December 21, 1999
Lara Croft and Tomb Raider are creations of Adrian Smith for Core Design and Eidos Interactive, and Tomb Raider comics are published by Top Cow Productions, Inc.
Batman and related characters are creations of Bob Kane for Detective Comics, and published by DC Comics Inc.
The characters and incidents featured in this story are entirely fictional. Any similarities to persons living or dead are purely coincidental. To infringe or challenge the copyrights or trademarks of the above is not the intention of this author.
THE EXPOSITION - Part Eight
The captain and his first mate were on the bridge. They handed out flashlights and lanterns to eight sailors.
"Four of you go to the engine room and find out what happened. Take this walkie-talkie and use it. You four find the others, give out these flashlights, and continue searching."
"Capitan, we should abandon the ship! We cannot fight this demon!"
"Shut up and go! That's an order!"
Gregor, Voldo, and General Nyonga entered.
"What happened?" Gregor demanded.
"I don't know, Senor. I have sent men to the engine room. They will tell me if there is damage and if it can be repaired. Meanwhile we found four men unconscious in a storage room. If we don't find this... thing on board soon, then there will not be enough men to operate the ship."
"Enough! I will find this thing and show it is made of flesh and blood!" Voldo exclaimed. He grabbed a lantern and stomped out.
The General turned to Gregor. "Where did you find your associate?"
"My father brought him home one day when I was ten. He is my half-brother, my father said. Didn't explain anymore than that. Voldo was thirteen. During high school he was my bodyguard, protected me from bullies... and it grew from there."
"You are fortunate to have him--."
The captain interrupted in haste. "Senores, my radio man said another boat is approaching!"
"Did he say who it was?"
"The Coast Guard! They will be here in half an hour!"
Gregor turned white and raced out the door.
* * *
In the obscured mess hall, two dark-hooded men munched on a meal by flashlight. They mumbled a few things to themselves as they sat and ate. One raised his head and noticed the doorway overshadowed by someone. "What happened to the lights?" he asked.
No reply, and no other noise was heard but the grinding of food in their mouths.
"Hey, do you understand me? The lights? La luz?"
A flashlight was shone on the figure.
He jumped from his seat and shouted, "The demon!"
Before the other seated man could react, two hands lifted him from behind and threw him on the table. He bounced and landed on the floor.
The frightened man scrambled to the wall and drew his gun.
A thrown object knocked the gun from his hand, and a fist rocked his jaw. Hands grabbed him by the collar and pulled him from his knees to his feet.
A deep voice asked, "Where's the lady?"
Features could not be seen within the dark shadows, but the man felt the rapid breathing, and panicked. "Please have mercy! I didn't touch her! I didn't touch her!"
The grip tightened. "Where is she?"
"She is on the next level up, in Gregor's room!"
Another fist knocked him unconscious.
* * *
"General, help me with this crate to the main deck," Gregor pleaded.
General Nyonga pushed the handcart while Gregor guided it over the doorway and the uneven deck. They stopped near the edge and forced the crate open.
A tripod was assembled.
"I suggest you get yourself and your men off the ship, General. One thing the Coast Guard doesn't like to see is a Russian-style submarine close to the coastline."
"What is it you are putting together?"
Gregor grunted and lifted an optical sight sensor assembly. "The TOW missile launcher. It's used to decimate armor tanks. Let's see how the hull of a Coast Guard cutter stands up to it."
"Why don't we lure them in and capture them? I will get extra men to help!"
"Too much baggage. As soon as they see the sub, they will call for extra firepower. My plan is to sink them before that happens. It would buy us time until the engine room is repaired."
"Let us all leave on the submarine. We can always find another supplier. What you are doing now is madness!"
Gregor secured the launching tube and connected the cable from the guidance system case. "I'm protecting our investment, General. What you could do is take our lovely guest to the submarine as well. Remember, she is worth twenty-six million."
General Nyonga walked backwards and watched him fiddle with some dials and flick some switches.
* * *
Lara tried to rest on the bed but her eyes stayed open in the dark room. She tried to imagine what might be the cause of the thumps on the main deck. The room became cold, and she shivered.
The door opened.
She sat up, but the door closed before she looked.
It was dark again.
She sensed someone else in the room. "Who is there?"
"Quiet," a deep voiced replied.
"Tell me who you are or I'll scream my bloody head off!"
"Are you alright?"
Lara paused. "Who are you?"
A flashlight blinded her and made her head turn away.
"Let me get those cuffs off you. Don't move."
She heard the sound of a torch and smelled the heat of cut metal. With her hands free, she turned around. The blue flame of the small acetylene torch cut threw the ankle-cuffs and illuminated the cape, cowl, and elongated ears of Batman.
"How did you know where to find me?"
"Stay where you are! Someone is coming!"
He darted into the office. She crossed her hands behind her.
The door opened.
General Nyonga raised the lantern. "Well, Miss Croft, it appears you and I will be traveling together. Maybe we can get to know each other better."
"Keep your distance if you know what's good for you."
"But, my dear, nobody is here, and nobody is going to stop me." He licked his lips.
"Except him." She looked at the office doorway.
He followed her eyes to a figure standing nearby. "Wha-what are you?" he said in shock.
"Good night, General," Batman responded.
A knockout punch twirled General Nyonga about and he fell into the corner.
Lara grabbed the pistol from the unconscious body.
"Leave the gun behind," Batman said and checked the hallway.
"Right," she replied, stuffed the pistol in the small of her back, and followed.
* * *
The captain sat in his chair on the bridge and held the walkie-talkie to his ear.
"Capitan, there is not much damage done. The engines could be started in an hour, but everything else may need more time."
"Do what you can."
"We found Tito, Flaco, and Gordo in a corner. They look roughed up and out of it."
"Get them out of there, and keep me informed."
The first mate entered. "Capitan, the radio man said the Coast Guard has hailed us down and wants a response to their message."
The captain sighed. "Tell him not to respond and maintain radio silence until further notice." He leaned on the armrest and looked at the dark sea.
"Si, Capitan." The first mate left.
The lights of the approaching Coast Guard cutter came into view. Searchlights scanned up and down The Kraken. A loudspeaker bellowed, "Stand down and prepare to be boarded!"
The captain passed a hand over his face, scratched his unshaven jaw, and rose from the chair.
A whoosh sounded and an explosion shocked the ship.
He jumped to the bridge window.
Fire was on the Coast Guard cutter. Another whoosh sounded and a second explosion ripped it in half.
