The Memorial Day Murders

Chapter 2 : Mission Briefing

Gotham City

Parking the black SUV outside the building known as the Gotham Clock Tower I observed the surroundings through the tinted glass. Ensuring that the surroundings are clear I took my backpack on the passenger seat and got off. The clock tower is currently under the ownership of Wayne Enterprises, another ideal location for Bruce to set up shop. Come to think about it, we actually lived here before and it was the place Bruce popped the question. Bruce is still mourning for his old friend but he still decided to return to Gotham for a mission despite the pain. Approaching the main entrance to the tower I have to go through the biometric scan and a password in order to access the building. After that I entered the elevator and pressed the button in order to ascend. Exiting the elevator and to the top floor of the tower I dropped the backpack on the couch and peered outwards to the city by standing behind the glass of the clock display. The audible sounds of gears turning can be heard but I was paying attention to the entrance hatch serving as the main entry point for Bruce and his allies. Turning away as the someone slid through the hatch I found myself meeting Bruce's glances. 

His suit has been repaired by Lucius Fox but I can't understand why would he chose to not wear the suit I have reinforced with vibranium. Our glances met as he walked towards me, his boots scraping against the floorboards. I touched his face, noting the slightly visible cut on his cheek. "You came." he whispered as his hand moved to held mine. 

"I agreed to help, so I came." I told him. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine." he said, stoically. Even though I didn't reply I know that he can see the doubt in my eyes. 

"Are you sure?" I asked, placing a hand against his chest.

"I'm sure." he replied firmly. I nodded and picked up the backpack as he activated the computer systems through another biometric scan. The projectors hummed to life upon activation, the multi-screen projection display emitting a glowing blue.

"So what are we looking for?" I asked. 

"Since the break out at Arkham dozens of Gotham's most wanted escaped." Bruce replied, typing into the computer's database. 

"Huh." I said as several names appeared on screen. "So... what's going on now?"

"They pounced." he said, deadpan. 

"Bad sign." I said as I looked through the names. Edward Nigma, aka the Riddler, is a narcissistic egomaniac with a high IQ count. Roman Sionis, commonly known as Black Mask, a crime boss with the strong tendency to murder anyone who stands in his way. Oswald Cobblepot aka Penguin, grown up rich until his family went broke. Slade Wilson, known as Deathstroke, is a former soldier turned mercenary with physical enhancements. Harvey Dent, commonly known as Two-Face and a former district attorney. "Am I missing someone?"

"They're the ones who escaped Isa." Bruce said. "They have launched separate attacks half an hour ago."

"Five criminals, each doing different crimes?"

"Exactly." he added. His fingers then danced on the keyboards and five images appeared on screen. "Nigma is up to his usual tactics, holding people hostage in death traps." he then continued. "Sionis has GCPD lieutenant Will Brooks hostage in his steel mill."

"The court is going to have a field day if he really kills the lieutenant."

"What do you propose?" he asked me. 

"If I ask her she would've told me that Sionis is going to be locked up for life."

"What does she have to do with this?"

"Sorry, she's a lawyer." I replied.

"Never heard of it." he frowned. "Guess that you won't tell me."

"Simple answer Batman." I said. "Cross reference her name in both NYU and Cambridge, go through the alumni section and you'll know what law she studies in."

"I'm not sure what Oswald is planning, footage from a news helicopter shows a significant number of police force showing up at the Iceberg Lounge's doorstep." he said.

"Guess that the facade as a legitimate businessman is slipping." I said as the hatch was opened. 

"You're late." Bruce said as someone dropped in. I turned and noted the presence. I presume that Richard dropped in from his new home in Bludhaven. 

"Are you kidding me?" he said. "I came more than an hour ago."

"I assume that you've been snooping around." I replied, folding my arms. "Not a nice thing to say."

"Okay fine." he said, raising his hands. 

"I don't think that you only asked Richard to help out." I said. The elevator reached the floor and three figures entered the room. "I stand corrected." Bruce turned his back and focused at the screen. 

"Isa's here to help." he said plainly. "Slade has infiltrated Amertek Industries. I can't be be sure what he's planning. Dent is up to one of his usual crimes, attacking the Bank of Gotham and holding the people hostage."