture Cheng and to bring Jack home so I can shut down the mob."
Audrey and Alfred looks at the other feeds with Bruce Wayne. The D.A. at a meeting campaigning. Another feed shows him helping someone out a cab. That person is Rachel Dawes. Audrey sighs.
"So are you interested by his character or his social life?"
"Who Rachel spends her time with is her business not mine." Bruce reveals and gets up from his seat where Audrey gives him a shirt.
"Well I trust that you don't have me followed on my days off."
Bruce turns around. "If you ever took one. Alfred. I might."
Alfred bites the thread and so does Audrey when they see Bruce take off his shirt. They examine his stitches and look at the SCARS crisscrossing Wayne's shoulders. Audrey closes her eyes; trying not to imagine what Jack is going through right now.
"Know your limits. Master Wayne." Alfred carefully warns him.
"Batman has no limits." Bruce replies to Alfred while he puts on the white button-down shirt that Audrey gave him moments ago.
"Well you do Bruce." Audrey charily intrudes; gazing at him.
"Well can't afford to know them then Audrey." Bruce reveals.
"Then what will happen on the day that you find out?" Alfred asks thoughtfully while Bruce finishes buttoning up his white shirt.
"Alfred we all know how much you like to say I told you so."
"On that day, Master Wayne, even I won't want to... probably."
CUT TO:
INT. SUPERIOUR COURTROOM – DAY
HARVEY DENT bursts into the court room. Assistant D.A. RACHEL DAWES looks up ANNOYED. "Sorry I'm late folks." Harvey sits beside her.
Rachel leans over to Dent. "Where were you?" She asks annoyed.
Dent smiles at her. "Worried you'd have to step out?" he asks.
"Harvey, I know the briefs backwards." Rachel conveys to him.
"Well, then fair is fair, heads I'll take it, tails is all yours." Harvey flips his coin. Shows it to Rachel. It reveals as Heads.
"You're flipping a coin toss to see who leads?" Rachel asks.
"It's my father's lucky coin. As I recall it got me my first date with you." Harvey tells her. Rachel shakes her head as he speaks.
"I'm serious you shouldn't leave things like this to chance."
Dent looks at Rachel sincerely. "I don't. I make my own luck."
Harvey Dent looks across the room at the Defendant Sal Maroni. "I thought the DA just plays golf with the Mayor or things like that."
"Tee-off's at 1:30. More than enough time to put you away for life Sally." Dent replies coldly. The BAILIFFS leads a thin man into the witness box. This man is ROSSI; who's testifying against Sal Moroni.
INT. SUPERIOR COURTROOM – DAY
Rossi takes sip of water while he watches Dent work the room.
"With Carmine Falcone inside Arkham someone must've stepped up to run the so-called family." Rossi nods. "Is this man in the court room today?" Rossi nods again. Dent turns to Maroni; who is poker faced.
Dent smiles. "You win, Councilor, it was me." Rossi says and the smile on Harvey's face disappears. Dent turns back to Rossi.
"I have got a sworn statement from you... that this man... Salvatore Moroni is the new head of Falcone Crime Family." Harvey Dent discloses.
"Maroni? He's a fall guy. I'm the brains of the organization."
LAUGHS from the gallery. Harvey Dent sighs and turns to the Judge. "Permission to treat the witness hostile?" Dent probes him.
"Hostile? I'll show you a hostile!" Rossi JUMPS UP and points a GUN at Dent's face. SCREAMS from the gallery. Rossi PULLS the TRIGGER. The gun MISFIRES with a POP. Dent steps forward grabs the GUN and DECKS Rossi with a RIGHT CROSS- unloads the GUN and sets it down.
"Ceramic 28 caliber. Made in no other than wonderful China. So you want to kill a public servant, Mr. Maroni, I recommend you buy American." Everyone STARES open-mouthed as Dent adjusts his tie. The Bailiffs are wrestling Rossi from the box.
INT. DENT'S OFFICE LOBBY - DAY
Rachel is excited; she leads him past the lobby. "We'll never link the gun to Maroni so we can't charge him but I'll tell you one thing- the fact they tried to kill you means we're getting to them."
"I'm glad you are so pleased... Rachel... I'm fine... by the way."
Rachel turns to Harvey and smooths his lapels. "Harvey you're Gotham's DA. If you're not get shot at- then you're not doing your job," she smiles, "but if you say you're rattled we could take the rest of the day off."
Harvey sighs with regret; he would love a day off but he has work to do. "I can't. I dragged the head of CTU Gotham down here."
"Jim Gordon? He's a friend; try to be nice." She says to him.
INT. DENT'S OFFICE – DAY
Gordon stands up from his seat when he sees Dent enter. They shake hands. "Word is you've got a hell of a right cross. Shame Sal's going to walk." Gordon tells him which Dent turns into a positive.
"Well good thing about the terrorist mob is that they keep giving you second chances." Harvey informs him and picks up a bundle of bills from the heist. "Lightly irradiated bills. Fancy stuff for a Counter Terrorist Unit Director- not named Bill Buchanan. Have help?"
"We liaise with various agencies-" Gordon tries to elucidate.
"Save it." Dent cuts him off before he looks him squared in the eye. "I want to meet him and I also want to meet Audrey Raines."
"Official policy is to arrest the vigilante Batman on site."
Dent does not believe this cover. "Okay then why haven't you?"
Gordon doesn't reply. "Wayne Palmer's orders." Harvey smiles.
An awkward pause proceeds for a moment. Then Dent tosses the bills back onto the desk. They don't know who the Batman is. "I've put every known money launderer who funds the mob and terrorists within this city beyond bars. Yet the mob is still getting its money out. I think you and your friend have found the final straw and you're trying to hit 'em where it hurts: their wallets." Harvey declares and leans back in his chair. "Bold. Going to count me in?"
"The fewer who know the situation. The safer the operation."
Dent sighs displeased. "Gordon. I don't like that you have your own CTU unit. I also don't like that its full of people who I investigated- at the FBI; after the Sentox Nerve Gas Conspiracy."
"If I had my way I would have Chloe O'Brian and the entire CTU personnel from the Los Angeles Unit. Unfortunately I do not. The only person I trust beside Wayne is Audrey Raines. If I didn't work with my officials you'd investigated for what happened with Charles Logan 18 months ago. Then I'd be working alone. I don't get political for being an idealist- I've got to make do with the best I have. Even if it means working left handed."
Dent looks at Gordon. Considers. "You want me to back warrants for search and seizure on five banks without telling me who we're after?"
