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ELEVEN

Now, I had never truly approved of Amberley's decision to ally herself to Ra's Al Ghul and his merry band of psychopaths. It's one thing to trust El Bane, he seemed like a calm and reasonable person…for a ganger, of course. It's one other thing to trust Galante and Kwon, who have actually military-trained personnel amongst their ranks so I suppose they are okay. It's an entirely another thing to trust colourfully dressed, maniacally insane, self-proclaimed "assassins." Honestly, if Ra's Al Ghul didn't possess a rather ingenious intelligence network, I would have simply suggested we cut the frakker right off! I already had the misfortune to meet two of these "so-called" professionals, and both happened to be related to Artemis. I felt some pity for her and her mother—whom obviously tried to stay away from that brand of insanity. I can respect that, seeing as I had did all I could to do the same thing. Quite frankly, I'm quite glad the apple fell furthest from the tree.

'I can't help but thank you again Ciaphas.' Mrs. Crock (the senior) said, plating some noodles for me. 'It really means a lot to me—and her—that you are keeping Artemis' heritage a secret.'

'Think nothing of it, Mrs. Crock.' I replied, giving her my best propaganda smile. 'Your daughter's secrets are her own. It would be rather hypocritical for myself really, after all, I have my own share of secrets to last a millennia.' And isn't that the truth. Still, that got a chuckle from Mrs. Crock, whom wheeled away to go get something else. I moved to go help her, seeing as her disability would slow things along and I rather enjoy eating hot food, but an elbow nudge from Artemis told me that she demanded my attention.

'Dude?!' She hissed, glaring at me. 'Are you fu-freaking hitting on my mom*175?!'

'No, no, of course not.' I replied, a certain level of urgency in my tone. She is way too young for me, and I only have room for Amberley. 'I apologize for giving you a wrong impression. That's my fault.'

'Alright, I believe you.' Artemis said, turning back to her noodles. 'Just, don't talk like that again.'

'Agreed.' I said, and thankful for that. I really do not need Amberley's knives against my neck again. 'Anyways, while I'm not opposed to having dinner, I'm sure you have something else in mind?'

'Yeah, I figured you want to get right to business.' Artemis sighed, taking a quick drink from her glass. To be perfectly honest, I'd rather just enjoy supper, but I decided to let her talk. last thing I need was her anxiety building as we eat. Obviously, this had been bothering her for some time now, might as well get it over with. 'It's about my sister.' And I instantly regretted my poor decision. Not Cheshire again, anything but that lunatic!

'What about her?' I asked, playing off any concern I have with casual indifference. Though, I was dreading the answer. It's probably something stupid like chasing after her or trying to capture her ourselves or something.

'It's not just her. It's also about Amberley.' She continued, and I felt my heart go into cardiac arrest. Was Amberley discovered? Was she compromised? Was Jurgen going to be used as leverage? Am I going to be imprisoned and executed by Amberley to prevent my capture?

'I don't understand.' I said, hoping my sudden astonishment was disguised well enough. 'What does your sister have to do with Amberley?'

'Look, I know she's your girlfriend but she's up to something.' Artemis said, as blunt as possible, and she's not wrong. 'I know it's hard to believe but you gotta trust me on this.'

'Well, start from the beginning.' I said, faking a sigh. 'What evidence do you have that would make Amberley a person of interest?'

'Wait, you believe me?!' She shouted, which made me nurse my ears. At that moment, I probably should have deflected and denied to answer. Honestly, this place has been making my decision-making skills worse.

'Like it or not, Amberley's still human.' I replied, hoping my half-arsed, on-the-spot reasoning would get her to leave the matter to me. Last thing an Inquisitor needs is a distraction. 'And my job is to sniff our any signs of sedition, no matter who they are.' Which would be a surefire way to get me killed if we were back in the Imperium*176. 'Again, we are getting off topic. Please, start from the beginning.'

She didn't say anything for quite some time, and I was getting a bit concerned that my tarot-face was failing me. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until Artemis spoke again. 'Y'know, I really had you pegged as one of her followers. That you'd believe every single word she speaks and try to do her bidding to stop me from getting too close.' Most of the time it was reluctantly done, but the archer wasn't entirely wrong. I'm a Commissar, what's my power compared to someone like an Inquisitor?

'I'm sorry, I really misjudged you.' Artemis said, averting her eyes. Maybe I could play this to my advantage.

