"…as of today, the Justice Lords' totalitarian hold on the world is over." The imposing visage of the Batman was broadcasted over every television set in every nation. "As I speak, the other Justice Lords have been taken into custody. They do not share the same views, nor are they willing to listen to reason."

The screen cut to a moving scene that many only dreamed about: Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Hawkgirl, and even Superman were all being led into armored prison transports one by one. Angry. Bound. Powerless. The screen cut back to Batman.

"My final motion to end our hold is this." He held up a cylindrical trigger and pressed the button with his kevlar-covered thumb. The screen cut to a view of the Watchtower in space. Once a beacon of hope and justice, the powerful satellite had become a symbol of oppression and fear over the course of the last two years. Though it had loomed over the world for less than half a decade, it already felt like such a permanent and immortal fixture. That's why what happened next caught every one off guard: the Watchtower exploded and with that, the dream became a reality. After a few moments, the video feed in space cut back to Batman.

"Our reign as demi-gods has ended. I'm sorry."

The signal cut out and Batman was gone.

-5 Months Later-

She sat on the roof of her house, staring into the stars, thinking. It was one of the few moments she had time to herself to think. Of course, it wasn't one of the few times she was alone. In fact, for the past three months, she had been getting more time alone than usual. But this was definitely one of the few times she was alone and her mind could wander.

Sometimes it was simply something as trivial as 'Do monkeys marry?' or 'Just how do they pack so much flavor into Soder Cola Lite?'' But this night was different, tonight she thought about the world. As a graduating senior of Gotham High School, she realized that very soon she would be thrust into the world with little more than an umbrella when what she really would need is a parachute.

"Kimber?" Her father's voice floated from the house below and into her ears. "Kimber, sweetie are you out there?"

"Yes. Yes, Papa," she called back quickly as she scooted from the roof to the back porch in one swift movement. "Welcome home." She greeted him at the back door with a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you, Kimber." Her father, Goren Lee, embraced her. " How was school?" He asked as the two walked into the house.

"Dismal and hopeless as ever." Kimber sighed. "How was work?"

Goren looked up for a moment before answering, "You know, pretty much the same? Though there was a pinch of happiness today."

"Really? And that was?"

Goren smiled as he settled into his favorite armchair. "Remember that upstart gang?"

"The Jokerz?"

Goren nodded. "Yep, the lunatic followers of the former Joker. One of their leaders was just delivered to the station courtesy of our city's new guardian."

Kimber arched an eyebrow. "The Batman is back?" she asked with slow skepticism.

Her father chuckled. "Sadly, no. But she bears a striking resemblance to him."

Kimber's eyes shot open in surprise. "'She'?"

"Yes ma'am. Apparently there is some girl running around in long underwear trying to fill in the big boots of the Dark Knight."

Kimber laughed. "Really? That's terrible! Sounds like a losing battle."

Goren shrugged. "To be honest, the GCPD will take what we can get. I'm still not fully set in my role as police chief; already the caseload is piling higher than I'd like."

"I'm still confused as to why you were made chief." Kimber plopped onto the couch. "You quit the force when the Justice Lords took over."

"Yeah, well, apparently Batman remembers that little event."

"Remembers? I'm pretty sure that he would remember the one Gotham police officer to curse him out and then tell him he's wrong."

"Yeah... Pretty sure he more remembers knocking few of my teeth out, too."

"Perhaps," added Kimber with a smirk.

"Anyway, when he released the world from the Lords' hold, he also requested I be made police chief of Gotham in Jim's absence."

"Because you stood up to him?"

"Because I was the only one who stood up to him," Goren pointedly corrected. "Though I do wish he'd come back out of wherever he hides. This city needs him now that the world isn't under martial law."

"You make it seem as if the girl in long undies can't stand against the crime in the city."

Goren arched an eyebrow. "And you sound offended, Kim."

The girl laughed. "Oh, please, Papa, why would I be offended?"

He smiled. "Only joking, Kimber. But it would be a miracle to have him operate in Gotham again... I have a feeling we're about to experience a storm of evil that was only possible years ago."