BATMAN: Ways of War (Part One)

[dc_gothamite]

hi y'all... uh... this is really the first time i've ever done a fan fiction... so don't be too mad if this turns to be really bad... ... n/e wayz, this story is set in the timeline of "Justice League," and takes place at least 3 months after Sept. 11. The real focus is on Batman and his team. i made up this little story using elements from the shows, a little on a tidbit from ROTJ and a few movies... n/e wayz, enjoy... @ least I hope you'll enjoy it... lemme know wut improvements i need... thnx. if there r no replies, either I'm doin a good job... or ppl just don't care . BTW, this is part doesn't have much action... it's more focused on what's going on in Gotham right now, but it will build up as it progresses in the next few parts. At least in this part the pivotal crime is committed in a subtle way....

---

"Commissioner! Commissioner! It's all ready!"

"You sure, Montoya?"

"Absolutely. We've received word from Mr. Boyle at GothCorp."

"Good. Everything's on schedule."

Gotham City police Commissioner Jim Gordon was exhausted. He could do nothing but sit in his office, sipping coffee. Ever since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Gordon had been at work nearly 24/7. With the word "terrorist" shivering down everyone's spine, the Gotham City Police Department had to keep a watchful eye on criminal activities throughout town.

In addition to that, Arkham Asylum and its prisoners and workers had been completely moved to a new, higher security building, for obvious reasons. Now, Gordon and his team had to help ship a large number of explosives and weapons to Afghanistan to assist the US Army and its allies.

"Sweet mother of pearl, commish," said Det. Bullock, as he walked in. "I just got back from the GothCorp building. Man, I've never seen that kind of artillery before. Kinda wish we had that kind of fun. heh."

"It's not that fun, Bullock." answered Gordon. "We're at war, and those weapons can help us win the war on terrorism... though, fighting fire with fire isn't exactly my style. I mean they took away lives... and I value that...."

"Don't we all, Commish... Don't we all... Anyway, the shipment of the weapons will start at 10:15 p.m. tonight."

"We'll be there," assured Gordon. "we don't want any more trouble..."

"Y'know, Commish?" asked Bullock, "I wonder why Wayne Enterprises didn't agree to construct the weapons? he would've made a whole ton of money for helpin the country and stuff..."

"Who knows, Bullock," Gordon replied, "Bruce is one of my good friends. Maybe the shock of everything got to him... I don't know."

---

Meanwhile, a dark, shadowy figure known only as Batman was patroling the city. The vicious vigilante had also been busy these past few months. With the formation of the "Justice League," September 11, 2001, and his own private crusades, Batman had his hands full. He and many other heroes already received heat from people in New York.

"How could y'all let this happen?! WHY!!!"

The Justice League had defeated many other adversaries, but this one caught them off guard. It wasn't only them, though. Heroes like Spider-Man got some blame as well.

Batman also received heat from his hometown of Gotham City. His alter-ego, billionaire Bruce Wayne and his company, Wayne Enterprises declined to help build the weapons for the war. The "Gotham Globe" Newspaper dubbed Bruce Wayne a "selfish, richkid with no care." Many people dubbed him that. However, there were only a few people around the world who knew his real reasons of declining.

As the Dark Knight used his grapple hook to swing throughout the city, he noticed a familiar sight. A solemn place he had been to as a child. He visited it many times, but now he rarely did so...

"I owe it to them to pay them a visit...." Batman said to himself...

Crime Alley was dark just like any other night. Batman swung down for a landing. As he put away his grapple hook, Batman walked through the abandoned walkway. He took at least 15 paces until he stopped. It was dead silence. He stared at the ground for about 25 seconds, remembering the 25 seconds that occured nearly 25 years ago. The words "Thomas and MArtha Wayne, KILLED" came to his mind. This was where his beloved parents had been killed all those years ago. That night may have marked the end of a life, but it also marked the beginning of a legacy.

Silence had ruled thoughout the Batman's mind until a soft solemn voice broke through.

"I figured I'd find you here."

Batman turned to see a familiar face.

"Leslie! What brings you here?," the hero asked.

"Well, with me doing overnight work at the clinic, and you off doing miscellaneous acts, we haven't much time to talk. There hasn't been any word on the streets of the Joker robbing a bank, or the Riddler playing with toys, so I thought you'd relax here," answered Leslie.

"Impressive assumption Leslie," smirked Batman, as he turned and continued to stare at the ground of his parents' demise.

"You seem so sad, Bruce," implied Leslie. "At least sadder than usual. It's probably the terrorist attacks, isn't it."

