VII
Counter Measures
Bruce went to his bedroom and informed his young wife of the current situation. Over the past year, she had given him such clarity and emotional support that even now he felt better about the current turn of events. He asked her help in finding Big Blue. Even if he had the world's networks at his disposal, his betrothed had her own ways which would could produce faster results. With a plan in place, Bruce began to dress in his best business attire, and made a couple of calls.
"Oracle. Call. Barbara Gordon, private." Barbara picked up on the third ring.
"Bruce, thanks for calling. I was worried you'd be one of the guys who never call after the first date."
"Very funny. How are you holding up, Barbara?"
"Well, there were a lot of media people lined up outside my condo and at work. I've briefed the staff on the company's public disclosure policy again. Dad's over the moon of course. Called me first thing this morning... And our network ratings are up. So it's not all bad. How are you?"
"Well. Dick dropped by with some… unexpected news. I'll fill you in later. I'm going to need your skilled hands again today. Best to assemble the war room. Say two o'clock?"
"Mr. Wayne, my skilled hands at your disposal. And say hello to Dick for me."
"Ahem, yes… Did you share our discoveries about Nigma and the Mayor with your father?" Bruce cast a sideways glance at his wife who was remarkably unfazed. But then again, if he ever had been unfaithful, he could never hide it from her.
"No sir, I was awaiting direction. Would you like the anonymous, untraceable email as usual?" There were rumors that the Gotham City Police Department attributed these emails to a 'Detective Tips'. His conviction rate was one of the highest in the department.
"That would be fine. See you at two o'clock with the war room staff, Barbara. Oracle. End call." Bruce walked over to his wife, kissed her gently on the forehead and proceeded to his media room.
He had long ago installed a production suite in his home to broadcast himself. Like most executives, he worked from home whenever possible and a large part of his business was broadcasting. The suite was divided into two halves. On one side, the giant emblem of Wayne Industries framed the back wall behind a 60-year old mahogany desk, the same desk that had belonged to his father. The other half represented Wayne Communications with dozens of live streams set against the back wall, with glass furniture to represent transparency. Today he stood comfortably in front of the desk representing Wayne Communications to address the Barbara Gordon allegations.
"Oracle. Begin video. Wayne Communications suite. Mark 2… Count 3, 2, 1…
... Lately, there have been a number of false allegations concerning myself and Miss Barbara Gordon. I wanted to clarify our relationship. Barbara Gordon works for me as the Vice President of WayneNet. She is also someone I consider a friend. But I assure you there is no romantic involvement between myself and Miss Barbara Gordon. She is a woman of unquestionable moral ethics and character. After the unexpected events of last night's award ceremonies, I had my chauffeur take Miss Gordon directly home. I assure Gotham that our relationship is platonic and professional and would advise all media outlets to pay closer attention to the press release that Wayne Communications provided summarizing those facts before engaging in further libelous behavior.
I would like to also take this opportunity to thank Gotham City and the Mayor for the honor bestowed to me last night and the Gotham City Police Force for their quick actions in apprehending Edward Nigma. It's unfortunate that rehabilitation of Gotham's former convicts does not always yield immediate results, but I hope Mr. Nigma receives the help he so desperately requires. I will also pledge whatever assistance is required to his hostage to help her recover from her unfortunate ordeal."
After reviewing the video, Bruce authorized its distribution to Wayne Net News for immediate viewing. Then he made another call.
"Oracle. Call. Video. James Gordon, private."
"Bruce! The answer is yes, my boy!" quipped an obviously jovial Police Commissioner from a screen in front of him. He was smoking his cigar again.
"Thank you Commissioner, but I believe we're discussing two different things. I was hoping you could provide me with the lady's name who was taken hostage last night. I'd like to provide finances for whatever counseling is required."
"Jumping the gun, am I? Blast! Barbara said the same thing. Her name is Doctor Chase Meridian. She's a police psychologist. She'd like to talk to you actually, Bruce. I don't think she was overly impressed with your heroics."
"Fair enough. Tell her my adrenaline overcame my senses and I will try and arrange an appointment... Your daughter's a remarkable woman, James, but our relationship is strictly professional. I'll be issuing a statement shortly. I would hate to see her good name sullied by unscrupulous news agencies."
"Yes, you and me both."
"Did you find any leads on the allegations levied against the Mayor by Nigma?"
"Now Bruce, that's confidential. I can assure you that our best forensic auditors are on the case to see if it bears merit..."
Bruce's attention was distracted by a discreet tapping thirty feet away at his office door. Alfred appeared with his usual polite demeanor seconds later. He held no secrets from his eldest friend.
"I beg your pardon, Sir... Master Grayson says he has a few important issues to discuss before he departs. He regrets to inform you that he is on a tight schedule."
"That's a shame, I was hoping to spend some time. Sorry Gordon, I'll be sure to touch base later. My secretary will forward my statement from last night. My ward… Dick dropped by unexpectedly."
"Of course. Good bye, Bruce… End call."
Author's Challenge - Hint #2: 50 FanFic points are still up for grabs if anyone can guess the identity of the mystery lady in Wayne's bedroom.
The last hint: Bruce's wife is (technically) an alien. She was not born on Earth. Her pregnant mother was a resident of Gotham before being transported off-world.