Maxine answered the call and sound of the man's voice speaking her name on the other end made her insides clench in nameless worry. It was the way he said her name, the inflection in the gravelly voice that she had come to know so well over the years that told her something was terribly wrong. And especially knowing he never made social calls.
"Bruce?" Her throat was so tight the reply was barely audible.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you at work."
"It's okay." She held her breath for some reason and mercifully he did not pause long before saying.
"Terry is missing."
Oh thank God! Missing-- not dead. Missing-- it had happened before. "What do you mean missing?" Her voice sounded calm to her own ears.
"Thirty-two hours ago he was coming home from patrol. I was monitoring him when he began to have problems with the car. It wasn't responding to his control. He tried to disengage the guidance interface with the suit, but was unsuccessful. He was about to try something more forceful when contact was lost. I was unable to reestablish. About five hours after that the car returned home, under computer control. Inside it was the suit-- without Terry."
That was a first, Maxine thought. Terry was missing, not Batman. That put a new slant on any theory she might develop. She wanted to lighten the feeling of dread by making a remark about Terry wanting to take a vacation without notice, but was sure the old man would not appreciate it. Not surprisingly, just saying it to herself did not have the same effect as saying it outloud. Bruce was talking again.
"I've alerted Barbara. She has her people keeping an eye out for him." He paused and she could hear him pull in a heavy breath. "I'm worried."
He was worried. The simple admission strengthened Maxine's already dire premonitions. She had thought Bruce Wayne, the original Batman, had banished that emotion from his existence. Never before had she heard him use the word. Forcing the numbness from her mind she began to focus on a plan of action.
"I'll be on the next plane out of here. Should I plan on taking a cab to the mansion? I don't want my Mom or sister to know I'm in town. They'll ask questions I won't want to answer right now."
"I'll pick you up. And there are plenty of rooms here you can use until this is done."
"Thanks. One question... " She hesitated to ask it. "What kind of condition was the suit in?"
"For the most part it was unmarred. Just like the car there was no sign that it underwent any kind of attack."
"So he was unable to defend himself?"
"Maybe. Or maybe he didn't think he would have to."
"What... he decided to go visit someone and sent the suit and car home on purpose and now they're holding him prisoner?" Maybe her vacation theory was not as far off as she thought. Or had Terry cracked a bit under the pressure and decided to play an elaborate practical joke on his mentor?
"There are marks on the suit that indicate he didn't take it off willingly. I'd rather not say any more so you can examine things with an open mind Max. Your angle of looking at a subject has always brought in a new perspective. We need that now more than ever."
"Okay." She murmured. "I need to talk to my boss-- "
"I've already done that. He says to take as much time as you need to take care of your mother."
Maxine grinned. "So my mother is ill?"
"It came on very suddenly." Bruce acknowledged. "And you're booked on the one-thirty flight out of Amurst Airport. A taxi will be waiting outside your apartment to take you there about one o'clock."
"Did you get someone to pack my bags too?" Her throaty voice teased.
"I'll see you in Gotham." He stated, making no reference to her remark, and ended the connection.
*******************
The unrealistic bent to his capture left Terry wondering about his sanity. One minute he was in total control of everything-- his choice of where to patrol in Gotham, of the superb piece of machinery he was riding and guiding with the ultra-sensitive connection of the batsuit's interface, of who he chose to communicate with, of each and every thought in his mind and whether those thoughts needed more thought.
In the following minute he found himself totally helpless and as the minutes progressed, unbearably frustrated. Not only did the batmobile cease responding to his commands, but the suit that encompassed his entire body also refused to cooperate. It was not the first time he had become trapped in the suit, but in the past he at least knew the reason why. He heard Bruce's voice trying to talk to him over the link, since only seconds ago he had been able to relay the fact that the batmobile was not responding to his control and he was trying to go to manual operation of the vehicle. The link was disconnected suddenly and Terry felt the car begin a wide, unhurried turn to the north. He fought the confines of the suit for a number of seconds, struggling to move, before he quit. Past experience told him the effort was wasted. Mental efforts would probably be more effective at this point.
Question after question cascaded through his mind at what might be happening. The batmobile continued to move as if it knew where it was going. Terry could see glimpses of brightening scenery rushing by from his rigid position in the pilot seat.
