Vince knew his standing in Gotham's criminal society. Not too low, far from high, yet considered by most to be a reliable source when certain 'jobs' needed doing. He did not often question the referrals sent to him since he needed the work, but this time was one of the exceptions. What exactly he was questioning about this one, Vince was unable to define. Maybe it was just the gloomy weather of the past three days getting to him or maybe the ambience of this claustrophobic office his contact had choosen for them to meet. Whatever the reason it wasn't enough for him to abort the offer he'd been given. The pay was excellent and the job would be easy except for one simple detail.
"Sounds real nice." Vince drawled. "Just one big obstacle you never mentioned."
"And what might that be my fine, fat friend."
Vince scowled at her sarcastic taunt. He had never met a beautiful woman he did not like in one way or another. This one however, made his skin crawl with distaste.
"Batman." he stated. "He's everywhere nowadays. It's rare when I can finish a job without him getting wind of it somehow and trying to shut it down."
"Perhaps I've chosen the wrong accomplice. Surely one boy in a costume cannot have so much impact unless he is dealing with simpletons."
"Excuse me lady, but obviously you're new in Gotham. Go ahead and find someone else. They'll tell you the same thing. In the last year Batman has scoured this city for our kind and made it clear he's here to stay. The guy is relentless. No one can tell if he ever takes a break because he's always around, night and day. Rumour's going around that maybe he ain't even human. No one I know ever got a good look at him. He's quick. Doesn't stay around to gloat over his victories. And his failures are few and far between as far as I can tell."
She cast him a superior, scolding look. Her voice filled with a knowing tone. "I assure you he is human. A mere child. I suppose if you are so lacking that you cannot deal with him then I must intervene. Continue with the plan as we have discussed. I will make sure he does not interfere."
********
Barbara Gorden had come to loathe these social gatherings where her title as Commissioner of Gotham required her to attend. There were other ways she preferred to spend her time. A million other important tasks were being put on hold while she socialized and stroked the fragile egos that helped keep her in office.
This afternoon's gathering, which was to finalize some details on the EarthWatch Convention that was to descend on Gotham in less than three months, included some of sponser, WayneTech's 'higher-ups'. Namely Bruce Wayne and his young disciple Terry who often accompanied his mentor on business related outings. She rarely had a chance to speak in person to either in a non-Batman related setting.
She watched the two from across the room while they moved among the guests. As always, Bruce looked the part of distingushed businessman, the air of authority and weathered experience emanating from him like heat from a white-hot branding iron. He left a mark of presence wherever he went. In contrast Terry displayed the energetic, youthful enthusiasm expected from Wayne's apprentice with just the right amount of serious demeanor to keep others from thinking that Wayne was totally crazy to let someone so young and unqualified even be considered for the responsibility of running Wayne enterprises. His good looks and muscular carriage did nothing to damage his image either which inevitably led to his growing reputation as a ladies' man. Whether it was real or a smokescreen for the alter ego was no concern of hers, but it was an amusing reminiscent of Bruce's early years.
Barbara had developed a strong admiration for Terry for a number of reasons. The strongest being that he had established a seemingly successful working relationship with Bruce. Not only as the new Batman, but as billionaire Bruce Wayne's apprentice in the complicated business world of WayneTech. How long had it been now? Over four years? She doubted Bruce was any easier to get along with now than he had been when she or Dick or Tim had struggled to work with him.
She had lost patience with Bruce's single minded purpose. Dick had tried to get too close, like the son to a father should have been, but was kept at a distance. Tim never had a chance to develop a close relationship. The Joker had seen to that.
From observing Bruce and Terry together Barbara had noticed that in some ways Terry was more mature than Bruce. Certainly in the emotion category. What Terry lacked in experience and technique he made up for in sincerity, dedication and pure grit. The youth had learned early how far he could get arguing with Bruce and played that knowledge to his advantage.
Terry had a dark side too. Almost as grim as Bruce sometimes, especially evident in this past year where he was maintaining Batman's presence in the city almost around the clock. In their brief conversations, usually relating to police business, she sensed a discontent in him, a yearning for something he could not identify.
Barbara had an idea what might be bothering Terry. Most likely the slow realization that Bruce was using him, like he did with everyone and everything in his life. Terry was a tool. Bruce had honed him into a highly effective, efficiently used tool. The poor kid never had a chance to come into his own, she thought with a measure of sadness. Maybe Bruce was not even consciously aware of what he had done to Terry. She quashed that thought quickly. Unless Bruce was getting senile he was well aware of the repercussions of any acts he undertook. She had witnessed his persistent genius time and again. Everything he did had a purpose, a master plan attached to it. Terry had barged into his life and he had used the event to begin a new agenda. A reason to come alive again.
