BATMAN: GOTHAM CAMPAIGN OF CRIME
By Bruce Wayne
Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger
DISCLAIMER: Most of the characters portrayed in this story are copyright by DC Comics, an AOL/Time/Warner company. They are used without permission for entertainment without profit by the author.
CHAPTER 2
The Batmobile drove over the automatic warning horse, headed toward the concealed entrance of the cave. Green foliage helped hide the massive door that also opened automatically at the approach of the incredible vehicle. Quickly, the rolling arsenal that belonged to the Caped Crusader of Gotham City made its way into a long, dark tunnel that led to a hydraulic turntable for the car on the first level of the Batcave.
The cave. I decided to come back home early this evening after the hostage situation at the sporting goods store.
He knew that his entrance back into the magnificent headquarters in his war against crime would not go unnoticed.
He's always there. Just as a "gentleman's gentleman" is supposed to do.
"An early evening, sir?" the crisp, British-accented voice asked as Batman stepped out of the car.
"Somewhat, Alfred," the Dark Knight answered. "I got banged in the back with a baseball bat and it feels sort of stiff."
"Ah, we weren't taking the young street ruffians seriously enough this evening, I gather."
"Something like that, I suppose," Batman answered wearily.
I look around the cave. It took years and a lot of money to put this base against crime together.
To the Masked Manhunter's left were the huge flight of stairs that led back up to Wayne Manor. Next to the stairs was the Bat-costume vault, where he would be headed shortly to change back to his civilian attire. A little deeper in the cavern on the first level, was a garage of sorts where a number of older versions of the Batmobile were parked and worked on.
Just past the automobile garage was the Bat-Infirmary, where Alfred, who was a skilled combat medic, would often patch up the injured Caped Crusader after some of his rougher forays on the streets of Gotham City.
Batman turned and looked behind him. In what was almost another room was his fabulous crime lab that rivaled any official laboratory like it in the world. The lab contained every imaginable forensic tool that might be needed in his crusade against evil. The lab could do genetic and fiber analysis if need be. There was no reason whatsoever for Batman to ever seek outside scientific assistance during the course of an investigation. Everything he needed was here.
An elevator could take the Gotham Goliath to the second level of the cave. It was here that Batman spent most of his time. The incredible Bat-Operations Center allowed him to constantly monitor what was happening in Gotham City and around the world. The Op-Center contained computers and communications equipment, large screen televisions and other electronic equipment that let the Masked Avenger keep close tabs of crime trends, events, and situations wherever they may occur.
As one walked out of the Operations Center, they would enter the large and unique Trophy Room. Among the various exhibits and mementos -- in which many were kept in showcases -- were a giant T. Rex robot that stood in the center of the room. A giant 1947 Lincoln head penny. The diary of detective Dana Drye revealing Bruce Wayne as Batman. The first version of the Bat-Signal. The sword of the assassin Deathstroke. Hanging from the ceiling was a large rendition of a Joker playing card,
After walking through the Trophy Room, a visitor would encounter a closed steel door to one side that was the entrance to Hydrogen generator that powered everything in the cave,
Next would come the Central Computer station that contained the brainpower of the cave's computer system. The Bat-Computer was one of the most powerful mainframe computer systems in the world.
Behind the Central Computer station was the gymnasium and weight room where Batman kept his body in peak athletic condition.
A third level of the cave contained the Bat-Subway rocket terminal, the Batboat mooring and storage tanks for gasoline and aviation fuel for the transportation equipment that was utilized by Batman.
"Is Selina around?" Batman asked his butler.
"I do believe Miss Selina is working on the computer in your study, sir. I was quite surprised that she wasn't donning her costume this evening to cavort on the rooftops of our fair city. It appears to me that she is doing some sort of research. It was, of course, not my place to inquire what that research may entail."
The Dark Knight nodded and headed to the Bat-costume vault. It took a few minutes to remove, first, his cape and then his cowl, revealing the handsome features of Bruce Wayne. Then he took off the weapons, boots and other garments that turned him into the scourge of the underworld known as Batman.
Bruce put on a green polo-shirt along with a beige pair of khaki pants. He slipped into a pair of comfortable brown loafers and exited the vault. He ran his fingers quickly through his dark hair.
Playing fisticuffs with those thugs sure took a lot out me. I should hit the bed early tonight and get some sleep.
Alfred had already returned back upstairs to the mansion via a service elevator that was hidden in the pantry of Wayne Manor.
Might as well see what Selina is up to tonight.
Bruce then started to ascend the huge stone staircase that led to his home.
^^V^^ ^^V^^ ^^V^^
Selina. That name conjures up a great number of meanings to me. First, she was one of my greatest adversaries. Catwoman -- the best cat burglar to grace the skyline of Gotham City. We met several times on the rooftops of her targets. Our knock down, drag out battles and my pursuit of her were legendary.
