19
The sun was just starting to set in Los Angeles. Kyle Rayner and Kara In-Ze were officially "roommates" but they'd shared the master bedroom, and its bed, for months now. Kara had been watching Kyle get more and more affectionate in public and private while avoiding the "M" word. She knew his father had abandoned the family when he'd been little more than seven years old.
Kyle was very skittish about marriage, Carol Ferris notwithstanding, and Kara's heart and leapt a beat when he'd disappeared yesterday afternoon. But to her mild irritation Kyle had been shopping for source material for his new role as writer/artist of the Flash Gordon comic strip. Alex Raymond had begun the strip in 1934 but there hadn't been an original panel written or drawn since 2009. So in one essence, Kyle had a daunting task before him. But his own interstellar experiences should easily fuel his story arcs.
Kyle had been given a treasure trove of compilations of Alex Raymond's works and even some of his successors. But Kyle had procured DVDs of the only film, the live action television series, the animated cartoon show, and even pulp stories. Kara understood his need to review the material but there was one aspect of his choices that puzzled her.
"Why didn't you get Blu-rays, Rayner," she complained.
"`Cause none of these are sourced on Blu-ray. It's the DVD train or staring at walls, In-Ze," Kyle joked.
"We could 'district' ourselves, dope," Kara threw a couch cushion at him.
"Don't make me go all power ring on you," Kyle warned.
A pure white construct hand slapped Supergirl's butt. She wore a rueful smirk, "Really? You had to go there?"
She employed her super speed to tickle Kyle silly. He finally managed to erect a personal shield and Kara smirked as he panted, "I think my work here is done."
Kyle took hold of her arm and drew her in, "I'm afraid your work will never be done."
"Tell me more," Kara requested but he interrupted the conversation by placing his mouth on hers.
They were both startled, and more than a little disappointed when the door unlocked itself and flew open. A violet light bathed over the pair of them. Kara busily cursed Carol Ferris' name.
"Be kind, she only sent me to deliver a message," the Star Sapphire announced as she floated into the room.
"Fatality!" Kyle exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
Kara decided there was a little too much investment in that question. She was becoming angry all over again. She knew Carol had manipulated Kyle's heart and that he really did love her but he should have been over her influence by now, damn it!
"Please, it's just Yrra Cyvil now," she informed them, "I hated to break up your tender moment. My ring read the presence of true love. But Carol sends a message."
"What does she have to say for herself?" Kara threw a vocal barb.
Yrra decided to duck under it, "There's a new interstellar threat proceeding out of the Lost Sector. The Guardians seem oblivious to the danger but the Zamarons detected foul creatures overrunning whole populations and assimilating them."
"Assimilating them into what?" Kyle asked.
"Into being the same as them," Yrra answered, "During the transformation the brains become partially exposed and turn green. The mouths and ears seal over and they turn a rather Oan shade of blue."
"So they can't protest and they can't hear anything but their own mind, probably a group mind at work," Supergirl ventured.
"She's good," Yrra observed.
"You have no idea of just how good," Kyle bragged.
Kara still felt like ripping his leg off and beating him to death with it despite the compliment. Kyle asked, "Who all is part of this collective mind?"
"The Zamarons suspect the Guardians of the Universe," Yrra regretted having to say, "It would explain their apathy. They've become increasingly intolerant over the last few years. What could possibly irritate their order craving sensibilities than free will itself?"
"So what do the Zamarons suggest we do?" Kara wondered.
"Carol convinced them that we should deploy a special task force, comprised of a representative from each Lantern Corps to deal with the Guardians. Meanwhile the respective Corps would engage this 'Third Army' the Guardians have created," Yrra informed them.
"You don't know for certain that the Guardians are behind this," Kyle protested.
"Kyle, the Guardians have recalled every Green Lantern to Oa. None have been seen again," Yrra hated to tell him, "I contacted John Stewart and he'll remain on Earth. But you need to come with me."
"Who's our Green Lantern?" Kyle asked.
"Laira Omoto," Yrra replied, "Arkillo represents the Fear Lanterns, Brother Wurth is our Blue Lantern, Munk is our Indigo Tribesman, and I'm the Star Sapphire."
"I'm surprised Carol didn't volunteer," Kara said cattily.
"She's the backup plan should we fail," Yrra winced.
"We're still missing a few Corps," Kyle reminded Yrra.
"Carol is convincing Larfleeze that Agent Orange's best interest is joining in," she told him, "Atrocitus hasn't chosen a Red Lantern so maybe you can persuade him. That leaves Black Hand."
