"Damn it, Diana! Now you've really done it!" The words are harsh, but there is no one present to hear her lightly muttered self critique. "How could you just leave the Joker behind, free to spread Circe's insanity?" Wonder Woman hangs her head in dismay. Stowed aboard a cargo train en route to Bludhaven, the heroine feels the miles pass swiftly underneath her. The interior of the lead-lined supply car is virtually dark, leaving a fretful Princess Diana to contemplate her ever escalating troubles.
The Amazon champion is tempted to disembark from the speeding train and return to Gotham City to face the matter head-on. She thinks better of this alternative, however, because she deems her capture to be the probable death knell for the Justice League. "I've got to reach the Joker and silence him over the next two days." Diana reasons. "The question is 'How?'. My powers continue to fade steadily, but that's not the worst of it. My body is accustomed to a super-human level of strength. As my might wanes, my muscles feel heavy and listless. I'm hard pressed to stay focused and alert as the fatigue intensifies."
Wonder Woman stands so as to resist an urge to nod off. To occupy herself, she climbs atop a small mountain of bagged grass seed and garden fertilizer. Using Barbara's pocket-sized flashlight, the Amazon confirms how truly cramped the compartment is. She crawls across several pallets, tucking her head down to avoid brushing against the ceiling. Diana soon reaches the Batgirl-cycle, which is stashed away in a narrow gap between the cargo and the door-side wall. The super heroine examines the impressive vehicle while continuing to ponder her options.
"Do I risk seeking out Donna?" the princess wonders. "She could easily provide all the help I need. Furthermore, our sisterly bond is very strong. She trusts me implicitly, as I do her. Regardless of the reports she may have heard, Wonder Girl will fight beside me, no questions asked ... presuming, of course, that I'm able to convince her that I'm really me!"
Wonder Woman groans aloud, this being a dual reaction to her current line of thought and the lack of particularly useful equipment in Batgirl's saddlebag. "Donna has reason to be suspicious, not to mention curious." the Amazon laments. "I won't be able to bluff my way through the paces with her; she knows me TOO well. Donna would surely notice the huge drop-off in my powers and that would be disastrous."
A search of the motorcycle's tool chest yields nothing promising. "Hmmm ... wrench set, pliers, tire jack, road flares, screw driver, oil, dry gas." Diana mumbles. "I don't know what I was hoping to find; after all there's only so much one can store on a motorcycle. Well, binoculars might come in handy and at least I have an ample supply of Batarangs, rope and grappling hooks!"
Wonder Woman forms a lariat out of the longest stretch of cord and looks to secure it on her right hip. She notices the series of small compartments adorning Batgirl's utility belt. Diana realizes that she had only looked in the two front-most pouches before locating the mini-flashlight. She therefore checks the other four. Three provide an assortment of items and gadgets, with tear gas being the most helpful. In the last one, the Amazon finds a small spiral notepad.
Diana leafs through the notes which, although written in shorthand, are perfectly legible. Less than half of the original pages remain in the book. "Looks like Barbara only keeps notes from her active cases on her person." Diana observes. The bulk of them pertain to an individual who has at least temporarily left Gotham City. The princess manages a slight smile. "Very interesting." she remarks aloud. "Looks like I may actually have some business to attend to in Bludhaven!"
*****
"Katar, you're wasting your time." The formidable bass voice is unmistakable, even given a slight hoarseness resulting from his recent illness. "I spent over a day cooped up with that psychopath." the Batman continues via JLA communicator. "He's been a pawn in Circe's crazy scheme. Although he resents being used, the Joker will never change his stripes. Life is a farce to him; he perceives law and order as a bane to society. He won't talk to you any more than he did me."
"So what do you suggest I do? Sit back and wait for Circe to strike again, and hope we get there in time?" Hawkman's tone is riddled with the impatience and sarcasm which one might expect from an impassioned husband worried sick over his ailing wife. "The Joker knows what that filthy witch is up to and I'm going to get it out of him!"
