Thoughts

Computer Speech

"Speech"

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Chapter 27: Emissary IV: Stepping Stones


December 7th

Age 762 (2012), Gotham

"Geez, another one? That's our 10th major arrest this week." Harvey Bullock shook his head as he lit a cigarette. This was unusual, even by Gotham's standards.

"I hope this keeps up. Less work for us and safer streets for the civilians in this city." Commissioner Gordon was indifferent. While it was profoundly strange how important crime bosses kept getting tangled up in rather obvious crimes, he really couldn't care less. It was about time they got caught red handed.

"It's almost as if they want to get caught." Harvey Bullock nearly jumped out of his skin as Batman emerged from behind him, slithering out of the shadows.

"You scared the crap out of me! Why can't you ever show up like a normal person?" Harvey scowled as he took a long puff. If the cigarettes didn't kill him, Batman's sudden appearances would.

"How nice of you to join us." Jim Gordon smiled as he adjusted his glasses. It had been nearly a month since their last face to face encounter.

"I've been busy," With that curt reply the dark knight rushed over to the back of Harvey Bullock's police car. Peering into the tinted window his eyes narrowed. "Black Mask."

Roman Sionis, better known as the Black Mask, was shackled in the back seat of the vehicle. The normally petulant man was quiet, unusually so. He should have been screaming and kicking, cursing to high heaven about the tedious court battle that awaited them- but he wasn't. Bruce's detective skills weren't even necessary in deciphering what was wrong.

"What happened?" Batman's words lingered in the air as he seemingly floated over to the two police officers.

"Almost an hour ago we got a call about an armed robbery going on at the bank," Harvey Bullock's portly hand rose as it pointed towards Gotham National Bank. "Normally Commissioner Gordon and I wouldn't be on the case, but once we heard it Black Mask who was the suspect, we hauled ass and got down here. I honestly expected that bozo to be gone by the time we arrived, but we surprisingly got here in the nick of time. He was crossing the street when we pulled up. He didn't even put up a fight once he saw those blue and red lights."

"It's one of the strangest things I've seen, and that's saying a lot in this town." Commissioner Gordon scratched his head. He was still trying to make sense of it all. It was part of the reason he had stayed behind with Black Mask once he'd been apprehended. The rest of police team was already back at the station.

Batman frowned as he glanced around at his surroundings. There were cameras literally on every corner of this street. Black Mask wasn't dumb enough to commit a crime so brazenly by himself. He was a crimelord and rarely did the dirty work unless it was absolutely necessary. From Bullock's story, it appeared he had committed the act on his own as well.

"What was stolen?" Batman asked as he turned back to the detectives. Maybe there was some kind of motive behind this.

"Approximately ten thousand dollars."

"That's it?" Underneath his cowl, Bruce raised a brow. Nothing was adding up. Black Mask was a multimillionaire. Ten thousand dollars was inconsequential to him.

"That's exactly what I said," Commissioner Gordon added. While obvious, Black Mask's crime made no sense. There was no logical rationale behind it.

"Maybe the poor smuck was feeling lucky today and just decided to be stupid?" Harvey shrugged. In a city full of Jokers and Scarecrows, who was he to try and make sense of the criminal mind?

"Carmine Falcone, Mickey Sullivan, Dragos Ibanescu, Lew Moxon, Black Mask and the list goes on and on. These are all major players in Gotham's criminal underworld. I find it very hard to believe that all of them would commit such reckless and unambitious crimes considering their stature. It's possible they're being set up."

"Set up?" Harvey's eyes bulged. "Maybe we should drop you off at Arkham." Batman of all people was defending them?

"It sounds crazy but given the circum…."

Batman's words trailed off as hysterical laughter erupted from the police car. All heads swiveled towards it as Black Mask finally spoke.

"No one's setting me up you fool. I did that because I wanted to!"

"But why?" Batman demanded as glared through the glass.

"I'd rather be in a cell than be out here in the streets once it comes."

"It?" Bruce repeated in a confused tone. What was dangerous enough to have a madman like Black Mask spooked?

"Oh, you'll find out enough," A full row of the crimelord's teeth were on display as he smiled. He might not have been able to get rid of Batman, but what was coming would be more than capable of it. "Now why don't you two worthless police officers do your job and take me down to the damn station? These handcuffs are starting to grate my skin!"