"You're kidding," Kyle said numbly.
"Every Corps remember?" Yrra prodded him, "If the White light of Life is present then the Black light of Death needs to be there as well."
"How the hell am I supposed to persuade Atrocitus to do anything?" Kyle wondered, "He's not exactly reasonable."
A red light shone through the open door. A red power ring crafted from blood and fueled by rage floated in and claimed Kara. As it slipped onto her finger, her clothes became a variant Red Lantern uniform complete with cape.
"Kara?" Kyle was transfixed.
"It seems Atrocitus has chosen his champion," Yrra smiled
"Let's not tell anyone just yet," Kara said angrily.
"Who won't notice?" Kyle wanted to know, "You're completely recognizable to anyone that looks at you."
A mask appeared on Kara's face, "Satisfied?"
"Seems I'm underdressed," Kyle muttered as his White Lantern uniform appeared on him, "Let me lock the door on our way out."
Then the three Lanterns left Earth for a rendezvous on Zamaron. Kara almost looked forward to it.
Dex-Starr was the Red Lantern assigned to defend Sector 2814. Along his patrol route, he discovered a penal station constructed beyond Pluto. He penetrated the station and killed every prisoner and more than a few guards. Then he drained the corpses of blood for an offering to the Red Lantern Central Power Battery.
Guy Gardner had been given special dispensation to remain on Earth full time and work with the Justice League of America. He looked forward to rubbing that fact in John Stewart's face.
Within the Stormwatch Weather Station on the Earth's moon, Weatherman gathered Stormwatch's elite response team members. Jenny Quantum, Apollo, Midnighter, Jack Hawksmoor, and the Projectionist reported for duty. Weatherman ushered everyone into their seats in the principal briefing center.
"Two primary threats face Earth at this time. Mary, Queen of Blood, has assembled her armies in Hungary. Mary herself is said to be in Budapest. Your job is to cut the head from the snake," Weatherman informed them, "Jenny, you'll lead Jack and Midnighter on this task. Be warned, the newly formed Justice League Dark is on the ground in Budapest and have cut a deal with Vlad Drakul. We don't know the full extent of their intentions other than stop a full scale vampire war from breaking out. So expect them to interfere in your mission."
"If you ask me there are just too many damn Justice Leagues these days," Midnighter quipped.
"No one is asking," Weatherman sternly chided him, "Apollo and Projectionist, your target is the Red Lantern named Dex-Starr. He destroyed our penal station by Pluto. He's headed for Earth. Intercept him, destroy his ring, and bring him in. His physical condition doesn't matter as long as he's still breathing."
"Understood," Apollo acknowledged the order.
"So much for working together," Midnighter lamented.
"You two can cuddle after the missions are said and done," Jenny tried to cheer him up.
"We'd better be able to," Midnighter warned all present.
"I shall be alerting J'onn Jonzz of our intentions and operating areas," Weatherman reported, "He will keep the reconstituted Justice League Unlimited away from us."
"What about Justice League International?" Jack asked.
"You're all dismissed," Weatherman coldly informed them.
"Man's all heart," Projectionist joked as they exited.
Weatherman wondered how his operatives would react if they knew the Shadow Cabinet had ordered that his heart be removed prior to his promotion to being the Weatherman.
Along Gotham City's harbor a forty story building had been erected. The massive granite placard at its base declared it to be the property of the US State Department. Those trying to gain access to it knew better. Nyssa al Ghul and White Canary were well aware of the fact the building was an ARGUS facility.
Nyssa and White Canary crept around the building, avoiding both the main entrance and the loading dock. This was made even more difficult by White Canary's outfit made entirely of the namesake color. But they came upon and eternal shack linked to the main building.
This was a security shack. The entrance and location made it so security forces could enter and exit the building unseen by those attempting to enter the facility through the primary entrances. Nyssa's respect for the site's planners went up a notch upon this discovery.
Nyssa knew that ARGUS recruited its security from the various military police units and their investigators from the Army CID and Naval NCIS. Since most of these men and women were combat veterans, Nyssa expected then to be a cut above the average street cop. And she was proven right.
But the four guards inside the shack never got a shot off or sounded an alarm. But it did take Nyssa and White Canary nearly twenty seconds to deal with them. And they'd been so tenacious that the Injusticers been forced to kill them all.
While White Canary dragged the bodies off to temporary hiding in the shrubbery, Nyssa accessed the building's security feeds. The security team had been caught totally unawares and never had the chance to log off the system. While this allowed Nyssa to study the patrol patterns and routes inside the site, it didn't give her a blow by blow of the entire building.
