In the Shadow of the Knight (cont.)
                              
                              
                          * * * * *
                              
     "Joker will not wait to strike again," Batman told
Superintendent Warren while working at a computer console
inside the operations center.  His startling appearance upon
their return to headquarters caused a mild ruckus among the
officers in the building.  It took several minutes from Kei,
Yuri, and Garry to quell the frightened murmurings and ease
tensions.  Much of it gave way to honest curiosity, amazed
by Batman's adaptability to their equipment and computer
knowledge.
     His fingers typed rapidly across the keys, on the
display flashed several formulas and numbers.  "From what I
have gleaned out of your records, Joker is still using his
same old smile gas formula," he continued.  "I've an
antidote for that to render it harmless to your officers."
     "Fine," said Peter, standing behind him.  "But what
about that beam he's using?"
     Yuri, sitting next to Batman, was also running figures
through the computer, matching her notes with those of
Batman.  "As I and Batman have suspected, that beam somehow
transmits a neural signal into any system bio-organic or
otherwise, and induces his twisted form of reprogramming
onto their hardware," she explained.
     "So that means all living beings, all of our bioroids,
and most of our mechs are literally helpless?" said Kei.
     "Not entirely," answered Batman, "Joker has to be using
a blanket frequency, but he can't be covering all levels of
the spectrum."
     "Great.  Now all we need to do is find where the limits
are and reset every unit on the force," commented Garry.
     "Still won't help our living officers," said Peter.
"Changing all of the mechs is also going to take a while."
     "That will not be necessary, Superintendent," Batman
said.  "What we need is a dedicated force to counter Joker's
every move.  Place them in strategic spot around the city
ready to move at a moments notice."
     "Still leaves a lot of holes, Batman," Kei said.  "Our
main problem is when and where he will strike next."
     "If it's even in the New Berlin area at all," added
Garry.
     Peter pondered the suggestion.  Dreading Joker's next
onslaught, he knew that it could be the best option
available for them.  The only flaw now was finding the right
settings, and he did not want to send officers to their
death because they had inadequate protection.
     This concern also ran in Batman's mind.  "Once the
frequencies have been isolated, we can start setting them
into units of your choice, Superintendent," he said.
     "What if they are wrong, Batman?"  Peter asked.
     Batman stopped typing, looking back up at Peter.
"We'll test them first."
     Kei did not like the sound of that.  She leaned down
next to Batman.  "And just how do you propose to accomplish
this?"
     "I'll act as the guinea pig."
     "And get yourself killed?  Why don't you let Yuri or I
play target for this one?"
     <What makes you think I want to laugh to death?>
     "Why?" asked Batman.
     "Because we are more expendable than you are."
     <Speak for yourself!>
     Batman stared at Kei.  He had to admire her bravery,
but this was something he felt was his alone to do.
     "Kei, I appreciate your concern, but I will test out
our theory."
     "Batman-!"
     He held up a finger ending her protest and resumed
typing.  "I have faith in Yuri's abilities no matter what
she thinks about mine."
     "Still trying to reduce your chances of survival, eh,
Batman?" commented Yuri.
     "Yuri!"
     "On the contrary," replied Batman, "I think my chances
are extremely good."
     Finishing his input, Batman ejected a data disk and
handed it back to Garry.  "That's the anticipated
frequencies we've countered," he told them.  "You can select
a unit and get them adjusted now before Joker strikes
again."
     Garry, still skeptical about all this, took the disk.
Glancing over at Warren, his slight nod sent the Assistant
Superintendent off to carry out the task.
     "So now we wait?" asked Peter.
     Batman stood up.  "All we can do," he replied.
     "I don't like waiting for Joker, Batman.  Every time he
does, people die."
     "Unfortunately that's true, Superintendent.  Based on
his actions, I'm thinking that he's now interested to find
out more than another killing spree through the city.  His
next move will most likely be to draw me out and confirm his
suspicions."
     "He could have just done that tonight instead of trying
to blow you up," said Yuri.
     Batman shook his head.  "No.  He's up to something and
it was too risky to confront me there.  That's why he fled
in such a hurry."
     "Ah," Kei said, "he wants the next confrontation on his
terms."
     "Right."
     A quick scan of the main display, Batman appeared to be
searching for more.  Maybe he was hoping to read into the
city itself, sense Joker's whereabouts and thwart another
blood bath by the madman and his cronies.
     "I'd suggest we all get some sleep," he said.
"Superintendent, we should tell your people that if they
stumble across Joker or any of his gang stay clear and
report in to us."
     "Sounds reasonable."
     "Now comes the hard part," said Kei.
     "Don't worry, he'll show."
     "That's not in question.  The hardest part is landing
him.  He's a slippery one."
     Batman agreed.  "That he is. but in the end he will be
brought to justice."
     Kei leaned to one side looking up at Batman with a wry
smirk.  "Whose justice?  Mine, the Superintendent's... or
yours?"
     Batman did not answer, cutting her a short look before
heading out of the room.

                          * * * * *
                              
Early Morning;

     Time slipped by slowly as the new day began over New
Berlin.  For the rest of the night peace reigned over the
capital city much to the relief of Warren and his law
enforcement units out in the field.  But there hung in the
air that sense of dread, a sense that their latest arch
criminal would attack and plunge them again into chaotic
battle for control of the streets. Throughout Police
Headquarters, tense eyes and ears awaited the first report
of trouble; the Operations Center teams ready to issue
orders and start their plans in motion.
     In a conference room, one man sat studying a display
pad with close scrutiny, running and rerunning information
across the screen, formulating theories and ideas in his
mind.  Batman stopped and sat back sighing deeply as the
long hours placed strain on his nerves.  He had taken a
brief catnap earlier in the evening, but his brain would not
rest easy knowing that every moment away from the case meant
Joker would gain that much more of an advantage in this
situation.
