Mutants Anonymous
Ch3: X-ploration
T he next morning inside a conference room in Arkham Asylum, Warden Quincy Sharp has gathered several of the Asylum's most important staff members such as, Doctor Hugo Strange, Doctor Jeremiah Arkham, Alyce Sinner, Aaron Cash, Phil Cho, and Frank Boles. Doctor Hank McCoy walks in with a large container of coffee from Jitters. The Warden warmly welcomes the mutant doctor.
Warden Sharp: Ah, Doctor McCoy! I am surprised you made it in this morning due to that late night skirmish!
Beast: No rest for the wicked, so neither will I!
The Warden chuckles at this comment and tells Doctor McCoy to take a seat. Once Beast is seated, Hugo Strange takes the seat directly across from him. Arkham's Director of Psychology stares intently at blue mutant dressed in a dapper suit. Beast catches on and despite feeling extremely uncomfortable by Strange's staring, he extends his hand to shake.
Beast: I do not believe we have met, I am Doctor Henry McCoy.
Hugo Strange with an almost sinister smile firmly shakes Beast hand. Strange begins to speak with the X-Man.
Strange: Forgive me, I have never met a "super-hero" before. I am Hugo Strange, Director of Psychology here at the Asylum. These are my assistants: Jeremiah Arkham and Alyce Sinner.
Beast: It's nice to make your acquaintance. "Arkham", as in-
Jeremiah: Amadeus Arkham? He was my uncle. Though this place chewed him up and spit him back out... I have picked up where he left off.
The door into the conference room opens and in walks Commissioner Gordon alongside Harvey Bullock, Crispus Allen, and Renee Montoya. Bullock holds a box of donuts in one hand and in the other two donuts all to himself. Beast smiles at the Commissioner as he gestures to the coffee that he brought.
Warden Sharp: Good Morning Commissioner, now let's get started!
With the push of a button on a remote in his hand, Warden Sharp walks the members of the meeting through much of the intel that Beast had provided them: The Brotherhood is Gotham and they are interested in Waylon Jones AKA Killer Croc.
Strange: Why are the Brotherhood interested in Mister Jones? Obviously he is a mutant but surely they require him for a mission of some kind, no?
Beast knows the answer to this question but for the sake of Wayne Industries omits the truth. He adjusts his glasses as he tells a safe answer.
Beast: That I do not know I am afraid. What I do know is that they will stop at nothing to free Mister Jones. It wouldn't surprise me if they we're already here.
Bullock: They gotta skin-walker in their crew?
Beast: Indeed. Warden would you be so kind?
Sharp hands Beast the remote and he begins to tell the Arkham staff about the various Brotherhood members. He starts off with Mystique, a picture of the blue skinned and red headed woman's mugshot from being incarcerated in The Raft is now on the screen.
Beast: Raven Darkholm, colloquially known as "Mystique" is a shape-shifter. She can turn into organic, her powers do have some limitations. She's strong but she can't copy let's say the strength of Superman or Doctor Banner's green alter ego. She can grow and shrink but can't become microscopic or the size of a skyscraper. She however is a skilled assassin.
The screen then shows multiple pictures of Mystique using different fire arms, stealth tactics, and even videos of her turning into high profile figures. Beast begins to walk through the different slides of the various Brotherhood members. Once the presentation is complete, Beast places his hands calmly on the table to speak with the rest of the staff and the GCPD.
Beast: I will be working directly in tandem with the Psychology department of the Asylum and I'll also be in the field with both the Police Department and Gotham's masked heroes. Are there any questions for me?
Hugo Strange then raises his hand asks, "Will you be working closely with the Batman? I would love to compare notes.". Beast is slightly taken back by this comment but adjusts and tells him, "No he is still grieving the death of Robin. He needs time to heal.".
Strange: Understood, I'll have our newest Doctor give you everything we have on Waylon Jones shortly.
The meeting is adjourned, as the various Arkham staff and GCPD officers walk out the door, Gordon walks toward Beast with a solemn look on his face.
Gordon: Doctor McCoy, can I speak with you privately?
Beast: Of course, Commissioner.
They step outside into the courtyard. The morning breeze is cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos inside Arkham. Gordon pulls out a pack of cigarettes, before he lights one, he turns to Beast.
