Post by thekillingjoke on Aug 31, 2011 16:20:11 GMT -5
Batman #4
By Cornelius Spunkwater
- - -
Wayne Manor - 2115
The door to the caverns below Wayne Manor opens and Talia hears running waters echo from the darkness within. She carries an electric lantern with her and descends the path to the ground below where Wayne sits. Her steps echo with the waters but he doesn’t look back. He scratches his scalp and hangs his head down so long dark hair falls over his face and shoulders. His leathery wings fold over on either side and occasionally shuffle the dirt. At the foot of the path Talia stops to watch him and she asks: Why am I here?
Wayne looks toward her and says: Will you come closer? I won’t hurt you.
I don’t want to. No.
Please. I promise I won’t hurt you.
She goes to him and stops short a few feet and sets the lantern down then asks: What do you want?
Talia. Are you angry with me?
For hurting my father in cold blood? Yes I’m angry.
I’m sorry.
That doesn’t mean much coming from you.
Talia. Try to understand my position. You and your father broke into my home with every intention of killing me. In hindsight maybe I overreacted but at the time I was so filled with hate I couldn’t help it. The idea that people would come to kill me.
Are you saying you’re not filled with hate now?
No. I am. But it’s so exhausting. I don’t even know why I hate anymore.
Talia doesn’t say anything for a while and then Wayne adds: I haven’t seen the world outside this house in years. Not since I changed into this. A freak.
I’m sorry.
I know. You don’t care. I’m a monster. You’d rather kill me.
What do you want me to say?
I don’t know. Say whatever you want.
Why do you keep me here?
I don’t know.
Yes you do.
When I saw your face it reminded me of someone I knew a long time ago.
Did you love her?
I was fond of her. But it didn’t end well.
I’m not her.
I know you aren’t, Wayne says and stands. Talia watches while he spreads his wings wide and how she can see so many veins and she looks over his elongated bones and how sickly he appears. He faces her then and approaches her but she doesn’t back away. When he looks down she’s a head shorter and he looks her in the eye.
I’m not afraid of you, she says.
You have no reason. I don’t want to hurt you.
Why did you keep me here? Did you think I’d learn to love you? That I’d see beauty inside the monster?
I struck you accidentally in the struggle with your father and I wanted to see that you were all right. I didn’t mean to hit you. But no, I never expected you to love me or anything like that. You have no reason to stay. Leave if you want.
Wayne pulls his wings together and walks past her toward the mansion. Meanwhile Talia watches him leave and says nothing. He doesn’t look back. She breathes deeply and faces the stream running along the rocks. She takes her lantern and comes to the stream to see her reflection so vague in running waters. Behind she hears a door close and it echoes throughout.
Texas – 1904
Wayne and Gordon ride up to the jailhouse with the wounded man on back of Gordon’s horse. The lights in the jailhouse are out and they stop and Gordon dismounts to load his shotgun and take the lantern from his horse. Wayne dismounts too and the man moans still but Wayne loads his revolver and tells him to shut up. He goes to the door and looks inside. Gordon follows and holds the lantern past the threshold and says: Jesus.
Jose’s been killed, Wayne says.
Jesus Christ they took half is body with em, Gordon says and sets the lantern on the floor and looks over Jose’s torso. His innards are spilled over the floor with blood seeping between the cracks. Gordon looks toward the jail cells and Isaiah’s gone. The guns and ammo are gone too.
What now? Wayne asks.
We’re gonna get the undertaker up and get what’s lefta Jose to im. That’s the right thing to do. After that we’re gonna ask this sum bitch where is friends are.
Think we should alert the town?
No. They’re gone. This is how they work. Always killin a person and leavin fore anyone can notice. No. Let’s just get Jose cleaned up nice and quiet.
All right then. You go get him and I’ll keep an eye on our boy here.
Gordon walks farther along the road toward the undertaker’s residence while Wayne looks at the man on the back of Gordon’s horse. He hears the man’s blood pumping in his veins and steps closer. He brushes the man’s hair aside and turns his head to reach the carotid artery. The man starts to scream but Wayne muffles the cries and drinks enough to sustain himself. When he releases him the wounds have already healed and Gordon is walking back toward the jailhouse with the undertaker following him and carrying another lantern.
The body’s in the jailhouse ye say? The undertaker asks and ducks under the door frame a little so he doesn’t hit his head. There with his lantern he sees Jose’s remains and says: Yeah, I’d say that’s it.
And? Gordon asks.
I’ll put together something for im real quick. Just need ta take a few measurements.
The undertaker pulls out a tape measurer and sets his own lantern down and gets to work by the lamplight. Meanwhile Gordon takes his lantern and steps outside and yanks the wounded man off his horse. The man hits the ground on his hurt leg and cries out but Gordon kicks him in the ribs and tells him to shut up. Gordon puts the lantern down and holds his shotgun in the man’s face and says: Boy ye’d better get to telling me bout where ye friends are.
Wayne holds his thumbs on his belt with his gun still holstered and says: I’d listen to him if I were you. He doesn’t look like he’s a man of much patience at the moment.
Will ye let me live if I tell ye? The man asks.
Then Gordon says: Maybe we will an maybe we won’t. Ye best bet is to start talking.
All right. I’ll tell ye. They got a camp up in the mountains where the natives used to be. Any of em that didn’t convert were killed an eaten.
Up in the mountains. Shit.
We hold our services there. Reverend Blackfire says we gotta keep this world decent by consumin its sins with daily holy communion.
What kinda goddamned blasphemy is that? Ye think ye’re pleasing God by killin is children? Goddammit. Shit like you doesn’t belong in the world.
Then Wayne puts his hand on the barrel of the shotgun to lower it some and says: Sheriff. Don’t shoot him.
Why shouldn’t I?
We might need him alive for now. Besides it wouldn’t be right to kill him in cold blood like this.
Goddammit. Ye’re right Wayne. Ye’re right.
You going to be all right?
Yeah. Let’s get im locked up. We’d better grab the keys an take em with us too.