     The troubled thoughts prevented rest, and he continued
to go over what information they had to try and figure out
what Joker's dark intentions were.  A low snore sounded;
Kei, with her head lying on the table, sleeping in the chair
beside his.  Such a determined woman, he thought, but he
owed her a lot for helping him out of his depression.  No
doubt, she had plans for them after this was over.  He
frowned, uncertain how to let her know this was relationship
that could never be.
     Another sharp snort drew his attention to Yuri; lying
asleep on the sofa across the room.  She murmured lightly,
"...tell me I can't shoot... shoot crooks... you big bully."
Batman laughed low at her.  A good friend to have, Kei was
fortunate for this, not like his former partners and their
unfortunate fates.
     Robin.
     With a sharp shake of his head, Batman drove the memory
out of his mind.  He resumed scanning the information on the
pad then Kei's eyes slowly opened.
     "Oh, you let me sleep," she said, sitting up with a
yawn.
     "You needed it," he replied.
     Kei rubbed the sleep from her eyes and peered over at
the screen.  "What's that?" she asked, gazing over the
dynamic display of a piece of equipment she was not familiar
with.
     "I traced some numbers off a box in that warehouse where
we caught those hoods," he explained to her.  "This is
called a Conducer, and from this information it's some form
of power dissipation and regulating unit."
     "Hm.  I'm not the total engineering type; Mughi usually
handles all of that, but I know we have something like that
onboard the Angel."
     "Says here they are commonly found in all forms of
heavy power systems."
     "So what would Joker need one of those for?"
     "I have a suspicion," answered Batman, picking up the
component card lying next to the pad.  "The circuitry on
this has been modified to process Joker's laughing ray."
     "Uh-oh," said Kei.  She looked at the component and
then at the display on the pad.  "You think he's trying to
construct a more powerful version of that gun?"
     "Most likely, but I'm wondering where he's going to
operate it from."
     It was a chilling thought, one that might prove deadly
if achieved.  Kei ran her hands back through her hair,
sitting back and stared up at the ceiling.
     "This guy is so sick," she said.
     "Joker?  He's insane," replied Batman.
     "Such insanity doesn't belong here."
     Kei missed the slight pause from Batman, or the brief,
troubled glance he gave her.  "Yes.  Yes you're right," he
said.
     A strange answer, thought Kei.  She watched him as he
worked, passions welling up inside while thoughts of the man of
her dreams played in her head.  What was wrong with spending
the rest of her life with this man of the past?  Certainly,
he held qualities far and above most men she'd known.  This
sense of honor, his very demeanor thrilled Kei to her bones,
and if she had to make a commitment and leave 3WA service,
then so be it.
     Gently, Kei reached out and stroked the back of
Batman's cowl, startling him.  He stopped, looking at her
and she smiled.
     "I never got to thank you for... for changing your mind
and coming with us," she said.
     "Oh.  Well you don't have too.  This is something I
needed to do."
     Kei placed her arms about Batman's neck, moving closer
to him.  "No you don't, Mister Bruce Wayne," she said
softly.
     "Uh, (Ahem), it's Batman in this guise," he corrected
her.
     "In public.  We're all alone, and besides who'd care
what your real name is?"
     Bruce saw the twinkle in Kei's eyes and knew he had to
stop this before things got out of control.  Drawing back,
he pulled Kei's arms aside, standing up.  "I would like to
stay professional while as Batman, Kei.  No offense," he
told her.
     "Still trying to resist me," said Kei.  She stood up
moving towards Batman.
     "Now, Kei," Batman said, backing away, but it did no
good as the Troubleconsultant advanced on him.  Batman
stopped abruptly, turning his head towards the door.
     "Crying for help is no good, Batman," teased Kei,
"Resistance is useless."
     Batman held up a hand, and then through the door came
Garry.  "We've marked him," he said excitedly.
     "Where?" asked Batman.
     "Bad-Julich, southern receiving centers from the last
reports."
     Batman called up a map in his visor.  "Okay, we'll be
right down."
     Garry left; Batman shutting down his pad and gathered
some disk from the table.  "Kei, wake Yuri up.  We need to
be going."
     Kei stood silently fuming as another opportunity
slipped away.  "Joker is going to regret this," she said.
<Yuri!>
     Yuri literally exploded from the couch.  "Ow!  You
don't have to be so loud!" she shouted, rubbing the side of
her head.
     "Save it.  Joker's on the move."
     "Figures.  I was just reaching the best part of my
dream."
     "Take it out on Joker when we meet up with him.  Now
come on!"
     Yuri pulled herself to her feet and went out the door.
Batman started to follow when a sudden tug on his cape
stopped him.
     "You will not escape me next time, Bruce," said Kei.
"Mark my words."
     "Think about what you are getting into, Kei."
     "Oh I have.  Believe me I have."
     Batman knew this would have to be handled later,
looking down at his cape.  "Joker?" he said, and she let it
go.  Without a word, they rushed out the door.

                          * * * * *
                              
     Joker made sure his precious parts were safely out of
the area before allowing the police to spot him and his men.
At least one hundred of his best gang members fanned out
amidst the streets, breaking into shops and business
buildings in an uncontrolled spree of theft and mayhem.
     "That's it boys!" he cried, walking down the street at
the head of his gang, "hit everything of value.  Take all
the best we can get, destroy everything else!"
     They eagerly complied with the instructions and soon
several fires raged along the vacant streets.  It was this
lack of response by Rosomer's police force that had Kelly
and Oscar worried.
