"Terr?"

"What now?"

"You need to get moving."

"I am moving."

"Move faster. The opening ceremony for the EarthWatch Convention starts in less than two hours and you do have a speech to give."

"Blast-- I forgot all about that. I'll never make it in time."

"Um, yeah, I was thinking the same thing. And then I thought of the obvious solution. Eric Manti was designated as your alternate if for some reason you couldn't make it. Why not give him a call."

"Yeah, he's probably been praying all night that I'd drop off the face of the Earth just so he'd get the chance."

"I don't understand why you let him get to you Terr. Just--call him."

"Can't you do it Max? I don't feel like dealing with his attitude right now."

"I could try, but I don't think Mr. Manti would take any orders from me. He may not have any respect for you Terr, but he can't dismiss your position in the company hierarchy. You have to be the one to do it."

"Great," he mumbled. "Can you at least set it up? Just give me a minute to get ready."

"Sure."

Terry took those sixty seconds to remove his cowl and set the lighting and vidlink in the batmobile so only his face would be seen by Manti. He had just fingered his mussed hair into a semblance of order when the vidlink came to life. There was Manti, bright-eyed, freshly showered and shaved and studying him as if he was a bug specimen in a jelly jar.

"Ah, McGinnis. This is an unexpected displeasure so early in the morning. But now that I see you I can guess why you're calling. Apparently you couldn't let that last bottle go to waste last night. Or was it this morning?"

"A cheery good morning to you too Manti." Terry said evenly. "Not that it's any of your business, but I've been dealing with some personal matters all night and none of them involved alcohol."

"Oh? So now you're starting to experiment with the numerous non-alcohol mind-altering choices?"

Terry stared at the smug blonde executive for a few seconds, realizing that he felt none of his usual animosity for the man. He flashed him a huge smile, "No I haven't, but since you brought it up maybe you could recommend something."

One side of Eric's mouth twitched downward, "So what is it McGinnis? You need me to cover the convention opening because you can't make it?"

"Is that going to be a problem for you? I mean--just because you were picked to take my place in case something like this would happen doesn't mean that you're ready to handle it."

Eric's expression hardened. He did not appreciate McGinnis' verbal barbs, especially since he was saying them with good humor instead of in his usual irritated manner. "I'm more than ready. You know the company can always count on me."

Terry gazed at Manti's image and again it hit him that not only did he not detest the man anymore, he actually felt a strange empathy and new respect for him. This man's career at WayneTech was as important to him as his own life choice to become Batman. Manti had never been a threat to him. He was just doing his job the best way he knew how. The man was simply protecting the interests of WayneTech and his own future. It was time to make Eric Manti the valuable ally he could become to Terry McGinnis instead of an enemy. Terry let admiration show in his expression and voice.

"Yes, I know. Mr. Wayne has indicated to me more than once that you're a great asset to WayneTech. He said I could learn a lot from you."

"He did?" Eric's tone was a mixture of pride and skepticism.

Terry nodded, "And he was right. Good luck with the opening. I'll get there as soon as I can."

At the confused Manti's answering nod, he ended the link. He wasn't surprised when Max connected a split second later, her face displaying a smile.

"Very nice. I didn't think you were capable of that kind of finesse, especially with him."

"I meant it. I've misjudged him."

"Whoa," Max blinked melodramatic surprise. "That doesn't sound like you. You sure you're all right. Maybe that blow you took rattled your brain more than we realized."

"Speaking of changed behavior--do you realize you nagged me twice tonight?" He grinned at her expression of indignation. She was so predictable sometimes.

"I did n--"

Her face disappeared from the screen as she leaned away to address whatever had just caught her attention. He waited a few impatient seconds before demanding, "Max?"

"Umm--looks like you're night isn't done yet."

Terry groaned and muttered, "When do people sleep in this city?"

"It's a break-in at the TriGot Regional Bank."

"That place is built like a fortress and their security leaves nothing lacking. Who would--?"