"I can give you the names of the banks." Gordon answers calm.
"That's a start. I'll get the warrants but I want your trust."
Gordon rises from his seat. "You don't have to sell me Dent." Harvey smiles. "We all know you are Gotham's White Knight." Gordon claims.
"Well I heard they have a different name for me down at CTU."
INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES BOARD ROOM – DAY
LUCIUS FOX- CEO of Wayne Enterprises- and the board listen to Cheng Zhi; who is the CEO of a Chinese Government Firm termed ZSI Holdings.
Cheng speaks to board. Audrey is not attending the meeting. "In China ZSI holdings stands for dynamic new security growth. A Chinese Government venture with Wayne Enterprises will be a powerhouse."
Lucius steps up from his seat and walks over to Cheng Zhi. "Well Mr. Cheng. I speak for the board and for Mr. Wayne here. We all express our excitement to closing this deal with your government."
Cheng Zhi looks irrigated at Bruce Wayne who is DEAD ASLEEP.
INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES HALLWAY – LATTER
Luscious Fox shakes hands with Cheng Zhi; showing him to the elevator. Fox is joined by COLMAN REESE – 30's- an ambitious consultant lawyer. "It's okay Mr. Fox." Cheng Zhi says with a sarcastic snicker. "Everyone knows who really runs Wayne Enterprises."
"We'll contact you as soon as our diligence people wrap up." Fox tells Cheng; masking his true feelings towards the man- he has no idea what's coming for him. Cheng nods and gets into the elevator arrogantly. When the elevator closes. Reese frowns.
"Sir I know that Mr. Wayne and the DOD Liaison Audrey Raines are serious how his trust funds get replenished but frankly its embarrassing."
Fox sighs as he heads for his office where Bruce and Audrey are waiting. "Just worry about the diligence Mr. Reese and I'll worry about Bruce Wayne and Audrey Raines. Alright?" Fox tells him.
"It's done the numbers are all solid." Coleman tells his CEO.
Fox smiles. "Do it again. We wouldn't want the trust fund to run out. Would we?" Mr. Reese grudgingly nods and then walks away.
INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES BOARD ROOM – CONTINOUS
Bruce stands beside Audrey by the window when Fox reenters. "Another long night?" Fox asks. Bruce and Audrey turn around. Bruce smiles. "This venture with Cheng Zhi was your idea and the consultants love it. Though I'm not convinced. ZSI's grown 8 percent annually- like clockwork. They must have a revenue stream that's off the books. Maybe even illegal considering his profile."
Bruce gazes Audrey who nods. "Ok cancel the deal." Wayne says.
"You already knew." Fox tells Bruce before looking at Audrey.
"I didn't until Audrey was able to track the money Cheng has installed within his company back to the Mob and to the place where he's holding Jack Bauer." Bruce tells Fox and Audrey blushes.
"Good work Miss Raines." Fox tells her impressed.
"Thank you Luscious." Audrey retorts courteously.
Bruce nods with a smile at Audrey. Audrey understands and leaves the room. Leaving the two men alone to talk about other matters. Fox smiles. "I like her a lot. She knows how to do her job."
Bruce agrees. "Yes she does. Secretary Heller wanted me to keep an eye on her so she wouldn't go alone without help to China."
Fox looks at Wayne wryly. "Anything else Mr. Wayne?" Fox asks.
"I need a new suit." Wayne tells him and Fox smiles at this.
Fox looks him over. "Well three buttons is a little nighties."
"I'm not talking about fashion. Mr. Fox. A little more about function." Wayne pulls out some diagrams. Fox studies them methodically.
"You want to be able to move your head?" Fox asks and he nods.
Wayne forms a smirk. "It will make backing out of the driveway easier." Luscious looks up at Bruce as they walk back to the entrance.
"I'll see what I can do." Fox says.
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Rachel and Harvey are at a table. Dent looks intimidated at the surroundings. "It took me three weeks to get a reservation here and I even had to tell them I worked for the government." Dent tells her.
"Really?" Rachel asks.
"This city health inspector's not afraid to pull strings out."
Rachel smiles. Then over Dent's shoulder- she sees Bruce enter accompanied by Audrey Raines; who is gorgeous and remints her Season 5 look.
"What?" Dent asks.
"Rachel! Fancy that!" Bruce tells her as they loom the table.
Rachel rolls her eyes. "Yes. Bruce. Fancy that." She replies.
Bruce introduces the two women at each other. "Rachel this is Audrey Raines. Audrey this is Rachel Dawes." Rachel and Audrey shake hands.
"Good to see you again Audrey." Rachel speaks.
"Same with you Rachel." Audrey replies nicely.
Bruce looks at Rachel and Audrey bewildered before Rachel speaks. "I worked with Audrey before at CTU Los Angeles under Bill Buchanan. We know each other we're friends." Rachel explains she looks over at her date and introduces him. "Bruce this is Harvey Dent."
"The famous Bruce Wayne. Rachel's told me everything about you." Harvey Dent says extending his hand to Bruce and they shake.
"I certainly hope not." Bruce mutters under his breath while he watches Audrey and Harvey shake hands. They worked at the DOD. "Audrey it looks like you know everyone." Bruce says not surprised.
"We worked together at the DOD to make a statement following Charles Logan's unexpected resignation from office a year and a half ago." Dent explains; he has no idea that Wayne knows the reason why Logan resigned. Audrey shares a quick glance with Bruce.
Wayne nods at this. "So let's put a couple tables together."
Harvey looks surprised. "I uh don't think they will let us-"
Bruce cuts him off coarsely. "They should. I own this hotel."
INT. RESTAURANT – LATER
"So are you two dating?" Rachel queries.
"No we're just friends." Audrey replies.
Bruce glares at Rachel angrily; Audrey is dying more and more every day without Jack. The three know what Audrey is enduring eternally.
It's quite for a moment before Harvey breaks the silence. "Audrey I want to let you know personally that I will do everything within my jurisdiction to get Jack Bauer out from China. The man is the greatest American hero to ever live. When we get him out I promise you those responsible for his illegal kidnapping will receive justice." Harvey tells Audrey honestly.
"Thank you Harvey." Audrey sincerely says; regaining herself.
Bruce looks at Rachel and sighs before back at Audrey. Bruce speaks. "Who wants to change the subject to something more upbeat?"
"Yes agreed." Rachel and Audrey both answer at the same time.
"Hey. Have you been to the Prima Ballerina from the Moscow Ballet?" Rachel asks Audrey to try to lighten up her spirits. Audrey smiles at the question and Bruce and Harvey are both glad.