The first through twentieth floors appeared to actually be administrative in nature. And they appeared to actually be minions of the State Department. The twenty-first through twenty-ninth floors were residential. An armory was hidden in the substructure. But the thirtieth through fortieth floors were blocked from the feeds. So they were the very heart of the ARGUS operation. So that's where the Injusticers headed.
Nyssa and White Canary used the elevators to go straight to the roof. Disabling the guards found there, Nyssa began dismantling the HVAC ducts while White Canary hammered pinions into the concrete. Attaching ropes but forgoing rappelling belts, they descended to the thirtieth floor. Using the primary duct and main vent they found themselves in an oversized supply room.
"Is this wise?" White Canary hissed.
"We need to know exactly who we are dealing with," Nyssa whispered back, "I, for one, don't want any unexpected surprises tonight."
Nyssa nocked an arrow to her bowstring as she emerged from the supply room. White Canary followed her. At the end of the hallway stood a lone sentry. By his posture, he was tired and bored. It had made him sloppy.
Nyssa nodded at White Canary. The Asian killer drew a garrote from her belt sash. Stealthily approaching the guard, she slung it around his neck and dragged him back to the supply area before his raspy gurgling could attract unwanted attention.
The guard resisted though. Nyssa actually had to release her arrow and use her bow as a baton to disarm the guard when he managed to pull his pistol free of its holster. He eventually succumbed and White Canary cradled his head, ready to twist his neck until it snapped.
Nyssa nodded and the deed was done. This was hardly the bloodless operation she'd intended. But after the first four deaths, additional collateral damage would hardly be noticed. But before moving on, Nyssa examined the pistol the guard had carried. It was a customized manufacture job. Either Caldwell Arms or LexCorp.
Nyssa nocked her arrow again but did not draw the string. Instead she moved to where the guard had stood. Before her lay what was obviously a nerve center for an operations team. The ARGUS agents, analysts, and observers were so used to the guard's ignored presence they extended the same courtesy to Nyssa and White Canary.
There were dozens of screens displaying raw data but the center 200" inch monitor appeared to be relaying video from a camera mounted on a combat harness or vest. The designated ID was for Col. S. Trevor. Nyssa mused that Steve Trevor's namesake grandfather would be proud that the Colonel was still alive.
But Rogers wasn't leading Team 7 today. Nyssa readily indentified a half dozen former JLers, including the problematically resurrected Batwoman, and the enigmatic Bat-Girl. Batwoman's mask and voice changer obscured her identity but she was undoubtedly either Kathy Duquesne or Rocky Ballantine. Given their individual temperaments, Nyssa voted for Kathy.
Bat-Girl had been linked to Spyral. But besides Dick Grayson and the newly recruited Plastic Man, the only agent with a costume in her past was Bette Kane. And Flamebird was definitely in her past not her present. Nyssa decided to recommend to the League of Shadows that they extend their search to all family members of Spyral agents. Even distant relations.
The chatter around the room revolved around a "Justice League of America". So it seemed Amanda Waller had put together a pet Justice League to work alongside Checkmate. Waller had given the daily chores of running Checkmate to Rick Flagg and Karin Grace but she was very much hands on here as she oversaw the seemingly called "JLA's" operation in Los Angeles.
The Justice League International had just publicized its creation and the reorganized and reconstituted JLU had just announced its independence from government entities. Nyssa's agent who attempted to penetrate the so-called "Justice League Dark" had been half mad when she was recovered. And this group was apparently the fourth Justice League to come out of splintering the last Justice League Unlimited. Nyssa could only thank God that the last faction had named themselves the JSA All Stars. She would have had to unleash the Injusticers on a worldwide killing spree to rid the world of excess Justice Leagues.
Nyssa drew her arrow back and aimed for Waller's left ear. She knew she could easily bring the arrow home to its target. But Waller unexpectedly sneezed and doubled over so that the arrow sailed by her and struck a comm tech on the other side of the room. An alert agent slapped the general alarm.
Gun toting agents drew their weapon and encircled Waller. Nyssa knew she and White Canary could overcome the zealous agents herding Waller away from danger. But what she didn't know was the security force's response time or strength of numbers. She decided to withdraw instead.
Utilizing the same duct work, Nyssa and White Canary repelled to the ground floor while Nyssa communicated with David Cain.
Outside, David Cain swore, "Damn. Security has gone ape shit."
He turned to Aresia, "Get in on the ground floor and create the largest distraction that you can manage."
