Scene is a dark room. There is a small amount of light peeking in through the high windows from the moon. The sound of a man groaning and grunting in pain fills the air. There are six men taking turns beating and throwing the man around the circle they created. Heavy footsteps approach. The men continue to beat on the guy. The footsteps stop.
M. Man: Enough.
The man who currently has the beaten man tosses him forward and on to the floor.
M. Man: Now… Are you ready to listen and co-operate Dr. Randall?
Dr. Randall (coughing and spitting out blood): What… (cough) What you are asking of me is unthinkable. How can I possibly say yes to it? Why would I?
M. Man: I have ways of making people do things.
Dr. Randall (shaking his head): I can't do it. I will never do it.
M. Man (smiling): Right now, you say never, but in my profession, I have learned that if offered the right price, a person will do anything.
Dr. Randall: I can't be bought. I don't want your money.
He makes a hand signal and two of the thugs walk pass and into the darkness. There is noise and lights turn on in the warehouse, section by section. Soon the whole place is lit and there are 4 chairs with people tied to them and bags over their heads.
M. Man (walking over to the chairs): I figured that from the first few offers we gave you. So I acquired some new merchandise that I think will change your mind.
He walks to the chair on the left end and pulls the bag off the person's head. It is a woman. She's a little beat up with a bruise on her face and arm. Tears are streaked down her face and she looks around frantically. She spots Dr. Randall and immediately starts to fidget in her seat. Dr. Randall gasps in surprise and terror. He gets on his feet and tries to run to her but is stopped by 2 thugs holding him back.
Dr. Randall: Bridget.
M. Man (smiling): This is a pretty good bargaining chip, don't you think?
Dr. Randall (angry): Let her go!
M. Man (Wagging his finger sarcastically): Unh, unh, unh. Not so fast. You haven't seen the rest of the package.
He moves onto the other chairs and pulls the bags off their heads. One teenage boy and two little girls are revealed. The boy has been beaten about as much as the woman but the two little girls are unharmed.
M. Man: Now do you see doctor?
Dr. Randall: Let my family go. They have nothing to do with this. Please.
M. Man: Oh, but they do. Everyone has a price and this is yours.
Dr. Randall: I can't do what it is you're asking of me.
M. Man: You will if you want to be with your family again, above ground and among the living that is.
Dr. Randall looks to the ground and shakes his head. M. Man sighs deeply and walks over to Bridget. "Alright then." He speaks loudly. He pulls out a gun and shoots her in the thigh. She screams and cries around her muffle. The children around her scream, cry and shake in their seats.
M. Man: What about now? Can you do it now?
Dr. Randall: Please stop, you don't understand. I –
M. Man: No, you don't understand.
He walks to the boy and shoots him in the leg also. Dr. Randall screams out loud for him to stop but the guy walks to the next chair with one of the little girls in it.
M. Man: I will shoot them all in places that will have them in pain that they have never known before I put them out their misery and you will have to sit here and watch. Now will you keep on denying me or do I have your cooperation?
Dr. Randall (breathing heavily): Please, listen to me. I can't do what it is you're asking of me.
He points the gun to the little girl's leg and puts his finger on the trigger.
Dr. Randall: No, no, no, no, no. Please stop. I will do whatever it is you ask of me. Please, don't shoot my daughter. Please. (He shouts the sentence in a rush)
The little girl is crying and looking between her father and the man with the gun.
M. Man (sighing): You drive a hard bargain doctor.
He places the gun into his holster and walks away towards the exit.
M. Man: Welcome to the team doc.
As he walks outside towards a car he pulls out a phone and presses a speed dial. The phone rings twice before the other side picks up.
Unknown Voice: Hello.
M. Man: We got him.
Unknown Voice (chuckles): Like I said, everyone has a price.
Setting: Gotham Prep Homeroom. Students are giggling, whispering conspiratorially with one another about a rumor that has been spread around recently, looking on their phones and tablets, some yawning, struggling to stay awake. Jack sits in his seat, his clothes wrinkled, his dirty blonde hair unkempt and concealing a majority of his face.
