Deathstroke stared down the flaming belt to ensure his targets were dead. He saw Redhood and knew immediately to check twice. He walked over to the edge of the pier examining the dark water looking for distortion signs of movement. Signs of life.
Below Artemis had manage to get both Redhood and a wounded Operator 36 into the water. They were all very still lined up against the dock right under Deathstroke. The mercenary scanned for a bit longer then looked down directly under him. He started at it for a bit getting suspicious. He was about to go for his blade when he heard gunfire crack from one of the thugs.
He switched his attention to see Batgirl attacking his thugs. Just great. He thought as he drew his sword and decided to deal with the immediate threat. Then the three vigilantes emerged out of the water running barely having enough time to catch their breath.
"The dumpster that lying drunkard captain may be our only hope." Operator 36 said realizing the files he'd stolen were ruined by the water.
"No one move!" Batman shouting, "This ends here and now."
"Batman," Redhood started, "You don't understand-"
"I don't understand!" Batman shouted clearly aggravated, "You're right I don't understand why you are aiding a murder. You swore not to kill."
"If you two aren't busy." Deathstroke said strolling over. He'd knocked out the Batgirl and was ready to get in another fight, "I have a contract to full fill."
"No! No one is killing anyone right now!" Batman yelled ready to fight the veteran mercenary.
"Batman trust me," Redhood replied, "I'm not aiding him to cause more death I'm aiding him so it can end."
The Dark knight had a decision to make and a tough one. And not a lot of time as Deathstroke drew his pistol and started shooting. Operator 36 was struck in the shoulder as he moved. Batman was quick to throw out a batarang striking the gun out of the mercenary's hand. Deathstroke drew his sword and charged. Batman moved dodging a strike with his gauntlet and head butted the mercenary throwing him back.
"Fine go get it done we'll discuss this later." Batman replied as he lunged at Deathstroke fists clenched.
Redhood nodded and the three made a run for it as Batman faced off against the world's deadliest mercenary. 5
The Dark knight and the terminator clashed Batman managing to disarm Deathstroke breaking his blade with the gauntlets. Deathstroke in response moved quick as he drew out his staff striking quickly at the dark knight with both ends. Batman blocked each strike as he tried to find a good opportunity to strike.
However Deathstroke managed to get a clean hit with his foot to the Dark knight's chest. Batman fell back the terminator then threw out a smoke grenade. Batman charged but felt nothing threw the smoke. Whatever Jason was doing it was all up to him now.
Minutes later came down the streets towards the alley.numerous thugs saw them and Redhood knew this as he clenched his pistol. A large red Muscle car in particular speeder by the driver had a machine pistol. Redhood turned and fired shooting out the tire causing it to flip. Several other thugs emerged from seemingly everywhere with guns.
"Operator get your man Artemis let's show these thugs just what they're gunning for." Redhood said taking out both pistols.
Artemis said nothing simply drawing her blade and taking a fighting stance as she charged. Redhood followed firing away. He shot to wound hitting shoulder blades and knee caps mostly. Artemis meanwhile abstained from cutting and struck hard and quick with the pommel of her sword and her fist.
Operator 36 meanwhile opened the dumpster throwing the man over his shoulder. He then sprinted out to see Redhood and Artemis working side by side to down the criminals. The remaining thugs saw they were out matched and turned an ran.
"What next?" Questioned Redhood putting his pistols a way.
"Well I figured we hightail out to my hidden outpost in Gotham I'd radio my FBI contacts they send s helicopter and get me and the target out of here."
"Deathstroke the terminator is chasing us you realise he'll find some way to follow is there." Redhood said.
"Yes I realize this and as a counter argument I have better weapons there and it's a lot easier to defend ourselves in there opposed to out in the streets."
"Fine," Redhood concluded, "Let's go."
They ran threw the streets on constant guard for it seemed Black mask had mercenaries could be anywhere and any one.
They then came to a hotel that seemed abandoned having gone out of business. However as they entered the lobby they discovered what Operator 36 had done with it. Inside he'd converted to his personal base with weapon shelves everywhere. He kept numerous types of blades all over the walls. He even kept a small computer on what was the counter for check in.