'Please, don't be.' I said, playing up my "Hero of the Imperium" routine. 'You made some reasonable beliefs based on what you saw. It's true that I like the Inquisitor*177—consider her one of my best friends—but I am also a commissar. As such, my job sometimes forces me to put aside my personal feelings and look at things from an objective lens. I would like to think that you coming to me about your suspicions is a sign in trust in me—my person, at least—despite the possibility of tipping your hand to the Inquisitor. I thank you for your trust in me, and I hope that you do not find it wanting.'

'Thanks Cain.' Artemis said, a little bashful. 'No, really. Thanks. You're a real good man, you know that?' And I now know you're a poor judge of character. Better keep an eye out for that because it may come to bite me.

'Think nothing of it.' I said, waving off complement, which would inevitably raise her opinion of me even more and make her an excellent human shield. 'Now then, if you don't mind?' I trailed off, letting her pick up.

'Yeah, okay.' She started. 'So, I was doing some patrols around my area, getting practice in and beating up some bad guys.'

'Oh?' I said, curious which one of Amberley's allies dropped the ball.

'Yeah, the Koreans and the Italians were getting awfully chummy with one another.' Artemis said. 'Many still don't notice it because they try to keep it on the down low, but relations between the two are getting warmer. And then add in some of Bane's boys and we got something big here.'

'I see.' I said, urging her on even though I was half paying attention and more focused on the smell of food. 'What happened next?'

'So, I decided to go on in and handle things. Took out three goons.' She boasted, and for some reason, I believe her. 'Thing is, that's when things started to get weird.' Artemis paused, not speaking for a moment.

'Please, continue.' I said, the awkwardness over extending its welcome.

'Right, sorry. It's just that you were making comments every time I say something that I thought you'd want to put in your piece.' Artemis said, and I felt my cheeks flushed.

'Ah, sorry.'

'Nah, we're cool.' She said. 'Anyways, thing is that the gangs were using tactics and heavy weapons. They were putting down cover fire from a machine gun, all while flanking me. I had to run for it, and by the time the cops arrived, they were gone. Even Batman doesn't know where they gone.'

'As unfortunate as the conclusion of your excursion was, where does Amberley come into this?' I wondered, hoping it isn't something stupid like Artemis catching her in the act.

'I thought I saw her.' She stated, dashing all my hopes and expectations of the Inquisitor. Honestly Amberley*178!

'You saw her?' I repeated, jaw agape as well as terrified. If Amberley's caught, so would I*179! Everything I had built up with the Justice League would come crashing down and it would be all her fault*180! 'Then what more evidence do you need?' I opted to stay, trying to throw up some form of masquerade if I have any hopes to distance myself from her.

'Well, I didn't "see her, see her" but I saw her silhouette.' Artemis said, leaving me to facepalm*181. And I overreacted. This world is just too tiring. I want to go home.

'I need something more substantial than that.' I groaned. 'Do you have anything more?'

'No.' Artemis admitted. 'I know it isn't much, but I know what I saw. Her figure, poncho…It's got to be her.'

'Then what exactly do you want me to do?' I wondered. 'I cannot act without any reason for suspicions. The only thing I can do is confirm Amberley's alibi. Even then, it really isn't something too suspicious.' Before Artemis could retort, I quickly added. 'If I play my hand too early, she'd catch on, and would go underground. Believe me, she's terrifyingly bright.'

'Damn it!' The archer swore, before getting admonished for language at the table. 'There has got to be something we can do?!'

'Well, it's not as if you can return to the crime scene again.' I remarked, rather carelessly. I must have been exhausted from last night*182. 'For now, let us drop the matter and return to supper. I believe we had insulted the cook long enough by discussing business.' I made my face to appear rather abashed—which I was, considering the circumstances—and smiled embarrassingly at Ms. Crock. 'Apologies miss.'

'Please, call me Paula.' She replied, getting her bowl ready.

'As long as you can call me Ciaphas.' I joked, before getting elbowed again. This time, with more visible irate fury.

'Dude!' Artemis snarled. 'That's my mom!'

Thinking back, my rather reckless choice of vocabulary was ultimately my fault*183. I was perfectly content to enjoy desserts, which was this strange concoction of milk and ice cream with some kind of red berry flavour. Unfortunately, Artemis was rather insistent I get dressed and forced me to go out with her tonight. I barely got a lick in as she dragged me away. I even reached out for it, only to get my hands slapped down and dragged away. For some odd reason, Mrs. Crock found that rather hysterical. Perhaps the lunatic side of the family had really affected her mind more than I realized. I pity her.

