Post by liquidsword34 on Apr 7, 2012 15:34:56 GMT -5
Ultimate Secret Six Issue 1
96.7 miles above Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 1:00PM
"Twenty minutes to jump time lady's and gents"
As a hitman, Tommy Monaghan has done a lot of things. Ranging from kidnapping, to rescue missions, to good ol' fashioned all American murder. One thing Tommy previously had very little experience in, however, is working for foreign governments. Especially not as part of a secret mercenary unit. Especially not governments ran by American businessmen. And ESPECIALLY not governments, who send agents to knock him out, kidnap him and bundle him onto a plane heading to Africa as soon as he agrees on a price. The plane was military issue, with the five team members each strapped into a chair attached to the walls.
Tommy has spent most of his working life as a hitman, specialising in meta and super humans. From his sixth birthday when he witnessed his father being crushed during a super hero fight, Tommy has disliked super heroes, so being able to kill them for a living made perfect sense. As with all combat situations, Tommy wore his large trench coat with spikes on the shoulder, combat pants, thick combat boots and a bullet proof vest for good measure. Despite being in his mid thirties and his clothes having been outdated since the late nine-ties, Tommy still held a soft spot for the over the top biker gear. And as always, his thick black shades covered his eyes completely.
To Tommy's right sat a young women, in her mid to late twenties at most, with her entire body encased in a tight catsuit, complete with a mask and ears. Her small frame slumped down in her chair, the women also wore a pair of red tinted goggles, most likely modified for spotting laser alarms. At a guess, Tommy would ID her Gotham's Catwomen, a jewellery and antique thief who gained notoriety for being able to enter and leave buildings through even the smallest gaps in security, ranging from open windows to missing bricks in walls. The speculation as to her identity became a media circus, with guesses ranging from a Russian gymnast to Gotham's own Vicki Vale until she was arrested a few years back and ID'd as Selina Kyle, a contortionist at a local circus. From there she escaped prison and spent the next few years on the run, with many (Including Tommy) believing her to be dead, although it would seem this assumption is incorrect.
Sat across from him, Tommy eyed up a hulking figure who practically popped out his chair. Tommy instantly recognised him as Bane, a South-American criminal turned freedom fighter, from his trademark black and white luchadore mask, combined with his kevlar vest and combat pants. His arms still covered with track marks from where he was experimented on as a child, Bane's body acted as both a lethal weapon and walking war memorial for those who he has freed. Bane was awake, and having a lively conversation with the man to his left (Tommy's right).
From what he could hear (Which was very little over the sound of a military transport plane), they were discussing old war stories they had shared, and the man was called Prometheus, a name Tommy was all too aware of. Rumoured to be over two-hundred years old, Prometheus was well known in Gotham for two things: His hate for authority, and his helmet, which contained a database rivalled only by the CIA. In just Prometheus' helmet was information on every person, place, fighting style and event in the world, giving Prometheus the tactical advantage needed to stay ahead in the Gotham city underworld. Like Bane, Prometheus' body is scarred from years of combat, with most of it being covered by thick metal plate armour. Prometheus and Bane were well regarded as two of the most dangerous criminals in Gotham up until around ten years ago, at which point Bane had a change of heart and started to pursue a life fighting dictatorships and war criminals.
To Prometheus' left, however, was the person Tommy was most interested in. As an assassin, Tommy felt there were few comparable to him in his field of choice, yet sat across the plane from him was one such person, known as Lady Shiva. Despite approaching her middling years, Lady Shiva was still one of if not the best fighters in the world, a fact which amazed Tommy. Her outfit consisted of some style of traditional martial arts dress allowing for fast movement, forgoing her usual coat due to the warm Congo weather.
"I know you mean well, but most women don't take kindly to strange men staring at them across the room" the girl next to Tommy quipped. Tommy blinked a few times as he realised he'd been staring at Shiva for much longer than is usually acceptable. Tommy turned and smiled at the girl next to him, unsure if she was joking or genuinely felt Tommy was a "strange man". At times like this, Tommy wished those rumours of him being telepathic were true, but in lieu of super powers he had to rely on his social skills, which as a man who makes a living from shooting people were never his first priority. "Huh, yeah, just a bit dazed, you know? Tommy Monaghan by the way, Gotham city's top hitman" Tommy replied.
"Selina Kyle, or as some people call me "Catwomen". I'm glad we can finally meet, I've heard a lot about you Mr Monaghan. A love for gambling, drinking and violence. A man by my own tastes."
Tommy chuckled as he loaded his Smith Wesson M29, or as he likes to call it his Dirty Harry gun. Like the rest of the team, Tommy had a back-pack on his back which he assumed contained their equipment. "So, you're the Catwomen the papers are so in love with? I tell yah, I go out and kill a load of cyborg ninjas, nobody cares. You steal some rich snobs Asian tribal flute from his fancy mansion it's front page news. And people wonder why I gotta come out to the middle of mother-loving nowhere to make a living!"
Selina giggles as she examines her sharp claws. "Pfft, good for some, you try selling a stolen vase when it's on the front page of every newspaper in the city."
"Point taken"
"Ten minutes to jump time" the voice booms again. Besides the five mercenaries attached to the seats against the wall, four or five soldiers patrolled the cargo bay style area. Each was wearing desert camouflage, complete with face masks. The only thing identifying them as not being military troops was the green question mark on the shoulder of each of their uniforms, which is easily identifiable as the logo of Riddler Tech. This was further confirmed when the door at the end of the room opened, causing all of the soldiers to jump to attention. The sound of a cane moving across the floor could be heard as a small man stepped into the cargo bay wearing a custom made green suit.
"Welcome Mr Nigma, operation Bat-Wing is going as planned, ETA on drop-off is ten minutes" the nearest soldier to the door barked as if by instinct.
"Ah good, ahead of schedule. This should give me time to brief our troops."
The little man strolled around the cargo bay, his cane swinging as if to mark the area as his territory. He struts to the middle of the bay, briefly making eye contact with each team member before coming to a stop. "For those of you who do not know me, allow me to introduce myself. I am Edward Nigma, entrepreneur, philanthropist and as of two months ago, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now, down to business: Operation Bat-Wing. As you may know, I have been working to rebuild the Congo, specifically Tinasha, the largest city in the country, by kick starting the economy using the country's many natural resources. There is one major issues; gang violence. Despite my best efforts, some individuals would rather see their country whither and die at the hands of murderers and thieves, no offence to you all, than become a glorious state under my leadership. My men are highly trained, they can deal with the general riff-raff around the city, but we have brought you in due to a special individual. A man going under the name "Bat-Wing", to be exact. This man leads one of the most dangerous gangs, terrorising my citizens, taking the night as his own. As you may be aware, three days ago this terrorist destroyed the largest police station in Tinasha, killing all but five of the officers inside. I require you five to capture this man before he commits another similar act."
"Five minutes to jump time!"
"This mission will be UN and government sanctioned. In addition to the amount agreed during your individual negotiations, you will all be given honorary citizenship in the DRC as well as a place to live during your stay. Upon landing you will be picked up by a bus which will take you to your building of residence, where you will find food, a place to sleep and further information on your mission. Any questions?"