"Alright, make yourselves comfortable in my home I don't care if you trash the place I'll be moving out soon." Operator replied as he opened a door to the back office.
"What'd you suppose he keeps in there?" Questioned Artemis.
"Grenades." Redhood replied looking around and not seeing a space for grenades.
It took Operator 36 about five minutes before he was done. He came out in his full battle gear gas mask and all. He then moved over to a weapons rack remembering exactly where he kept the 416. He turned to Redhood.
"Get our smuggler friend to the top floor close to roof but don't put him on the roof other wise our enemies will see him." 36 replied, "And get ready we're going to have company pretty soon. Grab whatever you think will be useful."
Operator 36 meanwhile threw numerous weapons out on the counter. He decided what he would need first was of course HK416 which he was quick to lock and load then put over his shoulder on a strap. Then there was the M24 sniper he kept on his right back shoulder. He then took out the two katanas putting them in two she's the forming an X on his back. He took out a long sword sliding down another sheath under the X. He then made sure he had his trustee combat knife putting it on his utility belt. He then swung out a Roman gladius sheathing it on his side. He brought both a glock 22 and M1911 out slapping clips in both and then placing them hostlers on each leg. Then finally was the Mk 46 machine gun.
"Wow somebody's ready to party." Redhood said seeing all the weapons especially the machine gun, "That doesn't look like the standard army loadout."
"Well, normal infantry guys even tier one guys don't got my enhancements so I thought I'd make the most use out of them. How's our prisoner?" Operator 36 questioned.
"Secured near the top floor." Artemis said, "It should also be noted he's unconscious."
"I can live with that," 36 admitted as he whipped out his cell phone, "Gonna make a call keep an eye out."
"Will do." Redhood said sticking with his two pistols and knives. However he eyed one of the several SMGs, "You got a scorpion EVO."
"I got everything." Operator 36 as his phone rang. He sat there praying Jade would pick before Deathstroke finished tracking their footsteps. Normally he didn't return to this place till day when and entered with a car connected to one if many identities dressed in civilian where. However Deathstroke knew what he'd look like. The mercenary was most likely going threw video footage right now from street cameras tracking his steps.
"Hello." Operator 36 heard over the line. It was Jade. 36 felt a sigh of relief come over him.
"Jade get Maxwell and your squad up I got a target that needs helo extraction from Gotham I'm at the hotel." Operator 36 said having show her where his hideout in case they ever needed to meet there, "And before you ask yes I'm absolutely sure this requires helo extraction. Every goddamn gun in the city is looking for me. The target won't make out alive if I try to get to your position myself."
"I tell you to be careful and this is how you go about it." Jade said a little annoyed having been woken from her sleep, "Hold on we'll be there in roughly an hour."
Operator 36 acknowledged and hung up. He slid the phone back in his pocket and didn't like the feeling of leaving the prisoner alone.
"We got about an hour till HRT shows up." He said, "One of us should probably watch the hostage in fact seeking higher ground might not be a bad idea all together."
However Redhood saw it was to late for that as he saw movement outside the front window. He didn't hesitate to grab the scorpion EVO and load it. He pulled the bolt back and opened fire watching the bullets fly into Black Mask's thugs who attempted to enter threw the from. The bullets shot three of them dead.
"There here we need to go!" Redhood shouted pulling out his pistol with one hand as he held the emptied Scorpion up by the barrel. He fired three times.
"I got the machine gun you two get to the stairs I'll cover then join you." Operator 36 said in response aiming the weapon knowing a very large amount of gun men were moving in.
Redhood and Artemis didn't waste time with words they just ran towards the staircase. Outside Deathstroke and Black mask stood as one hundred if black mask's thugs got out. Each heavily armed with assault rifles or shotguns.
"This all your men?" Questioned Deathstroke watching as they charged towards the lobby.
"No why?" Questioned Black Mask.
Neither man hesitated to duck for cover behind one the several SUV's out front as the MK 46 roared the bright flash shimmering in Operator 36's lenses. He moved forward to provide cover squeezing the trigger watching the bullets fly like hornets out a nest. Numerous men who were charging gunned down by the bullets before they had the chance to know what was happening. Deathstroke could feel the bullets pounding the bullet proof SUV.
