Synopsis: After returning home Kate Kane settles back in, while Ryan faces an old foe from her past coming to make horrible demands. She quickly turns to Batwoman to bring down this old threat from her past who brings new information from the past to light. Meanwhile, Julia and Sophie get caught up. And Jacob Kane continues his mysterious plans.
It was now two days since Kate had returned from her time on Coyana, it was exhausting and she needed rest. Now she was heading to the batcave which she was partially dreading for only one reason. Alice was being held down in the cave to keep her safe from Safiyah, but she knew despite it being the best choice, it could still have consequences and she wondered what Alice could be thinking or plotting. Then another part of her wondered if this was a perfect chance to get through to her sister, even though with every passing day it became more and more unlucky.
As she entered, gratings were given by all the team, which thankfully Alice couldn't interrupt with any comments or any trouble.
Mary hugged her immediately again.
"Mary, that isn't necessary I'm okay." Kate said, giving her a smile.
"Oh I know, but I did miss you a lot, so you'll be receiving more hugs for a while more!" Mary exclaimed, laughing.
Kate smirked at her. "Thanks," She looked over at Luke and Ryan who were also happy upon seeing her back. "Glad to see you two as well."
"It's nice to know Gotham's protector is finally back where she should be." Ryan said happily and came over to Kate.
"Your Gotham's protector too, from what I heard people like you a lot like Vesper Fairchild, she's always got something to say." Kate said proud of Ryan.
"Thank you Batwoman." Ryan smiled at her.
"Yeah I second that, Ryan's done a great job, but I'm glad to see you back safe and sound. Also knowing you kicked Safiyah's butt." Luke said.
Kate nodded. "She's not done yet, I've got a very bad feeling, the worst is yet to come."
"Oh yeah that isn't worrisome at all." Mary replied sarcastically.
"We'll be ready, all of us will be, I won't let bad things happen to any of you I promise." She stated curtin in herself.
They all understood and felt better from what Kate had said.
"I uh, should be heading home. Oh and no offense to you three, but you should really be going home more often you know? Good to have a bit of time out of the office, urr cave." Ryan said, sounding positive.
"Well I've just gotten here and I've got to deal with our guest naturally, but I agree with Ryan." Kate said, looking over at Luke and Mary.
They both looked embarrassed.
"You know, I haven't really gotten that much sleep in a while and it's a belief time for Sophie not breathing down my neck." She said walking off.
"And I could go have dinner with my mother, I know she'd like to see me." Luke admitted and left the cave along with Mary waving to Kate and Ryan.
"Do you want me to stay until you're done speaking to Alice?" Ryan asked.
Kate gave her a look.
"Yeah, I guess it'd be pretty silly sticking around after all I said." Ryan realized. "Good luck with Alice, if you need anything I'll be leaving my phone on."
"Thanks Ryan." Kate replied and then headed down to see Alice.
Once reaching her cell she pulled up a chair.
"Oh hey there sis, you expecting to have a long chat about Safiyah and all my other evil schemes I'm currently thinking of?" Alice said playfully.
"Pretty much and I just wanted to keep an eye on you." Kate replied.
"How touching, let's begin." Alice said with a smirk.
Batwoman
Casting Ruby Rose is Batwoman
Vanessa Morgan is Ryan Wilder
Stephanie Beatriz is Renee Montoya.
Grace Gummer is Whisper.
Ben Whinshaw is Scarecrow (But older)
"Tell me everything you haven't about Safiyah." Kate declared.
"And why should I do that?" Alice questioned looking at Kate with a mocking look plastered on her face.
"You need to tell me what she's planning now or people are going to die." She replied and then paused. "I don't know why you'd care of course."
Alice looked annoyed. "Is that really what you think? Okay then fine, all your knocking around overseas pissed off Safiyah and she told Scarecrow to step up his timeline on releasing something very special." She admitted with a smile.
"And what exactly does that mean?" Kate questioned further.
"Oh you'll find out I'm sure. That's about all that I know." Alice responded
Kate got closer. "What about your history with Safiyah? I know that you are hiding something else from me."
Alice turned away from her and started looking at a newspaper in her cell ignoring Kate.
"I'm not playing games, I need to know what you are hiding from me." She stated.
"Oh you'll find out soon enough, maybe I could've given her a few suggestions with our time together. Perhaps I could've even given her the push she needed to become the woman she is now, perhaps I could see what was hiding beneath the surface who she really was and her true ambitions. I'd like to think I helped create our current situation. After all, every great evil needs some pushing. We helped each other become who we really are Kate, who does that make you feel knowing that about Safiyah?" Alice said with her sinister cocky looking face.
"And how do I know you're not lying to me?" Kate questioned, not convinced.
"Maybe I am lying, maybe I'm not, who ever would tell?" She replied, smirking.
Kate stood up and started walking away.
"Oh, giving up already?" Alice mocked.
"For now, but don't think we're done with this Alice. I'll be finding out what is the truth and what isn't one way or another." Kate replied.
Elsewhere Ryan Wilder had left heading back home and upon reaching it saw her girlfriend speaking to an unwelcome face from their past.
She approached on edge and clenching her fists, putting them in her pockets. "What the hell do you think you're doing here?" Ryan asked, approaching the man.
Whisper gave her an angry look, which was uncommon.
"Hey, you should choose your words more carefully after all now Wilder, I came here out of courtesy towards both of you." The man claimed.
"Oh really? I don't believe you in the slightest bit." Ryan replied.
Whisper grabbed her arm. "Stop it, please. Hear him out."
Ryan looked back at her frustrated from having any reason for defending the man.
"Thank you, it's good you listen. My boss, rather our big boss was confused as to all of this speaking of quitting and not delivering product. After all, just before you started pulling this stunt Whisper was trusted with dealing with an important shipment towards a very important client. Of course you both couldn't have known Batwoman would show up and ruin our tradings with Coryana. Perhaps you've just been laying low, but whatever is going on it ends now. We have an important product needing to be transported and it needs to be done soon." The man said.
"Your delusional Clayton." She replied furious.
"Now, now you should watch it, Ryan. After all, we don't want anything to happen to either one of you. If you keep speaking like that, you never know." He said looking right at Ryan getting in her face.
She sighted and took a breath. "Okay, what exactly do you want? What are you expecting us to transport?"
"The perfect one for you, delivering Scarecrow's fear toxin to an address of our choosing, we'll give it to you later." He said in a nasty tone.
Ryan tried to hold back her anger towards Clayton and grit her teeth while thinking of what she was going to say next, which she figured her best chance would be lying. "Fine, I'll do the delivery." She wondered for a moment.. Why couldn't you find anyone else? It sounds like something important."
His face kept stiff, he had a good poker face. "Just do what you're told Ryan." He walked off and went into a car having two other goons waiting inside.
Ryan turned to Whisper upset. "We're talking about this off the street now."
They rushed inside and Whisper was looking quite devastated. "I knew this would happen, we couldn't escape them, why did you think we could?" She questioned.
"I'm going to speak to Batwoman about this, it's our only chance." Ryan replied not looking at her.