All right, Wayne says. He takes the man by his collar and drags him past the door and through a puddle of Jose’s blood and tosses him into the jail cell. The man rolls over the floor and hits the cot and Wayne slams the door shut. As Wayne leaves he takes the bloody key ring from the desk and gives them to Gordon.
Ye handled im pretty good by yeself, Gordon says.
I was born strong.
Spose ye were. We should get ourselves goin toward the mountains now.
We should get some rest sheriff. We’re tired.
We can’t rest now Wayne. We gotta get to them fore they kill somebody else.
It’s suicide. Besides the sun’s going to rise in a couple hours.
The hell difference does it make?
Doesn’t make any difference. I’m just tired is all.
So put it off and let’s take care of this.
No can do sheriff. I’ll help you but I’m not killing myself doing it.
Wayne, ye wanna sleep the day away then fine. I don’t give a shit. But if ye’re not comin then I’m goin by myself.
Sheriff. Wait.
Gordon kicks his horse and rides off toward the mountains while Wayne stands watching. After a mile he can’t see Gordon’s silhouette anymore but still he sees the lantern on his horse. Wayne calls his horse over and brushes its mane but doesn’t say anything. He looks toward the distance where Gordon rode off then shakes his head and kicks the sides of his horse and rides.
Wayne Enterprises – 2115
A digital clock in Derek Power’s office flicks to 12:00 and the artificial sunlight shines brightly through the window on the back of Power’s neck. In a corner of the room is a muted television showing stocks but he’s not watching. At his desk he plays chess on a holographic board against the computer and waves his hand over the board to move a pawn ahead. The computer captures it with a knight. The intercom buzzes and his receptionist says: Mr. Powers, Harvey Dent is here to see you.
Send him in, Powers says.
There’s a knock and Powers turns the board off. Dent comes inside and shuts the door behind him. His hair’s combed over the cyber work on his scalp and Powers asks: Trying out a new hairstyle Harvey?
I thought I’d try it and see how it looks, Dent says.
It looks about as good as it can.
Thanks. I think.
So what’s the news Harvey?
Well there’s good news and good news.
Well don’t keep me in suspense. Let’s hear it.
Everything’s squared away. Bruce Wayne is legally dead.
And that means I’m the boss now.
You’re the boss Derek.
Well I’ll be goddamned. That’s some great news if I’ve ever heard any. We should celebrate.
Now? It’s barely past noon.
Why the hell not? Let’s go see Oswald and have some drinks.
Fine, Dent says and opens the door. Outside the secretary smiles at him again and he smiles back. Powers closes his office door and tells his secretary he’s going out for a bit and doesn’t know when he’ll be back. Together he and Dent walk to the elevator and Powers hits the call button.
I still can’t believe Wayne didn’t even put up a fight, Powers says.
Maybe he’s dead after all.
Maybe. Even so it was too easy.
An explosion erupts in Powers’ office. Dent tackles him down to shield him from the blast. The door flies off its hinges and crushes a man’s head. Pieces of the wall burst and the shrapnel kills the secretary and several more in the line of fire. This side of the building burns and there’s a giant hole where Powers’ office used to be. The floor begins to cave in and files cabinets and desk and employees slide and fall out the hole toward the streets below.
Jesus Christ, Powers says.
Come on, Dent says. We need to get the fuck out of here.
Powers almost falls with the angle of the floor but Dent takes his hand and pulls him up. They run past panicking workers and some trip and fall to their death while others also run for the fire escape. Dent hits the red door and it swings open and Powers follows. Many workers are pushing against each other and Dent hits them so they fall forward down the stairs and some hit the floor hard. Powers stops sometimes to rest but Dent pulls him and says: Come on dammit, and they run until they reach the bottom. The building shudders and they kick open the exit. Outside clusters of glass and metal and furniture fall to the ground around them in flames. They weave around everything but some beams crash around Dent and he falls forward. He rolls over and looks up and can’t see Powers for a moment but then Dent sees him lying on the ground split in half by a beam that’s fallen across his stomach.
Texas – 1904
From far off Wayne smells Gordon and he kicks his horse and the horse runs faster. Soon he sees Gordon riding gently and Wayne rides alongside Gordon who turns his head to look at him. Wayne slows a bit and Gordon glances back then looks toward the expanse of desert dust. He looks toward Wayne again and says: I see ye found ye balls Wayne.
I guess I did sheriff, Wayne says.
Ye know. I’ve been thinkin bout what ye said bout us needin some rest.
And?
Ye might have a point.
How far do you reckon we have to the mountains?
Bout another day’s worth. Maybe a day an a half.
We ought to rest up unless we want to get ourselves killed sleeping in a shootout.
Gordon shouts and slows his horse. Wayne shouts too and pulls on the reins to stop his horse. Gordon pulls the reins to turn the horse around and he goes beside Wayne so they face each other and Gordon asks: Ye got any supplies?
I got a few things. A knife. Bullets. Some water for the horse. Not much.
I spose it’s all right. We’re not goin far.
Let’s find ourselves some shelter. Keep ourselves out of the sun and out of sight.
Ye really don’t care much for the sun do ye?
Not particularly no.
Right then. There’s a house up yonder. Let’s see if they’ll take us in.
A few hundred feet away there’s the house set under stars that can barely be seen save for the candlelight in the windows. They ride slowly past the fence toward the porch and Gordon dismounts. He hands Wayne the reins and knocks on the door and waits a bit until a stocky man opens. The man looks at them a moment with the door opened a crack and he asks: What do ye want?
Scuse me sir but I’m sheriff James Gordon an this is my deputy Bruce Wayne. We’re headed toward the mountains and we’re real tired and we were wonderin if it might not be too much trouble for ye to put us up for the night. We’d be real grateful for it an we’d be on our way right after we wake up.
What you lookin for up in them mountains?
Fraid I can’t tell ye bout that mister.
It’s them people eatin religious folk isn’t it? I seen em before. Hell I seen em lots a times. They’re a real bunch a freaks.
That they are sir. Is it all right if we stay here tonight?
The man doesn’t respond for a while and stares at Gordon and says: Yeah. Ye can stay the night. Ain’t much but it’s four walls.