He however refused to stay pinned. He quickly with drew an M4 carbine with an Acog and moved from cover aiming over the hood. He fired right back also full auto. Operator and his enhanced reactions moved after his armor felt one bullet strike the chest. He dodged the others and then moved for the staircase following Red Hood and Artemis.
"Did you get him?" Black mask questioned having his own pistol drawn as well.
"No bastards fast." Deathstroke admitted, "Let your men go in first ware him down."
Black mask looked over his SUV already twenty men were on the ground dead. Leaving eighty to go in after the vigilante commando and according to Deathstroke he had associates.
"I got a few helicopters." Black mask started.
"Send them in." Deathstroke replied, "And make it quick we've made a lot of noise last thing I need right now is a second run in with the batman."
Operator 36 dumped the machine gun having exhausted it's clip. But he made good use of it so it and right now Deathstroke was on him. The one man he knew could kill him given the chance. As he made his way into the staircase and began going up he saw Redhood a few floors up running with Artemis as well. He began running up behind him.
Ten of Black mask's men came in only minutes later. Redhood looked down seeing them as they opened fire trying to kill Operator. He aimed down firing his bullets from the Scorpion smg flew right past Operator. They struck five of the men right on top of the head. Operator 36 looked to see the other five all firing right up at him. He took out a frat grenade from his belt throwing it down right as more men charged in.
Several curses were uttered. Man tried running but ultimately weren't quick enough as the rest went off the explosion was followed by screams. Operator kept running his body armor had held up so far.
Operator 36 then quickly joined Redhood and Artemis on the top floor. They moved into the hall way right as more men moved into the staircase. They cursed as they saw blood and body parts of their comrades scattered around. One man saw the floor their enemy was on.
"Top floor." He shouted to the other gunmen. Some were quick to get in the two elevators headed for the same exact floor. Others took the stairs. While another group waited outside for further orders.
The three vigilantes meanwhile were quick to take up defensive positions. Redhood stood near the elevators his gun ready. Thirty six got ready with his HK416 knowing men would follow up the stairwell for that's what he would do. No what he would do was come down roof on a rope threw one of the top floor windows. However that didn't seem with Black Mask's immediate resources. Artemis stood next to him readying her sword.
The elevator made a ding as the doors came open. Redhood moved quick as sixteen men eight in each elevator came out. Redhood was quick to squeeze the trigger shooting four away at point blank. He then heard a click.
"Son of a bitch." He cursed as he was quick to correct his mistake. He used his gun as a blunt object striking a man hard across the face with butt of the gun throwing him against the wall.
He then blocked q strike from one and pulled his pistol. He was quick to shoot that man in the chest twice at point blank. He was quick to take out two others with a head shot. He then roundhouse kicked a GC36C out of another man's hand. He was then quick to grab out of the air as he dodged several bullets and turned the rifle on the thugs. He squeezed the trigger the bullets riddled all of his enemies who fell dead in the hallway blood was everywhere. Redhood grabbed the clips to the gun from the dead man.
"Forgot to reload the Scorpion I see." Operator 36 said in joking manner, "And you didn't grab enough clips man I thought you were a professional."
"O shut up," Redhood replied jokingly, "I grabbed all the clips you had for that gun so it's your fault."
"Gentlemen, there's still men coming up the staircase and more will probably go up the elevator." Artemis commented.
"I got an idea." Operator 36 replied, "Redhood you and me we'll take the guys in the stairs. Artemis stay here when the elevator shaft opens charge in before men can exit. Take em all down then disable the elevator. I trust you can figure that out how to do that."
"I'll get creative." Artemis said headed towards the elevator.
Operator 36 and Redhood meanwhile moved towards the staircase throwing the door open. Operator 36 then jumped across the staircase towards the corner of the next floor directly across. While he was in the air he saw a group of men charging that way. He already had his HK416 drawn aimed and ready to fire. He unleashed a volley of bullets as the shells rained down to the floors below. The bullets flew angled downward. Five men were shot dead their blood flying against the wall and other men. As Operator 36 flew in he let his rifle hand from his shoulder strap. He then drew his gladius as landed quickly slashing a man's hand off causing the thug top drop his rifle. He then pushed that man over down the staircase. He then blocked several bullets with the short blade as He attacked slashing men across the chest.
