Coran
11-21-2001, 10:28 PM
Nightwing smiled grimly as he sat astride his motrocycle. Just because he wouldn’t lead
Barbara and Tim didn’t mean he wasn’t goign to keep tabs on them. A quick call to
Alfred had assured that the tracers would be placed in Batgirl and Robin’s utility belts.
Nightwing looked down at the monitor on his bike as he watched their movements
carefully.
**************************************************
Batgirl smiled as she looked down at Gotham... finally, she had her chance to prove
herself to all three of them!
“Hey, Batgirl.” Robin’s voice suddenly rang out. Batgirl shook her head and looked over,
“Huh?” Robin grinned, “Sleeping on the job? Batman isn’t going to like that!”
Batgirl chuckled slightly as she gave Robin a playful shove, “I won’t tell if you don’t.”
then turned serious she looked back down at City Hall, “So... do we have any clues on
what all of these things have in common yet?” Robin shook his head, “I couldn’t find
anything on the computer, but I’ll keep trying... should we call in Oracle on this one?”
Batgirl shook her head quickly, “No... we’re going to do this on our own! No asking for
help unless it will get us, or innocent people hurt!”
“Asking for help isn’t always a sign of weakness... quite often it’s a sign of strength.”
Nightwing’s voice suddenly broke the stillness. He walked up and looked down at City
Hall along with them, “Proving yourself doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.”
Robin shook his head and silent admiration, “When are you and Batman gonna teach me
that trick?!”
Nightwing looked up with a tight smile, “Which trick?”
“That trick of coming up so noone hears you and piping up at the exact right moment!”
Robin said quickly, “That is so cool!”
Nightwing laughed softly, then looked over at Batgirl. Turning his gaze back to City Hall
he said softly, “Maybe Batman can teach you, but probably only if you ask... I had to learn
the hard way.”
Robin looked at him curiously, “What do you mean, the hard way?”
“He’s talking about that time he spent touring the world.” Batgirl spoke up quickly, “He
learned a lot on that trip.”
Nightwing shrugged and turned to walk away, “Except balance... I never learned how to
keep my life in balance.”
“But...” Robin’s voice trailed off as Nightwing dissapeared into the shadows. Running
over quickly, he turned and then walked back to Batgirl, “They need to teach me that trick
too!”
**************************************************
Dick stretched out on the couch in his flat, as he talked with Oracle on the phone, “So,
you have any idea what’s the common denominator between all these attacks?”
“Well, there’s nothing common between all their owners... I’ve got the computer running
all the data now, and... ah... here we go!” Oracle said.
“What’d you find?” Dick asked quickly.
“Mayor Frank D. Hall is your common denominator it looks like!” Oracle stated.
Dick’s eyebrow went up slightly, “How?”
“Ok, the bank that was robbed is his bank. Also all city hall funds are kept there. The
build that was burned down was owned by Mr. Frank D. Hall. He’s owned it for quite a
while, but apparently just never did anything with it. And of course, the gem that was
stolen, was stolen from City Hall.” Oracle said.
Dick thought about it, “Some of that sounds kind of farfetched... but the crazy ideas are
usually the right ones. Thanks Oracle. I owe you.”
“I’ll add it to your bill Dick. I figure you owe me the state of Texas now. Bye.” Oracle
said with a slight laught in her voice.
“Bye.”
**************************************************
Barbara ran for the phone, silently cursing to herself... why did people always have to call
while you were in the shower? “Hello?” she said, trying not to sound too angry as she
finished cinching on the robe.
“Something wrong Barbara?” Dick Grayson asked, “You sound ticked about something.”
Barbara smiled slightly, “You just caught me at a bad time. Find something?” she tilted
her head against the phone as she rubbed at her hair with a towel.
“Yeah... I talked to Oracle, and it looked like the common denominator between all of our
crimes is Mayor Frank D. Hall himself.” Dick said.
“Oh?” Barbara asked, “That’s very interesting.”