The Batman frowns, for he realizes the futility of reasoning with the headstrong Thanagarian. He is tempted to speed down to Arkham Asylum to intervene, but wisely opts against it. As a result of his latest ordeal, Bruce is bedridden for at least a day. He would surely incur the wrath of Superman, not to mention his own butler, were he to impetuously venture out in his present condition. "Suit yourself Hawkman." Batman uncharacteristically concedes. "Don't say I never warned you."
Hawkman quickly attains clearance to enter the heavily guarded mental sanatorium. He is escorted down to the infirmary where the on-duty physician is completing treatment of the Joker's injuries. The infamous killer is firmly strapped down on the table, despite his still being unconscious. "I've practiced here at Arkham for several years now." Dr. Lyle Eastham notes to the visiting Justice Leaguer. "During that time I've tended to all sorts of criminally insane, including my share of the meta-human variety. You develop cast-iron nerves pretty fast. Very little phases me anymore, but you're looking at the exception right here. The very sight of the Joker is enough to make my skin crawl!"
"Can you awaken him?" Katar interjects. "There are urgent questions that only he can answer." Dr. Eastham sighs in angst. "The Joker has been heavily sedated." the physician replies. "No doctor on Arkham's staff treats this patient unless and until he is put under full anesthesia. Extreme measures, but quite necessary given the subject. He once murdered two of my colleagues right in this very room!"
Dr. Eastham reflexively backs away from the prone villain as the terrible memory of those brutal slayings resurfaces. The physician clenches his fists and grinds his teeth. He composes himself and instructs the anesthesiologist to comply with Hawkman's request. "It will take several moments for him to come around." Eastham forewarns.
*****
The light of a new day begins to peer over the horizon as Wonder Woman leaves the stopped freight train in her rearview mirror. Several laborers notice the uniquely smooth hum of the motorcycle engine. By now, the Amazon is too far away for the men to catch anything more than a glimpse of the small, speeding shadow in the distance. They needn't see the Batgirl-cycle, however, to know it's a special vehicle. "Whew, that has to be one kick-ass set of wheels!" a worker marvels with envy.
"This bike and outfit are way too conspicuous, particularly outside of Gotham City." Diana thinks to herself while navigating the city streets. "Fortunately, Nightwing's presence in Bludhaven makes the locals somewhat accustomed to costumed heroes. Hopefully, the appearance of 'Batgirl' won't cause too much of a stir. Besides, it's still early enough that the traffic is rather thin."
Wonder Woman soon locates the address listed in Barbara's notes. She finds herself idling at the base of twenty story, deluxe apartment complex. The outer decor is magnificent; the security is tight and visible. Clearly this is home to a good many of the city's economically and socially privileged. "My, how far you've come!" the heroine quietly remarks. "It's no wonder Barbara is so suspicious!"
Diana surveys the surrounding blocks for a good place to hide the motorcycle. She soon spots a small shop which is barred and sealed tightly. It is the wooden, hand-painted sign out front which draws her attention ... 'Cool Delights - Ice Cream & Italian Ices - Closed for the winter. Will reopen March 1st'. The Amazon pulls around to the back and forces her way inside. She stashes the Batgirl-cycle within the dark, stuffy supply room, satisfied that it will remain perfectly safe while she attends to the task at hand.
Her goal is the posh, penthouse dwelling atop the lavish apartment building. Employing Batgirl's climbing gear, the super heroine quietly ascends the side of the structure. Diana is tired but pushes on. "Barbara does this regularly," the princess tells herself, "and she has no super powers. Just keep going!"
Unseen, the Justice Leaguer reaches the 20th floor quite swiftly. Diana momentarily hides on the outer terrace while she retracts the Batrope. "Most people in this line of business are early birds, looking to keep in step with their equally driven competition." Wonder Woman privately reasons. "Early birds are already at the office by now, but my 'friend' here doesn't figure to be one of them. Instead, I'm banking on a tendency to sleep in, based upon an unorthodox night schedule."