Barbara would not deny that seeing Bruce reawakened in this life was a good thing. And for herself, though she regretted having to deal with a costumed vigilante in her city, she could not help feeling a burgeoning thrill at Batman's return. But at what price?
From the recent conversations they had shared she saw that Terry was beginning to question his purpose. A natural pattern in the young, but for Terry that thought pattern could be disastrous. As Batman he could not afford the vulnerability that indecision or lack of confidence would bring. Add that to the fact that Maxine Gibson had left the team a few weeks ago and Barbara felt an unwanted uneasiness growing inside her.
Barbara shrugged inwardly and took another sip from her drink before heading to the buffet table. With a slight grin and friendly nod she sidled between guests surrounding the edible display and picked up a tidbit to ease the growling of her stomach. Her gaze traveled discreetly around as she munched and considered who to mingle with next. A deep, sonorus voice sounded from behind her.
"Hey Commish. Having a shway time?"
A tilt of her head revealed Terry's smiling mouth opening to admit a substantial helping of food. His eyes held the mischievous glint that she had come to know meant that he was glad to see her.
"Hey yourself." Her monotone greeting was accompanied by a fond grin. "Being here is part of my job. It's not supposed to be fun."
"Yeah. The only thing good about these doings is the food. It's the only time I get something decent to eat."
"Too bad Alfred isn't still here. He used to keep all of us well fed."
"So I've heard. Max used to fix something for us once in awhile."
"Sorry to hear she left."
Terry took that moment to pivot towards the table and grab more food, but she had caught a glimpse of his good-natured expression fade. He mumbled around a mouthful.
"She had her reasons."
"You okay with it?"
"Why shouldn't I be?"
There was a subtle sharp edge to his question that indicated she had touched a raw nerve. She shrugged and tipped her glass to her lips. "Just asking."
"It's her life. She can do what she wants with it. None of my business."
"True. But you two have been working together a long time. That kind of friendship is hard to see change."
"Her choice, not mine." He replied brusquely while brushing crumbs from now empty hands, then snatching a glass of 'bubbly' from a passing waiter's tray. His eyes traveled about the huge room as he drank from the stemmed glass. "Got a shop question for ya. Does the name Vince Wardo ring any bells?"
She considered the persistent 'small time' crimes offender for a moment. "No loud ones. Why?"
"He's been keep'in an awful low profile lately. But one of my 'sources of information' claims he's into something big. Doesn't have any idea what it is though."
"Interesting. I didn't think he had what it takes to work more complicated routines."
"Not on his own anyway."
"What does Bruce say?"
"Nothing-- cause I haven't mentioned it to him yet."
"Oh." The single syllable reply came out before she could stop it. It was the 'I'm surprised, but shouldn't be and it's none of my business to say so' kind of oh. Strange how his sudden grimace made him look older and so - surly. His gruff remark fit the expression.
"I hate when you do that. You sound just like him."
"Sorry." Barbara's eyebrows rose marginally. It had been a long time since she had seen him display open irritation.
Terry grinned lopsided in apology, "Now that doesn't sound like him at all." Looking uneasy he returned attention to his drink.
Awkward silence surrounded them while Barbara sensed him poised to confide in her and waited. The feeling passed and she decided to move on.
"It's time for me to socialize. If I find any information on Wardo I'll let you know. See you around kid."
"Yeah, thanks Barbara." He downed the last drop of champagne, set the glass on the table and was about to rejoin Bruce who was beckoning to him with small hand gestures where he stood in conversation
with a group of city officials. He waited when he noticed Barbara pause and return to stand in front of him.
A contemplative look cast upwards, she kept her words low, meant for his ears only and not for the guest's who were moving around the buffet. "In case no one's mentioned it to you lately, I want you to know the effort you've put into helping this city is noted and appreciated. You've been making my job a hell of a lot easier. Keep it up and you-know-who's name will probably pop up as a write-in candidate at the next election and win."
A genuine smile, that even reflected in his eyes, appeared on Terry's face. "Coming from you that means a lot."
She returned a brief smile and affirming nod before turning away.