"Simple enough," Aresia boasted as she flew off and smashed her way through the first story windows.
"Merlyn, get in range of their security station and target anything that moves," Cain continued, "Syonide, protect him when they flank him from the rear loading area."
"Come on, old man," Syonide taunted Merlyn.
As they departed, Cain opened the rear doors of the van and unloaded three storage boxes. Opening one, it revealed a self-contained LAWS rocket ready to be used. He released the two ends and they extended outwards even as the plunger trigger popped up. Cain lifted the square sights into position and began calculating where to strike.
"David, it's Nyssa. Don't respond but the Thirtieth Floor is their nerve center," Nyssa barely had time to say before static filled his ear. It seemed the security forces were jamming communications within the building. A comm check showed that his exterior forces could still communicate.
Cain took aim at the thirtieth floor and depressed the plunger. An antitank missile flew out of the cardboard tube and slammed into the reinforced glass wrapped around the thirtieth floor. Much of it had shattered around the direct impact.
Cain crumpled the weapons tube over his knee and discarded it. Now ARGUS couldn't rearm it at a future point. The things were supposed to be a disposable one use weapon.
Cain fired two more missile salvos. Whoever had been in the thirtieth floor had to be long gone by now. He saw that Syonide was using her electro-whip to keep ARGUS forces at bay. Aresia was throwing bodies out of, and through, windows. It was time to plan a withdrawal since Merlyn had almost expended his entire arsenal of twenty-six arrows.
Aresia burst out of an already open window space. She carried Nyssa and White Canary tucked under either arm. Cain redirected Aresia to assist in Merlyn and Syonide's withdrawal. Nyssa noted that Aresia complied with just the slightest hint of derision.
"Evac now," Cain instructed all the forces.
He removed a SAW antipersonnel heavy machine gun and laid down cover fire to accommodate the three Injusticers return to the van. Nyssa had already shucked her quiver and her bow to mount the driver's seat. Cain was able to jump into the passenger's seat because the other Injusticers had left it open for him.
Aresia braced the rear door open while Nyssa accelerated the van. Merlyn utilized arrows from Nyssa's quiver and struck down additional security agents as Nyssa pulled out of range. Cain had had the foresight to remove all of the vans license plates. As soon as they were sufficiently out of sight and under cover, Cain put them back into place. Then Nyssa calmly drove away from the docks with her hood down and Cain passed the SAW back to their passengers.
A swarm of GCPD patrol cars headed for the ARGUS tower. Cain watched them go as they displayed no interest in the Injusticer van, "What did you learn?"
"The site is a nerve center for administrating and operating a government sponsored Justice League," Nyssa said with equanimity, "It seems our involvement in upcoming events is fortuitous for our allies."
"Yes, they'll dearly love learning there's a resident Justice League in town," Cain remarked dryly.
"Some will," Nyssa replied, "Others will see it as a challenge. After all, we are being paid a handsome fee after all. I suppose we should actually earn it."
Cain had his private doubts.
Poison Ivy sat in Jaina Hudson's brownstone and stirred her herbal tea, "Frankly Jaina, I don't know why you and White Rabbit even invited us."
"And I don't know why you accepted the invitation if you aren't going to listen to the offer," Jaina was getting impatient since she was desperately short on time according to White Rabbit.
"We're listenin' but we've gone legit," Harley Quinn bubbled over her tequila.
"Yeah!" White Rabbit enthused, "We saw your movie. I hear there's already Oscar buzz. Would you two share one?"
"I was only the producer," Ivy demurred, "Harl was the genius director. Under an alias, of course."
"It's already the summer's biggest blockbuster," White Rabbit was impressed, "They estimate it'll blow past a billion earned and keep climbing."
"And the studio thought we'd filmed an overpriced whale carcass," Ivy chuckled, "They were ready to pull the plug after their portion of costs went over three hundred million. Harl and I had to finance the last sixty million ourselves."
"Yah, the insurance premiums kept goin' up `cause all the stuntmen playing Bats kept gettin' wiped out," Harley giggled.
"At least they all survived," Ivy was pitiless.
"Yah, but how does a director work with that?" Harley wanted to know.
"You managed, love," Ivy indulgently reminded her.
"We have a proposal that could benefit both of you," Jaina insisted.
"The mad plan the Court of Owls has sucked you two into?" Ivy scoffed, "Or what about Leviathan? One can never have too many religious fanatics bent on world domination running around, can we?"