The first mate entered.
"Who is attacking the Coast Guard?" the captain bellowed.
"I don't know, Capitan. The radio man said the Coast Guard sent a distress signal and radioed they were fired upon!"
"Dios mio!" The captain took in a heavy breath. "Tell everyone to abandon ship! Get to the lifeboats now!" He ran out of the bridge and searched the main deck.
Gregor stood next to a tripod and raised his arms in victory.
"Senor, what do you think you are doing?" the captain shouted. "You were to advise me when action like this was going to be taken! Now you have placed our lives in jeopardy!"
"I was buying you time to repair the engines."
"You have bought us our death! At this moment, Navy warplanes are ready to take off! In fifteen minutes they will arrive and destroy both the submarine and this ship! We are abandoning the ship now! Get to a lifeboat!"
"No, no, wait! I must get some things from my cabin! It will take a moment!" He went towards the door.
The captain shook his head and went the opposite direction.
* * *
Lara and Batman raced through the catacombs of the ship. They scurried down the halls and paused when noises were heard ahead. From one level to the next lower level they rushed until the access door to the boat launch was finally reached.
The door was locked.
They struggled to open it, but it did not budge.
"Don't waste your effort! It won't open for you," Voldo exclaimed and pointed a gun at Batman.
They raised their hands.
"I don't know who you are, Mr. Caped Man, but I know you are no demon. Turn around and face the wall! And you, woman, lay face down on the floor!"
Batman placed his hands on the wall. Lara laid down on the floor and watched where Voldo stood.
Voldo looped a rope around Batman's neck and tightened. "I know you fouled our mission at the Galleria. And I know you were at the cocaine bust weeks ago. Who are you and who do you work for?" He gritted his teeth and pulled hard.
Batman grasped and strained at the rope. He fell to one knee.
Voldo placed a foot on Batman's back and yanked. "Who are you?"
Lara whipped the gun from her back and rolled over. "He's my demon!" she shouted, and fired two shots at Voldo's head.
He staggered and flopped to the floor. Blood spilled in rivulets and pooled next to his head.
Lara stood up and helped Batman to his feet. The rope was unraveled, and he rubbed his neck. "I told you to leave the gun behind."
"I thought you were kidding."
He frowned. "We've got to find another way out. Let's go to the main deck."
* * *
Gregor entered his room and went to the office. He picked up the aluminum tube, the bag of artifacts, and his laptop.
A groan came from the other room.
He aimed his flashlight. "General, what happened? Where's Lara?"
"She escaped. She was assisted by a masked man." He stood up and wobbled. "Where's my men?"
"We have to abandon ship. Come on, we need to get on a lifeboat."
"I want to go back to the sub... And what about the girl?"
"She couldn't have gone far. Voldo will find her."
General Nyonga checked his holster. "They have my pistol!"
Gregor paused. "We better get off the ship."
They ran down the hallway and onto the main deck.
The lifeboats were already hoisted over the side and in different stages of being lowered, except for one. The captain of The Kraken and a few of his men were stationed next to it. He motioned to them to hurry. They all climbed in and lowered it.
Minutes later Lara and Batman reached the main deck. The moonlight allowed them to see the deck was empty and the lifeboats were gone. They ran to a railing and saw the boats had reached the water. The sailors rowed away from the ship.
Lara raced to the other side and looked.
Gregor was halfway to the water. He looked up and smiled. "So long, Lara. Sorry it has to end this way. Maybe under different circumstances it would have worked out, you and me. My advice is to don't give up hope, but right now I have to go. Adieu, my sweet, adieu."
She pulled out the pistol and aimed. "Gregor! This is for Steven!" As the trigger was squeezed, her arm was forced up and the shot went in the air. The pistol was wrenched from her hand and thrown on deck.
"What are you doing?" she snapped.
"I want him alive," Batman said.
"I want him dead!"
"That is not how justice is served!"
"That is how my justice is served!" she snarled.
He glared at Lara and pulled out a bat-arang with twine. With one toss Gregor was roped and plucked from the lifeboat.
Gregor wiggled and kicked as he banged against the hull of the ship. "General, help me! Get your men and help me!"
General Nyonga barked orders to an officer on the conning tower of the sub. Immediately men appeared on the tower and fired at Batman.
Batman laid down and gripped the twine. He looked about to find a place to secure his end of the rope when he noticed Lara dragging a tripod with a missile launcher.
Away from the action, she aimed the launcher at the tower and fired.
The missile blew out a large hole, and the men scurried back inside.
General Nyonga had approached an entrance portal to the sub, turned, and yelled at Lara. He waved his fist wildly and screeched at the top of his lungs, but the roar of jet planes drowned his voice.
Lara blew him a kiss goodbye and watched the submarine slowly move away. Fire and sparks leapt out of the hole in the tower.
Batman lowered the twine until Gregor's feet broke the water. He opened a transmitter with a mini-joystick. A powerboat lit up and was maneuvered close to the ship, next to Gregor.
"We have to leave! Those jets mean business!"
She ran towards him, while a grappling hook was fastened to the railing.
"Hold on to me," he commanded and placed an arm around her waist.
Her arms locked around his neck.
They descended quickly and landed in the middle of the powerboat's deck.
Batman pulled Gregor in and dumped him on the deck. Then he jumped to the boat's controls and gunned the engines to full throttle. The powerboat shuddered and roared. A rooster tail of water sprayed in the air as they scooted away from the ship.
Seconds later two laser guided missiles screamed towards the ship and rammed into its side. A thunderous explosion ripped its interior. Fire and a plume of smoke rose to the sky, and metal debris scattered everywhere.
Lara and Gregor watched in horror as minor explosions rocked the ship. Lara got a better view of the submarine as the powerboat moved away from the burning ship.
The jets made passes over the submarine, but did not fire a missile. Men were standing on top, shooting flares in the sky and waving white flags, when the jets soared over.
Batman handed her handcuffs. "Fasten Gregor to that rail."
Gregor was pushed into a seat and an arm was twisted. As the handcuffs locked in place, Lara frowned.
"You're hurting me, Lara," Gregor responded meekly.
She slapped him across the face.
He tumbled to the floor.
With his collar gripped in her hand, she shouted, "I want to see you dead, Gregor! So help me, that day will come!" She raised a fist to strike.
"Stop!"
She released her grip and looked at Batman. "Why didn't you let me shoot him? The world would be better without him!"
"You are not the judge and jury. If you had killed him, you would have brought yourself to his level and become no better than what he is right now."