Bruce walks in, mere seconds before the bell rings. Mr. Belvedere looks at him and Bruce merely gives him a two fingered salute before striding to his seat.
Heavily, he plops down in his seat next to Jack, nodding at the boy. He notices that Jack isn't looking at him but out the window instead, withdrawn in himself. Bruce eyebrows draws together in confusion at the boy's state.
Bruce: Hey, you alright there? (Jack nods quickly, not looking at him. Bruce opens his mouth to speak but is cut off by Mr. Belvedere.)
Mr. B: Alright students, settle down, it is only the second day of school and while I'm sure you are just teeming with excitement to dive right into your other studies we do have the school handbook to go over.
Student 1: Do we really have to? I mean we went over it already in orientation this summer and every summer and homeroom since we started this school. I think we all know what to wear and what to not wear, how to behave and the school conduct code of honor.
Student 2: Or in other words, don't be a Jack.
The students all laugh merrily. Jack only withdraws more inside himself.
Mr. B: (clearing his throat, annoyed.) Obviously you must not remember that far back because it seems that you do not even remember as far back as yesterday when I am certain that one of my top rules for this class and the absolute no tolerance for disrespecting your peers. However you shan't worry about remembering that on your own. I will see you after school today and we will study that rule.
Student 2: What? But I have things to do, besides it's only Jack, you can't really even count him as a student.
Mr. B: That is enough. You will not only be seeing me after school today, but every day until I am certain that you understand the rules of this classroom. And let me assure you, I tend to be thorough in my tutorial lessons, so don't plan anything for a while. Now, if anyone cares to join him I suggest you speak now for later I will not be so merciful. No? Nothing? Well alright then please all of you take out your handbooks, we'll begin with page one.
Mr. B turns to the board and begins writing on it. Bruce turns to Jack.
Bruce: What's going on? Where did you get those cuts and bruises from?
Jack says nothing, opening his handbook and following along with Mr. Belvedere. Bruce decides not to pry, but he couldn't help but notice the strained way that Jack held his book or the subtle winces he makes when he moved.
A wade of paper came flying towards Jacks face. Bruce intercepts it with one hand and without looking, he sends it back in the direction in which it came. He glances at Jack who is looking at him. He's able to get a full look at Jacks face before he turns away. It's much worse than he thought. There's a small knick above his eye as if he was cut with a razor. A large bruise decorates his lower cheek and the corner of his lips is blackened and split as well.
Bruce says nothing, already knowing that the boy will not speak to him. But he couldn't stop the anger that built on his face and settled in between his eyebrows.
Jack looks away from Bruce, looking down, something close to embarrassment on his face. He turns his attention back to the board, a hoarse, whispered thank you falls from his lips.
Wide shot of Wayne Enterprises, the camera rolls in slowly and then cuts to a meeting inside the building. Conference room with a big table with well-dressed men and women sitting around it. A heated discussion is going on.
Nadine: With the profits that we are receiving from the incoming shipment I don't see why it would be a problem for us to go ahead and expand our pharmaceutical company to Blüdhaven.
Man #1: I'm not saying that we shouldn't expand to Blüdhaven, only that we should find a different location than the one that you're suggesting. This company is already doing so much to help the people, why do we need to buy them out?
Man #4: Because they already have the people's trust and everyone will turn to us if we not only use the same location as convenience to them but if we also place our name in association with Peaceful Health Solutions. Besides, it's not like we're putting people out of jobs. In fact, they will actually receive an increase in income once we take over.
Man #1: But they are a non-profit organization. They don't care about money. They care about the betterment of their city's citizens and I don't see it necessary to go barging in and changing everything that they stand for. Think of all the people that depend on that medicine, that depend on it being free or low cost.
Nadine: Well that's their problem. This is a business, not a charity.
Man #1: You're planning on turning a charity into a business. And who's to say that they'll be willing to sell anyway?
Nadine: We'll buy them out and fire anyone who isn't on board. It's as simple as that.
Man #1: It is not that simple.
Man #2: He does have a point. Wouldn't Wayne Enterprises get a lot of negative press if we put Peaceful Health Solutions out of business. It is a pharmaceutical company that's helping the poor? That just seems like a bad business move all around.