Redhood jumped towards a group a bit in front of 36. He flew with his GC36C opening fire nailing five men. He landed and turned the rifle on more thugs squeezing the trigger. He then withdrew his hand gun quick to gun down more. 36 counted his bullets as he ran a man threw with his blade. He had two shots left.
"Redhood." 36 said as with drew his blade and threw it.
Redhood heard this and grabbed the sword by the handle and was quick to decapitate a man sending his head down the stair well. He then charged forward running another man threw. He was quick to then continue fighting. Then with his M1911 drawn Operator 36 jumped to the next floor firing away.
Artemis could hear the gunshots and screams coming from the stairwell and was getting quite board. Of course she gets stuck with the boring job. However she heard a ding as the elevator opened. She charged in into an elevator filled with assault rifles. One man fired Artemis grabbed the barrel of his rifle and turned the gun fire on four of his comrades. She then jabbed the elbow into the man's ribs shattering them.
Then using her advanced speed and reflexes she drew her blade quick to seat several bullets coming at her as she then brought the blade across the chest of one man jabbed into another's chest. Then with drew and was quick to decapitate the last man. Her job wasn't finished yet. She looked and went threw the roof threw a door. Once she was on top she grabbed the elevator line. Then using her enhanced strength snapped the lines. The elevator taken by gravity fell to the ground a loud bang was heard as the elevator was crushed having hit the ground.
She swung back out and saw eight men with guns starring her down. She didn't take into account the other elevator. She lunged at them quick to kick one back throwing him on the ground in the hallway. She then drew her blade and brought across to men's chests almost in sync. She swung the blade deflecting more bullets as she was quick to move in finishing the last few. She heard man she kicked behind her getting back up with his gun. She grabbed a pistol from one the men she already took out and shot him right in the forehead. The man collapsed to the ground.
"So you do know how to use a gun." Operator 36 said as he and Redhood returned from the staircase.
"Yes, but as you can see for the most part I don't use them so there is no point in carrying one." Artemis replied.
"Fine I'll let it go for now," Said Operator 36, "Let's deal with the second elevator."
Operator 36 and Redhood pried the doors open. Artemis jumped in quick to use her strength to rip the lines up. She thought she heard a scream as the next elevator crashed to the ground. She then jumped back in the hall.
"How long was all of that?" Questioned Redhood.
"Thirty minutes." Operator 36 replied.
"Gotta be fucking joking I mean at least another thirty and Deathstroke hasn't even appeared yet." Redhood said while exciting fighting as many men they had took a lot of work.
"I wish I was." Operator 36 said, "I'm down my assault rifle hand guns aren't doing to well either."
"Sounds like should've grabbed more ammo than you actually did." Redhood shot back.
"How you two holding physiologically we've killed a lot of people," Operator 36 started, "Something I'm told you two don't do often."
"It's nothing I couldn't see myself doing if we're being completely honest." Redhood replied having decided not to kill do to Batman, "Man Batman's going to kill me."
"Ain't that ironic." Operator 36 replied jokingly, "And you goddess of the hunt."
"If I wanted to avoid killing I would've." Artemis replied.
"Damn, now that's savage." Operator 36 replied, "And that's coming from a former operator of-"
He was cut off as the sound of two helicopters flying in the sky. The buzz of their engines sounding as they came around the building.
"HRT?" Questioned Redhood.
"There to early." Artemis said suspiciously.
"Fuck everyone hit the ground!" Operator 36 shouted everyone did just that as machine gun bullets flew threw the wall way from two helicopters on both sides. 36 had actually grabbed their prisoner and forced him on the ground, "I'm gonna take out the chopper to one end Artemis use your powers to take the other Redhood don't let the prisoner move."
Although it was hard to hear him. Operator 36 had used clear and concise hand movements depicting what he was planning. Redhood and Artemis simply nodded. Artemis got up and used her enhanced speed to Sprint last all the bullets shredding threw as she went towards an east window to take on a helicopter coming right towards her.
