Chapter 4
"My name is Shayera Hol as you already know," said Shayera as she began her tale, "I am a Captain in the Thanagarian Law Enforcement. It's honestly a new set up we have so much of what we know is still infantile compared to your planet's Law Enforcement history. Much of what you have advanced in the field of law is considered new back home. I am one of the first females to make it into the rank of Captain in the history of Law enforcement which really isn't that big of a deal when women are already participating in our military. When Byth had broken out of prison I was the only one in patrol that had been able to stop him. He had stolen a military ship filled with artifacts and newly designed equipments that could have changed how we viewed our planet's history and improved our way of life.
The machine you saw attached to Byth's chest was a prehistoric 'life-enhancer', something which I thought was only a story to tell children before they went to sleep. My people long ago worshipped a foul god who gave us culture, technology, and knowledge. The god, Cthulhu, had required all of our warriors to wear the 'life-enhancer'. The 'life-enhancer' requires hearts of sacrificed individuals to power the machines and prolong the life of the wearer. Unfortunately for Byth, the machine is causing his heart to implode instead of enhance which is why he began his spread of terror in your city. Before I crash landed here on Earth, I had made an attempt to stop Byth from escaping in the warp space where he would have been impossible to track down and who knows where he might have ended up. I crashed my ship onto his in an attempt to stop him from entering it, but we were both pulled in. My ship was able to withstand the blow, but his wasn't. I believe in a desperate attempt Byth had attempted to secure his survival by putting on whatever was available on the ship. It was a foolish attempt and it did not really secure his survival."
"How was Byth able to land here on Earth though three weeks before you crash landed?" asked Tim.
"The warp space must've landed you on different time. I'm sure if had Byth's ship not burned and blew past you, you both might have arrived on Earth at the same time." theorized Bruce.
"Couldn't have explained it better myself. Unfortunately since both Byth's ship and my ship has not survived the entrance to Earth, I have no way of transporting of transporting him or myself back to Thanagar." said Shayera.
"Couldn't you call anybody to help you? Build like a communicator or something?" asked Barbara.
"No, I am only a Captain. Most of what I know of engineering and mechanics is limited to weaponry and basic commercial flight engines… nothing that could withstand the intensity of warp space. I don't even recognize any of the stars up in space. I was… never good at engineering like my father. My mother was an archeologist and a historian so most engineering knowledge is based on ancient engineering… something equivalent to your modern cars." said Shayera.
"You said that law enforcement was a new concept in your world? What changed it?" asked Bruce.
"So many things. My parents would tell me a time of when peace and harmony existed in my planet. Our military was never used to conquer or cause wars, rather we helped keep the peace in our section of the universe. Then the Gordanians arrived wanting to enslave my people and our neighboring planets. They were successful for the first month: enslaving not only my people but the Jorgons and the Tamaranians, but my people quickly learned the ways of war and justice so now everything on my planet is dedicated to total war. We fought back harder than we ever did when we overthrew Cthulhu from our home planet. We wanted freedom so fought for it. Like most wars I learned though based on your planet's history was that with war came crime. It spread like a disease throughout our planet. We needed to tame it quickly so much of my parent's generation was spent learning how to enforce justice against crime. We managed to quell the large crime spree that existed but we haven't been able to get rid of it." said Shayera.
The occupants of the table were silent, digesting everything that Shayera had opened up about. It was thrilling to hear stories about another world and the similar traits they have one planet to another.
"So then how are you getting home?" asked Tim. He watched as sadness erupted across her face before it was back to her neutral face.
"I don't know," whispered Shayera as she felt tears threatening to show on her eyes but she pulled it back.
"Well then you can stay here! I'm pretty sure you can stay here in Gotham!" said Tim, excited at the idea of having another crime fighter in Gotham.
"I don't think that's such a good idea." said Bruce.
"Why not? She can handle the big guys just fine." said Barbara.
"I mean no. Many people have seen Byth terrorize the streets and it wouldn't be too long until someone makes the connection that a woman with similar wings to the terrorist is residing in Gotham." said Bruce.
"Oh." said Tim, "Then she can stay here."
Shayera was touched at his willingness to open his home for her, but she knew that she needed open space and more food in her dietry. She liked working in the day as well, while they worked in the dark. Shayera realized that she needed to know more about this planet and for that, she needs to leave and explore… wouldn't her mother be proud of her now?