Nonetheless, the archer had dragged me to the "scene-of-the-crime" as it were. It appears to be some dockyard warehouse. Easy access to the river, spacious for its size, and rather inconspicuous. One would never have expected any wrong doings there. Then I felt my heart drop. Please don't tell me that she's actively going out of her way to find danger?! She's as bad as Sulla! I'll have to rein that in.

'I must ask where you spotted Amberley.' I said, playing along. Though, I was not certain if it was for time or just genuine curiosity. 'Or rather, let's take a step back. I must ask what made you suspect this warehouse as a location for criminal activity?'

'The warehouse belongs to Falcone.' She answered, as if it were common knowledge. 'And before you ask, it's an open secret.'

'I'm surprised that the local arbites did nothing.' I commented, knowing how this planet acts to the simplest of crimes.

'GCPD's corrupt, even with Gordon in command.' She explained, shaking her head. 'Besides, there's no real evidence to suggest it, but everybody knows it.'

'I'm not even going to ask anymore.' I sighed, shaking my head. 'So this was common knowledge and they choose this spot.'

'Yup.' She nodded, pointing at the window. 'That's where I came in from. I was looking down and I saw the Koreans and the Italians loading up some heavy stuff over.'

'You mentioned they had heavy stub—machine guns, was it?' I pressed, correcting myself to use their terminology. I walked backwards while staring at the window. Admittedly, even with the lights from the city, that window was remarkably dark. This city doesn't make sense. 'Were the boxes marked?'

'Yup. New Jersey National Guard.' Artemis confirmed. 'Must have dropped off a truck.' Well, that's just silly. 'But it wasn't just machine guns. They were packing launchers too.' What?

'I beg your pardon?' I said, my mouth suddenly feeling dry. Amberley, what did you do?! What happened to laying low?! 'Dare I ask just how many boxes they were loading?'

'Enough to fund a small army.' She said, skipping towards the in-warehouse docks. 'Right here was Bane's seaplane. They were loading it in here.'

'I imagine this was the time you acted?' I asked rhetorically. 'So you launched your assault, took them by surprise, and ended up getting pinned. How were you able to see Amberley?'

'She was in the seaplane.' She said, motioning me over. 'I was right about here, and I could barely see her figure.' From her location, there was some reasonable doubt about Artemis' theory. Even if she looked from the angle, there was no guarantee she could see. Furthermore, if Amberley were sitting with her hood behind her, then the archer has no grounds to suspect her. The only thing she could claim is the apparent alliance of El Bane, the Koreans, and the Italians.

'There has got to be more to work with.' I said, exaggerating the exasperation in my tone. Artemis shook her head, frustrated. Good, then we could go back and have desserts.

'I advise we go home.' I said, exaggerating my dismay. 'We'll have to return to this issue a later date.' That's a complete lie, I just want to eat desserts and frak off home as quickly as possible.

'God damn it!' She hissed, kicking the air before her. 'Fine, let's go home.' I truly thought this was the end of it. Believe me, I thought that I could go home and be with Amberley and forget about this night. Unfortunately, knowing my luck, I just cannot ever win. The exact moment we were walking home, there was a cry for help. Now, I could just leave the archer to do whatever she did. The biggest problem with that course of action comes at a risk of ruining my good standing with the League and The Team. I can't have them call me Cain the Coward, so I rushed on after her.

As it turns out, it was utterly pointless. The assailants were already taken cared for—sprawled around the interior of the restaurant—and Artemis was ensuring the hostages safety. I opted to pay closer attention to the gangers, kneeling over to give them a look over. They looked like some of Galante's men, though poorly armed (sidearms and knives only). Around them were bowls of soup. I pursed my lips, something wasn't make sense here. Why here? What were they doing here? There was nothing for them here, and there was nothing more on them! Just receipts, pocket change, and phones. Even then, the phones were put on silent too.

'Did you find something?' Artemis asked, coming up from behind me.

'No, I haven't.' I admitted, seeing everyone but the owners (presumingly) leaving. Actually, it appears as though the owners took the brunt of the attack. I pointed at them. 'May I ask why they were wounded?'

'I think it obvious.' Artemis replied, arms crossed. 'They wanted protection money, they refused, and got beat up for it.'

