"You really ought to lay off of this stuff, hon." Jim Gordon recommends. "You know what it tends to do to you." Barbara ekes a slight grin of acknowledgment as she pensively gazes down into her coffee mug. "Everyone has an Achilles' heel, Dad." she responds. "For Superman, it's Kryptonite. For Batgirl, it's caffeine." She takes a small sip. "Thank goodness my enemies haven't caught on!" Babs meekly quips.
The police commissioner's office is a welcomed haven for the beleaguered Ms. Gordon. Having spent the entire morning and the bulk of the afternoon in costume at her lawyer's office, the change of scenery and identity does her good. To most people, Congresswoman Gordon appears chipper as she continues a strong and steady recovery from her well-publicized mugging. Her father knows otherwise. Although Babs is recuperating very well physically, her psyche is quite frazzled. The trial has been very unnerving. She could not sleep a wink last night, now that the jury has begun deliberating her fate.
"It's all going to work out OK, Babs." the concerned father consoles. "Dover argued a fine case. Don't lose faith." Barbara sighs. "Yes he did, under the circumstances Dad." she concurs. "I just wish I could have provided him with a better hand to play."
A disapproving frown follows a second sip from her steaming mug. "Not sweet enough." Ms. Gordon mumbles as she reaches for the sugar. Due to her particular sensitivity, three cups of java is way too much. Barbara knows this, of course, but she's exhausted and needs a boost. She already feels the dull throbbing in her lower forehead, just above the bridge of her nose. From past experience, her headache will surely intensify. Babs has eaten enough to limit the queasy ill-effects upon her stomach, but edginess will soon follow if she isn't careful.
"Last cup, I swear!" Barbara insists while fighting back a yawn. She sits down on the office couch. Her father remains seated behind his desk. The commissioner attempts to look busy while shuffling through some folders, but it is readily clear that he is preoccupied. He wants very much to ease his daughter's mind, but there is little in the way of reassurances that he can honestly provide.
"Are you still angry?" Babs inquires. Jim Gordon lifts his head from his paperwork. He is momentarily puzzled because the question is ambiguous and unexpected. Sensing her dad's confusion, Barbara begins to clarify herself, but this proves to be unnecessary. The meaning is suddenly crystal clear, for this is the ultimate issue which nearly drove a giant wedge between father and daughter.
Jim recalls the fateful evening several years back when he inadvertently discovered his daughter's dual identity. Somehow he had missed all the telltale signs, never suspecting the truth. A mistake changed all of that as Batgirl unwittingly referred to the commissioner as 'dad' during a rescue. She had hoped he hadn't heard her slip of the tongue; alas that was not the case.
James Gordon chose police work as his profession. He had no great desire for Barbara to carry on such tradition, although he would not have stood in her way. The notion of her taking to the streets as a costumed vigilante was unimaginable however, even given the extraordinary exploits of the Batman. This revelation did not sit well.
At first, Gordon was adamant that Barbara give up her crime fighting. He repeatedly pressured Barbara and used his influence to stonewall the heroine's efforts. Despite the G.C.P.D.'s obstruction tactics, Babs stubbornly persisted with her super heroics. Batgirl continued to rack up impressive collars, much to the amazement and chagrin of the Gotham City commissioner.
Over the course of a few months, Commissioner Gordon softened his stance towards Batgirl. Although he did not approve of his daughter's risky life style, he grew to accept it. There was no changing her mind anyway; she was after all a Gordon. It took well over a year, but Jim finally reached the level of confidence whereby he summons Barbara to tackle the tough stuff.
"Babs, we've been through this before." Jim begins as he joins her on the sofa. "I've never approved of your being Batgirl, but that's your decision to make. You've done a lot of good for this city as Batgirl and I'm damn proud of you!"
Their conversation shifts to less stressful topics, such as weekend plans, the television series '24' and Gotham Knights football. The relaxing respite is interrupted by the ringing of Barbara's cellular phone. The caller id is that of Jim Dover. Glancing at her watch, Babs notices the time is 6:12 PM. "Jim must be calling to tell me that the jury is done for the day and that they'll pick it up again on Monday." she theorizes.
Barbara's hands begin to tremble just moments into her phone conversation. Her father looks on anxiously as Babs listens to her attorney. "Now? Tonight?!" she responds incredulously. "No, I know it's not your fault. ... Yes, maybe it's for the best. ... Right. ... OK. ... I'll meet you there at 7:00. G'Bye."
