Kei and Yuri: The Dirty Pair
In Need of the Dark Knight
By
Nicholas Stone
Purple Haze
Something Wicked This Way Comes�
Shakespeare
I�m at the top of my game, people!
Oh, Mistah J! You�re being so modest.
Ah, but my exploits tell one and all that no one can resist my
impeccable charm, my witty sense of humor, my Raviolis!
But you forget, dear friend, there is one who continues to thwart
you at every turn!
�
�
You would go and have to bring him up.
It wouldn't�t be right without the big hunk of goodness around,
hmm?
�
No! I-I-I don�t need him to be great!
Not the way we see it. Without him, you�d be nothing.
A purple, pasty-faced clown bumming the streets looking for that next
big score!
NO! You�d better watch those mouths, you!
Hehehehe� Riddle me this. What do you call two completely opposite
life forms working together to stay alive?
�
�
Wha�, wha�� I don�t know?
Symbioses� the picture perfect description of your current love
hate arrangement� J
No, no! I don�t need him. I will kill him!
Is that so?
You!
You�re finished, clown. You�ll never trouble my town, or anyone
else again.
No, no, stay away from me! STAY AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!!!!!
* * * * *
AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
The pale figure lying in a sterile medical bed sat up with a start
hearing his screams die away in the air. He was sweating profusely,
chest heaving from the dark nightmare of his sleep. A steady tone
wailed for attention and slowly did he look over at the brightly
colored monitor on the wall. Immediately, the wail turned into a
rhythmic beat then a pleasant voice called down from some hidden
speaker in the room.
<Are you in pain, Mister Joker?> asked the medical computer
monitoring his vital signs.
For a moment the Joker paused, eyes scanning the room for the source
of the voice. �Am I dead?� he finally replied.
<No. You have just been recovering from a weeklong state of
generation. Your system will need additional time to make final
adjustment, but otherwise it appears you have developed as expected.>
Generation? Adjustments? Joker placed a hand to the side of his
head. Only then did he realize that the top of his head was wrapped
in bandages. Quickly he looked around spotting a mirror on the wall
to the right of the bed. His legs swung out only to wobble like wet
noodles when he tried to place weight on them. The Joker crumpled to
the floor.
�GAHH! What�s happened to me? Was I in some kind of accident!�
<Please, Mister Joker. You must try to relax. Your legs still need
time to build up strength�.>
�I don�t give a damn about my legs!� shouted the Joker.
He let out a grunt, grabbing hold of the table beneath the mirror and
pulled himself up with considerable effort. His head reeled, a
nauseating dizziness overtaking him and the Joker fell back to the
floor once more with a loud crash.
<Mister Joker? Mister Joker are you all right?>
�Ouch.� Muttered the Joker.
<Thank Goodness. I�ve notified Mister Preston of your recovery, and
he will be here in a few minutes.>
��who?�
The door slid open flooding the room with bright light. Joker looked
painfully up at the silhouetted figures walking in around the bed
towards him. Orderlies, or so he thought by their hulking frames,
they each took hold of an arm and carefully lifted him up.
�Oh, oh, thank you, boys. I�ve seemed top have forgotten my legs
today.�
�Is he damaged?� asked another voice from the doorway.
His vision still not accustomed to normal levels of light, Joker
squinted his eyes trying to make out the hazy figure standing there.
<No, Mister Preston. I am detecting no breaks in bone structure or
tissue injury.>
Preston? Who the hell is he?
�Excellent.� Preston�s form moved closer into view. �Mister Joker.
Pleas refrain from any unwarranted actions for the time being. You
are in good hands I assure you, and quite safe.�
Safe?
�W-Where am I?�
The orderlies placed the Joker back in his bed. He did not resist,
allowing them to tuck him comfortably back in the covers.
�I due time, Joker. All will be answered in due time,� said Preston,
standing at the end of the bed.
In the light the Joker finally got a good look at Thomas Preston�s
features. He did not recognize him, but when Preston rubbed his chin
in thought, the Joker let out a gasp at the metallic thing
representing his hand. He started to point this out to the two
orderlies tucking him in, but when he got a look at their smooth
featureless faces he let out a low stammer of fear.
�Oh no� I�m in hell,� he muttered.
And immediately passed out�
* * * * *
Several days later, Thomas Preston was again at the Joker�s bedside
this time with James and a few of his operatives. The Joker had
finally recovered sufficiently enough for the lights to be brought up
to normal, and he sat upright in the bed totally stunned and amazed
after Preston updated him on his current whereabouts.