'Is that so?' I drawled, taking a close look at the owners. My palms were tingling, and I think I know why. Their heads were covered with a hair net, despite the fact they had no hair. They were also trying to put a bandage against the side of their head as well, and they weren't taking off the hair nets. 'Then perhaps we should await the arrival of the police.' That got their attention.

'Why should we?' Artemis wondered, eyebrow raised. 'These mooks aren't going to be waking up anytime soon.'

'Perhaps, but I would feel more comfortable either way to stick around.' I said, looking back at the knocked out gangers. I can't believe I didn't see this before.

'Ca-Commissar, what's this about?' Artemis demanded, but I held up a finger. I approached the owners, giving them my most pleasant smile.

'Good evening sir, ma'am.' I began, trying to put them at ease. 'I apologize that your night had been ruined but I would like to ask you a few questions.'

'O-Of course Commissar, how can we help?' The male owner asked, returning the smile while squeezing the other's hand.

'Well, I suppose you can begin by explaining how the events unfolded before you.' I suggested. 'It could save some time speaking to the police.'

'Where do you want me to start?'

'For starters,' I began casually, 'how did you find the assailants?'

'Like we told your friend, they just came in here and began shooting up the place.' He replied evenly. 'They were looking for protection money and we refused.'

'Really?' I asked, taking a look at the gangers. 'They just happened to come in and shot up the place?'

'Exactly!' He insisted, and I stared at him. The man's smile was too plastic.

'So after they shot up the place, they just happened to order some food from you.' I deadpanned stated, revealing the receipt. 'And they stayed at this place for thirty minutes?' That got Artemis' attention, whom stared at them.

'You lied to me.' She hissed. 'What's going on?!'

'P-P-Please, we were so nerv-' He stuttered, before I slammed my handgun on the counter.

'Do us all a favour and shut up unless spoken to.' I ordered, cocking back the hammer. 'Now then, let's run this story through again. The gangers entered your store, shot up the place first—which would have alerted the whole neighbourhood—and after you get beaten up first by refusing to pay the protection money, you fed them. And no police were called over to investigate during that time period.'

'B-B-But-' I shoved my sidearm into the man's forehead.

'Shut the frak up while I'm speaking to you!' I hissed, before relaxing my grip. 'Furthermore, they returned to shoot up the place again after—what must have been—a displeasing service. After we save your collective frakking arses, you lied to us. Is that correct?'

'C-C-Commissar, I-I-I-'

'Is. That. Correct?' I pressed on, emphasizing each syllable. Alright CIaphas, you done it now. They are going to reveal themselves and kill me. 'Well, come off it then. What are you hiding?' Yes, and goading them would make it better. Damn it, where was Jurgen in this mess*183? To my surprise, the two were paralyzed in fear. No anger, no panic, but fear. That wasn't normal…

'Oh my God.' Artemis gasped as the two revealed themselves, and I had to fight off the shock from my own. I was wrong. They were xenos to be sure, but not the ones I was thinking. The one I was speaking with was bald, pale yellow skin, and folded and pointed ears. The other had half her silver hair shaven, oh and she had her lasgun levelled against my head, but nothing came out of it.

'If you're going to shoot me, I advise you do so now.' I replied, trying to keep my voice even. That got shocked eyes aimed at me. Good. 'Of course, that would reveal yourself to the wider world, and you cannot have that.'

'Shut up human!' She hissed, readjusting her grip. Now I turned to face her properly*184, giving her a once over. I must admit shock when I realized just how young she appeared. I could guess she was only a juve, which could make things a bit more challenging. After all, I was a juve once before, and I am still astonished how I made it through the Schola in one piece.

'Why should I?' I shot back, taking a step forward, forcing her to create distance and recoil. Now, comes the dangerous part. 'You believe that because you have a laspistol in hand that you have significant power over me?'

'Cain?' Artemis drawled, almost in warning. 'What are you doing?!' That's what I ask myself every day, though I can't voice that opinion right this moment and opted to ignore her for the time being.

'In truth, that means very little to me.' I lied through my teeth, and I'm beginning to wonder if I lost it. I undid the latch holding my holster and gently laid it on the ground. I did the same with my "sword" as well, before taking another step forward. Again, she repeated her backwards motion, hitting the wall of the building. 'Now then, time to put an end to this ridiculous game.'

