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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 1:37:11 GMT -5
Legends of the Batman #5 Apprentices Part 1: D.E.O. Writer: Daniel Dyer Editor: Daniel Dyer "My word,” Alfred says as he sees one of the Batman’s shredded uniforms in the cavern below Wayne Manor. “I take it, sir, that it is certain the felon is indeed more than human?” “Less than human from what I’ve seen, Alfred.” “I would quite agree, sir. Looks as though you were attacked by a real crocodile.” “Might as well have been. He took me to his element. Below the lake’s surface.” “Master Bruce? How did you...?” “Dumb luck, Alfred. I couldn’t breathe, barely able to fight back. Croc was slashing and clawing. He was his own downfall. He caused a small underwater avalanche, knocking himself out cold with the debris.” Bruce then gets back to business and brings up a file on the computer monitor. “Torval Freeman.” “Pardon?” “A scientist for the government,” explains Bruce. “He has disappeared in the last few years, however, after being ostracized by the scientific community. It says he was working on a few unorthodox experiments. The exact experiments aren’t listed here. They are security locked files. Top clearance, but there is an unclear reference regarding unethical reptilian DNA splicing, and an apparent tie to a file titled ‘Super Soldiers’.” Bruce folds his hands together and sits back in his chair. “And you believe the government is creating alligator men to become super soldiers?” “Not currently, no. And not just ‘alligator men’, Alfred.” Bruce then brings up a file on the DEO. “Department of Extranormal Operations?” “A branch of the government founded shortly after World War II, to monitor extranormal activities,” Bruce informs. “I’ve never heard of this... DEO, sir.” “Not many have. Most believe it to be a rumor. And the rumor has it they tried to develop their own extranormal operatives. Although, the DEO were not the government’s first attempt at a super soldier program.” Bringing up another file, he continues, “Tylerco. Privately owned and founded by Rex Tyler. Tyler was contracted by the government to create enhanced humans through chemical use for World War II. Tyler developed a drug called Miraclo. But Rex didn’t want to risk endangering anybody else. He took it himself, however it turns out the drug was unstable. It gave him enhanced strength, speed, reflexes, but it only lasted an hour. He became the costumed mystery man known as Hourman. Once other mystery men started showing up, the government switched strategies. They decided to use the mystery men as their super soldiers. Is it any wonder the government then turned on their protectors once the war ended.” “Sir? Is Mr. Tyler’s... escapades on public record?” “No,” Bruce says simply and then continues on. “After the ‘Society’ were disbanded by the government, the Department of Extranormal Operations were formed to monitor any appearance of enhanced humans, or metahumans as they were called. The DEO have normal human operatives as well as registered metas. I believe years later, someone of influence within the DEO came across the files on the first super soldier program. An investigation would then lead them to Miraclo. My guess then would be their scientist then studied it and developed a way to stabilize the process and even adding to the enhancements.” Bringing up yet another file. “Which brings us to Slade Wilson. He was a top assassin for our government during Vietnam. And I believe, the first and only DEO sanctioned super soldier. After Wilson received his enhancements, he defected, becoming a paid mercenary. After the debacle with Wilson, the DEO ceased their super soldier program. Wilson’s still at large to this day.” “But... certainly he’s not still active, sir?” “Alive and active.” Bruce sits silently for a moment. “From what... information I’ve gathered on Wilson, he hasn’t aged since the experiment.” “And what does this have to do with this Freeman fellow and his crocodile man?” “I believe Freeman was trying to restart the super soldier program under the nose of his superiors. Once he was found out, he would have been promptly fired, hence his disappearance.” “Is he creating some kind of militia of these... metahumans? And what would Freeman want young Richard for?” “Uncertain.” “Well, far be it from me to interfere, sir, but if he is forming a ‘militia’, could it be possible for Dr. Freeman to want to experiment on the young Grayson?” “Eh?” Bruce says, raising an eyebrow. “To enhance his natural abilities. I believe you said he was a natural athlete. Forgive me for saying so, but possibly moreso than you. If Mr. Jones is still in Dr. Freeman’s employee, then it would indeed be feasible to think Dr. Freeman might be in need for other enforcers. And a child could be influenced easier than the adult Graysons.” “That won’t happen, Alfred. That’s why he’s going to be staying here, for his protection.” “Indeed, sir. The Manor is now a safe house, is it?” Bruce turns to Alfred. “Do you suggest I abandon the boy?” “Never, sir. Just realize, sir, like another young boy I once knew, Master Dick might need more than simple protection.” And Alfred turns, leaving Bruce alone in the Batcave. ***