She got back in her eye view. "Ryan, we can't go to Batwoman. I won't accept help from her she nearly arrested me and ruined a big chance at money for us. Let's just do what we're told and get off their bad sides." She proposed.
Ryan looked furious. "I'm not helping the man who killed my mother, not to mention seriously why come to me about this? Clayton knows who I feel about Scarecrow, this is something bigger than delivering a package."
"I just want this to be over with and not having to keep looking over our shoulders." She replied, looking down at the ground.
"Listen to me, I swear that I'm not doing it, I refuse to work for Scarecrow. Or Clayton and his bosses, I won't let them control us anymore." Ryan said clearly.
Whisper paused and turned away thinking heavily.
"This was and is our chance to turn our lives around, I'm not going to give into a man like his demands to make me give up. All I wanted was to get out of this criminal life. I wanted to do good and make the city a better place, it's all I ever wanted. Don't you want it too? Being free from our pasts?" Ryan asked not sure anymore.
She continued thinking. "Yes I do, it is all you wanted to be freed from all of this and you deserve that, I won't hold you back Ryan. If you believe turning to Batwoman is the best course of action then you should do that." Whisper walked off leaving Ryan alone.
Shortly later Ryan had called Kate and got her up to speed on everything and she headed right down there to speak on a nearby rooftop, while Ryan got back into costume, for now, to avoid being spotted.
"Thanks for coming so quickly, Batwoman." Ryan said grateful for Kate. "I feel awful having to ask for help already after everything you went through on Coryana."
"I know you'd do the same for me and it's part of being a hero, always being ready to help out someone in need." She replied. "Tell me more about this Clayton guy."
Ryan sighed. "Well, back in the day after the orphanage shut down and after Ms. Lewis passed away, you know how lost I felt how much anger I had inside. It's not easy taking about that time, when I was a drug runner. Delivering a product illegal and making people's lives worse, but I had nothing, me and Whisper did. Selling drugs was the only way of making money, Whisper told me this and I believed it. She was an ex-con you know, which means she couldn't get a day job from all that she had told me. I believed their was no other choice, so I listened to her and helped her. That's where Clayton comes in, talking a big game and giving us enough money to have food on the table and keep the orthange from completely falling apart. It was easy, we didn't have to do anything besides deliveries, just before I met you anyways. Then Whisper got promoted and started doing bigger jobs which is how you went against her and why I can only assume she didn't want you part of this. Clayton has reach, at least his boss does whoever they are. From all I understand, he's the right hand to all their operations. Their big enough for Alice to go to them for protection, which was the first time Whisper was ever asked to do something like that. Even made up this whole thing to make her sound more intimidating, giving her a Whispers gang or something. They clearly were beginning to trust her more, pulling something like that off. I still don't fully understand it all, everything that happened."
Kate nodded understanding. "And now they're escalating more, Safiyah and Scarecrow too. How long has it been going on?"
"Unsure, I wasn't let aware of a lot, I don't believe Whisper was either." Ryan replied, trying to recall the past.
"I don't mean push, but I have to ask. Don't you find it strange all you know is her name is Whisper? And her last name, it isn't much to go off. That's clearly not her birth name and nobody seems to have it on record. I'm sorry to say, but the more I learn of her the more suspicion I have towards her." Kate admitted.
Ryan looked disappointed, but understood. "Yeah, from an outside perspective things don't look great huh? Which isn't a good sign, but I do trust them." She asserted.
"I know you do and that you love her deeply, which could be a blindspot honestly Ryan, I'm sorry, but it is true. Love can do that to you." Kate said, giving her an understanding look, not judgment.
"Maybe, I wouldn't say she's a saint, but not a bad person. I believe in her. Unless we find some evidence against that." Ryan replied.
Kate nodded. "For now, we'll focus on Clayton. I'm not an expert with the batcomputer, but I do know how to pull up files at the least."
"Alright, I'll come with you. Looks like we've got ourselves another long night." Ryan responded and they departed.
Elsewhere in the city, Sophie and Julia were catching up with each other after spending all that time apart. They hadn't really been speaking till that point.
"We need to talk, I didn't know you'd be gone so long." Sophie began saying.
"It wasn't my intention luv." Julia replied dismissing it.
"I know that, but still it seems like this Safiyah person is dangerous. I'm still meant to be protecting Mary, did you keep anything from your report?" Sophie questioned.
Julia looked at her. "No I wasn't." She lied, keeping out Batwoman's involvement.
"I trust you. I'm just concerned about Safiyah hitting us back after what you, Kate and your buddy were up to over there for weeks. You three must have pissed her off really badly and then some." Sophie pointed out and stood up. "You know you never told me about your friend either."
In response Julia sighed and thought about her words next. "He's a coworker from my days over at the SRR, I helped train him. And he taught me a thing or two. He's a good man and I apologize for not speaking of him. Ever since I was kicked out, well I haven't enjoyed speaking about it, my time over there." She admitted.
"I'm sorry, that makes sense, it'd be hard." Sophie replied and opted to get closer to her, which was unexpectedly rejected.
"Not really feeling the whole, hugs and kisses right about now." Julia replied, moving away. "Not your fault luv, you are trying to make me feel better and I do appreciate it."
Sophie looked unsure. "I know you had a rough time over there, but it's just I want to be let in. Sometimes it's felt like you've been keeping me at arms length away from you. It's not acceptable. I don't like that happening, if there is something between us you have to be telling me the truth and share yourself. I'm an open book, I've told you everything that's happened with my mom as hard as it was, my sister too. Even about Tyler and all that mess, I've told you everything and honestly Julia, it feels like I don't know who you are as a person sometimes, everything you've gone though I keep learning major things." Sophie pointed out upset.
"You're right, you are. I'll be more open with you, I'll tell you everything important I swear Sophie, things are going to change, I won't keep the truth from you." Julia lied, of course having to keep certain things hidden, like Batwoman.
Relieved Sophie smiled and believed her, which did make Julia feel guilty, but was hiding it deep down not wanting to blow up Kate's secret.
Elsewhere once getting back to the cave Kate began looking through the files, looking at everything she could about Clayton with Ryan.
"Steve Clayton, a career criminal who was arrested about 20 years ago for stealing a car? Huh, they upgraded for certain." Kate began saying. "After being released it seemed like they continued their criminal ways and then eventually became the right hand to an unknown person. Seems like they do all their in person business, nobody knows the name of the boss or any description. Along with no proof against them, that stuck anyways. Looks like they have a murder linked to them, but again no eveidence which isn't promising." Kate pointed out.
"He's slippery, that's Clayton for you." Ryan replied.
Kate looked at him intently. "He's got a very punchable face."
"Yeah, that's him alright. I'm looking forward to bringing him down." She replied and looked angry seeing him.
"We'll get him Ryan, I swear." Kate said, reassuring her partner.
"He's going to kill Whisper if we don't get this done quickly." She reminded.
Kate continued looking through the files for anything else. "Look here, turns out our man here has a connection with Scarecrow. GCPD arrested some of Claytons guys who all worked for Scarecrow in the past and helped him with that latest attack on the city. Of course, all denied he had any official connections."