Given her customary super strength and speed, it isn't often that the Amazon champion need resort to the subtlety of covert breaking and entering. Diana is schooled in such techniques, however, for she strongly believes Wonder Woman should be capable of adapting to virtually any situation she may face. As such, the princess applies the slick skills she has picked up from her colleagues Batman, Black Canary and Green Arrow. Within minutes, she deftly penetrates both the lock and the alarm system to gain entry into the living area of the spacious apartment.
The room is dark, save the small crack of light emanating from underneath a door in the side hallway. The steady sound of a running showerhead partially drowns out a combination of feminine voices. Listening intently, the Amazon recognizes her 'friend' singing along as the CD player blasts Pat Benatar's 'Invincible'. Wonder Woman instinctively relaxes upon discerning that her quarry is in the shower. "She carries a tune pretty well." Diana smiles. "Too bad she isn't good enough to be talked into a career change!"
The Amazon slowly sneaks out into the living room as her eyes grow acclimated to the low level of lighting. Suddenly, the calm is broken by a lightning swift strike from an unknown source. Wonder Woman winces in pain. It takes a supreme effort of composure and toughness to hold back an agonizing scream. The heroine scrambles for cover behind an easy chair. She clutches the backside of her left hand, just above the wrist. A cut oozes blood underneath Batgirl's glove and judging from her discomfort, the princess is sure her hand has suffered a fracture or two. "Thank Hera my bracelet protected my wrist from the bulk of that shot!" she observes.
"You're history!" Selina Kyle cackles euphorically. The room lights up with the flip of a switch, denying the caped intruder the cover of darkness. "I know I'm an obsession to you, Batgirl, but never would I have imagined you'd be stupid enough to walk right into my lion's den!" Kyle aggressively whacks away at the armchair, methodically carving it up with her vicious cat-o'-nine-tails. "You're a burglar, forcibly entering private property. That's 8 to 10 years of hard time, girlfriend! The gals at the Gotham Women's State Pen are just going to love having an unmasked, defenseless ex-Bat in their ranks!"
The Amazon emerges from cover; she offers no resistance nor does she attempt escape. Kyle is surprised by the apparent surrender and momentarily eases up on the whip. Although her exaggerated reputation may suggest otherwise, the Catwoman does not assault defenseless opponents. Suddenly, Selina's heart races and the grip on her cat-o'-nine-tails tightens. "You're not Batgirl!" she snarls as the statuesque princess reaches a full standing position. "Who the hell are you!?"
"I'm Wonder Woman." Diana responds while slowly removing Barbara's cowl and wig. Her left hand throbs, but fortunately the glove is thick enough to mask any sign of bleeding. Catwoman must not learn that she has injured the Amazon. She assures Ms. Kyle that she has not come to investigate or arrest her. "It's a long story," the princess begins, "but the crux of it is that I really need Catwoman's help!"
"Catwoman is retired." Selina remarks facetiously. "I'm an honest and renowned businesswoman now." She chuckles aloud as she sets her whip on the coffee table. Wonder Woman is well known for her integrity, in both criminal and heroic circles. As absurd as the situation is, Kyle believes the Amazon. Although she is hardly anxious to aid a Justice Leaguer, Selina is understandably curious and beckons Diana to be seated.
"I am eager to hear this," the legendary cat-burglar assures, "but would you mind ditching that sorry get-up first? It looks ridiculous enough on Batgirl, but on you it's beyond embarrassing!" The princess complies; removing Barbara's costume reveals her own distinctive outfit worn underneath.
"I take it you don't hold Batgirl in high regard?" Diana innocently queries. The heroine strikes a far more sensitive nerve than she anticipates. "Batgirl has no imagination or character." Catwoman complains. "She's a pale imitation. The Batman is great hero whom I truly admire, despite our *ahem* differences. Batgirl is a second-rate heroine who reaps undue accolades through her association with the Batman!"