Clear blue skies shown before the batmobile reached its' destination,almost an hour later. Terry felt it descend and slow for a few minutes before coming to a jerky halt inside a darkened building. The canopy slid back and four identically uniformed men surrounded the cockpit, unbuckled his safety harness and lifted his stiffened form clumsily from the seat. Chafing at the feeling of helplessness, Terry tried again to move. A lazy, feminine voice caught his attention.
"How unpleasant it must feel to be at the mercy of something you usually consider an important part of who you pretend to be."
The words came from behind him and he could not turn to see their source. Suddenly the cowl was torn from his head and Terry battled to hide his surprise. Naked - exposed - completely embarrassed. A few descriptive words went through his head for what he suddenly felt.
"Vulnerable and disconcerted might fit as well." The female voice drawled knowingly. Terry twisted his head in that direction and saw the calm, fine-boned face framed by neatly coifed, white hair.
"What?" His gaze raked her relaxed form, mind searching for recognition.
"You are feeling surprise are you not?" A small smile turned up the corners of her clarat-colored lips.
"Duh." He decided not to humble himself beneath someone who was coming across as the 'queen of overbearing'. Just because she had blown his identity in one fell swoop of, possibly, pure genius did not mean he had to get all flustered. Might as well make the most of the situation. "Got a name to go with the attitude?"
His calculated remark seemed to set her into a less pleasant mood. Her eyes narrowed, mouth quirked downwards for a moment. A sudden smile blossomed across her fragile complexion. She raised a delicate hand and slapped his face. Terry's head jerked from the strength of the blow, cheek stinging.
His reflexive response to raise arms in defense was stopped by the confining hold of the paralyzed suit. He quelled irritation and kept his demeanor calm.
She grimaced, rubbed the hurt from her hand and stated matter-of-fact. "You will show more respect for your superior in the future or face further punishment."
He bowed his head in deference and replied mocking. "My apologies your highness. Hey- ! " The feel of a pin prick at the back of his neck sent shivers of alarm down his spine and the lethargy that began to creep into his limbs told him what it had been for.
***********************
Gotham's Goodwin International Airport abounded with activity as Maxine snaked her way through the crowded terminal. A familiar figure waded towards her through the sea of humanity, his hand raised and waving wide to get her attention. Tim Drake. The last time she had talked with him was a few weeks before leaving Gotham. His broad welcoming smile was like a soothing balm to the constant worrisome thoughts that had not ceased since Bruce's intial call.
She had trusted Mr. Drake from the very first moment she had met him. Something about his openness, a willingness to consider everyone a friend until he had reason not to. Unfailingly cheerful, he could always make her laugh or at least smile and there were times, this last year especially, when he was the only one that could.
After learning about everything he had gone through with that 'Joker implant' situation she had asked him once how he managed to be so happy considering all he had undergone. He replied that until the implant had been destroyed he had not realized how iunhappy/i he had been. The Joker's subtle influence on
his life had kept him from living his life to the full. There had always been something, not understood, that had kept him from a true, deep relationship with his wife and children and with all aspects of his life in
general. With the implant gone he was now free to be himself as he had not been able to since the Joker had kidnapped him as a child and subjected him to his own brand of twisted torture.
Tim exclaimed about having a wonderful loving wife who had never given up on him and who he was now able to love in return with complete abandon. He talked of being able to see his children in a new light and to be there for them in a way he never could before. He talked about how much reestablishing a relationship with Bruce had added a longed-for depth to his existence that he thought could never possibly happen in this life. He had finally raised his arms heavenward, a huge, beaming smile on his broad face and proclaimed loudly, 'How could I not be happy!'. Maxine smiled remembering the moment. The man's attitude was contagious. She had even witnessed Bruce crack a grin and laugh occasionally when he was around visiting.
Maxine finally zeroed in on the waiting man.
Without pretense he wrapped his powerful, beefy arms around her in a brief hug. "It's good to see you again Max. How was the trip?"
"In all honesty, I'm not sure. My mind was a million miles away the whole time. Is there any news?"
Frowning, Tim reached his hand out in an offer to carry her bag which she relinquished with murmured thanks.
"Nothing yet, but not because the old man hasn't been searching any possible lead nonstop."
"How is he?"
