Disclaimer: Batman, his rogue's gallery, supporting cast, and all affiliating characters are owned by DC Comics which is a Time-Warner Company. For the purpose of improving my skills as a writer and for your and my entertainment I'm merely borrowing them for this mystery story.
Note 1: This is an AU fic and takes place outside of the current continuity.
BATMAN: SALVATION
By Mimick
GCPD Headquarters…
A series of explosions rocked the foundation of the GCPD headquarters while gas started to flow through the open air vents. About twenty or so armed goons dropped through a hole over the evidence room and began tearing it and the adjacent rooms apart. A figure dropped through the hole with his billowing blue cape spread out and he brought his fists down on the back of two of the criminal sentry's posted at the exit's necks.
"It's the batman," one of the crooks cried out before he was silenced by Batman's kick to his gut and chop to the back of his neck.
Batman tossed a flash bang in the direction of the incoming horde and delivered a spinning hook kick which knocked them off their feet. The second wave rushed over their comrades into the main part of evidence room. A sound of cracking wood made every one look at the floor and as it gave way, Batman leapt up and spread out his cape which slowed his descent to the next floor.
When he landed, the crooks were getting to their feet which made them easy prey for the dark knight. Some quick offense before they could get their bearings and they all ended up unconscious before Batman's feet.
The caped crusader noticed that one of the helicopters that the gang had dropped in from had decided to stick around. As it came over the two holes between the evidence room floor and the roof, Batman fired his grapnel which latched onto the landing support of the helicopter and attached the line to his belt.
The masked manhunter shot straight up thanks to his zip line and as he came to a stop under the landing support. He wrapped his legs around it and propped himself up on it. As he opened the cabin door, a thug threw a punch in Batman's direction and the dark knight side stepped it, took hold of the goon's wrist, and sent him falling out of the copter and into the Gotham River.
As the caped crusader climbed in, the pilot attempted to jump out, but Batman grabbed him by his collar and motioned for him to take the copter back towards Gotham.
Gordon's house, near the Tri-corner yards…
Jim sat in his couch shaking his head dismissively at the scene of the GCPD headquarters. Both Melton and Gibbs were assuring the media that they were on top of things, but Gordon had his doubts.
A subtle knock on the door caught Gordon's attention and he got up from the couch and walked over to the door. When he opened it, he found the Batman behind it.
"You knocked."
"Am I intruding?"
"Not really."
"Good."
Batman let himself in and stood in the center of the living room with the light of the television shining off of him.
"What's this about?"
"Have you ever heard of the Red Rooks?"
Gordon's eyes narrowed upon hearing that name, "Yeah, back in my days before Gotham. They are Russian Mafia derivative who have interest in controlling all organized crime in the world."
"They're here in Gotham."
"You are kidding?"
Batman's facial expression remained stern.
"You are not kidding."
"I discovered that Roger Heyser was smuggling counterfeit cash for them. But for what purpose I don't yet know."
"Wait, so all that money in the evidence room is dummy money?"
"Yes."
"I should have it tested, but the thought never crossed my mind."
"Don't worry about that. Right I need your help in getting the counterfeit money. I want to examine it and see if I can trace its origins.
"I wish I could be of some help, but I quit the force."
"I see…"
Batman walked towards the door, but stopped and turned to Gordon, "I once knew a great man who would never quit no matter how hard things got. I like to think I still know him."
Batman left Gordon to mull over his words.
Miller Harbor…
A few miles off shore near the harbor laid the Gabriel's Horn. It was supposedly a cargo vessel, but in actuality it contained a faction of the Red Rook syndicate. Standing on the second deck looking over the cargo hold, the leader of the gang notices that one of his copters had returned.
"Boris, how did the, eh operation go?'
"Not so well boss. The operation, it was a failure."
"Damn it. Why is that you could not do something so, eh simple."
"It was the Batman boss. He put a kink in our plans."
"This Batman be the one I read in the, eh papers?"
"Yes boss."
"Then I want him dead and I eh don't care how it's done."
"Yes boss."
The bat cave…
Jason was practicing the daily routines that he had practiced every day since becoming Robin. Like the great Bruce Lee. Batman had similar beliefs in physical combat. He felt nutrition, yoga, and consistent exercise brought about great physical power, stamina, and speed. That along with the continual training drills kept the mind and body sharp. Jason however was a bit headstrong and found the constant training fruitless, but since pledging himself to the caped crusader's crusade. He wasn't about to complain.