Jaina frowned at Ivy's mocking tone, "Everyone involved is very serious about what's occurring. Nyssa al Ghul has even brought in her Injusticer teams. Among them is the Wrath and he has already began a concentrated attack on the GCPD through his minion Scorn and supply deals with Black Mask and Roman Falcone."
"The so-called 'anti-Batman'? All right, I admit I'm slightly impressed," Ivy conceded, "I've heard his reputation. I've also heard the rumors revolving around the Heretic."
"Talia al Ghul left Leviathan in his capable hands when she opted to assume control over the League of Shadows as the new Demon's Head. Nyssa has been appointed her Demon's Hand," White Rabbit explained.
"Cut the natural fertilizer and get to the point already," Ivy requested impatiently.
"There are areas of Gotham no other being will protect as fiercely as you and to keep them from being exploited by the Batman or anyone who would aid him," Jaina presented her argument.
"Meaning the botanical preserve and the parks," Ivy deduced, "Why the concern?"
"Plants communicate with you and you commune with them," White Rabbit explained, "You can clear gas attacks with them and you can release toxic pollens and allergens."
"You're assuming I'll even agree to this," Ivy reminded them.
"Come on, Red. Ya know ya wouldn't be able to stand it if anythin' were ta happen ta Gotham's plants," Harley interjected.
"How long until this plan gets underway?" Ivy sullenly asked.
"You have until dusk tomorrow to be prepared," Jaina told her.
Ivy groaned, "Whatever happened to a little warning?"
"The pair of you were vacationing in Brazil," White Rabbit snickered, "Just the two of you in the middle of the jungle with nothing to do."
Ivy gave White Rabbit a withering look. Jaina intervened, "Everyone knows how you feel about Harley and we all know she's…flexible."
"In more ways than one," White Rabbit snickered.
"I'll need to access my own botanical reserve on the coast south of here," Ivy informed them all, "And I'd have to personally guide the growth processes and stay to guide my babies."
"Sacrifices are being made by everyone," Jaina cajoled her.
"And just what are you sacrificing?" Ivy was a tad testy.
"My anonymity," Jaina replied, "There are too many people who know my and White Rabbit's dual nature now. If any of them are captured and talk then we both get incarcerated. And there are others who would kill me to buy White Rabbit's silence."
"It actually isn't that great of a leap to realize White Rabbit is a part of you," Ivy stated.
"Really? `Cause I had no flippin' clue," Harley blurted.
"I know her better than you do," Ivy reminded her.
"Not too much better I hope," Harley actually sounded vaguely jealous for the first time since the Joker died. Ivy took it as a compliment.
"I have a price," Ivy asserted.
"We all do," White Rabbit grinned, "What's yours?"
"I want an ironclad identity Harley can plug into if I'm captured," Ivy told them, "I have the financials arranged. I just need her set up with a clean slate."
White Rabbit smirked, "I happen to have a 'clean slate' program I can insert any name and social security number and erase all the bad things they've ever done and the fingerprint and DNA evidence tied to them. They keep their own name but they have a new history and a new life. It's a onetime use instrument. You can have it if you agree to be here tomorrow afternoon prepared to make your floranic magic."
"It's a deal," Ivy told her.
White Rabbit retrieved the flash drive, "All you have to do is plug it into any computer and the program activates and spreads like a virus. Even connected backups will be affected. Follow the prompts and Harleen Quinzel gets a new lease on life."
Ivy plucked it out of White Rabbit's hand, "I'll see you this afternoon."
"Why are you so insistent on this?" Jaina asked.
"Batman can never find Harley. Her life is actually in jeopardy," Ivy vaguely explained, "He wants her head even more than he wants mine."
"Even after you literally crucified him?" White Rabbit tsked.
Eliot Caldwell reported in to his two assistants, Mr. and Mrs. Waters, "How is Scorn progressing in his war on the GCPD?"
"His sonic weaponry has achieved the desired outcome. Commissioner Sawyer is pleading for any and all assistance beyond the body armor we provided," Mr. Waters informed him, "And Black Mask and Roman Falcone are both placing bulk orders in anticipation of the territorial dispute they'll engage in as soon as Sawyer and the entire CGPD have been destroyed."
"And neither knows of the others' request?" Eliot sought clarification.
"Of course they know," Mrs. Waters smirked, "But they're willing to throw insane amounts of cash at you to secure an 'exclusive' deal while the poorer man is left hat in hand with LexCorp."
"How are the GPS trackers installed in every vest functioning?" Eliot inquired.