"As much as I appreciate the gesture, I must find a way home." said Shayera, "I need to discover if any other artifacts had been on the ship as well. I wouldn't put it past Byth to have hidden other artifacts for him to find later and use."
"Where would you go though? It's kind of hard to hide those wings." said Dick as he got up from his seat to grab some milk.
"I'm not sure where. I have found a national park in my 'studies' of Earth nearby Gotham. Midway I believe its name is. Based on the news reports, Byth had crash-landed there and I need to find those artifacts before it falls in the wrong hands." said Shayera.
"Before you leave, I want you to meet someone who can help you." said Bruce as he got up and left the room. Everything was silent in the kitchen until Shayera asked, "Is he always so brute and bold in his exits?"
"Sometimes my dear, but I wouldn't worry. He's always had a thing for the theatrics." said Alfred as he cleaned the table and put the dishes in the wash. Shayera spent the day fixing her armor that had been pierced by Byth's clawed hand in the batcave. She realized that she would need to replace her armor with something more durable and withstanding if Byth's claws had been able to pierce through it. Where though? Much of this planet's resources might help her but none would be able to hold the power that came from her mace.
Her mace was one of the last weapons to be manufactured by Nth Metal, a resource that is all but gone now. Much of the Nth metal went into armor and weapon production but during the first assault on the Gordonians, all Nth metal was given to the military for use. With the increase of factory productions though, Shayera had theorized during her first year as an officer that Nth metal would cease to exist. She kept her mace's origins a secret, telling everybody that it was built with lesser metal. She couldn't begin to think about parting with her mace, something that she had worked hard for since her ceremony. Her armor was made of cheaper metal for the law enforcement units. The arm brace was the only item, aside from her mace, that had Nth metal properties but only because Shayera was lucky enough to be the one chosen to test it before it was sent to the military.
Shayera sighed as she waited for the metal to cool down. She needed to find a way home. Her family's probably worried out of their minds… or mourning. That final word brought back Shayera to what will most likely happen back home. The force would inform her family that she had most likely died in the attempt to keep the peace. There will be mourning: her father and mother would build the funeral pyre with her possessions since they don't have her body and her brother will most likely be the one to throw the torch, signalling the end of one life and the beginning of another. Shayera quickly wiped her tears away and began to work again on her armor, evening out the dents and polishing the dirt off.
When night came, Shayera said her goodbyes to Tim and Alfred for Barbara and Dick had departed earlier in the day to their homes.
"Come visit ok?" asked Tim, as he still continued to hug Shayera even when she was shaking hands with Alfred.
"I'll visit." promised Shayera as Tim finally let her go. Bruce had dressed up as the Batman again and held out a small earpiece to her.
"What is this?" asked Shayera as she placed it on her ear.
"It's a comm-link. I'll be able to communicate with you while you're up in the air." explained Bruce. He stepped inside the batmobile and Shayera flexed her wings, ready for another flight. When he drove away, Shayera glanced behind her to give a quick wave goodbye to Tim and Alfred. They waved back as she took up into the air and quickly followed Bruce back into the city of Gotham. The night air was brisk and cold, but with her armor and healed body, Shayera was able to enjoy her nightflight. She could hear several miles away Bruce's vehicle revving through the streets and she quickly gained altitude before diving down and following him.
We're going to meet a man that can help you settle in Midway. she heard Bruce speak to her in the com-link.
How can he help? asked Shayera.
He knows the Captain and Commissioner of Midway City. They might be able to help you with their search. explained Bruce.
Shayera left it at that and made sure to stick high above the building as Bruce navigated through the streets. It was when he stopped the vehicle in an alleyway and got out that Shayera landed on top of a roof and watched him. A light suddenly engulfed the air and Shayera looked up to see that silhouetted on the clouds was the symbol of a bat. She followed the light source to see an old man wearing a large overcoat smoking a pipe. She curiously watched him as he stared up at the light and turn when Bruce appeared behind him. Shayera quietly glided over to where they were and hid behind a wall, after all Bruce didn't really say that she could move greet the man.
"Batman." greeted the man to Bruce.
"Commissioner," said Bruce back in a grittier voice, "Before we begin our routine, I want you to meet someone."
"Not another sidekick? It's bad enough you have three running around Gotham and I have to keep my men from shooting point blank at them." said the Commissioner as he puffed in a smoke.