Operator 36 with drew the M24 sniper he pulled the bolt back as he charged up getting the small helicopter in view. He fired the bullet flying threw the glass window of the small copter into the pilots head who fell over with the joystick. The helicopter spun around the tale rotor going right threw a hotel room the blades just barely missing 36. The helicopter then went to ground spinning out of control till it crashed smashing up the front and tearing the tail rotor off.
Artemis lunged at the other one her battle axe drawn. She smashed right into it with the axe striking the pilot in the chest. She then sprang back wards the helicopter spinning out of control as it hurtled towards the ground crashing completely destroying the vehicle. She almost missed the window Redhood grabbing her arm before she fell the pulled her in. She fell on him the two stared at each other for half second.
"We are not doing this." Artemis said rolling off and walking away.
"What not even a thank you for saving your life." Redhood replied following.
Operator 36 stood still counting what ammunition he had left. For he had a pretty good idea about what was coming next. He had exactly two clips for each of his pistols and still all his clips for his sniper.
"What next?" Questioned Redhood as he entered with Artemis from one room.
"If it were me I would've used those helicopters to get on the roof knowing I was going after a vigilante assassin, a Amazonian, and a super soldier. Then I'd string down the windows from all sides with ropes surrounding them."
"They didn't shoot at us right a way." Artemis inferred realizing just that was about to happen.
The three got ready as thugs came down on all sides and burst threw the windows assault rifles ready. Operator 36 opened fire with both his pistols as did Redhood. Artemis charged towards four kicking one back out the window then using her blade and axe to fight off the others. Operator thirty six shot one man in the gut the other in the head. Then he heard a click.
"Shit." Operator thirty six cursed pulling out his long sword and charging running the last man threw.
"You out?" Questioned Redhood.
"Save for the sniper." Operator 36 replied, "Which is ultimately useless against Deathstroke in a close quarters situation."
"You have us." Artemis replied, "Surely we can take down Deathstroke."
"Yeah like that'll work guy's taken down much deadlier targets then the three of us no offence." Operator 36 replied.
"Then where is he?" Artemis questioned, "How long is the world's deadliest man gonna wait."
More minutes went by and they continued waiting. And waiting to the point where they actually sat down and their hearts slowed to a normal rate from lack of adrenaline.
"So the great siege of the abandon hotel," Redhood started, "Never been in the military but I can tell right now this is a siege plane and simple."
"It's gotta end eventually either HRT shows up or Gotham PD does either way we win our target ends up in FBI hands." Operator 36 replied.
"You trust the FBI?" Questioned Redhood staring at him in surprise, "After your experience with the CIA I didn't think you'd be such a fan of government agencies who thrive in the world classified."
"I trust my contact." Operator 36 said in reply. His phone then started to ring as a helicopter was heard flying above everyone was silent as he picked up.
"It's me Jade we're here," Said Operator 36's trusted contact, "But we are unwilling to engage the target standing on the roof. Let me restate HRT will not engage the target on the rooftop due to his record it has been deemed a suicide mission."
"I understand." Operator 36 hung up the phone. He stood there in silence laughing to himself out of the realization, "That smart son of a bitch could out think Alexander the great."
"What?" Questioned Redhood.
"Don't you see this was all Deathstroke's plan. He waists all my ammunition cutting me off from my guns specifically to deny me of my most prized weapons. Then he knows we have the target but that's not his mission no he just wants me. And he's put me in this position in which a soldier like myself only has one logical choice."
"What?" Questioned Redhood.
"As I said he doesn't care about the prisoner Black Mask is paying him to kill me. I must stay to fight him while you get the prisoner on the helicopter or HRT will die trying to get out with their prisoner."
"No there's gotta to be another way," Redhood said standing up, "We leave together or we don't leave at all."
"You remind me of my deployment in Afghanistan I hated losing men. But I learned quickly not everyone makes out. No matter how hard you try if you want to win there must be a price." Operator 36 replied, "The only way to get the prisoner out with out losing him or anyone else is for me to face Deathstroke alone."