Man #4: We'll do it slowly, make the medicine affordable and slowly increase the price. It's a good sell. You can't deny that we need that space.
Man #1: That's just it! Why do we need that space so badly? There are plenty of places in Blüdhaven we can use to start a pharmaceutical business. We don't need that one.
Nadine: Do you know how many businesses fail on their own especially outside of their own city? It'll be easier and more cost effective for us to just buy them out rather than build our own building. What about this are you not understanding?
Woman #2: Besides we are not just raising the cost of the medicine, we're going over there to do research and test options for new and better drugs. Blüdhaven has a large genetic makeup and a gene pool that makes our research much easier to do than any other place in the world. Not to mention that it's close and nearby. We're going to end up helping these people, not killing them. I don't see how you can't agree to this plan.
Man #1: Just the part where we barge into Blüdhaven and steal from those that need it the most.
Man #4: We aren't thieves, we're businessmen and like it or not, this world isn't always pretty. You either come here prepared to crack a few eggs or you stay home cuddled up in your pathetic little fantasy that everything always works out for everyone.
Man #1: Well if that's what the world is like then, shouldn't we try harder to make it more livable and less cutthroat. We're humans, not barbarians.
Vandal Savage: No. Barbarians are the ones that get things done and progressed the world to move in a direction that was better for the strong. (He looks to the project head.) How soon can we acquire a meeting with them?
Nadine: I spoke with the Chairman and he said the earliest he could meet with us will be in about a month or so.
Vandal Savage: I find that to be unacceptable Nadine. Move the meeting to this Friday and no later than that. I want to get this merger happening as soon as possible.
Man #1: Sir, I really do believe that we shouldn't - -
Vandal Savage: I do not pay you to question or criticize my decisions, of that I am sure. So whatever it is that you do here, go do it. The same goes for the rest of you.
The executives all get up and leave the conference room.
Vandal Savage: I don't have time to waste. I need for you to do what you do best and get me that company. No excuses.
Nadine: I understand.
He walks over to Nadine. He presses her to the door, seductively and dominantly. He places one hand by her head against the door and the other he uses to trace her face. He leans in close and whispers.
Vandal Savage: I want that company and I want that space Nadine.
Nadine: Yes sir.
Back at Gotham Prep during lunch time. Bruce and Oliver are sitting outside waiting for Peyton "inconspicuously". Bruce watches as she rushes out the doors following another student. Is it Jack? Why would she be following after Jack in such a rush?
Oliver: Do they know each other?
Bruce: I don't know. I don't see how. It's just the second day of school and she's new here.
Oliver: Well, it looks like you're losing girl. To Jack of all people.
Bruce (Chuckles lightly): Sure.
Oliver: I don't know man, looks like he got something that you don't. I mean, he's gotten her to follow him around and yesterday I think it took all of a minute before she left in disgust after talking to you.
Bruce: It's all a part of my master plan. It's disgust at first, but soon, that disgust will turn into loathing, and hate. And as we all know, there's a very thin line between love and hate.
Oliver: Whatever you say buddy. I'm just going to sit here and wait, watch it all play out. A woman that has the great and almighty Bruce Wayne creating complicated plans to seduce a woman. I'm glad that I don't have that problem. (Pamela enters, heading their way. Oliver frowns.) My only problem is creating complicated plans to make the creature of the Black Lagoon disappear back to the shores of jersey from which she came. (Pamela stops in front of them) Oh Pammie, we were just talking about you.
Pam: Go drown yourself in Gotham's river.
Oliver: Oh, but what would you have to live for?
Pam: Bruce, you haven't RSVP'd for my party yet. (She pouts.) You do know that everyone who's anyone will be there?
Oliver: So I'm assuming that you will be there?
Pam: Well duh, it's my party.
Oliver: I know this, especially since you stated that everyone who's anyone will be there and everyone is anyone and since anyone is everyone that means that everyone is invited.
Both Bruce and Pam look at him, Bruce with amusement and Pam with confusion. She throws her hands up, glaring at him.