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 1:40:34 GMT -5
Harleen Quinzel sleeps soundly in her apartment. Suddenly her door begins creeking open, causing the young woman to stir. “Huh?” “Harl, hey Harl, did I wake you?” As she sees her intruder Harleen sits upright in her bed. “YOU?!” “Me,” grins the Joker. “Good, I didn’t wake you. Heh heh he.” “H... How did you get out?” asks the shocked Harleen. Joker just grins. “I’ve come for you.” And with that, Joker holds up a costume similar to something a court jester might wear. One side black, the other red. The divide right down the middle. On the red side, black diamonds, and on the black side, red diamonds. “Try it on,” giving her the costume, as well as some white make-up and a black eyemask. Not worrying about modesty or even sure why she is following this maniacs orders, Harleen quickly strips off her night gown, and dons this ridiculous costume. “Heh. You look simply fab. My li’l Harley Quinn,” the Joker states as he pinches Harley’s cheek. “Thanks, Mr. J.” Suddenly, Harleen shoots upright in her bed. A dream? Why... Mr. J. And Harleen grins, then gets out of bed and rushes to her closet, finding an old Halloween costume. The exact same one from her dream. “Harley Quinn, eh? Don’t worry, Mr. J. Harley’s coming for you.” ***
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 1:42:21 GMT -5
"Commissioner Gordon,” says a young man, about 21 years old, as he sits in Gordon’s office. “You know why I’m here.” “Yes. Jones. I suppose he would fall under DEO jurisdiction. But my question is, what are the DEO’s plans for Mr Jones, Agent Harper?” “I’m afraid that’s classified, sir. Now, I’m also authorized to check on another problem you have.” “You think the Batman’s one of your ‘meta’ freaks? Freak, maybe. Supernatural, doubtful.” “You may be right, Commissioner. Of course, if I was you I wouldn’t be so skeptical. After all, you do have an unconscious crocodile man in your holding cell. Nevertheless, I do have my orders to investigate him.” Roy Harper gets to his feet and turns to leave. “And if necessary, bring him down.” ***
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 1:43:31 GMT -5
Hours later, as Harvey Dent hears about Killer Croc’s transfer. Picking up his phone, he calls Slade. “Mr. Wilson. There’s been a change of plans. An Agent Harper has requested a transfer. They’re taking Jones out of Gotham tonight.” “Hmm, Roy Harper?” Slade asks as a smirk grows on his face. ***
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 1:47:05 GMT -5
Dick Grayson enters Wayne Manor, duffle bag over his shoulder, marveling at the place. “Wow.” Never had he been in a place like this. It resembled a museum more than a home. Antiques adorned the walls. The boy could spot medieval statues down a hallway. Everything around him looked so fragile and delicate. “Come along, young sir,” Alfred says, carrying two of Dick’s suitcases up the grand staircase ahead of them. “I’ll show you to your quarters.” Dick follows Alfred up the stairs. “My... quarters?” “You’re... living quarters.” “Ohhh. So... Al, where’s Bruce almighty?” “Bruce almighty, sir?” “Sorry, I don’t suppose you’d get the reference.” “I suppose not, young sir. And Master Bruce is in a meeting,” Alfred answers as he enters a bed room, Dick coming in after. Dick’s face shows an expression of shock as he sees an actual, honest to God’s kid’s room. There are action figures of Zorro and the Grey Ghost on shelves and the dresser. A desk with a computer on it by the Window. Dick’s eyes then travel to the large movie poster from the Mark of Zorro above the bed. “Zorro was somewhat of a childhood hero to the Master.” Alfred then picks up one of the Grey Ghost’s action figures. “As was the Grey Ghost. I remember the Master rarely missing an episode. He wanted to be just like him one day,” setting the figure back in its place. “This used to be his room as a kid. It’s left exactly the way it was when he was a child.” Alfred places a hand on the computer. “With one slight upgrade, as they say. Brand new, for you.” “Thanks,” Dick says, not sure what else to say. “Al, could you give me a sec... alone.” “Very well, young sir. If you need anything, I’ll be downstairs.” “Thanks, Al,” sitting on his new bed as Alfred leaves, shutting the door behind him. ***
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 1:48:57 GMT -5