"Come see for yourself. He's waiting in the car. I had to use every trick and threat I know to pull him away from the cave. It's the first break he's taken since this all started."
"Bruce?" Her throat was so tight the reply was barely audible.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you at work."
"It's okay." She held her breath for some reason and mercifully he did not pause long before saying.
"Terry is missing."
Oh thank God! Missing-- not dead. Missing-- it had happened before. "What do you mean missing?" Her voice sounded calm to her own ears.
"Thirty-two hours ago he was coming home from patrol. I was monitoring him when he began to have problems with the car. It wasn't responding to his control. He tried to disengage the guidance interface with the suit, but was unsuccessful. He was about to try something more forceful when contact was lost. I was unable to reestablish. About five hours after that the car returned home, under computer control. Inside it was the suit-- without Terry."
That was a first, Maxine thought. Terry was missing, not Batman. That put a new slant on any theory she might develop. She wanted to lighten the feeling of dread by making a remark about Terry wanting to take a vacation without notice, but was sure the old man would not appreciate it. Not surprisingly, just saying it to herself did not have the same effect as saying it outloud. Bruce was talking again.
"I've alerted Barbara. She has her people keeping an eye out for him." He paused and she could hear him pull in a heavy breath. "I'm worried."
He was worried. The simple admission strengthened Maxine's already dire premonitions. She had thought Bruce Wayne, the original Batman, had banished that emotion from his existence. Never before had she heard him use the word. Forcing the numbness from her mind she began to focus on a plan of action.
"I'll be on the next plane out of here. Should I plan on taking a cab to the mansion? I don't want my Mom or sister to know I'm in town. They'll ask questions I won't want to answer right now."
"I'll pick you up. And there are plenty of rooms here you can use until this is done."
"Thanks. One question... " She hesitated to ask it. "What kind of condition was the suit in?"
"For the most part it was unmarred. Just like the car there was no sign that it underwent any kind of attack."
"So he was unable to defend himself?"
"Maybe. Or maybe he didn't think he would have to."
"What... he decided to go visit someone and sent the suit and car home on purpose and now they're holding him prisoner?" Maybe her vacation theory was not as far off as she thought. Or had Terry cracked a bit under the pressure and decided to play an elaborate practical joke on his mentor?
"There are marks on the suit that indicate he didn't take it off willingly. I'd rather not say any more so you can examine things with an open mind Max. Your angle of looking at a subject has always brought in a new perspective. We need that now more than ever."
"Okay." She murmured. "I need to talk to my boss-- "
"I've already done that. He says to take as much time as you need to take care of your mother."
Maxine grinned. "So my mother is ill?"
"It came on very suddenly." Bruce acknowledged. "And you're booked on the one-thirty flight out of Amurst Airport. A taxi will be waiting outside your apartment to take you there about one o'clock."
"Did you get someone to pack my bags too?" Her throaty voice teased.
"I'll see you in Gotham." He stated, making no reference to her remark, and ended the connection.
*******************
The unrealistic bent to his capture left Terry wondering about his sanity. One minute he was in total control of everything-- his choice of where to patrol in Gotham, of the superb piece of machinery he was riding and guiding with the ultra-sensitive connection of the batsuit's interface, of who he chose to communicate with, of each and every thought in his mind and whether those thoughts needed more thought.
In the following minute he found himself totally helpless and as the minutes progressed, unbearably frustrated. Not only did the batmobile cease responding to his commands, but the suit that encompassed his entire body also refused to cooperate. It was not the first time he had become trapped in the suit, but in the past he at least knew the reason why. He heard Bruce's voice trying to talk to him over the link, since only seconds ago he had been able to relay the fact that the batmobile was not responding to his control and he was trying to go to manual operation of the vehicle. The link was disconnected suddenly and Terry felt the car begin a wide, unhurried turn to the north. He fought the confines of the suit for a number of seconds, struggling to move, before he quit. Past experience told him the effort was wasted. Mental efforts would probably be more effective at this point.
Question after question cascaded through his mind at what might be happening. The batmobile continued to move as if it knew where it was going. Terry could see glimpses of brightening scenery rushing by from his rigid position in the pilot seat.
