In The Shadow of The Bat

The League of Assassins were survivors.

Despite being betrayed by Nyssa and Cass Cain, and being hunted across the globe, they continued on. Indeed, one could argue that what was happening was for the best.

"You're joking, hmm?" Lady Shiva asked, amused.

Talia poured the other woman some tea. "No, I'm serious," she said calmly. Her long brown hair swished like a cape as she said, "We let ourselves get soft. It's clear we're not as 'elite' as we thought we were, with how easily the League has been decimated."

"True," Shiva conceded.

'Decimated' was probably an understatement to what happened, really. The superheroes had basically wiped out most of their organization, with only remnants left. But Talia was determined to rebuild, which was why she was here, now.

"So why HERE?" Shiva asked.

They were meeting in Hub City, one of the worst cities in the United States, with some people saying it was worse than Gotham, even. The city government was owned by the mob and gangs, the police were totally corrupt and if you were rich enough you could buy anything.

The resturant they were eating at had armed guards, and a waiting list. The food was good, and under-the-table you could order any illegal drug you wanted. Which, bluntly, was also typical for such a business in Hub City...

"Because Hub City is literally a hell hole," Talia shrugged as she added impishly, "and perfect for my needs."

"Oh?" Shiva looked thoughtful. "I will admit you have nothing to fear from law enforcement here," she admitted.

"In fact I intend to break no laws," Talia noted.

Shiva looked at her in disbelief.

Talia looked amused as she drank. "Hub City will be our base," she explained, "we will rebuild here, train new comers and restore ourselves." She chuckled, "I may even have our people assist Paladin in clearing out the gangs."

"Becoming her ally as I assisted the Question," Shiva nodded.

"Exactly," Talia coldly agreed. She swirled the wine in her cup as she added, "I also want you to return to the fold."

Shiva looked displeased but nodded, "I do owe you. What do you wish of me?"

"Ironically, I don't want you killing for me," Talia admitted.

"Training again?" Shiva sighed.

"Sorry," Talia said, "we need to replace all the students we lost."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Dani Grayton, reporter in Gotham City, was out chasing a story again. "Miss Fox!" she called, "Could I have a word?"

Dana Fox smiled wryly, the head of Fox Munitions in town for more meetings. "Miss Grayton, hello," she smiled.

"Call me Dani, please," the very pretty blonde smiled.

The slightly taller black haired woman smiled. "Then call me Dana," she answered.

"Dana," she blushed faintly as Dani continued while holding up a recorder, "I understand that in addition to the Gotham PD carrying your new trank guns, several private security companies are now carrying them?"

"That's correct," Dana agreed, "STAR labs, Wayne Tech and Lex-corp are all now carrying our gear. We're very pleased by them signing on."

"Congratulations!" Dani smiled warmly. "I also understand your new factory is in full production. I understand Paladin helped keep the local gangs from interfering?"

Dana nodded reluctantly, "Yes, she's helped us deal with that issue. Hopefully she won't have to continue fighting them."

"I understand you are also recruiting Gothamites for jobs in your two factories Hub City?" Dani asked.

"We are," Dana agreed, "if you have factory experience, or even just reasonably mechanically inclined, we have high paying positions available."

"Good luck in filling the spots." Dani noted as she shut off the recorder.

Dana puffed out a breath, "God I hate interviews."

Dani laughed, "But you're so GOOD at them. Really, my only complaint is that you don;t blurt out controvercial things without thinking. It'd liven up my stories."

"Wouldn't do me much good though," Dana observed.

"Tough," Dani laughed. "Are you in town long?" she asked curiously.

"A few days," Dana admitted, "I have meetings with Wayne Enterprises, as well as several other interested parties..."

"I'll call you when the story goes to print," Dani smiled, "maybe we can have drinks later to talk about it."

"Later," Dana waved, realizing the other woman may have been hitting oh her.

She headed into Wayne Tower, where she was pleased to see her company's side arms in use. Dana checked in at the security desk, getting a pass then heading to the elevators and going up. In a few minutes she was in the meeting room, shaking hands.

"Mr Wayne, it's a pleasure," Dana shook his hand. She didn't add 'It's about time' since they hadn't met in all her previous trips to the city...

"Ms Fox, thank you," Bruce smiled back, "I'm sorry my charity comittments kept us from meeting sooner."

Dana kept a straight face as she continued on. "Lucius, good to see you again," she said.

"You too. Take a seat, we'll get right to it," Lucius waved her to a chair.

Dana said, wondering at the glance Lucius and Bruce exchanged. "This should be a short meeting," she noted as she took papers from her briefcase, "we're just formally signing off on my paying off your loan."

Several months ago, Dana had come to Wayne Enterprises, and had secured a high interest loan from them, to build a second factory in Hub City. Said factory was completed sand running, and sales of her guns had already made enough profits to deal with the loan plus interest.

"That's what we were hoping to discuss with you," Bruce smiled charmingly, "the Wayne Enterprises board has a proposal for you."

Dana looked at them warily, "Oh?"

"Nothing bad, I assure you," Lucius added.

"As you probably guessed," Bruce began, "I had reservations about our working together. But looking into your products, I've been impressed by their effectiveness and non-lethality."

'Even with your issues around guns,' Dana added mentally.

"I, and the board, want to propose a limited partnership between Wayne and Fox, to open up our marketing and delivery channels to you," Bruce concluded.

"Paperwork?" Dana asked thoughtfully.

"We've written up a proposal," Lucius passed it over.

"Just a five percent cut? That's generous," Dana noted as she skimmed.

"I think we'll make out well," Bruce admitted.

"Though obviously details are open to negotiation," Lucius added.

Frankly, from what she was seeing Dana was concerned the deal was too good. For a tiny cut Wayne was offering a huge marketing boost, as well as distribution and so on. There had to be a catch, but she couldn't see it.

"As much as I'd like to sign on the dotted line, I'd like to have my lawyers look at this," Dana finally said cautiously.

"Certainly," Bruce agreed.

"I'll get back to you in a few days," Dana promised as she put the papers away.

"I'll walk you out," Lucius said. Once they were out in the halls he added, "Sorry for springing that on you. The board wanted it put to you as quickly as possible."

"It's fine," Dana reassured him, "it's a good deal. I'm inclined to agree, once the lawyers go over it."

"I'll look forward to it," Lucius agreed.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"I thought you didn't like guns, Master Bruce," Alfred noted as Bruce sat in the Bat-cave, studying a report they had hacked from the Gotham PD.

"I don't," Bruce agreed, "and I still have reservations with Fox munitions, honestly."

"But these non-lethal weapons could displace the guns on the streets, reducing homicides and so on," Alfred mused.

Bruce looked at Alfred then nodded, "Exactly."

"Until Joker gets to them," Alfred added as he put the tea down and left.

"Ugh," Bruce made a face.

To be continued...

Notes: Canonly, I will admit this doesn't work. Batman has such a STRONG aversion to guns that, under certain writers, he literally can not use guns at all. So I don't know if he'd ever actually support Wayne Enterprises getting into bed with Fox...