"I went last week. It's really good show." Audrey tells her.
"Harvey's taking me next week." Rachel says to Bruce and her.
"Really? I didn't know you were into ballet Harvey?" Bruce sarcastically says which causes Audrey to jab his rib cage to behave.
"No Bruce. I am." Rachel says.
INT. RESTAURANT – LATER
They finish up dinner when Audrey replies to something that Harvey just said. "I love this city more than DC but how could someone want to raise children here after everything that's happened?"
"I was raised here Audrey. I turned out okay." Bruce speaks.
"So is Wayne Manor within the city limits?" Harvey asks Wayne.
Rachel gives Dent a withering look before Bruce answers his question. "The Palisades? Yeah sure. You know as our new DA you might want to figure out where your jurisdiction ends Harvey."
Audrey sighs as she tries to get to her point. She pretends to be an outsider when it comes to knowing about the Batman. "No. I'm talking about a city that right now is idolizing a masked vigilante-"
"Gotham is proud that an ordinary citizen is standing up to do what's right." Harvey tells her; cutting her off. Audrey nods.
"Batman is a hero but he isn't the long-term solution Harvey. Gotham needs heroes- elected officials like you. Not a man that they turn to- who is above the law and acts as a masked vigilante."
Bruce laughs. "Exactly who appointed the Batman?"
"We did. People that stood by and let scum take over Gotham."
Wayne watches Dent and sees his passion. Audrey speaks again and this time she speaks truly. "Harvey this country is a democracy."
"When the Romans Empire had enemies closing in. They would suspend democracy and appoint one man to protect the empire. It wasn't considered an honor. It was considered a public service."
Rachel intervenes. "Harvey the last person they asked to protect the republic was named Caesar and he never gave up his power."
"Alright. You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Look whoever the Batman is he doesn't want to do this for the rest of his life. Why would he? Batman is looking for someone to inherit his legacy." Harvey explains.
"Someone like you?" Audrey asks Harvey.
"Maybe if I'm up to it." Harvey smiles.
Dent entwines his hand with Rachel. Audrey glances at Bruce.
"Well I'm sold." Bruce informs Dent. "I'm going to throw you a fund raiser." Audrey and Rachel look down as he says this out loud.
"That's nice but I'm not up for reelection for three years-"
"No I don't think you understand. One fundraiser by me for my pals. I can guarantee you that you'll never need another cent."
INT. HOTEL KITCHEN – DAY
The Chechen walks through a METAL DETECTOR manned by two CHINESE. A lean Middle Eastern looking man – 50's- is being waded. This man is terrorists ABU FAYED. Fayed nods wary at the Chechen.
INT. MEETING ROOM – SAME
Gotham's most notorious GANGTERS. A door opens and two burly Chinese Governmental Agents- carrying a TV. They sit it down on the table.
"What the hell is this?"
The TV screen flickers to life: Cheng Zhi. The room erupts. "Gentlemen. As you all are aware one of our deposits was stolen. A relatively small amount: only 68 Million American Dollars."
"Who's stupid enough to steal from a Chinese Government Bank?"
Cheng looks dead on through the television screen at Chechen. "I'm told the man who arranged the robbery calls himself the Joker."
"Who the hell is that?" the Chechen asks.
Sal Maroni sighs. "Two-Bit whack job wears a cheap purple suit and makeup. The Joker is not the problem; he's a nobody." Sal says while he looks at Cheng. "The problem is our money is being tracked by CTU."
Murmurs spread through the room.
"Thanks to Mr. Maroni's sources we know that CTU has indeed identified our banks by using marked bills and are planning to seize your funds today-" Cheng Zhi informs them within his Private Jet.
Everyone starts SHOUTING- at Cheng Zhi.
EXT. VARIOUS DOWNTOWN BANKS – CONTINOUS
Gordon sits near a SWAT VAN outside a bank. Stephen is outside another. Nadia a third... SWAT TEAMS CHECKS WEAPONS preparing to move...
INT. MEETING ROOM - CONTINOUS
"You promised us Cheng. Safe clean money." The Chechen says.
"With the investigation ongoing- none of you can risk hanging on to your proceeds. And since the enthusiastic new DA has made it his mission to destroy my business and to blackmail me to release Jack Bauer from my prison. I am right now you're only option."
"So what do you propose?" Maroni questions.
"To move all deposits to one secure location but not a bank."
"Where then?" Abu Fayed demands wrathfully.
"No one can know but me." The room roars angrily but Cheng continues to explain. "If the police gain leverage over one of you then everyone's money will be at stake and so will my business."
"What stops them from getting to you?" The Chechen asks.
"I relocated my prisoner to Hong Kong so I will travel there. Far from Harvey Dent's jurisdiction and the Chinese will never turn me over as I'm the one that captured Jack Bauer and brought him to justice. Rest assured. Your money has been moved and is safe."
EXT. UNDERPASS – CONTINOUS
A Chinese Government Agent... finishes loading... a TRACTOR TRAILER... with cash boxes... The truck pulls out his CONVOY...
INT. BANK VAULT – CONTINOUS
Gordon stands inside an almost empty bank vault; with wrath.
CUT TO:
INT. MEETING ROOM - CONTINOUS
From the back to the room comes a LAUGHTER. It grows and grows until it fills the room. All eyes including Cheng Zhi's turn to:
The Joker. Sweaty clown makeup obscuring the AWFUL SCARS which widen his mouth into a PERMANMENT GHOULISH SMILE. "I thought my jokes were bad."
Abu Fayed breathes deeply while trying to control his rising anger. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't have my man blow your head off."
The Joker pulls out a freshly sharpened pencil from his suit. "How about we perform a magic trick for Mr. Changy. I'm going to make this pencil disappear." The Joker SLAMS the PENCIL into the Table.
Fayed nods; his BODYGUARD moves at the Joker- who SIDESTEPS him- GRIPS his head- SLAMS it HARD- FACE DOWN- onto the table. The Bodyguard goes LIMP and slides off the table. The PENCIL is gone. MAGIC. The Joker bows and smiles mockingly at Fayed. "Tada! It's gone!"
The Joker takes a seat and stares right at Cheng Zhi on the TV; smiling at him. "By the way Mr. Chengy and Mr. Islamie the suit wasn't cheap. You ought to know. You bought it." Fayed STANDS furious.
The Chechen stops him. "Sit down. I wanna hear a proposition."