"It's not just that, Leslie. For years, I have tried to beat back death. I've worked long and hard to achieve what I have. And all of a sudden, it blows up in my face. I could have prevented the whole thing... especially with the Justice League."

"It was sudden, Bruce. No one saw it coming."

The hero stood silent and still. but he finally spoke.
"Now there's war around the world. And then there's many people who want my head on a platter for not assisting in the formation of the weapons and explosives..."

"Ahh yes. Your refusal to help build the explosives and weapons for the US army," chuckled Leslie. "I'll admit, many people at the clinic wanted you dead. I mean, you had the money and technology.... but you didn't surprise me at all, Bruce. Despite all the insane things you do, you never cease to surprise me, Bruce. Despite all that's happened, you still manage to hold your personal, moral codes."

Batman nodded slowly. He couldn't help but feel a mix of guilt and pride as he stared at his parents' deathbed. He was right. For many years, he had tried to beat back death. He succeeded many times before, but it wasn't until recently that he felt that he failed....

---

10:15 PM, Gotham Harbour....

"Are the weapons ready for shipment?" asked Commissioner Gordon,with frustration.

"Almost, Commish. The Navy ship have to make sure they're not seen overseas with this armageddon." answered Bullock.

"We just have to adjust our frequencies, and make sure the weapons are secure in the vessel." added Captain Smith, who was commanding the mission back to Afghanistan.

Ten minutes later.....

"It's all ready Commissioner. The crew can pack up now," said Smith.

"About time, Smith," answered Commissioner. "But still, good luck with everything... and thanks..."

"No. Thank you commissioner. At least now we'll be off your hands... and away from Batman... geez that guy freaks me out..."

Gordon chuckled. "He has the effect on people, but he's there when he's needed, and ----"

"What is it?" asked Smith, as he noticed Gordon stop.

Gordon, Smith, and Bullock turned around had found 10 marbles drop on the ground at least ten feet away from them.

"Aw, geez... what's up with this now?" demanded Bullock.

Gordon walked to one of the marbles for closer examination. However, he stopped dead in his tracks as the marbles immediately squirt out foot after foot of gas....

"What in God's name is going on!!!" screamed Gordon. He pulled out his gun and cocked it, but he soon dropped the weapon before dropping on the ground, himself.

"Commish!!" screamed Bullock. He ran toward the fallen Gordon before he blacked out and collapsed.

Captain Smith and his squad all dropped down, unconcious soon afterwards. As the gas cleared, the group of unconcious bodies could clearly be seen.

As Gordon, Bullock, Smith and crew lay on the ground, a group of masked soldiers walked out of an alleyway about twenty feet away from the docking area.

"It worked..." chuckled one.

"You bet... the GCPD and the US Navy can't do squat..." said another.

"Not even a sign of the Batman..."

"Shut up you idiots!" ordered the masked leader. "The sooner we finish, the sooner we get paid."

11:00 PM.

Jim Gordon moaned and groaned in pain.

"Oh... my head hurts... what I wouldn't give for one of Barbara's apple pies..."

Jim had regained conciousness. All he remembered was seeing black, and that's it. He looked around him, and saw Bullock and Smith and his crew. He checked them all for pulses... they were alive, just knocked out.

"Well, that's a load off my chest... but what happened?"

Gordon still couldn't see right. The gas had knocked him out pretty badly. The beated cop stood up and turned around....

"Oh my God...."

---

Batman arrived in the underground batcave after hours of patrol. The Dark Knight of Gotham had been tired... both emotionally and physically. The batcave wasn't just a workplace beneath his home... it was a refuge.

The Dark Knight walked slowly towards his chair in front of his massive personal computer near one of the caverns of the Batcave. He activated the computer, to see that nothing was wrong in the City of Gotham.

The hero pulled off his mask and lay on the keyboards, closed his eyes, and laid his head against his chair as he closed his eyes. The silence was peaceful in this cave of darkness until...

"Sir?"

"Yes Alfred..."

"I am relieved you are home sir, but we have a problem..."

"What, Alfred?"

"The weapons constructed by GothCorp was stolen 15 minutes ago..."

---

Well... that's the story so far... the whole terrorist attacks kinda runs as a central theme and idea for the story. Batman and Gotham are all tired.... especially with Batman since he has his personal demons to deal with... it's not explored MUCH here... but it will be in the next part, as Batman gets in on the case... hope this wuz kewl...