     "Joker!" called Kelly, "Something's wrong here."
     "I am aware of this, Kelly," replied Joker.  Suddenly,
he spotted three night workers running out of a doorway up
the street.  "Skeet!" he cried, reaching back and one of his
new Laff-a-rifles was placed into his hand.  Taking aim,
Joker fired.
     BWOORP!
     BWOORP, BWOORP!
     "Ah, yes," said Joker, admiring his handiwork, "two
twenty-pounders and one fin, a nice score don't you think
boys?"
     They laughed continuing their advance down the street.
Rounding a corner, Joker noticed a sign up on one of the
buildings.  It read, NEW BERLIN METALS AND APPRASING CENTER,
a thought coming to mind.
     "Gadgets!" he called.  Gadgets ran up beside him.
"Yes, Mister Joker?"
     "Do we need more crystal for our Laff-a-gun lenses?"
     Gadgets looked at the sign.  "Sure, Mister Joker.  More
spares means more guns I can make."
     "Right you are, Gadgets!  Baby!  Dispatch a few of our
people to... procure... said required crystal that we need."
     "Right, Mister Joker," replied Baby, motioning to
several of his gangsters to attack the building.  "Uh,
Mister Joker?"
     "Yeeeesss?"
     "Uh, how long are we going to be at this?"
     An odd question from the hulking man?  Joker frowned
and turned around.  "And what brings this on, may I ask?"
     "Well, some of the boys and I... we uh, we-..."
     "Come on!  Spit it out!"
     "Some of us had something planned for tonight, and from
the lack of opposition, I don't see this ending anytime
soon."
     Kelly started, smacking his henchman on the side of his
massive arm.  "What's the matter with you guys?  What could
be more important than what we're doing right now?"
     Gadgets groaned, hitting himself on the forehead with
the palm of his hand.  "That is tonight, isn't it!" he
cried.
     "What!  What is tonight?" shouted Joker.
     Before they could answer, several sharp blows drew them
all back around to the building again.  Three of the gang
members hammered with no success against the heavy metal
panels locked down tight over the main entryway.
     "What are you doing over there?" called Oscar.
     "We can't get these open," answered one of the
gangsters.  "This is going to take some explosives."
     "Have you tried looking for another way in, like a side
window maybe?" asked Joker.  The three traded looks, shaking
their heads.  "You see, Kelly!  This is why I'm the brains
of this outfit!"
     "Dummies," grumbled Kelly.  "Check the sides before I
check the empty space between your ears!"
     They scrambled off with Kelly close behind.  Just as he
reached the corner, there came a cry followed by several
hard blows and smacks.  McBride drew back eyeing the dark
alley.
     "Kelly... something we should be concerned with?" said
Joker.
     An unconscious hood flopped down at Kelly's feet.
     "Uh, yeah," he replied.
     Another hood sailed by then more terrified cries
accompanied the rest of gangsters sprinting for their lives
past him.  Kelly peered hard into the gloom.  The light
tinge of smoke from the surrounding fires hampered his
vision, but then a form shifted out of the murk heading
straight towards him.  Immediately he backpedaled away and
tripped over his own feet desperate to make as much distance
between him and whatever it was.
     Horrified eyes stared at the thing looming into their
view.  Several jaws dropped open in shock, a low gasp coming
from Gadgets as Batman drew up to full height.
     "Oh-my-lord.  What-is-that?" said Kelly, low.
     Joker dark gaze locked on Batman's and the air suddenly
got deathly quiet.  The two men eyed each other, flashes of
past confrontations running through their heads.  The very
air between them seemed to crackle with energy, hate and
fury rapidly building ready to explode.  Batman eyes
narrowed and Joker smirked.
     It is him!
     "Boys.  I give you, Batman."
     "Wow!  If this doesn't beat all!" said Baby.
     Joker made a step towards Batman palming the rifle in
his hands.  "So... someone has recreated my most irritating
pain in the ass.  I gaurant-."  Joker flinched, looking
sharply back at Baby with disbelief.  Baby gave him an
innocent shrug.
     "-guarantee that this reunion will be brief, Batman,"
continued Joker.
     Batman's expression did not change.  "Joker," he said,
"It's time for you to call off this madness of yours and
surrender."
     "Surrender!" shouted Joker.  He laughed, staring around
at his gang behind him.  "Me surrender?  Bats, Bats, Bats!
You still have that warm sense of humor I always found so
charming!"
     "I'm not playing with you, Joker!  You've killed
innocent people, and now you're going to pay for those
crimes."
     "Why, Batman!  Don't you want to play with me?  We
could have a real ball; you know reminisce and recall old
times?"
     Batman started moving towards him.  "Drop your weapons,
all of you!"
     The Joker laughed more.  "I see I'll have to introduce
Bat-Boob here to my latest toy."
     The rifle barrel whipped around, but Batman anticipated
the move.  A dark streak flew through the air slicing off
the end of Joker's rifle, and then guided by the link in his
cowl, rapidly hit the other gangsters possessing the Laff-a-
guns.  Cries filled the air, Joker gapping in stunned
surprise at the shattered end of his weapon.  With a smooth
grab, Batman holstered his Bat-a-rang, continuing to advance
on Joker.
     "Surrender, Joker!"
     Joker stood staring surprised at the end of his rifle.
"You, you, you broke it!" he said.  "You broke my Laff-a-
rifle!"
     "That's not all I'm going to break," Batman said.
     Joker tossed the useless weapon aside, retreating
behind Baby.  "Now, Bat's!  We can discuss this!" he called
out to Batman.
     "Hiding behind him will not help you, Joker.  I'm
taking you in."
     "Uh, boys!  Some assistance here, please!"