Thank ye kindly sir, Gordon says.
Gordon waits for Wayne to tie the horses to the fence. After Wayne strokes his horse’s mane he enters the house and Gordon shuts the door while the man sits at his fireplace and just looks at the flames. There’s some fur and straw laid out on the floor and Gordon grabs some for himself and Wayne takes some too and they set out their mats for the night. Wayne lies down adjacent to Gordon and neither take their boots off but they set their guns beside each other. Gordon sits up a little and looks at the man and then at Wayne and asks: That fella seem all right to you?
I dunno. Could be he just doesn’t get company too often.
I can see why.
Let’s just go to sleep.
Gordon doesn’t say anything then and closes his eyes. Long after Gordon starts to snore a little and shifts on his hay Wayne is still awake and keeps on eye on the man by the fire. The man doesn’t move until morning when the sun rises. After it does Wayne closes his eyes and falls asleep.
Wayne Manor – 2115
Talia flops on a couch in the living room and picks up the remote on the table in front of her. She sighs and turns on the television and flips through channels until she stops on the local news. There’s a breaking news story flashing on the screen and it says: Bruce Wayne declared legally dead.
What? Talia asks.
There’s barely a glimpse of it before the story shifts to Wayne Enterprises and the anchorman says: This afternoon there was an explosion at the Wayne Enterprises building. According to witnesses the explosion took place in the office of Derek Powers, Bruce Wayne’s successor. Among the chaos Powers fled the building and was injured by falling debris. No word yet on Mr. Powers’ condition. Here to speak with us about the incident is Mr. Powers’ attorney, Mr. Harvey Dent. Hello Harvey.
Then Dent says: Hello Anthony.
Mr. Dent. Can you tell us anything about Derek Powers’ condition?
We’re still uncertain at this time but we’re confident he’ll make a full recovery. Derek Powers is a strong man and it’ll take more than acts of terrorism to put him down.
What do you think the motivation was for this attack?
It’s hard to say. There’s a lot of people who might be jealous of Mr. Powers’ position and that could have some bearing on the attack.
Mr. Dent, could it be someone within Wayne Enterprises?
I’m not at liberty to say. We just don’t know enough about the situation at this time to make any bold statements.
Talia turns off the television then and tosses the remote aside. She leaves the living room and goes upstairs toward Wayne’s bedroom. She knocks and there’s no answer so she knocks again. There’s still no answer and the door’s unlocked. She looks inside. Wayne’s asleep in bed lying on his back with his wings spread a little at the sides though his stomach and chest don’t move.
What do you want Talia? Wayne asks.
Have you seen the news? Talia asks and comes beside the bed.
No. Why?
You’ve been declared legally dead.
Have I now? I suppose Derek Powers is in charge now.
Yes he is. But he’s been hurt.
What do you mean?
Someone planted a bomb at your company and he was injured. His attorney was on TV talking about it.
Harvey Dent?
That’s him. Half his face was all fucked up with that cyborg stuff.
I know, Wayne says and sits up and adds: This is irony at its finest.
Are you going to do anything?
What would you have me do?
I don’t know. Get your company back for God’s sake. You want to be a man, not a monster, don’t you?
What difference would it make?
It doesn’t matter. I should leave. I don’t know why I’m still here.
I told you you could leave.
I know. I should have left earlier.
Wait, Wayne says and rises from his bed. Talia stops at the foot of the bed and looks toward him but as he approaches she turns away. He looks down at her and then she looks up with her arms folded.
What? She asks.
Don’t go Talia.
Why shouldn’t I?
Because you make me feel like less of a monster.
Bruce, if I stay you need to be honest with me. You can’t avoid me all hours of the day like you’ve been doing.
Do you still want to kill me?
No.
Even though I hurt your father?
I don’t like that you did it but I understand why.
Wayne looks in her eyes a long time and the wind blows in from the broken window to make her hair and his hair rustle with the breeze. After a long time he says: I need some time to think about this.
No. Either you go out into the world to live again or I’m leaving. That’s the choice and you have to make it now.
Wayne doesn’t say anything and Talia turns for the door. She descends the stairs with only the clothes she wears and leaves the mansion. Outside she stops and glances up at the bedroom window but she can’t see Wayne and she keeps moving. She feels light raindrops hit her face but doesn’t stop.
Texas – 1904
Wayne opens his eyes and a hatchet is swinging down toward his throat. He rolls to his left and the hatchet hits the straw and furs and he takes his revolver and on one knee he fires his weapon. The bullet tears into his attacker’s chest and the man falls back and drops the hatchet. Wayne walks closer to get a good look and sees it’s the man who let him and Gordon stay the night. He looks around the small house and Gordon’s gone and there’s no trace where his makeshift bed was. Wayne kneels beside the man who’s holding his wounded chest and shivering and Wayne asks: Where’s the sheriff?
He’s gone to get is sins eaten just like all the other nonbelievers, the man says.
Shit, Wayne says and looks toward the door. Then he looks down to the man. He takes him and turns his head aside and bites into the carotid. The blood flows slowly into his mouth and Wayne drinks until the man passes out and dies. He keeps drinking for a while after the heart stops but there isn’t much to be had. When he’s finished he sits down and wipes his lips clean and waits for the night.
Gotham Mainframe – 2115
There is a room where many programmers operate the directives of Gotham’s artificial intelligence. Edward Nashton sits at his workstation typing and clicking and squinting with the glare of the monitor. He looks at his watch and it’s been about four hours and it’s lunch time finally. He sighs and takes off his glasses to rub his eyes and puts them on again. He minimizes the program and goes to his desktop to open a browser and check his mail. After he logs in, there’s a message from Eddie Nigma at the top of his inbox with a subject that reads: What makes a computer smile? and Nashton says: Christ, what did I say? Don’t send me this crap.
Another programmer turns in his chair and asks: What’d you say Eddie?
Oh nothing. It’s just my friend sending crappy jokes to my work email.
Your friend whose name is also Eddie?
That’s the one.
Ha. Anything good?
Ugh. I doubt it but let’s see.