"No we fight him together we can beat him we can't kill him but we can find some to temporarily defeat him in order to get the chopper in." Redhood said refusing to let him die.
"He is right Red Hood," Artemis said, "This by Deathstroke's planning he's accounted for us to fight. And while he may not kill the three of us die. We will not leave with Operator 36 accept one way we accomplish 36's mission the other way we leave empty handed."
"Fine, we'll load him on the helicopter and then stay with you to finish the fight."
There was no argument against that. The three walked up on to the rooftop with the smuggler to see the helicopter circling with the HRT agents. Deathstroke drew one sword staring at Operator 36 standing across.
"You've put up quite the fight tonight but I'm afraid that ends now." Deathstroke started, "Black mask is paying me to kill the awol commando. I do not care about the smuggler. However should your two associates turn around at any time and give me the notion they mettle I have my own associate's on the ground. They will fire rockets at your helicopter upon my order."
"This was not the plan." Redhood said.
Operator 36 looked up at the helicopter and saw the HRT agents holding their guns with feet dangling out of the chopper. Not only was his contact up there but men that were like him when he was a soldier were up there. They had families.friends, and possibly children he could save them. They didn't have to die tonight.
"It is now." Operator 36 replied, "You have your deal Deathstroke allow me to call my contact in that helicopter. So that they may land and we both get what we want."
"Make it quick." Deathstroke replied watching the three. He was suspicious if they were plotting something.
Operator 36 took out his cell phone and dialed the number. He then raised the phone to his ear and saw above one of the agents doing the same thing.
"I talked with Deathstroke it's safe to land two vigilante associates of mine will bring the prisoner on board. As long as no one interferes between me and him he will leave you unharmed."
"What'd you mean what's going in 36." Jade said back over the phone.
"Just land the helicopter. I gotta go."
Operator 36 hung up the phone. And turned to Deathstroke he put the sniper down it was useless against Deathstroke in this current situation. He instead drew out the long sword possibly his only hope. Deathstroke slowly raised his own blade into a fighting stance similar to that of a knight. The two men charged blades ready. They clashed with fury.
As the vigilante commando and the mercenary clashed in violent combat above the helicopter flew in making landing. The side was open as HRT made away. Artemis threw the prisoner on board before jumping on herself. She looked at Redhood who starred at the fight Deathstroke clashed with Operator 36 their blades colliding again and again. However Deathstroke was the better swordsman and had already drawn much blood from 36 using it to paint the ground around the combatants.
"What's with your friend?" Questioned one of the elite operators.
"Nothing." Redhood said turning around. He then jumped on board and took a seat next to Artemis and looked away from the fight.
The helicopter then took off. One of the HRT members starred at Deathstroke as if tempted to take a shot at him with the M4. But at last the operator did nothing as the helicopter took off leaving the scene.
36 meanwhile was forced on the defensive as he was being pushed back towards the edge of the building. It was over he could he managed to get a few strikes in Deathstroke's blood showed that but Deathstroke himself had done way more damage to the vigilante. Another blow struck 36 right across the chest cleaving threw his body armor throwing him back. Deathstroke fought quick using the man's pain and fatigue against as he raised his blade for the stab. In a last his bid to save his own life 36 moved directing the blade into his upper right shoulder. Deathstroke was quick to withdraw then kicked the man hard in the chest. 36 found himself on the edge of the building.
"You're an impressive warrior most would've died by now. But your sword play could use work." Deathstroke said aiming the blade at his neck, "Unfortunately that's improvement you won't get."
Deathstroke raised his blade with both hands ready for the killing blow. However from seemingly out of nowhere batarangs flew. The exploded with flashes of light stunning and blinding both men. The Batman then swooped in. Deathstroke heard him and despite being blinded fought back. Batman using his gauntlets blocked each strike directed for his head. Deathstroke attempted a kick Batman blocked and threw the man getting him opened.