All five team members shake there heads.
"We're above the drop zone now, ladies and gents". It is at this point that the metal floor of the plane started to fold out, leaving just a metal grating between the plane occupants and a freefall down into Tinasha. Edward and the soldier retreated to the front of the room and file out of the door one by one, until just Edward is left with the five. "Oh and, please, don't just kill the target" Edward stated, looking at Prometheus and Tommy in particular. "I need information from him, so have some self control". Nigma steps through the door and pulled it closed after him, causing it to slam shut with a deafening bang.
"Oh thank you, I thought he'd never shut up" Catwomen burst out, causing laughter throughout the bay.
"I've been known to make the occasional speech after breaking a dictator in half, but that little man has an ego only matched by the shrillness in his voice" Bane retorted.
"Give me a hundred Congo war lords, just no more speeches" Tommy remarked between chuckles. Even the silent and focused Lady Shiva managed a smile as she watched the grating fade away bit by bit.
"One question" Prometheus pondered out loud. "How do we-"
"RIDDLER TECH AIR TO GROUND AUTOMATED TROOP INSERTION SYSTEM: ONLINE"
"Well I guess that answers that" Prometheus stated, as all five members found there chairs being flung from the plane down through the clouds.
-------
1.3 miles outside Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 1:37PM
"I feel like I'm going to puke"
"Oh come on," Selina purred back as she sat down. "You've never sky dived before?"
"Lady, do I LOOK like the kind of guy to jump head first out a freakin' plane?"
Nobody could deny, the insertion system was quick and accurate. What could be denied is that it's a comfortable, enjoyable experience, especially to an alcoholic Gotham native like Tommy Monaghan. The five had found themselves thrown around fifty yards from the awaiting bus, a short walk which involved a lot of cussing, falling over and checking that organs hadn't been crushed into mush. The five had all expected to be on board a private bus. Instead, they were cramped on board a public transit vehicle along with men, women, children and a handful of poultry. To Edward Nigma's credit, he had made the back area a private section, ensuring the five could sit next to each other. On the other hand, it was approaching peek temperatures and the bus had no windows, making the vehicle feel more like a moving sauna.
"So, Bane. What makes a world renown freedom fighter want to come to Africa and work as a mercenary? "
Prometheus was never one for dancing around the point.
"When we stopped working together in Gotham and you went on some sort of vendetta against government injustice, the last place I thought I'd meet you is on a merc op. Don't you have some Asian republic to be freeing or something? What do you need with money when half the third world thinks you're their savour?"
"You surely know me well enough to realise I'm not here for monitory gain, Prometheus? Nigma has the location of a person even you would be unable to track down with your databank."
"Oh? Who?" Bane sighed loudly as he leaned back in his seat.
"My father. He's been completely off the radar since before I was born and forced to serve his life sentence, but Nigma claims to know where he is. I suspect it is a bluff, but any chance of finding him is worth my time."
Prometheus smiled. "And I'm assuming this will not be about repairing a relationship?"
"Repairing a relationship? Oh no, I'm just going to give the bastard what he has coming to him" Bane stated, as though wanting to kill your father is the most natural and normal thing in the world. Prometheus gave Bane a bemused look and then laughed.
"Took you long enough, you don't know how many times I get fed up listening to you bitch about your dad while we knocked out some mooks?" Bane chuckles
"Yes, well, things have changed. I'm not the same man you worked with all those years ago, Prometheus."
On the other side of Bane, Lady Shiva and Tommy Monaghan are having a heated discussion.
"You own sixty different pistols, ten rifles, a dozen shotguns, grenades, knives, land mines, rocket launchers, but yet your knowledge of hand to hand combat is rivalled only by the most cowardly of men."
"Listen, when a guys got sixty different holes in him, I don't think it matters how hard I can kick his corpse." Tommy chuckled
"Tommy, you are talented-"
"Thank you."
"But ignorant. Combat is about more than just how big your weapon is or how many there are, it's about how effectively you use it. You? If you're caught off guard I could have you dead or yielding within seconds. Me on the other hand? I am a weapon."
"Blah blah blah listen honey, this right here," Tommy withdrew his Smith Wesson, flipping it around in his hands "is a vintage Smith Wesson. A piece of perfectly crafted machinery. It cost me $35, 000, but this thing can make a man look like a donut with one shot!"
"Am I supposed to be impressed?" Without warning Shiva snatches the gun out of Tommy's hand, and in one movement removes the chamber. "In around three seconds, you've just lost all of your offensive ability." Shiva handed a shocked Tommy back his gun.
"Point taken, I'll take some karate lessons or sumin'."
Catwomen had spent most of the journey sat between these two conversations staring our the windows intently, making mental notes. After around half an hour she turned to Bane. "I've noticed something."
"What is it dear?"
"You've noticed Nigma's men in the streets no doubt? Well since we got into the city, we've gone from the beautiful downtown area into these dilapidated slums." Catwomen gestured to the damaged apartments which tower high around the area the bus was in. Each and every one seemed to be on the verge of collapsing, the blocks packed together so tightly it's hard to tell where one starts and one ends. "And as the quality of the area decreases" Selina continued, "so does the influence of Riddler Tech. Ten minutes ago there were Riddler Tech security personal on all sides. Now, I can't see any."
"And you point, my dear?"
"My point is that Nigma claims he is helping Tinasha, but look around. He isn't helping those in need, he's trying to gain influence on the rich and is letting the poor run wild."
"That's a lot to gather from just this bus ride Selina."
"Yes", Prometheus butted in, "but the girl has a point. Me personally? I have more important things to worry about, like catching our target, but if you two want to play African politics, I don't see it as a stretch. You saw how he treated us on the plane. Trying to gain control over us through his actions. The striding around, the cane swinging, the turning up once we're already in conversation to get all our attention on him and disrupt us."
"More important things? Promet-"
"It's our world to mould we've got to think of others blah blah blah Bane. I respect you as an intellectual equal and friend, but this is where we differ." Bane gives Prometheus a dirty look before residing himself to silence for the rest of the journey.
----
Unknown area, East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 2:07 PM
Tired, stiff and not in the best condition hygiene wise, the five stepped off the bus in front of their residence. Situated off of a dirt road and away from any locals stood the property the five would, at least for now, call home. The building, on first glance, looks like a haunted house, with three stories, a garden full of dead grass and plants, chipped paint and cracked windows. The only feature of the building which seems to have been added within the last decade is a large "Property of Riddler Tech/the DRC, trespassers WILL be apprehended and WILL be arrested. No exceptions" sign on the front lawn.
"Well this looks...." Selina doesn't finish her sentence, unable to pick out a good quality of the rotting building.
"Looks like home, for now at least" Lady Shiva adds, walking down the stone path to the porch. "We are here on a mission, not for a vacation. We will make a plan, carry it out, and then be free to leave. Bar unforeseen difficulties, we will be free to leave by tomorrow morning." Shiva reaches the front door and, after some difficulty, throws it open. The hallway, somehow, looks even worse than the outside area of the house. A nest of birds sits in a gap near the ceiling, while the rug is ripped and torn as though a herd of elephants stampeded over it. The group took some time looking around, but found nothing more than animal nests and signs that the previous occupants either didn't take care of the building or were forced out in some sort of natural disaster.