Pam: GOD, will you please, shut up?! I swear, talking to you is like talking to a poor man from Scotland.
Oliver: I am sure that there are many racist and ignorant undertones in that, so I'm just going to ignore that in the hopes that you will get bored and leave. (He turns towards Bruce and tap him on the shoulder) Hey, what could those two be talking about? I've never seen Jack talking to anyone.
Bruce (looking in the direction Peyton took off following Jack): Well it looks like he made an exception.
Jack starts running trying to escape Peyton. Why won't she just leave him alone? He just wants to be alone. But she has been so insistent since she cornered him at his locker that morning - - "That was you yesterday in the field, wasn't it? You were the one that those assholes were beating up, aren't you?" - - He ran away from her then and every time she tried to stop him in the halls but she was determined.
Peyton (catching up to Jack, out of breath): Stop! Jack, please stop. I just want to talk to you. Just make sure you're ok.
Jack (stopping, but not turning around): Why?
Peyton: I – I – I saw what happened yesterday. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry that happened to you. I don't know you but I know that no one deserves to be treated and beaten like that.
Jack: You have no reason to be sorry, you didn't do anything. And you don't know me.
Peyton (walking closer to him): I know. But I would like to get to know you. I'm new here and I don't exactly have any friends. So maybe, you and I could hang out. You know, watch each other backs.
Jack: I thought you were friends with Bruce Wayne and all of his friends.
Peyton: You thought wrong. (She walks closer to him) So what do you say? Friends?
Jack: No one is friends with me (He mutters quietly).
Peyton: Well I could be. (She pauses for a second) I want to be.
Jack (shaking his head): I'm not good with people.
Peyton: Fine, we will take it slow. How about… acquaintances?
Jack (smiles a little): You're not taking no for an answer, are you?
Peyton (smiling): Nope.
Jack (smiling): Ok. (Extends his hand out to Peyton) Acquaintance.
Bruce and Oliver are sitting in the lounge area of the Queens' Hotel bar. They are having a drink and talking.
Bruce: All right, I'm heading home.
Oliver: What?! There is still daylight outside, you can't go home. Not yet. Let's hang out.
Bruce: And do what? Because I am not going to prey on the junior varsity cheerleaders.
Oliver: What? You have something better to do? Like maybe peep on Ms. Sinclair.
Bruce: What?
Oliver: Borderline stalker.
Bruce: I am not.
Oliver: Well then, what else do you have to do today?
Bruce (takes a deep breath): Nothing.
Oliver (smiling): Exactly! Which is why you NEED to hang out with me! Come on man. It's been too long.
Bruce: Nothing that will get us arrested. Again.
Oliver (feigns innocence and gasps): My word man, whatever do you mean?
Bruce (laughs): I mean it Ollie. If I get in trouble with the cops again, Alfred is going to ship me off to Siberia.
Oliver (checking out a girl walking by): Oh baby. Please tell me your name or I will surely die of heartbreak.
Girl (giggling): Stop it Oliver.
Oliver: No you stop it.
Bruce (Getting out of his seat): Well, it looks like you found your good time. So you don't need me.
Oliver: Excuse me sweetheart. (Walks over to Bruce) I may be God's very special gift to women but even I need help sometimes.
Bruce (shaking his head): Where to?
Oliver: I knew you wouldn't let me down! It's time to really start this school year off right.
Bruce: I don't want to get arrested. I'm serious.
Oliver: Uh huh man. No problem.
Bruce: Oliver, I'm serious.
Oliver: I gotcha man.
Bruce: I just know I'm going to regret this.
Oliver: Wait for me sweetheart. (He calls out to the girl)
Bruce and Oliver gets into Oliver's Lamborghini and speeds off, heading towards Downtown Gotham. Music blasting. They pull up to a burlesque club and Oliver throws the keys to the valet.
Bruce: Isn't it a little early to start in on this type of debauchery?
Oliver: Man, it's never too early to have a good time.
Bouncer: Welcome back, Mr. Queen. Enjoy your stay.