"She wouldn't appreciate getting shot at after taking care of the Heart-Eater." said Bruce, with a slight humor in his voice.
"Say that again?" asked the Commissioner. Bruce gave a slight nod and Shayera took it as a means to finally reveal herself. She walked out from behind the wall and walked towards them. Her footsteps were heavy by the armor which alerted the Commissioner of her presence. He turned and Shayera was almost amused when his pipe almost fell out of his gaping mouth. She figured she might look more intimidating than Bruce by her mask, her gold, red and black armor and her mace hanging by her hip.
"Th-That's a-a?" stuttered the Commissioner.
"I am Captain Shayera Hol and I am from the Thanagarian Law Enforcement." Shayera said as she introduced herself. She stuck her hand out like she read from the Absorbatron as a way of greeting. A couple of seconds ticked by and Shayera was feeling a little awkward. Bruce slightly nudged the Commissioner who shook his head to break out of his stupor and shook hands with Shayera.
"Uhhm.. I am Commissioner James Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department." said Commissioner Gordon.
"I am in need of assistance." said Shayera, wanting to get it over with. It felt strange involving this human in her quest, but if Bruce trusted the man then she can as well. The Absorbatron suddenly began to bombard her with news of James Gordon. Flashes of images danced before her eyes as one after another, Shayera was absorbing information about James Gordon. He was a loyal, honorable, and dedicated man. Shayera had grasped her head slightly but recovered quickly.
"Are you alright?" asked Bruce, noticing her slight pain.
"I'm fine. The Absorbatron was just giving me more information." said Shayera.
"I thought you gathered all information you needed on Earth." said Bruce.
"In a way, I only took all the information I needed not what I wanted." said Shayera.
"I'm a little lost here." said Commissioner Gordon making his presence known again.
"I'm sorry. I need assistance in locating and retrieving artifacts that came with Byth." explained Shayera.
"Who?" asked Commissioner Gordon.
"The Heart-Eater." informed Bruce.
"I believe his hide-out might have been close to Midway City." said Shayera.
"Then why get me to help?" asked Commissioner Gordon, wondering what role he has to play.
"We need you to help introduce her to the Midway City Police Department. She's going to need help in grouping the artifacts away from the wrong hands." explained Bruce.
"Ah-huh…. alright we can get to that after I give you this." said Commissioner Gordon as he gave Bruce a strange vial filled with contaminated water.
"Clayface." said Bruce simply, eyes narrowing. Commissioner Gordon nodded his head in agreement and said, "We found traces of his mud all along the water reserves, we managed to stop the contamination from spreading in the city, but we don't know where to find our mucky friend."
"Leave it to me. In the meantime can you help our friend here meet with the MCPD?" asked Bruce.
"Sure thing. Aside from Clayface, we think this might be a quiet night. I have officers on the patrol in the meantime." said Commissioner Gordon as he waved bye at the Batman who left after an exchange of nods with Shayera Hol.
Commissioner Gordon turned to truly look at the woman more clearly and saw that she was almost as tall his daughter, Barbara. Her wings give her an added height deception however, distracting people from her mace and armor.
"Come along, Miss Hol. We have a long drive ahead of us." said Gordon, as he took out his cellphone. Shayera watched with interest as he punched in a series of numbers and began to talk into it.
"Hello? Barbara? Hey, I'll be out all night and I'll probably won't see you until tomorrow afternoon. I have some business to take care of in Midway City. Ok, honey. Yeah. I know what the doctor said. Ok honey, I love you too. Bye."
"A loved one?" asked Shayera, knowing it was already Barbara Gordon the Batgirl but decided to play the fool in case the man was not aware of his daughter's night-time vigilante role. Rath'a only knows, though.
"Yeah, my daughter. Always thinks I'm one step away from over the edge." chuckled Commissioner Gordon, "Anyways, my police cruiser is parked in the alley. Let's go."
Shayera watched him make a move towards the door and deciding that the quicker they get to the vehicle then the faster they can get to Midway was to grab the Commissioner from under his arms and flew him down to the alley.
"WHOA! WHOA! ALRIGHT! THAT WAS FUN, BUT PLEASE GIVE AN OLD MAN WARNING NEXT TIME!" said Commissioner Gordon, feeling the adrenaline beat against his heart with vigor.