The Joker nods his thanks and RISES. "A year and half ago these CTU cops and lawyers wouldn't dare to cross any of you. What happened? Did your balls fall off?" The Joker queries. "You see a guy like me-"
"A freak." Fayed interrupts. Laughter erupts inside the room.
The Joker just ignores it. "A guy like me... look... I know why you are holding your little fun group therapy sessions in broad daylight. I know why you're afraid to go out at night... The Batman." The Joker says.
"Batman unfortunately has shown Gotham- and America to be exact- your true colors. Dent he's just the beginning." The Joker stops and smiles at Cheng Zhi on the TV; who is confounded. "For Chengy's so called plan to return to China where uh... Jack Bauer... is rotting inside his little cage. Batman has NO JURISDICTIONS; he'll find Chengy and make him squeal!" The Joker makes a squeezing gesture with his hands. The Joker points a finger at Cheng. "I know who a squealer is when I see them."
Cheng disturbed- disconnects the feed and the TV goes static.
"What do you propose?" The Chechen asks; getting to the point.
"It's simple. Kill the Batman." Laughter explodes all around.
"If it's simple why haven't you done it already?" Maroni asks.
The Joker licks his lips. "Like my drunk father used to tell me over and over: if you're good at something never do it for free."
The Chechen considers this carefully. "How much do you want?"
"Half." The Joker replies and laughter again rises within the room. The Joker shrugs at this and rises up. "You don't deal with this now. Soon Islamie here will find himself locked up in Guantanamo."
"ENOUGH FROM THE CLOWN!" Fayed gets up moving at the Joker. Who casually opens his coat- revealing EXPLOSIVES wired to his chests.
"Let's not blow this out of proportion." The Joker warns them.
Fayed stares. "You think you can steal from us and walk away?"
"Yeah." The Joker doesn't falter; which makes Fayed angrier.
"I'm putting the word out! Five Hundred Grand for this clown dead!" Fayed barks. "A million alive! So I can teach him some manners first!"
The Joker shrugs unbothered. Turns to the Assembled Mobsters- takes out his calling card and places it flat on the table. "Let me know when you want to take things a little more seriously. There's my card." The Joker says and he strolls out.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROOFTOP – CTU GOTHAM - NIGHT
Batman emerges from the shadows. The man next to Glowing Spotlight turns. It is HARVEY DENT. "You are a hard man to reach." Harvey says as James Gordon and Audrey Raines BURSTS onto the rooftop. GORDON has his WEAPON drawn. Sees Dent. "Cheng Zhi's halfway to Hong Kong. If you'd ask I could've taken his passport!
"Yeah? All that was left inside the vaults was the marked bills! They knew we were coming! As soon as your office got involved-"
"My Office?!" Harvey repeats baffled. "You're sitting here with scum like Wuertz and Yasir... Oh yeah Gordon... I almost had your rookie cold on a racketeering beef." Harvey tells him.
"Don't try to cloud your judgement that clearly Maroni has got people inside your office Dent!" Gordon yells angrily at Dent.
Audrey snaps. "That's enough!" Harvey and Gordon turn around.
Harvey sighs and moves towards Batman. "We need Cheng back. The Chinese won't extradite him under any circumstances. Bring back Jack Bauer as well just to show the Chinese that we don't negotiate with governments that sponsor terrorism like they do."
"If I get him to you. Will you get him to talk?" Batman asks.
"I'll get him to sing the anthem." Harvey Dent tells Batman.
"We're going after the mob's life savings. Things will get ugly." Gordon tell Dent; who nods his head- agreeing with the CTU Director.
Dent sighs. "I knew the risks when I took this job. Director. Same as you. How do you plan on getting them back into the country?" Dent asks and looks around back at Audrey but Batman is gone.
Dent is startled but Audrey and Gordon smirk. "Bat does that."
INT. FOX'S OFFICE – WAYNE ENTERPRISES – DAY
Fox gets up from behind his desk. Bruce and Audrey are there. "Our Chinese friend left town before I could tell him the deal was off."
"I'm sure you always wanted to go to Hong Kong?" Bruce asks.
Fox opens a door: a covert elevator; Bruce and Audrey follow.
INT. PRIVATE ELEVATOR – CONTINOUS
"What's wrong with a simple phone call?" Fox asks turns key.
"I think Cheng merits a special visit. What you think Audrey?"
Audrey grins. "Agreed I think Cheng is long overdue a visit."
INT. APPLIED SCIENCES – CONTINOUS
Fox leads Bruce and Audrey and into a vast spaced out room. "For high altitude jumps. You'll need oxygen and stabilizers. I must say compared to your usual request- jumping out of an airplane is pretty frank." Luscious stops at a cabinet. Pulls open a drawer and hauls out an oxygen tank and a ribbed rubber hosing.
"What about getting back into the plane?" Bruce asks.
"I can recommend a good travel agent." Fox contrives.
"Without it landing." Bruce clarifies.
"Now that's more like it Mr. Wayne." Fox shuts the drawer and moves off thinking. "The CIA had a program in the '60s for getting their people out of hot spots. It was called Sky Hook. Now-"
Fox opens a cabinet to reveal COMPONENTS TO A NEW BAT-SUIT. ARMORED PLATING secured to mesh. Wayne lifts an arm. "Hardened Kevlar plates on a titanium-dipped fiber tri-weave for flexibility..." Wayne examines DOUBLE BLADE SCALLOPS on the gauntlet. "You'll be lighter, faster, and much more agile..." Wayne flinches as the BLADES FIRE- SPINNING LIKE THROWING STARS- NARROWLY MISSING his ear; embedding themselves in a filing cabinet.
Fox looks at him. "Perhaps read the instructions first Bruce?"
"Sorry." Wayne replies guiltily as he sees Audrey survey him.
Fox picks up the chest; revealing its flexibility to Wayne. "Now there is a tradeoff... the spread-out plates will give you weak spots. You'll be more vulnerable to gunfire and to knives."
"We wouldn't want to make things to easy." Bruce picks up the suit. "How will it fair against dogs." Fox looks at Audrey; who smirks and silently nods. Fox frontages Wayne with curiosity.
"You talking about Chihuahuas or Rottweilers?" Fox asks him. Audrey watches. Bruce smiles. "It should do fine against cats."
INT. BAT-BUNKER – DAY
Bruce and Audrey examines a parachute harness. Alfred unfolds a diagram: a NAVY CARGO PLANE with a giant "V" mounted on the front.
"I found one in Arizona." Alfred reveals to them. "Very nice man says it will take him a week to get it running and he takes cash." Alfred stops and asks. "What about a flight crew?"