"This particular criminal isn't fazed by security or the strength of a building."

"No mood for riddles Max," he said as he directed the batmobile towards the beleaguered institution on Gotham's upper east side. "Who is it?"

"Shriek."

The huge fish tank, located near the stage, teemed with brightly colored goldfish. It was the first thing to catch Travis' eye when he entered the Center. The next sight that astounded him was the hordes of people waiting around for the opening ceremony to begin. He supposed after that they would be allowed to tour the huge facility. According to the informational pamphlet handed to him at the door there were over a hundred displays organized throughout the building, each showing ways of helping and preserving the Earth.

Jostled by the crowd, Travis felt a momentary unease and wished Max was here with him so he wouldn't have to be missing her company and could have someone to talk to. It had been her idea that he should come with her, but when she called yesterday and said she couldn't go after all, he decided to go alone. This was an event of a lifetime for him and he wasn't willing to let it pass. Besides, it'd give him more to talk about when he got back home.

Home. He knew if he didn't go back soon, he'd have to start looking for a new job. He had thought about getting one here in Gotham, to stay close to Max, but the way she was acting towards him the last few days told him he shouldn't bother. Maybe she had finally tired of their relationship or maybe being with McGinnis again had helped her out of their so-called 'friendship' phase into something more? It hurt, but if that's what she wanted then he'd accept it and do is darnedest to be happy for her.

He figured the event was about to begin when the crowd became quieter. They all faced the front and watched a fancily dressed man approach the stage and go up its steps.

Eric Manti flicked his pony-tail with his left hand just before he climbed the stage. It was a nervous gesture he'd begun in his sophomore year of college which, years later, he now considered a good luck ritual. As he approached the podium his gaze focused on the corded off area where the Permochine Generatorwaited to be unveiled to the public.

He had read the non-scientific literature on this experimental energy source's background, what its creators claimed it could do and how it would benefit mankind and felt instant distrust of the thing. It sounded too good to be true and his instincts and hard won business experience usually agreed with that wisdom. He didn't like wasting time on unreliable hearsay. It was too costly for the business, not only in the monetary investment of labor, but in potential liability if the thing, figuratively and/or literally, blew up in their faces. But Mr. Wayne was a firm believer in giving new technology a fair chance and continually stressed why the risk was worth taking. Obviously his decades of success indicated he knew what he was talking about.

So Eric set aside his personal opinions and proceeded with the job he was sent here to do, ceremoniously start the EarthWatch Convention and introduce one of its major highlights.

"Batman?" The costumed villain looked up in surprise, "I thought you were dead."

"I am. What you're experiencing is my ghostly form coming to haunt you into submission. Any chance it's gonna work? "

"Why aren't you dead?"

"You're not listening to me are you?"

Shriek's voice rose to a strident pitch, "Everyone said you were dead."

"Okay, so maybe I'm not."

"You're going to ruin all my plans."

"Well, if this is the plan you're referring to, then yes I will--because you really shouldn't be doing this. It's wrong."

Shriek seemed oblivious to anything but his own disbelief. "You're supposed to be dead!" He screamed and raised his weapon-clad arms. A deadly burst of sound waves fired at Batman who easily jumped clear of the expected attack. Unfortunately the building behind him did not have that ability. The resultant impact tumbled the front of the structure in a rumble of noise and flying debris.

Two curious pedestrians gawking nearby were about to be pummeled by the aftermath when a black streak flew at them, scooped one of them under each arm and carried them away from the danger.

Batman deposited his rescues among the crowd watching behind the police lines and without pause flew back to Shriek.

By now Shriek had cleared himself a path all the way to the bank vault and was calculating how much frequency he would need to get through the door. If he used too much he'd blow the whole vault apart and then it would take forever to gather the money that would be scattered everywhere.