Nashton opens the email and the screen goes blank. A second later green text spreads across the screen and it reads: END OF WORKTIME. TURN SYSTEM OFF! and Nashton stares at it a moment and says: What the hell is this?
What’s the matter? the other programmer asks.
Look at this, Nashton says and moves over for his co-worker. They watch the screen and neither knows what to make of it. Finally Nashton says: Shit, this is a virus.
You think so? I’ve never seen one before.
Me either. But I read about them in school.
What should we do?
I don’t know. Check protocol on your monitor.
Nashton turns back to his own station and stares blankly at the text while the other programmer scoots to his station and starts to type. In the middle of a protocol search the screen turns black and more of the same text scrolls and reads: THE OTHER HARD DRIVE HAS BEEN DESTROYED. CAN YOU LEND ME YOURS?
The programmer stops typing and falls back in his chair then says: Oh fuck me, it’s on my monitor too.
Did you find anything? Nashton asks and rolls toward him.
No. It put this garbage up before I could.
Other programmers around the room begin to murmur and someone curses and asks: Is someone playing a joke? I don’t have time for this bullshit.
Someone else reads aloud: I am hungry. Insert hamburger into drive A. Smiley face.
Another person reads: Oh yes, give it to me.
Among the murmuring Gotham’s artificial intelligence interrupts and says: Warning. Maintenance directives have been infected. Please follow virus removal protocol and reinstall backup files to avoid further damage.
Since when do we get viruses? Someone asks.
Has anyone seen a virus before?
Don’t we have a firewall installed?
Someone must have opened something here.
Does anyone have a working monitor?
Nashton leaves his station and casually walks about the room. All the monitors have been taken hostage by bad jokes. One reads: NO SMOKING PLEASE and the monitor in question begins to smoke and its programmer backs away. Nashton keeps walking and doesn’t say anything but keeps his head down and sits at his station. He takes out his phone pad and touches the screen and rolls down a list of contacts to Edward Nigma.
What’re you doing? The programmer beside him asks.
Nothing, Nashton says and gets up. He goes to the men’s room restroom and enters a stall and locks it. He watches the pad while it rings several times. It picks up and there’s an older man at the other end who isn’t Eddie and Nashton asks: Who are you?
I’m Detective Robert Provost with the Gotham PD. Who am I speaking to?
Eddie Nashton. I’m looking for my friend Eddie.
Edward Nigma?
Yeah.
Listen Eddie, there’s something you need to know.
What?
Your friend’s been killed.
What?
He’s been killed, Eddie. I’m sorry.
Oh shit.
Listen. Do you know if your friend had any enemies? Or friends or family he’s been fighting with lately?
No. I don’t know anything about that.
Can I ask what you were calling him about?
Um. It’s nothing important.
Listen Mr. Nashton. Can I reach you at this number in case I have some more questions?
Sure, yeah. That’s fine. But I need to get back to work now.
All right. Thanks for talking to me.
Bye, Nashton says and disconnects. He deactivates the phone pad and sticks it in his pocket and leaves the men’s room. Outside everyone is staring at their monitors and hitting keyboards with no avail. The mainframe supervisor stands at the back of the room browsing a tablet and tries to access the mainframe’s protocol directory but when he does the tablet’s screen goes black like the monitors and reads: NAUGHTY TABLETS NEED SPANKINGS. SPANK. =D
Then over the PA system the artificial intelligence says: Warning. My programming is in danger of malicious replacement. Please take action and follow virus removal protocol before all directives are compromised.
All the programmers look at each other and watch the screens for a while. No one sees Nashton leave the room. He goes through several corridors and past the security clearance. At the front of the building he speedwalks past the receptionist who asks him where he’s going and he says he’s got to go to his car a minute to get something. She smiles and he moves a little faster.
Outside the air is muggy and Nashton breathes through his mouth. He doesn’t look back at the building but crosses the block toward the parking garage. Near the entrance he turns to see the mainframe building but it explodes and the rest of it crumbles to the ground. The force drives Nashton back and his head slams on the wall and he falls down. Debris falls around him and dust settles and all troubles seem to fade away.
Gotham City – 2115
In a back alley cyber shack Kase is sitting in a chair while a surgeon sits beside him replacing the missing arm with an unlicensed model. Sparks shoot while the surgeon works and the pain burns while he attaches the nerves. Kase bites down on a length of rope and tries to hold a gun steady at the surgeon working on his arm. Sweat pours down his face and he grunts. A few times he almost passes out but he stays conscious and watches the surgeon work.
This would be easier if you let me put you under, the surgeon says.
That is not happening. I have heard about the things that happen here.
I don’t know what you mean by that.
These clandestine replacement shops. You harvest the parts of customers for black market cloning.
You watch too much TV buddy.
Shut up and work.
The surgeon continues and attaches another muscle and another nerve. This continues for a half hour before the surgeon looks up and says: This would be even easier if you didn’t point a gun at me.
Are you finished yet?
Almost, the surgeon says and begins to cauterize the flesh around the artificial arm. Pain sears through Kase and he screams and drops the gun. He holds onto the chair and nearly bites through the rope. Minutes later the surgeon finishes and Kase looks at him. The surgeon pushes aside his tray and pulls down his mask and says: Move your fingers.
Kase moves his fingers and flexes the hand and makes a fist.
Good, the surgeon says. The arm is ugly and you won’t feel anything for a long time but it will work.
This is good. I am happy with your work.
Do you feel all right? You look sick.
Perhaps it is blood loss.
You didn’t bleed much during the operation, the surgeon says and rolls his cart to another part of the room to clean them. He rises them in a stained sink and the blood tints the water and then he sets them back on the cart. While doing this he looks back at Kase and says: Get out if you’re not going to pay me, I don’t want you in here anymore.
Kase stands and feels disoriented. He shakes his head and his skin feels so cold. The running faucet sounds like waterfalls rushing in his head and he stumbles out the door without his gun. He leans against a wall and tries to breathe but can’t and keeps walking past garbage bags and papers and fire escapes. He sees the neon lights at the end of the alley but they seem to blur and he falls facedown and passes out.