"He's a murderer! He killed my friend!"
"What you are asking for is vengeance, not justice. He will pay for his crimes, and he will pay for the death of your friend."
"What makes you think that will happen?" she argued.
"I'll stake my life on it!" he replied.
Lara took a deep breath. "How can I trust your word. I have never met anyone like you. I don't know who you are." She stepped closer. "Who are you, really?"
He looked at Gregor, and then gazed into Lara's eyes. "I am The Batman of Gotham City."
Her shoulders drooped. Her eyes wandered down his mask, to his flowing cape, and to the boat's wake. The hours of staying alert caught up to her. Fatigued, she stared without expression at Gregor.
"Go inside and rest in the cabin," insisted Batman.
"I don't think I could sleep."
"Try to rest."
She nodded and stepped inside.
Gregor watched and listened to their conversation. He sat on the floor and was still. "You are an intriguing character, Mr. Batman. Who do you work for?"
Batman looked straight ahead.
"Whoever it is, I'll pay twice the amount. What do you say to that?"
"You have nothing to offer me."
"Oh, no? Do you realize I can get twenty-six million dollars for Lara Croft? It could be all yours!"
"Lara Croft is priceless, and is owned by no one. At least, not by you."
Gregor grumbled, "You honorable guys make me sick."
* * *
The sun broke the horizon when the powerboat reached Gotham's harbor. The mist on the water concealed their approach to the pier.
Wrapped in a blanket, and unable to sleep, Lara popped her head from the cabin and looked forward.
On the dock were patrol cars and emergency vehicles. Their flashing red and white strobe lights jabbed into her eyes. Commissioner Gordon stood with several officers on the edge of the pier.
They climbed into the boat and lifted Gregor out.
"Consider yourself under arrest, Mr. Gregor," Gordon said.
Gregor snapped, "I want my lawyer."
"You better have an army of lawyers after you see the charges against you. Take him away, boys, and read him his rights."
Lara stumbled out of the boat. "Commissioner, make sure one of the charges is for..." she sniffled and began to weep, "... is for the murder..." streams of tears flowed, "... of Steven Lancaster." She collapsed in front of him.
Gordon caught her before she hit the ground. He yelled to an officer, "I need a stretcher over here!"
Two emergency attendants rushed over. They wrapped and secured her in the stretcher.
Gordon knelt and wiped her tears with a handkerchief. "Don't worry, Dr. Croft. They are going to take you to the hospital and have you checked out. It's just a precaution and part of procedure. Just relax."
She nodded, looked at Batman and waved while she was lifted and carried away.
Gordon faced Batman. "I shouldn't be surprised at the hour of the night whenever you call, especially when requesting emergency vehicles to meet you at the docks. Just to let you know rescue boats and helicopters were dispatched after the Coast Guard's distress signal. We'll be busy here all morning sorting this out."
"I'll see you tonight for a briefing, Commissioner."
"Same time, same place?"
"Yes," he replied.
"One question. Do you ever sleep?"
Batman smirked.
The powerboat sped around and disappeared in the harbor's mist.
* * *
At the hospital, Lara was examined, fed, and allowed to sleep in a private room. When she awoke early afternoon, Commissioner Gordon arrived and took her statement. He sat on the bed while they conversed.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked.
"Stronger, thank you very much."
"You realize Gregor's trial will occur months from now. I want you to stay in touch and be available for any preliminary hearings. The district attorney said the charges against him are mounting, and they include tax evasion, racketeering, kidnapping, and murder."
"Yes, of course... I want to thank you again for your kindness and everything you've done."
He patted her hand. "Anytime, Dr. Croft, but I'm not the one you should be thanking."
"Well... when you see him again, would you thank him for me?"
He smiled. "Yeah, I'll do that for you."
The door opened and a head peered in. "How are you feeling, Miss Lara?"
"Alfred, please come in. I'm feeling better, thank you."
"Let me excuse myself, Dr. Croft. Take care of yourself." Gordon stood and left the room.
"Goodbye, Commissioner."
Alfred entered with a suitcase and a bouquet of flowers. "I took the liberty of bringing your clothing and toiletries, in case you needed them. These flowers are for you." He laid the flowers on her lap and placed the suitcase on the credenza opposite the bed.
"Thank you, Alfred." She opened the card attached to the flowers. The card was read, ripped, and the flowers thrown on the floor.
Alfred noticed her folded arms and tightened jaw. He kept silent while she looked at the flowers.
Seconds passed without a word.
Lara spoke. "May I have some privacy, please. I would like to freshen up."
"Certainly, Miss Lara. The doctor had said you could be released anytime you wished. I will wait outside the door. By the way, your personal secretary, Connie, called and needed to speak with you right away. In fact she stressed it to be extremely urgent." He left the room.
She grabbed the phone and dialed. "Hello, Connie. It's Lara. I got your message. What is it that is so urgent?"
Lara listened for awhile. She looked about the room and frowned a couple of times.
"Connie, let me see if I heard you straight. The Prime Minister wants to see me, in person, even after reading the report. What does he want to ask?"
She sighed and listened.
"Well, he is not getting any names from me. So, in my opinion, the whole meeting would be futile... Alright, alright. Don't stress yourself about it. I'll try to make the next commercial flight out... Well, tell the Prime Minister I will see him tomorrow, late afternoon... Right... See you tomorrow, Connie. Good day."
* * *
The quiet ride from the hospital was laced with tension. Alfred drove and watched Lara's expression in the rearview mirror. Wearing rose colored glasses she stared at the window. The car approached the gates of Wayne Manor.
"Do you know what flight you will be taking to London?"
"No. I just need a ride to the airport. That can be sorted out when I get there."
The car stopped at the main door.
Lara took a deep breath and stepped out. "It should only take a moment to collect my things. I'll be right back."
She marched through the foyer, up the stairs, and into the room. Clothes were gathered quickly and placed into a suitcase. She grabbed the briefcase, left the room, and strode towards the stairs. At the top, she paused.
Bruce waited at the bottom. "Where are you going?"
She descended. "I have urgent business with the Prime Minister. I have to travel to London tonight."
"Still this business with China and the Great Wall?"
She ignored his question and walked by him.
"When will you return?"
She dropped her luggage, whirled about, and slapped his face. The sound thundered in the foyer.
"How could you! How could you leave me like that!" Her voice tilted on the edge of rage. "I have never been so humiliated in all my life! No one has ever left me in the middle of a date! No one!"