"I apologize." said Shayera, feeling guilt swell up inside her. Gordon noticed the guilty stance and quickly said, "Like I said, it was fun." Shayera gave a weak smile and followed the Commissioner to his vehicle. She balked however at the size of the vehicle. There was almost no room for her wings and Shayera knew that was going to be a problem.
"Alright, hop in." said Commissioner Gordon as he unlocked the car and opened the backdoor. He looked behind him to see the woman give him a blank stare… or what could be described as a blank stare as he couldn't really tell behind her mask.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I don't…. I don't like small spaces. Perhaps I could fly above and follow you." Said Shayera.
Gordon looked at his vehicle and then at her wings.
"Oh. I guess you could. Once daylight breaks out though, you're just going to have to deal with it. Here." Said Gordon as he reached in the passenger seat and pulled out a pair of walkie-talkies. After fiddling with the devices he gave one to Shayera and spoke in the one he kept for himself.
Here me good?
"Yes. I can hear you in this communicator and outwardly as well." Confirmed Shayera.
Gordon chuckled and said, "Good. Now let's get this show on the road."
Shayera launched herself into the sky and followed the Commissioner as he drove out of the city and into new uncharted territory. Shayera took the time and solitude to think over her self-placed mission. She needed to find any artifacts that might have been hidden by Byth and retrieve them immediately. She knows enough about illegal artifact trading in other planets to know that if any humans come across Thanagarian technology, it could spell doom.
Many hours passed by and the night turned to day. Shayera and Gordon had checked in with each other every other hour to be sure that they didn't get separated. It was at the first sign of daybreak that Gordon called in through the walkie-talkie, "Hey, now's the time for you to hitch a ride."
He stopped the car on the side of the road and waited for Shayera to land. It took a while as cars passed by them on the highway, but once it cleared Shayera dove out of the cloud coverage and landed quickly beside Gordon.
"I know this might be a little uncomfortable, but we can't have you just showing up wings, armor, and mace without panicking the public." Explained Gordon as he opened the backdoor.
"I have seen the news report of Superman and this man called the Flash performing extraordinary abilities though out in the daylight. I haven't seen anyone else reacting negatively towards it." Said Shayera as, after a brief struggle, squeezed in the backseat.
"You probably only read the recent news liners about our current times. Back when Superman, Flash, and even Batman began their hero crusade, nobody wanted them. I'll admit even I was skeptical about Batman in the beginning. This is what I want to try and help you avoid. We need to show the Midway Police that you are a trustworthy ally." Explained Commissioner Gordon as he sat back up in the front seat and continued to drive to Midway. Shayera nodded her head in understanding and began to ask questions about Gordon's detective techniques. After an hour of talking, Gordon announced, "Here we are."
Shayera looked out the window to see a city grow in the distance. It was beautiful to say the least. The tall buildings, unlike Gotham's dark exterior, were shining in the sun and reflecting the blue sky into an even deeper blue color. Shayera leaned a little out to see more of the city as they drive by many factories and old rundown buildings. Shayera moved from one window to the other trying to catch more of Midway. Gordon had to suppress a chuckle as the alien woman moved from window to window trying to catch all of the city. Midway certainly was a brighter place than Gotham.
Jim could feel butterflies form in his stomach as he thought about what to say to Commissioner Emmett. Commissioner George Emmett was very vocal about superheroes interfering with police business and has often expressed his distaste during Police Balls and Fundraisers. He shrugged the feelings aside and parked his squad car in an open alley next to the police station.
"Ok, I'll go inside first ok? You wait here until I come get you, alright?" instructed Gordon. Shayera nodded her affirmation and flexed her wings a bit, trying to stave off the claustrophobia. Gordon noticed her obvious discomfort and said, "I'll be quick."
He quickly walked out of the car and rounded out of the alley to the Midway City Police Station. He walked in and looked around the building. The bottom floor was filled with officers on desk duty and operators taking in calls. Gordon looked around until he found the stairs and made his way up towards Commissioner Emmett's office. When he reached the office door, Gordon took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
Hey readers, sorry for the late post. I had finals for my summer school classes. This is what I could do under the circumstances. I'll be working on the next chapter now that finals are over so hopefully it'll be up by Sunday. Thanks for reading and leave a review for suggestions or opinions. Thank you :)