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## (A/N: I'd like to thank Ghost in the Machine for proofreading and valuable suggestions on the last several chapters.) ##
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"Hey, wake up." Sheila said. I mumbled something, and Sheila said, "We're in the cave. He sprayed some sort of knockout gas in both our faces. I can't get the gag off, and you're strapped to a table in what looks like an infirmary. You're ok, otherwise." I muffled something and nodded.
"She'll be fine. I don't want her running around in here. She could learn too much about my operations." Batman said, and Sheila jumped. "Since she's an escape artist, and I don't know you, Ms. Hawking, I want a tracer on both of you."
He moved behind me, and Sheila said, "You know, you're paranoid."
"It's kept me alive." Batman replied, handing her a pair of silver rings. "Put one on her neck, and the other one on yours. It will let me find you if I need to. There are a lot of very deep pits in the cave. You don't want to fall in. I'll remove them when I return you both to the city." Sheila nodded, and clipped it on my neck, followed by her own. I mumbled something in protest, and Sheila glared at him, and walked out. I could hear her heels clicking on the tile floor.
Batman moved to the door and glanced outside. Moving back to where I lay immobilized on the table, I glared at him. He chuckled softly, and said, "Well, it WAS your idea to use the standard protocols for your visit."
:: But … Oh, damn you. Why don't you let me up? :: I squirmed a bit against the heavy straps.
"J'onn will be here shortly. He said that there had to be an outsider here, which is why I agreed to Sheila's presence. As closely as I could decipher his answer, she will serve as an 'anchor' for when he does the mind-touch with us. For some reason, a young, healthy female anchor works best in this type of situation. Alfred would not have worked well, and his presence would have apparently been disruptive somehow. He's upstairs, sulking." I snorted, and he continued, "As much as Alfred ever sulks. You know what I mean. With Sheila's help, I can 'stack the deck' in our favor, and you trust her to some extent."
I squirmed a bit in discomfort, watching his face. :: You're such a … guy, now. You enjoy looking at me like this, too, don't you? :: I squirmed a bit more, just for him.
"I've gotten more … comfortable in this body. My workouts have gotten easier, too. I saw you in the gym, and you looked, well … relaxed" I glared at him, and he added, "Let's face it, Selina, I can feel it when you look at me. You're enjoying this, too."
:: Kinky Bat! Kinky Bat! You can't tell me you didn't want to do a more … thorough search when you bound me on that rooftop! You're getting to be such a … guy! ::
He glared at me, then we both heard the JLA transport tube as someone materialized. He turned and strode off, not even turning on his 'video' so I could watch. I chewed the gag and waited, trying in vain to get comfortable.
The door slid open and J'onn entered, using his familiar green body, followed by Sheila and Bats. I mumbled something, and J'onn walked around to see me. He smiled, and said, "Hello, Catwoman. Do you understand why I am here?" I nodded, and he continued, "I will need to remove your mask in order to touch your mind? May I?"
I glared and him, and reluctantly nodded. J'onn gently lifted my head, and accepted a key from Bats, removing the gag. He gently pulled my cowl off, and then lowered my head back, and adjusted the pillow.
I coughed, and licked my lips. J'onn gently helped me drink from a glass of water. I coughed again, and said, "Thank you."
He nodded, and continued, "For the 'mind touch', I will need to have full access to your minds. You may block certain things from your anchor, but the more she can use, the better the results." J'onn looked at Sheila, and said, "Do you understand your part in this?"
Sheila looked at J'onn, and said, "No, I don't. I thought I was coming here for a tour! What's this about an 'anchor'? And why is the Manhunter here?"
J'onn said, "My apologies. I have been in contact with the Batman in order to solve a problem between himself and the Catwoman."
Sheila looked wary, and said, "What problem?"
Batman spoke up, and said, "I didn't have time to give you a briefing, although Catwoman knew that I had contacted the Manhunter. I must have your word that you will keep this in confidence, Ms. Hawking." Sheila gazed at the Batman, then nodded. Batman considered her for a minute more, then simply said, "In one of our … encounters, the Catwoman and I somehow … switched minds."
Sheila's jaw dropped open, and she stared at him, then at me. I nodded. She looked back and forth, then said, "How much … How extensive is it? The switch, I mean?"
