Chapter 4: The Militia Has Arrived
Deathstroke and Sofia were having a drink together in her office. Sofia poured them both a martini and they clinked their glasses before drinking. "So, when is this little militia of yours going to be coming?", Sofia asked as she was sipping her martini. "They should be here literally any moment.", Slade said as he too was sipping his drink. "So, I hope you don't mind me asking, but I would like to know a little bit more about yourself. I know it's said that you're the best contract killer there is, and you have a personal vendetta against the Bat yourself. But what is there more to be said about Slade Wilson? I heard you were involved in some kind of military experiment that made you what you are.", she said. He then set down his drink and began to tell his life story. "That is true, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. Believe it or not, I joined the army when I was just 16 because I lied about my age. Even though I was still young, I exhibited great feats of strength and martial arts. By the time I was in my mid to late 20s, I met my future wife, Adeline when she was my drill instructor in guerilla warfare. We married a year and a half later and had our first child together.", Slade explained. "Was it a boy or girl and what was their name?", she asked. "We had a son named Joseph. It wasn't long after Joey was born that I was shipped overseas which is when I was chosen to be part of the super soldier serum experiment. The serum not only increased my strength and stamina, but it also increased my intellect, speed, durability, reflexes, and senses. That's when I decided to be a professional hitman. Of course, this life ended up having serious consequences that impacted my relationship with my family. One of my enemies took my son hostage and threatened to kill him if I didn't give up the name of a client. I refused because it was against my code. Joey's throat was cut by his kidnapper and now can never talk again. I was able to get him out of there and kill everyone else. However, this led to Adeline knowing my secret life as an assassin. She was furious and I can't say I blame her. I'm sure you noticed how I'm missing an eye?", he said as he pointed to his eyepatch. "Yes. I've been meaning to ask how that happened.", she said. "Adeline wanted me to stay away from her and Joey after that happened, but I refused. She tried to kill me by shooting me in the head. I was able to survive because of the serum I was given, but my right eye wasn't so lucky. I haven't seen either of them in years.", Slade said with a sad look on his face. "I am so sorry to hear that.", she told him. "There's more than that. I found out not too long after I lost my eye that Adeline was pregnant with twins when I left. A boy and a girl. Their names are Jericho and Rose. I never actually met either of them. I've been living this life ever since Adeline left me. It's been nothing but one contract after another and nearly every one has been successful except for a few.", Slade said. "And one of those has been Batman.", she said. "Yes. Other than him, I have made a few other rivals. The one who has given me the most trouble is this vigilante from Star City called Green Arrow. Have you ever heard of him?", Slade asked. "The name rings a bell. My father has never really had any connection with Star City though, but I've heard of at least some of the things that go on there.", she said. "Well, he's another one who has bested me. Other than him and the Bat, I've been humiliated by the Teen Titans who were led by Batman's little protégé Robin. He now goes by Nightwing because Batman has had other sidekicks use that name since.", he said. "I'm pretty sure that's the one who stays in Bludhaven right now. Sounds like you've made your fair share of enemies.", Sofia said. Indeed I have. And after me and my men are through with the Bat, I'll finally have my score settled with him. Then, I'll eliminate Arrow and Nightwing and then here will be nobody left to beat me ever again.", Deathstroke said. Deathstroke's super hearing could hear footsteps coming from way down the other end of the hall. "I can hear someone coming who just turned around the corner.", he said. About 5 seconds later, one of Sofia's men came into the room. "Impressive. You weren't exaggerating when you said that serum heightened your senses.", she said. "I just thought you should know there's a bunch of army dudes waiting to talk to Deathstroke down in the garage.", the guy said. "Very good. Thanks for letting us know. Well, let's go see this army you have such faith in.", she said. They all went down to the garage parking lot where there were at least a few dozen men in red jumpsuits. One of them stepped in front of the rest to talk to Slade. "It's good to see you, sir.", he said. "Good to see you, Seargent. Glad to see you and the others made it here just fine.", he said. "The rest of the men have set up various checkpoints around the city to keep watch for the Bat. There's no way he's getting past us.", the seargent said. "Just remember; if you encounter him, don't kill him. I want to kill him myself after we've had a proper rematch.", he instructed. "Understood, sir.", the seargent said. Slade turned back to Sofia and said, "When the Bat's dead, Gotham will be yours to do with as you please. You'll be able to restore your family's name in the criminal underworld.". "That's exactly what I plan to do. And by the looks of things, it seems like he won't stand a chance.", she said. The militia had then begun to swarm the city like locusts all with one goal: Kill Batman!