The group eventually gathered in a dining room style area, with Bane having found some scraps of cold meat, cheese and salad in the fridge. Despite the rest of the houses condition, the food at the very least tasted good. On the middle of the table sat a map of Tinasha left by one of Edward Nigma's employees with a building highlighted. Prometheus stood over the map, examining it intently. "The marked building contains the video uplink where we need to take Bat-Wing. I suggest patrolling the area nearby separately, so we cover a large area."
"Oh great" Bane snarled, "we'll just walk blindly around HIS city, hope he tries to attack us and falls off a roof."
"And your idea, Bane?"
"I'd suggest forming a search party and moving around the rooftops." Prometheus chuckled.
"You think one group can cover enough ground to find this freak? In the dark?"
Throughout this, discussion Tommy Monaghan sat silently, eating his plate of food and studying the map. The group tossed a few more ideas around before Tommy cleared his throat loudly, grabbing everybody's attention.
"Now first of all, all due respect to you two, really. But please, shut yah damn mouths before you make this house into even more of a garbage dump than it already is, alright?" Tommy chuckled as he slid his plate away from himself, leaned back and hoisted his sturdy combat boots up onto the table. "I've had experience with this sort of thing. These gang leaders don't just wander around the place like mooks, that's suicide, 'specially in Tinasha. We need to lure him out." Tommy puts his finger down on a block of apartments near where they need to take Bat-Wing. "If there's one thing I know, it's where to find a gang member. We check that building tonight, room by room, floor by floor. Put our ears up, see if we hear Sesame Street or bubbling crack pipes. I guarantee we find some bait to use for ol' Bat-Wing."
"And then?" enquires Lady Shiva.
"An then it'll be like shootin' fish in a barrel."
---
Apartment block 32C, project 36, North East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 10:04 PM
"Remember, none lethal, and that goes for everybody. We can't kill anybody, even the gang members. We're hear as government employees, not terrorists." Lady Shiva said, as she walked through the old double doors into the lobby area, wrinkling her nose. The tower block smelt of "urine, crystal meth and decay", in the words of Tommy Monaghan. Or as Bane more poetically put it, "these living conditions are not fit for any man, women or child." Still, for a group attempting to find criminals, this tower block was definitely the best place to me. The oddball team made there way up floor by floor, stepping over garbage, broken chairs, even children as they put there ears to door. After checking about a dozen doors, Tommy put his ear too one and heard the distinct sound of machetes being packed into boxes. "Jackpot."
BOOM
Tommy's boot tore through the door like a knife through butter, sending it flying off its hinges. Within seconds the five flood the room, guns cocked, swords drawn and fists at the ready. A French warcry is let out as a dozen gang members charge at the five, machetes drawn and anger in their eyes. Lady Shiva is first to spring into action, sweeping low at two of her foes at once and following it by charging at a third, grabbing him by the throat. Seeing this, Bane swung one of his giant fists at the mans ribs, the contact causing a loud CRACK as bones snap and fracture, followed by a cry of pain. On the other side of the room, Catwomen wrestled a man to the ground, pushing his machete to his throat while kicking a leg up at another man, cracking his jaw with the back of her heel. The grounded foe pushed up, tossing the machete to the ground, causing Catwomen to swipe at his face. A huge gash opened up on his chin, blood pouring out as the man rolled into a ball begging for mercy. "Shoulda played nice honey."
Tommy and Prometheus, on the other hand, took a more rudimentary approach. Aiming low, Tommy hit four gang members in their knees with his dual pistols, while Prometheus flung himself towards the final pair three, expertly duelling them. Moving as fluidly as water with an almost instant reaction time, Prometheus deflected the first man's machete out of his hand, followed by a swift elbow to his head, knocking him unconscious. With his second swing, Prometheus cut clean through the hand of one of his assailants and disarmed the third. Now unarmed and well and truly scared, the two sprinted out the room.
"Leave, lest we harm you further" Bane declared, causing the gang members to run out of the building like their lives depend on it.
"Well, looks like we've found a shipment of low-tech weapons" Prometheus stated, examining the boxes which litter the room. "But no sign of B-"
Before he could finish his sentence, a black shape crashed through the window, kicking Prometheus across the room and into a wall. Instantly Bane sprung into action, swinging towards the blur, which responded by performing an acrobatic leap backwards through a window and down onto the street. Tommy and Prometheus charged down the stairs and through the lobby into the street, as Bane, Catwomen and Lady Shiva dove after the blur through windows. The five gathered in the middle of the street, ready for combat.
"Where are you yah freak?" Prometheus roared, now clutching a tranquilliser dart rifle. As if responding, a man walked out from the shadows, his body wrapped in a large black cape. His silver suit shimmered under the moonlight, with a glowing bat insignia gleaming on his chest. The light from the insignia reflected off onto Bat-Wing's face, letting the five see his tanned skin and scarred face where it wasn't covered by his mask.
"I am Bat-Wing, Tinasha's protector. I will not allow scum like you to control this city, to control the night. I do not know why you have come here. All I know is that you are breaking the law, and I must now ask you to leave before somebody gets hurt."
"Oh yeah? Well I'm Tommy Monaghan" ZIP ZIP ZIP "and I hate you for making me use a fuckin' KIDS TOY!"
A trio of darts fly across the street at Bat-Wing, who responds with a picture perfect cartwheel. The darts puncture through his cape, but leave the man himself untouched. "Nice speech, now let me show you how it should be done" Catwomen said mockingly, bounding towards her foe, claws extended. The rest of the team charged in behind, ready to back up Catwomen as she pounces. Catwomen's left claw swung towards Bat-Wing at a speed which would leave most men with their face sliced into two pieces. Which is why Catwomen was left stunned as her blade cut through nothing but air. Before being able to regain her composure, Selina found Bat-Wing's boot hitting her in the chest.
"Flank him, don't let that bastard get away" Prometheus ordered as he charged around to Bat-Wing's left side in an attempt to limit his movement. In tune with his former team-mate, Bane took the right side, leaving Bat-Wing with Lady Shiva in front of him and Tommy at a distance, lining up his sights. Seemingly dead to rights, Bat-Wing simply smiled and threw a small capsule on the ground, creating a cloud of smoke.
"I warned you."
Expertly Bat-Wing manoeuvred through the fog, hitting Bane in the throat with a hard karate chop style movement. As he turned to attack his next target, Bat-Wing saw a flash out the corner of his eye. A kick which felt like it came from a cannonball rather than a human foot followed the flash, hitting Bat-Wing in the shin and sending him flying across the street. It felt more painful than anything he'd ever felt, but Bat-Wing knew he had to get up. Had to keep going. Crawling to his his feet Bat-Wing turned to find himself face to face with Bane. The hulking beast grasped Bat-Wing by the scruff of his neck, lifting him up and tossing him like a ragdoll into a nearby car. His body bounced off the car bonnet with a deep thud, and then through the windscreen with a high smash. Laying in the front seat, his shin still stinging, his back soar. Bat-Wing willed himself up, bringing him face to face with a sword, two claws, a martial arts stance, a gun and Bane's fists.
