Chapter 2: Search and Rescue
Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or Black Lagoon.
Character: Red Hood
Location: Gotham, Panessa Studios
Setting: Morning
Weather: Cloudy
Time: 6:02 AM est
Panessa Studios, abandoned, and deserted by it's former owners. No longer did movie directors, producers, editors, or actors work here. Instead, all that was left were empty movie sets, props, equipment, etc. Some people would say this old studio was creepy, bone chilling, maybe even a bit unsettling. But other people? They would surely say all the props, and sets left behind were cool, interesting, or enlightening. Enlightening someone to build something out of all the things long forgotten by their owners. Which is exactly what a certain bat themed hero did. If someone were to enter Panessa Studios' V.I.P elevator, ride it all the way down, walk through a short corridor, and up a few steps (Eight to be exact); they would see something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Five futuristic looking quarantine (Isolation) cells that formed a semi-circle. There would be six cells in total, if the back left space wasn't being used for a MRI type of machine. Then directly in the back lied a Bat Computer, with a giant curved flat screen as the monitor, and three smaller screens on top. The actual computer itself was a tall tower further back behind the four monitors. If it were hollow, a large group of people could possibly fit inside.
Anyone who saw all of these different contraptions, cells, and monitors; would assume this room was a movie set. Until they noticed Batman, furiously typing away on the Bat Computer's keyboard.
"Holy shit Bruce. Did you make your own personal Arkham Asylum?" Jason Todd, A.K.A Red Hood questioned as he entered, noticing the empty cells.
"No" Batman flatly answered, still typing.
"No? Then why would you make a Bat Cave with cells built in?"
"They were for 5 people who still had Joker's infected blood in them. Hospital errors caused transfusions that went unrecorded. Allowing the blood to gestate too long changed them, turned them into versions of the Joker. So I contained all 5 infected people, trying desperately to find a cure. But...they all committed suicide"
Jason sighed in frustration upon hearing that 5 innocent people died due to the Joker, even after his death.
Mr. Todd looked exactly like his Red Hood appearance in the real life video game, Batman: Arkham Knight. From the red Bat Symbol on his chest, to his hoodie, and duel pistol straps. Except he held his mask with his left hand, and had the hood of his hoodie down, letting his face be seen.
"Well, can you tell me why you called here in the morning? You have Tim, Dick, and even Selina to call. Why would you want a young, killer vigilante like me?" Jason continued to question.
Batman didn't immediately respond. Instead, he stopped typing, and turned around to face the former Boy Wonder. "They're gone Jason"
"Gone? What the hell do you mean they're gone? Are they fucking dead!?" Mr. Todd shouted.
"No...at least I don't think so. Tim hasn't contacted me since last night, and I haven't been successful in contacting him either. So I activated his tracer, only to find out that Tim, along with Dick, and Selina, aren't in Gotham" the Dark Knight revealed.
"Wait a minute, you put a tracer on Selina?" Red Hood inquired.
"Just in case she ever got abducted. Which obviously happened"
"Are you sure? For all I know, you were worried she might cheat on you with another superhero" Jason half joked.
"This isn't the time for jokes Jason" Bruce warned. "We have no idea where on Earth Tim, Dick, or Selina are because someone is jamming their tracer's signal"
"We? Do you have Alfred, Barbara, and Lucius trying to pinpoint their location?"
"At the same time. And I was too" Batman replied before turning back to the Bat Computer.
Jason just stood there with arms crossed, still holding his mask. He watched as Batman continued to type, noticing how the black clad hero was focused...more than usual anyway. It wasn't too surprising, since three of his Bat Family members dropped off the grid. Possibly dead or alive.
"Dead or alive" Jason silently thought. He was almost dead himself at one point in his life, thanks to the Joker beating him with a crowbar. It all happened in an abandoned wing of Arkham Asylum. Just Jason, tied up in a chair, wearing his Robin suit, and the Joker, with a crowbar, wearing his usual clownish clothes. The Clown Price of Crime lured Jason there after he blew up a school full of children. Todd's blind rage at the clown for his abominable act made it easy for Joker to led him there. Trapped for days being beaten, tortured, coughing up blood, and barely being fed; Jason managed to survive until Batman finally found him. After everything he went through, Jason wanted Joker dead. Dead for everything he's done. This caused a heated argument between Batman and Robin...well, the previous Robin. He blamed Batman for letting this happen to him. If Batman had just killed the Joker years ago, Jason, and numerous people wouldn't have suffered, or be dead. The argument ended with Jason leaving Bruce to become his own hero. A hero, who was willing to cross the line between hurting criminals, and killing them.