Gordon: Do you smoke, Doc?
Beast: Oh heavens no. I can only imagine how time-consuming it would be to get the smell out of my fur!
The X-Man chuckles at the thought, but Gordon remains solemn. He lights his cigarette and takes a deep drag. Beast notices the aura of stress around the Commissioner.
Beast: What's wrong, Commissioner?
The commissioner, the smoke curling in front of them and disappearing just as quickly. Gordon then tells Beast what's going on behind the scenes.
Gordon: The governor called my department earlier this morning. They're sending in the MRD. I put up enough of a fight, so we're not sharing the precinct. From what I understand, they'll be using Noonan's in the Cauldron as a base of operations until the Brotherhood has been apprehended. Where in Gotham are you staying, Doc?
Beast: I am outside of the city limits.
Gordon nods, taking another drag of his cigarette telling the mutant, "Good, keep it that way. I'll do what I can to give you a heads up, but I doubt I'll be able to keep them off Arkham Island.". Beast nods appreciatively at the Commissioner for giving him a heads up. Gordon stares out into Gotham Harbor as he smokes like a chimney.
Beast: It will be alright, Commissioner. Come, we have work to do.
Gordon continues to stares into the distance, lost in thought, before dropping his cigarette and crushing it underfoot. The two of them are about the head back into the Asylum to get to work when they see a young blonde woman wearing glasses and a lab coat over her red shirt, she is nervous to approach them. The woman tells them, "Hi, I hope I'm not interrupting. I am Doctor Harleen Quinzel, I started about a week ago, Doctor Strange wanted me to give you this.". Dr. Quinzel hands Beast multiple files labeled "Waylon Jones AKA Killer Croc".
Beast: Well, thank you Doctor Quinzel.
The mutant scientist shoots her a warm smile as he walks off alongside Commissioner Gordon. He begins to read through the files as he walks. Gordon then tells him one last thing.
Gordon: I gotta get runnin' doc. I'm off of three hours of sleep.
Beast: Of course, I'll see you tonight then.
Gordon sarcastically replies, "Can't wait." and then walks off to meet with the other GCPD officers he came with. Beast goes through each file about Croc back in the conference room, painstakingly looking for a detail that could give him an edge. The familiar voice of Dr. Quinzel can be heard in the doorway asking Beast, "I didn't know you were a psychologist.". Beast looks up with his reading glasses halfway down his nose, Harleen stands in the doorway timidly. Beast responds to Arkham's greenest staff member kindly.
Beast: I'm not actually. I am biologist and a nuclear physicist. I am however able to relate to Mister Jones due to our... well, shared experiences.
Beast readjusts his suit as he gets up, he tells Harleen, "You are more than welcome to come with me if you'd like.". Harleen nervously chuckles as she readjusts her glasses before responding.
Harleen: I can't, I gotta catch up on some paperwork before I can join ya.
Beast: Fair enough, I will see you around Doctor Quinzel.
With a smile Beast walks out of the conference room and after sometime finds himself in Arkham's "Meta-Human Confinement Wing". Beast walks pasts prisoners such as Poison Ivy, Clayface, and even a de-powered Kirk Langstrom before finally reaching the cell of Killer Croc. The front of the cell door Aaron Cash, Frank Boles, and Phil Cho stand side-by-side waiting for Doctor McCoy.
Boles: Make it fast.
Beast lightly chuckles at the comment as the cell door opens, Waylon stands by his window looking out at Gotham Harbor. Waylon's power dampening collar is not only deactivated and falls to the ground with a loud, metallic thud. Croc turns around to see Beast walking in with some files in hand.
Beast: Hello again, Mister Jones.
Killer Croc: 'Sup fur ball.
Beast takes a seat in the fold up chair placed in the cell before he got there. The cell door closes and it's now just the two mutants in the cell, Croc goes and takes a seat on the mattress that is objectively too small for him.
Killer Croc: I heard you got in a lil bit of a fight last night, you and one of the birds. How'd that turn out for ya?
Beast: Well I'm here, aren't I?
Croc chuckles at this and shrugs off Beast's response. There is a moment of silence before Croc finally asks Beast a question.
Killer Croc: So, whatcha wanna talk about?
Beast: Well, what do you want to talk about? I did some reading.