Terry stood still for a moment, letting the pleasant feeling of appreciation buoy him. Max had always been his most vocal cheerleader. Gone for weeks now without communicating with her and his ego was feeling the lack of nourishment. The Commissioner's praise was like a loaf of bread to a starving man. Ought to hold him for awhile he thought as he strode determinedly over to take his position beside Bruce.
"Sounds real nice." Vince drawled. "Just one big obstacle you never mentioned."
"And what might that be my fine, fat friend."
Vince scowled at her sarcastic taunt. He had never met a beautiful woman he did not like in one way or another. This one however, made his skin crawl with distaste.
"Batman." he stated. "He's everywhere nowadays. It's rare when I can finish a job without him getting wind of it somehow and trying to shut it down."
"Perhaps I've chosen the wrong accomplice. Surely one boy in a costume cannot have so much impact unless he is dealing with simpletons."
"Excuse me lady, but obviously you're new in Gotham. Go ahead and find someone else. They'll tell you the same thing. In the last year Batman has scoured this city for our kind and made it clear he's here to stay. The guy is relentless. No one can tell if he ever takes a break because he's always around, night and day. Rumour's going around that maybe he ain't even human. No one I know ever got a good look at him. He's quick. Doesn't stay around to gloat over his victories. And his failures are few and far between as far as I can tell."
She cast him a superior, scolding look. Her voice filled with a knowing tone. "I assure you he is human. A mere child. I suppose if you are so lacking that you cannot deal with him then I must intervene. Continue with the plan as we have discussed. I will make sure he does not interfere."
********
Barbara Gorden had come to loathe these social gatherings where her title as Commissioner of Gotham required her to attend. There were other ways she preferred to spend her time. A million other important tasks were being put on hold while she socialized and stroked the fragile egos that helped keep her in office.
This afternoon's gathering, which was to finalize some details on the EarthWatch Convention that was to descend on Gotham in less than three months, included some of sponser, WayneTech's 'higher-ups'. Namely Bruce Wayne and his young disciple Terry who often accompanied his mentor on business related outings. She rarely had a chance to speak in person to either in a non-Batman related setting.
She watched the two from across the room while they moved among the guests. As always, Bruce looked the part of distingushed businessman, the air of authority and weathered experience emanating from him like heat from a white-hot branding iron. He left a mark of presence wherever he went. In contrast Terry displayed the energetic, youthful enthusiasm expected from Wayne's apprentice with just the right amount of serious demeanor to keep others from thinking that Wayne was totally crazy to let someone so young and unqualified even be considered for the responsibility of running Wayne enterprises. His good looks and muscular carriage did nothing to damage his image either which inevitably led to his growing reputation as a ladies' man. Whether it was real or a smokescreen for the alter ego was no concern of hers, but it was an amusing reminiscent of Bruce's early years.
Barbara had developed a strong admiration for Terry for a number of reasons. The strongest being that he had established a seemingly successful working relationship with Bruce. Not only as the new Batman, but as billionaire Bruce Wayne's apprentice in the complicated business world of WayneTech. How long had it been now? Over four years? She doubted Bruce was any easier to get along with now than he had been when she or Dick or Tim had struggled to work with him.
She had lost patience with Bruce's single minded purpose. Dick had tried to get too close, like the son to a father should have been, but was kept at a distance. Tim never had a chance to develop a close relationship. The Joker had seen to that.
From observing Bruce and Terry together Barbara had noticed that in some ways Terry was more mature than Bruce. Certainly in the emotion category. What Terry lacked in experience and technique he made up for in sincerity, dedication and pure grit. The youth had learned early how far he could get arguing with Bruce and played that knowledge to his advantage.
Terry had a dark side too. Almost as grim as Bruce sometimes, especially evident in this past year where he was maintaining Batman's presence in the city almost around the clock. In their brief conversations, usually relating to police business, she sensed a discontent in him, a yearning for something he could not identify.
Barbara had an idea what might be bothering Terry. Most likely the slow realization that Bruce was using him, like he did with everyone and everything in his life. Terry was a tool. Bruce had honed him into a highly effective, efficiently used tool. The poor kid never had a chance to come into his own, she thought with a measure of sadness. Maybe Bruce was not even consciously aware of what he had done to Terry. She quashed that thought quickly. Unless Bruce was getting senile he was well aware of the repercussions of any acts he undertook. She had witnessed his persistent genius time and again. Everything he did had a purpose, a master plan attached to it. Terry had barged into his life and he had used the event to begin a new agenda. A reason to come alive again.
