Chapter Text
QuickCrypt Communications ...
local_time = date(14_08_20XX);(10:56PM)
msg::c_status = open(1);
msg::c_from >>batcave
msg::c_to >>fortressofsolitude_roam
This contact is partially secure. You can reply just once.
I’ve detected a large group on the WGBS that looks close to making some stupid decisions. Citizens on site. There are no high-speed signatures typical of your work.
This is not my territory, but I’m offering help.
– B
msg::c_from >>fortressofsolitude_roam
msg::c_to >>batcave
Help them, please. Thank you.
– S
msg::c_status = closed(0);
local_time = date(14_08_20XX);(10:57PM)
THE DAILY PLANET
Batman Saves Twelve During Rare Metropolis Sighting
Gotham City's favorite defender spotted this side of the bay
in a daring rescue atop the WGBS skyscraper.
Clark Kent - Aug 15th, 20XX
Drone footage collected by police revealed an unusual sight late on the evening of August 14th: a heart-pounding hostage kidnapping hundreds of feet above sea level. Officers responded to an alert of a "Superman in distress," according to emergency call records. The anonymous citizen reported a scuffle at the very top of the WGBS building but could not determine the number of people in danger.
What this brave caller could discern was highly distressing: a person dangling in the air, swinging in the wind. She and other eyewitnesses report that a large figure moved over the building with great speed; this figure was believed to be Superman.
"He's not flying," the caller can be heard worrying on the emergency recording, "... he must be hurt."
Metropolis officers responded by sending a drone to gather information.
It is clear that no matter who comes to our aid, the people of Metropolis — the people of the world — have heroism in their hearts. The anonymous caller evokes the legacy of Mali Ali, whose heroic efforts to assist Superman and inspirational life were detailed in an article earlier this year.
Today, bravery from Metropolis' people earns us a close-up view of an unusual scene. The hostages' rescuer was Gotham City's Batman, clad in black, known for his unrelenting stance against crime. Though unable to fly, Batman wasted no time in collecting the victims from their precarious positions and returning them to ground floor. Drone footage showed state-of-the-art grappling technology that allows him grace and speed.
Metropolis police have shuttered the windows when it comes to information regarding the victims or any leads on a perpetrator or their motivations.
Some question Batman's presence in Metropolis, creating explanations for themselves while Metropolis PD lacks information; some have even accused Batman of corruption across the bay. This aligns with others who question Superman's absence from the scene, though crime in Metropolis has risen disproportionately over the summer.
These accusations are without substance, flung out for the sake of attention even while there are personal testimonials from Metropolis citizens saved by Batman. We have the ability to spend our precious resources on taking a microscope to our heroes to find their every flaw, the time to doubt every helping hand and refuse every charity — but does this honor people like Mali Ali?
Secure Encrypted Communications ...
local_time = date(16_08_20XX);(02:19AM)
msg::c_status = open(1);
msg::c_from >>batcave
msg::c_to >>fortressofsolitude
I'm transmitting to you with added encryption on the frequency you gave.
My appearance in Metropolis was assistance at your request and I am thankful for what you did in return. With that understanding between us, I’d like to ask why there is an article about me in the Daily Planet?
– B
msg::c_from >>fortressofsolitude
msg::c_to >>batcave
You’re very welcome! It was nice to take a look at the other side of the bay for once. Before we get into it, I want to let you know the woman whose leg you were concerned about has been cleared with only painkillers. Not even a fracture, thanks to you.
– S
msg::c_from >>batcave
msg::c_to >>fortressofsolitude
Good to hear.
Now, about our front-page feature?
– B
msg::c_from >>fortressofsolitude
msg::c_to >>batcave
I really do wish I could tell you about the article, but I know just as much as you.
Oh, you'd also be interested to know — that perp you left tied down? He immediately spewed information about who gave his orders after being taken into custody. It looks like his boss was still a low level goon, but you've definitely helped me with a lead.
– S
Pull back on the specifics. This communication is encrypted but there is always the potential we're being tapped.
I’ll have to doubt your veracity here. I am not the average Metropolis reader. Those with brains, including myself, have noticed how many exclusive interviews that reporter has with you. You may have agreed to appear in his articles and help his career, but I wasn’t asked. Leave me to handle my own and get control of your reporter.
– B
msg::c_from >>fortressofsolitude
msg::c_to >>batcave
I'm sorry that Kent's article alarmed you. Control over others is not something I seek. As far as I'm aware, he wrote it with positive intent.
I can't put into words how thankful I am for your help, but I can't tell anyone what to publish. My sincerest apologies.
– S
msg::c_from >>batcave
msg::c_to >>fortressofsolitude
Positive intent and he says 'unable to fly'. Since when is preternatural flight the standard?
– B
msg::c_from >>fortressofsolitude
msg::c_to >>batcave
Excuse any rudeness, but I'm not sure how this relates to our work.
– S
msg::c_from >>batcave
msg::c_to >>fortressofsolitude
Absolutely everything relates to my work. Any strand of data could be the key that points in truth’s direction. You wouldn’t understand this, working as you do, like a pitbull whose sole responsibility is to rescue the feathers from pillows. No grace, all force. It follows that you would not be concerned with your little reporter’s lack of grace. You might not pick up on his concealed ill intent, glossed over as it is by compliments to you and those who love you, but I can read through the lines of such an article.
Work within shadows works best in the shadows, not plastered on the front page of the paper.
There are two possibilities: One, you encouraged Kent to produce this article. In that case, I believe our new working dynamic should cease immediately. Two, Kent produced this on his own, and you did nothing to discourage its publication. Given your involvement with the Daily Planet, there is no world in which you were not involved with the writing of the article.
I am inclined to possibility number one, and I have strong evidence. How did Kent know there were twelve victims if no information was released?
– B
msg::c_from >>fortressofsolitude
msg::c_to >>batcave
I know much less about Kent’s reporting habits than you think. If I get any information that can help you with weeding out the rest of the Falcones or grants for rebuilding Gotham's sea wall, I will pass it along.
Other than that, I’ll have to ask that you leave Kent for me to handle. He’s no danger.
– S
msg::c_from >>batcave
msg::c_to >>fortressofsolitude
You do not know how to calculate risk. You know nothing about danger.
– B
msg::c_from >>fortressofsolitude
msg::c_to >>batcave
And you know nothing about me.
Please don’t forget the limitations of your abilities.
– S
msg::c_from >>batcave
msg::c_to >>fortressofsolitude
Stay out of Gotham until you have control of Metropolis.
– B
msg::c_status = closed(0);
local_time = date(16_08_20XX);(02:44AM)