"We have a map of the city pinpointing each officer's location. However a small band of detectives are refusing to wear the armor. Sawyer has taken the bait though," Mr. Waters reported.
"And we can pinpoint individual targets within six inches of their actual location," Mrs. Waters sounded particularly proud of that result.
"And what of Batman?" Eliot inquired sharply.
"Still putting out brush fires across Gotham while facing off with Scorn," Mr. Waters answered, "He's traced the mob's guns back to Caldwell Arms and he suspects Scorn's affiliation but there are no indicators that he's connected any of the events to the Wrath being in Gotham."
"Good, tomorrow the Wrath makes his first ever public appearance. I trust my armor is suitably equipped?" Eliot wanted to know.
"Everything is according the specs you provided," Mrs. Waters told him, "The offensive interfaces are dialed up even beyond your original design limits thanks to some new R&D work we've begun to patent,."
"Speaking of public appearances, Jaina Hudson bowed out of the Innovative Concepts conference but the conference has run late and Max Lord is just now opening up the banquet hall. Bruce Wayne and Derek Powers are also in attendance along with Alan Scott and Ted Kord," Mr. Waters explained, "Our spies within the Gotham Board have heard rumblings of Powers making his own move on Wayne Enterprises in the morning."
"Then it seems I should have a talk with good old Bruce and Derek and let them know their places," Eliot decided, "I'll be taking the Mercedes since I have a few stops to make on the way back here."
The Waters knew two things: that the "Mercedes" was his G36 SUV and the "stops" were all at one location. Mrs. Waters nodded to him, "I'll call the garage. Your usual gear is already aboard. I'll have the Wrath-wing standing by should Batman inadvertently interfere."
"Call Scorn, have him especially active while I'm out," Eliot instructed as he headed for his penthouse to change into a business suit, "And make certain neither Wayne nor Powers leaves Max Lord's clutches."
Mr. Waters smirked at Mrs. Waters as he lifted his phone off of her desk. Eliot was giving them the rest of the night off but as far as his brother and her cousin were concerned it was going to be an all-nighter. An all-nighter indeed, that didn't involve their respectively related spouses.
Mr. Waters' agent in place had little to do regarding Wayne and Powers because Max was monopolizing Bruce's time while Lucius Fox was keeping Derek Powers pinned down until Bruce could "rescue" him from Wayne Enterprise's CEO. Bruce was finally shutting Max down.
"I'm sorry, Max. But I have neither the funds nor the inclination to throw money at the Justice League International. I learned my lesson regarding funding Justice Leagues," Bruce said with an air of finality.
"But you clothe and coddle Batman and his wannabes," Max rejoined.
"They know the value of a cause and a commitment to it," Bruce said coldly.
"You'd almost think you were Batman himself," Max smirked.
Amanda Waller knew who Bruce really was but there'd never been any indication of Lord's knowing until now, "Let's just say he and I see eye to eye."
"I just bet," Max chuckled, "Go ahead and run to Derek Powers now."
Bruce was unnerved and more than a little irritated at how well Max seemed to know him. Derek Powers was another matter altogether. Powers was the youngest corporate owner/CEO in the world. He'd recently divested the other divisions of Powers Industrial to slim down to a single entity: Powers Technologies. And his gamble was paying off handsomely. Powers Tech had outpaced LexCorp and WayneTech in several key markets.
Powers had recently attempted a hostile takeover in the manner of Caldwell's attempt only the Board and the stockholders had rebuffed him. With Caldwell on the verge of success, Wayne was interested in giving Powers a minority in Wayne Enterprises. And it seemed Lucius was softening the blow for him. Powers would still want a majority but Bruce didn't intend to allow that.
Wayne stepped into the conversation, "It seems our very own Wayne Enterprises is badgering you, Derek."
"Nonsense, Mr. Fox was just elucidating me on the value of Wayne stock. What I about to be inform him is that when the preferred stock goes up for sale tomorrow my agents are buying it up even faster than Eliot Caldwell can ever hope to achieve. You'll be the minority then, Wayne. And my first order as CEO and chief shareholder will be to shut down all Wayne-Powers involvement with this 'Batman, Inc'. You, of course can fund anyone you wish to from your own wealth but the corporation will stop footing Batman's bills and those of his cronies," Powers announced.
The three men suddenly became aware of their audience. Eliot Caldwell stood apoplectically staring at them all. Powers laughed.
"You can still try and get a majority, Caldwell. But my machines are faster than any human agent," Powers taunted him.