"South Korean Smugglers. They run flights to Pyongyang below radar the entire way." Bruce regards Audrey. "Did you figure out an alibi?"
Audrey looks pleased while staring at Bruce. "Oh yes I did."
EXT. BOX OFFICE – NIGHT
Rachel and Dent arrive to find the box office SHUTTERED. Only a Sign: "PERFORMANCE CANCLED". A newspaper story taped to the glass: BRUCE WAYNE ON YACT WITH NEW GIRLFRIEND AUDREY RAINES? THE LOVEBOAT: Gotham Billionaire absconds with entire Moscow Ballet.
EXT. DECK - WAYNE'S YACT - THE CARIBBEAN – DAY
Alfred makes his way across twelve SUNBATHING BALLERINAS. Audrey is wearing SUN GLASSES and a WHITE BIKINI as she gets her tan beside Bruce. Wayne looks at Alfred from reading a newspaper. Alfred points to a SEA PLANE gently touching down. "I believe your plane is here."
"You look tired Alfred." Bruce comments and stands up from his luxury beach recliner. "Will you and Audrey be alright without me?"
"Please Bruce get him back to me alive." She looks up at him.
"I promise Audrey. I'm going to bring him home." Bruce vows.
She stops for a trice. "Bruce be careful." He smiles at her.
Alfred walks with Bruce along the deck when a Ballerina rolls over and waves a SUNTAN lotion at Alfred. "If you can tell me Russian for apply your own bloody suntan lotion." Alfred says. Bruce tosses a larger waterproof kit bag into the water and DIVES IN after it. Bruce begins to swim over to his waiting seaplane.
INT. POOL HALL – NIGHT
Abu Fayed consumes a shot. A bodyguard steps into the room. "Brother Fayed. Somebody is here for you." Fayed looks to the back- three rough customers are waiting for him. "They say they've just killed the Joker and they've come for a reward." Fayed smiles.
"They bring proof?" asks Fayed; trying to mask his excitement.
"They say they brought the body." The Bodyguards FLOP a BODY wrapped in garbage bags onto the table. THE BOUNTY HUNTERS wait in the corner. Fayed pulls back one of the garbage bags- revealing the Joker's bloodied face. Fayed spits on his face and turns to the Bounty Hunters.
"Dead. That's Five Hundred Grand-"
Behind Fayed- the Joker SITS UP- THRUSTS his knife into the bodyguard's chest. Abu Fayed spins around terrified to see a CRAZY GRIN on the Joker's spit rabid with excitement dribbled face-
"How about alive?" The Joker lots.
The Joker gets a SWITCHBLADE inside Fayed's mouth- SHARP METAL PULLING THE CHEEK TAUT. The Bounty Hunters subdue the remaining Bodyguards. "Wanna know how I got these scars?" The Joker asks the horrified Middle Eastern Fanatic. "My father was a drinker and a fiend. One night he goes off crazier than usual. Mommy gets the kitchen knife and he doesn't like that. Not. One. Bit."
The Joker tugs Fayed's cheek with the blade. "So me watching. He takes the knife to her- laughing as he does it. Turns to me with knife and says "why so serious?" Comes at me with the knife; holding the knife- "why so serious?" Sticks the blade inside my mouth- "Let's put a smile on that face!" and..." The Joker looks up at the ASHEN Faces of the remaining Bodyguards and smiles. "Why so serious?" The Joker FLICKS his wrist.
The Body Guards flinch as Fayed goes down. The Joker turns to them. "Now our operation is small but we've got potential for aggressive expansion... so which of you fine gentlemen want to join our team?" The three bodyguards nod. "Well there's only one spot open- so we're going to have tryouts." The Joker drops a broken cue on the floor. The men glare at it savagery. "Make it fast." The men stare at each other. Then at the fray pool pole.
EXT. PENINSULA HOTEL – HONG KONG – DAY
A HELICOPTER touches down on the Peninsula Hotel's helipad. Two ZSI VPs approach- heads ducked. Fox gets out- they shake hands. The VIP shouts loud over the engine. "Welcome to China Mr. Fox! Cheng Zhi regrets he is not able to greet you but he has a current-"
"I understand!"
INT. ZSI HOLDINGS LOBBY – DAY
The VPs usher Fox towards security. "For Chinese government reasons I have to ask for your mobile phone." The VP tells him.
Lucius hands his phone to a SECURITY GUARD; who puts his phone inside a box underneath his post that monitors surveillance footage.
INT. ZSI HOLDINGS ROOF – LATER
Fox and Cheng eat lunch on the balcony overlooking the city. "I must apologize for leaving Gotham within the middle of our negotiations. This misunderstanding with CTU... I couldn't let such a thing threaten my company. A businessman like your stature will understand. However with you here now... we can continue." Cheng states.
Fox looks at Cheng; pretends to be intent to understand. "Well. It was good of you to bring me out here in such style, Mr. Cheng," Fox says, "but I've actually come..." A CELLPHONE rings. Lucius pulls out a second- identical cellphone by his plate.
Cheng scolds Fox with disdain. "We do not allow cellphones-"
"I'm sorry." Fox says mocking his power. "I forgot I had it." Cheng just glares at him and Fox smiles. "I've came to explain why we're going to have to put our deal with your government on hold." Cheng locks eyes with Fox and is furious with him. "We can't afford being seen doing deals with whatever you're accused of being. I'm sure a diplomatic businessman like you understands that."
Cheng gets up silent. Fox retrieves his phone and stands. Cheng Zhi coldly says. "I think Mr. Fox that a simple phone call might have better sufficed. The Chinese Government will feel offense."
Fox returns his cold stare. "Well I do love China. Especially with the publicity that is surrounding an illegally abducted federal agent." Cheng feels a shockwave travel up his spine. "It would be shame if something very untimely happened to you Cheng."
"Are you threatening me Mr. Fox?" Cheng asks his anger rising.
"No." Fox says with a smile. "I'm just advising you because sooner or later just like... what happened with Jack Bauer... The past will always catch up with those who think they are impervious." The two powerful men stare at each other not backing up.
"I think you overstayed your visit here Mr. Fox." Cheng says.
INT. ZSI HOLDINGS LOBBY – DAY
Luscious walks back through security nods at the VP who offers his cellphone back. Luscious shakes his head and holds up the IDENTICAL PHONE. The VP puts the cellphone back into the trey with several others.