     Once the initial shock passed, the rest of gang
responded to their leaders call.  Batman suddenly found
himself surrounded and stopped.  Joker's diabolical laugh
filled the air.  His courage renewed, he stepped out into
the open, a fist planted on each hip.
     "Looks like the tables are turned Bat-boob!  Meet my
gang!  A good bunch of guys who would personally like to
introduce themselves to you."
     Menacing glares locked down on Batman.  He went into a
defensive crouch waiting for the first blow to be thrown.
     "E'scuse us!" called a woman's voice from behind the
crowd.
     "Oh no.  What more could go wrong now?" said Joker,
cutting his eyes to the side.
     The gangsters turned and another round of gasp came
from them.
     "3WA!"
     "Oh shit!"
     "The Dirty Pair!"
     Kei and Yuri, back in their tight black body suits,
sneered at the remarks.  Twirling Mjolinar nimbly around in
her fingers, Kei arched a brow; Yuri flexing her battle
gloved fist eager to do some bodily harm.
     "Do I hear request for extra broken bones with those
orders?" she said to them.
     Oscar cringed terrified by the appearance of the two
notorious agents.  "Ahhh, Kelly!  This isn't going to be
good!" he called back over a shoulder.
     Joker could not believe his ears.  "What are you all so
afraid of!" he shouted at them.  "It's just two scrawny
women?"
     "But it's the Dirty Pair!" answered one of the hoods.
     "So?  If you haven't noticed, they aren't even carrying
guns!"
     Yuri slammed a fist into a palm.  "Don't let him get
you guys into more trouble than you all ready have!" she
warned them.
     "Yeah, that is true," said Kelly, eyeing his men.  "And
we out number them too."
     The gangsters traded looks, smiled confidently and
began forming up to take them on.
     "Now that's better," commented Joker.  "Baby!  Batman
is yours."
     "Alright, I get to take on the Bats himself!" he said
eagerly.
     "I don't see anything to be so happy about, but as long
as you kill him that is okay with me."
     The combatants squared off; Kelly leading his team
towards the Angels while Batman and Baby circled around
sizing each other up.  This one would be difficult, thought
Batman looking over the hulking man and his ham-sized fist
sparing before him.  Concerned filled his mind, Batman
taking a quick glance over to Kei and Yuri.  The gangsters
surrounding them blocked his vision, and then a half step
from Baby returned him to his predicament.
     "Kei, are you two going to be okay over there?" Batman
called over.
     Kei and Yuri stood back-to-back watching the closing
ring with anticipation.  "Oh we're fine!" she replied, "in
fact I was going to suggest to these idiots that they might
want to call in a few more reinforcements"
     "Not that it would do them any good," added Yuri.
     An angry murmur rolled through the hoods.
     "Y'know, Bat's, I would not be worrying about your two
Triple Double-You girls," said Joker, "My man Baby here is
about to tear you apart."
     "Baby, eh," said Batman.  "I'll try not to spank him to
hard."
     Baby grinned.  "Nah, don't hold back, Batman.  In fact,
there's one thing I'd like to ask before I finish you off."
     "And that is?"
     He stood up and reached into his inner jacket pocket,
producing a small notepad and pen, "Can I get your
autograph?"
     "What?"
     A sharp slap on the back startled Baby, Joker drawing
up furiously with him.  "Kill him," he growled, stabbing a
finger at Batman.
     "Uh, sorry, Batman," said Baby, putting away his
notebook, "Gotta work right now, but I'll-."
     Joker let out a growl and stomped his foot.  "Stop
talking and kill him!"  He spun around to the rest of his
gang.  "KILL THEM!  KILL THEM, KILL THEM, KILL THEM!"
     Bodies surged forth marking the start of the, angry
cries and yells filling the air.  Batman leaped out of the
path of Baby's fist rocketing towards his head.  It passed
by with a low whoosh of air, countering with a right that
connected to his side.  Baby barely flinched, drawing his
arm back trying to hit him.  His target nimbly drew back and
his fist slammed in quick rapid volleys pitching Baby back
onto his rear.
     "Still want to try this, Baby?" asked Batman.
     Baby slowly looked up at Batman.  He rubbed his bruised
jaw, and then grinned.  "Yep!  Not every day I get such
competition.  Was starting to miss it really."
     He stood back up and Batman dropped back into a crouch.
Difficult is an understatement, he thought as Baby surged
towards him again.
     Meanwhile, Kei and Yuri were easily battling back the
rest of Joker's gangster.  Bodies flew through the air,
screams, and cries of pain accompanying them in flight.
Wielding Mjolinar with deadly skill, Kei forced back a dozen
would-be attackers with a field of counter gravity, spinning
the rod below her for leverage, and brought her legs around.
Jaws broke with loud cracks, her combat boots kicking people
into irresistible rushes of unconsciousness.
     Yuri however was taking a more direct approach to the
matter.  The blur of her fists crashed into the faces of
some, back kicks, armored knees, and hard throws derailing
others of the gang in their onslaught.
     Joker could see this was turning into a complete route
for him and his cause.  Dejected, he leaned up against a
wall out of harms way and continued to observe the fight.
"Always the same," he said.  One of his men slammed up into
the wall beside him.  "I never can find decent people to
properly thrash these goody-goody vigilantes.  Maybe I
should outsource?"
     Kelly landed on the ground at his feet with a painful
grunt.
     "Hm. I wonder if there are any such things as Klingons
around?  That should do the trick."
     Groaning, Kelly sat up.  He rubbed the side of his head
and stared back at the fight.  "This was not one of your
better idea's, Joker," he said.
     "Having a rough time?"