Caldwell stomped off. Bruce gave Powers some advice, "I wouldn't have done that. Eliot Caldwell's idea of corporate negotiations is to place an opponent in a dojo and the winner in a mixed martial arts competition seals the deal they wanted."
"I'm certain the big, bad, Bat will protect me," Powers said mockingly as he retired for the evening.
"I'm sorry, Bruce," Lucius said miserably, "I never saw Powers coming."
"But the Wayne Board did," Bruce said evenly. He knew now how Derek Powers had accumulated such a fortune at such a young age. It wasn't that he was a visionary. It was that he was as determined and tenacious as a wolf. And as feral.
Bruce was surprised to find Alfred up when he arrived home at Wayne Manor. But Alfred was looking more and more haggard every day and had begun instructing his charge on how to do the daily chores the way he had with Masters Dick and Tim. Barbara had already known owing to her caring for her father after her mother left. James Gordon II hadn't been any help to her at all. In fact he'd tried to kill her in his attempt to kill their father.
"I'm sorry I'm so late, Alfred," Bruce admitted.
"Master Lucius called and left word of what had transpired between you and Eliot Caldwell and Derek Powers," Alfred told him, "It is I who should be sorry. And this is hardly an inconvenience given your normal 'working hours'. And as unexpected as it is, you have a guest."
"What kind of guest?" Bruce was wary. He'd expected the worst since White Rabbit had deduced his dual identity. Just as he'd surmised that Jaina Hudson and White Rabbit were intertwined somehow.
He'd found Jaina delightfully intoxicating but now he didn't know how to react to her. White Rabbit was an oversexed bundle of energy. But she adored him in both guises.
"The masked variety," Alfred told him, "But he wishes to speak with Bruce Wayne not Batman so it appears that day hasn't arrived yet, sir."
"Where is he?" Bruce had noted the pronoun usage.
"The drawing room," Alfred stepped aside to let Bruce through.
Calvin Rose stood in the drawing room studying the furniture and decorations. Underneath the tattered trenchcoat he wore, he was still fully garbed and armed as a Talon. His mask was off and in his hand. He scrutinized Bruce as he entered.
"Mr. Wayne," Calvin bowed his head.
Bruce had gauged him as well, "Who do you work for?"
"My name is Calvin Rose," he replied.
"That's not what I asked," Bruce retorted.
"The Court of Owls, or at least I did," Calvin admitted.
"The Court is a myth," Bruce snapped, "A nursery rhyme."
"Because you sought them out as a child and failed to find them?" Calvin scoffed, "No wonder you leave the detective work to Batman. The Court is everywhere and nowhere all at once. And I was the chosen instrument of death."
"So why are you here?" Bruce got down to business.
"Garth Ellis was my latest target. He exposed the lies surrounding my life and I had to step back and reevaluate my loyalties," Calvin confessed, "Tell me, have you ever heard of Haly's Circus?"
A lesser man would have froze. Haly's Circus was the circus the Flying Grayson's had been a part of for two generations. It was where Bruce took in Dick Grayson after his parents and brothers died.
"I was a member of that circus. I joined when I was ten. My father had died when I was eight. My mother's job at the textile factory put shelter over our heads and just enough food to survive," Calvin explained, "I'd always been good with my hands so I took up street juggling. My mother constantly forbade me to perform but it paid for clothes and the rare treats."
"One day, one of my spectator's pocket was picked. I used my baseballs to stun the perp long enough for the victim to get his wallet back," Calvin shared, "His name was Cleb Burroughs and he owned Haly's Circus so he offered me a job. To make the act interesting I started juggling knives and throwing them."
"When I was fourteen, Cleb took me to a private audition. He said the audiences first pick had been one Dick Grayson but they were now interested in my skills," Calvin revealed, "I performed in the dark. When it over the Court of Owls revealed itself and I was chosen to be the next Talon. A Talon is the Court's enforcer."
"What is it you want?" Bruce finally asked.
"I want to speak to Batman and I want to join Batman, Inc so I can help him stop the Court of Owls' plans to take over Gotham," Calvin divulged.
"After the stock exchange opens tomorrow Wayne Enterprises will no longer fund Batman, Inc. I'll be able to support Batman on my own but it will be an uphill battle to get the Wayne Foundation to fund any other members," Bruce confessed, "But I can arrange for a meeting between you and Batman tomorrow after you've had a few meals and some sleep."
"Thank you for that," Calvin relented, "Tell Batman to take me seriously. The fate of the city rests on what I have to say."
"I'll let him know," Bruce promised.
"I can't ask for more," Calvin said wearily.