"She's better than you're letting on Selina. Deep down you surely recognize that." Wonder Woman counters. Kyle offers no retort upon which the Amazon continues. "She's onto your latest and greatest coup, you know. Selina Kyle, reformed criminal turned ultra-successful stocks and commodities broker? You've become quite the visionary, able to foresee dramatic rises and falls in various markets before they become public. The watchdogs are always on the lookout for computer hackers tapping into vital information from afar. Little do they imagine that the world's most accomplished thief is stealing such information directly from the sources! An undetected breaking and entry in the dead of night allows access to copy invaluable documents. Nothing is missing. No one even realizes a crime has been perpetrated and you use the information to make millions!"
"I suppose I should thank Batgirl." Selina responds sarcastically. "That's quite a scheme. If I run into a dry spell, I might just have to give it a try!" She pours two cups of tea. "Batgirl can suspect anything she wants. She has nothing on me and never will! Enough of this; I grow impatient! Now what is it that brings you here?"
Diana concisely summarizes her predicament, being careful to avoid any inkling as to her waning powers. She admits to being on the run from the JLA, but insists that her fugitive status is merely temporary and that she will be exonerated. The Amazon explains that both her magic lasso and invisible plane have been confiscated by the Justice League.
"Let's just suppose that I feel pity and agree to help you out. What does Wonder Woman need me for? You're faster than the speed of sound and bench press dump trucks for exercise. That's a bit out of my league!" Diana grins, for she fully expects this question. "I need to sneak in and out of a high security installation without being detected." the heroine responds. "I can think of no better ally for such a mission than you!"
Catwoman is quite intrigued by the prospect until Diana mentions that their target would be Arkham Asylum. "Arkham?!" Kyle bellows. "You've got to be joking! With what's happening down there, I'd rather face a firing squad!" Wonder Woman cringes at the very sound of her tone. She can barely muster the nerve to ask the villainess to elaborate. Selina grabs the nearby remote control and flips on the large, flat-screen television. "How can you not know?" Catwoman snaps. "It's been all over the morning news!"
As the picture comes into focus, Diana's heart skips a beat. The camera offers a close-up view of an on-scene news reporter. "Officials indicate that the situation within the asylum is tenuous at best and authorities have cordoned off the perimeter." the newswoman states. "Recapping this breaking story ... inexplicable insanity is apparently spreading throughout Arkham Asylum, afflicting guards and staff. ... Switching to footage from 40 minutes ago, we see a deranged Hawkman in fierce battle with his JLA colleague, the android Red Tornado ...".
The Amazon champion is tempted to disembark from the speeding train and return to Gotham City to face the matter head-on. She thinks better of this alternative, however, because she deems her capture to be the probable death knell for the Justice League. "I've got to reach the Joker and silence him over the next two days." Diana reasons. "The question is 'How?'. My powers continue to fade steadily, but that's not the worst of it. My body is accustomed to a super-human level of strength. As my might wanes, my muscles feel heavy and listless. I'm hard pressed to stay focused and alert as the fatigue intensifies."
Wonder Woman stands so as to resist an urge to nod off. To occupy herself, she climbs atop a small mountain of bagged grass seed and garden fertilizer. Using Barbara's pocket-sized flashlight, the Amazon confirms how truly cramped the compartment is. She crawls across several pallets, tucking her head down to avoid brushing against the ceiling. Diana soon reaches the Batgirl-cycle, which is stashed away in a narrow gap between the cargo and the door-side wall. The super heroine examines the impressive vehicle while continuing to ponder her options.
"Do I risk seeking out Donna?" the princess wonders. "She could easily provide all the help I need. Furthermore, our sisterly bond is very strong. She trusts me implicitly, as I do her. Regardless of the reports she may have heard, Wonder Girl will fight beside me, no questions asked ... presuming, of course, that I'm able to convince her that I'm really me!"
Wonder Woman groans aloud, this being a dual reaction to her current line of thought and the lack of particularly useful equipment in Batgirl's saddlebag. "Donna has reason to be suspicious, not to mention curious." the Amazon laments. "I won't be able to bluff my way through the paces with her; she knows me TOO well. Donna would surely notice the huge drop-off in my powers and that would be disastrous."