By Cornelius Spunkwater
- - -
Wayne Manor - 2115
The door to the caverns below Wayne Manor opens and Talia hears running waters echo from the darkness within. She carries an electric lantern with her and descends the path to the ground below where Wayne sits. Her steps echo with the waters but he doesn’t look back. He scratches his scalp and hangs his head down so long dark hair falls over his face and shoulders. His leathery wings fold over on either side and occasionally shuffle the dirt. At the foot of the path Talia stops to watch him and she asks: Why am I here?
Wayne looks toward her and says: Will you come closer? I won’t hurt you.
I don’t want to. No.
Please. I promise I won’t hurt you.
She goes to him and stops short a few feet and sets the lantern down then asks: What do you want?
Talia. Are you angry with me?
For hurting my father in cold blood? Yes I’m angry.
I’m sorry.
That doesn’t mean much coming from you.
Talia. Try to understand my position. You and your father broke into my home with every intention of killing me. In hindsight maybe I overreacted but at the time I was so filled with hate I couldn’t help it. The idea that people would come to kill me.
Are you saying you’re not filled with hate now?
No. I am. But it’s so exhausting. I don’t even know why I hate anymore.
Talia doesn’t say anything for a while and then Wayne adds: I haven’t seen the world outside this house in years. Not since I changed into this. A freak.
I’m sorry.
I know. You don’t care. I’m a monster. You’d rather kill me.
What do you want me to say?
I don’t know. Say whatever you want.
Why do you keep me here?
I don’t know.
Yes you do.
When I saw your face it reminded me of someone I knew a long time ago.
Did you love her?
I was fond of her. But it didn’t end well.
I’m not her.
I know you aren’t, Wayne says and stands. Talia watches while he spreads his wings wide and how she can see so many veins and she looks over his elongated bones and how sickly he appears. He faces her then and approaches her but she doesn’t back away. When he looks down she’s a head shorter and he looks her in the eye.
I’m not afraid of you, she says.
You have no reason. I don’t want to hurt you.
Why did you keep me here? Did you think I’d learn to love you? That I’d see beauty inside the monster?
I struck you accidentally in the struggle with your father and I wanted to see that you were all right. I didn’t mean to hit you. But no, I never expected you to love me or anything like that. You have no reason to stay. Leave if you want.
Wayne pulls his wings together and walks past her toward the mansion. Meanwhile Talia watches him leave and says nothing. He doesn’t look back. She breathes deeply and faces the stream running along the rocks. She takes her lantern and comes to the stream to see her reflection so vague in running waters. Behind she hears a door close and it echoes throughout.
- - -
Texas – 1904
Wayne and Gordon ride up to the jailhouse with the wounded man on back of Gordon’s horse. The lights in the jailhouse are out and they stop and Gordon dismounts to load his shotgun and take the lantern from his horse. Wayne dismounts too and the man moans still but Wayne loads his revolver and tells him to shut up. He goes to the door and looks inside. Gordon follows and holds the lantern past the threshold and says: Jesus.
Jose’s been killed, Wayne says.
Jesus Christ they took half is body with em, Gordon says and sets the lantern on the floor and looks over Jose’s torso. His innards are spilled over the floor with blood seeping between the cracks. Gordon looks toward the jail cells and Isaiah’s gone. The guns and ammo are gone too.
What now? Wayne asks.
We’re gonna get the undertaker up and get what’s lefta Jose to im. That’s the right thing to do. After that we’re gonna ask this sum bitch where is friends are.
Think we should alert the town?
No. They’re gone. This is how they work. Always killin a person and leavin fore anyone can notice. No. Let’s just get Jose cleaned up nice and quiet.
All right then. You go get him and I’ll keep an eye on our boy here.
Gordon walks farther along the road toward the undertaker’s residence while Wayne looks at the man on the back of Gordon’s horse. He hears the man’s blood pumping in his veins and steps closer. He brushes the man’s hair aside and turns his head to reach the carotid artery. The man starts to scream but Wayne muffles the cries and drinks enough to sustain himself. When he releases him the wounds have already healed and Gordon is walking back toward the jailhouse with the undertaker following him and carrying another lantern.
The body’s in the jailhouse ye say? The undertaker asks and ducks under the door frame a little so he doesn’t hit his head. There with his lantern he sees Jose’s remains and says: Yeah, I’d say that’s it.
And? Gordon asks.
I’ll put together something for im real quick. Just need ta take a few measurements.
The undertaker pulls out a tape measurer and sets his own lantern down and gets to work by the lamplight. Meanwhile Gordon takes his lantern and steps outside and yanks the wounded man off his horse. The man hits the ground on his hurt leg and cries out but Gordon kicks him in the ribs and tells him to shut up. Gordon puts the lantern down and holds his shotgun in the man’s face and says: Boy ye’d better get to telling me bout where ye friends are.
Wayne holds his thumbs on his belt with his gun still holstered and says: I’d listen to him if I were you. He doesn’t look like he’s a man of much patience at the moment.
Will ye let me live if I tell ye? The man asks.
Then Gordon says: Maybe we will an maybe we won’t. Ye best bet is to start talking.
All right. I’ll tell ye. They got a camp up in the mountains where the natives used to be. Any of em that didn’t convert were killed an eaten.
Up in the mountains. Shit.
We hold our services there. Reverend Blackfire says we gotta keep this world decent by consumin its sins with daily holy communion.
What kinda goddamned blasphemy is that? Ye think ye’re pleasing God by killin is children? Goddammit. Shit like you doesn’t belong in the world.
Then Wayne puts his hand on the barrel of the shotgun to lower it some and says: Sheriff. Don’t shoot him.
Why shouldn’t I?
We might need him alive for now. Besides it wouldn’t be right to kill him in cold blood like this.
Goddammit. Ye’re right Wayne. Ye’re right.
You going to be all right?
Yeah. Let’s get im locked up. We’d better grab the keys an take em with us too.
All right, Wayne says. He takes the man by his collar and drags him past the door and through a puddle of Jose’s blood and tosses him into the jail cell. The man rolls over the floor and hits the cot and Wayne slams the door shut. As Wayne leaves he takes the bloody key ring from the desk and gives them to Gordon.