[The_NewCatwoman]

Wow, that's alot of slang. Anyway, I thought your story was pretty damn good. I hadn't seen any stories centering around the terrorists' attacks, but your's changed that. Although I'm not much of a patriot, and an anarchist at that, I still found your story quite beautiful, in that valuing life kinda way and all. Keep up the good work.

[Batgirl_2005]

COol... a story centred around 9-11.... neat. jeez... you'd think people would be smart enough to realise that Bruce just doens't like guns.

"I don't like guns." - Bruce Wayne. World's Finest. (... "Blame it on me Lex. Tell them I just don't have the imagination.")

but very good so far. I can't wait to see more.

[dc_gothamite]

thnx u guyz. . now i have some confidence to do the next few parts...well here it goes.... this is PART TWO

---

Soon, the Batmobile raced across Gotham, joining at least five other police cars with its nearly deafening sirens.

Activating the speaker in the vehicle, Batman made connection to his faithful father figure and butler, Alfred in the batcave.

"Alfred. Anything else on the heist? What have you found?"

"Not more than I know, sir," replied Alfred. "Ms. Gordon called me right away, and told me to inform you of the incident. She's on her way as Batgirl, sir."

"Good."

"Shall I wake Master Timothy, sir?" asked Alfred.

"No, that's fine Alfred. We don't need him right now. Besides, he still has to make up for the math test he failed.... again..."

"Very Good, sir. I'll keep you informed."

"Thank you, Alfred."

---

11:20 pm

"All I remember was seeing these marbles rolling towards and releasing gas... then I come to, and all the weapons are gone! It's insanity!"

Commissioner Gordon was frantic.

"Those weapons are the country's chance on the war on terrorism," Gordon lamented, "now, some other freak-job has it, and who knows what he's doin' with it."

"Calm down, Commissioner," replied Batgirl. "We'll try to find them. The rest of GCPD should be fine. More officers are coming for further investigation."

Batgirl, like Batman, had her share of secrets. She was also known as Barbara Gordon... Commissioner Gordon's daughter. Like her dad, Barbara worked at the GCPD, but worked as a filer, updating Criminal Records and files on the computer systems. With everything going on with the terrorist attacks, Barbara worked long shifts as well, just to keep everything in order.

"Good to hear," said Gordon. But that didn't give him much comfort. "Where's Batman?"

"He should be on his - - ", replied Batgirl as she saw a shadowy figure descend from the sky...

"...way"

"Commissioner! Are you all right?" asked Batman upon landing...

"I'm fine. But we let those weapons and explosives get through. My men and the Navy were knocked out by the gas." answered Gordon.

"What gas?"

"uh... they came from those little marbles there."

Batman stared at the marbles for a few seconds.

"Commissioner," Batman notioned, "go make sure Bullock and your crew are fine, and wait for the rest of the GCPD to arrive. Give a report. We'll try to see what's going on here. There's more than meets the eye..."

Gordon nodded, and walked towards his crew.

Batman turned and nodded at Batgirl. The two Knights walked toward the marbles for closer examination.

"How did you find out about the heist?" asked Batman.

"My dad sent a call on our radio," Batgirl answered. "At least ten officers replied, and left, and I .... well... y'know."

"Uh-huh..." said Batman, quietly.

Removing devices from his utility belt. Batman took out a pocket-sized infrared scope and examined the marbles.

"They're clean," he said, grimly. "No residues or fingerprints. Suspects wore gloves. Check out the Navy Vessel where the weapons were."

Batgirl nodded, and walked towards the floating vessel. Using her own infrared scope, she examined the ship to find anything strange.

"Damn," Batgirl said to herself. "Nothing here... no fingerprints, no residue, no hairs... whoever pulled this off was good."

Still with her scope activated, Batgirl continued to study the areas, until she saw a little object lying behind two of the pipes. She walked over for a closer look...

---

ELSEWHERE... meanwhile

"Did the heist go as planned?"

"Without a hitch, boss," answered one of the thugs. "Nothing to it... Gordon and his freaks were out, cold. We made off with the ka-booms, and by the time Gordon got up, he couldn't do squat about it."

"Good. Now I'll be paid in full, and you will get 5 % of the profits... ha ha ha..."

"Sure thing boss..."

"Yeah... *yawn* I could really go for some nice beer for a job well-done..." said another. "All i need is five bucks... Aw crap. Now where did I put my wal... oh-no... OH-NO!!!!!!"

---

Gotham Harbor

"It's a wallet from one of the thieves," explained Batgirl, smiling. "Maybe whoever pulled this off wasn't THAT good."