Then one day, something happened. I realized that I had somehow became attracted to her. One night, I kissed her. I then grew to love her.
Selina is beautiful, intelligent, brash, fearless, charming, witty ... the perfect companion for me.
The concealed door to the Batcave that was hidden behind the grandfather's clock in Bruce Wayne's study opened. Bruce tried not to show the pain he felt in his back and shoulders.
Selina Kyle was sitting at the desk, staring at the computer screen with her chin on her hand.
With a practiced eye, she barely glanced at him and noted, "Got clobbered tonight, huh, handsome?"
Bruce feigned shock. "How can you tell?"
"A woman knows."
I'm not even going to bother to ask her what that is supposed to mean.
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Selina, how many times have I told you that you can't go prancing around the mansion half-naked?"
"What? I'm covered -- you can't see anything."
Selina was wearing one of Bruce's dress shirts. The first four buttons were unbuttoned and Bruce stared at her ample cleavage.
"You know," she said, "for someone with a reputation as an international playboy, you sure are a prude."
"I'm just thinking about Alfred."
She laughed. "Okay." She buttoned one button. "There! Happy now?"
I have to tell myself to not get into these banter contests with her. I'll never win.
Her beauty is breathtaking for someone who was once one of Gotham's most notorious criminals, with long, dark hair, an angelic face and body that would drive any man wild.
Bruce glanced at the computer screen on top of his desk. "What are you working on?"
"Just doing a little research."
"I hope that doesn't mean you're planning on stealing something from someone."
"How many times have I told you, it's not stealing ..."
"It's stealing."
"Must you always look at things in black and white?"
"I'll ask the questions, here."
She laughed.
"Who are you doing research on?"
"Oswald."
"The Penguin? Why?" Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot was the real name of the master criminal better known as The Penguin.
Selina sighed wistfully. "He apparently has something that belongs to someone else. A friend has asked me to inquire, if you will, whether or not Oswald has this particular item. I might be able to return the item to its rightful owner."
"Selina, you don't need to take outside jobs for money. I have plenty for the both of us."
"You know it's not the money! I need to keep my skills sharp. This is a perfect exercise."
I'm not going to win. I know better than to forbid her to do something. It doesn't work that way with her.
"What is it you're supposed to steal?"
She let out an exasperated sigh. "The less you know the better, don't you think?"
She's right. As always.
"Are you going to be much longer? I was going to go to bed," he told her.
"No, I'm pretty much finished. I was actually waiting for you to come back home."
Selina stood up from the chair and a pen rolled off the desk and fell to the floor. With her back to him, she bent over to pick it up and gave Bruce an unobstructed view of her rear end.
Bruce Wayne's heart began thumping like a sledgehammer in his chest. The view was incredible.
Selina stood back up -- all five-feet-seven fantastically stacked inches of her. Bruce stood staring, wide-eyed and open-mouthed at her smiling, movie-star face.
The woman known as Catwoman stepped closer to Bruce, her long, shiny, black hair swinging around her back, her sparkling green eyes smiling at him. "Coming to bed, lover?"
Bruce tried not to let a grin break through his usual broody demeanor. His lip twitched.
Selina brightened. "Do I detect a note of surrender?"
"Well, no ... I ...
Selina linked arms with Bruce and led him out of the study toward the stairs that led to the upper floors of Wayne Manor.
"Now admit it, Bruce, being in love with me isn't so bad."
"Well, no ... but ..."
"And I help you with your work all the time, right?"
"Sure, but ..."
They started up the wooden stairs, Selina maintaining a firm grip on Bruce's arm.
"Besides, Bruce, I think you're kind of cute."
Bruce looked suddenly into her smiling green eyes.
What is this hold she has me? She just has to touch me, bat her beautiful eyes and say the right things and I'm putty in her hands.
Selina smiled seductively at him. "You need someone to massage those sore, broad shoulders and back of yours?"
She's got the most incredible eyes.
Bruce leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips.
Selina Kyle's eyes twinkled brightly as she squeezed Bruce's arm. "Mmmmm. I take that as a yes."
Selina is everything I could ever want in a woman. Even her bad qualities are good!
At the door of his master bedroom, Bruce turned and asked, "Where did I ever find you?"
"Ransacking a safe in Tiffany's, if I remember."
He leaned over and kissed her. "You're right."
Selina smiled at him and kissed him before stepping into the bedroom. Once they entered, she started to close the door behind her and suddenly found Bruce pressed against her.
She laughed and placed her hands in his hair as she kissed him back. Selina sighed and began pulling off the dress shirt she was wearing.
The long night was just about to get a little longer.
To be continued ...