Ye handled im pretty good by yeself, Gordon says.
I was born strong.
Spose ye were. We should get ourselves goin toward the mountains now.
We should get some rest sheriff. We’re tired.
We can’t rest now Wayne. We gotta get to them fore they kill somebody else.
It’s suicide. Besides the sun’s going to rise in a couple hours.
The hell difference does it make?
Doesn’t make any difference. I’m just tired is all.
So put it off and let’s take care of this.
No can do sheriff. I’ll help you but I’m not killing myself doing it.
Wayne, ye wanna sleep the day away then fine. I don’t give a shit. But if ye’re not comin then I’m goin by myself.
Sheriff. Wait.
Gordon kicks his horse and rides off toward the mountains while Wayne stands watching. After a mile he can’t see Gordon’s silhouette anymore but still he sees the lantern on his horse. Wayne calls his horse over and brushes its mane but doesn’t say anything. He looks toward the distance where Gordon rode off then shakes his head and kicks the sides of his horse and rides.
- - -
Wayne Enterprises – 2115
A digital clock in Derek Power’s office flicks to 12:00 and the artificial sunlight shines brightly through the window on the back of Power’s neck. In a corner of the room is a muted television showing stocks but he’s not watching. At his desk he plays chess on a holographic board against the computer and waves his hand over the board to move a pawn ahead. The computer captures it with a knight. The intercom buzzes and his receptionist says: Mr. Powers, Harvey Dent is here to see you.
Send him in, Powers says.
There’s a knock and Powers turns the board off. Dent comes inside and shuts the door behind him. His hair’s combed over the cyber work on his scalp and Powers asks: Trying out a new hairstyle Harvey?
I thought I’d try it and see how it looks, Dent says.
It looks about as good as it can.
Thanks. I think.
So what’s the news Harvey?
Well there’s good news and good news.
Well don’t keep me in suspense. Let’s hear it.
Everything’s squared away. Bruce Wayne is legally dead.
And that means I’m the boss now.
You’re the boss Derek.
Well I’ll be goddamned. That’s some great news if I’ve ever heard any. We should celebrate.
Now? It’s barely past noon.
Why the hell not? Let’s go see Oswald and have some drinks.
Fine, Dent says and opens the door. Outside the secretary smiles at him again and he smiles back. Powers closes his office door and tells his secretary he’s going out for a bit and doesn’t know when he’ll be back. Together he and Dent walk to the elevator and Powers hits the call button.
I still can’t believe Wayne didn’t even put up a fight, Powers says.
Maybe he’s dead after all.
Maybe. Even so it was too easy.
An explosion erupts in Powers’ office. Dent tackles him down to shield him from the blast. The door flies off its hinges and crushes a man’s head. Pieces of the wall burst and the shrapnel kills the secretary and several more in the line of fire. This side of the building burns and there’s a giant hole where Powers’ office used to be. The floor begins to cave in and files cabinets and desk and employees slide and fall out the hole toward the streets below.
Jesus Christ, Powers says.
Come on, Dent says. We need to get the fuck out of here.
Powers almost falls with the angle of the floor but Dent takes his hand and pulls him up. They run past panicking workers and some trip and fall to their death while others also run for the fire escape. Dent hits the red door and it swings open and Powers follows. Many workers are pushing against each other and Dent hits them so they fall forward down the stairs and some hit the floor hard. Powers stops sometimes to rest but Dent pulls him and says: Come on dammit, and they run until they reach the bottom. The building shudders and they kick open the exit. Outside clusters of glass and metal and furniture fall to the ground around them in flames. They weave around everything but some beams crash around Dent and he falls forward. He rolls over and looks up and can’t see Powers for a moment but then Dent sees him lying on the ground split in half by a beam that’s fallen across his stomach.
- - -
Texas – 1904
From far off Wayne smells Gordon and he kicks his horse and the horse runs faster. Soon he sees Gordon riding gently and Wayne rides alongside Gordon who turns his head to look at him. Wayne slows a bit and Gordon glances back then looks toward the expanse of desert dust. He looks toward Wayne again and says: I see ye found ye balls Wayne.
I guess I did sheriff, Wayne says.
Ye know. I’ve been thinkin bout what ye said bout us needin some rest.
And?
Ye might have a point.
How far do you reckon we have to the mountains?
Bout another day’s worth. Maybe a day an a half.
We ought to rest up unless we want to get ourselves killed sleeping in a shootout.
Gordon shouts and slows his horse. Wayne shouts too and pulls on the reins to stop his horse. Gordon pulls the reins to turn the horse around and he goes beside Wayne so they face each other and Gordon asks: Ye got any supplies?
I got a few things. A knife. Bullets. Some water for the horse. Not much.
I spose it’s all right. We’re not goin far.
Let’s find ourselves some shelter. Keep ourselves out of the sun and out of sight.
Ye really don’t care much for the sun do ye?
Not particularly no.
Right then. There’s a house up yonder. Let’s see if they’ll take us in.
A few hundred feet away there’s the house set under stars that can barely be seen save for the candlelight in the windows. They ride slowly past the fence toward the porch and Gordon dismounts. He hands Wayne the reins and knocks on the door and waits a bit until a stocky man opens. The man looks at them a moment with the door opened a crack and he asks: What do ye want?
Scuse me sir but I’m sheriff James Gordon an this is my deputy Bruce Wayne. We’re headed toward the mountains and we’re real tired and we were wonderin if it might not be too much trouble for ye to put us up for the night. We’d be real grateful for it an we’d be on our way right after we wake up.
What you lookin for up in them mountains?
Fraid I can’t tell ye bout that mister.
It’s them people eatin religious folk isn’t it? I seen em before. Hell I seen em lots a times. They’re a real bunch a freaks.
That they are sir. Is it all right if we stay here tonight?
The man doesn’t respond for a while and stares at Gordon and says: Yeah. Ye can stay the night. Ain’t much but it’s four walls.
Thank ye kindly sir, Gordon says.