Bruce lowered his head.
"You left me alone! Completely alone! Do you realize what I just went through because of what you did? I was kidnapped! I was stripped of my clothing and dignity! Then I was auctioned as a slave! And throughout it all, I suffered the loss of a friend! What reason did you have to leave me alone?"
He stuttered. "I-I am very sorry, Lara. I didn't mean--."
"Your sorry will not buy any sympathy, Mr. Wayne, without an explanation!" She folded her arms and glared.
He shifted in silence.
"Nothing? You have nothing to say?" She spun around and picked up the luggage.
He stammered, "I still want to help you with your present situation."
She looked over her shoulder. "I appreciate the foundation's sponsorship and for paying my expenses, but I can handle my own problems. If there is a need for the foundation's assistance, then I will call. From now on, our relationship will be confined to a business level only! Good day, Mr. Wayne!"
He followed her to the door and pleaded, "Lara, please, please believe me. I am truly, truly sorry about your friend. I will arrange a memorial service for him. Please forgive my behavior."
Lara looked at Bruce as he stood by the entrance. His sad expression was exactly the same as the picture of the little boy who stood over his dead parents. A picture imprinted in her brain and never could be forgotten. She closed her eyes. "I am sorry it is ending this way, but I have to leave. Excuse me." She gave Alfred the bags and entered the car. Her head turned away from the mansion and a handkerchief was held near her face.
Alfred stepped close to him, whispered, and returned to the car.
Bruce stood with hands in pockets, head bowed, and shoulders drooped. He stayed near the door and watched until the car had reached the gates.
* * *
The Bentley moved into the traffic of the highway and headed for the airport. Alfred kept quiet. Lara dabbed the handkerchief on the corner of her eyes and sniffled.
On the road to the airport the car turned onto an access road that led to a number of hangars.
Lara became puzzled as soon as she noticed the hangars. "Alfred, this is not the airport terminal! Where are you taking me?"
"The private jet of Wayne Enterprises is awaiting your arrival. I thought it would be a more prudent way to travel to London than to contend with the crowd at the commercial airline counters. Especially for a person of your prestige and notoriety, and also the fact that you carry firearms."
The car stopped near the doorway of an open hangar. Alfred removed the luggage from the trunk and walked inside to a nearby Learjet. An attendant took the bags and stored them on the plane.
The pilot came out and approached them. "We will be leaving in twenty minutes. I have to submit our flight schedule to the tower and then go through a final checklist." He went to a corner office and entered.
"Alfred, when were you able to arrange this?" she asked.
"Master Bruce arranged it after we had left."
"Yes, of course. Mr. Bruce Wayne. Always the charmer."
"Please, Miss Lara. Don't judge him too harshly. I regret the circumstances you had to suffer through during your stay with us. In regards to the pain you are handling, we all feel sadness for you, especially Master Bruce. But I would like to make this statement. Of all the people I know, and all the people I met in this world, there is no finer person... no finer gentleman... than he."
She sighed. "My intentions are to believe you, but I know he is your employer."
"I have been associated with Master Bruce even before his uncle took him in after the death of his parents, and I have been with him all his life since then. I assure you, I know him quite well."
Lara stopped and thought. "Alfred, do you know all his associates and employees?"
"Only those he allows me to know."
"Please be honest with me. The private investigator Bruce Wayne employs. Is he the vigilante that roams about Gotham City? The one the newspapers call the Batman?"
Alfred's eyebrows twitched. "I'm sorry, Miss Lara. Due to the confidential nature of that question, I cannot say who is employed as an investigator."
"I understand." Her eyes lowered.
"The only person who could answer that is Master Bruce." He smiled and handed her a cell phone.
She hugged him. "Thank you, Alfred. Please keep me informed when Steven's memorial is scheduled."
"I most certainly will. Have a pleasant flight, Miss Lara."
She entered the plane and fastened the seat belt. Through the window she watched Alfred walk to the car and drive away. She leaned back into the seat and tapped the cell phone on her knee.
The pilot approached the plane. "Excuse me, Dr. Croft. Commissioner Gordon, of the Gotham City Police Department, needs to speak with you. I'm having the office patch the line over to the plane's phone."
Lara picked up the phone. "Hello, Commissioner. What can I do for you?"
"We found some golden artifacts in a bag on a lifeboat. I'm sure they belong to you but I need you to come to the station and identify them."
"I'm just about to leave the country. The British government is calling me back for a private meeting. When I return, I will stop by and identify them."
"Do you know when that will be?"
"I know I am scheduled to lecture at the Galleria this coming weekend. Whether the Prime Minister allows me to leave before then I cannot say for sure. Let me call you when I know for certain."
"All right, Dr. Croft. I'll see you when you get back."
"Goodbye, Commissioner."
The pilot entered and headed for the cockpit. "Five more minutes and then we will be on our way. Just have to do a final checklist."
Lara tapped the cell phone on her knee. Then the phone was held in front and looked at for a few seconds. She opened it and pressed the buttons. "Star, two, two, eight."
The phone beeped, buzzed, and clicked.
"Wayne Manor. Bruce Wayne speaking."
She hesitated. "Bruce."
"Yes, Lara."
"You didn't have to arrange a flight on your private jet for me. I could have managed on my own."
The phone was silent.
"But I am glad you did."
"Well, I wanted to be sure our business relationship didn't continue on such sour beginnings," he said.
"Touché."
"What did you say?"
"Nothing really. Umm... Bruce, I want to continue our conversation we had started at the concert hall."
"Regarding?"
"Secrets. You wanted to know what happened in China, and I was about to ask you a question."
"Yes, I remember. What was it you wanted to know?"
She took a deep breath. "Not right now, but I want you to schedule the time to spend with me when I return. I would like to share some secrets with you, if you are willing to share some with me."
The phone was silent for a few seconds.
"When will you return?" he asked.
"I don't know how long the Prime Minister will need me. I'll have to call you when I arrive back in the states. Listen, I have to stop now. The pilot has signaled we are ready to go." She pulled back the loose strands of hair. "Goodbye, Bruce."
"Goodbye, Lara. Have a good flight home."
She closed the phone.
The plane taxied along the runway. Without hesitation the engines whined and the plane accelerated. It eased gently into the air and then pitched at a steep angle.
The top of the dark skyscrapers of Gotham City came into view. A number of buildings had gargoyles perched on the corners. Lara squinted her eyes and looked at every figure, until the city disappeared under a white cloud.