INT. C-130 CARGO HAULER – DAWN
Two SMUGGLERS steal glances at Wayne; crouched at the rear in balaclava and flight suit. The COPILOT signals Wayne; who pulls on his oxygen mask and stands up. The rear OPENS and Wayne JUMPS.
EXT. SKIES OF HONG KONG – DAWN
Moving across the water towards Hong Kong Harbor...
A tiny figure DROPS into frame. PLUMMETING to the water SPEEDING past the skyscrapers within the Hong Kong skyline... second before... Bruce pulls the shoot and DROPS into the water...
EXT. CENTERAL ESCLATORS – DAY
Bruce Wayne stops halfway up a crowded commuter escalator. Bruce takes out a camera and lines up a shot like a tourist. "There's a better view from the peak tram." Bruce turns around to see Fox standing there with a street map out. Bruce looks at him.
"How's the view from ZSI Holdings?" Bruce Wayne asks Luscious.
"Restricted." Luscious reveals. "Cheng is holed up there good and tight. Here..." Fox shows Wayne the phone. The display: a 3-D to Cheng Zhi's building. Bruce glances the schematics impressed.
"What's this?"
"I had R and D work it up- it sends out high frequencies and records the response time to map out a building environment." Fox says.
"Sonar. Like a b-" Bruce expresses.
"Like a submarine Bruce." Fox says.
Wayne nods. "And the other device?"
"Already set up." Fox answers. Bruce nod and begins to move away while Fox watches. "Mr. Wayne?" Wayne turns around. "Good luck."
EXT. HONG KONG – NIGHT
Moving towards the tallest building in the scintillating skyline. We find Bruce crouched on the roof. The blades of his gauntlets CLICK into place. Bruce dons the helmet like cowl. The black "cape" is within the form of a hard-faceted PACK.
Bruce stands- pulls two black boxes from his utility built. Then CLICKS them together and UNFOLDS them into a RIFLE-LIKE DEVICE. Batman SCOPES a lower building. Adjusts his setting and FIRES four times...
Four small STICK BOMBS SLAP onto the glass to the lower tower. They have visible timers that are COUNTING DOWN by each second.
INT. ZSI HOLDINGS LOBBY – NIGHT
Luscious' cellphone GLOWS inside the box under the security station. Characters run across the frame. Then the monitors FLICKERS off. The lights DIM and all the security doors inside the building OPEN at once. The guard grabs his radio and calls for help...
INT. CHENG ZHI'S OFFICE – ZSI HOLDINGS – CONTINOUS
Cheng Zhi looks at the HOOKED-UP SCARRED CAVEMAN JACK BAUER; fury present in his eyes. "What is your connection to Wayne Enterprises!"
Jack stares silently at his kidnapper. Cheng Zhi looks at his TORTURE INDUCER and nods to him; signaling him to electrify him again. Torture Inducer charges up the electric shocker but before it fully charges up- the entire room suddenly goes dark.
EXT. ROOFTOP - OVERSEEING ZSI HOLDINGS - CONTINOUS
Batman LAUNCHES into the glittering night. DROPPING from the tallest tower... his pack BURSTS OPEN and transforms into his BAT WINGS- GLIDES down to the lower building- STREAKING around it. BANKING HARD to the left to line up with a widow within the rear... Batman HURTLES towards the glass he COLLAPSES his wings- WRAPPING his cape around himself and CANNOBALLING THROUGH THE GLASS-
INT. CHENGS OFFICE SUIT – ZSI HOLDINGS – CONTINOUS
BATMAN ROLLS across the floor- in a flurry of broken glass...
INT. CHENG ZHI'S OFFICE – ZSI HOLDINGS – CONTINOUS
Cheng pulls out a HANDGUN- cracking his neck while looking at Jack Bauer being unhooked by his Bodyguards. "We die you die." Zhi jeers.
INT. BUSINESS VESTIBULE – ZSI HOLDINGS - CONTINOUS
Cheng Zhi steps into the hall- his Bodyguards and detained Jack Bauer follow. His MEN are waiting for him; carrying flashlights. Cheng looks at them like a snake. "Where are the cops?"
"Coming." A Bodyguard says to Cheng while Jack stares at him.
"How long?" Cheng Zhi hassles. Then they head for the stairs.
EXT. ZSI HOLDINGS LOBBY – NIGHT
A small ARMY of Hong Kong police lead by a Chinese Government Agent descends on the building. They know something is not right.
INT. MEZZANINE LEVEL – ZSI HOLDINGS – NIGHT
Cheng Zhi and his men with Jack Bauer go into the Mezzanine. Across the room something makes a CRASHING SOUND. Zhi and his men fan out as they try to cover the room with flashlights. Suddenly a flashlight goes DARK. Then another flashlight. Someone SCREAMS.
Zhi FIRES. The muzzle flash from his weapon STROBES the room.
EXT. ZSI HOLDINGS LOBBY – HONG KONG – NIGHT
COPS SWARM into the building. A LOBBY SECURITY GUARD quickly directs and guides the Chinese Government Agent where to lead his team...
INT. MEZZANINE LEVEL – ZSI HOLDINGS – NIGHT
Cheng locks the door with Jack detained inside with him and reloads. The door is KICKED open. Cheng fires petrified. "WHERE ARE YOU!" Cheng trembles quivering while Jack watches him.
From his right a voice. "Here." The voice whispers. Cheng Zhi turns around and FIRES but within a FLASH: Batman bears down on him like a demon. Batman cracks his arm- punches him to the ground and pulls out two SMALL PACKS. Batman straps one onto Cheng and one onto Jack; who looks horrified at him. "Jack it's okay." Batman says to him gruffly. "Audrey Raines sent me."
Cheng roars. Batman drags him along the room with Jack beside.
THE COUNTER on the STICKY BOMBS hits ZERO SECONDS. The Chinese Government Agent and the Cops BURST into the room- THE WALL AND CIELLING BEHIND BATMAN AND HIS TWO HOSTAGES EXPLODES- revealing the dawn sky.
The Agent looks around as he hears a LOW RUMBLE. BATMAN jerks a RIPCORD onto both Jack and Cheng's packs. Cheng yells at the cops. "LUSCIOUS FOX! AUDREY RAINES! WAYNE ENTERPRISES!" The Cops cower as two WEATER BALLOONS EXPLODE from the packs; unreeling high test nylon. The cops cock their weapons at Batman.
Cheng looks up terrorized. Jack looks up bemused. The weather balloons are 200 hundred feet up and rising higher. The RUMBLE BUILDS...