Alfred walked up to him bringing some refreshments and a bite to eat. Once he started eating he could hear the roar of the batmobile as it pulled in.
"Master Bruce, how did your trip go?"
"I managed to stop them and I visited Gordon to give him a warning. It's up to the interim commissioners to decide whither or not they will prepare for the Rook's next offensive."
"Master Bruce, do you think your actions did anything to entice their progress?"
"I do. In fact I think they may try and strike at me next. That is why Robin will be staying in the mansion after school."
"Why?" Jason asked.
"I don't need a liability with me when I'm out there on patrol, Robin. These men are very dangerous."
"This fucking sucks."
"Watch your mouth."
Jason looked away from Bruce's cold stare.
"I'm going to take a shower and then rest up. Wayne Botanical Garden is donating its rare midnight lilies to the Gotham cancer society and I have to make an appearance. Jason, I want you to go to school and then come straight home where you'll do your home work."
"Yea, yea," Jason sighed.
The next morning, City Hall…
The mayor was deeply disturbed by the destruction caused by the attack on the GCPD building. Twice in two months it's happened and he was sick of it. As he strode into the office that he was kind enough to provide for Agent Melton and Gibbs, he found them talking with some individuals he didn't recognize. He waved the thoughts to the side as he pointed his finger to the door.
"Excuse us gentlemen. I need to speak with Agent Melton and Gibbs."
Melton and Gibbs nodded to the men and they left.
"What kind of circus are you running here? Do you know what kind of effect that attack is doing to my popularity. We were caught with our pants down. Why aren't you doing something?"
"We are sir. We have our best men on it, isn't that right Gibbs."
Gibbs impassively nodded.
"Well work faster. I want you to figure out why the GCPD building was attacked and capture the rest of the culprits who committed the act."
"Yes sir." Gibbs and Melton said.
The mayor made his way out, slamming the door behind him.
Finnigan's…
Gordon sat at a booth across from Bullock and Montoya. All three of them were sharing a round of coffee.
"How is everything?" Jim asked.
"It's gone ta shit commish. Agent Melton and Gibbs are goddamn morons."
"Harvey, don't say that so loud."
"Why not Montoya, None of our boys would squeal on us."
A cop across from them was eyeing them while trying to remain inconspicuous.
"I have to tell you both something. A Russian syndicate known as the Red Rook has weaseled its way into Gotham and I think there are up to something big."
"How do ya know this commish?"
"I…have my connections."
"It's the bat ain't it? I don't trust that caped freak."
"It's the only explanation for the attack on the precinct. They must have been looking for the counterfeit cash that Heyser was smuggling for them."
"Why would they be so desperate to get counterfeit money back?" Montoya said.
"I have no idea."
The cop who had been eyeing them paid his tab and discreetly made his way out of the bar.
Wayne Botanical Garden…
Bruce Wayne posed for pictures as he handed the first of twenty midnight lilies that would be donated to the Gotham cancer society. The lilies would either be given to children with cancer or sold through auctions with the cash being directed towards the Gotham cancer society fund.
"I want to thank every one for being here and on this day, I give to the children something that will enrich their lives."
Many of the gathered attendance broke out into cheers and photographs were snapped. Once finished, Wayne slipped away to his limo where Alfred was waiting.
"Eager to catch an early night are you, Master Bruce?"
"You could say that."
"Do you think Master Jason is at home working on his studies?"
"No."
The bat cave…
Jason snapped his belt into place, clipped his cloak around his neck, and then used the spirit gum to stick his mask to his face. As he climbed aboard the bat-cycle, a screen read out asked for his password. He typed in the password and set the bat-cycle to auto pilot.
The bat-cycle roared to life and zoomed out of the bat cave with Robin holding on as tight as he could.
Ten minutes after Robin left. Bruce came down the stairs to find the bat-cycle gone and Robin's uniform missing. A look of frustration crossed his face as he marched into the large cylinder changing room. Upon coming out he was in his nightly garb of the Batman.
"Might I suggest a few minutes to collect yourself before chasing after your wayward pupil, Master Bruce?"
"He disobeyed me, Alfred."
"I know sir, but going after him when not in a clear state of mind and you could get both of you killed. I could not bear that."
Batman regarded Alfred with his eyes which were behind the white lens of his mask and he took a deep stress relieving breath.
"Do you feel better now sir?"
"I'm getting there."
Batman climbed into the batmobile and then went on his way to catch up with Robin.