"As far as we can tell, there's some short-range telepathy, and mostly active memory, the day-to-day stuff." Batman said. "I've done some experimenting. If I wanted to know about the Batman's childhood, I could access those memories, but it wouldn't be easy, and I'm sure that I've lost some things. That's one reason J'onn's here."
"I see. What do you want me for? Why not someone else, like … the Oracle? Why couldn't she do this?" Sheila asked.
J'onn replied, "The 'anchor's' job is to keep both minds linked to their bodies. Over the millennia, we have found that a young, unrelated, healthy female is best for this task. We considered using the person you know as 'Oracle'. An advantage to her participation would be that she already knows the subject's identities. However, a greater disadvantage is that her injury and subsequent disability 'flavors' the link. However, if you choose not to help, or are … unsuitable, she will be our next option."
"Knows … You mean that I'll know who you are?" Sheila asked.
Batman nodded, and said, "One of very few people on this planet. Selina trusts you, and I agree with her."
"But … If I understand correctly, that would also mean that I would know your secrets." Sheila looked nervous, and Batman looked at J'onn.
"All of you can block portions of your mind from the link. However, the less that is blocked, the greater the chance of success." J'onn said. "Will you consent to this?"
Sheila turned, and walked around for a minute, thinking. She abruptly turned and walked off, only to return a moment later with a rolling chair. She looked at J'onn, and said, "If I'm going to be bound, I'm going to be comfortable, at least." She sat down, and said, "Okay. Let's do it."
J'onn smiled, and said, "Binding you is not necessary, only the subjects. The discomfort helps to loosen the barriers. Normally, I would not have to, but they have formidable minds, to go along with their wills. The chair is a good idea, though. Close your eyes, and try to make your mind blank." Sheila jumped a bit when the connection was made, but then relaxed. J'onn touched my forehead.
:: J'onn? Sheila? :: I could 'feel' the difference between the two minds, J'onn's powerful and disciplined, Sheila's excited and nervous.
:: I am here. I will monitor, but will not interfere. ::
:: J'onn? Selina? Wow, can you hear me? ::
:: I can. :: J'onn answered. He said, :: Before we go too far, if there are any areas that you do not want exposed, think of walls around them, big thick walls with heavy doors. Take a look, and see my mind. :: He opened the 'video' link for her, and I felt her mental start as she recognized herself sitting, eyes closed, with J'onn's hand on her forehead.
:: Oh, wow! How did you … Oh, I see. :: I 'saw' walls appear in her mind, fragile at first, then heavy stone soaring up out of sight. I looked around her mind, as I could feel her looking at mine, gently trying a door labeled 'Bruce', then desisting. I saw her pleasure as she defended her clients against what she saw as the abuses of the system. I felt her joy when she was able to score a victory, her depression when she was defeated, hidden behind an iron will. I felt the nagging self-doubt of her personal life, the 'itch' of worry about her conduct with Ivy and the Demon Boyz. I tried to soothe that itch a bit, and I helped to ease her concerns.
:: Does that help? :: I asked.
:: Yes. Thanks, Selina. :: Sheila replied. :: So, how can I help? ::
:: I think we'd really need to get Bats in the circuit. J'onn, can we just add him in? ::
:: No, we will need to have a different arrangement. Are the two of you satisfied with each other's bona fides? ::
:: I am. :: We both said.
:: Very well. We will break the connection, temporarily, at least. ::
I felt a jerk, and saw Sheila swaying a bit. She opened her eyes, and said, "Wow."
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Batman had been bound by J'onn, and was lying on another gurney. Sheila had been wandering around, and resumed her seat.
I looked up, and saw J'onn's place Sheila's hand on my head. There were some scuffling noises, and then I felt J'onn's on top of Sheila's. With a twist, I felt the link resume.
:: J'onn? Sheila? Bats? :: I asked. I felt their links, and saw Bat's mind (or was it mine?) I saw doors with individual's names, like 'Superman', 'Green Lantern', and 'Two-Face'.
:: Oh, my God! Batman! I know who you are! I know where we are! :: I could feel Sheila's excitement, along with a tinge of fear. I could feel her trying the 'Superman' door.