"Of course, how can we tie anything to him?" Ryan questioned.
"We need Montoya. She's our only chance at putting away Clayton for good and if we're lucky this mysterious player too. And hopefully finding some sort of a clue of what Scarecrow is planning next." Replied Kate.
Ryan looked uncertain, but kept thinking of it. "You're right, we need her or else this won't work, even if I have to face the consequences."
"That's not going to happen, I won't let you get charged for things that happened in the past, we'll make a deal with Montoya, by the book. As Ryan Wilder." Kate declared.
Later into the night, Batwoman brought Ryan to see Montoya. They knew it wouldn't be easy pulling it off and not making Montoya suspicious of Ryan's true identity, but this was their option to make sure he stayed in jail if their plan played out right.
"Who's your friend here?" Montoya asked.
"Her name is Ryan Wilder and she wants to help bring down Steve Clayton, if your formlier with him." Batwoman said, speaking for Ryan.
Montoya nodded. "Yeah, I've heard of him. More recently I have been getting chatter about him, there are suspicions he's having a deal with Scarecrow."
"It's true." Ryan said, stepping forward. "Clayton himself asked me to make a delivery for Scarecrow and I won't do that."
Montoya looked suspicious. "Can you trust her?" She turned to Batwoman.
After some thought she responded. "She's genuine, I think about reforming." She lied about the hint of being unsure and continued. "Scarecrow killed her mother years ago. I doubt she'd be lying to us when we've got a chance at stopping him."
"I swear commissioner I can be trusted." Ryan pleaded.
Montoya stared at her intensely for a moment. "Okay, I believe you. So how do you intend to be helpful, by being a confidential informant?" She asked.
Ryan nodded. "Yes, I'll do whatever needs to be done to bring you evidence. If I go to see him with that Scarecrow delivery do you think that'll be enough to keep him locked away?" She questioned unsure.
"It depends, you'll need to wear a wire to get anything useful." Montoya replied.
"Which will be safe of course, right?" Ryan asked.
Batwoman looked at Montoya and she nodded at both of them. "Yes, it'll be safe as it can be, though I'm sure you can guess there is always a risk."
"What's the plan then?" Batwoman asked.
"Well, I'd say pretend to go through with your plan of delivering, don't give any hints that something is up. It could be your final mistake. These people are dangerous and they've not been caught for a reason." Montoya pointed out.
Ryan golped, she was feeling nervous about going undercover, but it needed to be done.
"One last thing." Batwoman began. "She won't get into trouble right?"
"No, she'll get immunity for this being an informant for us. Unless we find any evidence of you doing anything else serious." Montoya replied, looking at her.
Ryan frowned. "Define serious? I delivered drug shipments for Clayton. I was a drug runner, but I've not done a thing for him for close to half a year now. I've been desperately trying to reform."
She nodded. "Okay, we'll protect you then from charges. As long as you don't commit any crimes in the future you'll not have to face a single change, all depending on capturing Clayton. Do you have a date yet when he wants it done?"
"No, I haven't commissioner." Ryan replied, looking concerned.
"Fine, we'll wait until we hear something." Montoya started to walk off.
Ryan turned to Batwoman and whispered. "Does she seem more serious?"
"Well, she doesn't know who you are and seems like she's a bit suspicious, my story might not add up enough, she is a detective after all. Don't worry about it, we're going to get this done and bring them to justice." Batwoman replied reassuring her and gave her something.
"And this is?" Ryan asked curiously it was quite small.
"Tracking device, so I'll know where you are in case of danger, does that help?" Kate replied putting her hand on her shoulder.
"It does, thanks. I kinda thought you might have already had a tracker. You know to keep an eye on the newbie." Ryan admitted.
Kate shrugged. "I thought about it." She replied sarcastically. "Didn't need it, I already knew I never had to keep an eye on you. I do mean it when I say I trust you, couldn't have a better partner in this fight." Kate assured genuinely.
While the three of them came up with their own plan, Jacob Kane was up to his own plans which wouldn't bood well for Batwoman and Black Bat in the near future. He was on the phone with the Mayor of Gotham.
"Jacob, to be frank I'm not going to have any more increases towards your funding to the Crows, your Operation, Knightfall is a hefty one. Not only the price tag, but the manpower required, the training too." He said uncertain about it.
"Mr. Mayor, this is our chance to bring back order to Gotham without Batwoman taking all the credit for keeping the city safe. Along with making damned well sure she'd not be attrecting any more freaks into the city. It became far more dangerous with her appearance, the city became safer months after Batman disappeared thankfully. The Crows were responsible for that, we can bring back that feeling of safety to Gotham City. I'm positive that Mr. Mayor, we'll accomplish this goal."
He paused. "The public has become less trustworth of the Crows the longer Batwoman has been around. They've respected her a lot, like Batman back before his final confrontation with the Joker. During his hayday Batman brought respect to Gotham and rules to the criminals that lived here and operationed. They knew fear, unlike the most dangerous criminals, the freaks as you'd put it. I can't help seeing the pros and cons here to either one of you having full control. I can't outright say Gotham is worse due to Batwoman being around and that new one Black Bat. The public like them, at least more than the Crows currently. Your corruption has hurt your standing with the public."
Kane pressed his fingers into his forehead. "I'm aware and not happy about it." He replied unhappy with how the Crows have been preserved.
"There were two terminated only a month ago, one of them, the fool left his body cam on while taking a protection bribe from local business. Evidence of assaulting some of the people who'd not get in line in their neighborhood." The Mayor pointed out.
"Yes it was a disgrace to us and for me, letting scum like that in my ranks. There have been too many scumbags, we're trying desperately to fix it."
"Perhaps stop focusing your resources so heavily on fighting Batwoman and use all of this new blood to focus internally. Goodnight Commander." The Mayor hung up.
Someone knocked on Kane's door. "Sir, are you available?" The voice asked.
"Yes I am, come in." Jacob replied.
It was agent Brendan Proctor, he stepped in. "Sir, I came to give you the results are the new recruits you've been getting."
Jacob nodded. "Yes, thank you Proctor. Have to be careful about who sees this." He remarked looking over them.
"If I may ask sir, when will the Operation begin?" Proctor asked.
"Unsure of an exact date I'm afraid, but we can expect it to go into action soon, with all of our more recruits and their training, it'll happen soon."
Proctor nodded and looked out the window quickly, before looking back at Kane. "What about agent Moore? She's concerning." He admitted.
"Don't concern yourself with her, I'll keep Moore occupied. You'll do nothing." He said seriously, staring at him.
"Of course sir, sorry sir." Proctor said and left looking unsure, though trusted commander Kane's judgment, but had thought about keeping an eye on Sophie despite what he was told to leave her alone.
The next day, Ryan was staying at the orthange with her girlfriend, but she wasn't sleeping the best thinking of when Clayton would appear next. Ultimately a good choice as she heard creaking inside of the building.
"Crap, what now?" She wondered allowed herself and got out of bed gently to not wake Whisper knowing she'd be right behind her. Ryan carefully stepped over to a hole in the way, peeking through to see if she'd be able to spot the source of the sound, noticing two people with guns inside along with Clayton.