"Now fella," Tommy muttered, training his gun on his prey. "We don't wanna kill yah, just bring you somewhere, let you meet someone. Now, you've got five angry mercenaries dying to rip you limb from limb if you so much as blink slow. So, am I gonna have to tranquillize yah?"
"N-no" Bat-Wing gasped with the last ounce of air not forcefully ejected from his lungs.
"Wrong answer."
ZIP
---
Riddler Tech Designated Meet-up Building, North East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 11:13 PM
"Had to drag this fuck for an hour, Nigma best have left some chairs and smokes for us in here" Tommy muttered as he forced open the iron door. The meeting point was deep within an abandoned apartment complex containing only a few vagrants and rodents. To Tommy's displeasure, the meeting room consisted of simply a TV screen, a wooden chair and some rope, along with being around the size of a janitors closet. "Big luchadore, magic helmet, help me tie him up, I can feel him stirring." As Bane, Tommy and Prometheus fastened the slowly awaking Bat-Wing to the chair, Lady Shiva flicked a switch on the TV, causing Edward Nigma's thin, pasty, rat like face to pop up.
"We've captured the target Edward" Prometheus declared, waving his hand towards the now alert Bat-Wing.
"Good, good. I had no doubt you would succeed, all my plans usually do. Now, down to business: I'm going to ask our friend here a few questions. If he doesn't comply, I feel that my trusted employees can force something out of him."
"I hope you mean torture Eddie, 'cus mutual bulimia sessions aren't really my thing" Catwomen joked as she leaned against the back wall. Nigma nodded at Catwomen before turning his attention to Bane.
"Remove his mask please, Bane." Bane complies, pulling the mask from Bat-Wings head, exposing a scarred young face with a prominent jaw line.
"Nigma, you need to stop this! I'm trying to help Tinasha and you, you work my people like dogs! You're burning this country to the ground one diamond at a time, one faux find raiser after another!" Bat-Wing yells at the screen, causing Nigma's face to turn to one of shock.
"What I do for MY country, is in everyone's best interest. You are a gang leader, a criminal; you work against my government to destroy this country. You KILLED sixty police officers, and the rest of your gang isn't much better, attacking other gangs and stopping my men doing there job."
"My men are freedom fighters, not gang members!" Bat-Wing roars, a vain popping out of his neck as he attempts to rip the chains from his body. "You supply people with, with drugs, with guns. You allow them to kill each other, for what? So you can arrest them and force them to work in diamond mines? So you can market them out to the West as a charity case? So you can take a cut from every damn shipment and every life they ruin? I fight these gangs and your forces to try and save this country from being crushed further and y-"
"That is enough!" Nigma screams, slamming his hands against his desk and cutting off Bat-Wing. "You...you insolent little fool! You do not understand what is best for the DRC, you are but an ignorant gang member! You five, I am done with him. Please take him back to your accommodation so this criminal may be dealt with."
The screen flicks off, leaving the room lit only by a single lightbulb.
"Please," Bat-Wing begs, "This man is a tyrant! A dictator! He cares not for the DRC and it's people, but for his own gain! Release me, let me fight for my country's freedom!"
Bane stands in front of Bat-Wing, looking him up and down, deep in thought. "What are you thinking, Bane? You honestly wanna do it?." Prometheus says, staring at the former freedom fighter.
"Prometheus, I was once in a situation like this, not long after we split. I was captured and branded a traitor, a terrorist. For trying to help my country. This man...he speaks with passion, which no liar could. I believe him. We've seen Nigma in the news, getting richer and richer from the day he decided to relocate his company here. And you think the move into politics was for any other reason than the power? I was sentenced to death when I was captured, and I have no doubt this man will be as well. I cannot hand this man over, and become what I despise: a soldier who simply carries out orders no matter the moral consequences." Prometheus fell silent, humbled.
"Hey" Lady Shiva walks over to Prometheus. "Your helmet can scan people faces, correct?"
"I see where you're going my Lady" Prometheus states, as his visor flashes with a bright blue light. "David Zavimbe, 32, native of Tinasha, former child soldier during the civil war, a police officer, a very decorated one at that."
"So..." Tommy starts.
"He was one of the five who survived the police station being blown up. The attack which Nigma claims David orchestrated" Prometheus continued, interrupting Tommy.
"Well, it appears we've been lied to" Catwomen said as she starts to untie Bat-Wing. "Sorry about that. You know, the kidnapping." she nervously added. Bane extends his hand to Bat-Wing, who took it. Bane pulled David to his feet and returned his mask to him, allowing him to cover his face again.
"I cannot speak for the rest of my team, David, but I would not have undertaken this mission knowing you were a freedom fighter." Bane said, after which the rest of the team nodded.
"Do not worry Bane, I'm aware of your reputation and I do not doubt that the rest of you are good at heart." Bat-Wing replied.
"So why is Nigma doing all this? Becoming president, employing his men as security?" Tommy questioned as he sat in the single, now vacant, chair in the room, beating Catwomen to it.
"Well, he has control over the Congo's natural resources, and with Riddler Tech's equipment he can excavate diamonds at an extremely fast rate. From there, he sells them through serious other companies, creating a monopoly on the market. Along with that, he throws find raisers and appeals for aid extremely often due to the gang violence he causes through arms dealing. That money goes right back into his pocket after a few nice pictures with local kids."
"Arms dealing?" Bane questions, intrigued by Nigma's activities.
"Whenever his men confiscate weapons from a gang, he sells them right back for a profit. Not only for the money, but because the extra violence lets him claim even more aid money under UN schemes."
"And the police station attack?"
"Again, Nigma's doing. Fifty dead officers, the station gone and all the equipment damaged? The perfect excuse to make his men the primary security force in Tinasha and gain more control over the region." Bane nodded in understanding while folding his huge arms. "Thank you for letting me go, I can arrange for some of my fellow freedom fighters to smuggle you North into Rwanda and arrange transport back into America, if you wish." Bat-Wing added while walking to the door,
"No". Lady Shiva straightened herself up off the wall. "Nigma is a dictator, criminal and used us. I cannot be the only one who wishes to see him pay."
"Agreed" Bane responded immediately. "I've devoted my life to stopping dictators, and now one has tried to use me. I will not let him get away with that."
"And the rest of you?" Bat-Wing questioned, turning away from the door.
"I forgot how much I enjoyed working with you Bane, maybe we can make it a permanent thing?" Prometheus asked, causing Bane to smile and nod at him.
"Well, I don't have anything going on 'cept getting into bar fights and shooting super humans" Tommy joked. "I'm in."
"I'm still a high profile case in Gotham, so I don't really have anywhere to go. I'll help" Catwomen replied. "So, where do we start?"
"I know a place." Bat-Wing stated as he opened the door, beckoning the others to follow.
