AN: I am, slowly but steadily, working on a fic-isation of The Dark Knight Rises. Anyway, I always thought Crane might not be too happy about being a mook, if only on principle. It's not like he gets to keep the people he's sentencing, and given Gotham's situation, it's unlikely he can make any of his toxin right now.
The Puppeteer Patient 120402-You have no idea.
Katherine-Not really. Elevators, as it happens, hurt when you're thrown into them. And they're turned on.
Just-Me-and-My-Brain-Can you blame him? He wouldn't be responsible if something were to...happen.
"Doctor."
He looks up from his book, only mildly interested in the man on the other side of the glass.
"Good morning."
"How are you, Doctor Crane?"
He shrugs, sets the book aside. He's not surprised at Bane's presence. It was only a matter of time before he came by Arkham. That doesn't mean he's very happy about it, however-Gotham had a system before, and this Bane has broken it. Very annoying.
"Well enough. But you didn't come here to exchange pleasantries, did you?"
"You're a smart man, Doctor." Naturally. "I am here to let you out."
"Is that so?" He's not so sure he likes that idea, actually. At least in here he's safe from rioting civilians. "Why would you do that? I actually do belong here, as it happens."
Bane says nothing. Jonathan's mostly sure he's smiling behind that mask. Mostly sure.
"I need a judge."
"You've got the wrong man for that, I'm afraid."
"They know you, Doctor. They fear you." As they should. "And as such, you will be perfect for what I had in mind."
"Which would be?"
"To hand down sentences to the guilty."
He picks up his book again.
"My apologies, I'm not interested in the job offer. Try the Joker."
"No." The word is forceful and he looks up again, the idea crossing his mind that Bane could very well decide to snap his neck for declining. "The clown will be a problem."
True enough.
"I have no other names for you, I'm afraid."
"Let me rephrase this, then, Doctor." Bane sighs. "If you don't accept, I will have Miss Richardson brought here and…taken care of." What. "Puts this in a new light, doesn't it?"
Damn. Whatever Bane means by 'taken care of', it probably isn't free shampoo. Or even quick and painless.
"I see." He closes the book, adjusts his glasses. "Given the circumstances, I'll consider it."
Bane nods and opens the door.
"Wise choice, Doctor."
Yeah. Choice. Funny thing, that.
"What exactly do you expect from me?"
THE END