Suddenly- a MASSIVE C-130 ROARS over. The large V on the plane SNAGS the lines. BATMAN and his TWO RELICS are YANKED through the HOLE. Jack and Cheng scream as they soar up with BATMAN INTO THE DAWN SKY. The Chinese Government Agent looks up into the sky.
CUT TO:
INT. AUDREY RAINES PENTHOUSE – GOTHAM – NIGHT
Audrey walks into her luxurious apartment after enduring another day working for Wayne Enterprises as its DOD liaison. She is surprised to see the lights on. The fatigue present unexpectedly fades away when she finds HER eyes LOCKED with HIS.
Audrey feels her body tremble and tears form inside her eyes. Jack looks like he never he got kidnapped by the Chinese; he wears a flannel shirt and blue jeans. "Audrey." Jack speaks- his voice cracking.
"Jack- your home." Audrey whimpers and tears start to stream down her face. Audrey runs and leaps into his arms. They have an emotional embrace and then they share a long passionate kiss.
CUT TO:
EXT. CTU GOTHAM – MORNING
Gordon follows Nadia through an excited CROWD. On the street an adrift man- trusted like a chicken- Cheng Zhi. A sign taped to his chest: PLEASE DELIEVER THIS MAN TO CTU GOTHAM DIRECTOR JAMES GORDON.
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – CTU - GOTHAM CENTERAL - MORNING
Cheng Zhi looks venomous like a snake as he sits next to his appointed defense attorney: EVANS. Cheng looks up when Rachel enters. "Cheng. Right now you're looking at a maximum sentence if you don't start cooperating." Rachel informs the suspect coldly.
Cheng stays silent and Rachel keeps moralizing him on his charges. "You kidnapped a Federal Agent. You tortured him 18 months inside your Chinese Prison. You sponsored mobsters and terrorists throughout this entire city. You don't have any leverage points to use against us anymore." Rachel expresses coldly and sighs. "Look. Give us the money and we will make deal."
"The money is the only reason why I'm alive." Cheng Zhi says.
Rachel leans forward- speaks softly but clearly to Cheng. "You mean when they hear that you'd helped us they're going to kill you?"
"Are you threatening my client?" Evans queries inhospitably.
Rachel chuckles sarcastically. "No. I'm just assuming that your client's cooperation with this investigation as will everyone." She moves towards the door. "Enjoy your stay at County- Mr. Cheng."
Cheng speaks. "Wait." Rachel stops. "I will not give you the money but I will give you my clients. Each and every one of them."
Rachel considers this. "You're a Chinese Government Agent. What could you have on all of them that we can conceivably charge?"
"I'm good at calculations. I oversaw the funds. One Big Pot."
INT. OBSERVATION ROOM – CTU – GOTHAM CENTERAL - CONTINOUS
Dent hits a buzzer and turns to Jim Gordon and Audrey Raines; who stands besides Jack Bauer. "I've got it. RICO. If their money was pooled we can charge all of them as one terrorist conspiracy."
"Charge them with what?" Gordon asks.
Dent speaks to Gordon and to Jack and Audrey as Rachel enters. "In a Rico Case- if we can charge one conspirator with a felony-"
"We can charge everyone with it!" Rachels says and Dent nods.
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – CTU - GOTHAM CENTERAL - CONTINOUS
Rachel comes back into the room. "Mr. Cheng. Do you have any details concerning this jointed fund? Ledgers? Notebooks? Transactions?"
Cheng smiles. "Immunity. Protection and a charter flight back to China." Rachel considers the proposition it is reasonable.
"Once you testified and your government gives Jack Bauer a pardon for what happened at the Chinese Consulate within LA 36 months ago." Rachel tells him. "Nonetheless with all your clients locked up. I'm curious. What's going to happen to all the money?"
Cheng considers this very carefully before he looks at Rachel confidently. "Like I said prior I'm very good at formulating entireties."
INT. OBSERVATION ROOM – CTU – GOTHAM CENTERAL - CONTINOUS
Gordon and Dent watch Cheng Zhi with Jack and Audrey through the glass. Gordon sighs. "Cheng can't go to County. I'll keep him in a holding cell." Dent looks at Gordon; not agreeing at all.
"What is this Gordon? Your fortress?" Harvey asks cynically.
Gordon turns to Dent. "You trust over at County?" Gordon asks.
Dent looks at Cheng through the glass. "The only people I trust here are Jack and Audrey they've dealt with this before." Dent says before he looks at Jack. "Jack I know this is a lot for you right now but do you think Cheng should go to County?"
Jack bites his lip down and reluctantly shakes his head. "Cheng won't last a day at County; he'll get eaten alive by the other locked up inmates. I hate to admit that as his prisoner-"
"Former." Dent corrects with a smile. "You're a free man Jack. You don't have to worry about the Chinese. I'll deal with them."
Jack smiles obliged. "Thank you Harvey. I'd appreciate that."
Harvey and Jack shake each other's hands. Harvey respects him. Gordon turns to Jack and shakes his hand "Jack if you ever want a job here. You're more than welcome to work here under me."
Jack nods respectfully. "Thanks Gordon. I'll think about it."
Audrey tugs him. "Hey Jack we have day filled with plans; including a date tonight that I reserved for our long overdue anniversary."
Jack nods and turns to her with a smile. "Alright Audrey you win." She smiles lovingly at him and waits outside the room. "I can't thank you enough for getting me out." Jack says to them. Dent looks down at the floor before back at the American Hero.
"You might be the greatest American Patriot to ever live Jack. We owed you one." Dent tells him before changing the subject to something a little lighter to talk about. "I heard you and Audrey are going to the Wayne Fundraiser tomorrow night with a couple friends from Los Angeles flying here?" Jack nods. "Good. I can't wait to meet them. Enjoy your day. You deserve it."
Jack leaves and goes outside the observation room to find Audrey. Dent turns to Gordon. "Pretty good spirits for a man that's been rotting within a hell hole for the last 18 months." Gordon nods and Rachel enters the room. She has a victorious smile present. Dent grins. "Time to shut down the mob."
EXT. CITY HALL – DAY
Harvey stands listening to reporters from national television stations. "Mr. Dent. The Chinese Government are claiming that international rights have been violated once again with the Batman incarcerating Cheng Zhi and rescuing Jack Bauer from China." A news reporter tells Harvey; Dent just scoffs at the claim.
INT. BAR – CONTINOUS
The press conference continues to play on a TV in the corner. "The Chinese Government are furious about everything these days. I don't know what international rights were broke by us. We didn't kidnap Cheng or rescue Bauer- a masked vigilante known as the Batman did but I am sure glad that Mr. Cheng is back with us as well as Mr. Bauer." Harvey tells the reporters with a smile.