A search of the motorcycle's tool chest yields nothing promising. "Hmmm ... wrench set, pliers, tire jack, road flares, screw driver, oil, dry gas." Diana mumbles. "I don't know what I was hoping to find; after all there's only so much one can store on a motorcycle. Well, binoculars might come in handy and at least I have an ample supply of Batarangs, rope and grappling hooks!"
Wonder Woman forms a lariat out of the longest stretch of cord and looks to secure it on her right hip. She notices the series of small compartments adorning Batgirl's utility belt. Diana realizes that she had only looked in the two front-most pouches before locating the mini-flashlight. She therefore checks the other four. Three provide an assortment of items and gadgets, with tear gas being the most helpful. In the last one, the Amazon finds a small spiral notepad.
Diana leafs through the notes which, although written in shorthand, are perfectly legible. Less than half of the original pages remain in the book. "Looks like Barbara only keeps notes from her active cases on her person." Diana observes. The bulk of them pertain to an individual who has at least temporarily left Gotham City. The princess manages a slight smile. "Very interesting." she remarks aloud. "Looks like I may actually have some business to attend to in Bludhaven!"
*****
"Katar, you're wasting your time." The formidable bass voice is unmistakable, even given a slight hoarseness resulting from his recent illness. "I spent over a day cooped up with that psychopath." the Batman continues via JLA communicator. "He's been a pawn in Circe's crazy scheme. Although he resents being used, the Joker will never change his stripes. Life is a farce to him; he perceives law and order as a bane to society. He won't talk to you any more than he did me."
"So what do you suggest I do? Sit back and wait for Circe to strike again, and hope we get there in time?" Hawkman's tone is riddled with the impatience and sarcasm which one might expect from an impassioned husband worried sick over his ailing wife. "The Joker knows what that filthy witch is up to and I'm going to get it out of him!"
The Batman frowns, for he realizes the futility of reasoning with the headstrong Thanagarian. He is tempted to speed down to Arkham Asylum to intervene, but wisely opts against it. As a result of his latest ordeal, Bruce is bedridden for at least a day. He would surely incur the wrath of Superman, not to mention his own butler, were he to impetuously venture out in his present condition. "Suit yourself Hawkman." Batman uncharacteristically concedes. "Don't say I never warned you."
Hawkman quickly attains clearance to enter the heavily guarded mental sanatorium. He is escorted down to the infirmary where the on-duty physician is completing treatment of the Joker's injuries. The infamous killer is firmly strapped down on the table, despite his still being unconscious. "I've practiced here at Arkham for several years now." Dr. Lyle Eastham notes to the visiting Justice Leaguer. "During that time I've tended to all sorts of criminally insane, including my share of the meta-human variety. You develop cast-iron nerves pretty fast. Very little phases me anymore, but you're looking at the exception right here. The very sight of the Joker is enough to make my skin crawl!"
"Can you awaken him?" Katar interjects. "There are urgent questions that only he can answer." Dr. Eastham sighs in angst. "The Joker has been heavily sedated." the physician replies. "No doctor on Arkham's staff treats this patient unless and until he is put under full anesthesia. Extreme measures, but quite necessary given the subject. He once murdered two of my colleagues right in this very room!"
Dr. Eastham reflexively backs away from the prone villain as the terrible memory of those brutal slayings resurfaces. The physician clenches his fists and grinds his teeth. He composes himself and instructs the anesthesiologist to comply with Hawkman's request. "It will take several moments for him to come around." Eastham forewarns.
*****
The light of a new day begins to peer over the horizon as Wonder Woman leaves the stopped freight train in her rearview mirror. Several laborers notice the uniquely smooth hum of the motorcycle engine. By now, the Amazon is too far away for the men to catch anything more than a glimpse of the small, speeding shadow in the distance. They needn't see the Batgirl-cycle, however, to know it's a special vehicle. "Whew, that has to be one kick-ass set of wheels!" a worker marvels with envy.
"This bike and outfit are way too conspicuous, particularly outside of Gotham City." Diana thinks to herself while navigating the city streets. "Fortunately, Nightwing's presence in Bludhaven makes the locals somewhat accustomed to costumed heroes. Hopefully, the appearance of 'Batgirl' won't cause too much of a stir. Besides, it's still early enough that the traffic is rather thin."