Agitation was clouding his thought processes, but he had to think quickly. Batman showing up had shaken his confidence and spoiled all his careful planning. Now all he hoped to achieve was to grab as much money as he could after he opened the vault and retreat with it as rapidly as possible.

Shriek made an adjustment on his suit and pointed one arm at the vault. Before he could fire, a black cord was suddenly winding around the arm and jerking it skyward. Thrown off balance, Shriek fell forward. Pain and horror filled him as he felt the arm attachment being torn from around his limb. Looking up he saw Batman standing on the top of the vault, reeling in the cord with his attachment in tow.

"No!" Shriek screamed and pounded at the floor with one bared hand. "You were supposed to be dead! Dead! Dead! Dead!"

Batman watched in mild surprise as the villain continued his tantrum, ready to spring into action if Shriek would decide to attack the police who were cautiously approaching. Shriek seemed unaware he was now surrounded by uniformed men, each with a weapon aimed point-blank at his body. All the while as the police bound his arms and pulled him to a stand he was sobbing and whimpering the word 'dead' over and over.

Batman disappeared from public view as Max's wry comment came through the link, "Well, there's one person who isn't glad you're back."

"I don't get it. He still had plenty of weaponry up his other arm. Why did he give up so easy?"

"You know--not that I'm an expert or anything, but--it looked like he might be having a nervous breakdown. Maybe he's been going through tough times and running into you was the 'last straw' kind of thing."

"Maybe," he replied and yawned. His body suddenly felt the full aftereffects of a very long and active night--something that wouldn't have bothered him in the past. It would be awhile before his stamina reached its former level. "I'm slagged. Maybe I can grab a couple hours of sleep before I head to the Convention."

"Ummmm--"

"Maaax?" He knew that sound she made and it always meant something bad.

"You're needed at the Convention Center. Right now. Mr. Blob has been spotted."

"Why am I surprised?" Terry murmured as he looped the batmobile around. He stifled another yawn and grinned instead to push back a feeling of dread, "How do you know it's not a Mrs. Blob?"

"With the way that greedy thing is set on instant self-gratification? C'mon Terr, tell me that isn't typical male behavior."

"I had to ask," he muttered to himself.

"What was that?"

"I said--I'm glad I asked."

"I thought so."

Pleased with how quiet and attentive the crowd had been through his speech, Eric's smile was wide as he reached the conclusion of it. He swept one arm up , "And now, it is my privilege to unveil to you this profound new energy source with its potential destined to power the world safely and cheaply for everyone-- the Permochine Generator."

All eyes were on attendants pulling back the cover from the machine. People begin to clap and cameras flashed. The forward portion of the crowd took a few steps closer to get a better look.

Near the back of the crowd, Travis shook himself as sudden sleepiness seemed to drag at him. He forced his eyes wide and looked around. The people standing around him also fidgeted, like they were dealing with the same problem he had. Something niggled at Travis' thoughts. This was familiar somehow. Was it simple déjà vu or¼ It was like when he was with Max and McGinnis that time¼ The phenom! It was here?

A flash of purple drew his gaze as four uniformed men entered through the main entrance. Two stayed by those doors while the other two went to the other exits and took up a guard like-stance. Something was familiar about them too.

What?

That color of uniform. He had seen it somewhere before.

Travis' eyes narrowed to focus on their faces. He had never seen faces so expressionless. They hardly blinked and didn't seem like they were looking at anything. Even those zombies in horror vids had more--

Zombies! That's it! That's where he had seen two of them. In that bar with McGinnis where he was babbling about zombies, weasels and beavers.

A different presence came in through the entrance doors, her regal bearing drawing his stare in fascination. There was something about her--not her looks though. Something commanding. Reminded him of John Silk, a weird old neighbor from when he was growing up. The guy never said much, but when he looked at you, you felt about two inches tall and were shrinking fast.

Trailing behind the woman was a young girl, head bowed and her face mostly hidden by silky strands of long black hair. As he watched the two females disappear in the crowd, Travis had the strong feeling that he was about to experience more of Gotham's version of excitement.