NEXT ISSUE: The Six plan for the resistance and the origins of Bat-Wing
96.7 miles above Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 1:00PM
"Twenty minutes to jump time lady's and gents"
As a hitman, Tommy Monaghan has done a lot of things. Ranging from kidnapping, to rescue missions, to good ol' fashioned all American murder. One thing Tommy previously had very little experience in, however, is working for foreign governments. Especially not as part of a secret mercenary unit. Especially not governments ran by American businessmen. And ESPECIALLY not governments, who send agents to knock him out, kidnap him and bundle him onto a plane heading to Africa as soon as he agrees on a price. The plane was military issue, with the five team members each strapped into a chair attached to the walls.
Tommy has spent most of his working life as a hitman, specialising in meta and super humans. From his sixth birthday when he witnessed his father being crushed during a super hero fight, Tommy has disliked super heroes, so being able to kill them for a living made perfect sense. As with all combat situations, Tommy wore his large trench coat with spikes on the shoulder, combat pants, thick combat boots and a bullet proof vest for good measure. Despite being in his mid thirties and his clothes having been outdated since the late nine-ties, Tommy still held a soft spot for the over the top biker gear. And as always, his thick black shades covered his eyes completely.
To Tommy's right sat a young women, in her mid to late twenties at most, with her entire body encased in a tight catsuit, complete with a mask and ears. Her small frame slumped down in her chair, the women also wore a pair of red tinted goggles, most likely modified for spotting laser alarms. At a guess, Tommy would ID her Gotham's Catwomen, a jewellery and antique thief who gained notoriety for being able to enter and leave buildings through even the smallest gaps in security, ranging from open windows to missing bricks in walls. The speculation as to her identity became a media circus, with guesses ranging from a Russian gymnast to Gotham's own Vicki Vale until she was arrested a few years back and ID'd as Selina Kyle, a contortionist at a local circus. From there she escaped prison and spent the next few years on the run, with many (Including Tommy) believing her to be dead, although it would seem this assumption is incorrect.
Sat across from him, Tommy eyed up a hulking figure who practically popped out his chair. Tommy instantly recognised him as Bane, a South-American criminal turned freedom fighter, from his trademark black and white luchadore mask, combined with his kevlar vest and combat pants. His arms still covered with track marks from where he was experimented on as a child, Bane's body acted as both a lethal weapon and walking war memorial for those who he has freed. Bane was awake, and having a lively conversation with the man to his left (Tommy's right).
From what he could hear (Which was very little over the sound of a military transport plane), they were discussing old war stories they had shared, and the man was called Prometheus, a name Tommy was all too aware of. Rumoured to be over two-hundred years old, Prometheus was well known in Gotham for two things: His hate for authority, and his helmet, which contained a database rivalled only by the CIA. In just Prometheus' helmet was information on every person, place, fighting style and event in the world, giving Prometheus the tactical advantage needed to stay ahead in the Gotham city underworld. Like Bane, Prometheus' body is scarred from years of combat, with most of it being covered by thick metal plate armour. Prometheus and Bane were well regarded as two of the most dangerous criminals in Gotham up until around ten years ago, at which point Bane had a change of heart and started to pursue a life fighting dictatorships and war criminals.
To Prometheus' left, however, was the person Tommy was most interested in. As an assassin, Tommy felt there were few comparable to him in his field of choice, yet sat across the plane from him was one such person, known as Lady Shiva. Despite approaching her middling years, Lady Shiva was still one of if not the best fighters in the world, a fact which amazed Tommy. Her outfit consisted of some style of traditional martial arts dress allowing for fast movement, forgoing her usual coat due to the warm Congo weather.
"I know you mean well, but most women don't take kindly to strange men staring at them across the room" the girl next to Tommy quipped. Tommy blinked a few times as he realised he'd been staring at Shiva for much longer than is usually acceptable. Tommy turned and smiled at the girl next to him, unsure if she was joking or genuinely felt Tommy was a "strange man". At times like this, Tommy wished those rumours of him being telepathic were true, but in lieu of super powers he had to rely on his social skills, which as a man who makes a living from shooting people were never his first priority. "Huh, yeah, just a bit dazed, you know? Tommy Monaghan by the way, Gotham city's top hitman" Tommy replied.
"Selina Kyle, or as some people call me "Catwomen". I'm glad we can finally meet, I've heard a lot about you Mr Monaghan. A love for gambling, drinking and violence. A man by my own tastes."
Tommy chuckled as he loaded his Smith Wesson M29, or as he likes to call it his Dirty Harry gun. Like the rest of the team, Tommy had a back-pack on his back which he assumed contained their equipment. "So, you're the Catwomen the papers are so in love with? I tell yah, I go out and kill a load of cyborg ninjas, nobody cares. You steal some rich snobs Asian tribal flute from his fancy mansion it's front page news. And people wonder why I gotta come out to the middle of mother-loving nowhere to make a living!"
Selina giggles as she examines her sharp claws. "Pfft, good for some, you try selling a stolen vase when it's on the front page of every newspaper in the city."
"Point taken"
"Ten minutes to jump time" the voice booms again. Besides the five mercenaries attached to the seats against the wall, four or five soldiers patrolled the cargo bay style area. Each was wearing desert camouflage, complete with face masks. The only thing identifying them as not being military troops was the green question mark on the shoulder of each of their uniforms, which is easily identifiable as the logo of Riddler Tech. This was further confirmed when the door at the end of the room opened, causing all of the soldiers to jump to attention. The sound of a cane moving across the floor could be heard as a small man stepped into the cargo bay wearing a custom made green suit.
"Welcome Mr Nigma, operation Bat-Wing is going as planned, ETA on drop-off is ten minutes" the nearest soldier to the door barked as if by instinct.
"Ah good, ahead of schedule. This should give me time to brief our troops."
The little man strolled around the cargo bay, his cane swinging as if to mark the area as his territory. He struts to the middle of the bay, briefly making eye contact with each team member before coming to a stop. "For those of you who do not know me, allow me to introduce myself. I am Edward Nigma, entrepreneur, philanthropist and as of two months ago, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now, down to business: Operation Bat-Wing. As you may know, I have been working to rebuild the Congo, specifically Tinasha, the largest city in the country, by kick starting the economy using the country's many natural resources. There is one major issues; gang violence. Despite my best efforts, some individuals would rather see their country whither and die at the hands of murderers and thieves, no offence to you all, than become a glorious state under my leadership. My men are highly trained, they can deal with the general riff-raff around the city, but we have brought you in due to a special individual. A man going under the name "Bat-Wing", to be exact. This man leads one of the most dangerous gangs, terrorising my citizens, taking the night as his own. As you may be aware, three days ago this terrorist destroyed the largest police station in Tinasha, killing all but five of the officers inside. I require you five to capture this man before he commits another similar act."
"Five minutes to jump time!"
"This mission will be UN and government sanctioned. In addition to the amount agreed during your individual negotiations, you will all be given honorary citizenship in the DRC as well as a place to live during your stay. Upon landing you will be picked up by a bus which will take you to your building of residence, where you will find food, a place to sleep and further information on your mission. Any questions?"