Oliver: Bruce. (He walks in ahead of Bruce and turns around with his arms open wide) Welcome to Paradise.
The room setting is dark and sensual, with hues of red and gold. Scantily dressed women are everywhere. Some on stage, some on laps, some waiting to please. A group of women walk up to Oliver.
Woman #1: Oh, where have you been Oliver? We've missed you. So very, very, very much. (She punctuates each 'very' with erotic steps) Haven't we girls?
Oliver: Oh yeah, (He allows himself to be pulled away by the women) I'm home.
Bruce chuckles and heads to the bar to pick up some drinks for himself and Oliver. At the end of the counter he hears a very heated discussion between a man and woman. He moves a little closer to the couple to hear what is being said.
Adam: You are only to dance for me? Do you understand that? You are mine. (He grabs her arm) Do you understand me?
Becca: Adam, stop it. (She tries to pull her arm from his grasp) I mean it, let me go.
Adam: NO! Not until you tell me that I won't see you dancing on other men, Becca.
Becca: You're crazy. I don't belong to you or anyone else. Let. Me. Go. (She snatches her arm from his hand) And I am never dancing for you again.
Adam: You BITCH! (He slaps her and she crashes into the bar) You just made the biggest mistake of your life.
Bruce: No, you did.
Adam: What? Who the f - -
Bruce punches the guy in his face and grabs him by his shirt to keep him up.
Bruce: Didn't your mother ever teach you not to lay your hand on a woman? (He hits him again) Well, I guess I'll just have to instill that lesson into you right now. Pay close attention, school is in session.
Bruce throws the guy into the bar and kicks him in the stomach. Two other men walk over to the scuffle and pull Bruce away from Adam. Oliver runs over and step in between the men and Bruce.
Oliver: Hey, what's going on over here?
Man #1: None of your damn business. Now get out of our way or you're going to get what he's about to get.
Oliver: Well, I definitely don't want any of that. But I have a counter offer. How about you get your friend and go back to doing whatever it is you were doing. And I'll do the same with my buddy here. Right Bruce?
Bruce: Yeah, as soon as he apologizes to the lady.
Adam: Go to Hell.
Oliver: Bruce, just let it go man.
Bruce: No. Not until he apologizes.
Becca: Maybe you guys should just go. I'm fine really. No apology needed.
Bruce: Don't worry sweetheart, you're going to get that apology. Isn't that right, Adam?
Adam: Ok, I'll apologize all right. Becca, look at me honey. Come on, look at me. I'm sorry… you're such an easy slut.
Bruce: Just one more thing you're going to regret.
Adam: Is that right?
Oliver (shaking his head): I guess we won't be walking away peacefully. (He looks around at all the men and at Bruce who has a fierce expression on his face. He's not backing down) Ok then, sorry ladies.
Oliver throws a punch to the guy on his left which sends him crashing onto a table.
Adam throws a feint punch towards Bruce's chin which makes him back up into the other guy, who then punches him in gut and knocks the breath from Bruce.
Outside of having the wind knocked from him, which he always hated, Bruce noticed a substantial amount of pain from the hit which was something he wasn't used to. A hit to the face, yes, but the gut shouldn't have been much more than discomfort, if that.
Before Bruce could even recover from the blow, another body shot, this one to his ribs, sent fresh ripples of pain through his body. He didn't fall—he made absolutely sure he did not fall—but it was a lot closer than he'd have liked. He was still sore from last night. He meant to take it easy today but he would be damned if he sat around and watched that woman be bullied by that asshole. It was time for him to get his head into the game.
He grabbed a bottle from the counter and smashed it against the guys' head until it broke. Then he delivered a swift kick to his chest and the guy fell to the floor with a heavy thud. He turned his attention to Adam, the douche bag that started it all.
Bruce: You should have just apologized.
Adam: Fuck you.
Bruce rushes towards Adam and they crash onto a table. Adam reaches out and grabs something which he then smashes on Bruce's head. Bruce starts to feel really spacey and everything is starting to fog over. He has to act quickly. He steadies his fist and punches Adam in the face repeatedly. Some of his punches miss and land to the side but he starts to get his bearings back.