I said, :: Sheila. We don't have permission to reveal those people's secrets. ::
:: But … You know who they are? :: She asked.
:: Of course. :: Bats said. :: I must know, in case they pose a threat. That is not why we are here, though. I must ask you to desist. ::
:: All right. I won't look. You can't blame me for being curious, though. ::
I chuckled, and said, :: Of course not. No jokes about curiosity and the cat, please. J'onn? What have you found? Can we change back? ::
:: Hmm. A surprise. However, I think it will be best if I let the two of you discover it in good time. I believe you can change back, however I would strongly suggest waiting to do so. ::
:: J'onn! If you don't tell us, I'll buy Nabisco from Philip Morris! :: Bats thundered.
:: Threats will not motivate me. If you persist, I shall tell the League. Starting with Plastic Man. ::
:: Err … Nabisco? :: Sheila asked.
:: J'onn is addicted to Oreos™:: I explained to Sheila. :: Come on, tell us! And what about our changing back? ::
:: Attempting to change you now would be extremely hazardous. :: J'onn said.
:: When can we change back? :: Bats asked.
:: When Selina's … gestalt is more in line. ::
:: I've got to spend more time lumbering around in the … body of this ox? :: Bats demanded.
I said :: Hey! That's my ox you're lumbering around in! And what's wrong with my gestalt? ::
:: I shall not be forced. You asked for my assistance. You have received it. If it is not to your liking, that is hardly my concern. Now then, unless there is something else?:: J'onn said.
:: I think you've done quite enough. :: Bat's grumbled, and I sent my wordless assent. With a jolt, the link dissolved.
"Wow. Is that what the two of you see?" Sheila asked me.
"Not quite. Either one of us can 'turn on' their senses for the other, and we can access some memories, but a direct, mind-to-mind link, no." I replied.
J'onn glanced at the clock, then said, "I have another appointment. Let me release you, and I shall be off." J'onn reached for the Utility belt lying on the counter.
"I'll take care of that for you, J'onn. I had another question, if you don't mind?" Sheila asked. She added, "I'll be back in just a minute, you two." I heard her heels, and the door clicked closed.
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In a few minutes, I heard the door again, and Sheila's heels. I heard her thunk something on a counter behind me, and smiled in her direction. "Sheila, could you untie me? I'm not really very comfortable, and I really need to pee."
"Oh, I know." I felt her lift my head up, and work my cowl back on. She then forced the gag back in my mouth. I turned, and watched her pull Batman's cowl up and force one in his mouth by simply holding his nose shut for a few minutes. She buckled it in place, then checked mine. She walked over to where we could both see her, and she smiled, and told us, "Dropping me in this little mess of yours was not a nice thing to do. If you had asked, I would probably have agreed to it, but you didn't. You didn't even tell Alfred that I would be here! He was very surprised when I called him from 'the sub-basement', as he referred to it. He'll be down here in a minute to give me my tour."
I glared at her, and she chuckled, and said, "No doubt you're both thinking of nasty, painful things to do to me right now. I can see the glare in your eyes, and you're both very intimidating, strong-willed people." Batman growled, and she continued, "Don't worry. I don't intend to sell you out to the Joker." I snarled through my gag, and she said, "I haven't forgotten you, Selina - or should I call you Bruce? At least I know why you don't like shopping!" She leaned closer, and whispered, "I suggest that you develop the knack, girl!"
"Now, now. I can see your muscles moving, Batman, trying to get out of your cuffs." Sheila chided. "J'onn used your own Batcuffs on you. Y'see, I was poking about in both your minds, like J'onn suggested, and I found out the most interesting things. One of them is that you need a special cutter to get them off, and you're both bound, hand and foot with them." She reached behind her, and showed us a small yellow device. "Look familiar?" She walked a few steps, and dragged something off the counter. I recognized my gray shoulder bag, and Sheila continued. "Batman left this in the car. Very fancy car, by the way, and no, I didn't touch anything." She put it down across my knees, and pulled out Batman's utility belt, replacing the cutter into its compartment. She draped that across his thighs, and continued to poke in my bag. She looked up, and said, "This bag is almost as messy as my purse! What do you keep in this thing?" She continued to poke, then she pulled out a small camera. With a "Hmm.", Sheila contemplated it, looking back and forth between us. She said, "Naa.", and replaced the camera in my bag. We both struggled, and she smiled, and said, "You know, that cave is very interesting. I think I'll take a look." She put the Belt and other things back in the bag, threw it over her shoulder, and walked out.