Gordon waits for Wayne to tie the horses to the fence. After Wayne strokes his horse’s mane he enters the house and Gordon shuts the door while the man sits at his fireplace and just looks at the flames. There’s some fur and straw laid out on the floor and Gordon grabs some for himself and Wayne takes some too and they set out their mats for the night. Wayne lies down adjacent to Gordon and neither take their boots off but they set their guns beside each other. Gordon sits up a little and looks at the man and then at Wayne and asks: That fella seem all right to you?
I dunno. Could be he just doesn’t get company too often.
I can see why.
Let’s just go to sleep.
Gordon doesn’t say anything then and closes his eyes. Long after Gordon starts to snore a little and shifts on his hay Wayne is still awake and keeps on eye on the man by the fire. The man doesn’t move until morning when the sun rises. After it does Wayne closes his eyes and falls asleep.
- - -
Wayne Manor – 2115
Talia flops on a couch in the living room and picks up the remote on the table in front of her. She sighs and turns on the television and flips through channels until she stops on the local news. There’s a breaking news story flashing on the screen and it says: Bruce Wayne declared legally dead.
What? Talia asks.
There’s barely a glimpse of it before the story shifts to Wayne Enterprises and the anchorman says: This afternoon there was an explosion at the Wayne Enterprises building. According to witnesses the explosion took place in the office of Derek Powers, Bruce Wayne’s successor. Among the chaos Powers fled the building and was injured by falling debris. No word yet on Mr. Powers’ condition. Here to speak with us about the incident is Mr. Powers’ attorney, Mr. Harvey Dent. Hello Harvey.
Then Dent says: Hello Anthony.
Mr. Dent. Can you tell us anything about Derek Powers’ condition?
We’re still uncertain at this time but we’re confident he’ll make a full recovery. Derek Powers is a strong man and it’ll take more than acts of terrorism to put him down.
What do you think the motivation was for this attack?
It’s hard to say. There’s a lot of people who might be jealous of Mr. Powers’ position and that could have some bearing on the attack.
Mr. Dent, could it be someone within Wayne Enterprises?
I’m not at liberty to say. We just don’t know enough about the situation at this time to make any bold statements.
Talia turns off the television then and tosses the remote aside. She leaves the living room and goes upstairs toward Wayne’s bedroom. She knocks and there’s no answer so she knocks again. There’s still no answer and the door’s unlocked. She looks inside. Wayne’s asleep in bed lying on his back with his wings spread a little at the sides though his stomach and chest don’t move.
What do you want Talia? Wayne asks.
Have you seen the news? Talia asks and comes beside the bed.
No. Why?
You’ve been declared legally dead.
Have I now? I suppose Derek Powers is in charge now.
Yes he is. But he’s been hurt.
What do you mean?
Someone planted a bomb at your company and he was injured. His attorney was on TV talking about it.
Harvey Dent?
That’s him. Half his face was all fucked up with that cyborg stuff.
I know, Wayne says and sits up and adds: This is irony at its finest.
Are you going to do anything?
What would you have me do?
I don’t know. Get your company back for God’s sake. You want to be a man, not a monster, don’t you?
What difference would it make?
It doesn’t matter. I should leave. I don’t know why I’m still here.
I told you you could leave.
I know. I should have left earlier.
Wait, Wayne says and rises from his bed. Talia stops at the foot of the bed and looks toward him but as he approaches she turns away. He looks down at her and then she looks up with her arms folded.
What? She asks.
Don’t go Talia.
Why shouldn’t I?
Because you make me feel like less of a monster.
Bruce, if I stay you need to be honest with me. You can’t avoid me all hours of the day like you’ve been doing.
Do you still want to kill me?
No.
Even though I hurt your father?
I don’t like that you did it but I understand why.
Wayne looks in her eyes a long time and the wind blows in from the broken window to make her hair and his hair rustle with the breeze. After a long time he says: I need some time to think about this.
No. Either you go out into the world to live again or I’m leaving. That’s the choice and you have to make it now.
Wayne doesn’t say anything and Talia turns for the door. She descends the stairs with only the clothes she wears and leaves the mansion. Outside she stops and glances up at the bedroom window but she can’t see Wayne and she keeps moving. She feels light raindrops hit her face but doesn’t stop.
- - -
Texas – 1904
Wayne opens his eyes and a hatchet is swinging down toward his throat. He rolls to his left and the hatchet hits the straw and furs and he takes his revolver and on one knee he fires his weapon. The bullet tears into his attacker’s chest and the man falls back and drops the hatchet. Wayne walks closer to get a good look and sees it’s the man who let him and Gordon stay the night. He looks around the small house and Gordon’s gone and there’s no trace where his makeshift bed was. Wayne kneels beside the man who’s holding his wounded chest and shivering and Wayne asks: Where’s the sheriff?
He’s gone to get is sins eaten just like all the other nonbelievers, the man says.
Shit, Wayne says and looks toward the door. Then he looks down to the man. He takes him and turns his head aside and bites into the carotid. The blood flows slowly into his mouth and Wayne drinks until the man passes out and dies. He keeps drinking for a while after the heart stops but there isn’t much to be had. When he’s finished he sits down and wipes his lips clean and waits for the night.
- - -
Gotham Mainframe – 2115
There is a room where many programmers operate the directives of Gotham’s artificial intelligence. Edward Nashton sits at his workstation typing and clicking and squinting with the glare of the monitor. He looks at his watch and it’s been about four hours and it’s lunch time finally. He sighs and takes off his glasses to rub his eyes and puts them on again. He minimizes the program and goes to his desktop to open a browser and check his mail. After he logs in, there’s a message from Eddie Nigma at the top of his inbox with a subject that reads: What makes a computer smile? and Nashton says: Christ, what did I say? Don’t send me this crap.
Another programmer turns in his chair and asks: What’d you say Eddie?
Oh nothing. It’s just my friend sending crappy jokes to my work email.
Your friend whose name is also Eddie?
That’s the one.
Ha. Anything good?
Ugh. I doubt it but let’s see.