Bartender: ALRIGHT, YOU GUYS WANT TO FIGHT, WELL THEN DO IT IN JAIL, THE COPS ARE ON THE WAY!
Oliver hears the bartender and stops mid punch. He looks down to the guy which he has by the collar. He shrugs and releases his fist into the man's face and drops him on the ground. He stumbles over to where Bruce is currently beating the man who started it all.
Oliver (grabbing Bruce by the shoulders): Hey man, let's get out of here. The cops are on their way.
Bruce: It's Gotham PD, we got tons of time.
Oliver: Regardless of how much time we have, we need to get out of here, because big man over there has friends.
They look over to the entrance of the club and see a dozen of men pour into the building, some with bats and chains.
Bruce: Crap (muttered under his breath)
Oliver: Lets go buddy.
They step over the fallen man and run through the hall of the burlesque club. Bruce pulls them through the room where the girls are changing. Oliver slows down and looks at the girls, stopping.
Oliver: Sweet Jesus, Joseph and Mary. Hi ladies, the name's Queen-
Bruce (Grabbing Oliver): Sorry buddy, ladies.
They run to the door, Oliver kicks it open and they dash into the night, the cold air tearing at their sweat and bloodstained faces. Sirens wail loudly in the distance. They keep running until they are out of breath.
They duck into a dark alleyway, and lean up against the wall panting heavily. Oliver bends over and places his hands on his knees as he attempts to catch his breath.
Oliver (breathing heavy): And you said no police.
Bruce: No. I said that I didn't want to get arrested.
Setting: Rundown apartment building. Thugs and prostitutes are littering the sidewalk. It's a filthy place. Some windows are broken with boards and trash bags placed in them. The ground is dirty and stained and where there should be grass is nothing but brown spots. Sirens are constantly heard in the background, but you can tell this is place where the police hardly ever visit.
Contrary to how the outside appearance of the building is, the apartment is immaculate. Not a speck of dirt, a dirty dish, or even a jacket lying on a chair is seen.
Jack: Hey, look at this one. Pay close attention, ok?
Micah (smiling): Okay.
Jack: Ok. This is called The Simple Monte. Look at all of the cards but focus on the one in the middle.
Micah: The one in the middle?
Jack: Yeah. Ok. You got a good look at it?
Micah: YEAH! It's a 3 with hearts.
Jack (smiling): Ok. Now I just turn the cards over and pull out the middle one and place it right here on the table.
Micah: Now what?!
Jack: Now you flip the card over.
Micah: Me?
Jack: Yep. Go on. Flip it over.
Micah flips the card over and it's now the Ace of Spades.
Micah: Cool! How did you do that Jack? Can you teach me? Please, pretty please?
Jack (smiling): I don't know. A magician never reveals his tricks.
Micah: But I want to be a magician too. Can you show me? Please.
Jack: Ok. But after you do your homework. Deal?
Micah: Okay.
The front door opens and slams shut. Jack and Micah looks up to see their father stumbling in through the kitchen, placing his keys on the hook, the jacket in the closet and taking off his boots, straightening them. He frowns as he sees dirt on the boots. He looks at Micah, points at him.
Dad: You. There's dirt on my boots. Clean them.
Micah moves to get up, Jack places his hand on his arm, stopping him.
Jack: Do your homework. I'll clean them.
The father looks at Jack.
Dad: I did not tell you to clean them, I told him to clean them.
Jack: He's doing his homework. Besides, I clean them better.
Dad: Are you disobeying me?
Jack: No, I'm not. But you're going to sit there and make him clean the boots all night. Just let me do it.
Dad: I think you are disobeying me.
Jack (shaking his head): No, I'm not disobeying you.
Dad: You are. You are. (He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath) You're being a naughty boy, you know what happens to naughty boys.
Jack: Dad please.
Dad: Go to the closet.
Jack looks at their father and contemplates. He looks at Micah, knowing that after his father gets through beating him, he'll have to shower and clean himself, then he'll be too tired to further abuse either of them.
He turns and goes to the closet. The father looks at Micah.