All five team members shake there heads.
"We're above the drop zone now, ladies and gents". It is at this point that the metal floor of the plane started to fold out, leaving just a metal grating between the plane occupants and a freefall down into Tinasha. Edward and the soldier retreated to the front of the room and file out of the door one by one, until just Edward is left with the five. "Oh and, please, don't just kill the target" Edward stated, looking at Prometheus and Tommy in particular. "I need information from him, so have some self control". Nigma steps through the door and pulled it closed after him, causing it to slam shut with a deafening bang.
"Oh thank you, I thought he'd never shut up" Catwomen burst out, causing laughter throughout the bay.
"I've been known to make the occasional speech after breaking a dictator in half, but that little man has an ego only matched by the shrillness in his voice" Bane retorted.
"Give me a hundred Congo war lords, just no more speeches" Tommy remarked between chuckles. Even the silent and focused Lady Shiva managed a smile as she watched the grating fade away bit by bit.
"One question" Prometheus pondered out loud. "How do we-"
"RIDDLER TECH AIR TO GROUND AUTOMATED TROOP INSERTION SYSTEM: ONLINE"
"Well I guess that answers that" Prometheus stated, as all five members found there chairs being flung from the plane down through the clouds.
-------
1.3 miles outside Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 1:37PM
"I feel like I'm going to puke"
"Oh come on," Selina purred back as she sat down. "You've never sky dived before?"
"Lady, do I LOOK like the kind of guy to jump head first out a freakin' plane?"
Nobody could deny, the insertion system was quick and accurate. What could be denied is that it's a comfortable, enjoyable experience, especially to an alcoholic Gotham native like Tommy Monaghan. The five had found themselves thrown around fifty yards from the awaiting bus, a short walk which involved a lot of cussing, falling over and checking that organs hadn't been crushed into mush. The five had all expected to be on board a private bus. Instead, they were cramped on board a public transit vehicle along with men, women, children and a handful of poultry. To Edward Nigma's credit, he had made the back area a private section, ensuring the five could sit next to each other. On the other hand, it was approaching peek temperatures and the bus had no windows, making the vehicle feel more like a moving sauna.
"So, Bane. What makes a world renown freedom fighter want to come to Africa and work as a mercenary? "
Prometheus was never one for dancing around the point.
"When we stopped working together in Gotham and you went on some sort of vendetta against government injustice, the last place I thought I'd meet you is on a merc op. Don't you have some Asian republic to be freeing or something? What do you need with money when half the third world thinks you're their savour?"
"You surely know me well enough to realise I'm not here for monitory gain, Prometheus? Nigma has the location of a person even you would be unable to track down with your databank."
"Oh? Who?" Bane sighed loudly as he leaned back in his seat.
"My father. He's been completely off the radar since before I was born and forced to serve his life sentence, but Nigma claims to know where he is. I suspect it is a bluff, but any chance of finding him is worth my time."
Prometheus smiled. "And I'm assuming this will not be about repairing a relationship?"
"Repairing a relationship? Oh no, I'm just going to give the bastard what he has coming to him" Bane stated, as though wanting to kill your father is the most natural and normal thing in the world. Prometheus gave Bane a bemused look and then laughed.
"Took you long enough, you don't know how many times I get fed up listening to you bitch about your dad while we knocked out some mooks?" Bane chuckles
"Yes, well, things have changed. I'm not the same man you worked with all those years ago, Prometheus."
On the other side of Bane, Lady Shiva and Tommy Monaghan are having a heated discussion.
"You own sixty different pistols, ten rifles, a dozen shotguns, grenades, knives, land mines, rocket launchers, but yet your knowledge of hand to hand combat is rivalled only by the most cowardly of men."
"Listen, when a guys got sixty different holes in him, I don't think it matters how hard I can kick his corpse." Tommy chuckled
"Tommy, you are talented-"
"Thank you."
"But ignorant. Combat is about more than just how big your weapon is or how many there are, it's about how effectively you use it. You? If you're caught off guard I could have you dead or yielding within seconds. Me on the other hand? I am a weapon."
"Blah blah blah listen honey, this right here," Tommy withdrew his Smith Wesson, flipping it around in his hands "is a vintage Smith Wesson. A piece of perfectly crafted machinery. It cost me $35, 000, but this thing can make a man look like a donut with one shot!"
"Am I supposed to be impressed?" Without warning Shiva snatches the gun out of Tommy's hand, and in one movement removes the chamber. "In around three seconds, you've just lost all of your offensive ability." Shiva handed a shocked Tommy back his gun.
"Point taken, I'll take some karate lessons or sumin'."
Catwomen had spent most of the journey sat between these two conversations staring our the windows intently, making mental notes. After around half an hour she turned to Bane. "I've noticed something."
"What is it dear?"
"You've noticed Nigma's men in the streets no doubt? Well since we got into the city, we've gone from the beautiful downtown area into these dilapidated slums." Catwomen gestured to the damaged apartments which tower high around the area the bus was in. Each and every one seemed to be on the verge of collapsing, the blocks packed together so tightly it's hard to tell where one starts and one ends. "And as the quality of the area decreases" Selina continued, "so does the influence of Riddler Tech. Ten minutes ago there were Riddler Tech security personal on all sides. Now, I can't see any."
"And you point, my dear?"
"My point is that Nigma claims he is helping Tinasha, but look around. He isn't helping those in need, he's trying to gain influence on the rich and is letting the poor run wild."
"That's a lot to gather from just this bus ride Selina."
"Yes", Prometheus butted in, "but the girl has a point. Me personally? I have more important things to worry about, like catching our target, but if you two want to play African politics, I don't see it as a stretch. You saw how he treated us on the plane. Trying to gain control over us through his actions. The striding around, the cane swinging, the turning up once we're already in conversation to get all our attention on him and disrupt us."
"More important things? Promet-"
"It's our world to mould we've got to think of others blah blah blah Bane. I respect you as an intellectual equal and friend, but this is where we differ." Bane gives Prometheus a dirty look before residing himself to silence for the rest of the journey.
----
Unknown area, East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 2:07 PM
Tired, stiff and not in the best condition hygiene wise, the five stepped off the bus in front of their residence. Situated off of a dirt road and away from any locals stood the property the five would, at least for now, call home. The building, on first glance, looks like a haunted house, with three stories, a garden full of dead grass and plants, chipped paint and cracked windows. The only feature of the building which seems to have been added within the last decade is a large "Property of Riddler Tech/the DRC, trespassers WILL be apprehended and WILL be arrested. No exceptions" sign on the front lawn.
"Well this looks...." Selina doesn't finish her sentence, unable to pick out a good quality of the rotting building.
"Looks like home, for now at least" Lady Shiva adds, walking down the stone path to the porch. "We are here on a mission, not for a vacation. We will make a plan, carry it out, and then be free to leave. Bar unforeseen difficulties, we will be free to leave by tomorrow morning." Shiva reaches the front door and, after some difficulty, throws it open. The hallway, somehow, looks even worse than the outside area of the house. A nest of birds sits in a gap near the ceiling, while the rug is ripped and torn as though a herd of elephants stampeded over it. The group took some time looking around, but found nothing more than animal nests and signs that the previous occupants either didn't take care of the building or were forced out in some sort of natural disaster.