The xenos readjusted her grip again, eyes narrowed, and both hands were on the grip of her laspistol. I had to fight off a smirk from escaping my face and opted to show her my best commissarial disappointment. That got her wavering, good. I then took action!

I extended my right hand, palms up, and ordered. 'Now hand over that ridiculous toy immediately before you get hurt!'

'I-I-I'm going to count to ten!' She warned, failing to keep her stutter from her voice and fear*185 in her eyes. I began counting, slowly, and it only seemed to exasperate her fear. I was just hoping my gamble would pay off.

'Sh-She's going to shoot you!' The xenos shouted, exasperated at my attempt at assisted suicide. I would be too, but it was far too late to back down now. I continued counting, I was on five, I believe.

'Listen to him Cain!' Artemis shouted, and I bet she was grinding her teeth at this moment. I just kept gazing at the xenos, and she was trembling. Her grip was coming loose. Got her.

'Ten.' I calmly stated and plucked the pistol from her hands, walking away to throw it in the trash. It was only then did I smirk. 'Ah, officers! Hello, please come in. We have two for pick up.' Once again, I was careless with my words.

'Two?' Artemis queried, looking at me. 'Don't you mean four?' Oh bugger. I turned to face her, hoping that whatever excuse I could make would be enough to maintain her trust in me*186. I can only imagine her thought process now. I must have shown how ambivalent I was to arrest the gangers and turned all my attention on the xenos. She must have made the connection that I was only distracting her so that the other two could escape. It was only purely luck that the xenos are terribly liars. In the midst of all my panicking, someone pumped into me.

'I don't know where you supes learnt to count.' The man behind me grumbled, pushing me aside. 'Cause I only see two mooks here, and they sure ain't Americans.' Getting a good glimpse, I almost called the man Jurgen. He was dishevelled, looked like he could use a good shave, and was as gruff as him. The only difference was the fact he was rotund, wearing some brimmed hat*187, and a smell of cheap food and recaf.

'There was four for pickup.' I said, covering for Artemis. 'Unfortunately, in all the excitement, they must have gotten away.'

'Yeah, you "heroes" sure are helpful.' He grunted, poking my left shoulder. 'Now you listen here kid, I don't care who you work for but you screwed up, big time.' He was certainly more talkative than Jurgen.

'Hey, back off!' Artemis shouted, mimicking the gesture. 'If you guys weren't taking your sweet time getting donuts, they wouldn't have had escaped.'

'Oh, so it's somehow our fault?' The man retorted. 'You were the ones here, you were the ones that let two perps escape. You fuc-'

'Harvey.' Another trench coated man interrupted. 'Language in front of the kids.' He turned to us. 'Sorry about him. We appreciate the help.'

'Tempers were flaring.' I said, shrugging. 'It happens.'

'Glad to know you're so understanding.' He trailed off, letting me supply the answer.

'Cain.' I greeted, extending a hand. 'Ciaphas Cain, a pleasure.'

'Jim Gordon.' He replied, putting a cigarette between his lips. 'Gotta admit, it's refreshing to be able to see faces, let alone one dressed like he's ready for war.'

'To be perfectly frank.' I said, trying to make it sound more like a joke. 'It was either this, or some ridiculous spandex outfit the Batman offered.' That got a chuckle from him.

'Anyways, mind telling me what happened here?' He asked, straight to business. I gave him the basic rundown as if I were making my report to Zyvan. This Jim Gordon seemed to be just like Zyvan in his candidness, so I spared no effort in embellishment. Then again, I never found the need for embellishment, since my undeserved reputation always seemed to exasperate any word I say as if it were something to be held gospel*188.

'God damn, today must be my lucky day.' Gordon exclaimed. 'First, someone that seems to dress appropriately; second, someone that doesn't bother to hide anything; and I can see their face. Dreams really do come true.'

'Is Batman that bad?' I wondered, worried I might have overstepped. Fortunately, I found someone just as exhausted as I was.

'Batman has a flair for the dramatics, and let's just leave it at that.' Gordon chuckled, shaking his head. 'What do we do with the aliens?'

'If I could make a suggestion?' I began, only continuing when given the go ahead. 'I advise you treat the xenos as the law dictates. They possessed an unlicensed firearm, entered the planet—and country—through dubious means, lied to people of authority, and aided in the escape of two gangers. Do not treat them as anything special or any of such nonsense. They came here and should follow our rules.' And hopefully be executed and done with.