She immediately called Kate as fast as possible. "Clayton's here, emergency." She said, trying to keep silent.
"Alright, just keep calm and follow through with the plan. If he was there to kill you he'd have killed you by now. I'll call Montoya." Kate said calmly.
"Unless he saw me speaking with Montoya." Ryan pointed out.
Kate paused. "Okay, that's true. Stay hidden. I'm on my way. I'll still call Montoya too. You can press that track twice if you're in serious danger, otherwise we'll keep the plan, mostly with Montoya putting Clayton away."
"Okay, I'm going to step out there. Fingers crossed Clayton doesn't shoot me." Ryan joked, but Kate didn't make any sound. "Bad joke?"
"Pretty bad, yeah. You're going to be fine, Clayton won't be if he puts a hand on you." Kate replied with rage.
Ryan hung up and put her track in her shoe, stepping out to face him hoping they'd leave Whisper alone. She stepped towards them, hands up.
"Ah Ryan, thank you for coming out. Made it much easier. Where's Whisper?" Clayton asked, looking quite confident in himself with his two bodyguards.
"She's staying at a hotel." She lied trying to keep it from being obvious.
Clayton smirked. "You're lying. Gentlemen, grab Whisper. I'd guess she's in the room you exited from so carefully and silently." He remarked and pointed a gun at Ryan.
"Leave her out of whatever the hell this is!" Ryan exclaimed.
"She's a part of this too, separately." Clayton responded and Ryan's love was dragged out of the room while she was helpless.
"Please don't hurt her! I'll kill you son of-" Ryan was cut off by Clayton hitting her.
He grabbed her and pulled her into his car. "You're making this much more difficult than it's needed to be, you know. Shouldn't have gone to the cops."
Ryan tried to stay calm. "So, now what huh? You're just going to kill us both?"
"If I had it my way, yeah I'd have killed you by now. You've been nothing but trouble since the day I met you. And Whisper there." As he said that she got pushed into the car with the two bodyguards tying her hands together. "You see Ryan, this whole thing has become complex. However what isn't is your girl she's been lying."
Confused, Ryan said nothing and just looked over at her Whisper.
"She hasn't told you about the money owed, right? From gambling, it wouldn't be so bad, but she took out a large loon from us. And hasn't paid back and now she's not been doing work for us, not paying off all she's owed. Interest gets high in our little bank and she knew that, it's why we gave her that important deal to protect Alice and get some recruits with a fresh personality. Why else would we give such an important job to a nobody like her? If not for a very good reason. And now, it's time to pay up."
"I'm so sorry Ryan, I'm so sorry." Whisper said over and over again.
"Shut it! See? Who can you trust in this town huh?" Clayton remarked. "Anyways, not to worry, you're not part of her mess. You've got your own very big problem." He said with a sinister smirk leaning in.
Soon enough, they rolled up on a large warehouse and were both pulled out of the car being dragged inside. Only to split up, as Whisper was brought to a sideroom with Clayton following behind.
"Hey! Where the hell are you going, you piece of crap!" Ryan shouted.
"You could always say a far more grotesque word to describe something like that, perhaps you save it for someone else? Though that's not the kind of person you are Ms. Wilder is it?" A former voice said, one Ryan would know anywhere as it sometimes would haunt her.
"No, no this can't be happening. Not again." Ryan muttered to herself.
The man stepped out of the shadows above on a railing. "I fear this isn't a nightmare. Though fiction has been known to leave scars behind, what the mind can craft could always be far more damaging than even reality, depending on the circumstances." The man who murdered her mother said, Scarecrow.
"So what Clayton works for you?" Ryan questioned looking around the room and hoping Batwoman and the GCPD would be coming very soon.
"No, don't be ridiculous, I've got my own people, more my own type. Mr. Clayton here and his boss gave me money, helped me with it. Keeping it safe. And of course most importantly brought you here. It's ironic I go to the people who can help me and you happen to be working for the same lovely individuals. We live in a world filled with coincidences, some good, some lesser." Scarecrow said, looking as frightening as ever.
Ryan starred up at him. "I'm not scared of you. If that's what you want, to make me afraid it isn't working!"
It was hard getting an expression from him, but guessing it would be puzzled. "Ms. Wilder, if I wished to make you afraid I would've dosed you. Or bring you somewhere else, ambush you at your orhthange, not have it play out like this. Though we do have a landing pad at this location, perfect for a quick escape, in case a friend were to appear." He said knowingly and continued. "No, I'm fascinated by you, I have no intention of killing you or harming you. I wish to learn more of how you tick, per say." He confessed.
"Then get them to release Whisper! You can study us both or whatever the hell you want!" Ryan exclaimed angrily.
"Whisper? Yes, quite a strange name, perhaps if anything is left of her after Clayton is done, I'd have an interest in studying her mind, surely there must be a fascinating story behind her past." He remarked, as Ryan looked increasingly angry.
Outside, Batwoman and Montoya along with some GCPD awaiting back up were setting up a perimeter. Batwoman was using tech given before by Luke to listen inside, as there weren't any jammers being used.
"We need to move in, we have confirmation that the Scarecrow is inside! That girl could be in danger!" Batwoman exclaimed to Montoya.
"You're welcome to go inside now, back we're waiting on backup." She replied. "I'm not sending my people inside without being prepared, we're watching the outside for now."
Batwoman looked unhappy, but understood her reasoning. "I'm going by myself now."
"Wait!" Montoya exclaimed. "You can't possibly take on all of them! You could compromise this whole arrest!"
"That woman, Ryan Wilder and her girlfriend might die if I don't move in now!" Batwoman excaimed right back.
Montoya pulled her aside. "You need to use your head, we wait one more minute. Back up is 5 minutes out and we are close to getting all of them." She said more calmly.
After a moment of thinking, Batwoman made her choice. "I'm sorry commissioner, I'm not waiting any longer I'm moving in." She declared heading to go inside.
Back inside, Scarecrow's goons started to grab Ryan as she started to try to fight back against them, not taking any of it.
Batwoman busted inside knocking out one goon and tossed two batarangs disarming two more guys armed with large weapons, giving way for Ryan to attack them knocking them to the ground.
"Scarecrow is up there!" She pointed up. "I'm going after Whisper, go get him!" Ryan exclaimed motioning towards the room where she was held.
Batwoman nodded, grappling up to pursue Scarecrow getting shot at by a couple more goons and another who nearly pushed her off the railing, but she was able to grab ahold and fling herself back up, kicking them back away.
Down below Ryan kicked in the door and felt Clayton holding her love at gunpoint.
"Keep back, unless you're not attracted to her brains then you're welcome to make a move Ryan." He said cocky and stared at her. "I've got one more surprise for you Ryan, but I think I'll be keeping that one to myself, why dig in the wound?" He laughed. "You know, it's been fun. Looks like I'll be getting two for the price of one. If I'm going down, at least I'll get to kill one of you." Clayton stupidly pointed the gun at Ryan. Giving a chance for Whisper to headbut him while he seemed proud of himself and Ryan leaped over the table kicking him against the wall, then hitting him a few times for good measure in the face. Then stood over him unsure of what to do now, seeing him defeated, but part of her wanted to make him suffer a bit more. It wouldn't be a heroic move, not one bit. She looked over at Whisper.
