Though he and his wife had always joked about using one of their date nights to visit the most glittering examples that proved that the justice system was flawed, they had never done so because one never knew who would be attending the night's festivities.

Despite his continued insistence that he was now a legitimate businessman, Oswald Cobblepot, better known as The Penguin, was still known the engage in the odd backrooms dealing. Which varied from providing the more morally lacking villains with firepower, though in recent years the Joker had been kicked off this list after melting the face of one of the waitresses with a acid spitting flower, to the more traditional style of gaining influence.

It was because of this influence that John had spent the last 6 weeks preparing for the chance to meet with the avian obsessed crime lord.

For while it was known that Penguin had the talent for being able to do fulfil almost any favor, it was also known that his services were far from cheap.

If you were a close associate, or held power to match his, then the individual would only have to focus on the terms of the deal they wished to see fulfilled.

But for a random civilian, one who lacked even the familial connection, no matter how distant, to criminal leaders, Penguin was quite insistent on making them pay for the pleasure of his company.

$5000 might be enough to have an appointment booked, but said appointment might run for only 2 minutes before the long nosed former criminal decided to move on to the next poor sap who came begging to him for help.

With this in mind, John had raised enough money, through the sale of his house and all but the most treasured of valuables left by his family, to not only pay what he deemed to be an appropriate appointment fee, but also enough to make Penguin treat him seriously.

Of course he had no idea for certain if the so called former criminal would fulfil his end of the bargain, but John believed that he would in fact walk away from his meeting with everything, or almost everything he wanted.

Cause in truth he wasn't asking that much, at least compared to other clients.

….

"Mister Dustin. Glad to see that you're a punctual sort. You wouldn't believe the amount of people I've come across who can't even bloody look at their damn watches to save their lives. Which is why I have that little policy of making them pay double my consultant fee even if their 2 minutes late. Anyways, I'm a busy man, and you've paid $5000 appointment fee, so what can I bloody well do for you"?

Doing his best not to feel too intimidated by slightly dismissive stare that was being sent his way, John gestured towards the bodyguard that was holding his brief case before answering the question.

"Actually Mr. Cobblepot, I came here today with triple the amount you usually charge. In hopes that I can have more of your time to tell you what it is I want from you".

Nodding his head in thanks as his briefcase was returned to him, and making sure that his movements were as unthreatening as possible as he reached into velvet lining of the gift he had received from both his children the previous Christmas, John took out a thick envelop and placed it directly in front of the man who controlled perhaps more than half of Gotham's underworld.

Flipping his stunted fingers through the thick wad of greenbacks, Penguin soon sported a smirk that was anything but comforting.

"Smart boy. Well since you appear to be willing to sacrifice a little bit more in order to extend your stay in my company, tell me, what can I do for you"?

Taking a moment to steel his resolve, for this would be the first step in avenging the lives of his family and countless others, John made his request.

"I want a job that only you can give me".

While he expected to have been meet with either a sneer or an outright dismal, the middle aged widower was lightly annoyed by the mocking laughter that greeted his request.

"BWAHAHAHAHAHA. Is that it? Well can't fault you for wishing to join my crew, but I'm afraid that I have no current openings at the moment. Besides, what can a middle aged bugger like you do for me that some street rat isn't prepared to do for free"?

Chortling as a he took a deep gulp from his highly expensive liquor, Penguin's humor quickly gained a slightly threatening edge as he John proceeded to answer his question.

"Make your business work more smoothly perhaps"?

Slowly putting down the bottle, and positioning his hand over his collection of concealed weaponized umbrellas, Penguin's tone was filled with noticeably controlled rage as he posed another question to his potentially soon to be deceased client.

"And what makes you think that I need a middle aged imbecile like yourself interfering in my place of business? I've built my empire up from nothing, and have even managed to remain in business despite the insufferable interference from the Bat. So I ask you, and think carefully on your answer, why should I listen to a man who clearly has no idea how this city works"?

Though slightly unnerved by the almost feral expression that had come over the crime lord's face, John nevertheless kept his cool as he proceeded to list all the reasons why he should remain amongst the living.

"A couple of reasons Mr. Cobblepot. First one being that I made some preparations for today's meeting. If by some reason I fail to return home, and input a certain password into my computer, then by this time tomorrow, the entire city will know that I had an appointment with you today, and that I had somehow failed to come back from it. Secondly, I am quite prepared to pay an entire years salary of the job that I want as soon as I get the job, and another year's worth once I finish getting what I want. Which means that I am paying you for the privilege of having a job whose salary will be provided by City of Gotham. And lastly, but more importantly, the job I have in mind will put in a position where I can ensure that your…business practises suffer far less disruptions from the antics of those who lack the…. Vision/temperament for long term business dealings".