Batman set the batmobile to hover at a distance from the dome-roofed Convention Center. He had a panoramic view of the Blob floating above it with Ra's hovercraft drifting close by. At ground level everything appeared normal. Knowing it wouldn't be that way for long he ejected from the vehicle and sent it to hide in the vicinity, ready to come when he signaled it.

As Batman glided downwards he caught a flash of familiar purple entering the building. So at least one of Rasy's goons had gone inside. Most likely all four and maybe Rasy himself? One way to find out.

Batman could hear the low rumble of an agitated crowd as he slipped inside from a mid-level vent. Looking down he saw goons blocking every exit and irate, panicking people trying to get by them. With no signs of effort the uniformed guards shoved, punched or tossed bodies aside. The rest of the crowd hung back after seeing there was no way out, huddled together from weakness and fear. He couldn't see It among the mulling crowd, but his gut was telling him the villain was here.

Batman wondered why Rasy would want to keep them all inside. He felt a fresh wave of disgust when he realized the answer. Like sheep trapped in a pen, they were easy pickings for the Blob. Maybe Rasy thought he could control the thing better this way. Well, Batman was going to change the odds--open the gates and let those sheep out to make a run for their lives.

Wings extended, Batman glided silently downwards. Near the closest blocked exit he ignited the boot-jets and slammed hard into the goon positioned there. It was Weasel and the man went down with disappointing ease. As Batman dragged him aside the people poured through the exit, jostling each other to get through first.

Batman flew to the next exit. These people didn't have protection from the Blob like he had with the suit. They needed to get away from here while they could still walk. His gaze narrowed on the next goon--looked like it was Beaver--his aim to knock the man aside as easily as Weasel. He was pleasantly surprised to realize that wouldn't be the case this time. There was a spark of awareness in the zombie-man who was now primed to defend his position.

Someone moving out from behind a display caught his attention. He now knew where It was. Before he had a chance to react he was slammed from behind. He rolled with the blow, was on his feet in seconds and aware he was surrounded by three very alert and combat ready goons. He snapped a glance to where he had left Weasel laying and saw that one too was up and stopping people from leaving again. So Rasy had let the restraints go on his menagerie.

In a defensive stance Batman regarded the circle that was closing in on him, "I hope he's gonna let you guys talk now too? That would make this a lot more entertaining."

Otter was the first to growl as he raised his arms and charged. Weasel and Beaver quickly joined in and Batman was scrambling on the defensive. Their moves weren't blind or clumsy. They actually seemed to be working as a team. It hit home rapidly to Batman that this wasn't going to be as easy as he thought.

The trapped crowd screamed and shrank away from the fight unfolding before them. Displays crumbled and debris became deadly missiles as Batman and his adversaries fought with vicious realism. Travis felt more anger than fear or frustration at the predicament he was in. All these bodies available to help and they couldn't manage to get by one person who was blocking the single accessible exit. No way was he going to stand by and let this continue.

Looking around, he searched for likely candidates to help carry out his simple plan of overpowering the guard--younger, strong-looking males who didn't seem too affected by the phenom yet. He got one to follow him, then another and another as he pushed his way through the masses. His intent gained momentum and soon men and a few women, more than he could count easily, thronged around the tall, burly guard.

Travis was among the first group who rushed their target. A powerful arm connected with his midsection. He felt himself flying backwards and other, smaller arms and bodies breaking his fall. Breathing hard, he scrambled to his feet and rejoined the mob who hadn't let up the attack despite many of them experiencing similar painful backlash from the relentless guard.

Soon not even the man's purple uniform could be seen beneath the enraged bodies that had piled on top of him. He stopped moving, finally unconscious from the onslaught.