     Kelly looked sharply up at him.  "To answer your
questions, those two happen to be enhanced agents judging by
the way they're trouncing the guys."  He paused to see how
Baby was doing with Batman.  Not much better; Baby actually
held Batman up by both wrist before the soles of his boots
cracked him in the chin.
     "And as for Batman, I don't know, but he's one tough
dude to be holding his own against Baby."
     Sneering, Joker rubbed his chin worrying about the
possible outcome of this skirmish.  "Yesss. I see we'll have
to regroup and try a different approach."
     He reached into his jacket drawing out his last
remaining Laff-a-gun.  Kelly's eyes went wide, and he yelled
to Baby to get out the way.  The big man knew not to argue
and rolled out of the line of fire as Joker drew a bead on
Batman.
     Kei spotted Joker and yelled out a warning.
     "Batman! Look out!"
     BWOORP!
     Batman heard Kei's cry.  He dropped into a crouch
throwing his cape over his body seconds before Joker fired.
Immediately, all the fighting stopped as the Laff-a-gun's
eerie sound faded away.  Nobody moved, expectant eyes locked
on him waiting to see what was going to happen next.
     Slowly, Batman stood up.  His cape fell back behind him
and the Dark Knight turned facing Joker.  An unsettling thin
smile creased his lips, Batman crossing his arms.
     "You missed," he said evenly.
     "Uh-oh," muttered Gadgets, "he's found a way to counter
the gun."
     Joker rolled his eyes.  "Figures," he said,
reholstering his weapon.
     "Give up now, Joker?" said Batman.
     "NNNoooohohoooo, Batman!" exclaimed Joker.  "This just
tells me I've got to end our reunion and schedule a more
suitable place and time to close your life."
     "Don't be stupid, Joker.  You and your gang cannot
escape."
     Joker regarded Batman skeptically.  He looked around
his eyes filled with suspicion.  "I don't think you can stop
all of us, Bat-boob."
     A brief twitch of an eye, Batman activated his comlink.
[Superintendent, you can move in now.]
     Up above the buildings behind him rose the hulking form
of a Mech, guns training down into the crowd of gangsters
below.  Armored footsteps echoed around the surrounding
streets as Superintendent Warren, Garry, and several squads
of police and Bioroids swarmed around them.
     [Joker!  You and your men raise your hands!  You're all
under arrest!] shouted Peter.
     "Eeeewwww," growled Joker low.  "Uh, Kelly, I think it
is now time for us to depart."
     McBride gaped at him. "Where?  If you haven't noticed,
this is a trap and we're surrounded!"
     "Minor Technicality.  I'm not totally unprepared for
this."
     Meanwhile, Kei, Yuri, and Batman began making their way
towards him.  Joker noticed their approach and swiftly his
hands dipped into his coat pockets.  "You may have figured
out my beam, Batman, but you can counter this!"
     Several flashes of bright light blinded them followed
by a thick plume of purple gas.  A mad scramble erupted
amongst the Joker Gang.  Yuri backed away pulling Kei along
with her.  "Don't breath the gas!" she told her as they
retreated.
     Batman recognized the ploy and quickly pulled on his
gas mask.  His visor switched over to infrared, but the mist
disrupted that as well.  "Joker!" he shouted, fighting his
way through the growing confusion.
     [Don't let Joker get away!] Peter shouted to him men,
but they all had lost sight of their quarry.
     By then some of the gangsters and police were
succumbing to the effects of Joker's laughing gas.  Kei
grabbed as many of those around her trying to lead them to
safety, appalled by the lack of concern Joker displayed.
"Madman!" she said, peering into the gloom.  Suddenly, Yuri
called to her and she turned.  Her partner had gone airborne
hovering above the area searching for Joker.  She pointed to
a side alley motioning for Kei to join her.
     <See them?> she sent as Kei arrived.
     Sure enough, Joker, Kelly, Oscar, Baby and Gadgets were
fleeing the scene.
     [Batman, we've spotted Joker!] she called over the
comlink.
     [Which direction?]
     [North, back into the city.]
     [Get after him!] Warren cut in, [My people are
scattered all over the place now!]
     [We're on it!] answered Yuri.
     Kei and Yuri rushed after them.

                          * * * * *

     With Baby's muscle battering a way through the police,
Joker and his remaining men scrambled out of the trap
gaining as much distance as they could to avoid the pursuit
sure to come.  They broke out into one of the main streets
and Joker told Oscar to recall their car situated not far
away.  Finally, they stopped to catch their breath and await
their pick up, hiding in a short side street between two
buildings.
     Trading tired looks, slowly did the eyes of the
gangsters drift over to Joker.  Sensing their stares, Joker
broke from his vigil of the main street.  "What?" he said.
     "We got our asses kicked, boss," said Baby.
     "A minor set back, that's all."
     "Minor setback!" exclaimed Oscar.  "Those were some of
our best guys!"
     "Some?" added Kelly, livid with rage.  "Those were our
best, and you gassed'em."
     "Would you rather be sitting in one of your
`Seuperintendents' jail cells, hmm?" countered Joker.
     It was a chilling thought knowing that Warren placed
the heaviest sentences on their heads already.  Joker peeked
back around the corner for a moment, and then drew back.
     "Oscar, where is that car?" he asked.
     "It's coming, it's coming."
     "Well hurry it up!  I don't want to repeat our first
big chase."  Joker peered around the corner again.  "Not
with Batman lurking abo-."
     In a flash he drew back pressing against the wall, face
contorted in a tight frown.  Kelly asked him what was wrong
and he pointed around the corner.  A quick look had McBride
mimicking him.
     "Dirty Pair," he whispered to the others.
     Gadgets frantically looked around.  "We're trapped!" he
gasped.  "I don't want to be mind scanned!"