Clear blue skies shown before the batmobile reached its' destination,almost an hour later. Terry felt it descend and slow for a few minutes before coming to a jerky halt inside a darkened building. The canopy slid back and four identically uniformed men surrounded the cockpit, unbuckled his safety harness and lifted his stiffened form clumsily from the seat. Chafing at the feeling of helplessness, Terry tried again to move. A lazy, feminine voice caught his attention.
"How unpleasant it must feel to be at the mercy of something you usually consider an important part of who you pretend to be."
The words came from behind him and he could not turn to see their source. Suddenly the cowl was torn from his head and Terry battled to hide his surprise. Naked - exposed - completely embarrassed. A few descriptive words went through his head for what he suddenly felt.
"Vulnerable and disconcerted might fit as well." The female voice drawled knowingly. Terry twisted his head in that direction and saw the calm, fine-boned face framed by neatly coifed, white hair.
"What?" His gaze raked her relaxed form, mind searching for recognition.
"You are feeling surprise are you not?" A small smile turned up the corners of her clarat-colored lips.
"Duh." He decided not to humble himself beneath someone who was coming across as the 'queen of overbearing'. Just because she had blown his identity in one fell swoop of, possibly, pure genius did not mean he had to get all flustered. Might as well make the most of the situation. "Got a name to go with the attitude?"
His calculated remark seemed to set her into a less pleasant mood. Her eyes narrowed, mouth quirked downwards for a moment. A sudden smile blossomed across her fragile complexion. She raised a delicate hand and slapped his face. Terry's head jerked from the strength of the blow, cheek stinging.
His reflexive response to raise arms in defense was stopped by the confining hold of the paralyzed suit. He quelled irritation and kept his demeanor calm.
She grimaced, rubbed the hurt from her hand and stated matter-of-fact. "You will show more respect for your superior in the future or face further punishment."
He bowed his head in deference and replied mocking. "My apologies your highness. Hey- ! " The feel of a pin prick at the back of his neck sent shivers of alarm down his spine and the lethargy that began to creep into his limbs told him what it had been for.
***********************
Gotham's Goodwin International Airport abounded with activity as Maxine snaked her way through the crowded terminal. A familiar figure waded towards her through the sea of humanity, his hand raised and waving wide to get her attention. Tim Drake. The last time she had talked with him was a few weeks before leaving Gotham. His broad welcoming smile was like a soothing balm to the constant worrisome thoughts that had not ceased since Bruce's intial call.
She had trusted Mr. Drake from the very first moment she had met him. Something about his openness, a willingness to consider everyone a friend until he had reason not to. Unfailingly cheerful, he could always make her laugh or at least smile and there were times, this last year especially, when he was the only one that could.
After learning about everything he had gone through with that 'Joker implant' situation she had asked him once how he managed to be so happy considering all he had undergone. He replied that until the implant had been destroyed he had not realized how iunhappy/i he had been. The Joker's subtle influence on
his life had kept him from living his life to the full. There had always been something, not understood, that had kept him from a true, deep relationship with his wife and children and with all aspects of his life in
general. With the implant gone he was now free to be himself as he had not been able to since the Joker had kidnapped him as a child and subjected him to his own brand of twisted torture.
Tim exclaimed about having a wonderful loving wife who had never given up on him and who he was now able to love in return with complete abandon. He talked of being able to see his children in a new light and to be there for them in a way he never could before. He talked about how much reestablishing a relationship with Bruce had added a longed-for depth to his existence that he thought could never possibly happen in this life. He had finally raised his arms heavenward, a huge, beaming smile on his broad face and proclaimed loudly, 'How could I not be happy!'. Maxine smiled remembering the moment. The man's attitude was contagious. She had even witnessed Bruce crack a grin and laugh occasionally when he was around visiting.
Maxine finally zeroed in on the waiting man.
Without pretense he wrapped his powerful, beefy arms around her in a brief hug. "It's good to see you again Max. How was the trip?"
"In all honesty, I'm not sure. My mind was a million miles away the whole time. Is there any news?"
Frowning, Tim reached his hand out in an offer to carry her bag which she relinquished with murmured thanks.
"Nothing yet, but not because the old man hasn't been searching any possible lead nonstop."
"How is he?"
"Come see for yourself. He's waiting in the car. I had to use every trick and threat I know to pull him away from the cave. It's the first break he's taken since this all started."