"They've reached a verdict?" Jim Gordon asks as his daughter shuts off her wireless phone. Barbara nods. "They're announcing the jury's decision tonight at 7:00!"
*****
Word travels very fast and, despite the atypically late hour, the courthouse overflows with curious onlookers. A visible police presence is on hand to ensure the peace as a pro-Batgirl contingent demonstrates outside. Speculation buzzes on what is to come. There is nearly universal agreement that the timing of the verdict has major significance. Many infer a guilty ruling while there is also no shortage of spectators who predict a boon for the heroine.
"You OK Batgirl?" Jim Dover whispers as the jury is ushered to their seats. The heroine insists that she is fine and she puts forth a brave exterior despite her jittery nerves. Both she and her lawyer study the jurors as they await the judge's entrance. Babs senses bad vibes from several faces, although she prays that this is merely the cynical part of her mind at work. If Jim reads anything into the jury's demeanor, he keeps such thoughts to himself.
After a short preamble, Judge Craig formally asks the jury if it has reached a unanimous verdict in this case. Foreman Burt Napier rises and responds "Yes we have, your honor." He hands an envelope to the bailiff without so much as a glance towards the defense table. The judge studies the verdict forms for a few moments to ensure that everything is indeed proper. Craig then turns the papers over to the court clerk for reading and he prompts the defendant to stand.
Outwardly, Batgirl remains a pillar of confidence. She simply will not permit her knees to shake and her costume completely covers her sudden epidemic of goose bumps. "Hold yourself together, Babs!" the heroine privately implores herself as the female clerk addresses the court.
"Case 343198, the commonwealth vs. 'Batgirl'." the court reader begins. "As to the count 1, does the jury find the defendant, Batgirl, guilty or not guilty of attempted murder in the second degree?" There is a brief two second pause before the jury responds in unison. "Not guilty." Judge Craig taps his gavel twice to quiet the crowd. "As to the count 2, does the jury find the defendant, Batgirl, guilty or not guilty of aggravated assault in the first degree?" the clerk asks. The dozen citizens take a deep breath before voicing their response. "Guilty."
*****
The Gotham City courthouse erupts in bedlam. A minor riot ensues out front when word of the guilty verdict quickly reaches the streets. Adam Craig repeatedly pounds his gavel in a mostly futile effort to maintain decorum. As a courtesy to Batgirl, he had refused to allow cameras within the courtroom during the trial. With a verdict now rendered, print and television media invade the scene. This is the biggest story of the year and they'll all gladly risk contempt of court charges to get the best coverage.
Three armed officers converge upon the super heroine. Barbara had tried to emotionally prepare herself in the event of the worst; nonetheless she is stunned by the reality of her conviction. Batgirl offers no resistance and she is only vaguely cognizant of her wrists being handcuffed behind her back. It is only when a policeman begins to unmask her that Babs snaps out of her fog.
"NO!!!" she screams while instinctively dropping to her knees. Camera crews and news reporters trip over themselves, forming an ugly mass of humanity which swarms the defense table. Jim Dover comes to his client's aid. The frenzied environment makes the trio of cops quite testy. They interpret the situation as an escape attempt and deal harshly with both Batgirl and her lawyer. Dover takes a painful blow to the right shoulder from a nightstick. Meanwhile, the shackled heroine is pinned face first to the floor with her left hip jammed uncomfortably against the table leg.
Within seconds, Batgirl is relieved of her cowl. Despite his own pain, Jim gallantly eludes the officers and lunges on top of the prone crusader. Her cape remains secured about her neckline and he haphazardly pulls it over her head. The attorney bellows at the very top of his lungs, demanding that his client's interests be heard. He frantically insists that Batgirl has no intention of fleeing. Dover begs the police to ease off and he implores the court to hear him out.
*****
Twenty minutes pass as order is restored. The Gotham courthouse is emptied of all spectators. To appease the media, Judge Craig grants reporters access and the use of cameras with the proviso that they give the participants a wide berth. The jury has been dismissed, with the thanks of the court. The prosecutors remain at their station. Dover confers briefly with his restrained client, who is awkwardly seated behind the defense table with her cape draped over her head and face like a bath towel.