Maroni and the Chechen watch the press conference on the TV. "Abu Fayed was killed by the Joker. I put the word out Sal. We hired the clown." The Chechen reveals. "The freak is right we need fix the real problem when we still have the chance. Batman."
Sal Maroni bites his lip down and mutters under his breath. "Jack Bauer too." The Chechen nods. They both know Jack Bauer.
Maroni spots Jim Gordon walking over to them with handcuffs. Gordon looks at the TV. "Our boy looks good on TV. Sally." Gordon says to Maroni. Maroni looks at him with a pokerfaced smile.
"You sure you want to embarrass me and my friends right now?"
James taunts him. "Oh don't worry. They're coming too." Gordon points out the window to where a PRISON BUS awaits the mob members.
EXT. VARIOUS DOWNTOWN AND OUTLYING LOCATIONS - DAY
Prison Buses are parked all over Gotham City. COPS load them with CRIMINALS. STEPHENS puts a Crime Boss into a prison bus. "Have a nice trip. See you next fall." Stephens says to the mobster.
INT. COUTROOM A. – GOTHAM JUDICAL COURTHOUSE - DAY
JUDGE SURRILLO reads a list full with the charges. "849 counts racketeering. 246 counts fraud. 87 counts conspiracy murder." Judge Surrillo turns the page- A PLAYING CARD sits there. IT'S A JOKER. The Judge glances at it before placing it aside. "How do the defendants plea?" AN ARMY OF DEFENSE ATTORNEYS jostle YELLING FURIOUS ALL AT ONCE. The STENOGRAPHER gazes up helpless.
INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE – DAY
The Mayor. Commissioner Loeb. Director Gordon look up as Dent enters. "Dent! What was that circus?" Dent smiles proudly at him.
"I asked Gordon to make some arrests and he did." Harvey says.
Commissioner Loeb looks at the report dazed. "Five Hundred-"
"Five Hundred and Forty-Nine Sir." Gordon says to him beaming.
The Mayor cannot believe this. The last week for him has been amazing. "Hold on you managed to charge 549 criminals at once? How the hell did you convince Judge Surrillo to hear this farce?"
"She shares my enthusiasm for justice." Dent says with a grin. "She is a judge after all." The Mayor nods; impressed with Dent.
"Even if you blow enough smoke to get convictions out from Surrillo- you'll set a new record at appeals for the fastest ass kicking."
"It won't matter. The head guys make bail for sure... but the mid-level guys... they can't and they can't afford to be off the streets long enough for the trails and the appeals to start. They'll cut deals that will include some jail time. Think of all you could do with minimum of 18 months of clean streets."
The mayor waves Gordon and Loeb out. "The public likes you. That's the only reason why this might fly... but that means it is on you. They are all going to come after you now Dent. Not just the mafia... politicians... journalists... cops... anyone whose wallets are about to get lighter. Are you up for it?"
Dent smiles and the Mayor continues. "Good. You better because they get anything on you those criminals will be back on the streets." The Mayor turns; looks out his office window. Quiet. "Followed swiftly by you and-" BANG! A DARK SHAPE FACE COVERED IN RED AND WHITE MAKEUP suddenly cracks THE GLASS causing the Mayor to fall backwards. Harvey rushes to the window and looks out...
EXT. CITY HALL – MOMENTS LATER
"Batman" is lowered from the flagpole. The same fake Batman we saw before. Pinned to his chest is a PLAYING CARD. A JOKER. Gordon moves closer to the body. The card has writing on it: WILL THE REAL BATMAN AND THE GREAT JACK BAUER PLEASE STAND UP?
CUT TO:
INT. AUDREY RAINES PENTHOUSE – GOTHAM – NIGHT
Jack smiles as he watches Audrey come out from the bathroom. "You look gorgeous sweetheart." Jack tells her and they kiss tenderly.
"Thank you." Audrey pauses for a long second. She rests her head against his and shuts her eyes close. "I love you Jack. I love you so much."
"I love you too Audrey. I promise everything's going to work out. No matter what happens. There's no way I'm ever leaving you again." Jack traces her cheeks with his thumbs. "You got me out from China."
Audrey chuckles "No Bruce got you out. I just helped him locate where you were being held." An impish smile appears on her face. "Still if you want me to take credit for rescuing you-"
Audrey trails off as she spots something on the television. Jack's face turns into concern. "Audrey?" She points at the TV screen. Jack turns around sees what she is looking at. They walk over to the TV and sit down on her couch. Jack grabs the remote and turns up the volume to the TV so they can both hear.
They are disturbed as they see the Batman HANGING as NEWS CAMERIA- framed by a graphic that reads: BATMAN DEAD? The image cuts to Engle inside the production studio. "CTU Gotham have just released video footage that was concealed on the dead body. The images are disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised." Engel warns.
The image cuts to a BLINDFOLDED MAN- who wears a makeshift Batman costume- face bruised and bloodied. The video is shot within a bright fluorescent light room. Jack feels Audrey grab his hand when the first voice speaks. "Tell them your name."
"Brian Douglas." The man quivers. The other voices chuckles.
"Are you the real Batman?" The voice asks per fake excitement.
"No." Brian Douglas says; trembling while he looks at the man who holds the camera. The first voice erupts into a disturbing laugh.
"No!" The voice fills the TV with sadistic laughter. Both Jack and Audrey are horrified. "Then why do you dress up like him!"
"Because he's a symbol... that we don't have to be afraid of terrorists like you..." Brian trembles; trying his best to be brave.
"Oh you do Brian. You really do. You think Batman's made Gotham and America a better place over the last 18 months?" The voice asks and Brian nods very uncertainty. "Look at me." The voice demands but Brian looks down at ground petrified. "LOOK AT ME!"
Jack face turns to anger while Audrey flinches.
Brian looks up- the camera swings into a face covered with sweaty makeup and scars. The Joker. RED SMEAR produced from his lipsticks on his scars. "You see this? This is how crazy Batman has made America!" The Joker zealotry exclaims; his head bobbling wild
The Joker licks his chops. "You want order within Gotham?" The Joker questions. "Then Batman must take off his mask and turn himself into police custody. Oh and every day he doesn't people will die- not even Jack Bauer will prevent this. Starting tonight." The Joker utters pasting his mouth with his tongue. "I'm true to my word." The Joker erupts into sadistic laughter and Brian screams horrified before the screen verves STATIC.
Audrey looks at Jack.