END
Lara Croft and Tomb Raider are creations of Adrian Smith for Core Design and Eidos Interactive, and Tomb Raider comics are published by Top Cow Productions, Inc.
Batman and related characters are creations of Bob Kane for Detective Comics, and published by DC Comics Inc.
The characters and incidents featured in this story are entirely fictional. Any similarities to persons living or dead are purely coincidental. To infringe or challenge the copyrights or trademarks of the above is not the intention of this author.
THE EXPOSITION - Part Eight
The captain and his first mate were on the bridge. They handed out flashlights and lanterns to eight sailors.
"Four of you go to the engine room and find out what happened. Take this walkie-talkie and use it. You four find the others, give out these flashlights, and continue searching."
"Capitan, we should abandon the ship! We cannot fight this demon!"
"Shut up and go! That's an order!"
Gregor, Voldo, and General Nyonga entered.
"What happened?" Gregor demanded.
"I don't know, Senor. I have sent men to the engine room. They will tell me if there is damage and if it can be repaired. Meanwhile we found four men unconscious in a storage room. If we don't find this... thing on board soon, then there will not be enough men to operate the ship."
"Enough! I will find this thing and show it is made of flesh and blood!" Voldo exclaimed. He grabbed a lantern and stomped out.
The General turned to Gregor. "Where did you find your associate?"
"My father brought him home one day when I was ten. He is my half-brother, my father said. Didn't explain anymore than that. Voldo was thirteen. During high school he was my bodyguard, protected me from bullies... and it grew from there."
"You are fortunate to have him--."
The captain interrupted in haste. "Senores, my radio man said another boat is approaching!"
"Did he say who it was?"
"The Coast Guard! They will be here in half an hour!"
Gregor turned white and raced out the door.
* * *
In the obscured mess hall, two dark-hooded men munched on a meal by flashlight. They mumbled a few things to themselves as they sat and ate. One raised his head and noticed the doorway overshadowed by someone. "What happened to the lights?" he asked.
No reply, and no other noise was heard but the grinding of food in their mouths.
"Hey, do you understand me? The lights? La luz?"
A flashlight was shone on the figure.
He jumped from his seat and shouted, "The demon!"
Before the other seated man could react, two hands lifted him from behind and threw him on the table. He bounced and landed on the floor.
The frightened man scrambled to the wall and drew his gun.
A thrown object knocked the gun from his hand, and a fist rocked his jaw. Hands grabbed him by the collar and pulled him from his knees to his feet.
A deep voice asked, "Where's the lady?"
Features could not be seen within the dark shadows, but the man felt the rapid breathing, and panicked. "Please have mercy! I didn't touch her! I didn't touch her!"
The grip tightened. "Where is she?"
"She is on the next level up, in Gregor's room!"
Another fist knocked him unconscious.
* * *
"General, help me with this crate to the main deck," Gregor pleaded.
General Nyonga pushed the handcart while Gregor guided it over the doorway and the uneven deck. They stopped near the edge and forced the crate open.
A tripod was assembled.
"I suggest you get yourself and your men off the ship, General. One thing the Coast Guard doesn't like to see is a Russian-style submarine close to the coastline."
"What is it you are putting together?"
Gregor grunted and lifted an optical sight sensor assembly. "The TOW missile launcher. It's used to decimate armor tanks. Let's see how the hull of a Coast Guard cutter stands up to it."
"Why don't we lure them in and capture them? I will get extra men to help!"
"Too much baggage. As soon as they see the sub, they will call for extra firepower. My plan is to sink them before that happens. It would buy us time until the engine room is repaired."
"Let us all leave on the submarine. We can always find another supplier. What you are doing now is madness!"
Gregor secured the launching tube and connected the cable from the guidance system case. "I'm protecting our investment, General. What you could do is take our lovely guest to the submarine as well. Remember, she is worth twenty-six million."
General Nyonga walked backwards and watched him fiddle with some dials and flick some switches.
* * *
Lara tried to rest on the bed but her eyes stayed open in the dark room. She tried to imagine what might be the cause of the thumps on the main deck. The room became cold, and she shivered.
The door opened.
She sat up, but the door closed before she looked.
It was dark again.
She sensed someone else in the room. "Who is there?"
"Quiet," a deep voiced replied.
"Tell me who you are or I'll scream my bloody head off!"
"Are you alright?"
Lara paused. "Who are you?"
A flashlight blinded her and made her head turn away.
"Let me get those cuffs off you. Don't move."
She heard the sound of a torch and smelled the heat of cut metal. With her hands free, she turned around. The blue flame of the small acetylene torch cut threw the ankle-cuffs and illuminated the cape, cowl, and elongated ears of Batman.
"How did you know where to find me?"
"Stay where you are! Someone is coming!"
He darted into the office. She crossed her hands behind her.
The door opened.
General Nyonga raised the lantern. "Well, Miss Croft, it appears you and I will be traveling together. Maybe we can get to know each other better."
"Keep your distance if you know what's good for you."
"But, my dear, nobody is here, and nobody is going to stop me." He licked his lips.
"Except him." She looked at the office doorway.
He followed her eyes to a figure standing nearby. "Wha-what are you?" he said in shock.
"Good night, General," Batman responded.
A knockout punch twirled General Nyonga about and he fell into the corner.
Lara grabbed the pistol from the unconscious body.
"Leave the gun behind," Batman said and checked the hallway.
"Right," she replied, stuffed the pistol in the small of her back, and followed.
* * *
The captain sat in his chair on the bridge and held the walkie-talkie to his ear.
"Capitan, there is not much damage done. The engines could be started in an hour, but everything else may need more time."
"Do what you can."
"We found Tito, Flaco, and Gordo in a corner. They look roughed up and out of it."
"Get them out of there, and keep me informed."
The first mate entered. "Capitan, the radio man said the Coast Guard has hailed us down and wants a response to their message."
The captain sighed. "Tell him not to respond and maintain radio silence until further notice." He leaned on the armrest and looked at the dark sea.
"Si, Capitan." The first mate left.
The lights of the approaching Coast Guard cutter came into view. Searchlights scanned up and down The Kraken. A loudspeaker bellowed, "Stand down and prepare to be boarded!"
The captain passed a hand over his face, scratched his unshaven jaw, and rose from the chair.
A whoosh sounded and an explosion shocked the ship.
He jumped to the bridge window.
Fire was on the Coast Guard cutter. Another whoosh sounded and a second explosion ripped it in half.
