Batman Beyond: The Legacy Returns

Chapter 12 - Dawn Of A New Beginning

"Good Morning Gotham City! This Is GNN with the top stories of the day." The virtual female report announces as she appears with the sound of some background music.

As the woman's blue silhouetted image moves to the right of the screen, a video appears beside her of the police slapping on the cuffs of the remaining Jokerz at the hospital and in some of the streets as they try to run from the law.

"Gotham City was nearly over run by the Jokerz gang last night, as they destroyed numerous buildings including the Gotham Police Station. But that was soon thwarted by the authorities as they made their biggest move against the violent gang in what was said to be an 'all out war on crime'. Commissioner Maxine Gibson lead the police on the takedown and was not available for comment on how many gang members have been rounded up."

The virtual woman soon came off the screen and a male reporter now took her place as he switched to the left side with still image of Batman beside him.

"But this operation could not have been a success without the help of the returning defender of this city, Batman. Yes, it looks like the dark vigilante has decided to make a return to Gotham as he battles this uprising from the Jokerz. Where has he been for so long? Why is he cracking down on this violent gang now and not before he took an extended break? No one seems to have an answer to this riddle, but many of the police seem to welcome the explosive return of this hero."

The male reporter switches to the other side again, and shows a live shot of Jason Smythe heading down the stairs of the Powers building.

"In other news, Jason Smythe, President and C.E.O. of Powers Industries, has been keeping close to his hospitalized Fiancé, Dana Tan. They too were victims of the Jokerz wild attacks as their engagement party was disrupted and had many wounded. This statement was made just minutes ago from the concerned Powers employer."

The shot of Smythe now becomes full screen as the man steps up to the microphones and hovering cameras all pointing at him as he tries to speak.

"First off, I'd like to say that this horrible act of cowardess will not go unpunished. I will make it my mission to end this gang by any means necessary with whatever resources I have at my disposal. Secondly, I want to assure you that everyone is doing well and was treated, even my beautiful and lovely wife to be, Dana Tan. She is resting comfortably at Gotham General and I hope to have her home as soon as she is well enough."

In the crowd interviewing him, hundreds of voices all try to speak at him at once as they attempt to get their questions answered by him. One female voice rises above the others as she clearly gets his attention from her inquiry.

"What of Batman mister Symthe? It seems very timely for him to show up just after your party was attacked. Are you in league with the dark knight? Or in some way connected to his return?"

Jason becomes angry with the woman for suggesting it and quickly gives his answer back to her.

"I have no idea what you're talking about! I have no connection with that dangerous twit whatsoever. As far as I'm concerned this is his entire fault in the first place. If he hadn't been taking a vacation and leaving us all at the mercy of these criminals he helped to create...this city would be a lot better then it is now! He's a much a menace to this city as those responsible for nearly killing my Dana!"

He storms out beyond the cameras and is soon replaced with his personal assistant, Mr. Winters.

"Thank you all for your concern. This interview is now over, please direct your questions to the main office if you need any further information."