'Amen to that.' Harvey shouted, shoving them inside the vehicle. 'I think I'm beginning to like you kid. Much better than Batman.'

'I appreciate the complement, I'm only doing my duty and assisting whenever possible.' I said, tilting my head down and trying to look humble, which had the exact opposite effect. Of course it did. Now those two were going to spread rumours to their bosses*189. Many of the officers left, leaving behind a small garrison force to go in to search the building. Thus, it left me alone with Artemis.

'Holy crap.' She said, eyes wide. 'That has got to be the stupidest thing I ever saw.'

'Believe me, it isn't something I want to try again.' I admitted, releasing a breath I had been holding in and leaning against the building. 'Why'd I do that?'

'Hey, don't go looking at me.' She said, arms raised and grinning at me. 'You were the one that practically made them look like some kid getting schooled by a teacher. I mean, that has got to be the funniest shit I'd ever seen!'

'Right.' I drawled, getting back up. 'Mind if we go home? I am looking forward for desserts.'

'Alright, fine.' She sighed, rubbing the back of her head. 'We can get Amberley later.'

Before I could say a word, my palms were tingling like mad! Sidearms were discharged, followed up by blasts from shotguns and autoguns.

'What the fuck are those things?!' An officer shouted, dragging his partner from the line. I forced Artemis down, and gunfire chipped the window sill that was just above us. I peered from cover, biting my lips. Oh frak. No. Why, just why?!*190

I was not going to get any sleep tonight.

≡][≡

Editorial Note:

My reasons for coming to Gotham were, primarily, to secure the loyalty of the gangs. Galante had ensured that those whom fall under The Commission would play ball. However, like those before me, I am not so easily convinced. To put it simply, my little display had asserted my dominance. Though, it required a lot of "knocking heads around" for that to occur, but it gets results. Forever grateful for my generosity at keeping them alive, they had even gifted me weapons. Granted, I had never anticipated such bountiful presents, but who am I to judge? In any event, getting discovered was a little embarrassing on my part, though I believed it contributed more to Artemis' overactive imagination than of actual sloppiness from my part. Then again, I can't ignore the possibility that somehow, someway, she spotted me. At the moment, I opted to lay low as it were for a bit. No matter, the following transcript was what the interrogation by Gotham City Police Department and the two Raanians, as I came to learn what they're called.

Transcript of event extracted from GCPD security footage, 09/07/2010.M3

Commissioner James Gordon: Alright, you want to go in with me Harvey? Or should I go ask Montoya?

Detective Harvey Bullock: Yeah, I ain't going to miss this opportunity.

Gordon: Good, and remember…treat them like people.

Bullock: Sounds like a comedy.

[enters the interrogation room]

Gordon: Good evening. I'm Commissioner James Gordon, Gotham City Police Department. Beside me is Detective Harvey Bullock. We have a few questions that we would like you to answer, but before that…would you like some water? Maybe some food?

[The two Raanians looked at one another]

Raanian One [male]: We thank you for your…hospitality. I am Surrath. This is my daughter, Rebba. We are simple immigrants.

Harvey: Oh don't give me that bull! You expect us to believe that immigrants like you come down to Earth, don't register yourselves, and pack heat with you?!

Surrath: Sir, your city is quite dangerous.

Harvey: No shit! So you tell me pal, why settle here? Why not Metropolis where it's safer?

Gordon: Alright, calm down Harvey. But my partner here is right. Why Gotham? We don't have much to offer and it's a hard life.

Rebba: Compared to other cities, there were the fewest chances of getting any collateral damages. Ever other city have "super powered freaks" that run around to cause damage.

Harvey: [beat] Okay, yeah she got me there.

Gordon: Except the fact we have our own crazies running around.

Surrath: Nobody's perfect.

Gordon: Yeah, you can say that again. Still, you still broke the law. Possession of an unlicensed firearm, lying to peace officers, and you are unregistered. That's a big problem.

[Both xenos looked at one another]

Surrath: I-Is that it?

Harvey: Why?! You got something else to hide?

Surrath: No, no! Of course not! It's just…you don't seem all that surprised about us living amongst you.

Harvey: You two ain't that special. What, just because you two are aliens that you deserve to get some special treatment? Is that it?

Surrath: No, no, of course not!

Harvey: Aliens. [shakes head] Think they're "oh-so-special" because they're exotic or some shit. Next thing they'll do is show up at some strip club or something.