"Careless mistake on his part," answered Batman.

Batgirl handed the wallet to Batman.

"What's his name?" asked Batgirl.

"Chester B. Wilford." replied Batman.

"Should I check his files at headquarters?" asked Batgirl, preparing a grapple-hook.

"No." Batman reassured.

Batgirl became puzzled... "Why?"

"Look at this," Batman answered. He took out a card and handed it to her. It was a business card. it said:

Chester B. Wilford
Have a great time...
c/o THE ICEBERG LOUNGE

Batgirl smiled in reassurance.

"Call Dick." Batman ordered.

---

Downtown Loft in Gotham City

Dick Grayson was in his downtown loft. He had just finished dinner, and was going one on one... with his punching bag.

For ten straight minutes, Dick went medieval on the bag, using every move and technique he learned as a high flying circus acrobat, and as Batman's former protegé, Robin.

"1, 2, 3... 1, 2, 3... 1, 2, 3..." Dick whispered to himself to keep a steady pattern on his moves. The young, abrasive fighter smiled at the sound of the "WHAM" on the punching bag.

He was on a roll, until...

"RING"

"Stupid phone," Dick said to himself. "It messed up my count."

Dick picked up his towel as he walked over his phone, which was right beside a half-eaten pizza.

"Hello? Barbara? Wha... hmmm... what's Bruce gonna do? All right fine. I'll be there in ten. See you then."

Dick wiped himself off as he walked towards his closet. He took two outfits: one, his best tuxedo; two, his guise of Nightwing.

"Iceberg Lounge, here I come..."

---

That's all for now... i'm sleepy... n/e wayz, Batman & Batgirl have found something out about one of the thieves. And Dick Grayson/Nightwing has now joined the fight... Can't wait to do the next one.. thnx.!!!

[Coran]

Very interesting story. It's well written, and you're plot is deffinately intriguing. I will deffinately keep reading.

[Batgirl_2005]

Like Coran said, this is very well written, I'm really impressed. I can't wait to read more.

ta-ta

Batgirl

PS (for my little insane mind) woo hoo.... dick in a tuxedo.

[The Guitar Slayer]

I like this a lot. Keep going.

[witness]

::comes barreling through the door pushing a party cart in front of him:: Welcome, dc gothamite!!! Welcome to the fanfics board!
::throws confetti at dc while blowing a party whistle::

Always glad to see a new poster. I like your story and am interested in seeing where you'll take it from here. Like others have said before, interesting stuff just seems to happen at the Iceberg Lounge.

Keep on posting!

[dc_gothamite]

thnx y'all !!! Now Part Three...

---

Gotham Harbor

Batgirl turned off her phone on her Batcycle, and walked towards Batman, who was recording all the evidence found.

"Okay, Dick's on his way to the Iceberg Lounge. What now?"

"Penguin has no real use for that kind of artillery," answered a stern Batman. "He's committed countless crimes in Gotham before. But he has openly committed himself to being 'reformed.' I've been to the Iceberg Lounge many times for business. He's one of the few villains who's actually sane in mind. He's from a rich family, and he knows a place like Stongate Prison isn't for him."

"Then why did he steal all the explosives and weapons?" asked a confused Batgirl. "If he's half as sane as you say he is, he would've - - "

"Remember his motto... 'Living well is the best revenge,'" Batman snapped. "He's probably doing it for the money. Somebody's paid him to pull off the heist. The only question is who. With his conglomerate, he can make sure every illegal activity he does is irradicated, and he knows I can't do a thing about it. I can only stop him from pulling off the crime, but I can't get him in jail."

"So any ideas on who may have paid him?" asked Batgirl.

"Right now, that's Dick's job." answered Batman.

"What about us?"

"It'll be our job as well. There are three big underworld gang leaders in Gotham: Roland Dagget, Arnold Stromwell, and Rupert Thorne." stated the Dark Knight. "Your job will be to investigate all three of them. Check if they have any evidence or records in connection with any military contacts or the Penguin."

"What about you?"

"I'll do my part."

Batgirl lifted her eyebrow in suspiscion. But she knew there was a job to be done. She turned around, readied a grapple hook, and swung away into the night.

Batman also turned around to see the GCPD investigating the vessel. He knew that with most of the evidence found by him and Batgirl, the police wouldn't find anything or be able to do anything. That was good... the Dark Knight didn't want any distractions from the GCPD. he didn't want to turn this into a International Crisis.

"Commissioner," Batman said as he approached Gordon. "If I were you, I wouldn't do anything about the case... yet. We don't want this turning into an international incident. It's better if we keep this low."