“That’s what I said. I figure I’ll leave it to you and Tim to go talk to him.”
Barbara smiled, “Thanks Dick. I owe you one.”
Dick grinned slightly, “Ok... you can pay up if you answer one quick question.”
Barbara shrugged, even though he couldn’t see her, “Shoot.”
“What are you wearing?” he asked with obvious amusement behind his voice.
“Oh you!” Barbara yelled, with some laugher, and quickly hung up. Turning, she headed
off to get dressed, while she called Tim at the same time.
**************************************************
“Enter.” Mayor Frank D. Hall yelled when he heard the knock at his door. The door
opened, and he looked up to see Batgirl and Robin step in. “Well... to what do I owe this
pleasant surprise?”
“Who’s after you?” Batgirl asked bluntly.
“Excuse me?” Mayor Hall asked, “I don’t believe I know what you’re talking about.”
“We checked to see what the common factor between all the crimes that have happened
is,” said Tim, his eyes narrow, “and you’re it. It was your bank that was robbed, your
building that was burned, and your workplace that was attacked.”
Mayor Hall shrugged, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
The two heros stared at him, “You better be telling the truth, or next time we won’t be so
nice.” Batgirl said bluntly. Then the two of them turned and walked out.
**************************************************
Jake smiled to himself as he looked over the plans of his next job. Then he looked up at
his trusty men, “Ok boys, next job is a big one. We’re going to hit the Gotham
Highrollers Club. They’re having a special awards ceremony tonight. All the big names
will be there, and there’ll be lots of sparkly things.”
The boys smiled, “What time?” asked one. “We hit it at 10:47 p.m. The ceremony will
have half over.” Nods all around, and Jake grinned, “Get the equipment ready.”
**************************************************
Mayor Hall sat on the podium at the Gotham High Rollers Club and tried to stretch
without being too obvious. These speeches were so boring. At least he could leave at
11:00 p.m. Glancing at his watch he smiled slightly, 10:45... only 15 more minutes to go.
**************************************************
(2 minutes later)
“Everybody stay calm, and nobody gets hurt!” Jake yelled as the five men waltzed in. All
of them carried uzi’s, and wore ski masks. “My four friends will be going around with
bags... drop all your jewlry, money, and anything of value into the bag. Anyone
withholding will be hurt.” turning to he poitned at the Mayor who was frozen in fear,
“Start with him!”
**************************************************
Batgirl looked in the window and nodded to Robin, “Showtime!” Quickly the swung
down on the grappling hooks, smashing through the windows and bowling directly into
two of the men. Two swift punches, and there were three targets left. Batgirl stood, arms
akimbo and smirked at Jake, “Care to surrender now... or in 5 minutes?”
**************************************************
“Stupid, stupid, stupid!” Nightwing growled as he watched through binoculars. Crouched
on the ledge, he watched... not ready to but in until absolutely necessary.
**************************************************
Jake was split... partly he wanted to laugh, and partly he wanted to curse. Staring at the
two masked vigilantes he said quietly, “You don’t want to start anything now lady...
you’re not prepared to finish it.”
Batgirl smiled, “Yes I am.”
Jake shrugged, and lifted a remote control. A push of a button, and four bombs all
detonated simultaneously. “That was the elevators!” yelled Jake as he held up another
control, “Sit down and shut up, or I blow the stairs and the supports for this floor!”
Robin moved quickly, a batarang flying through the air and smashing into the control,
slicing it right in half.
Jake shrugged, “Ah well...” then lifted his Uzi and began hosing down the area. His two
remaining men, joined in. “Towards the stairs boys!” turning he began firing towards a
bunch of people, knowing the two would have to do something to help.
**************************************************
Batgirl dove quickly, knocking a table over in front of the spray of bullets. Robin let out a
yell as an arm suddenly encircled his neck from behind, and he felt the cold metal of an uzi
barrel against his temple, “Don’t move girly, or the birdbrain gets it!”