Wonder Woman soon locates the address listed in Barbara's notes. She finds herself idling at the base of twenty story, deluxe apartment complex. The outer decor is magnificent; the security is tight and visible. Clearly this is home to a good many of the city's economically and socially privileged. "My, how far you've come!" the heroine quietly remarks. "It's no wonder Barbara is so suspicious!"
Diana surveys the surrounding blocks for a good place to hide the motorcycle. She soon spots a small shop which is barred and sealed tightly. It is the wooden, hand-painted sign out front which draws her attention ... 'Cool Delights - Ice Cream & Italian Ices - Closed for the winter. Will reopen March 1st'. The Amazon pulls around to the back and forces her way inside. She stashes the Batgirl-cycle within the dark, stuffy supply room, satisfied that it will remain perfectly safe while she attends to the task at hand.
Her goal is the posh, penthouse dwelling atop the lavish apartment building. Employing Batgirl's climbing gear, the super heroine quietly ascends the side of the structure. Diana is tired but pushes on. "Barbara does this regularly," the princess tells herself, "and she has no super powers. Just keep going!"
Unseen, the Justice Leaguer reaches the 20th floor quite swiftly. Diana momentarily hides on the outer terrace while she retracts the Batrope. "Most people in this line of business are early birds, looking to keep in step with their equally driven competition." Wonder Woman privately reasons. "Early birds are already at the office by now, but my 'friend' here doesn't figure to be one of them. Instead, I'm banking on a tendency to sleep in, based upon an unorthodox night schedule."
Given her customary super strength and speed, it isn't often that the Amazon champion need resort to the subtlety of covert breaking and entering. Diana is schooled in such techniques, however, for she strongly believes Wonder Woman should be capable of adapting to virtually any situation she may face. As such, the princess applies the slick skills she has picked up from her colleagues Batman, Black Canary and Green Arrow. Within minutes, she deftly penetrates both the lock and the alarm system to gain entry into the living area of the spacious apartment.
The room is dark, save the small crack of light emanating from underneath a door in the side hallway. The steady sound of a running showerhead partially drowns out a combination of feminine voices. Listening intently, the Amazon recognizes her 'friend' singing along as the CD player blasts Pat Benatar's 'Invincible'. Wonder Woman instinctively relaxes upon discerning that her quarry is in the shower. "She carries a tune pretty well." Diana smiles. "Too bad she isn't good enough to be talked into a career change!"
The Amazon slowly sneaks out into the living room as her eyes grow acclimated to the low level of lighting. Suddenly, the calm is broken by a lightning swift strike from an unknown source. Wonder Woman winces in pain. It takes a supreme effort of composure and toughness to hold back an agonizing scream. The heroine scrambles for cover behind an easy chair. She clutches the backside of her left hand, just above the wrist. A cut oozes blood underneath Batgirl's glove and judging from her discomfort, the princess is sure her hand has suffered a fracture or two. "Thank Hera my bracelet protected my wrist from the bulk of that shot!" she observes.
"You're history!" Selina Kyle cackles euphorically. The room lights up with the flip of a switch, denying the caped intruder the cover of darkness. "I know I'm an obsession to you, Batgirl, but never would I have imagined you'd be stupid enough to walk right into my lion's den!" Kyle aggressively whacks away at the armchair, methodically carving it up with her vicious cat-o'-nine-tails. "You're a burglar, forcibly entering private property. That's 8 to 10 years of hard time, girlfriend! The gals at the Gotham Women's State Pen are just going to love having an unmasked, defenseless ex-Bat in their ranks!"
The Amazon emerges from cover; she offers no resistance nor does she attempt escape. Kyle is surprised by the apparent surrender and momentarily eases up on the whip. Although her exaggerated reputation may suggest otherwise, the Catwoman does not assault defenseless opponents. Suddenly, Selina's heart races and the grip on her cat-o'-nine-tails tightens. "You're not Batgirl!" she snarls as the statuesque princess reaches a full standing position. "Who the hell are you!?"
