Batman

Chapter 4 Vigilantism

Rachel: So, how are you planning to help?
Bruce: Give money to some charities... And other things.
Alfred: Ah, Miss Dawes, how are you?
Rachel: Pretty good. Hey Bruce, after work, I was thinking of having dinner. Would you um... Like to... Join me?
Bruce: Uh... Yeah, sure.

[Rachel smiles.]

Rachel: Great! I'll see you at ten.

[Rachel walks out. Scene cuts to the Batcave as Bruce sets up a generator.]

Alfred (Looking around): Charming choice, Master Wayne.

[Bruce activates the generator. The bats screech when the light activates.]

Alfred: At least you'll have company.

[Bruce ignores Alfred.]

Alfred: Something on your mind, sir?
Bruce: It's Rachel. Seeing her again...
Alfred: Sparked something?
Bruce: Yes.

[Alfred smiles.]

Alfred: I think she felt it too, sir.
Bruce: You think?

Alfred: Yes.
Bruce: I don't know. I'm feeling so conflicted. It has to be one or the other; I can't have it both ways. How am I supposed to put my life on the line when there's someone waiting for me to come home?

Alfred: It's just a dinner, Master Bruce.
Bruce: Yes, but what if turns into something more? I...I
Alfred: Master Bruce, I suggest you give both a try and then make your choice.

[Bruce, seeing the logic, nods his head.]

Bruce: That is a good idea, Alfred. Then there's no time to waste.

[Scene cuts to Falcone, talking to a shadowed figure.]

Falcone: The ship made an unexpected stop, delaying the arrival.
Shadowed figure: How long?
Falcone: A day.
Shadowed Figure: That is unacceptable, Mr. Falcone.
Falcone: Hey, cut me some slack. I'm bringing in your shipments, aren't I?
Shadowed Figure: Yes, but we are paying you for that.
Falcone: Money isn't as valuable to my organization as you think. Knowing who to trust is important to us.

[The shadowed figure gives a small laugh.]

Shadowed Figure: Your organization?

[The shadowed figure shakes it's head and removes it's hood, revealing Talia.]

Talia: I'm not sure what this little group of yours is, Mr. Falcone, but it isn't an organization.
Falcone: Regardless, I don't appreciate you coming down here and barking orders at me!
Talia: I'm more than aware that you aren't intimidated by me, Mr. Falcone, but you know who my father is and when he comes here.

Falcone: Oh, the big bad Demon. I've got Crane as a-
Talia: As you're aware, Dr. Crane benefits from both sides of our coin. We give him the ingredients, and you provide him with people to experiment on. Also, there's a rumor that a Bruce Wayne is back in Gotham.
Falcone: What? That rich boy? What's the deal with him?
Talia: My father and I have an interest in him.

[Scene cuts outside Falcone's office window as Bruce listens to their conversation. He's wearing his gear, along with a ski mask.]

Falcone (O.S): Why?
Talia (O.S): It is of no concern to you, Mr. Falcone.
Falcone (O.S): Do you need me to do something about it?
Talia: No.

[Scene cuts back into Falcone's office.]

Talia: One other thing: what are you going to do about that assistant DA, Rachel Dawes? Her constant inquires could be a problem.

[Bruce's eyes widen.]

Falcone: You don't need to worry about her. She's going to have an "unfortunate" accident after she leaves work tonight.
Talia: Very well. Until the next time.

[Talia walks out.]

Bruce (Batman voice): Great. This is just what I needed on my second evening back.

(Cut to Rachel about to enter her car when several thugs appear.)

Rachel: Who are you?

Thug: Some people who work for a guy you've made very angry,

(The thugs are about to shoot when Bruce jumps down on them and easily beats them down.)

Bruce: You alright, Miss Dawes.
Rachel: Well yeah... But... What were Falcone's men doing here?
Bruce: You were causing too much trouble for them.
Rachel: Secondly, who are you, and why are you wearing that stuff?
Bruce: It's not who I am that's important. It's what I do. Also, let's just say this outfit makes it easier to take down thugs like these.
Rachel: Wait... Are you... Bruce?

(Bruce uses a grapple launcher Lucius made to leave.)

Rachel: Well we'll have an interesting conversation at dinner.

[Scene cuts back to the cave as Alfred begins constructing Bruce's mask. Bruce walks in, wearing a nice suit.]

Bruce: I'm going to meet Rachel.

[Alfred sets the mask aside.]

Alfred: Would you like a lift, sir?
Bruce: Alfred, if it's all right with you, I want to go solo.
Alfred: Of course, sir.

[Scene cuts to Bruce picking up Rachel in a Lamborghini.]

Rachel: Nice car, Bruce.
Bruce (To himself): You should see my other one.

[Bruce gets out and opens the door for Rachel.]

Rachel: Bruce... (Whispering) You're the one who saved me from Falcone's men aren't you?
Bruce: ... (Whispering) Yes.

[Rachel gets in and Bruce closes her door. Scene cuts to them driving through the city. Rachel and Bruce are quiet.]

Bruce: You haven't said anything.

[Rachel remains silent. She doesn't know what to say.]

Bruce: When I said I was back to save Gotham I meant it both literally. The costume is from Wayne Tech and I use it because theatricality and deception are powerful weapons, Rachel. To the criminals I must be more than a man in their eyes.
Rachel: Why are you telling me this?
Bruce: Because I want you to know everything. When I saw you again all the feeling's for you resurfaced and...

Rachel: Feelings? ... Well... I can't stop you; I know that, but... Don't let being whoever you're going to be destroy who you were when you left.
Bruce: I wasn't anything when I left, Rachel. I was just a confused young man, bent on vengeance.

Rachel: What are you now then?
Bruce: Someone determined to not let what happened to me happen to any other eight-year-old.

Rachel: At what cost though, Bruce? Are you willing to sacrifice any chance of having a normal life just to fight crime?
Bruce: I hope not.

Rachel: I can't believe I'm not willing to break what's growing off. Maybe this town's getting to me.
Bruce: Yeah, so how's your mom?

[Rachel smiles, happy with the subject change.]

Rachel: She's good. She misses the mansion.
Bruce: Yeah, it's nothing without the people who made it what it was. Now there's only Alfred.
Rachel (Smiles): And you.
Bruce: And me.

[Scene cuts to Arkham Asylum as Crane exits the back of the building. He looks down at his watch and when he looks up Talia is standing a few feet from him with a group of men. Crane seems unfazed.]

Crane: You're late.
Talia: Your watch is fast.
Crane (Raising an eyebrow): Is it now?

[Talia and Crane stare at each other for a short time before smiling.]

Talia: It's good to see you again, Jonathan.
Crane: And you, Talia. I assume this isn't a social call?
Talia: My father wants a progress report.

[Crane shrugs.]