But after Joker's death in Arkham City, and seeing how crime dropped in Gotham, Jason's anger at Bruce subsided. He still had anger problems, and was hot headed. But he wasn't angry at the Caped Crusader anymore, at least not as much.
"Master Bruce" Alfred's voice suddenly said, coming from the monitor. "We've been able to pinpoint all three tracers in a town on the Southern tip of Thailand". Just as Alfred said that, the main Bat Computer's monitor changed to a global map with three dots on it.
"The city is called Roanapur. Apparently, the town is home to damn near all the different Mafias. From the Russians, Italians, Colombian Cartels, and Hong Kong Triad" Oracle, A.K.A, Barbara Gordon informed.
"Do they have any connections to the Militia that broke into the B.P.D? Or anyone named the Arkham Knight?" Batman questioned.
"Not from anything I can pull up. But a Black Ops team operating in Venezuela discovered a hidden training facility housing soldiers bearing the same insignia. Which might suggest the Colombian Cartels, since Venezuela is right next to Colombia" Barbara added.
"Alright, can you get an exact location in Roanapur?" the darkly dressed man asked.
"No, and I don't think we can" Lucius Fox commented.
"Damn..call Katherine (Batwoman). Tell her that I'm leaving Gotham for awhile" Batman told the three.
"Master Bruce, you can't possibly travel across the world without knowing what you're getting yourself into" Mr. Pennyworth cautioned.
"Alfred's right. You don't know who, or what you'll encounter over there. Plus, you don't have anybody to go with you" Ms. Gordon told him.
"He has me" Jason announced, walking up next to Batman.
"Master Todd?" Alfred said in slight surprise.
"You're bringing Jason, and ONLY Jason?" Oracle inquired.
"Are you implying that I need to bring more than one person?" Mr. Wayne inquired back.
"Yes! For all you know, a group of super villains could be waiting for you! In a situation like this, you should call the Justice League" Barbara advised.
"Ms. Gordon is right. I know you like to involve as few people as possible, but if things take a turn for the worse, FIVE heroes will be gone" Mr. Fox heeded. "Well, technically four heroes. Since Ms. Kyle hasn't picked a side yet"
"No, we don't have time to contact them. None of us have any idea if all three of them are still alive, and if they are, we don't know how long for. Also, a superhero team appearing in a town like that would cause mass panic, especially in a foreign one. Stealth is a necessity" Batman argued.
"Yeah, I agree with Bruce. We need to leave now, and keep to the shadows over there" Jason concurred.
"You can't be serious Jason" Oracle opposed. "You two are literally going to the other side of the Earth, by yourselves, with no extra backup. You can't just jump into this like you're fighting crime in Gotham"
"And you can't be serious either Barbara!" Todd loudly shot back. "You have no idea what they're going through over there! You don't know if they're teetering on the edge of death, suffering, wondering if they're going to get out of there alive!"
"Jason" Barbara said sympathetically.
"Come on Bruce, we need to leave" Jason said, putting on his mask and walking away in a huff.
Batman watched as his past pupil took the elevator out before turning back to the monitor. "Make sure to call Katherine, and if we're not back in 24 hours, call the League"
With that last command uttered, Batman left the room exactly how Jason left.
Panessa Studios Rooftop
The duel gun wielding Anti-Hero stood near the V.I.P rooftop entrance, waiting for Batman. The early morning sunlight shined off his mask, making it appear to be glowing red.
"Jason" the Dark Knight addressed, exiting the studio. "Are you ready?"
"Of course I'm ready. I wouldn't be standing here if I wasn't" Red Hood responded.
Suddenly, as if of on cue, the Batwing came from the Northwest side of Gotham (Which is where Wayne Manor is located). However, the Batwing had the Batmobile attached to the underside.
"What the-? Is that the Batmobile on the bottom?" Jason questioned while the aircraft hovered above them.
"Yes, I'm bringing everything I possibly can on short notice" Batman promptly answered.
"Alright, one more question. Do you know how long it would take us to reach Roanapur?" Jason also questioned.
"About 3 hours going at max speed. Also, it's approximately 6:15 judging by the sun's current position, and Roanapur is on the Southern tip of Thailand, which is in the ICT time zone. Thus meaning it'll be a little after 8:15 PM once we get there" Bruce replied.
"PM? Shouldn't it be AM?"
"Time zone differences" the bat themed hero reminded.
"Oh, gotcha" Mr. Todd said, realizing his mistake.