Rebba: What's a strip club?

Gordon: Nothing you should concern yourself with. Please. Anyways, we could help out. Get you your papers, clear some things up. However, you'll have to surrender your guns.

Rebba: How will we protect ourselves?

Harvey: Buy a gun like all the rest of us.

Gordon: Never mind that. Listen, does your daughter go to school?

Surrath: I had applied her to Gotham Academy. She just needs to take the test to be considered for entrance, no?

Gordon: [smiling] I have a daughter that goes to Gotham Academy. I could ask her to help out your daughter get entrance.

Surrath: I would be most grateful.

Rebba: How will that help?

Gordon: I know a few people. Now, if I could get a few good words in from others, I think I could help push along your registration papers along through the bureaucracy.

Rebba: I see. Thank you, but I have little to offer.

Harvey: Now she's speaking our language.

Surrath: I do not-

Gordon: Detective Bullock means to say that she's already thinking like a Gothamite. Nothing in this city's free. And yes, we do need some more information. For starters, how did you find yourself here? Bound to be better planets than ours.

Surrath: Let's just say that I might have stirred up the pot harder than I needed.

Rebba: More like a hornet's nest. Dad might have made one too many enemies and for our protection, we were…requested to leave and lay low.

Gordon: We could work with that. File you under political persecution or whatever they call it.

Surrath: Thank you Commissioner.

Harvey: Now, hold on. What exactly did you do to get yourself into shit*191? It can't have been anything small. Hell, it might have caused some problems or damage to those in charge. Who's to say you don't pull that here, huh?

Rebba: Don't tempt me fatty!

Surrath: Rebba!

Harvey: You want a piece of me you little punk?!

Gordon: Harvey!

Rebba and Harvey: He/She started it!

Gordon: Yeah, well I'm ending it. So behave!

Surrath: Thank you.

Gordon: Don't mention it. So you were saying Political Persecution? What did you do?

Surrath: I had advocated that my planet, Raan, expand the defence fleet, and produce a planetary shield. The Science Council disagreed and my Planetary Shield project might have blacked out five cities.

Gordon: Damn.

Surrath: Yes. I was lucky that the few friends I had managed to get my sentence reduced to simply exile.

Gordon: Yeah, I figured not a whole lotta people would be happy with you. Sorry to hear it.

Surrath: I appreciate it.

[Officers rush in]

Officer one: Commish. We got a situation.

[Gordon blinked]

Gordon: What's going on?

Officer two: Shots fired. Got a whole god damn army with rocket launchers and machine guns digging themselves up from under the restaurant.

Gordon:[stares at Surrath] Well?

Surrath: I have no idea what's going on.

[Harvey glaring at Rebba]

Rebba: Don't look at me tubby, I don't know.

—FOOTNOTES—

175. I certainly hope not.

176. My dear Ciaphas, I would sniff you out before you could even think about betraying me.

177. "Like"? Just "Like" Cain?

178. Wait for it.

179. Cain, thy of little faith. I would never crack under pressure. Ever!

180. I'd throw you under the Chimera.

181. Not the brightest of the bunch, I admit, but she certainly has the passion.

182. So was I, but you don't see me act like that.

183. I'd thought that would be obvious. Jurgen was with me.

184. And completely ignoring Artemis, whom had her bow levelled against the one you were speaking too.

185. I believe the correct word is "utter exasperation" in this case.

186. Cain…just…sometimes your paranoia is a boom, other times it is exhausting.

187. A fedora. I actually appreciate the shape of it, especially how it fits on my head.

188. As it so happens Ciaphas, a cult on Tallarn would like to know your location.

189. Little did Cain realize, at the time, that he was speaking to the boss. Commissioner James Gordon, as I discovered, is a "good" man. Loyal, a sense of justice, incorruptible (in more ways than one). Can one not ask for more from a local law enforcement officer?

190. Have I not said that Cain's luck is both hilariously fortunate and bewilderingly awful?

191. Properly paranoid. He has potential. Also feel some revulsion in his presence. I wonder if this Harvey Bullock's a blank.

Author's Note From the Real Author, Vumanchu

Okay. I got it. Chapter 11 had been shipped out before Christmas!

I apologize for the long wait, I had been busy with exams and I simply lost track of time. That's my fault. I just want to thank each and every one of you that haven't given up on this story and I appreciate your patience. For now, I wish everyone Happy Holidays and to a good New Year.