Despite how much Harley hated being thrown in Arkham there was always a sort of comfort in being there, a respite from the chaos and violence of the criminal lifestyle but with the Joker gone it didn't seem like she'd be going back to that any time soon. Quite the opposite in fact.
The night of Alex's raid was a real eye opener for her, she should have just accepted Alex and Ivy's offers to help but they'd come for her despite her protests with Batman and his brood in tow. She didn't know what they got out of it but she was grateful to them for her life regardless. Batman had assured her that the military would be by to see her at some point in time and that in the meantime they'd keep the Arkham staff from doing anything that would mess with her head any more than it was already.
Harley had been in Arkham for a week already, the wound she'd received from Joker was sewn shut and healing, though she'd have another ragged scar to add to her collection of bullet wounds. Harley's old peer Dr. Joan Leland had been assigned to her case and had stuck to only treating her with psychiatric sessions, which to both of their surprise Harley was doing better at. She wasn't pretending to obsess over Joker like she had in the past, instead she went on about how badly she felt about everything that she'd done once and honestly, she felt that it was helping.
But Harley's time at Arkham would be coming to a close, she'd known that since she got a letter from Alex in an official document stating that a representative from the military would be by to see her shortly and it was Dr. Leland that came by to escort her to them.
"Harleen you have visitors, important ones by the looks of them."
Harley gulped nervously as she was escorted through the asylum towards a secure meeting room and placed in a chair in the center of the room. It was empty save for the chair she was sitting in, a table, and herself. Dr. Leland had left after making sure she wouldn't be going anywhere. Harley sat there staring at the table for a few minutes before she heard the door open and Alex walked in. He was wearing his woodland camouflage uniform and carried a rifle in his arms and had a pistol strapped to his leg, behind him walked in an older looking man in a more formal uniform. Alex looked around the room and turned to the older man.
"Room is secure Sir."
"Thank you, Sergeant. Miss Quinzel I'm General Anderson, Sergeant Westbrooks's advisor and overseer of DOD operations in Gotham." The man introduced himself.
"Look General if your gonna have me killed please just get it over with, I'd rather not put it off if it's all the same to you." Harley replied rudely and received a glare from Alex in return.
"Hey! We're trying to help you, so shut up and pay attention Harleen." He chided from behind the General who simply waved him off.
"Sergeant, please. I'll be frank with you, we need your assistance in a matter concerning the security of this operation."
"You need me, really? I mean yeah, whatever ya need! It's the least I could do after ya saved my life!" Harley couldn't believe this, the military was coming to her, a criminally insane psychopath for help.
"Good. A few weeks ago, Sergeant Westbrook and Batgirl were engaged by unknown soldiers while attempting to capture Killer Croc, the soldiers wounded Batgirl and snatched Croc out under us. We don't know where these soldiers came from or what they're objective is although we do have some ideas on who they work for. Obviously, they're after Gotham's criminals but for what purpose is unknown. That being said we believe they'd come after you if presented with an opportunity."
"So, ya want to use me as bait to draw out these goons is that it?"
"Precisely. We'll be monitoring suspected groups for activity in preparation for an offensive operation."
"And what exactly is your plan?"
"You'll be transferred under armed escort from Arkham to the Naval Consolidated Brig in Miramar, California, during which we expect to come under attack by these soldiers."
"Sir I don't like the idea of turning the streets into a warzone just to draw these guys out, don't we have any other options?" Alex asked. Harley could tell he didn't like the idea that much but knew that he would follow those orders if given.
"I don't like it either Sergeant but we need to identify who's interfering with our operations and this is the quickest way. We'll isolate the route taken to reduce collateral damage and have QRF on standby incase things get hairy."
"And what about Harley? What happens when she gets to Miramar?" Alex did raise a good point and she was also curious as to what they had planned for her.
"She'll remain in the brig pending trial for past crimes committed against the military." Oops, Harley had forgotten that some of the things she'd done for Joker may have upset the military but it's not like explosives grow on trees or anything.
"Sir if I may, as air headed as she seems I can tell you from firsthand experience that Harley actually has a brilliant mind and is quite a skilled combatant, I believe she could be an asset just as Ivy is."
"Sergeant you do know that she still suffers from psychological issues, right? I've only agreed to sparing her life to gain Ivy's cooperation and give you an ease of mind."
"I am aware of that but I think…"
"I know what you're thinking Sergeant. As much as I disagree with you I suppose I owe you something for the work you've done so far, but first I want to have her psychologically cleared for duty. If Miss Quinzel agrees to receive treatment at Miramar and is deemed fit for duty I will push for her to repay her debt to society through service instead of confinment."
"Yes." Harley blurted out and they stopped their conversation to look at her.
"Yes what?"
"I'll do it. I'll get help from your doctors and help Alex if you'll let me."
"You've caused a lot of trouble in the past four years and I'm just supposed to believe you've had a change of heart all of a sudden?" The General asked skeptically.
"General I've done a lot of things and no amount of service can ever make up for the pain I've caused but I want to at least try to do some good." It wasn't the best argument but it was sincere. He thought it over for a second before speaking again.
"Then I'll tell you the same thing I told Ivy, you do right by us and I'll help you start over but if you betray our trust you'll find yourself in the darkest hole imaginable, understood?" He growled out menacingly.
"Yes Sir." Harley squeaked out as she cowered away from him.
"Good. It'll take some time to organize the transfer so you'll have to remain here for the time being and I'm sure I don't have to tell you not to breathe a word of this conversation to anyone?" Harley nodded her head in agreement before the General left to speak with Doctor Leland about something while Alex lingered behind. An awkward silence fell between them and they just looked everywhere except at each other until Harley had enough of the silence.
"You didn't have to stick up for me like that you know." She told him as he pretended to be interested in his weapon.
"No but I want you to have a chance at life again. It's not ideal, none of this is, but I think you'll be better off helping us then rotting in the brig." He said, finally looking up at her.
"Why are going to all this trouble just for me, I'm not worth the effort after what I've done." She replied and he shook his head and sighed.
"Harleen, despite the things you've done and the pain I've been through your still my friend, and I hope that with time we can get back to the way things used to be, before that stupid asshole ruined our lives."
"I do to Alex. You were right about him ya know? And I'm thankful that you and the others saved me from him. You've done more for me in the past few days than anyone has in the last four years, I'm just sorry that it took so long to come to my senses. I know I've still got some issues to work through but I'll get help, I'll show you that I want to be a better person."
"That…that makes me happy, more than you could know. We'll get this sorted out and I promise everything will be better." Alex said as he walked over to where Harley was sitting and placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled before going to rejoin his handler. He was about to leave the room when Harley called out to him again.
"Hey… thanks for not giving up on me." She said and he stopped and looked back at her over his shoulder.
"Never again."
…Mission Complete…