The Dark knight then fought back hard his fists clenched. He hit Deathstroke hard in the neck then kneed him harder in the gut. He then brought his fists in fast hard chain ramming into the mercenaries head. Deathstroke found himself in a corner and needed to get out. The mercenary lunged forward tackling the dark knight. He drew his knife read to stab him. Operator 36 had gotten up by this time and charged over kicking Deathstroke in the chest. Batman jumped up and two lunged towards the mercenary who drew two swords this time. Operator brought out one of his katanas. Deathstroke fought both men hard but he began to notice soon he'd be out maneuvered. Batman was a tactician he'd find an opening soon enough he jolted back and got in his ear piece to his hired help.
"Bring the building down!" He shouted as the two vigilantes charged at him. He quickly plunged both Blades into 36 then drew a pistol firing off at Batman who's armor stopped the bullets.
Down below Deathstroke's Mercs did not hesitate taking aim with javelin rocket launchers. They opened fire the rockets sparking to life. Three loud explosion struck the hotel blowing up sending dust and concrete everywhere. Black mask saw this and saw the building starting to crumble.
"That crazy bastard!" Black mask yelled running for his car ad the whole hotel came crashing down sending dust and concrete everywhere.
Redhood meanwhile was at the HRT base in jersey across the sea. He knew Operator was dead with out even seeing the video footage. He stuck around to see what all this had gained him. In his hands his helmet as more questions filled his head.
"Are you alright?" Artemis questioned walking over. She out her arm over his shoulders, "Jason are you alright."
Jason was silent for a moment contemplating why he felt this way. He barely knew the man for a whole twenty four hours and yet he mourned his death as if he'd lost someone he'd known.
"I only worked with him for a few hours," Said Red hood, "Yet I've known him all my life. I finally met some who understood why I was who I was. I met someone who threw his pain and anger wanted to mend a broken system and didn't care about looking good. Someone willing to get dirty. Then just like that gone dead."
Artemis said nothing at first simply moving closer to hug Redhood. The vigilante needed someone to comfort him ease the pain in this exact moment.
"You don't think I can understand the pain and anger." She said Redhood went silent realizing it was a rude and ignorant statement.
"I'm sorry I did mean to-"
"It's fine you're in mourning I will mourn with you he may have been rough around the edges but he wasn't a bad guy."
"No he wasn't," Jason continued, "He wasn't exactly a good guy either but this world ain't gonna change if we're all good guys. I see what I must do now."
"And what is that?" Questioned Artemis.
"I must be the man everyone hates the man who does the ugly dirty but necessary thing," Jason said as he gently broke away for Artemis's hold, "I must be the Red Hood."
Then agent Jade of HRT strolled out her look was grim but her exact emotions were concealed behind a pair of sunglasses. She looked at the Red Hood and Artemis.
"Normally I'd ask for 36's assistance but that's no longer an option. So I will ask if you will take up his position as the FBI's secret vigilante asset." Jade replied.
"What'd you need?" Red Hood questioned not exactly trusting her, "That will determine my decision."
"The smuggler has limited evidence," Jade started, "However he has links to the Russian mafia I need you to go to Moscow a place Americans are not welcome and break into a facility. From their I need to locate a file that has the entire mafia's payroll on it. He says there you will find the evidence to track the links between crime in Europe and crime in Gotham. Which is exactly what we need to finish Operator 36's work."
Jason placed the Red helmet over his face. He was ready to go and do what was necessary in order to make sure Operator 36 had not died in vain.
"We'll be right on it but I'm going to need more information than just a place in Moscow." The vigilante assassin under under the alias the Red Hood replied ready to conduct vigilante business.
Back in Gotham Batman on top of building contemplates the events of night. He had accomplished absolutely nothing. Red Hood was gone and most likely wasn't coming back. Not to mention back to his old ways but he would allow it as long as it wasn't in his city. For Jason was still one of his own he couldn't just cast him. Last time he did that much damage was done damage that was completely avoidable.
Then there was the fact whatever Black mask was doing this was clearly only the beginning there was much more in store. And the Dark knight needed to know just what to expect. He feared the worst you always needed to fear the worst.
Then there was the issue of Operator 36. The media knew he'd died in the collapse of the building however the media hadn't always known the truth.
"This what hell looks like?" Operator 36 questioned with his hands and feet bound questioned.
"We need to talk." The Dark knight said in response approaching his current prisoner.