Gordon nodded.

"Notify the US Armies in Afghanistan, and let them know about what's going on," Batman ordered as he readied he grapple hook and swooped off into the night.

"Are you gonna listen to that pointy-eared freak, Commish?" asked an angry Bullock.

"Afraid so, Bullock. I've never turned my back on him. And with everything's that happening, I'm not gonna stop now."

---

Wayne Enterprises Building... Rooftop

After landing on the rooftop, Batman disassembled his grapple hook and returned it to his utility belt.

"It's all insane," he said to himself. "With all that's happening, who knows what will happen with those weapons..."

The masked hero took a look at his beloved city for five seconds. He frowned for nearly a second before pulling out a watch, with red and black colors in the center....

"It's me... I haven't done this that often... but I need a favor."

---

The Iceberg Lounge

"and what is your name sir?"

"Dick Grayson."

"Okay Mr. Grayson. Just let me write down your name for a second.... okay! Follow me. I'll direct you to the table of your choice."

"Thanks."

As Dick sat in his table on the balcony, he started looking around for any clues...

He looked at the band playing in the center of the club...

"Brian Setzer Orchestra, eh...." Dick said to himself. "Guess the music industry has sunk to a new low."

After a pleasant few seconds, Dick returned to his investigation. He saw one of the waitresses pass by.

"Excuse me... uh... Elaine. Um... Do you know someone named... Chester Wilford?"

"yes. Actually, he's one of the waiters... he's right there."

Dick turned his head, and saw him walking through the halls on the second floor.

"Thanks."

"How do you know Chester?"

"uh...we went to College together.... gotta run."

"hmmm... nice guy," Elaine said to herself.

As Chester walked through the crowd of people in the halls, Dick kept a clse eye, and followed him.

Chester walked toward a door that had, "Forbidden Access" written on it. He walked up to the door and stood there for five seconds. All of a sudden, the door opened and he went through.

Dick was puzzled. He walked up to the door and noticed a little red dot...

"Retina-scan..." Dick said to himself. "Thank you, LuthorCorp."

Dick knew he couldn't get in like this. So he had to get in the only way he knew how...

---

Forbidden Access Room

"Are you sure you haven't seen any sign of that pointy-eared freak of nature?"

"I'm sure, Mr. Penguin sir. Nothing."

"Knowing Batman, he's already found your wallet. It's not like him to just let something like that go..."

All of a sudden the glass window on the far side of the room shattered in pieces... and in came dark figure...

Penguin jumped off his seat and screamed, "What in God's name..."

"-- have you done with those weapons, Penguin?"

Nightwing had crashed in.

"I know you're the one behind the heist tonight. What have you done with them? Who's it for?"

Penguin could only sit back down and sip on his wine.

"Hehehe... I guess Batman couldn't come talk to me, himself -- "

"Who's talking about Batman, Cobblepot... I asked you a question..."

"Here's your answer... boys..."

---

BALLROOM - Iceberg Lounge

"What's that sound?"

"It sounds like.... gunfire..."

---

Well that's all from part three. this could be long... but at least i know i'm doing ok on this story... i'll be back for more as Nightwing takes on the boyz of the Iceberg Lounge... i gotta study now

[Panther]

I didn't respond right away becuase I wanted to give this some thought. Bear with me, this might ramble a bit.

Somewhere I have some notes on a lecture in my children's lit class that I thought of as I read this story. To sum up loosely the lecture was about the metaphoric curtian that seperates the real world and the fantasy world seen in literature and how it is crossed, both partially and totally in stories. I beleive after Sept. 11th the curtian between fantasy and reality was drawn tighter than ever before and Heaven forbid we should attempt to have any sort of crossing. There was a backlash against reality in entertainment. Movies were edited, songs censored, pictures digititly altered, and people cringed at the thought of fictionalizing real life.

My point? YOU, dc_gothamite, have dared to draw back the curtain, and so far have done a faboulous job at it. You have addressed the fact the world has changed, which is nessacary, and with a dignitity that is commendable.

Now, about the Batman aspect of it. I enjoy the introductory tone to it, taking the time to introduce people and background. It's a refreashing angle. You have a good handle on the characters you've introduced so far, especialyy Bruce's feelings about weapons and Dick's attitude. Also, you're showing a promising beginning for twists and turns. (A word of warning - readers can get a bit .. upset if you have cliffhangers that suggest you just harmed a cute character.)

Good luck with your writing and welcome to the fanfic board!

later,