Grayle Hudson's life had changed immeasurably since her father "Big Jack" Hudson had been killed. Her comfortable life as a "mafia princess" had evaporated. Five years alter that the Bertinelli family had fallen as well. She'd reached out to young Helena but her own desire for revenge precluded everything.
She'd hired the original Wrath to kill James Gordon and he'd targeted Batman as well. She'd tried focusing him solely on Gordon by seducing him but her nineteen years were no match for his older ones. He'd had a world of experience and she'd never left Gotham City.
Wrath had been killed by his own munitions while battling Batman and Gordon and the Dark Knight had survived. Grayle had been broken but she'd been taken in by Dr. Leslie Thomkins despite the Wrath using her as a hostage. Grayle had attempted to prevent him from harming Leslie and he'd knocked her out. She'd come to in time to witness his death.
She'd heard there was a new Wrath. Whether it was a successor or a copycat was anyone's guess. Frankly she didn't care. She'd devoted the last ten years to helping Leslie and funding her clinic. She'd even got mobsters gone straight to contribute to the clinic.
Most of Grayle's own trust fund was dedicated to the clinic's operations. Grayle herself worked their everyday in an administrative and financial role. She was as legitimate as Helena Bertinelli appeared to be.
Grayle was amazed no one had put together that the Huntress had appeared when Helena Bertinelli, disguised as 'Helen Burton', had reappeared in Gotham and the vendetta had ended when she'd left town. Then again, people saw what they wanted to.
Grayle's life was quiet, occasionally romantic, and always predictable. Until recently. She had a distinct feeling she was being watched. She'd contacted Commissioner Sawyer but she'd roughly told Grayle mob bosses' daughter didn't warrant the GCPD's time unless there was a clear threat. Even dead mob bosses' daughters.
Grayle couldn't pin down where the surveillance was conducted from or who was doing it. Lt. Barbara Gordon had been more sympathetic but other than making a sweep of public areas and asking landlords, superintendents, and neighbors routine questions there wasn't a lot she and Harvey Bullock could do.
And it pissed Grayle off.
Across the street, the Wrath observed Grayle through infrared and ultraviolet scopes. He also had lasers and parabolic dishes listening to her. The apartment was rented to Mr. Waters and the Waters used it as their little love nest while checking on the recordings compiled each night. Tonight they got to screw each others' brains out in the boss' bed. That presumably satisfied their kink fetishes.
Wrath smiled underneath his helmet and facemask as Grayle let a string of profanities fly. They would have been aimed at him could she prove his existence. Wrath couldn't see what his mentor had ever seen in this tart. But his mentor had "cared" for her. "Loved" was far too strong a word. And she'd betrayed him in the end.
Batman would have been distracted and vulnerable had Leslie Thomkins died and Grayle blocked that from happening. And the first Wrath had died because he was distracted. The current Wrath had a world of pain to inflict upon Grayle and he was looking forward to the doing.
Ivy finished inputting the requested data and swiveled her seat to face where Harley sat atop the back of the couch, "It's done. You're a free woman, Harl. You'll have to abandon ever putting a costume on again. But Harleen Quinzel now has a complete history with no criminal activity or incarcerations in Arkham Asylum in it."
"Wow! Thanks, Red!" Harley was elated.
"There's more," Ivy retrieved a document from a file cabinet and handed it to Harley. She read that it was a Deed of Trust and read further.
"Red, this is for a funhouse in Atlantic City," Harley was bewildered.
"It has an apartment complex attached. So you'll have a source of funds unconnected to our bank accounts," Ivy explained, "There's even a clinic nearby if you want to go back to being Dr. Quinzel."
"Ya make it sound like we'll never see each other again," Harley realized.
"We can't," Ivy was heartbroken, "I've never loved anyone else but in order for you to escape Batman you have to leave me."
Harley started sniffling, "I don't know if I can."
Ivy lifted Harley's fallen chin, "This from the badass that rocked the Suicide Squad."
Harley started to grin slightly, "Yah, I do rock."
"At least my world," Ivy leaned in and kissed her. It smoldered as it lingered.
Reluctantly she turned away, "Unfortunately now I have to pay for your getaway."
"Maybe you'd have a little time ta fool around?" Harley asked.
Ivy turned to chastise Harley only to find her stripped naked, "You little minx."
"Just an hour, I promise," Harley threw a provocative pose.
"An hour," Ivy couldn't resist if she even wanted to and she certainly didn't want to, "Let's make it a night to remember."
"Yum," Harley said with relish as she sucked on a finger.
Ivy wanted that finger.