Batgirl turned to see the crook that she had thought she knocked out was up, and holding
Robin. “Oh man...” she thought, “What do I do now?”
**************************************************
Nightwing cursed and dove for the window. Using his glider, he went through perfectly
and slammed right into the man who was holding Robin. The gun slid from his hands, and
the man dropped. A rain of bullets sprayed the whole area again as everyone dropped to
the ground to avoid the deadly spray.
“Let’s get out of here!” Jake scream, as they all ran for the stairs.
Robin lept up and ran after them quickly, “No! Robin! Come back here!” Batgirl yelled
as she lept up, running after him. Nightwing stared heavenword and muttered, “Why
me?!” then charged after them.
**************************************************
Robin rounded a corner and met a fist that was waiting for him. As Robin slumped to the
floor, Jake nodded, “Grab him.” One of the men picked Robin up, and they hurred off.
Batgirl ran around the corner and saw them carrying Robin, “Noooooooo!” she screamed
as she dove at them.
Jake spun and suddenly revealed his proficiency with the martial arts. An extremely fast
roundhouse kick, and Batgirl was laying on the floor. “Should we take her too boss?” one
of the guys asked. Before Jake could answer, Nightwing charged around the corner, his
eyes blazing. Jake quickly lifted his uzi and fired a spray that forced Nightwing to leap
back. “Run for it boys!” Swiftly they all charged away, but before Jake slipped down the
stairs, he turned and smiled, “Here’s a gift.” then lobbed at grenade at Batgirl.
**************************************************
Nightwing dove and caught the grenade. Spinning, he threw it with all his might out the
nearest window, then dove to cover Batgirl. The grenade exploded, sending fragments of
glass flying through the area. Batgirl’s eyes suddenly opened and she looked up at
Nightwing, “Robin!” she said urgently. Quickly they got up, and Nightwing flipped open
his handheld tracker, “On the roof!”
**************************************************
Nightwing and Batgirl charged onto the roof only to find Robin’s utility belt, gloves, and
cape all laying in a heap on the ground. Batgirl looked over at Nightwing, her eyes
slightly scared, “What now?”
Barbara and Tim didn’t mean he wasn’t goign to keep tabs on them. A quick call to
Alfred had assured that the tracers would be placed in Batgirl and Robin’s utility belts.
Nightwing looked down at the monitor on his bike as he watched their movements
carefully.
**************************************************
Batgirl smiled as she looked down at Gotham... finally, she had her chance to prove
herself to all three of them!
“Hey, Batgirl.” Robin’s voice suddenly rang out. Batgirl shook her head and looked over,
“Huh?” Robin grinned, “Sleeping on the job? Batman isn’t going to like that!”
Batgirl chuckled slightly as she gave Robin a playful shove, “I won’t tell if you don’t.”
then turned serious she looked back down at City Hall, “So... do we have any clues on
what all of these things have in common yet?” Robin shook his head, “I couldn’t find
anything on the computer, but I’ll keep trying... should we call in Oracle on this one?”
Batgirl shook her head quickly, “No... we’re going to do this on our own! No asking for
help unless it will get us, or innocent people hurt!”
“Asking for help isn’t always a sign of weakness... quite often it’s a sign of strength.”
Nightwing’s voice suddenly broke the stillness. He walked up and looked down at City
Hall along with them, “Proving yourself doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.”
Robin shook his head and silent admiration, “When are you and Batman gonna teach me
that trick?!”
Nightwing looked up with a tight smile, “Which trick?”
“That trick of coming up so noone hears you and piping up at the exact right moment!”
Robin said quickly, “That is so cool!”
Nightwing laughed softly, then looked over at Batgirl. Turning his gaze back to City Hall
he said softly, “Maybe Batman can teach you, but probably only if you ask... I had to learn
the hard way.”
Robin looked at him curiously, “What do you mean, the hard way?”
“He’s talking about that time he spent touring the world.” Batgirl spoke up quickly, “He
learned a lot on that trip.”