"Now, if you don't have any more questions; we need to leave" Batman told him, grapneling up to the Batwing.
Jason followed suit, grapneling up as well. When he got inside, the red mask wearing vigilante noticed something. The Batwing's interior had seats like a 70's car, where three people could fit in the front, and back. While Batman sat in the front middle, doing a diagnostics check. The Red Hood sat on the right side, watching the Caped Crusader double check everything.
"All right, everything's set" the older man confirmed.
With that said, the cockpit was sealed shut, and the Batwing rotated to face the Southeastern side of Gotham. The aircraft slowly started going forward, then the main engine kicked in, causing the two heroes to start their journey to Roanapur, unknown territory for both of them. Who could possibly be the Arkham Knight? What connection does he have with Roanapur? Who, or what will they encounter in the crime ridden town?
Characters: Rock, Revy, Dutch, and Benny
Location: Roanapur, Black Lagoon HQ
Setting: Afternoon
Weather: Clear
Time: 6:58 PM ICT
The African American man stared out a window in the Lagoon Company's office, observing four Militia soldiers walk down the road. He had a bad feeling about these soldiers being here, a really bad feeling. The type of feeling where someone wise, and experienced in war would most likely start arming up.
"Dutch, you still worryin' about those Militia guys?" Revy asked, laying down on the blue couch closest to the window. While Rock and Benny sat on the opposite one.
"Yeah, I don't like how they've stayed in town for so long. It's almost like they're patrolling" Dutch explained, watching the four Militia men turn a corner, now out of eyesight.
"You need to stop worryin' about it before ya get grey hairs in your beard" Revy suggested. "If they pull anything, all the gangs in town will shoot 'em, blown 'em up, and down right torture them if the situation calls for it"
"I know, but I feel like the Militia have technology more powerful than anything anybody has here" Dutch further explained.
"Hmm...probably. Roanapur is similar to a person who still dresses like it's the 1970's. Nothing really changes here. In who runs this town, or technology wise" Rock compared, entering the conversation.
"That reminds me. Do you know what the hell a smartphone is?" the Lagoon leader inquired, turning around to face him.
"They were the new types of cellphones back when I still lived in Japan. It had a touchscreen, could connect to the internet, and you could play games on it as well. But I just know that from researching on it. I've never owned one" Rock answered.
"Hm, sounds neat" Dutch replied, turning back to the window.
Three seconds after Dutch returned to observing the outside world, the wall phone started ringing.
"I'll get it" the bald man offered, walking to the ringing device. He managed to answer in the middle of the third ring. "Lagoon Company, Dutch speaking"
"Hello, Dutch" Balalaika greeted the African American.
"Ah, Balalaika. Can the Lagoon Company help you with anything?" Dutch questioned.
"No, not today. I'm just giving you, and your comrades a courtesy call" the Russian woman answered.
"Let me guess. It's about those soldiers all over town" the Vietnam Veteran assumed.
"Yes, and I have some bad news. It seems these Militia soldiers might have a connection to Gotham. Where that Batman vigilante resides" Balalaika informed.
"Awww, shit" Dutch cursed.
"To make matters worse, four of his villains were spotted roaming the streets earlier. Also, the Militia claim to originate from Venezuela. Where a certain maid lives" Balalaika added.
"Goddamn. This is worse than I thought. Way worse"
"Mm-hmm. So until we find out more, or until they leave, or if they start attacking; make sure Revy doesn't provoke them" the Mafia leader warned.
"Got it. Is there anything else you wanted to ask, or tell us?" Dutch pressed on.
"Matter of fact, I do have a question. Does anybody in your company know anybody named the Arkham Knight? Or anything concerning Arkham Asylum? The asylum is located in Gotham City, and has been closed for over 2 years. Then the Arkham Knight is the supposed leader of our invasive Militia army"
"Hmm...no. I can't say I have, and I don't think Rock knows anything since he's from Japan, and Arkham is just an American asylum. Then Revy is the type of person who doesn't like talking about her past"
The Chinese American's head popped up at the mention of her name.
"The only one who would know anything is Benny, since he's actually lived in America more recently" Dutch figured.
"Put Benny on" Balalaika ordered.
Dutch looked over to the blonde Floridian. "Hey, Benny-Boy. Balalaika wants to ask you a question"
A slight, nervous wave washed throughout Benny's body. "Uh, okay"
Rock and Revy watched as Benny stood up, walked over to Dutch, and grabbed the phone. "Hello?"