The group eventually gathered in a dining room style area, with Bane having found some scraps of cold meat, cheese and salad in the fridge. Despite the rest of the houses condition, the food at the very least tasted good. On the middle of the table sat a map of Tinasha left by one of Edward Nigma's employees with a building highlighted. Prometheus stood over the map, examining it intently. "The marked building contains the video uplink where we need to take Bat-Wing. I suggest patrolling the area nearby separately, so we cover a large area."
"Oh great" Bane snarled, "we'll just walk blindly around HIS city, hope he tries to attack us and falls off a roof."
"And your idea, Bane?"
"I'd suggest forming a search party and moving around the rooftops." Prometheus chuckled.
"You think one group can cover enough ground to find this freak? In the dark?"
Throughout this, discussion Tommy Monaghan sat silently, eating his plate of food and studying the map. The group tossed a few more ideas around before Tommy cleared his throat loudly, grabbing everybody's attention.
"Now first of all, all due respect to you two, really. But please, shut yah damn mouths before you make this house into even more of a garbage dump than it already is, alright?" Tommy chuckled as he slid his plate away from himself, leaned back and hoisted his sturdy combat boots up onto the table. "I've had experience with this sort of thing. These gang leaders don't just wander around the place like mooks, that's suicide, 'specially in Tinasha. We need to lure him out." Tommy puts his finger down on a block of apartments near where they need to take Bat-Wing. "If there's one thing I know, it's where to find a gang member. We check that building tonight, room by room, floor by floor. Put our ears up, see if we hear Sesame Street or bubbling crack pipes. I guarantee we find some bait to use for ol' Bat-Wing."
"And then?" enquires Lady Shiva.
"An then it'll be like shootin' fish in a barrel."
---
Apartment block 32C, project 36, North East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 10:04 PM
"Remember, none lethal, and that goes for everybody. We can't kill anybody, even the gang members. We're hear as government employees, not terrorists." Lady Shiva said, as she walked through the old double doors into the lobby area, wrinkling her nose. The tower block smelt of "urine, crystal meth and decay", in the words of Tommy Monaghan. Or as Bane more poetically put it, "these living conditions are not fit for any man, women or child." Still, for a group attempting to find criminals, this tower block was definitely the best place to me. The oddball team made there way up floor by floor, stepping over garbage, broken chairs, even children as they put there ears to door. After checking about a dozen doors, Tommy put his ear too one and heard the distinct sound of machetes being packed into boxes. "Jackpot."
BOOM
Tommy's boot tore through the door like a knife through butter, sending it flying off its hinges. Within seconds the five flood the room, guns cocked, swords drawn and fists at the ready. A French warcry is let out as a dozen gang members charge at the five, machetes drawn and anger in their eyes. Lady Shiva is first to spring into action, sweeping low at two of her foes at once and following it by charging at a third, grabbing him by the throat. Seeing this, Bane swung one of his giant fists at the mans ribs, the contact causing a loud CRACK as bones snap and fracture, followed by a cry of pain. On the other side of the room, Catwomen wrestled a man to the ground, pushing his machete to his throat while kicking a leg up at another man, cracking his jaw with the back of her heel. The grounded foe pushed up, tossing the machete to the ground, causing Catwomen to swipe at his face. A huge gash opened up on his chin, blood pouring out as the man rolled into a ball begging for mercy. "Shoulda played nice honey."
Tommy and Prometheus, on the other hand, took a more rudimentary approach. Aiming low, Tommy hit four gang members in their knees with his dual pistols, while Prometheus flung himself towards the final pair three, expertly duelling them. Moving as fluidly as water with an almost instant reaction time, Prometheus deflected the first man's machete out of his hand, followed by a swift elbow to his head, knocking him unconscious. With his second swing, Prometheus cut clean through the hand of one of his assailants and disarmed the third. Now unarmed and well and truly scared, the two sprinted out the room.
"Leave, lest we harm you further" Bane declared, causing the gang members to run out of the building like their lives depend on it.
"Well, looks like we've found a shipment of low-tech weapons" Prometheus stated, examining the boxes which litter the room. "But no sign of B-"
Before he could finish his sentence, a black shape crashed through the window, kicking Prometheus across the room and into a wall. Instantly Bane sprung into action, swinging towards the blur, which responded by performing an acrobatic leap backwards through a window and down onto the street. Tommy and Prometheus charged down the stairs and through the lobby into the street, as Bane, Catwomen and Lady Shiva dove after the blur through windows. The five gathered in the middle of the street, ready for combat.
"Where are you yah freak?" Prometheus roared, now clutching a tranquilliser dart rifle. As if responding, a man walked out from the shadows, his body wrapped in a large black cape. His silver suit shimmered under the moonlight, with a glowing bat insignia gleaming on his chest. The light from the insignia reflected off onto Bat-Wing's face, letting the five see his tanned skin and scarred face where it wasn't covered by his mask.
"I am Bat-Wing, Tinasha's protector. I will not allow scum like you to control this city, to control the night. I do not know why you have come here. All I know is that you are breaking the law, and I must now ask you to leave before somebody gets hurt."
"Oh yeah? Well I'm Tommy Monaghan" ZIP ZIP ZIP "and I hate you for making me use a fuckin' KIDS TOY!"
A trio of darts fly across the street at Bat-Wing, who responds with a picture perfect cartwheel. The darts puncture through his cape, but leave the man himself untouched. "Nice speech, now let me show you how it should be done" Catwomen said mockingly, bounding towards her foe, claws extended. The rest of the team charged in behind, ready to back up Catwomen as she pounces. Catwomen's left claw swung towards Bat-Wing at a speed which would leave most men with their face sliced into two pieces. Which is why Catwomen was left stunned as her blade cut through nothing but air. Before being able to regain her composure, Selina found Bat-Wing's boot hitting her in the chest.
"Flank him, don't let that bastard get away" Prometheus ordered as he charged around to Bat-Wing's left side in an attempt to limit his movement. In tune with his former team-mate, Bane took the right side, leaving Bat-Wing with Lady Shiva in front of him and Tommy at a distance, lining up his sights. Seemingly dead to rights, Bat-Wing simply smiled and threw a small capsule on the ground, creating a cloud of smoke.
"I warned you."
Expertly Bat-Wing manoeuvred through the fog, hitting Bane in the throat with a hard karate chop style movement. As he turned to attack his next target, Bat-Wing saw a flash out the corner of his eye. A kick which felt like it came from a cannonball rather than a human foot followed the flash, hitting Bat-Wing in the shin and sending him flying across the street. It felt more painful than anything he'd ever felt, but Bat-Wing knew he had to get up. Had to keep going. Crawling to his his feet Bat-Wing turned to find himself face to face with Bane. The hulking beast grasped Bat-Wing by the scruff of his neck, lifting him up and tossing him like a ragdoll into a nearby car. His body bounced off the car bonnet with a deep thud, and then through the windscreen with a high smash. Laying in the front seat, his shin still stinging, his back soar. Bat-Wing willed himself up, bringing him face to face with a sword, two claws, a martial arts stance, a gun and Bane's fists.