     "Nobody is going to be mind-whatevered," growled Joker.
"Now shut up and lets hope those two witches keep on going."
     Out in the street Kei stood looking around searching
for any sign of Joker.  Yuri hung back hovering in the air
scanning the street and adjoining mag-rail lines with her
macros.  She pulled them down giving Kei a short shrug.
     <He's got to be around here somewhere,> sent Kei.
     <I'll go left,> replied Yuri.
     She drifted off down the street while Kei began a
search in the opposite direction.
     Gadgets small profile peered at the approaching
Troubleconsultant.  "One 3WA problem head'n our way," he
whispered to the others.
     "Oscar, where is the car?" hissed Joker.
     "It's close!  What do you want to do?"
     Joker took another quick peek around the corner.
"Bring it in.  Kelly, did you know that this three something-
girl is still unarmed?"
     "Yeah," replied Kelly, drawing his pistol.
     Joker drew out his Laff-a-gun, counted down with his
fingers and both men stepped out into the open.  Kei started
surprised by their appearance.  Seeing the guns, she hit the
ground narrowly avoiding both bullets and Joker's beam.  A
frantic crawl across the street, Kei took cover behind a
street planter and called for help.
     <Yuri!>
     Yuri had heard the shots and was zooming back up the
street to help Kei.  Spotting the Joker standing out in the
open with the rest of his gang, she instinctively went for
her pistol only then remembering that they had left all of
their firing weapons behind.
     "Oh now this is not good!" she said, desperately
breaking in mid-flight.  Joker caught sight of her and
turned snapping off several shots in her direction.
Fortunately for Yuri they were way off mark, and she managed
to duck into the back of an open car.
     <You see!  You see why we should be carrying our guns,
Kei!>
     Kei had to admit having even their pistols would have
helped in this situation.  <Quit griping, will'ya.  Its
hurting my head!> she snapped.
     <That's not all that's going to hurt if that fool finds
us!>
     Kei chanced a look up over the top of the planter.  In
the street Kelly, Oscar and Gadgets were carefully making
their way towards her.  Three knuckleheads, she mused with a
smug smile.  Tighten them up and then pound Joker's pointy-
head into mush.  Case closed, vacation to follow.  She held
Mjolinar up before her waiting for the right moment to
strike.
     "Where is this bitch?" Kelly could be heard to say,
calling across the street to Joker.
     Joker, slinking along with Baby in front across the
street, held his pistol pointed up in the air still watching
the car Yuri hid in.  "Come out, ladies!" he called.  "We
know you don't have any guns, so lets all be friendly and
make this quick and clean.  Hmmm?"
     "Suck an egg!" shouted Yuri.
     Excitedly, Joker pointed and Kelly trained his pistol
in her direction.  Unexpectedly, Kei burst out of her hiding
spot brandishing Mjolinar before her.  A twist of the center
handle sent Kelly, Oscar and Gadgets flying back from the
gravity field it projected.  As they tumbled to the ground,
Kei turned to face Joker.  He and Baby separated, Joker
snapping off a blast form the Laff-a-gun at her.  She dived
and made for cover again.
     "Damn it!" growled Joker.  "Still set on narrow beam!
I won't miss next time you red-headed wench!"
     He jumped back up and spotted her on the lying ground.
"Say your prayers-!"
     "NNGGGHHHYYAAAA!!!!"
     Yuri soared though the air, startling Joker.  He let
out a yell, doubling up to protect himself as she closed.  A
meaty fist suddenly lashed out smacking her before she could
land, and Yuri flopped through the air crashing into the
front window of a store.
     Slowly, Joker peeked out between his arms and found
Baby staring down at him.  "You okay, Mister Joker?" asked
his henchman.
     "Yes, yes!" replied Joker brightly.  He stood up and
stared at Yuri's crumpled form.  "Nice job, Baby.  Lets go
make her laugh."
     Yuri groaned, feeling the sting from cuts about her
hands and face.  Glass and other items crackled beneath her
then a shadow blocked out the sky.  Joker stood with his
Laff-a-gun's barrel pointed right in her face and she
grimaced.
     "So, triple-A girl... wanna tell me where Batman is
before I kill you?"
     Another step came up behind him and Baby.
     "Try looking behind you," answered Batman's heavy
voice.
     Joker's eyes went wide, fear puckering his lips tight.
"I suppose if I turn around the result will be quite
painful?" he finally managed to say.
     "You tell me."
     Grimacing, Joker turned and was greeted by the Dark
Knight's gloved fist that sent him sprawling up the
sidewalk.  Immediately Baby attacked lashing out at Batman
only to find empty air.  A solid blow to the side staggered
him, Batman delivering a pair of uppercuts rocking Baby.
     "Still haven't learned your lesson, `Baby'?" said
Batman.
     Joker, seeing his man succumbing to the beating,
desperately tried to scramble away.  "Not so fast, you
clown," growled Yuri, grabbing him by the collar.  "I've got
a kill order on you, but I think the man in black wants a
piece of you first!"
     "Well, uh... could I just give him an I.O.U. and call it
even?"
     Joker's innocent grin disappeared beneath Yuri's rock
hard fist.
     Meanwhile, Kelly and Oscar could see that things were
not looking good for them at all.  Gadgets lay out cold on
the ground behind them; Baby was loosing his battle, and
Joker lie thrashing helplessly on the ground in Yuri's tight
headlock.  They traded looks then Kelly suggested that they
depart while the going was good.
     The end of a metal rod pointed down at them; Kei giving
the two a hard stare.  "And you were planning on going
where?" she said.
     "Home?" answered Kelly.
     "Ha, ha, funny."