Someone helped Travis up from the tangle of arms and legs. He stood on shaky legs and watched with a feeling of triumph as people streamed out the wide-open exit doors. A few men clapped him on the back and shared a nod and grin of camaraderie. Another gestured to the other end of the Center where Batman was still engaged in his own battle and muttered,

"Looks like he's got his hands full. Let's hope he can hold them back 'till everyone's out of here."

"Yeah," Travis answered distractedly and without conscious thought found himself moving closer to the fight.

Despite the danger, Travis couldn't help watching Batman in action. It was weird seeing something you thought was total fiction come to life right before your eyes. Sure he'd heard tales of Batman. Who hadn't? Just like the stories of Bigfoot, sea-monsters, werewolves and zombies. But experiencing it with his own senses definitely made it more convincing.

Wow!

Travis had a deja vu moment as he watched Batman fight. He was seeing glaring familiarities between Batman's moves and what he had witnessed Terry doing when he was fighting the Jokerz that night near the park. Maybe they both attended the same fight school. Granted, Batman was a lot stronger than Terry could ever have been. Maybe that costume was robotic or something. If that was true then-- He silently scoffed at himself for his sudden off-the-wall thought.

McGinnis as Batman?

A moody, alcoholic business executive secretly playing a masked crime fighter who was trying to protect a whole city?

Naaah, too much of a stretch .

But--there must be some connection. McGinnis knew at least two of those--zombies--from that bar scene. Maybe he was working for or--with Batman? And then there was that drunken revelation he'd made after the Jokerz fight about having been Batman. That was a laugh! Or maybe it wasn't supposed to be.

No. Forget it. That would just be--stupid.

Travis shook his head to fight the tiredness dragging at him. He had to get out of here. The Phenom was obviously making him hallucinate. He joined the last of the crowd as they hurried through the exit door. One man seemed dazed as he trailed the rest. He kept stopping to mumble and glance around at the jumbled havoc that had minutes ago been a neatly organized event.

Wondering if the man may have been hurt during the melee, Travis went over to help him. Up close he recognized it was the same person who had given the speech. That long blond hair, which Travis was sure some women he knew back home would be envious of, was an obvious giveaway for identifying him.

"Sir? Are you all right? Would you like a little help?"

"Yes I--" Eric cocked his head like a bird at Travis then was looking around again. "I don't understand what happened. Everything was going so smoothly. I can't--"

Poor guy's in shock, Travis decided and took action.

"We really should get out of here." Travis grabbed Eric's arm and propelled him faster to the exit. Eric didn't resist. He continued looking around and mumbling incoherently.

The Center echoed eerily in its emptiness. The only conscious person in sight was standing near the podium.

Al Ghul.

Batman stared at -- It-- while a wave of emotion crashed through him. First reaction was to jump at the figure and smack it to the ground in rightful vengeance. He let that one go, knowing the fragile feminine form wouldn't survive the physical punishment he could and wanted to deliver. That was Talia's body. She was still alive inside and she was not responsible for her father's actions.

Second reaction was to remain calm, secure It in a reasonable manner, take It to the police and press charges...

Press charges as who? As Batman? Arresting Talia Al Ghul for premeditated murder of over a hundred Gotham citizens? He had no solid proof yet. As Terry McGinnis? Charging It for commanding the abduction and assault on him? Terry never reported the beating--for obvious reasons. And for those same reasons he couldn't do it now either.

His gut churned with a sickening frustration. What the hell was he supposed to do? Maybe Talia would thank him for putting her out of her misery. For ending the life that was no longer hers. Al Ghul had to be stopped! Fists clenching, Terry strode forward to meet his sworn enemy.

"No. Don't hurt her."

He lurched to a stop when the faint, familiar voice reached hismind or--ears? She was here?

He whirled around trying to sight a body to go with it and whispered a call when he found none, "Tamara?"

"Batman doesn't kill."

"What then!" he hiss-whispered as his glance darted around trying to spot her ghostly or realform. He was more than ready to end this.