"Now fella," Tommy muttered, training his gun on his prey. "We don't wanna kill yah, just bring you somewhere, let you meet someone. Now, you've got five angry mercenaries dying to rip you limb from limb if you so much as blink slow. So, am I gonna have to tranquillize yah?"
"N-no" Bat-Wing gasped with the last ounce of air not forcefully ejected from his lungs.
"Wrong answer."
ZIP
---
Riddler Tech Designated Meet-up Building, North East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 1, 11:13 PM
"Had to drag this fuck for an hour, Nigma best have left some chairs and smokes for us in here" Tommy muttered as he forced open the iron door. The meeting point was deep within an abandoned apartment complex containing only a few vagrants and rodents. To Tommy's displeasure, the meeting room consisted of simply a TV screen, a wooden chair and some rope, along with being around the size of a janitors closet. "Big luchadore, magic helmet, help me tie him up, I can feel him stirring." As Bane, Tommy and Prometheus fastened the slowly awaking Bat-Wing to the chair, Lady Shiva flicked a switch on the TV, causing Edward Nigma's thin, pasty, rat like face to pop up.
"We've captured the target Edward" Prometheus declared, waving his hand towards the now alert Bat-Wing.
"Good, good. I had no doubt you would succeed, all my plans usually do. Now, down to business: I'm going to ask our friend here a few questions. If he doesn't comply, I feel that my trusted employees can force something out of him."
"I hope you mean torture Eddie, 'cus mutual bulimia sessions aren't really my thing" Catwomen joked as she leaned against the back wall. Nigma nodded at Catwomen before turning his attention to Bane.
"Remove his mask please, Bane." Bane complies, pulling the mask from Bat-Wings head, exposing a scarred young face with a prominent jaw line.
"Nigma, you need to stop this! I'm trying to help Tinasha and you, you work my people like dogs! You're burning this country to the ground one diamond at a time, one faux find raiser after another!" Bat-Wing yells at the screen, causing Nigma's face to turn to one of shock.
"What I do for MY country, is in everyone's best interest. You are a gang leader, a criminal; you work against my government to destroy this country. You KILLED sixty police officers, and the rest of your gang isn't much better, attacking other gangs and stopping my men doing there job."
"My men are freedom fighters, not gang members!" Bat-Wing roars, a vain popping out of his neck as he attempts to rip the chains from his body. "You supply people with, with drugs, with guns. You allow them to kill each other, for what? So you can arrest them and force them to work in diamond mines? So you can market them out to the West as a charity case? So you can take a cut from every damn shipment and every life they ruin? I fight these gangs and your forces to try and save this country from being crushed further and y-"
"That is enough!" Nigma screams, slamming his hands against his desk and cutting off Bat-Wing. "You...you insolent little fool! You do not understand what is best for the DRC, you are but an ignorant gang member! You five, I am done with him. Please take him back to your accommodation so this criminal may be dealt with."
The screen flicks off, leaving the room lit only by a single lightbulb.
"Please," Bat-Wing begs, "This man is a tyrant! A dictator! He cares not for the DRC and it's people, but for his own gain! Release me, let me fight for my country's freedom!"
Bane stands in front of Bat-Wing, looking him up and down, deep in thought. "What are you thinking, Bane? You honestly wanna do it?." Prometheus says, staring at the former freedom fighter.
"Prometheus, I was once in a situation like this, not long after we split. I was captured and branded a traitor, a terrorist. For trying to help my country. This man...he speaks with passion, which no liar could. I believe him. We've seen Nigma in the news, getting richer and richer from the day he decided to relocate his company here. And you think the move into politics was for any other reason than the power? I was sentenced to death when I was captured, and I have no doubt this man will be as well. I cannot hand this man over, and become what I despise: a soldier who simply carries out orders no matter the moral consequences." Prometheus fell silent, humbled.
"Hey" Lady Shiva walks over to Prometheus. "Your helmet can scan people faces, correct?"
"I see where you're going my Lady" Prometheus states, as his visor flashes with a bright blue light. "David Zavimbe, 32, native of Tinasha, former child soldier during the civil war, a police officer, a very decorated one at that."
"So..." Tommy starts.
"He was one of the five who survived the police station being blown up. The attack which Nigma claims David orchestrated" Prometheus continued, interrupting Tommy.
"Well, it appears we've been lied to" Catwomen said as she starts to untie Bat-Wing. "Sorry about that. You know, the kidnapping." she nervously added. Bane extends his hand to Bat-Wing, who took it. Bane pulled David to his feet and returned his mask to him, allowing him to cover his face again.
"I cannot speak for the rest of my team, David, but I would not have undertaken this mission knowing you were a freedom fighter." Bane said, after which the rest of the team nodded.
"Do not worry Bane, I'm aware of your reputation and I do not doubt that the rest of you are good at heart." Bat-Wing replied.
"So why is Nigma doing all this? Becoming president, employing his men as security?" Tommy questioned as he sat in the single, now vacant, chair in the room, beating Catwomen to it.
"Well, he has control over the Congo's natural resources, and with Riddler Tech's equipment he can excavate diamonds at an extremely fast rate. From there, he sells them through serious other companies, creating a monopoly on the market. Along with that, he throws find raisers and appeals for aid extremely often due to the gang violence he causes through arms dealing. That money goes right back into his pocket after a few nice pictures with local kids."
"Arms dealing?" Bane questions, intrigued by Nigma's activities.
"Whenever his men confiscate weapons from a gang, he sells them right back for a profit. Not only for the money, but because the extra violence lets him claim even more aid money under UN schemes."
"And the police station attack?"
"Again, Nigma's doing. Fifty dead officers, the station gone and all the equipment damaged? The perfect excuse to make his men the primary security force in Tinasha and gain more control over the region." Bane nodded in understanding while folding his huge arms. "Thank you for letting me go, I can arrange for some of my fellow freedom fighters to smuggle you North into Rwanda and arrange transport back into America, if you wish." Bat-Wing added while walking to the door,
"No". Lady Shiva straightened herself up off the wall. "Nigma is a dictator, criminal and used us. I cannot be the only one who wishes to see him pay."
"Agreed" Bane responded immediately. "I've devoted my life to stopping dictators, and now one has tried to use me. I will not let him get away with that."
"And the rest of you?" Bat-Wing questioned, turning away from the door.
"I forgot how much I enjoyed working with you Bane, maybe we can make it a permanent thing?" Prometheus asked, causing Bane to smile and nod at him.
"Well, I don't have anything going on 'cept getting into bar fights and shooting super humans" Tommy joked. "I'm in."
"I'm still a high profile case in Gotham, so I don't really have anywhere to go. I'll help" Catwomen replied. "So, where do we start?"
"I know a place." Bat-Wing stated as he opened the door, beckoning the others to follow.
NEXT ISSUE: The Six plan for the resistance and the origins of Bat-Wing