     A beep sounded in Oscar's ear, the link to their
getaway car signaling that it was just about to arrive.  He
could hear it roaring down the street and with a few minute
commands, changed its course.  Kei looked up and screamed
surprised by the approaching vehicle racing towards her.
She jumped trying to leap over it, but hit the top grill and
hood slamming face down onto its surface.  It came to an
abrupt stop, air hissing from the sides, and the
Troubleconsultant sailed off down the street.
     Batman heard her cry, pausing from his fight to see
what was wrong.  His concern for her turned into horror as
she bounced down into the street not far away.  "Kei!" he
cried, rushing to her side.  Yuri too stopped and looked
over at her partner's inert form.
     "Kei... no, KEI- OOOF!"
     An elbow to the stomach broke Yuri's grip of Joker.  He
crawled away, but she recovered, grabbing on to one ankle.
Suddenly, Baby was over her a fist cocked behind his head.
     "Oh no, not again!" shouted Yuri before the blow sent
her head over heels across the street.
     "Baby!" shouted Oscar from the car, as Kelly helped
Gadgets in.  "Get Joker and come on!"
     Baby snatched Joker up and rumbled down the street.
Batman looked around and saw that his main quarry was about
to escape yet again.  "No!" he growled and stood up.  Out
the other side of car, Kelly appeared his gun aimed not at
Batman, but at Kei lying helpless on the ground.  With no
time to hesitate, Batman crouched back down, throwing his
cape protectively over himself and Kei.
     As the bullets spattered off its sides, Joker and Baby
scrambled into the car and Oscar gunned the engine.
Throwing it into reverse, he started to back away when Joker
grabbed him by the collar shouting for him to stop.
     "We need to get out of here, Joker!" yelled Kelly.
     "Bomb!  Do we have a bomb in this car!" raged Joker.
     Baby rummaged through one of their bags of tricks,
passing Joker an explosive puck.  He armed the device,
leaned out the rear passengers' window and sneered at
Batman.
     "Die you flying rat, DIE!" he screamed, flinging it
down the street.
     Batman scooped Kei up in his arms and leaped out of
harms way seconds before the puck went off.  The explosion
shook the street, debris raining down all around them.  When the
smoke began to dissipate, Batman placed Kei down on the
ground next to Yuri.  Joker's getaway car was a small blur
at the far end of the street to far for him to try and
attempt pursuit.  With him still in possession of his
laughing ray, sending police units not adjusted to face it
would be pure suicide.
     A moan from Yuri made him look down again.  She slowly
drew up on her arms and gazed about eyes unclear.  "Batman,"
she called.
     "Here," he answered, kneeling back down.
     She blinked, drawing her legs around to sit dolefully
in the street.  "We lost him, right?"
     "Joker got a way, yes.  I'm more worried about Kei
right now than him."
     "Kei?"  Yuri spotted her friend lying unconscious next
to her.  "Kei!  Kei, wake up!" she said, reaching out to
her.  Batman grabbed her hands, stopping Yuri.
     "We need to have a doctor look at her," he said.
     Yuri nodded and sat back still staring worriedly at
Kei.  Drawing in a deep breath, she looked up at Batman and
asked, "What's our next move?"
     "Hopefully relocate Joker before he strikes again."
     "That's not going to be easy, you know."
     Batman knew full well how true that was.  He stared
back up the street more determined than ever to find his
archrival and end his mad reign of terror.  He would need
more time to review their resources and work out a way to
corner him.
     "Call Superintendent Warren," he told Yuri.  "Tell him
we'll need an ambulance for Kei, and I'll meet him back at
police headquarters."
     "What do you expect to find there?" she asked.
     "Hopefully some answers, Yuri."  He paused thinking a
second, expression stark and emotionless.  "And fast," he
finished, "before more people are killed."

                          * * * * *
                              
Irene Gebionni Park, Apollo City;

     Wasn't supposed to rain, thought William Galet, peering
through the window of the car he and his two companions sat in.
Not much of a shower, more like a mist, nevertheless it did
prevent him a clear view of the early morning park and its
surroundings.
     The crisp smell of a cigarette caught him, Bill noticing
that Shasti sitting behind the wheel had lit her umpteenth one
in the last thirty minutes.
     "Carson is not going to like that," he said, reaching
over to pull it out of her mouth.
     Shasti's dark eyes roved over to him, her short, jet-
black hair tossing lightly aside reviling the concerned look
on her face.
     "I don't like this, Mister William Galet," she said.
"You don't know how much of a risk this is, do you?"
     Bill smiled and sat back looking out the windows again.
"Yes I do, Ms. Carson," he replied.
     "He could kill you, Bill.  He could have you abducted,
replaced just like Gooley was, or worse!"
     "This is something I must do, Shasti."
     The blond sitting in the back shifted forward peering
between the two.  "And why is this, Bill?" asked Cory
Emerson.
     He cut his eyes over at her, thinking about the
reporter and the connections she had with their current
meeting.  It all would not have been possible without Cory's
help, but he would have rather she not insist on coming
along, fearing for her safety.
     "I made a promise, Cory, and I intend to fulfill that
promise."
     "By jeopardizing your life?" said Shasti.
     He laughed, patting her affectionately on her leg.
"That's why you're here," told her.
     Galet glanced at his watch and then did up the buttons
on his trench coat.  "Time for me to make my rendezvous,
girls."  Bill opened the door then Shasti's firm grip
stopped him.
     "You keep that mic on at all times, Bill," she said.
     "I will, not that it will do much good."
     The girls watched him walked down the path into the
park.  Shasti reached behind her seat and drew up an
autopistol priming the chamber.
     "Hey, you weren't supposed to bring that," Cory said.