"Can I get a creak at that jerk? I'd gladly give him a bloody broken nose!" She exclaimed. Which upon hearing made Ryan decide her choice.
"No, we're getting out of here, he's the police's problem now." She said holding back her rage and the police finally stormed the building.
Batwoman continued chasing Scarecrow to the rooftop only to discover he was flying away in a helicopter giving her a checky wave goodbye. She tried to toss a tracking device onto it, but a goon left behind knocked her to the ground briefly before she could fight back, knocking them out fast. The damage was done, Scarecrow had escaped and she couldn't pursue him as she recalled Ryan's situation deciding it'd be more worth wild going to check she was safe.
Coming down the police were bringing in all the criminals and were checking on Ryan and Whisper putting them in an ambulance to check them over.
When Ryan spotted Batwoman she immediately went over to her. "Did you catch Scarecrow?" She asked.
"I'm sorry, no. He escaped in a helicopter." She replied disappointed. "And Clayton?"
"I took him down." She replied looking over at the police escorting him out.
Montoya approached him. "Where's Crane going?"
"Not sure and I couldn't care less." He replied, still acting cocky.
Batwoman stood beside her. Which made Clayton smirk.
"Your boss then, I've heard about them. Who are they if not Scarecrow?" She asked.
He looked closely at Montoya. "It's the Underbroker. It's why Scarecrow came to us. To protect his money and assists in case of the worst. Now, can we discuss protection, once I'm brought into police custody?"
Commissioner Montoya sighed. "Yes, if you give actionable intel. Only question is what the hell are you talking about? Unless it's someone else taking the mantle, he's been in jail since 2015." She remarked, staring intently at him.
"It's someone new, don't have a name, but I've got other lesser names and locations." He replied confidently.
She looked over at some officers. "Take him away, double up on security."
As he got pulled away, Ryan seemed extremely upset. "Is he going to get immunity?" She asked bluntly
Montoya shook her head. "No, we won't. Best deal he could have cut is witness protection, if he were to be so lucky which is highly unlikely. I doubt this new Underbroker would be telling him too much critical information. The old one was always trying to keep under the police's radar, we only caught him due to him being forced to help the Joker during his final attack on Gotham."
"So this new one could be a problem then?" Batwoman asked.
"If we don't find them soon, it's possible who knows what they're up to." She replied and then looked over at Ryan. "For now, I'll allow your friend to go home. Seems like she's had a long day, I'm going to get a patrol car to bring them both home."
Batwoman was puzzled. "Why are you doing that?"
"She just helped us not so subtly bring in Clayton, she could be in danger until we can clear it." She replied seriously.
"Of course, I should've thought of that." Batwoman thought to herself. "Thank you Montoya, I apologize for getting angry at you. This was a more personal case for me."
"I'm not surprised." Montoya replied knowingly. "It's fine. Just, be sure to be careful of the choices you make." She said.
Batwoman nodded and departed.
Vesper Fairchild had thoughts on the current events.
"Hey Gotham looks like a certain pointy eared hero is back in town! That's right Batwoman is back! She assisted the GCPD in bringing some lowlife thugs who an eye witness claimed were helping out none other than Scarecrow. Looks like our return was a double bill. Strangely enough Batwoman's assumed sidekick who took over while she was gone wasn't spotted. Perhaps they're taking a vacation now that Batwoman's back. Who's to say, I think she was fitting in well, but she was no replacement. Perhaps one day could be just as special as Batwoman, not just yet. Excited to see where all of this is going, apart from Scarecrow we should all brace ourselves for big trouble when it comes to that freak being back again." She said.
Ryan and Whisper returned back to their orphanage, the officers bringing them back were quite surprised by where they were living, but Montoya gave them the approval and told them to go with it, that both of them were though enough today. There would be more investigating however she noted too.
"Can't believe we got out of that unscaved." Whisper began sitting down looking over at Ryan, who wasn't as happy.
"You were lying to me, do you want to just gloss over that?" She asked.
She thought for a moment. "No, I'm sorry for what I did Ryan."
"How large was the loan? How big?" Ryan continued questioning.
"50, grand. I'm sorry it was years ago, I was in deep and I made some promises I shouldn't have had. Told them I had more money then I did, I just thought I'd be able to win big. We'd be set for life, I figured the odds had to be in my favor. I was a good card player, little did I know the game was rigged to get suckers like me." Whisper explained.
Ryan shook her head. "You kept all of that from me, we did work because of that. Some of that was paying off your debts, it's why we hardly were making any money. Oh my god, I can't believe this!" She exclaimed.
"I know, I know I screwed up badly, but I was trying so hard to fix it all." Whisper replied.
"How am I meant to trust you? I've given you everything and I don't even know your real name." Ryan said hurt by all of this.
After some hesitation on her face, she started to speak. "My real first name is Jenny, my birth name. My last name changed too. Nothing is left from my original identity. I didn't want it." She revealed.
Ryan was surprised. "I never would've thought your name was Jenny."
"Well, it is. I changed it myself to Whisper, it was far more different then Jenny. It put a lot of distance I thought from my past, all that I had to suffer though. I hate my family, all of them. They'd always yell and insult me. Hit me. You can understand why I wouldn't be exactly egure to speak about them and keep my old name. It's like a scar, I wanted to get rid of that and move on, sheed the past." She admitted.
"Why Whisper? Of all the names you could've picked, why that?" Ryan asked.
She shrugged. "I liked it, it made me more mysterious and interesting. I wasn't even born in this county, so nobody would know my real name. Of course getting a real job while refusing to reveal my real name wasn't ever going to work, but I didn't want a normal job or a normal life. I really don't."
Ryan looked unhappy and uncertain of what to say. "I'm grateful you're telling me this now, but it doesn't change the fact you kept important things from me. I never thought you were capable of doing that to me."
"I wanted to protect you! I wanted you to feel like everything was going according to the plan and all of this would pay off our hardships." She responded frustrated.
"It didn't, Whisper. You dug us into a deeper hole and I know that wasn't your intention, but it's what you did and you lied to me. I can't trust you so easily after that." Ryan said, which was painful for her to say. And she realized about her own lies, which made a large knot in her stomach thinking of that. She wasn't sure now if she was being too harsh towards her.
Whisper nodded. "Of course, I understand. What now?"
"I love you, of course, that I do, I might need time to think through." Ryan hugged Whisper tightly. "Come on, let's go upstairs. After everything that's happened, I still want to be by your side."
They held hands and went upstairs.
Batwoman returned to the cave and found both Mary and Luke waiting for her.
"Why didn't you ask for help?" Luke asked as she entered and took off her mask.
"I didn't want to disturb you both, I wanted you both to have some time off after everything was going on. Ryan agreed." Batwoman replied.
Mary came up to them. "Well how'd it go?" She questioned.