Beast then shows Waylon the files that Arkham has on him. Beast begins to explain, "You're a mutant boy from the south. You were in the circus, started doing jobs for various gangs and mafias. Found your way to Gotham... anything I am missing?". Croc shakes his head and Beast leans forward and takes off his glasses.
Beast: I want to talk about you! I have done all of the reading, but I'd rather hear it directly from the horses' mouth. Let's start here, when did you realize you were a mutant?
Killer Croc: When did I realize I was a mutant or when I heard that word prescribed on me for the first time?
Beast: Both.
Killer Croc: I always knew I was a mutant. The world never let me forget it. My momma died in childbirth, pops gave me up, and my aunt who took me treated me like I was some freak. She tried bleachin' my skin, peeling the scales off..
Croc's eyes narrow slightly, memories of a difficult past resurfacing. Beast's expression softens with empathy. Beast readjusts his glasses as he continues the conversation with Croc.
Beast: I am sorry to hear that, your aunt where is-
Croc turns sternly as he replies, "Don't know, don't care!". The tension between the two mutants is palpable but it's then broken by Beast reminding Croc that, "You didn't answer the second part of the question.". Croc looks at Beast somewhat annoyed but reluctantly answers the question.
Killer Croc: I always heard cops in this city thought I was a mutant but when those big purple robots started flyin' around, they went straight to me!
Beast: You were attacked by Sentinels?
Killer Croc: Sure as shit was! Those murder bots are prolly now a reef in Gotham Harbor.
Beast: You took them down, by yourself?
Killer Croc leans closer to Beast hearing the inquisitive tone in his voice. Croc gets Beast face for a moment but the X-Man doesn't flinch.
Killer Croc: What are you gettin' at?
Beast: Sentinels are hard to fight by yourself, even the mighty Waylon Jones must've had help. Perhaps even from, other mutants?
Killer Croc: No. It was just me, I know what you're puttin' down though.
Beast: What do you know of the Brotherhood then?
Killer Croc: Not a lot if were bein' real. Lemme ask you somethin', are we superior to them?
Beast: Who is "them"?
Killer Croc: Humans.
Beast: We are humans.
Killer Croc: We don't look it.
Beast: There are plenty of mutants that resemble the "stereotypical" human appearance. But no, just because you and I are stronger than the average human, that does not mean we are any better than them. Take for example, Kal El of Krypton-
Killer Croc: Superman?
Beast: Precisely! He resembles a human, has the powers of a god, and is from an alien world. Is he better than you because his powers are far more vast?
Killer Croc: So when people say, "Magneto is right" you think he's wrong?
Beast: Do I think he's wrong about his superiority complex? Absolutely. Do I think he's wrong for wanting mutants to be treated with dignity? Absolutely not.
Killer Croc: Yeah well.. There ain't alotta people out there that really understand what I've been through, even you. I read up on you, you're a white boy Illinois. You had a loving family, went to college, smart, you had everything. Sure you've been fuzzy wuzzy for the better part of a decade now but I've been like this my whole life!
Croc now stands over Beast towering over the X-Man. Beast looks up taking off his glasses and putting them in his coat pocket.
Beast: You are correct. I had access to resources that you did not. I am also extremely lucky that Charles found me and brought me in. I have a family that loves me, friends, a good woman named Patricia. I am sure you have seen the news reports by now, the Brotherhood are in Gotham. I am here to find them and stop. However, I am also here to help you. Do not forget that.
Doctor McCoy gets up from his chair and readjusts his coat and walks out of Croc's cell. Officers Cho and Cash walk into the cell fully armed and forcibly put Croc's power dampening collar back on. Beast walks out of the cell feeling slightly dejected. While he was able to seemingly confirm that Croc has no ties to the Brotherhood what so ever, he wasn't able to connect with Croc the way he thought he would.
Later in the Batcave, Alfred Pennyworth watches from the railing as Bruce fights training robots after training robot. Bruce defeats each robot with a vicious precision as he disarms them one by one. Bruce tackles one down onto the ground and begins to wale on it ruthlessly. Bruce screams out as continues to pummel, his bloody fist is then suddenly grabbed by a concerned Alfred.
Alfred: That's quite enough training for today wouldn't you agree Master Bruce?