     "And you never should have set this up, either,"
replied Shasti.
     "Bill wanted it, and it is his call."
     Shasti glared at her for a second.  "Nothing better
happen to him, Emerson, or you will regret this."  She
arched a brow at Cory and the reporter sat back, shuddering
fearfully beneath the threat.
     Galet made his way down the walkway and stopped next to
a park bench.  Taking a short look around, he cleared away
some of the droplets and sat down enduring the damp air and
chill.  It did not bother him too much, reminded him of his
days in Old Idaho where the smell of a fresh spring rain
carried across the open plains.  He missed those times,
picturing his sister and her young son in his mind.  Too go
back, back in time and change history.  Such desires were
not impossible, but would it be right?
     The bark of a small dog broke him from the memories.
Out of the misty haze he saw the shape of a man; his dog
leading the way, walking from the opposite direction of the
park towards him.  His dark overcoat seemed dry despite the
rains, and a black fedora protected his head from the cold.
The elderly man stopped and smiled at him.
     "So, Mister William Daniel Galet I assume?" said Thomas
Preston.
     "You assume rightly," answered Bill.
     Preston's smile grew wider.  He knelt down to the dog
and undid the leash from its collar.  With a low whisper,
the dog headed off to rummage around the base of the trees
across from them.  Thomas tugged on the gloves he wore and
sat down next to Bill.
     The circuitry in Galet's glasses bore out the dog's
hidden bio-alterations, no doubt a warbeast designed to
protect Preston if the need arose.
     "Interesting... animal," he said.
     "Fifi?  Oh she's a harmless thing.  Barks a lot, not
much else."
     "Right."
     Thomas laughed.  "So, Mister Galet.  What is it that
you want that you would call me out into such an odd meeting
as this?"
     "I need something from you, Thomas Preston."
     "Me?"
     Bill leaned closer.  "Yes, you."
     "And what is it that I have, or can do, that you need
from me, Mister Galet?"
     "I want the stolen DNA samples of the Joker."
     Preston started, drawing away from Bill.  He looked
perplexed, but Galet was not fooled by his charade.
     "What, me?  Why... I never... you suspect me of having
something like that, Galet?"
     Bill sighed and sat with his head back up towards the
overcast sky.  "Preston lets cut past the game.  I know full
well about your activities with the underworld, and how much
you are involved with the theft.  I also know about how you
regenerated and unleashed that maniac upon Rosomer."
     Silence passed between them then slowly did Preston
stand up.  He walked out to the middle of the walkway in
deep thought before facing Bill again.
     "You expect me to admit to something like that, Galet?"
     Bill's head snapped over at Preston, glaring sharply
over the top of his glasses.  "No, I don't think you're that
stupid, Mister Preston, but I know you have them, and I want
them."
     "Really?"  Preston halted briefly then chuckled amused
by the accusations.  "Why Mister Galet, I'm an honest
businessman.  How can you even suspect I would endanger my
company with such dark criminal operations?"
     "Because I know you are involved, Preston.  I do not
have enough proof right now, but I know it's the truth, and
so do you."
     Preston maintained his haughty composure, but his mind
was already milling about ways to secure his cover and
organization's ties.  He sat back down regarding Galet
close.
     "You are making a terrible mistake, Galet," he said.
     "No I'm not," replied Bill, unaffected by the menacing
tone lacing Preston's words.  "The only mistake I have made
was not concentrating on bringing you down sooner."
     Impressed by his bravery, Preston looked over Galet
trying to size up his erstwhile opponent.  Something to
consider, Thomas mulled over in his mind, I'll be keeping
closer tabs on this one.  "You have erred, William Galet,"
he finally said, standing back up.  "And since I have wasted
my precious valuable time, I will-."
     "What will it take, Preston?" Bill cut in.
     Thomas's brows rose up.  "Take?  Are you offering to
make a deal with me, Galet?"
     "I need those samples, Preston.  Intact and complete,
no errant strays, no trace slides.  All of them."
     "Interesting," said Thomas, his curiosity now tweaked.
"So let's pretend for the moment I do know something about
the samples.  What exactly are you offering in exchange?"
     The anger in Bill started pressing on him; hands
visibly trembling.  Galet sneered at him then said,
"Whatever is within reason."
     Thomas could not believe this.  A chance to pull a coup
on Galet and 3WA literally was being placed in his lap.  Oh
the joy!
     Fighting hard to conceal his delight, Preston turned
away from Bill.  "Ah, that is interesting, Mister Galet.
Unfortunately, I cannot help you."
     "Preston-."
     "-but, I might know some. people. who may be of some
assistance."
     Galet knew he better play along with Preston.
"And they are?"
     "Ha, ha, hah, nice try, Mister Galet," replied Preston,
waving a scolding finger at him.  "I will talk with them and
see if what you request is... possible."
     "Possible?"
     "Yes," answered Thomas with a smile the Cheshire Cat
would envy.  He reached into a pocket and passed a white
card to Bill.
     "I'll be in touch, William," said Preston.  The kingpin
called to his dog.  It scampered out of the brush and fell
in step at its master's side as he started walking away.
     Bill looked the card over and then called out to
Preston.
     "When?" he asked.
     Preston never stopped.  "Soon, Mister Galet.  Quite
soon I assure you.  Good Day."
     His features disappeared in the haze and Bill sat
staring at the writing on the card in his hand.  Could he be
making a mistake, or was this a necessary evil in the quest
for justice?  A lot rode on what happened next, and as Galet
knew no matter how positive the outcome, even the smallest
of misdeeds could come back to haunt you in the end.
     "I must be crazy," he said to himself as he got up and
headed back to the waiting car...


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