The first mate entered.
"Who is attacking the Coast Guard?" the captain bellowed.
"I don't know, Capitan. The radio man said the Coast Guard sent a distress signal and radioed they were fired upon!"
"Dios mio!" The captain took in a heavy breath. "Tell everyone to abandon ship! Get to the lifeboats now!" He ran out of the bridge and searched the main deck.
Gregor stood next to a tripod and raised his arms in victory.
"Senor, what do you think you are doing?" the captain shouted. "You were to advise me when action like this was going to be taken! Now you have placed our lives in jeopardy!"
"I was buying you time to repair the engines."
"You have bought us our death! At this moment, Navy warplanes are ready to take off! In fifteen minutes they will arrive and destroy both the submarine and this ship! We are abandoning the ship now! Get to a lifeboat!"
"No, no, wait! I must get some things from my cabin! It will take a moment!" He went towards the door.
The captain shook his head and went the opposite direction.
* * *
Lara and Batman raced through the catacombs of the ship. They scurried down the halls and paused when noises were heard ahead. From one level to the next lower level they rushed until the access door to the boat launch was finally reached.
The door was locked.
They struggled to open it, but it did not budge.
"Don't waste your effort! It won't open for you," Voldo exclaimed and pointed a gun at Batman.
They raised their hands.
"I don't know who you are, Mr. Caped Man, but I know you are no demon. Turn around and face the wall! And you, woman, lay face down on the floor!"
Batman placed his hands on the wall. Lara laid down on the floor and watched where Voldo stood.
Voldo looped a rope around Batman's neck and tightened. "I know you fouled our mission at the Galleria. And I know you were at the cocaine bust weeks ago. Who are you and who do you work for?" He gritted his teeth and pulled hard.
Batman grasped and strained at the rope. He fell to one knee.
Voldo placed a foot on Batman's back and yanked. "Who are you?"
Lara whipped the gun from her back and rolled over. "He's my demon!" she shouted, and fired two shots at Voldo's head.
He staggered and flopped to the floor. Blood spilled in rivulets and pooled next to his head.
Lara stood up and helped Batman to his feet. The rope was unraveled, and he rubbed his neck. "I told you to leave the gun behind."
"I thought you were kidding."
He frowned. "We've got to find another way out. Let's go to the main deck."
* * *
Gregor entered his room and went to the office. He picked up the aluminum tube, the bag of artifacts, and his laptop.
A groan came from the other room.
He aimed his flashlight. "General, what happened? Where's Lara?"
"She escaped. She was assisted by a masked man." He stood up and wobbled. "Where's my men?"
"We have to abandon ship. Come on, we need to get on a lifeboat."
"I want to go back to the sub... And what about the girl?"
"She couldn't have gone far. Voldo will find her."
General Nyonga checked his holster. "They have my pistol!"
Gregor paused. "We better get off the ship."
They ran down the hallway and onto the main deck.
The lifeboats were already hoisted over the side and in different stages of being lowered, except for one. The captain of The Kraken and a few of his men were stationed next to it. He motioned to them to hurry. They all climbed in and lowered it.
Minutes later Lara and Batman reached the main deck. The moonlight allowed them to see the deck was empty and the lifeboats were gone. They ran to a railing and saw the boats had reached the water. The sailors rowed away from the ship.
Lara raced to the other side and looked.
Gregor was halfway to the water. He looked up and smiled. "So long, Lara. Sorry it has to end this way. Maybe under different circumstances it would have worked out, you and me. My advice is to don't give up hope, but right now I have to go. Adieu, my sweet, adieu."
She pulled out the pistol and aimed. "Gregor! This is for Steven!" As the trigger was squeezed, her arm was forced up and the shot went in the air. The pistol was wrenched from her hand and thrown on deck.
"What are you doing?" she snapped.
"I want him alive," Batman said.
"I want him dead!"
"That is not how justice is served!"
"That is how my justice is served!" she snarled.
He glared at Lara and pulled out a bat-arang with twine. With one toss Gregor was roped and plucked from the lifeboat.
Gregor wiggled and kicked as he banged against the hull of the ship. "General, help me! Get your men and help me!"
General Nyonga barked orders to an officer on the conning tower of the sub. Immediately men appeared on the tower and fired at Batman.
Batman laid down and gripped the twine. He looked about to find a place to secure his end of the rope when he noticed Lara dragging a tripod with a missile launcher.
Away from the action, she aimed the launcher at the tower and fired.
The missile blew out a large hole, and the men scurried back inside.
General Nyonga had approached an entrance portal to the sub, turned, and yelled at Lara. He waved his fist wildly and screeched at the top of his lungs, but the roar of jet planes drowned his voice.
Lara blew him a kiss goodbye and watched the submarine slowly move away. Fire and sparks leapt out of the hole in the tower.
Batman lowered the twine until Gregor's feet broke the water. He opened a transmitter with a mini-joystick. A powerboat lit up and was maneuvered close to the ship, next to Gregor.
"We have to leave! Those jets mean business!"
She ran towards him, while a grappling hook was fastened to the railing.
"Hold on to me," he commanded and placed an arm around her waist.
Her arms locked around his neck.
They descended quickly and landed in the middle of the powerboat's deck.
Batman pulled Gregor in and dumped him on the deck. Then he jumped to the boat's controls and gunned the engines to full throttle. The powerboat shuddered and roared. A rooster tail of water sprayed in the air as they scooted away from the ship.
Seconds later two laser guided missiles screamed towards the ship and rammed into its side. A thunderous explosion ripped its interior. Fire and a plume of smoke rose to the sky, and metal debris scattered everywhere.
Lara and Gregor watched in horror as minor explosions rocked the ship. Lara got a better view of the submarine as the powerboat moved away from the burning ship.
The jets made passes over the submarine, but did not fire a missile. Men were standing on top, shooting flares in the sky and waving white flags, when the jets soared over.
Batman handed her handcuffs. "Fasten Gregor to that rail."
Gregor was pushed into a seat and an arm was twisted. As the handcuffs locked in place, Lara frowned.
"You're hurting me, Lara," Gregor responded meekly.
She slapped him across the face.
He tumbled to the floor.
With his collar gripped in her hand, she shouted, "I want to see you dead, Gregor! So help me, that day will come!" She raised a fist to strike.
"Stop!"
She released her grip and looked at Batman. "Why didn't you let me shoot him? The world would be better without him!"
"You are not the judge and jury. If you had killed him, you would have brought yourself to his level and become no better than what he is right now."