"You have an argument to make before this court, counselor?" the judge asks somewhat impatiently. Dover immediately springs to his feet. "I certainly do, you honor." he responds with as much authority as he dare muster. "Judge, I have two distinct points to make. First, you granted my client the 'Superhero Exemption'. This safeguards her true identify for the duration of her trial. Technically, the trial isn't over yet, not until the sentencing hearing. As such, Batgirl has been unmasked prematurely. Secondly, we plan to appeal this conviction. I would ask the court's indulgence to extend the privilege to cover the appeals process."
Judge Craig mulls Dover's verbal motions for several moments. Prosecutor Milton Price chimes in before Craig offers any reaction. Jim expects Price to staunchly object; to his surprise the chief deputy P.A. is somewhat cooperative. "Your honor," the prosecutor begins, "the state will not contest the defendant's desire to retain her anonymity through the sentencing hearing. The appeals are a different story of course, but I think it best to save that argument for another day."
Having endured a long and tedious day and week, the judge is quite thankful to avoid a contentious ruling. "Mr. Dover," Adam Craig declares "I will take the weekend to consider the merits of your initial motion. In the meantime, Batgirl is permitted to keep her identity hidden."
His honor instructs the security officers to return the heroine's cowl. Several minutes of confusion ensue, for none of the policemen seem to have it. Judge Craig's patience wanes until the sergeant in charge sheepishly approaches the bench. "Uh ... we don't know what happened to it, sir." he shamefully admits. There are no shenanigans at work here; rather in the mass confusion, either a spectator or a media member somehow managed to make off with it.
"Maybe we'll find it tomorrow morning for sale on EBay." Milt Price jests. One cop and several reporters snicker, but neither the judge nor Jim Dover are amused. The defense attorney begins to urge the court for some assistance, but his client interrupts him. The shrouded Batgirl desperately seeks privacy, even though it will come in the form of a jail cell. She insists that she is OK, provided she can continue to use her cape as a cloak. "Have Commissioner Gordon contact the Batman." the crime fighter instructs. "He can bring me a replacement mask."
*****
Richard Michaelston pours himself a glass of vodka as he views the lead story on the 10 o'clock evening news. A shackled and shamed Batgirl is escorted from the courthouse by police. Her face remains hidden beneath her cape, but speculation is her identity won't remain a secret much longer. "She will soon be compelled to divulge her true name." the on-location newsman predicts. "In addition, she will also face a litany of civil actions. It very much appears that the daring, crime fighting career of Batgirl has come to an unceremonious end."
Michaelston grins with sinister satisfaction.
The police commissioner's office is a welcomed haven for the beleaguered Ms. Gordon. Having spent the entire morning and the bulk of the afternoon in costume at her lawyer's office, the change of scenery and identity does her good. To most people, Congresswoman Gordon appears chipper as she continues a strong and steady recovery from her well-publicized mugging. Her father knows otherwise. Although Babs is recuperating very well physically, her psyche is quite frazzled. The trial has been very unnerving. She could not sleep a wink last night, now that the jury has begun deliberating her fate.
"It's all going to work out OK, Babs." the concerned father consoles. "Dover argued a fine case. Don't lose faith." Barbara sighs. "Yes he did, under the circumstances Dad." she concurs. "I just wish I could have provided him with a better hand to play."
A disapproving frown follows a second sip from her steaming mug. "Not sweet enough." Ms. Gordon mumbles as she reaches for the sugar. Due to her particular sensitivity, three cups of java is way too much. Barbara knows this, of course, but she's exhausted and needs a boost. She already feels the dull throbbing in her lower forehead, just above the bridge of her nose. From past experience, her headache will surely intensify. Babs has eaten enough to limit the queasy ill-effects upon her stomach, but edginess will soon follow if she isn't careful.
"Last cup, I swear!" Barbara insists while fighting back a yawn. She sits down on the office couch. Her father remains seated behind his desk. The commissioner attempts to look busy while shuffling through some folders, but it is readily clear that he is preoccupied. He wants very much to ease his daughter's mind, but there is little in the way of reassurances that he can honestly provide.
"Are you still angry?" Babs inquires. Jim Gordon lifts his head from his paperwork. He is momentarily puzzled because the question is ambiguous and unexpected. Sensing her dad's confusion, Barbara begins to clarify herself, but this proves to be unnecessary. The meaning is suddenly crystal clear, for this is the ultimate issue which nearly drove a giant wedge between father and daughter.