"Could've gone better, but Ryan has someone from the past taken off the table, so that's a win at least." Kate said, looking at Mary. "I'm not exactly sure how Ryan herself is doing after everything, but she's strong. And she'll fill us in." She finished.
"You're concerned about Scarecrow getting away though aren't you?" Luke asked knowingly looking at her.
Kate nodded. "Yes I am, but I know you two will say something like we're going to get him then Ryan and I are going to kick his butt back to Arkham. Right?" She said with some playful tone.
"More or less yep!" Mary replied happily.
Elsewhere in Gotham, Scarecrow went back to his hideout looking not exactly pleased. Knowing his latest plan couldn't fail or else. Which was only reminded once Safiyah attempted to contact him.
"Crane, what are you doing? You were meant to stay off the grid. Not bring attention to yourself, what would've happened if you were caught? Everything we've been working towards would have been ruined!" She exclaimed furious.
He grunted. "It wasn't my intention. I apologize, the plan is still in play."
"It better be doctor. Tread more carefully." She replied and hung up.
Scarecrow turned to his helpers. "Make sure all the shipments get in and are delivered, Gotham's end begins in two weeks from now. Make sure to not fail or it'll be all of our heads, understood?" He said seriously.
They all nodded and went back to work, preparing gas containers making them look more common, able to blend into the city. Scarecrow went up to an office and began looking over plans, ones involving ways of spreading his fear toxin on a grand scale.
Batwoman
In Response To CG
Thank you, I'm happy to be back at last. I also admit I was excited to finally have your response after all these months. I got a bit worried at first after posting, but felt much better after your response so thank you. I'm very happy to hear that the wait was well worth it for you. Hopefully this chapter is delivered as well. It's clearly come out much faster than the previous ones for the last few months. I was 1/3rd done by the time I started typing up the response, my productivity has increased once again thank goodness. And thank you for the responses, hopefully all I had to say was okay and the following posts as well. You came up with some great ones which is no surprise. Thank you for them.
In regards to the Killer Croc Successor – That is kinda gross yeah, but I agree with you it would still be a good opponent for the Batwoman Team to face.
In regards to the Gardener – Alright, I think I'll do that in the series when she appears. Thank you for mentioning that I must have missed that.
Confusion about Barbara Killing Her brother in the series – Yes you're right, I got mixed up before when writing that part I do remember that. Thank you for clarifying that I'll be sure to remember all the details this time. I do love that idea a lot and I'll do it.
In regards to Montoya's love life in the series – That's a very good and logical idea. I'll be sure to do that. It makes sense she'd want to protect her wife by pretty much getting her a secret like that while on the job.
In regards to the proposed version of the "Reverse-Flashpoint" Timeline – That's a good assumption, I'll be sure to do that it makes sense as everything is reversed good thinking. I thought so, I'm sorry for not catching on there thank you again for the clarification which is on me for needing that. It seems pretty obvious in hindsight.
In regards to the two-part Season 3 Mid-Season finale – Yeah that makes sense. (Sorry for not saying anything else)
In regards to the rest of Season 2 – Okay, I hope that I've been keeping to that so far. I'm not sure if this episode counts entirely as focusing on Scarecrow, I did do some rewrites to make him more important which was for the best. Would it be overkill having Diggle there for both episodes involving the uncovering of "Operation: Knightfall.'' Also sorry for the confusion again, Mary is kidnapped post Scarecrow's death in your mind? Maybe it was my misunderstanding before, but in my head I assumed he'd show up gas her and be confused and take her to Safiyah by episode 17's end, but it does seem like it wouldn't work now considering the progression of episodes now so I understand your thinking. I can rewrite that part, (in my head) so it's not an issue I just wanted to be sure. I'll be sure to do that and I do admit as well I didn't realize we'd be going for 24 episodes, but that should work and might help future seasons if that will be the number for the rest. Thank you for summing it all up I'll keep in mind all the updated details.
Clarification on Kate's Reaction to Mary Not Being on Speaking Terms with Jacob in Season 3 – Sorry for my misunderstanding again, that does make a lot more sense having things turn out that way in the best direction. Yes that makes a lot of sense Kate would react in that way as well and I like it a lot.
One Clue In Regards to Ryan's father – I love this idea a lot, I've thought a bunch about him being alive, no real concrete ideas yet. I do love the mystery behind Ryan's mother crying like that at the same time every year for hours. I don't believe having her father being dead would be good as it'd not give her anything from that. I'm not exactly sure of what to think, but I'm leaning towards faking his death or something. Or perhaps something else entirely, just the thought of "some other reason" has made me very interested in the idea that I do want to come up with something cool and exciting as a twist while making sense of course. I'll continue thinking about it.
Joker's Unceremonious End – I love the thought of this happening to the Joker, I understand why you thought about it for some time now, it is a bold choice, but I do love it a lot having the Joker after everything that he's done dies in that way it's so fitting for the greatest villain in Gotham having such a unexpected ending. Your explanation also does make sense too, along with why Harley and Lucy will be fine. It'll finally be confirmation for everyone affected by Joker would have clouser knowing he finally is gone and it's poetic. him dying in that way, amazing idea.
Clarification On Jacob's reflection On Kate's Revealed Identity as Batwoman Before His Attempted Suicide Cliffhanger in the Season 2 Finale – I'll be sure to remember it for that very imporant moment. Thank you for more clarification.
A Secret Post-Crisis Arrowverse Crossover Occurred Off-Screen – I like the idea of a secret crossover, it's more interesting the heroes have gone on off screen adventures together. I also must have completely missed Barry saying that (didn't know too he appeared on that show interesting) Sounds like a great idea to go through with that and explaining how the Injustice protocols were created along with having them work with Zatanna to fight him again. That's a great idea too for them to decide against using the Kryptonite opting for those two other options. All amazing stuff there, thank you.
A New Ally – Yeah I remember seeing that new character appear, I'll be sure to introduce her at some point. I'd like the idea of having a liaison between Team Batwoman and the people of Gotham, that sounds like a great idea. I'm sure you'll think of something in the future you're good at picking "portrayals."
The Return of John Diggle – I heard of that happening, I was surprised by him being an old friend of Jada Jet. I'm not updated on what's happening so I'll assume she wasn't a villain like I assumed. Oh yeah I heard of the hand buzzer making Ryan's brother become a psychopath weird, anyways. I'll be sure to keep it the same when he arrives in season 3, I'll be happy having Diggle appear again. I'll be sure to keep it the same for season 2 as talked about already, thank you for summing it up there it helps a lot. And I'll be sure to remember to keep it that way during season 3 and I'm curious what you might think of for his personal reason, I can't think of one myself yet. Perhaps the situation with the Crows, but I haven't thought of how that'd work. Thank you for all of that.
John Diggle's Green Lantern Storyline – Hopefully they'll give an explanation on what is going on there with Diggle and not drag it out much longer, hope to see Diggle appear again in the other shows.
Possible New Arrowverse Series Coming? – Yes I've heard of that, it sounds a little strange but I'll give it a chance for the sake of Diggle hopefully it'll be a nice surprise. I also heard of that Gotham Knights show, which I'm not sure of what to think of yet so just put it here too.