Bruce turns around and says nothing to Alfred, instead he breaks free of Alfred's grip and walks out of the designated training space in the cave. On the way out Beast walks past a shirtless Bruce who's covered in sweat and bloody knuckles are now bandaged. Bruce pays the mutant hero no mind as he walks into the elevator up to the mansion. Beast looks back bewildered at how Batman has shut himself out from everyone. Alfred walks toward the Bat-Computer looking somewhat defeated, he leans against the chair and Beast walks toward him ready to comfort his new friend.
Beast: I'm assuming the conversation you had with Mister Wayne was productive.
Alfred looks up from the chair, his eyes are tired. The thought of his son being in such anguish tortures him, Alfred shakes his head in dismay.
Alfred: I probably stopped him from breaking his hand but not much else.
Beast: I do believe the phrase, "Rome wasn't built in a day" applies.
Alfred takes a seat and begins to type away on the keyboard of the computer. The monitor of the computer alerts that video call from the "Wayne Foundation Building" is coming in, Alfred accepts the call revealing Dick Grayson in his civilian clothes inside the apartment of the building.
Dick: Well you certainly aren't Bruce Wayne.
Alfred: No, I am afraid I cut into his brooding time in the cave so he relocated it to somewhere upstairs I'm sure.
Beast: What seems to be the issue Mister Grayson.
Dick: Oh nothing Doc, just wanted to coordinate with you and hopefully Bruce about doing some recon on Amusement Mile tonight.
Alfred: I wouldn't hold your breath on Master Bruce joining you four this evening.
Dick raises an eyebrow and asks the question, "Four?". Alfred remains quiet looking at Dick like an annoyed parent would look at their child who knows the answers to a question they're asking. That's when it hits Dick all at once, his jaw drops and eyes go wide.
Dick: Did you ask Barbra?
Alfred: No, she actually reached out to me. Told me she had done her mourning and was ready to help.
Dick: I don't think that's a good idea...
Alfred: Are you sleeping with Miss Bertinelli?
Dick chuckles at the comment from Alfred before telling him, "No of course not Alfred.". Alfred dryly retorts to the former Boy-Wonder, "Than her presence shouldn't be a bother.". Alfred then abruptly hangs up the call and gets up from the chair. Beast however stops him before he leaves.
Beast: Who is Barbra?
The voice of a young woman from the elevator shaft says, "That would be me!". Beast and Alfred turn to see a young woman in her mid-twenties stepping into the lights. She is a ginger woman in black shirt, jeans, and glasses. This is Barbra Gordon, the vigilante known to the general public as Batgirl.
Alfred: Good to see you Miss Gordon.
Barbra: You too Alfred.
The two share a warm hug as if they haven't seen each other in sometime. Beast looks on knowing that between the death of Jason and the way Bruce is handling his own grief, that this has been extremely challenging time for them. Barbra releases from Alfred and immediately walks up to Hank.
Barbra: You must be Doctor McCoy. Dad's told me a decent bit about you already. I'm Barbra Gordon.
Beast's eyes widen realizing that this is the Commissioner's daughter. Without hesitation, Beast sticks his hand out to shake saying, "It's an honor to meet you Miss Gordon.".
Barbra: Alfred was telling me you guys have a lead on where the Brotherhood might be?
Beast: Yes, Miss Bertinelli believes them to be in "Amusement Mile".
Barbra looks visibly shaken as she tells Beast, "Never liked going there.". She walks over to the display of her Batgirl uniform and turns to Beast, "We'll leave the cave after sun down. Once there we will coordinate with Helena and Dick.".
Alfred: Master Grayson was excited to hear you doing field work with us.
Barbra: You don't have to lie for him Alfred, we're on good terms.
Beast: I can prep the Batwing and-
Barbra shakes her finger saying, "Oh no, since I doubt Bruce will be joining us... I have a different idea.". She looks down from the railing at the Batmobile with a smile on her face. Alfred realizes what she's thinking and says, "Miss Gordon, I would strongly advise against that.". Barbra shakes her head at Alfred before responding, "It has all the tools we need. Especially if we're going to Amusement Mile, no sense in prepping the Batwing when it's way more accessible to use the Batmobile.". Alfred curls up his dissatisfied but knows that Barbra is right.
Alfred: You are right... BUT, I will be the one driving from the cave!
Barbra: Deal.