Jim recalls the fateful evening several years back when he inadvertently discovered his daughter's dual identity. Somehow he had missed all the telltale signs, never suspecting the truth. A mistake changed all of that as Batgirl unwittingly referred to the commissioner as 'dad' during a rescue. She had hoped he hadn't heard her slip of the tongue; alas that was not the case.
James Gordon chose police work as his profession. He had no great desire for Barbara to carry on such tradition, although he would not have stood in her way. The notion of her taking to the streets as a costumed vigilante was unimaginable however, even given the extraordinary exploits of the Batman. This revelation did not sit well.
At first, Gordon was adamant that Barbara give up her crime fighting. He repeatedly pressured Barbara and used his influence to stonewall the heroine's efforts. Despite the G.C.P.D.'s obstruction tactics, Babs stubbornly persisted with her super heroics. Batgirl continued to rack up impressive collars, much to the amazement and chagrin of the Gotham City commissioner.
Over the course of a few months, Commissioner Gordon softened his stance towards Batgirl. Although he did not approve of his daughter's risky life style, he grew to accept it. There was no changing her mind anyway; she was after all a Gordon. It took well over a year, but Jim finally reached the level of confidence whereby he summons Barbara to tackle the tough stuff.
"Babs, we've been through this before." Jim begins as he joins her on the sofa. "I've never approved of your being Batgirl, but that's your decision to make. You've done a lot of good for this city as Batgirl and I'm damn proud of you!"
Their conversation shifts to less stressful topics, such as weekend plans, the television series '24' and Gotham Knights football. The relaxing respite is interrupted by the ringing of Barbara's cellular phone. The caller id is that of Jim Dover. Glancing at her watch, Babs notices the time is 6:12 PM. "Jim must be calling to tell me that the jury is done for the day and that they'll pick it up again on Monday." she theorizes.
Barbara's hands begin to tremble just moments into her phone conversation. Her father looks on anxiously as Babs listens to her attorney. "Now? Tonight?!" she responds incredulously. "No, I know it's not your fault. ... Yes, maybe it's for the best. ... Right. ... OK. ... I'll meet you there at 7:00. G'Bye."
"They've reached a verdict?" Jim Gordon asks as his daughter shuts off her wireless phone. Barbara nods. "They're announcing the jury's decision tonight at 7:00!"
*****
Word travels very fast and, despite the atypically late hour, the courthouse overflows with curious onlookers. A visible police presence is on hand to ensure the peace as a pro-Batgirl contingent demonstrates outside. Speculation buzzes on what is to come. There is nearly universal agreement that the timing of the verdict has major significance. Many infer a guilty ruling while there is also no shortage of spectators who predict a boon for the heroine.
"You OK Batgirl?" Jim Dover whispers as the jury is ushered to their seats. The heroine insists that she is fine and she puts forth a brave exterior despite her jittery nerves. Both she and her lawyer study the jurors as they await the judge's entrance. Babs senses bad vibes from several faces, although she prays that this is merely the cynical part of her mind at work. If Jim reads anything into the jury's demeanor, he keeps such thoughts to himself.
After a short preamble, Judge Craig formally asks the jury if it has reached a unanimous verdict in this case. Foreman Burt Napier rises and responds "Yes we have, your honor." He hands an envelope to the bailiff without so much as a glance towards the defense table. The judge studies the verdict forms for a few moments to ensure that everything is indeed proper. Craig then turns the papers over to the court clerk for reading and he prompts the defendant to stand.
Outwardly, Batgirl remains a pillar of confidence. She simply will not permit her knees to shake and her costume completely covers her sudden epidemic of goose bumps. "Hold yourself together, Babs!" the heroine privately implores herself as the female clerk addresses the court.
"Case 343198, the commonwealth vs. 'Batgirl'." the court reader begins. "As to the count 1, does the jury find the defendant, Batgirl, guilty or not guilty of attempted murder in the second degree?" There is a brief two second pause before the jury responds in unison. "Not guilty." Judge Craig taps his gavel twice to quiet the crowd. "As to the count 2, does the jury find the defendant, Batgirl, guilty or not guilty of aggravated assault in the first degree?" the clerk asks. The dozen citizens take a deep breath before voicing their response. "Guilty."
*****
The Gotham City courthouse erupts in bedlam. A minor riot ensues out front when word of the guilty verdict quickly reaches the streets. Adam Craig repeatedly pounds his gavel in a mostly futile effort to maintain decorum. As a courtesy to Batgirl, he had refused to allow cameras within the courtroom during the trial. With a verdict now rendered, print and television media invade the scene. This is the biggest story of the year and they'll all gladly risk contempt of court charges to get the best coverage.
