CHAPTER 2

The court room is silent as the last of the jury trickles in.

"Now," begins the judge, "the preliminary council has ruled that the case #34596201 be taken to court to decide what is to be done with this threat to our city."

"I'm sitting right here!" calls Meg from the defendant desk.

"Ahem," coughs the judge, shuffling a few papers, "This court of the People of Gotham vs. Miss Meg is now in session. Mr. Carson, the floor is yours." The famous city lawyer steps out onto the floor. Meg squirms in her seat, not liking the look of the smarmy attorney. Or the various women sitting behind her wearing "Will Carson" pins.

"I would first like to request that the defendant not be permitted from speaking at any point during this trial."

"What?" cries Meg, outraged, "Why not?"

"Your honor, this girl has the power to control people's minds when she sings. Would you like her to influence the jury?"

"Objection!" cries Meg, "I have requested to represent myself before this jury. I need to speak." Carson walks over to where the judge sits.

"We'll break for a short recess to discuss what measures of protection are to be taken against this threat." With a bang of the gavel, the crowd begins to disperse. Meg stands up, shaking off the guards attempting to take her back to her cell and walks quickly to Carson.

"What was that all about? I am no threat to the people of this court; I deserve to be treated with some respect."

"Your Honor, if she is allowed to represent herself, I request that an ankle monitor be in place. If one musical note comes out of that mouth, it will instill a powerful knockout serum."

"You have access to such a device?"

"You're considering it? I am still a human being!"

"Right here in my briefcase."

"I am inclined to agree with you Mr. Carson."

"Do I get a say in this?"

"Miss. Meg, it is merely a precaution to be taken to keep some of the jury members at ease. Please?"

"Fine. I'll agree to your demoralizing and idiotic, HEY!" she cries out suddenly as Carson snaps the monitor around her ankle.

"Very good. We'll continue tomorrow after you have a chance to adapt to these new circumstances." Meg scowls at the judge as the guards take her by the arm and escort her toward the door. They are stopped by Bruce Wayne.

"Hello, Meg?" he greets her, "My name is Bruce Wayne. I'd like to help you with your case."

"You don't even know me. Aren't you afraid I'll try to take over your mind?"

"No. I trust you. I swear, I'll help you prepare your defense. I won't let anything happen that shouldn't." she looks at him, confusedly.

"You remind me of someone Mr. Wayne. I can't quite put my finger on it, but-"

"Hey, we've got to be at the holding facility before six. Get a move on," grumbled one of the guards.

"I'll come with you," says Bruce, smiling. Meg smiles back. The four step out onto the steps of the courthouse and are immediately swarmed with press.

"Meg, what do you intend to do with your power?"

"Well, uh-"

"Are you related to the Music Meister?"

"What? No!"

"Do you plan to take over Gotham?"

"Of course not!" she sings involuntarily, "I've no plans for this city; I've no quarrel with this town!

Would you all just let me be?

And take with you this vicious crowd!" The last note pierces the air and leaves the reporters transfixed and confused. Meg opens her mouth once more, but soon faints as the serum enters her bloodstream. She begins to fall forward and Bruce, the only one not spellbound, catches her

"No comment," he says into a microphone held by a starry-eyed man. He leads Meg to the waiting car as the guards snap out of it and follow suit, taking the shotgun and driver's seat. Bruce lays Meg down in the back seat and buckles her in, much like a father. Then, closing the door to the oncoming throng of newly woken reporters, he adjusts his earplugs so they sit more comfortably. One had almost fallen out and heaven knows what could have happened then.