Nightwing shrugged and turned to walk away, “Except balance... I never learned how to
keep my life in balance.”
“But...” Robin’s voice trailed off as Nightwing dissapeared into the shadows. Running
over quickly, he turned and then walked back to Batgirl, “They need to teach me that trick
too!”
**************************************************
Dick stretched out on the couch in his flat, as he talked with Oracle on the phone, “So,
you have any idea what’s the common denominator between all these attacks?”
“Well, there’s nothing common between all their owners... I’ve got the computer running
all the data now, and... ah... here we go!” Oracle said.
“What’d you find?” Dick asked quickly.
“Mayor Frank D. Hall is your common denominator it looks like!” Oracle stated.
Dick’s eyebrow went up slightly, “How?”
“Ok, the bank that was robbed is his bank. Also all city hall funds are kept there. The
build that was burned down was owned by Mr. Frank D. Hall. He’s owned it for quite a
while, but apparently just never did anything with it. And of course, the gem that was
stolen, was stolen from City Hall.” Oracle said.
Dick thought about it, “Some of that sounds kind of farfetched... but the crazy ideas are
usually the right ones. Thanks Oracle. I owe you.”
“I’ll add it to your bill Dick. I figure you owe me the state of Texas now. Bye.” Oracle
said with a slight laught in her voice.
“Bye.”
**************************************************
Barbara ran for the phone, silently cursing to herself... why did people always have to call
while you were in the shower? “Hello?” she said, trying not to sound too angry as she
finished cinching on the robe.
“Something wrong Barbara?” Dick Grayson asked, “You sound ticked about something.”
Barbara smiled slightly, “You just caught me at a bad time. Find something?” she tilted
her head against the phone as she rubbed at her hair with a towel.
“Yeah... I talked to Oracle, and it looked like the common denominator between all of our
crimes is Mayor Frank D. Hall himself.” Dick said.
“Oh?” Barbara asked, “That’s very interesting.”
“That’s what I said. I figure I’ll leave it to you and Tim to go talk to him.”
Barbara smiled, “Thanks Dick. I owe you one.”
Dick grinned slightly, “Ok... you can pay up if you answer one quick question.”
Barbara shrugged, even though he couldn’t see her, “Shoot.”
“What are you wearing?” he asked with obvious amusement behind his voice.
“Oh you!” Barbara yelled, with some laugher, and quickly hung up. Turning, she headed
off to get dressed, while she called Tim at the same time.
**************************************************
“Enter.” Mayor Frank D. Hall yelled when he heard the knock at his door. The door
opened, and he looked up to see Batgirl and Robin step in. “Well... to what do I owe this
pleasant surprise?”
“Who’s after you?” Batgirl asked bluntly.
“Excuse me?” Mayor Hall asked, “I don’t believe I know what you’re talking about.”
“We checked to see what the common factor between all the crimes that have happened
is,” said Tim, his eyes narrow, “and you’re it. It was your bank that was robbed, your
building that was burned, and your workplace that was attacked.”
Mayor Hall shrugged, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
The two heros stared at him, “You better be telling the truth, or next time we won’t be so
nice.” Batgirl said bluntly. Then the two of them turned and walked out.
**************************************************
Jake smiled to himself as he looked over the plans of his next job. Then he looked up at
his trusty men, “Ok boys, next job is a big one. We’re going to hit the Gotham
Highrollers Club. They’re having a special awards ceremony tonight. All the big names
will be there, and there’ll be lots of sparkly things.”
The boys smiled, “What time?” asked one. “We hit it at 10:47 p.m. The ceremony will
have half over.” Nods all around, and Jake grinned, “Get the equipment ready.”
**************************************************
Mayor Hall sat on the podium at the Gotham High Rollers Club and tried to stretch
without being too obvious. These speeches were so boring. At least he could leave at
11:00 p.m. Glancing at his watch he smiled slightly, 10:45... only 15 more minutes to go.