He kept himself from showing surprise when Ra's deep voice sounded close. It had been stupid to let himself get distracted. He quickly refocused on the, much nearer now, female form. It irritated him that he was still unnerved seeing the female body and hearing the male voice come out of it.

"It seems I have underestimated you again. Perhaps the Detective has not completely lost all of his reasoning abilities and you do possess some capacity for the job he has allowed you."

Terry remained silent while he gained control over emotion he had struggled with in dreams. The nightmare was now standing before him, but this time he could change the outcome.

"What's wrong boy? Is being in my presence unsettling to you?"

"Hardly," he sneered. "I was just realizing why you took on a woman's body. Kinda like hiding behind mommy's skirts, although in this case it's your daughter's. Talk about unmanly. You win the prize."

"The prize I hope to win will benefit all mankind."

"You mean the few who manage to survive after you're all done." Terry chided, trying hard to keep his tone level and not filled with the hatred that burned inside. "All you're trying to benefit is yourself."

"Simple minded child," Ra's scoffed before walking to the other end of the room. His tone resounded with bored patience. "This earth needs to be protected from those who are destroying it. Since I am the only one alive capable of the wisdom and vision to see that fact, then it is up to me to change it."

"Your wisdom and vision are warped Rasy. Big time. All those years of living has skewed any kind of sane perspective you had--that is--if you ever had any in the first place."

Ra's chuckled softly, "Has the Detective not talked of my history to you at all? Though he always abhorred my methods, he found it difficult to completely dismiss my vision."

"He lies!"

The vehemence behind Tamara's words made Terry's head jerk in surprise. A glance at Ra's bland expression indicated the other had heard nothing. Terry found it hard to believe that only he could have heard that loud outburst.

Ra's expression turned curious then amused, "She's been communicating with you, hasn't she? How interesting. I wondered what other abilities she has been hiding from me?"

Batman grinned, "Guess you'll never know now that you don't have a hold on her anymore."

"Don't I? She may not realize it yet, but her unusual depth of compassion extends far beyond her parents. There are many other lives she holds dear that--".

Talia's form was suddenly flying through the air and hitting a wall where it slid stunned to the ground.

Terry blinked in confusion. What--?

"I will hurt him. Only him."

If thoughts could kill-- Feeling the cold emotion behind her words sent an eerie chill through him.

"Tamara--where are you?"

Her flesh and blood form seemed to step out from nowhere a short distance from him. "Leave now. I don't want you to watch."

He stared at her grim face, "What are you going to do?"

She would not meet his eyes, "Go away Batman. You've done all you can here."

"No."

Terry's eyes widened beneath the cowl as he felt himself being pushed. Since he was in a windless room with no one else near him, he assumed it was Tamara using her power in a way he never experienced before. Well--he had experienced it before, but not from Tamara. There was that guy from his first run-in with the Brain Trust who looked like a cross between the Pillsbury Doughboy and Frankenstein's assistant. A fight with mind over matter like he'd never imagined. Luckily he won that one.

"Go away!"

He set his feet and resisted moving any further, "Tell me what you're going to do."

She glared at him, "He will pay! He will pay for all he has done to me! For hurting my parents! For all those people he killed! He feels nothing! He is empty! Dark! Evil!"

Batman was suddenly swept off his feet and flung toward the exit.

"Save the others! The creature is getting stronger!"

Weary, his body aching from a long night of not so gentle activity, Batman slowly picked himself up while his mind furiously ran through his options.

He didn't want to fight her. Her attitude, determined beyond any past experience he'd had with her, told him that trying to reason with her at this point would be a waste of time. And time was something they couldn't waste. The Blob was sucking the life from every living thing in the area. Who knows how many people were already beyond help. Tamara was right. He had to stop the thing now. It was a simple question of what was more important--saving the villain or saving hundreds of innocent lives?

Tamara spared a glance to watch Batman rocket away. Relieved he was gone she returned full attention to the one who was now totally at her mercy. She liked this feeling of superiority--of the slave now controlling the master.