Chapter 16: Aftermath
"Good evening, Gotham! This is Summer Gleeson for Gotham Insider with breaking news coming out of North Gotham as this hour of protest has turned to celebration. Under extreme pressure from Gotham's citizens, Mayor Hill has just announced his resignation. While Hill has not ruled out a possible run for re-election next year, his resignation means that Aubrey James will most likely be the next mayor of Gotham. Now we go to South Gotham where Vicki Vale brings us this live report.", the reporter said. "Thanks, Summer. I'm standing at the corporate headquarters of GothCorp where Captain James Gordon has confirmed that GothCorp CEO, Ferris Boyle, has been taken into police custody. Police report that Mr. Boyle, stands accused of manslaughter, extortion, and attempted murder. Shocking accusations given that just earlier tonight, he was awarded the Gotham's Humanitarian Industrialist of the Year award. Also in custody is several of Gotham's wanted low level criminals dressed in parkas, as well as their boss, a GothCorp cryogenicist, Victor Fries. Mr. Fries is currently being held under heavy guard at Gotham General receiving treatment for an undisclosed medical condition. Warden Quincy Sharp has suggested that Mr. Fries is the perfect example of the type of criminal that needs the specialized care and help that only Arkham Asylum can provide. Police credit these arrests to solid police work, but this reporter suspects the vigilante known as the Batman had more than a small role to play in all this. On a personal note, I owe Batman a debt of gratitude for saving my life earlier this evening. So, thank you, Batman. From all of us. Back to you, Summer.", Vicki Vale said. Meanwhile, at Gotham General, Captain Gordon and Commissioner Loeb were waiting outside in the lobby to get more information on how Freeze was doing. "Nice work tonight, Jim.", Loeb said. "Thank you, sir.", Gordon said. "But I know the Batman helped you out with this.", he said. "You do?", Gordon asked sounding nervous. "And after all this, I'm starting to think maybe I was wrong about him and you were right.", Loeb admitted. "Really?", Gordon asked. "I mean if it wasn't for him, our frozen friend in there would still be on the loose and we would not have known how corrupt Boyle actually was. Maybe this city does need some kind of hope, something to believe in.", Loeb said. "I feel the same way, sir.", Gordon said. Loeb than looked over and saw Batman who had gotten back into his regular suit standing there silent. "Speak of the devil.", Loeb said. Gordon looked over his shoulder and saw the hero. "I guess I'll leave you two alone to talk.", Loeb said as he walked past Batman and went around the corner. Batman then walked over to Gordon. "What are you doing here?", Gordon asked. "I came to see how he was.", Batman said. "We haven't heard any new updates yet.", Gordon said. "I just want to say thanks for everything you did tonight. And everything you've done to make this city a better place again.", Gordon said. "I'm not looking for praise, Gordon.", Batman said. "Please, call me Jim.", Gordon said as he extended his arm to Batman. Batman then started to have flashbacks to the first time he met Gordon when he was a kid after his parents were killed because he said the same words. Batman then shook Gordon's hand. "Okay, Jim.", Batman said. A doctor then came through the door and walked towards both of them. "How is he?", Gordon asked. "He's in stable condition. We were just lucky that we were able to get the room down to the temperature that he needed.", the doctor said. "That's good to hear. Once he's don here. We're going to take him to Arkham Asylum. They have a very cold room ready for him where he can get the help and care he needs.", Gordon said. "Okay. And he actually wants to talk to you, Batman.", the doctor said. "Okay.", Batman said. He followed the doctor through the door to Freeze's room. Freeze's room was extremely cold so he could survive. Batman saw Freeze lying on a bed in a weakened state now out of his suit, dressed in a hospital gown. Batman walked towards the bedside and Freeze looked over at him. "How are you feeling.", Batman asked. "I can't feel anything anymore other than pain and anger, but I'll survive.", Freeze said. "Where's my wife? How is she?", Freeze asked with concern. "She's okay. She's in good hands. And Boyle has been taken into custody and we'll go away for long time.", Batman said. "I'm glad to hear that. I just wanted to say thank you for saving my wife. And also for helping me see the light again. I now realize that you were right. Nora wouldn't have wanted me to be obsessed with vengeance.. I became so obsessed with saving her and revenge, I lost sight of what's right and wrong. I just hope everyone I've hurt tonight will be able to forgive me. As well as Nora forgiving for all this.", Freeze said. "I'm sure they all will, Victor. And I'm glad you realize that what you did was wrong and that you're willing to make up for it.", Batman said. "I just worry about her since I know I'm going to be away for a while at that asylum and I won't be able to take care of her.", Freeze said. "I'll make sure a good word is put in so you won't be gone for long. And I know someone who might be able to help Nora and her condition.", Batman said. "Who?", Freeze asked. "Bruce Wayne.", Batman answered. "You mean that playboy billionaire? How can he help her? And I know he was friends with Boyle. Chances are he's just as bad as Boyle is.", Freeze asked. "I've heard he's a good man with a good heart. He's always wanted to help Gotham as much as he can ever since he lost his family. And he was not aware how corrupt Boyle was, so he's not like him at all.", Batman said. "I'll make sure Wayne has his best scientists taking care of her, as well as hopefully finding a cure for Nora's Huntington's and maybe even find a way to cure you of your condition.", Batman said. "You would do all that for us?", Freeze asked. "At first, I thought you were scum, but now I realize that you were the victim of this story and I'll be sure to help you and your wife in any way I can.", Batman said. "Thank you, Batman. For everything.", Freeze said with a slight smile. "Get some rest. You need it.", Batman said as he left the cold room.