S3E1 Opening Suggestion – I love the idea of beginning the third season in that way adapting that moment, I like it that Kate wouldn't be there, of course not being born as of yet and that Jacob would be blaming Bruce is tragic too, but understandable from his anger and he doesn't seem like the kindest person at times. I'll be sure to have it be in 1989, ironically the very movie you're referencing was on my mom's tv on the channel she usually watches which was nice to see Batman and I'll not give the date like you said. It's tragic that Bruce believes Jacob hates him, which would be true at that time, but surely Jacob would regret this later on heavily. I love it too showing Gabi being there for young Bruce in his time of need and giving him the support he needed at the time. (I do love all of what you've described thank you) It'll be sad switching back to how Jacob currently is and all of his regrets coming at him now.
The New Generation of Gotham's Organized Crime In Your Series:
Point #1: That's an interesting way to think of bringing them in, I'll look into that for sure. I do love the idea of having the new generation of Gotham's organized crime leaders having learned from the past failures of the old ones as they all did eventually fail. It's interesting they'd be more honorable, I assume to stay more under the radar, but of course would still be committing crimes more silently. Thank you for expressing that difference to them.
Point #2: I'd love this twist revealing Mary to have her aunt who is leading the Triad inside of Gotham. It'd be very shocking for her and the Kane family upon learning this. I think that I'm going to make the aunt related to Mary's father, due to the actress who plays Mary being Korean-American and I'm unsure if her mom is Korean too then Imdb wasn't helpful there. So to be safe I'll go with the father as he's been unseen. However I do want to go with a modified version of what you proused (which I said allowed to myself, that's a amazing idea when I read it) I want to keep Mary's father as a secret Triad leader who Catherine was forced to murder (this could be contervesual change, but I do think she'd kill him due to being angry with him for all he's done and potentially threatening custody for a very young Mary) I do believe regardless, the woman should've been surprisingly would have been closer with Mary's mother who would gain control and be teaching Catherine more of her deceptive traits, along with perhaps some deeper currption that could be explored. (I was thinking that the months it took me to finally get to finally finish and before your posting, to make Catherine a more morily ambitious person committing crimes in the past behind Jacob's back which would affect him and Mary a lot potentially if I were to go that way) I'd love it a lot having Mary having a complicated relationship with her aunt, she has no more biological family besides her so it'd be difficult for her and considering that her aunt does truly love her despite the kind of person she is. I love it too she'd be willing to do extreme things to be willing to protect her if that overcame. I love it as well she'd respect Batwoman for protecting Mary it's interesting. (That's nice) I'll be sure to do that, I'm sure it's a perfect pick. Also that's a great way of having them discover the truth and reveal Kate is fluent in Chinese. I'm sure you'll come up with a great name, I'm sorry for not thinking of one myself, naming was never my strong suit. I really do struggle with that. Anyways, amazing posting thank you for it, very exciting reading about it.
Point #3: I'll be sure to do that it'd be very interesting to have a splinter group of the Bratva. I'll be sure of to go with that backstory as well it sounds very interesting I'd love having history connect back to Arrow. (Also good job on knowing about them, never heard of him) It makes sense he'd disagree with Anatoly having a friendship with Oliver Queen as everyone knows he was the Green Arrow. I think I'd agree with your point of where he created the group. Alright I'll be sure to leave him as a human in the series. (I believe Gregor would get that enhancement by the end, when the walls are closing in with police and Team Batwoman closing at some point in a last ditch effort to keep his position of power and out of jail, of course ultimately failing. Thanks for thinking of leaving it open, I could change my mind) I'm positive like the above family you'll be able to come up with an excellent name. Thank you again for the posting, I'm excited to introduce this character and the Russian crime family into the series.
Point #4: I like that a lot she'd start off rebuilding her father's business. A much better idea you came up with over the show. I guess it makes sense she'd be blaming Batwoman for his death, even though there isn't any evidence. Also that makes sense why she'd wear the Black Mask due to her injuries and due to that as well. It does make sense she'd handle it in a different manner, perhaps she didn't think too highly of his leadership. (That would make sense, it seems like Black Mask might be more open to anyone joining his organization and just wants an army, not as much loyety, maybe it's something she wants more of. A tighter ship than her dad? And trying to be more sneaky with her choices instead of bold and loud) I like that a lot and I'm sure she'd do many bad things in her goal of trying to restore that reputation as a top criminal. It'd be very interesting to see it all.
Point #5: It does make a lot of sense they'd be harder to bring down as they'd have learned from the failings of the old generation of organized crime. And it sounds like Montoya would be having a very difficult time dealing with all of it and her having to be more careful at the risk of losing her job.
PS. Hope that you enjoyed watching all of that General Hospital and looking up all that stuff. That's unfortunately I'm sorry to hear that ruined your enjoyment. It seems like you love that series a lot and that two actors left too is unfortunate.
ere is a posting for details when you eventually reach the mid-Season 3 finale in your series. I created this in response to you own suggestions for when you eventually reach that point in the series; which you can combine with mine if you so choose.
Details on the two-part Mid-Season 3 finale in your series (S3E8 and S3E9):
#1. I like the beginning a lot with him making that announcement and Kate Kane being interviewed against her wishes. It makes sense she'd say her disapproval of everything and refuse to speak about her father. I like that Barry would express his concern and that Kate would just want to know what he has to say. Great start to these amazing details you came up with.
#2. I like it a lot too. It'd cut to right after the call and her speaking to all of them giving all their reactions. I love all their reactions to it. They all make perfect sense to what they've been through and who they are. Makes sense as well Ryan wouldn't have anything to say as at this point I'm not sure if she'll be included (Maybe she just might remark she wonders what she was doing or what her life become without joining the team) I also really do love Kate really being unnerved thinking of the alternate path she and Beth had in that timeline, I'm sure those feeling will be brought back when the whole dark multiverse stuff happens later on.
#3. I like one of them would pick up on Kate holding something back and how much shock and fear it would cause the team being unsure of what could happen or who it could happen to. And I do love Kate declaring what you said that is great.
#4. It makes sense the curfew would start to create problems and that the two heroes will be trying to stop them from doing that. It makes sense she'd be disgusted by that. (Perhaps it could lead to a reappearance of Ryan's old friend from episode 12 Lashawna trying to help protest against the Crows or something)
#5. I love all three of those cliffhangers a lot. It'll lead to an amazingly suspenseful mid season finale. I'll be sure to do all of that and figure out the details exactly later, but I love all of that description a lot.
#6. I do love Maggie Sawyer's reaction to the entire situation. I apologize if I've already asked this or something you said flying over my head, but would Maggie be GCPD in your mind at this point? (While being the Question of course) In my mind she is, if you disagree I'd understand. Again I'm sorry if I've forgotten if this was talked about already, I'm trying to compile all the important info on characters now to avoid my confusion again. Anyways, I do love this entire opening a lot that you described.