I struggled a bit, then snapped, :: You tied me too tightly. Can you get loose? ::
:: I'm trying! J'onn tied me too well, and I'm strapped down! I can't move! :: I heard the straps creak, and then Batman complained, :: A lot of good this body is doing me now! ::
:: Can you dislocate your thumb, so you can slip your cuffs? I've been trying, and I can't quite make it. :: I thought.
I heard Sheila's heels clicking, and she spoke from behind us. "Hi, there! Are you two having fun? Boy, this cave is amazing!" I heard her search through some drawers, then she came back. Tilting my head up, she wrapped an Ace™ bandage around me as a blindfold. She asked, "Alfred, would you be kind enough to take care of Batman?"
"Indeed, Ms. Hawking." I heard Alfred's voice, and the creak of Batman's straps.
Sheila told me as I felt her tighten my straps, "There! All nice and tidy. Don't worry about a thing. For now, I want you both to rest, and try to remember that you won't disembowel me. Nighty-night!"
Alfred added, "I shall be down at the usual time to release you. Until now, consider this an unplanned day of rest. A … vacation, if you will. I have checked, and the last time I had a day off was six years ago. I believe my contract stipulates a certain amount of free time. Ms. Hawking was kind enough to consent to review it for me. I believe the phrase is … 'Have a nice day!'" With a click, I heard the lights go out, and the door click shut.
:: Bruce? Can you do anything? I can't see a thing, and I can't move a muscle. ::
:: Sorry. I shouldn't have removed my utility belt. I didn't want to be lying on it. Even if I had it, I'd need that cutter … ::
:: Dammit! :: I sighed, then asked, :: What time is it? My mask doesn't have a time display. ::
:: Quarter to three. ::
I fought my restraints again. :: I need to be at work in a few hours! ::
:: Spoken like the dedicated Wayne employee that you are. Find out anything yet? ::
I settled back and tried to get comfortable. With my aching bladder, I really needed the distraction. :: Sorry, not yet. I'm still settling in, and this is only my second week. You know that I'm down in the Three Corners office? ::
:: Oh. I didn't know that. I've been trying to make head or tails of the financial statements. ::
:: Bit different than balancing a checkbook, isn't it? :: I chuckled, and added, :: The Profit and Loss statement is really fairly simple. At the top … ::
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The door opened, and the click of the lights turning on woke me. I heard Alfred, and heard his humming. I felt his feather duster dance over me, and then there was a pause. Alfred said, "It is a pity that Ms. Hawking felt it best that you both had to be restrained in order for all of us to have a day off. Ms. Kyle, I have made your excuses to your place of employment, and I have similarly telephoned Mr. Fox for you, Master Bruce. I shall be down later to release you." I heard him open the door, and then he added. "Good day." The click of the lights, and the door closing left us alone.
:: You know, they're right. :: Batman said.
:: How so? :: I asked.
:: We both need a day off. Alfred needs a day off. :: A mental sigh, and he continued, :: I can't be mad at Alfred. ::
:: Yes, Alfred has been here longer than both of us. :: I sighed. :: What do we do about Sheila? ::
:: Have her move in, until this is resolved, at least. Any ideas what J'onn was on about? ::
:: No clues. He can be very tough to read. :: I chuckled to myself. :: At least we can introduce Sheila to 'Big Bad Zogger'. ::
:: That's … evil, Selina! Hmm. We'll need to test her on it. Let's think about that. ::
:: Well, I am the 'bad girl' of this duo. While you think about Sheila, I'm going to finish my cat-nap. Goodnight, Bruce, and 'meow'. ::
Bruce groaned, :: That was horrible, Selina! Horrible! Even when I was Selina, I never made jokes that bad! Go ahead and finish that nap. Maybe it will improve your sense of humor! Goodnight, Selina. ::
### Chapter 21: Of Minds and Memories
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