Bruce's mouth expanded but quickly retracted as he swallowed his question. From his demeanor it was clear Black Mask would be of no further assistance tonight. But at the very least the mob boss had provided him with a clue. Tomorrow evening he could hop back on the trail, but for right now he had other matters to attend to. Glancing down at the watch on his arm he noted the time.

He was going to be late.


December 7th

Age 762 (2012), Metropolis, Daily Planet

"He's going to be late?"

"Huh?" Clark mumbled as he glanced up from his watch. John Jones stood staring at him with a perplexed face. Blinking repeatedly, Clark finally responded. "It does appear Batman will be late. But how did you know…."

"I apologize for the intrusion into your mind," John quickly cut him off. He was no longer on Mars, such actions were not socially acceptable. "Ingratiating myself with the human populace has been….difficult." A small frown formed on his face as the words lingered.

"Well, I'm not exactly human myself." Superman chuckled. It was understandable that John would have some problems incorporating himself into society, Earth was completely alien to him.

"Regardless, I won't read your mind again," The detective humbly apologized. "But do you have any idea as to when Batman might show up?"

"Honestly I have no idea," Clark said as he rubbed the back of his neck. It wasn't like Bruce shared his schedule with him anyways. "But I'm sure he has a good reason for being late."

"I suppose," John conceded as he took a seat on the edge of the roof. "This city is so large in comparison to my own." The view from his perch was pristine. The city truly came alive at night.

"You're from Denver right?" Superman asked as he floated beside the Martian, taking a seat next to him.

"No, I stayed there briefly but moved to a place called Middletown. After the incident with the professor, I couldn't bear to stay." John's head hung low as flashbacks of that horrific day assaulted his mind. That innocent scientist had died because of him.

"From the police reports and what you told me, it's not your fault though." Superman could sympathize with his sentiments. He often bore the emotional brunt for things, even when it wasn't his fault.

"But still, had I not been transported to this planet he would be alive. That is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life."

"Is that why you sought us out? To atone for that deed?" John had never disclosed the reason for calling this meeting tonight.

"No, I sought you and Batman out because of a disturbing trend I've been noticing lately." Something beyond the scope of what John could comprehend was occurring in his town.

"And that is?"

"The criminals, the ones I've been dealing with on my job, have begun to act like scared children."

"That's it?" Kal-El asked in a confused tone. He could see why Batman had been called for this meeting, he worked in the realm of fear, but Superman had no knowledge of it.

"It's not just a normal, typical fear, it goes far beyond that. Their psionic imprints are shrouded with it too. By the dozen, criminals whose cases I've been working on are turning themselves in. When I delve into their minds I keep hearing mentions of it."

Clark's expression changed completely at the mention of it. Just last week Metallo had allowed himself to be captured by Superman. When he was taken to central booking Metallo kept mentioning and warning about it.

"Judging from your facial expression you've experienced something similar?" John asked as he noted the befuddled look on the Man of Steel's face.

"I have," Clark said solemnly. The longer he thought about it the recent criminal activity in Metropolis had become increasingly strange. "What do you think is going on?"

"I'm not sure," John agonized. This was the first time in his very long lifespan that he had felt so uncertain about something. "Something is coming though. I can feel it. I just know. The longer I sit on this roof I can feel the psionic flow in this city changing."

"What do you mean?" Clark asked as he did a quick scan of the city. As far as his vision could see, nothing was out of the norm.

"It's hard for me to explain to you but something just isn't right. The telepathic vibe of this city is warping into something much darker. Maybe this is why I was drawn towards having our meeting here." Placing a hand under his chin the Martian pondered whether he had subtly been influenced by an outside force. But whose telepathic powers on Earth could possibly be that strong?

"From what I gather you're saying the root cause of this all is in Metropolis?"

"No, I'm not sure. But something in this city is calling out to me in some form," The longer John sat down the stronger the psionic tug got. "There is definitely something going on here. I am unsure of what it is exactly but with your assistance and that of Bat….."

"We can work together to solve it," Batman finished as he finally made his presence known.

"I'll still never understand how you do that" Superman shook his head as the Bruce emerged from the shadows behind them.