"He's a murderer! He killed my friend!"
"What you are asking for is vengeance, not justice. He will pay for his crimes, and he will pay for the death of your friend."
"What makes you think that will happen?" she argued.
"I'll stake my life on it!" he replied.
Lara took a deep breath. "How can I trust your word. I have never met anyone like you. I don't know who you are." She stepped closer. "Who are you, really?"
He looked at Gregor, and then gazed into Lara's eyes. "I am The Batman of Gotham City."
Her shoulders drooped. Her eyes wandered down his mask, to his flowing cape, and to the boat's wake. The hours of staying alert caught up to her. Fatigued, she stared without expression at Gregor.
"Go inside and rest in the cabin," insisted Batman.
"I don't think I could sleep."
"Try to rest."
She nodded and stepped inside.
Gregor watched and listened to their conversation. He sat on the floor and was still. "You are an intriguing character, Mr. Batman. Who do you work for?"
Batman looked straight ahead.
"Whoever it is, I'll pay twice the amount. What do you say to that?"
"You have nothing to offer me."
"Oh, no? Do you realize I can get twenty-six million dollars for Lara Croft? It could be all yours!"
"Lara Croft is priceless, and is owned by no one. At least, not by you."
Gregor grumbled, "You honorable guys make me sick."
* * *
The sun broke the horizon when the powerboat reached Gotham's harbor. The mist on the water concealed their approach to the pier.
Wrapped in a blanket, and unable to sleep, Lara popped her head from the cabin and looked forward.
On the dock were patrol cars and emergency vehicles. Their flashing red and white strobe lights jabbed into her eyes. Commissioner Gordon stood with several officers on the edge of the pier.
They climbed into the boat and lifted Gregor out.
"Consider yourself under arrest, Mr. Gregor," Gordon said.
Gregor snapped, "I want my lawyer."
"You better have an army of lawyers after you see the charges against you. Take him away, boys, and read him his rights."
Lara stumbled out of the boat. "Commissioner, make sure one of the charges is for..." she sniffled and began to weep, "... is for the murder..." streams of tears flowed, "... of Steven Lancaster." She collapsed in front of him.
Gordon caught her before she hit the ground. He yelled to an officer, "I need a stretcher over here!"
Two emergency attendants rushed over. They wrapped and secured her in the stretcher.
Gordon knelt and wiped her tears with a handkerchief. "Don't worry, Dr. Croft. They are going to take you to the hospital and have you checked out. It's just a precaution and part of procedure. Just relax."
She nodded, looked at Batman and waved while she was lifted and carried away.
Gordon faced Batman. "I shouldn't be surprised at the hour of the night whenever you call, especially when requesting emergency vehicles to meet you at the docks. Just to let you know rescue boats and helicopters were dispatched after the Coast Guard's distress signal. We'll be busy here all morning sorting this out."
"I'll see you tonight for a briefing, Commissioner."
"Same time, same place?"
"Yes," he replied.
"One question. Do you ever sleep?"
Batman smirked.
The powerboat sped around and disappeared in the harbor's mist.
* * *
At the hospital, Lara was examined, fed, and allowed to sleep in a private room. When she awoke early afternoon, Commissioner Gordon arrived and took her statement. He sat on the bed while they conversed.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked.
"Stronger, thank you very much."
"You realize Gregor's trial will occur months from now. I want you to stay in touch and be available for any preliminary hearings. The district attorney said the charges against him are mounting, and they include tax evasion, racketeering, kidnapping, and murder."
"Yes, of course... I want to thank you again for your kindness and everything you've done."
He patted her hand. "Anytime, Dr. Croft, but I'm not the one you should be thanking."
"Well... when you see him again, would you thank him for me?"
He smiled. "Yeah, I'll do that for you."
The door opened and a head peered in. "How are you feeling, Miss Lara?"
"Alfred, please come in. I'm feeling better, thank you."
"Let me excuse myself, Dr. Croft. Take care of yourself." Gordon stood and left the room.
"Goodbye, Commissioner."
Alfred entered with a suitcase and a bouquet of flowers. "I took the liberty of bringing your clothing and toiletries, in case you needed them. These flowers are for you." He laid the flowers on her lap and placed the suitcase on the credenza opposite the bed.
"Thank you, Alfred." She opened the card attached to the flowers. The card was read, ripped, and the flowers thrown on the floor.
Alfred noticed her folded arms and tightened jaw. He kept silent while she looked at the flowers.
Seconds passed without a word.
Lara spoke. "May I have some privacy, please. I would like to freshen up."
"Certainly, Miss Lara. The doctor had said you could be released anytime you wished. I will wait outside the door. By the way, your personal secretary, Connie, called and needed to speak with you right away. In fact she stressed it to be extremely urgent." He left the room.
She grabbed the phone and dialed. "Hello, Connie. It's Lara. I got your message. What is it that is so urgent?"
Lara listened for awhile. She looked about the room and frowned a couple of times.
"Connie, let me see if I heard you straight. The Prime Minister wants to see me, in person, even after reading the report. What does he want to ask?"
She sighed and listened.
"Well, he is not getting any names from me. So, in my opinion, the whole meeting would be futile... Alright, alright. Don't stress yourself about it. I'll try to make the next commercial flight out... Well, tell the Prime Minister I will see him tomorrow, late afternoon... Right... See you tomorrow, Connie. Good day."
* * *
The quiet ride from the hospital was laced with tension. Alfred drove and watched Lara's expression in the rearview mirror. Wearing rose colored glasses she stared at the window. The car approached the gates of Wayne Manor.
"Do you know what flight you will be taking to London?"
"No. I just need a ride to the airport. That can be sorted out when I get there."
The car stopped at the main door.
Lara took a deep breath and stepped out. "It should only take a moment to collect my things. I'll be right back."
She marched through the foyer, up the stairs, and into the room. Clothes were gathered quickly and placed into a suitcase. She grabbed the briefcase, left the room, and strode towards the stairs. At the top, she paused.
Bruce waited at the bottom. "Where are you going?"
She descended. "I have urgent business with the Prime Minister. I have to travel to London tonight."
"Still this business with China and the Great Wall?"
She ignored his question and walked by him.
"When will you return?"
She dropped her luggage, whirled about, and slapped his face. The sound thundered in the foyer.
"How could you! How could you leave me like that!" Her voice tilted on the edge of rage. "I have never been so humiliated in all my life! No one has ever left me in the middle of a date! No one!"