**************************************************
(2 minutes later)
“Everybody stay calm, and nobody gets hurt!” Jake yelled as the five men waltzed in. All
of them carried uzi’s, and wore ski masks. “My four friends will be going around with
bags... drop all your jewlry, money, and anything of value into the bag. Anyone
withholding will be hurt.” turning to he poitned at the Mayor who was frozen in fear,
“Start with him!”
**************************************************
Batgirl looked in the window and nodded to Robin, “Showtime!” Quickly the swung
down on the grappling hooks, smashing through the windows and bowling directly into
two of the men. Two swift punches, and there were three targets left. Batgirl stood, arms
akimbo and smirked at Jake, “Care to surrender now... or in 5 minutes?”
**************************************************
“Stupid, stupid, stupid!” Nightwing growled as he watched through binoculars. Crouched
on the ledge, he watched... not ready to but in until absolutely necessary.
**************************************************
Jake was split... partly he wanted to laugh, and partly he wanted to curse. Staring at the
two masked vigilantes he said quietly, “You don’t want to start anything now lady...
you’re not prepared to finish it.”
Batgirl smiled, “Yes I am.”
Jake shrugged, and lifted a remote control. A push of a button, and four bombs all
detonated simultaneously. “That was the elevators!” yelled Jake as he held up another
control, “Sit down and shut up, or I blow the stairs and the supports for this floor!”
Robin moved quickly, a batarang flying through the air and smashing into the control,
slicing it right in half.
Jake shrugged, “Ah well...” then lifted his Uzi and began hosing down the area. His two
remaining men, joined in. “Towards the stairs boys!” turning he began firing towards a
bunch of people, knowing the two would have to do something to help.
**************************************************
Batgirl dove quickly, knocking a table over in front of the spray of bullets. Robin let out a
yell as an arm suddenly encircled his neck from behind, and he felt the cold metal of an uzi
barrel against his temple, “Don’t move girly, or the birdbrain gets it!”
Batgirl turned to see the crook that she had thought she knocked out was up, and holding
Robin. “Oh man...” she thought, “What do I do now?”
**************************************************
Nightwing cursed and dove for the window. Using his glider, he went through perfectly
and slammed right into the man who was holding Robin. The gun slid from his hands, and
the man dropped. A rain of bullets sprayed the whole area again as everyone dropped to
the ground to avoid the deadly spray.
“Let’s get out of here!” Jake scream, as they all ran for the stairs.
Robin lept up and ran after them quickly, “No! Robin! Come back here!” Batgirl yelled
as she lept up, running after him. Nightwing stared heavenword and muttered, “Why
me?!” then charged after them.
**************************************************
Robin rounded a corner and met a fist that was waiting for him. As Robin slumped to the
floor, Jake nodded, “Grab him.” One of the men picked Robin up, and they hurred off.
Batgirl ran around the corner and saw them carrying Robin, “Noooooooo!” she screamed
as she dove at them.
Jake spun and suddenly revealed his proficiency with the martial arts. An extremely fast
roundhouse kick, and Batgirl was laying on the floor. “Should we take her too boss?” one
of the guys asked. Before Jake could answer, Nightwing charged around the corner, his
eyes blazing. Jake quickly lifted his uzi and fired a spray that forced Nightwing to leap
back. “Run for it boys!” Swiftly they all charged away, but before Jake slipped down the
stairs, he turned and smiled, “Here’s a gift.” then lobbed at grenade at Batgirl.
**************************************************
Nightwing dove and caught the grenade. Spinning, he threw it with all his might out the
nearest window, then dove to cover Batgirl. The grenade exploded, sending fragments of
glass flying through the area. Batgirl’s eyes suddenly opened and she looked up at
Nightwing, “Robin!” she said urgently. Quickly they got up, and Nightwing flipped open
his handheld tracker, “On the roof!”
**************************************************
Nightwing and Batgirl charged onto the roof only to find Robin’s utility belt, gloves, and
cape all laying in a heap on the ground. Batgirl looked over at Nightwing, her eyes
slightly scared, “What now?”