"We can discuss that later, but for now….tell me what you know about it."


December 7th

Age 762 (2012), Space

It was nearing a month since Bulma's voyage into space. So far things had gone according to plan. Learning Namekian had been a lot easier than she had expected. With Mr. Popo's help, she was able to locate the spaceship Kami had used when he'd first arrived on Earth. It had been a mess partially due to its old age, but with the addition of Capsule Corps technology, she managed to make it work.

So far her visions of a grandiose adventure had been spurned. While space was thought of as the great unknown, and rightfully so- it was dreadfully boring. Day after day she was trapped in a spaceship with nothing to do. Sure, she had brought along several books to read and plenty of movies to watch but eventually, it began to lose its joy. The monotonous repetition was beginning to drive her mad.

However, Gohan and Krillin appeared to be fairing well though. The two boys spent the majority of their time in training. Krillin had introduced a mental exercise which allowed them to do battle in their minds. Eager as ever Gohan dived into it and used the opportunity to hone his skills every day. From Krillin's assessments, it was only a matter of time before the Demi-Saiyan completely overtook him in strength.

Though Gohan was enthralled by his exercises Bulma couldn't help but notice a lingering sadness around him. It was completely understandable considering the circumstances he was thrust into. No child, especially at such a tender age, should have been forced to endure what he had. His mother was still missing when they'd left Earth and his friends were deceased. On top of that, his father and the rest of Earth's heroes were depending on him to resurrect everyone who had died.

It was far too much pressure in Bulma's opinion.

But the young hybrid brushed it aside every time his Godmother attempted to talk to him about it. He wanted to maintain a strong visage like his sensei Piccolo had trained him to. Spilling his guts was something the Namekian would have absolutely been disgusted by. At the very least it was one of the few ways he could remember his teacher. He would remain confident and courageous even if he didn't truly feel so.

Krillin, however, could not maintain the same emotional fortitude as Gohan and openly admitted his feelings. He was scared, frightened of the unknown they were venturing into. His heart still stung from the death of his closest friends. He sincerely wished that Wonder Woman could have been there to join them on their excursion. With her power, might, and tenacity, they would have been prepared for Frieza and whatever else possibly came their way.

I hope you're safe wherever you are Diana. Gohan and I could really use you right now.


December 7th

Age 762 (2012), Themsycira, Doom's Doorway

"What are you waiting for? Finish me!" Diana screamed as blood spewed from her lips. She was bleeding profusely from all angles and would not survive one more fatal blow.

As Donna's blade dangled over her half-sister's head, she paused briefly to note the lack of fear in her eyes. Maybe she was a true Amazon after all. "Greet your mother in Hades for me!"


A big thank you to everyone who reviewed chapter 26!

Authors Note: Over 900 reviews, thank you all for the support! Another short chapter again, I know. I'm experimenting with different chapter lengths. Writing in small quick doses seems to be best for me and allows me to push out chapters faster. I'll keep tinkering with it though.


Q/A:

Harley Quinn-QueenOfMadness: The Justice Lords and the regime probably won't appear in this story.

Itheone: I'll explain the PTO and Green Lantern treaty later on. I can't really spoil which villains will appear.

darkmist111: Goku's still concerned about Diana, he just hasn't had the time to reflect on it due to everything that's been happening.

Kabuto S. Inferno: As always, thanks for the corrections and constructive criticisms. I don't really like Dragonball Super. I think it's just a cash grab for money capitalizing on our nostalgia. From the bad writing to the lackluster animation, it's been a pretty big let down for me. I only continue to watch it because I am a fan of the Dragonball Franchise. I honestly feel like I could write a better version of it, and I just might lol.

Vanessa Masters: Diana won't be freed for a while actually.

DRAGONDAVE45: 1. I'm not going to answer that because of spoilers. 2. Doomsday will appear in this story. 3. I already have big plans for Cell, but that sounds good too.

JOEL: 1. 100 chapters. 2. I can't answer that because of spoilers. 3. I'm not really sure how to answer this.

EXTRA 9: Jaco will probably not appear in this story.

Sailor Dragonball 87: I'll explain the PTO peace treaty later on in the story. The G is the same as it is in magic.

Dragon emperor: I don't understand what you mean.