Bruce lowered his head.
"You left me alone! Completely alone! Do you realize what I just went through because of what you did? I was kidnapped! I was stripped of my clothing and dignity! Then I was auctioned as a slave! And throughout it all, I suffered the loss of a friend! What reason did you have to leave me alone?"
He stuttered. "I-I am very sorry, Lara. I didn't mean--."
"Your sorry will not buy any sympathy, Mr. Wayne, without an explanation!" She folded her arms and glared.
He shifted in silence.
"Nothing? You have nothing to say?" She spun around and picked up the luggage.
He stammered, "I still want to help you with your present situation."
She looked over her shoulder. "I appreciate the foundation's sponsorship and for paying my expenses, but I can handle my own problems. If there is a need for the foundation's assistance, then I will call. From now on, our relationship will be confined to a business level only! Good day, Mr. Wayne!"
He followed her to the door and pleaded, "Lara, please, please believe me. I am truly, truly sorry about your friend. I will arrange a memorial service for him. Please forgive my behavior."
Lara looked at Bruce as he stood by the entrance. His sad expression was exactly the same as the picture of the little boy who stood over his dead parents. A picture imprinted in her brain and never could be forgotten. She closed her eyes. "I am sorry it is ending this way, but I have to leave. Excuse me." She gave Alfred the bags and entered the car. Her head turned away from the mansion and a handkerchief was held near her face.
Alfred stepped close to him, whispered, and returned to the car.
Bruce stood with hands in pockets, head bowed, and shoulders drooped. He stayed near the door and watched until the car had reached the gates.
* * *
The Bentley moved into the traffic of the highway and headed for the airport. Alfred kept quiet. Lara dabbed the handkerchief on the corner of her eyes and sniffled.
On the road to the airport the car turned onto an access road that led to a number of hangars.
Lara became puzzled as soon as she noticed the hangars. "Alfred, this is not the airport terminal! Where are you taking me?"
"The private jet of Wayne Enterprises is awaiting your arrival. I thought it would be a more prudent way to travel to London than to contend with the crowd at the commercial airline counters. Especially for a person of your prestige and notoriety, and also the fact that you carry firearms."
The car stopped near the doorway of an open hangar. Alfred removed the luggage from the trunk and walked inside to a nearby Learjet. An attendant took the bags and stored them on the plane.
The pilot came out and approached them. "We will be leaving in twenty minutes. I have to submit our flight schedule to the tower and then go through a final checklist." He went to a corner office and entered.
"Alfred, when were you able to arrange this?" she asked.
"Master Bruce arranged it after we had left."
"Yes, of course. Mr. Bruce Wayne. Always the charmer."
"Please, Miss Lara. Don't judge him too harshly. I regret the circumstances you had to suffer through during your stay with us. In regards to the pain you are handling, we all feel sadness for you, especially Master Bruce. But I would like to make this statement. Of all the people I know, and all the people I met in this world, there is no finer person... no finer gentleman... than he."
She sighed. "My intentions are to believe you, but I know he is your employer."
"I have been associated with Master Bruce even before his uncle took him in after the death of his parents, and I have been with him all his life since then. I assure you, I know him quite well."
Lara stopped and thought. "Alfred, do you know all his associates and employees?"
"Only those he allows me to know."
"Please be honest with me. The private investigator Bruce Wayne employs. Is he the vigilante that roams about Gotham City? The one the newspapers call the Batman?"
Alfred's eyebrows twitched. "I'm sorry, Miss Lara. Due to the confidential nature of that question, I cannot say who is employed as an investigator."
"I understand." Her eyes lowered.
"The only person who could answer that is Master Bruce." He smiled and handed her a cell phone.
She hugged him. "Thank you, Alfred. Please keep me informed when Steven's memorial is scheduled."
"I most certainly will. Have a pleasant flight, Miss Lara."
She entered the plane and fastened the seat belt. Through the window she watched Alfred walk to the car and drive away. She leaned back into the seat and tapped the cell phone on her knee.
The pilot approached the plane. "Excuse me, Dr. Croft. Commissioner Gordon, of the Gotham City Police Department, needs to speak with you. I'm having the office patch the line over to the plane's phone."
Lara picked up the phone. "Hello, Commissioner. What can I do for you?"
"We found some golden artifacts in a bag on a lifeboat. I'm sure they belong to you but I need you to come to the station and identify them."
"I'm just about to leave the country. The British government is calling me back for a private meeting. When I return, I will stop by and identify them."
"Do you know when that will be?"
"I know I am scheduled to lecture at the Galleria this coming weekend. Whether the Prime Minister allows me to leave before then I cannot say for sure. Let me call you when I know for certain."
"All right, Dr. Croft. I'll see you when you get back."
"Goodbye, Commissioner."
The pilot entered and headed for the cockpit. "Five more minutes and then we will be on our way. Just have to do a final checklist."
Lara tapped the cell phone on her knee. Then the phone was held in front and looked at for a few seconds. She opened it and pressed the buttons. "Star, two, two, eight."
The phone beeped, buzzed, and clicked.
"Wayne Manor. Bruce Wayne speaking."
She hesitated. "Bruce."
"Yes, Lara."
"You didn't have to arrange a flight on your private jet for me. I could have managed on my own."
The phone was silent.
"But I am glad you did."
"Well, I wanted to be sure our business relationship didn't continue on such sour beginnings," he said.
"Touché."
"What did you say?"
"Nothing really. Umm... Bruce, I want to continue our conversation we had started at the concert hall."
"Regarding?"
"Secrets. You wanted to know what happened in China, and I was about to ask you a question."
"Yes, I remember. What was it you wanted to know?"
She took a deep breath. "Not right now, but I want you to schedule the time to spend with me when I return. I would like to share some secrets with you, if you are willing to share some with me."
The phone was silent for a few seconds.
"When will you return?" he asked.
"I don't know how long the Prime Minister will need me. I'll have to call you when I arrive back in the states. Listen, I have to stop now. The pilot has signaled we are ready to go." She pulled back the loose strands of hair. "Goodbye, Bruce."
"Goodbye, Lara. Have a good flight home."
She closed the phone.
The plane taxied along the runway. Without hesitation the engines whined and the plane accelerated. It eased gently into the air and then pitched at a steep angle.
The top of the dark skyscrapers of Gotham City came into view. A number of buildings had gargoyles perched on the corners. Lara squinted her eyes and looked at every figure, until the city disappeared under a white cloud.
END