Barbara would not deny that seeing Bruce reawakened in this life was a good thing. And for herself, though she regretted having to deal with a costumed vigilante in her city, she could not help feeling a burgeoning thrill at Batman's return. But at what price?
From the recent conversations they had shared she saw that Terry was beginning to question his purpose. A natural pattern in the young, but for Terry that thought pattern could be disastrous. As Batman he could not afford the vulnerability that indecision or lack of confidence would bring. Add that to the fact that Maxine Gibson had left the team a few weeks ago and Barbara felt an unwanted uneasiness growing inside her.
Barbara shrugged inwardly and took another sip from her drink before heading to the buffet table. With a slight grin and friendly nod she sidled between guests surrounding the edible display and picked up a tidbit to ease the growling of her stomach. Her gaze traveled discreetly around as she munched and considered who to mingle with next. A deep, sonorus voice sounded from behind her.
"Hey Commish. Having a shway time?"
A tilt of her head revealed Terry's smiling mouth opening to admit a substantial helping of food. His eyes held the mischievous glint that she had come to know meant that he was glad to see her.
"Hey yourself." Her monotone greeting was accompanied by a fond grin. "Being here is part of my job. It's not supposed to be fun."
"Yeah. The only thing good about these doings is the food. It's the only time I get something decent to eat."
"Too bad Alfred isn't still here. He used to keep all of us well fed."
"So I've heard. Max used to fix something for us once in awhile."
"Sorry to hear she left."
Terry took that moment to pivot towards the table and grab more food, but she had caught a glimpse of his good-natured expression fade. He mumbled around a mouthful.
"She had her reasons."
"You okay with it?"
"Why shouldn't I be?"
There was a subtle sharp edge to his question that indicated she had touched a raw nerve. She shrugged and tipped her glass to her lips. "Just asking."
"It's her life. She can do what she wants with it. None of my business."
"True. But you two have been working together a long time. That kind of friendship is hard to see change."
"Her choice, not mine." He replied brusquely while brushing crumbs from now empty hands, then snatching a glass of 'bubbly' from a passing waiter's tray. His eyes traveled about the huge room as he drank from the stemmed glass. "Got a shop question for ya. Does the name Vince Wardo ring any bells?"
She considered the persistent 'small time' crimes offender for a moment. "No loud ones. Why?"
"He's been keep'in an awful low profile lately. But one of my 'sources of information' claims he's into something big. Doesn't have any idea what it is though."
"Interesting. I didn't think he had what it takes to work more complicated routines."
"Not on his own anyway."
"What does Bruce say?"
"Nothing-- cause I haven't mentioned it to him yet."
"Oh." The single syllable reply came out before she could stop it. It was the 'I'm surprised, but shouldn't be and it's none of my business to say so' kind of oh. Strange how his sudden grimace made him look older and so - surly. His gruff remark fit the expression.
"I hate when you do that. You sound just like him."
"Sorry." Barbara's eyebrows rose marginally. It had been a long time since she had seen him display open irritation.
Terry grinned lopsided in apology, "Now that doesn't sound like him at all." Looking uneasy he returned attention to his drink.
Awkward silence surrounded them while Barbara sensed him poised to confide in her and waited. The feeling passed and she decided to move on.
"It's time for me to socialize. If I find any information on Wardo I'll let you know. See you around kid."
"Yeah, thanks Barbara." He downed the last drop of champagne, set the glass on the table and was about to rejoin Bruce who was beckoning to him with small hand gestures where he stood in conversation
with a group of city officials. He waited when he noticed Barbara pause and return to stand in front of him.
A contemplative look cast upwards, she kept her words low, meant for his ears only and not for the guest's who were moving around the buffet. "In case no one's mentioned it to you lately, I want you to know the effort you've put into helping this city is noted and appreciated. You've been making my job a hell of a lot easier. Keep it up and you-know-who's name will probably pop up as a write-in candidate at the next election and win."
A genuine smile, that even reflected in his eyes, appeared on Terry's face. "Coming from you that means a lot."
She returned a brief smile and affirming nod before turning away.
Terry stood still for a moment, letting the pleasant feeling of appreciation buoy him. Max had always been his most vocal cheerleader. Gone for weeks now without communicating with her and his ego was feeling the lack of nourishment. The Commissioner's praise was like a loaf of bread to a starving man. Ought to hold him for awhile he thought as he strode determinedly over to take his position beside Bruce.