Rubbing his chin as he considered the validity of the reasons he had just been presented, though in truth the threat about the information leak was of no real concern since this was not the first time he had been threatened with such an easily dealt with issue, nor would it be the last, Penguin decided to first clarify the financial aspect of Mr. Dustin's reasoning before moving on to the third more attractive proposal.

"And just how much are we talking about here? If its only slightly more than your appointment fee, than I have a feeling that this meeting is at an end".

Nodding to show that he understood Penguin's terms, John proceeded to answer him.

"From what I've been able to gather from my research, the starting yearly salary for an entry level position is around $45,000. However, I believe it can go up to $60,000 for those willing to risk the more…hazardous conditions of the workplace".

Allowing a less than pleasant smile to cross his face, for he already had a suspicion of what it was the slightly balding man was asking, Penguin nevertheless felt the need to play with his desperate fish before reeling him in.

"And I suppose that you wish to be placed in the more prestigious section of your employment? I personally think that you're a fool for trading away your life for a measly 60 grand, but this business of mine doesn't exactly turn one into a seasoned psychiatrist. Still, I am feeling somewhat generous, so I'll make you a deal".

Slowly nodding his head to show that he was prepared to listen, even if he didn't know what would be asked of him, John remained silent as the avian looking crime lord listed his terms.

"While the entry fee will remain the same, I am willing to lower the cost of your..termination pay if you can prune some of the more stubborn thorns in my side. I'll even supply you with the necessary gardening tools to do it, so long as you 'prune' your work place as directed by me".

Smiling as John considered the terms of this rather generous deal, Penguin found his previous good humor returning as the middle aged man stuck out his hand.

"As long as you have no problem with the methods, and time it takes me to do so, we have a deal".

Chortling as he accepted the offered hand, Penguin shook it with a smirk that was more akin to a shark.

"Then let me be the first one to say this Mr. Dustin. Welcome to Arkham Asylum".

…

Think this is a good place to end :D

Again, borrowing concepts from every aspect of the DC universe (at least that which existed in the past 3 decades) Cause lets face it, theres A LOT of info to cover XD.

Anyway, this scene was actually inspired by both the Penguin segment in the Arkham City comic (i.e. where Penguin talks about his past relationship with the clown), and the scene from Under the Red Hood where Black Mask is show to have the power to get the Joker out of Arkham. Figured that Penguin, who APPEARS to be more connected than the violent crime lord, would have the capabilities of infiltrating the Asylum, so that's the direction I took. And if not…well, if there is one that Gotham is, its corrupt.

Pleased to see that this story has already attracted much interest. And that the debate on the concept of Superhero being truly good for society continues to remain alive XD.

Especially liked that comment on how such people as Luthor (the more competent one at least) and Amanda Waller are actually better for society than either Superman or Batman.

I tend to favor the kill the villain approach, especially if they have proven INCAPABLE of being rehabilitated, but also recognize that killing one person makes it easier to kill more people.

Injustice is a perfect example of this. Though I believe that Injustice Superman would have been far better off if Injustice Wonderwoman wasn't such a Manipulative Bitch. Both Aquaman, Shazam, Martian Man Hunter, and the Flash had offered advice/acted as the conscious members of Superman's Regime (though Martian Manhunter was a Batman ally he still managed to almost get Superman to think straight), but Wonderwoman always spoke out against them, and maneuvered herself to be his most trusted advisor. And since she clearly likes the philosophy of peace at bayonet point, its no wonder that Superman turned out how he did.

Firmly believe that the Justice league 'Civil War' originated because she was secretly/subconsciously pissed that Supes chose the average (i.e. non super powered) female for his wife instead of an Amazon bombshell like her.

But I digress.

So in this story, revealed how my OC will enact the first stage of his plan.

Selling his house, and most of his valuables to get the funds needed to pay Penguin for what he wants. Which is to become a security guard at Arkham.

Will expand upon my vision next chapter XD.

But it falls under the reason why everyone loves Batman.

i.e. a man without superpowers, whose grief gives him the will power to do the impossible. Comics tend to ignore (at least when they aren't trying to create a new villain/hero) that the average person can also be traumatized enough to develop an insane amount of focus.

Anyways. Thanks for reading. PLZ review (no flames) And til next time.