James Gordon

Here he was on a train to Gotham city. The ride had been 12 hours of personal hell of fear, anxiety, self-loathing, and self-restraint. The latter was due to the smell of the cigarettes on the train. Quitting was harder than he thought. But for the past five his stomach had been trying to devour itself. He had left in such a rush that all he had a chance to do was dress, kiss Barbra goodbye, and grab a cup of lukewarm coffee. The only solace that he had was that he was almost there.

But in knowing this his thoughts now went to his daughter. She was smarter and more mature than most 8th graders he knew, hell even most adults. Yet all that didn't matter in Gotham so he had long decided that she would take the plane from Metropolis no matter the cost. The train was no way to come into Gotham.

In all honesty he should have taken the plane himself, but the sooner he could get away the better. At least in an airplane when you look down all you'd see are the streets and buildings. It would fool you like it did most into thinking it was a civilized place.

…

After another 2 grueling hours he finally got out of the train packed with the people that called themselves citizens of Gotham. No one dared look one another in the eye at least that was what he was told. "Excuse me Sir would you donate to The Gotham church of Saint Dumas for a copy of our word?" The man looked like no other preacher or witness that he had ever seen. In truth he looked more like a movie star with his golden locks and blue eyes the color of Barbra's favorite teal bracelet.

There was something about the man but he just hadn't the time. He would have to arrive at his first briefing at 5 and it was already 4:30. "Sorry father but I don't have the time."

The man's reply was not scornful if anything it was jovial "I am neither father nor priest but I do appreciate the sentiment. If you do not have the time then take it and read it later." With that he reached into his bag and brought out a book the size of a new testament. It had the words 'Prayers for the fire within our souls.'

As Jim was about to thank and ask the stranger his name another man approached him this one he sadly knew. "Lieutenant James Gordon! Is that you? Names Flass, Lieutenant. Detective Flass. Commissioner Loeb sent me to make sure you didn't get shot, mugged, or plain out miss your appointment with him."

Just as Jim was going to reply his horror at the last few words the detective just continued in his booming voice. "Welcome to Gotham, Jimmy. Hope you don't mind if I call you that." This time he actually looked to James and he only had the slightest nervous grin. Which he assumed Flass took for a yes. "Great! And don't worry it's not as bad as it seems. Especially if you're a cop. Cop's got it made here Jimmy."

…

"Thank you, Vicki. Now onto our next story that has taken a rather curious turn. With the disappearance of a key witness in the case against Commissioner Loeb, Assistant District Attorney Harvey Dent has withdrawn the charges of conspirac" And with that the TV was turned off and he turned around to see the commissioner himself beckoning him into his office.

"Welcome Lieutenant. And do not fret over what you see on the television. The court will properly see to it I am most certain." These words were a formality he could tell, but by the way he spoke them he would almost take them for facts himself. The man in front of him was an oddity if he had ever seen one. He was balding yet his hair was perfectly black. Perhaps dye? He had glasses that looked more for show than actual use. And lastly he had a beard that somehow seemed to force upon his face, as if with this he would obtain attention.

He choose his words carefully seeing as this would be his 'boss' for the remainder of his time here, however long that would be. "I'm sure the judge would have made the decision he found justifiable." That didn't mean he didn't show his distaste. "But asides from that Commissioner Have you decided what will be my first assignment?"

"Well after reading your file I have decided that your talents are most useful out in the field. You and Flass will go on patrol tonight at 7 that should give you enough time to eat and get acquainted with the department." So this was his way of insulting him. The man being whatever he was at least wasn't an idiot. He would have to keep an eye on him.

"You'll get my best work, sir. I promise." Again Jim would have to pick the right words. "I know I've made my mistakes, sir. I'm grateful for this chance to…prove myself." Those last words were as hard to say as the ones he had to tell Barbra, concerning his divorce.

"That was the last thing on my mind. We here at the G.C.P.D are a team. A team needs trust, don't you think?" With the delivery of these words the commissioner looked at him as if waiting for an answer. Finally Jim nodded. "Yes it does and your record shows you've got what it takes. And whatever Mistakes that you have made, lieutenant at least you kept it out of the hands of the media."

With that Commissioner Loeb lit a cigarette. For the second since arriving in the city time he regretted quitting. He must have known his distaste for it because he just smiled. "So is there anything else you would like to talk about before you leave?"

"No sir, you have nothing to worry about. I'll do my duty as I have my entire career." With this Commissioner Loeb just laughed and replied "I expect nothing else Lieutenant."

…

It was now 8 o'clock and Flass was just now arriving they were supposed to have met a whole hour ago. Looking at the man with a bottle of alcohol it was obvious as to why he was late. As most of his conversations with Flass went he was going to speak before he was beaten to the punch. "How did your meeting with the commissioner go?"

He replied quickly to not be interrupted once again. "It went well."

"See I knew you'd like the commissioner, Jimmy! And he'll be just as good to you as you are to him; I can vouch on that one" his laugh just solidified his drunkenness. He would endure as he told himself on numerous occasion that it was this or pumping gas in Midway City and that is no way to raise a child.

While in his thoughts he had failed to notice the drunken Flass walking out of the police car. "Flass what the..." He didn't know what he expected next, hopefully nothing seriously idiotic.

"Don't worry Jimmy it aint nothing I can't handle solo." Flass then turned to look at a group of youths hanging around a corner. "Your Mother know you out here, Steve?" the youth could barely get a response out when Flass proceeded to beat him.

He thought to himself before he did anything stupid. He needed harder truths and facts before he'd try and bring down another cop. It was sad to admit but no one would care if it was just a child. But he would pay attention for later.

From what he could tell Flass has had former Green Beret training. He also knows how to use his size. No doubt that came from years of being the superior in most fights. I may not do anything but I memorize every move. For future reference.

As Flass entered the cop car Jim asked "Was that necessary?" On queue Flass tossed what seemed like a knife to Jim and with a smile he replied "He had this Beaut in his possession officer"

He looked at it and tiredly spoke "It's a comb for Christ sakes, Flass." Still with a smile on his face Flass replied. "Jeez. Jimmy I'm only human." This man may be a drunkard but he seems to know how to do his preferred version of his job. God bringing Barbara here….What was he thinking? Maybe he should have moved to Central City or Coast City like his mother had asked him to.