#7. I like the explanations as to how they find out about both situations. And I like how they'd decide on who to save and why Ryan would have a larger stake in saving Luke due to their building friendship.
#8. It's understandable why she's so enraged by what happened to Sophie's mother and uses it to take down the dirty Crows. And I like it that Maggie's first call would be to Kate. I'll be sure to figure out the details for that when the time comes thank you.
#9. It would make sense that Sophie wouldn't listen and I like that she does run into Maggie who ends up helping her by giving her a disqisguse to get her there. It's the best and tragic choice but I do like it that Sophie's mother wouldn't believe it's the real Sophie and starts cursing at her just before her death. (I believe if she knew it was the real Sophie she might have acted differently) I'm sure it'll be a hard moment for Maggie having to force Sophie to run away, let alone for Sophie having that be her final interaction with her mother.
#10. It's unfortunate for Maggie having to share that news and would be crushing for Sophie yeah knowing all of that and not getting to reconciliation. Kate blaming herself would make sense it seems like something she'd be doing to herself. I love it too that the team would be hurt by this too and the other events and decide Brain Krauser needs to go down. (Of course not knowing about Rumor yet too which will only add to the changes of bringing an end to this) I very much love that moment between Maggie and Kate it sounds like a nice one and an important one for their growing relationship.
#11. I love your explanation of it being orchestrated by Krauser and that the Crows responsible also hated Sophie wanting to put her though pain. It would be a good mystery as to why he hates her so much and be a great payoff when that episode focusing on that happens. (I like the idea of this group of Crows loyal to Jacob and not corrupt have a special insignia on their clothing) I like it a lot that this would be the inciting incident to why all those Crows start to build a resistance group to bring him down and make Team Batwoman even more determined to bring him down.
I love this entire posting a lot. It's brilliant and my excitement for season 3 keeps growing the more thought that goes into it. I"m certain that season 3 will surpass season 2. I'm very much looking forward to it.
Topic of Huntress - I've been thinking of her a bunch more than usual as of late, can't remember if I mentioned the side project I had in mind for her, unrelated to the Arrowverse. I don't expect it to be getting started for a while longer, it's just in ideas right now. Anyways, when you mentioned the posting about organized crime making a big return I started thinking about the Arrowverse version. I've had mixed thoughts on her, mostly due to never getting a chance to have a redemption arc which sucks, so I thought of trying to fit her into a later season in a minor role or something trying to help with the mob situation assuming it affects her somehow. (Also I do consider her an extended Batfamily member) I assume judging by her crimes which are a little hard to get exactly right on what she's charged with, she'd be serving a life sentence, I figure the only way around that would be her working for Argus. A different type of suicide squad like program I assume would be going on (like in Arrow Season 7, but it's been a while so I can't remember if they shut it down after the mission didn't go well) in her case here it'd just be a solo mission. It could be another chance to have Diggle or Lyla show up, depending on the status of all that by that time, even if just for a short appearance. My basic thinking would be having Helena be a little reformed, behaving better, but still having an intention to kill her targets while team Batwoman tries to stop her. Which would end in her relectionly at first stop trying to kill and be more heroic trying to think more of people in danger, ending their team up on good terms for another possible one later, while not being fully heroic, but closer onto the path of that. It was just a basic concept I had immediately after I read your postings. I really do like that character a lot and I'd likely have a more complete idea in the future, I'm sure I'll think of more. Perhaps it could involve Huntress being sent to take out Mary's aunt, with the lethal option opened to her, until the team stops this from happening and makes things right after some conflict, coming to some compromise. Just a quick thought for now, in my mind I see her appearing sometime after season 4. I can't see her appearing in the next two seasons as they are quite stacked so it leaves a lot of time to come up with a full idea.
Why I introduced the Underbroker - I did it for two reasons, first off was to set up Scarecrow knew he was getting close to being a liability for Safiyah and he time would be up soon. I feel like he knows his death is inevitable if he fails his final scheme in the next episode or two. So he wants to protect his money and such for the future plan of "Fear State" which he's certain will have to be completed by the future Madame Crow and any of his other people who believe in his final plan building up that. Secondly, The Underbroker is technically Ryan's old boss in a way now, along with Whisper having that money owed. It leaves it open for the past to haunt them and affect them potentially in a future episode or something one day if it's ever revisited, so I felt like it could leave the door open for future events. (Also somewhat related, I brought up all that stuff with Whisper to give the relationship with Ryan some strain before the breaking point for them I thought it could help I hope it was alright)
Regrets about the flashbacks - I realized for one thing I completely forgot to go with your Indiana Jones Uncharted and Tomb Raider inspired ideas with them going to get the Desert Rose. I did ultimately cut them, getting it which was my own fault due to how the story had progressed to that point, hopefully it hasn't caused any plot holes. Also I just realized I don't believe one of my strengths would be describing them navigating that type of scenario despite loving all three of those inspirations. Truthly describing things isn't my strong suit at all unfortunately. Another unfortunate thing was not giving the Many Arms of Death a personality, I do love the Bond movies deeply so I do wish I gave them more of that Spectre feeling to them, perhaps if they ever return or I decide to give more flashbacks, most likely for Alice I could try to incorporate some vibes there. I also forgot to add that joke about Coryana being mistakenly called Libertalia from Uncharted 4, which is more ironic considering I've been thinking more how much I love that series with the movie being out now, which I personally feel was pointless considering how cinematic the games already were. Just my own thoughts, I hope if you saw it or anyone they enjoyed it. Overall, I hope you and any other readers were satisfied by the flashbacks, despite my failing with the potential I had with it and failing to incorporate your fun inclusions. I do worry that I might get to over serious at times in the series, adding in some fun elements is something I do struggle with even though I do love a lot of more fun stories over more serious ones. I want to find that balance of fun and serious, I'm grateful for your suggestions and thoughts and anyone else's cause I find in my own little bubble I can get too dark at times. Anyways, that was all to say I'm grateful for the reviews as always and I do appreciate all the feedback.
Title - Not sure if I picked a good one, I thought of the following ones "Keep Moving Forward" "Partner In Need" "Past Sins" "The Sins Of Ryan Wilder" "The Past Catching Up" (I might use Keep Moving Forward for a potential major episode for Ryan as the title later) I felt like the rest don't work, but I'm not sure. If you think of a better title your welcome to suggest it.
The Batman Spoilers - I'm glad to have gotten this done before the movie's release, as I'm afraid to say I sadly can't say when I'll be able to see the movie unfortunately, doesn't look like I'll be able to get my booster shot so I'm not allowed to go until then, which at worse mean after it's run in theaters. Hopefully that won't happen. Till then, I'd like to avoid spoilers, though I fear I'll fail after day one of release. Only exections would be if something so incredibly stupid happens or if Scarecrow is hinted to be appearing, lol. (Both seem highly unlikely) Anyways, hope you'll get to see the film on opening weekend and that you'll love it a lot. Hopefully it'll live up to the hype and you'll have a nice theater experience. It seems like a great movie to see on the big screen. If you don't end up seeing it in theaters I still hope you'll enjoy it and be able to avoid spoilers if you rather not be spoiled.