Three armed officers converge upon the super heroine. Barbara had tried to emotionally prepare herself in the event of the worst; nonetheless she is stunned by the reality of her conviction. Batgirl offers no resistance and she is only vaguely cognizant of her wrists being handcuffed behind her back. It is only when a policeman begins to unmask her that Babs snaps out of her fog.
"NO!!!" she screams while instinctively dropping to her knees. Camera crews and news reporters trip over themselves, forming an ugly mass of humanity which swarms the defense table. Jim Dover comes to his client's aid. The frenzied environment makes the trio of cops quite testy. They interpret the situation as an escape attempt and deal harshly with both Batgirl and her lawyer. Dover takes a painful blow to the right shoulder from a nightstick. Meanwhile, the shackled heroine is pinned face first to the floor with her left hip jammed uncomfortably against the table leg.
Within seconds, Batgirl is relieved of her cowl. Despite his own pain, Jim gallantly eludes the officers and lunges on top of the prone crusader. Her cape remains secured about her neckline and he haphazardly pulls it over her head. The attorney bellows at the very top of his lungs, demanding that his client's interests be heard. He frantically insists that Batgirl has no intention of fleeing. Dover begs the police to ease off and he implores the court to hear him out.
*****
Twenty minutes pass as order is restored. The Gotham courthouse is emptied of all spectators. To appease the media, Judge Craig grants reporters access and the use of cameras with the proviso that they give the participants a wide berth. The jury has been dismissed, with the thanks of the court. The prosecutors remain at their station. Dover confers briefly with his restrained client, who is awkwardly seated behind the defense table with her cape draped over her head and face like a bath towel.
"You have an argument to make before this court, counselor?" the judge asks somewhat impatiently. Dover immediately springs to his feet. "I certainly do, you honor." he responds with as much authority as he dare muster. "Judge, I have two distinct points to make. First, you granted my client the 'Superhero Exemption'. This safeguards her true identify for the duration of her trial. Technically, the trial isn't over yet, not until the sentencing hearing. As such, Batgirl has been unmasked prematurely. Secondly, we plan to appeal this conviction. I would ask the court's indulgence to extend the privilege to cover the appeals process."
Judge Craig mulls Dover's verbal motions for several moments. Prosecutor Milton Price chimes in before Craig offers any reaction. Jim expects Price to staunchly object; to his surprise the chief deputy P.A. is somewhat cooperative. "Your honor," the prosecutor begins, "the state will not contest the defendant's desire to retain her anonymity through the sentencing hearing. The appeals are a different story of course, but I think it best to save that argument for another day."
Having endured a long and tedious day and week, the judge is quite thankful to avoid a contentious ruling. "Mr. Dover," Adam Craig declares "I will take the weekend to consider the merits of your initial motion. In the meantime, Batgirl is permitted to keep her identity hidden."
His honor instructs the security officers to return the heroine's cowl. Several minutes of confusion ensue, for none of the policemen seem to have it. Judge Craig's patience wanes until the sergeant in charge sheepishly approaches the bench. "Uh ... we don't know what happened to it, sir." he shamefully admits. There are no shenanigans at work here; rather in the mass confusion, either a spectator or a media member somehow managed to make off with it.
"Maybe we'll find it tomorrow morning for sale on EBay." Milt Price jests. One cop and several reporters snicker, but neither the judge nor Jim Dover are amused. The defense attorney begins to urge the court for some assistance, but his client interrupts him. The shrouded Batgirl desperately seeks privacy, even though it will come in the form of a jail cell. She insists that she is OK, provided she can continue to use her cape as a cloak. "Have Commissioner Gordon contact the Batman." the crime fighter instructs. "He can bring me a replacement mask."
*****
Richard Michaelston pours himself a glass of vodka as he views the lead story on the 10 o'clock evening news. A shackled and shamed Batgirl is escorted from the courthouse by police. Her face remains hidden beneath her cape, but speculation is her identity won't remain a secret much longer. "She will soon be compelled to divulge her true name." the on-location newsman predicts. "In addition, she will also face a litany of civil actions. It very much appears that the daring, crime fighting career of Batgirl has come to an unceremonious end."
Michaelston grins with sinister satisfaction.