"Benny, I'm going to cut to the chase. Do you know anything about Arkham Asylum, and or the Arkham Knight?" Balalaika questioned.
"Oh, I know a lot about Arkham Asylum. Well, about the famous Batman villains who were locked in there at one point" Benny answered with pride. "Although, I've never heard of the Arkham Knight. He must be a new villain"
"A new villain. Which means he's never been incarcerated, and isn't well known. This situation is becoming more alarming as time goes on" the woman figured and realized. "Well, thanks anyway Benny"
"Oh, no pro-" the Lagoon technician got interrupted due to Balalaika hanging up on him.
"Wow, this Militia stuff must be really getting to her for her to hung up so suddenly" Benny remarked, putting the receiver back into place.
"What did Big Sis want?" Two-Hands asked, sitting up on the couch.
"Well first of all, she doesn't want you to provoke the Militia. Not unless they start attacking" Dutch informed her.
"Yeah, yeah. But if one of those fuckers try to cop a feel, they're dead" Revy stated with an angry frown.
"Fair enough" the Veteran agreed. "Then she told me those Militia boys might have ties to an asylum called Arkham Asylum. Since their leader is called the Arkham Knight. The asylum it self is located in America, specifically in Gotham City. Y'know, ground zero for a Batman beatdown"
"Pfft, so? Unless Batman is the Arkham Knight, we shouldn't loose sleep about him coming here" Revy disregarded.
"Oh yeah? Well it gets worse. Apparently four of Batman's villains were spotted earlier. Then the Militia was formed in Venezuela. Where a certain killer maid lives" Dutch revealed.
"Holy fuckin' shit. You mean that four eyed bitch might've formed an army, and marched them across the globe?" Two-Hands speculated.
"That doesn't make any sense" Rock interjected. "True, the Militia might have been formed in Venezuela, and Roberta could possibly be the Arkham Knight. But that could only be true if Roberta has ties to Gotham, or Arkham Asylum"
"Yeah, and I'm pretty sure she's never been over there. Let alone America" Benny agreed.
"It could be a cover up" Dutch started. "Roberta's a well trained soldier with military experience. There's a high possibility that she chose the name Arkham Knight, and recruited Batman's villains to make the Militia's origins more confusing"
"Nah. Batman's Rouges Gallery is obsessed with killing him. There's no way they would leave Gotham, not unless they knew Batman was coming" Benny told everyone.
The whole room got quite after Benny's revelation. With the idea of the Dark Knight coming to Roanapur sinking into their minds.
"Whelp, I'm getting the hell out of town. Who wants to join me?" Dutch announced.
"Count me in" Revy decided, getting up.
"Me too" Benny joined.
"Wait, what!?" Rokuro Okajima (Rock's real name) shouted as he stood up as well. "Shouldn't Batman coming to Roanapur be a good thing? His villains, along with a Militia force that have a mysterious past are here. I bet he'd be willing to help us to get rid of them"
"Damn it Rock! I can't believe you're still so naive after all this time" Two-Hands yelled in frustration, getting in his face. "Answer me this. Why does damn near every single Superhero put on a costume?"
"Uh, to fight crime" the Japanese man answered, slightly confused as to why Revy was mad.
"That's right. And what is this town known for!?"
"For...crime" Rock forced out in embarrassment, realizing how stupid his earlier comment was.
"Judging by your voice, I bet you understand the situation now" Dutch noticed.
The former salaryman shook his head yes.
"Good. Now let's go Rock. The Bat's about to hit the fan, and I don't wanna be anywhere near when he does" Revy commented as all four of them started walking out.
While making their way outside, Rock started thinking to himself. He could've come up with a reason why to stay in town, but nothing could possibly change his co-workers mind's. This situation was vastly different after all. A Militia force appearing earlier in the day, four villains, the possibility of the Arkham Knight being Roberta, and a real life Superhero arriving soon was totally different than your run of the mill gangsters, and assassins. Matter of fact, just the thought of a well known Superhero like Batman coming to Roanapur would run most of the common thugs out of town. The more larger organizations like Hotel Moscow, and the Triads would stand their ground. Although, given Batman's track record, they would probably loose. But if they did manage to kill him, some of the other, more stronger Superheros might come to town for revenge. Superheros who deal with larger, and more powerful threats that make the underworld look like nothing in comparison.
"Hey Rock. What are you thinking about over there?" Revy questioned, about to get in the back left seat of Benny's 1965 Pontiac GTO.
"Nothing, just thinking about how fucked up this situation is" he replied, going around to the other back door.
"I hear ya"