The Batman crouches on the ledge outside the window to Harvey Dent’s office. “Out a bit early, aren’t you? It’s not even dusk yet. To what do I owe the pleasure?” “Croc. There’s more to his case than I once perceived.” “I know. We’ve got a government agency requesting a transfer. The transfer’s going through tonight.” “Damn,” Harvey hears before he looks up to find Batman gone. ***
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 1:54:32 GMT -5
Later on that night, on a rooftop across the way from police headquarters, sits Roy Harper, wearing a black shirt, with a red and black leather vest over it, and black jeans with red and black boots. He also wears what appears to be normal sunglasses, but in reality, have starlight lenses in them, making the dark Gotham night look like high noon. Yes, Arsenal ready for anything. “Who are you?” comes a voice from behind Arsenal. Roy spins around, seeing Batman with his cape draped around him. “Impressive and foreboding.” “Who are you and what are you doing in my city?” " Your city? So you have the deed then?” Roy jests as he takes a fighting stance. In reality, Bruce does own most of the deeds to Gotham. Batman just stands, ready, eyes squinting. Arsenal rushes for Batman, but the Dark Knight side steps, bringing out his cape and catching Roy within it, he then spins around and shoves Arsenal hard onto the roof floor. “Who are you?” Batman asks once more. “Arsenal,” Roy answers, getting to his feet. “And here’s why.” As Roy says that he flings out a taser device. “AAARRRGGHHH!!!” Batman screams as the current shocks him through the armor in his uniform, making the Dark Knight fall to his knees. “Now, the question is, who are you? I’m authorized to find out.” As Arsenal steps forward, Batman grabs both of Roy’s ankles, pulling his legs out from under him. “Authorized?” Batman questions, now standing over Harper. “DEO sanctioned agent, Bats,” Arsenal answers as he gets to his feet and shows his badge. “Harper? Hmm?” Batman says as he reads the badge. Then Batman spots, in the distance, past Harper, a figure leaping across rooftops on a path towards the police headquarters. “Who?” Arsenal turns and sees the same figure, wearing an orange and blue costume, a sword seethed in a sheath on the figures back. “Deathstroke,” Roy states determinedly. ***
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 1:58:17 GMT -5
Wayne Manor, as Dick comes downstairs. “Hey, Al. You around?” He looks in the kitchen, the family room, the den, and the study. Maybe he went to bed? It is after eight. And he is, like, over ninety. As Dick starts back up the stairs, Alfred comes from study. “Ah, Master Dick, having a look around?” Alfred asks. “Al... but I just...” “Just what, sir?” “Never mind. Bruce hasn’t gotten home yet? He’s been gone all day.” “The Master is often busy with his company,” Alfred lies. “I thought Lucius Fox ran his company.” “Where did you...?” “I read the papers, Alfie.” “Mr. Fox does run the day-to-day affairs of the company, but Master Bruce does still own the company,” Alfred explains. “So, does this place have secret passageways or...?” Dick’s cut off as the entree way explodes, knocking Alfred and Dick back. “Ugh.” Dick raises his head to see a man dressed in blue and white enter through the whole the explosion made. “Hey, hey, mate. Ol’ Digger’s here acallin’.” ***
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 2:00:22 GMT -5
Outside of police headquarters, as the armored van which now holds Killer Croc drives off, Deathstroke leaps from a fire escape to the back of the van, looking through the window in the doors. Still unconscious. No matter, he’ll wake up. ‘Stroke then takes out his sword and slashes through the lock on the doors. ***
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 2:08:07 GMT -5
In the Batmobile, as Batman drives, Arsenal riding shotgun. “Slade Wilson? One of your organizations many mistakes.” “Wilson was a loyal soldier once.” “A loyal assassin,” Batman corrects. “And his loyalty is highly in question, Harper.” Batman gestures towards the armored van ahead of them. “Whatever mistakes the DEO made in the past, it’s looking to fix them now. One of the reasons I’m here.” “Right.” Batman nearly grins at the young man’s outlook on the situation. “Do you think you can drive Wilson off of the van, ‘Arsenal’?” “What will you be doing?” Opening the canopy, Batman answers, “Re-securing Croc.” Then setting the autopilot on the ‘mobile. As the car gets closer to the van, Arsenal jumps on the side, climbing to the roof, where Deathstroke now stands. “Slade!” “Roy. Long time,” ‘Stroke states as he pulls out his sword. “Not long enough.” Arsenal pulls out a small metallic stick and with a flick of his wrist it extends into a bo staff. “Time to teach you a lesson.” “So, the apprentice thinks to become the teacher? Shall we begin the lesson?” Slade grins beneath his mask. Continued...
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Post by Dark Knight of Steel on Sept 28, 2005 2:09:59 GMT -5
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