"I'm Wonder Woman." Diana responds while slowly removing Barbara's cowl and wig. Her left hand throbs, but fortunately the glove is thick enough to mask any sign of bleeding. Catwoman must not learn that she has injured the Amazon. She assures Ms. Kyle that she has not come to investigate or arrest her. "It's a long story," the princess begins, "but the crux of it is that I really need Catwoman's help!"
"Catwoman is retired." Selina remarks facetiously. "I'm an honest and renowned businesswoman now." She chuckles aloud as she sets her whip on the coffee table. Wonder Woman is well known for her integrity, in both criminal and heroic circles. As absurd as the situation is, Kyle believes the Amazon. Although she is hardly anxious to aid a Justice Leaguer, Selina is understandably curious and beckons Diana to be seated.
"I am eager to hear this," the legendary cat-burglar assures, "but would you mind ditching that sorry get-up first? It looks ridiculous enough on Batgirl, but on you it's beyond embarrassing!" The princess complies; removing Barbara's costume reveals her own distinctive outfit worn underneath.
"I take it you don't hold Batgirl in high regard?" Diana innocently queries. The heroine strikes a far more sensitive nerve than she anticipates. "Batgirl has no imagination or character." Catwoman complains. "She's a pale imitation. The Batman is great hero whom I truly admire, despite our *ahem* differences. Batgirl is a second-rate heroine who reaps undue accolades through her association with the Batman!"
"She's better than you're letting on Selina. Deep down you surely recognize that." Wonder Woman counters. Kyle offers no retort upon which the Amazon continues. "She's onto your latest and greatest coup, you know. Selina Kyle, reformed criminal turned ultra-successful stocks and commodities broker? You've become quite the visionary, able to foresee dramatic rises and falls in various markets before they become public. The watchdogs are always on the lookout for computer hackers tapping into vital information from afar. Little do they imagine that the world's most accomplished thief is stealing such information directly from the sources! An undetected breaking and entry in the dead of night allows access to copy invaluable documents. Nothing is missing. No one even realizes a crime has been perpetrated and you use the information to make millions!"
"I suppose I should thank Batgirl." Selina responds sarcastically. "That's quite a scheme. If I run into a dry spell, I might just have to give it a try!" She pours two cups of tea. "Batgirl can suspect anything she wants. She has nothing on me and never will! Enough of this; I grow impatient! Now what is it that brings you here?"
Diana concisely summarizes her predicament, being careful to avoid any inkling as to her waning powers. She admits to being on the run from the JLA, but insists that her fugitive status is merely temporary and that she will be exonerated. The Amazon explains that both her magic lasso and invisible plane have been confiscated by the Justice League.
"Let's just suppose that I feel pity and agree to help you out. What does Wonder Woman need me for? You're faster than the speed of sound and bench press dump trucks for exercise. That's a bit out of my league!" Diana grins, for she fully expects this question. "I need to sneak in and out of a high security installation without being detected." the heroine responds. "I can think of no better ally for such a mission than you!"
Catwoman is quite intrigued by the prospect until Diana mentions that their target would be Arkham Asylum. "Arkham?!" Kyle bellows. "You've got to be joking! With what's happening down there, I'd rather face a firing squad!" Wonder Woman cringes at the very sound of her tone. She can barely muster the nerve to ask the villainess to elaborate. Selina grabs the nearby remote control and flips on the large, flat-screen television. "How can you not know?" Catwoman snaps. "It's been all over the morning news!"
As the picture comes into focus, Diana's heart skips a beat. The camera offers a close-up view of an on-scene news reporter. "Officials indicate that the situation within the asylum is tenuous at best and authorities have cordoned off the perimeter." the newswoman states. "Recapping this breaking story ... inexplicable insanity is apparently spreading throughout Arkham Asylum, afflicting guards and staff. ... Switching to footage from 40 minutes ago, we see a deranged Hawkman in fierce battle with his JLA colleague, the android Red Tornado ...".