Nashton opens the email and the screen goes blank. A second later green text spreads across the screen and it reads: END OF WORKTIME. TURN SYSTEM OFF! and Nashton stares at it a moment and says: What the hell is this?
What’s the matter? the other programmer asks.
Look at this, Nashton says and moves over for his co-worker. They watch the screen and neither knows what to make of it. Finally Nashton says: Shit, this is a virus.
You think so? I’ve never seen one before.
Me either. But I read about them in school.
What should we do?
I don’t know. Check protocol on your monitor.
Nashton turns back to his own station and stares blankly at the text while the other programmer scoots to his station and starts to type. In the middle of a protocol search the screen turns black and more of the same text scrolls and reads: THE OTHER HARD DRIVE HAS BEEN DESTROYED. CAN YOU LEND ME YOURS?
The programmer stops typing and falls back in his chair then says: Oh fuck me, it’s on my monitor too.
Did you find anything? Nashton asks and rolls toward him.
No. It put this garbage up before I could.
Other programmers around the room begin to murmur and someone curses and asks: Is someone playing a joke? I don’t have time for this bullshit.
Someone else reads aloud: I am hungry. Insert hamburger into drive A. Smiley face.
Another person reads: Oh yes, give it to me.
Among the murmuring Gotham’s artificial intelligence interrupts and says: Warning. Maintenance directives have been infected. Please follow virus removal protocol and reinstall backup files to avoid further damage.
Since when do we get viruses? Someone asks.
Has anyone seen a virus before?
Don’t we have a firewall installed?
Someone must have opened something here.
Does anyone have a working monitor?
Nashton leaves his station and casually walks about the room. All the monitors have been taken hostage by bad jokes. One reads: NO SMOKING PLEASE and the monitor in question begins to smoke and its programmer backs away. Nashton keeps walking and doesn’t say anything but keeps his head down and sits at his station. He takes out his phone pad and touches the screen and rolls down a list of contacts to Edward Nigma.
What’re you doing? The programmer beside him asks.
Nothing, Nashton says and gets up. He goes to the men’s room restroom and enters a stall and locks it. He watches the pad while it rings several times. It picks up and there’s an older man at the other end who isn’t Eddie and Nashton asks: Who are you?
I’m Detective Robert Provost with the Gotham PD. Who am I speaking to?
Eddie Nashton. I’m looking for my friend Eddie.
Edward Nigma?
Yeah.
Listen Eddie, there’s something you need to know.
What?
Your friend’s been killed.
What?
He’s been killed, Eddie. I’m sorry.
Oh shit.
Listen. Do you know if your friend had any enemies? Or friends or family he’s been fighting with lately?
No. I don’t know anything about that.
Can I ask what you were calling him about?
Um. It’s nothing important.
Listen Mr. Nashton. Can I reach you at this number in case I have some more questions?
Sure, yeah. That’s fine. But I need to get back to work now.
All right. Thanks for talking to me.
Bye, Nashton says and disconnects. He deactivates the phone pad and sticks it in his pocket and leaves the men’s room. Outside everyone is staring at their monitors and hitting keyboards with no avail. The mainframe supervisor stands at the back of the room browsing a tablet and tries to access the mainframe’s protocol directory but when he does the tablet’s screen goes black like the monitors and reads: NAUGHTY TABLETS NEED SPANKINGS. SPANK. =D
Then over the PA system the artificial intelligence says: Warning. My programming is in danger of malicious replacement. Please take action and follow virus removal protocol before all directives are compromised.
All the programmers look at each other and watch the screens for a while. No one sees Nashton leave the room. He goes through several corridors and past the security clearance. At the front of the building he speedwalks past the receptionist who asks him where he’s going and he says he’s got to go to his car a minute to get something. She smiles and he moves a little faster.
Outside the air is muggy and Nashton breathes through his mouth. He doesn’t look back at the building but crosses the block toward the parking garage. Near the entrance he turns to see the mainframe building but it explodes and the rest of it crumbles to the ground. The force drives Nashton back and his head slams on the wall and he falls down. Debris falls around him and dust settles and all troubles seem to fade away.
- - -
Gotham City – 2115
In a back alley cyber shack Kase is sitting in a chair while a surgeon sits beside him replacing the missing arm with an unlicensed model. Sparks shoot while the surgeon works and the pain burns while he attaches the nerves. Kase bites down on a length of rope and tries to hold a gun steady at the surgeon working on his arm. Sweat pours down his face and he grunts. A few times he almost passes out but he stays conscious and watches the surgeon work.
This would be easier if you let me put you under, the surgeon says.
That is not happening. I have heard about the things that happen here.
I don’t know what you mean by that.
These clandestine replacement shops. You harvest the parts of customers for black market cloning.
You watch too much TV buddy.
Shut up and work.
The surgeon continues and attaches another muscle and another nerve. This continues for a half hour before the surgeon looks up and says: This would be even easier if you didn’t point a gun at me.
Are you finished yet?
Almost, the surgeon says and begins to cauterize the flesh around the artificial arm. Pain sears through Kase and he screams and drops the gun. He holds onto the chair and nearly bites through the rope. Minutes later the surgeon finishes and Kase looks at him. The surgeon pushes aside his tray and pulls down his mask and says: Move your fingers.
Kase moves his fingers and flexes the hand and makes a fist.
Good, the surgeon says. The arm is ugly and you won’t feel anything for a long time but it will work.
This is good. I am happy with your work.
Do you feel all right? You look sick.
Perhaps it is blood loss.
You didn’t bleed much during the operation, the surgeon says and rolls his cart to another part of the room to clean them. He rises them in a stained sink and the blood tints the water and then he sets them back on the cart. While doing this he looks back at Kase and says: Get out if you’re not going to pay me, I don’t want you in here anymore.
Kase stands and feels disoriented. He shakes his head and his skin feels so cold. The running faucet sounds like waterfalls rushing in his head and he stumbles out the door without his gun. He leans against a wall and tries to breathe but can’t and keeps walking past garbage bags and papers and fire escapes. He sees the neon lights at the end of the alley but they seem to blur and he falls facedown and passes out.