Dad: Get started on my shoes.
He walks to the closet slowly, flexing his fingers and counting to sixty. When he reaches the closet, he sees Jack sitting backwards and shirtless on a chair, holding his hands together, his dirty hair in his face.
His father grabs the stick and reels it back.
There's a sound of metal striking flesh, and the low grunting sounds of Jack.
Back at Wayne Enterprises. It's now dark and there are few lights on in the building.
L. Man (talking on the phone): Has he started the work yet?
M. Man: Yes, sir he has. He's already starting on trial one.
L. Man: Good, good. I want it to be tested on a patient in two weeks. I need something to show to Peaceful Health Solutions. And it has to have positive results.
M. Man: Sir, It's a 6 month project. I don't know if he'll able to complete it in 2 weeks. That seems a bit impossible.
L. Man: Nothing is impossible for me. I want that trial in 2 weeks, no later than that. Do whatever it takes to inspire him. Understand?
M. Man: Yes sir.
L. Man: Don't disappoint me.
The call is disconnected and Nadine walks into the room.
Nadine: The meeting is set for this Friday at 11 a.m. I couldn't get them to come to Wayne Enterprises so it looks as if we are going to Blüdhaven.
Savage: Good work Nadine. I knew you wouldn't fail me.
Nadine (smiles): Is there anything else you need from me tonight sir?
Savage (walks and look out the window): Nadine, do you know the Greek Goddess Atë?
Nadine: No sir.
Savage: The Goddess Atë is a master of mischief, delusion, ruin and she is also the personification of infatuation. She is quite dangerous.
Nadine: Are you saying that I'm dangerous?
Savage (chuckles): Only to others Nadine. You see, Zeus cast Atë from Olympus when she tried to trap him.
Nadine: I would never - -
Savage: I know you wouldn't but you remind me so much of her. She's quite sexy and interesting you know. (He starts kissing her neck)
Nadine: Thank you.
Savage: No, thank you Nadine.
Setting: Wayne's Manor. Bruce comes into the kitchen to get a bottle of water out of the fridge and takes a long swig. Alfred walks in and waits for him to finish before speaking.
Alfred: Taking a break Master Wayne?
Bruce: Yeah, I think I'm going to call it a night.
Alfred: Understandable. Especially since you had a quite a workout with Mr. Queen earlier in the evening.
Bruce (chokes on his water a bit): What? How did you find out about that?
Alfred: I have my secrets Master Wayne.
Bruce: It wasn't necessarily my fault. I was just trying to help that woman.
Alfred: I understand that Master Wayne, but you could have been seriously injured. You're already sore from the lastnight, you have to take it easy.
Bruce: I'm fine Alfred.
Alfred: I don't like what you're doing Master Wayne, you know it, but I support you. And even though I support you, that does not mean I won't voice my opinion about how dangerous I believe this to be. If you're going to be this person, you have to take it more seriously.
Bruce: I do take it seriously Alfred.
Alfred: I sincerely hope so.
Bruce pulls another bottle of water from the fridge and takes a long swig.
Bruce: So how did you know what happened today? Are you having me followed?
Alfred: Master Wayne, that is for me to know and since you're the vigilante that hides in the dark at night, it's for you to find out.
Bruce (laughs): Whatever you say Alfred.
A high tech laboratory. There are many experiments going on in the lab. You hear terrified screams coming from somewhere muffled.
Dr. Crane: Yes! YES! I finally have it. After all this time, I will finally be able to exact justice and punish those who so easily take what they don't deserve. For years I have been a slave to them and they never appreciated me. NEVER! They worked so hard to be perfect all of their lives and now their children are just like them. Going to the same school and acting the same way. They all laugh at me as if they know. Do they know?
Of course, they are the same but so am I. They walk around looking at me, talking about me. Mocking me! But no longer. I will take no more.
He looks around and cocks his head as if he is listening to someone.
Yes, yes, YES! No longer will they walk around so high and mighty. Tough life lessons have to start somewhere and what better place than high school? After all, that is where I learned that beauty is all that matters. And once that is gone, no amount of money or power will ever be enough.