The hushed silence that filled the room was only penetrated by a
short low gulp of air; Joker staring off into the distance. Thomas
waited, knowing that it was quite a lot to digest after being legally
dead for close to two centuries. Hopefully the man would not go into
what the doctors referred to as �post-rebirth insanity�; an inability
to handle being cloned and knowing you are not the real McCoy.
�So you say� 2144?� the Joker suddenly said.
�Yes,� answered Preston. �You are now a citizen of the Twenty-second
century, Joker.�
�Really.� Slowly did the Joker�s trademark grin spread across his
face. He chuckled a sinister chuckle that brought more than one hand
inching up towards their inner coat pockets.
�And I am to understand that this great and wonderful society has
evolved way past the Earth�s home system?�
�It is a whole new world out there, Joker,� said Thomas.
�I see.� Joker looked around again, stopping on James standing
across the room from Preston in his usual position. He felt the gaze
and turned with brows furrowing slightly. The tension could be felt
between the two men, but Joker winked and looked back at Preston.
�Well, Thomas I�.�
Preston held up a hand stopping him before he could finish. �First
off, only a select few have the privilege of addressing me as
�Thomas,� said Preston. �To my employees I am known as �Mister
Preston�. Are we clear on this?�
Joker considered him for a minute before responding. �I was not
aware I had become an employee, �Mister Preston.� He let out a hum,
cutting his eyes around at the men in the room.
�Then again, I should have known this.�
�And how is that?�
Leaning back, Joker�s sardonic grin stretched wider. �You did not
bring me back for nothing. You want something from me, and since you
appear to be a man of power, then you know my background and it must
not be legal.�
Quick, I like that, thought Thomas. Preston pulled up a chair and
sat down. �Quite correct, Joker. I have need of your �abilities�.�
�You want somebody rubbed out?� asked Joker, leaning towards Thomas
with a dark leer. James started to move, but Thomas waved him back.
�Not quite what I had in mind. Joker, I would like your assistance
in gaining control of a certain troublesome government�s
infrastructure.�
�OH! You want several people rubbed out?�
Thomas rolled his eyes up briefly. �No. I do not want any of the
existing leadership killed. I merely want you to help convince them
that cooperation with my organization will be to their great interest
and benefit.�
�Hm� Extortion is it? A little below my usual occupations.� The
Joker sighed, gazing sadly down at the floor. �Oh well, if I�m to
make a renewed start in my long neglected career, it�s a good of a
job as any.�
�Renewing you prior career is not what I brought you back for,
Joker,� Thomas told him.
�Excuse me?�
Preston�s concern filled his eyes. He did not want the Joker loose
in the Confederation raising such calamities he�d wrought Earth
centuries ago. Already, much of the infrastructure was under
control, having him running about could only damage some of his
holdings, not to mention undue slaughter was not something he could
agree with. No, the Joker could be useful, but not on the terms he
suggested.
�Simply put, Joker, you are working for me from now on. We do things
differently here in the twenty-second century.� Thomas stood up and
paced while he continued to explain the Jokers situation.
�Murder and anarchy are not unknown, but my organization will not
devolve into such ruthless actions.�
�Ruthless actions? Me?� said the Joker, gesturing questioningly to
himself while feigning innocence.
�Oh, stop with the act,� said James.
The Joker paused. �I was wondering if you were alive and had a
tongue over there.�
Preston chuckled a bit. �I would not be making enemies of him,
Joker. James will be your new boss for this assignment.�
That soured the Joker�s mood. �Oh, really,� he said with a sneer.
�Yes. You and he will be traveling to the Hierarchy of Colonized
States, specifically to their richest planet, Rosomer. There, you
will link up with a small cell of my operatives and then proceed to
work that profound magic you have demonstrated in the past.�
�Why thank you. I will be sure to have every citizen cringing in
fear by the first weeks end.�
Thomas missed a step. He stopped and leaned towards the Joker with a
hard serious look. �There will be no mass killings, no senseless
destruction or anything insane.�
�Oooh, now go and spoil all of the fun my mind is conjuring up.�
�Is what I said clear, Joker?� seethed Preston, inching closer to the
Joker�s face.
It appeared to work, the Joker cringing slightly back into the bed.
�Sure thing, �Mister Preston�.�
�Good.� Thomas backed away, eyeing his newest weapon. �I can make
you a very wealthy man, Joker, or I can put you in a box and grow a
newer more obedient version of you.�
�An ultimatum?�
Preston refrained from answering, allowing the silence to emphasize
the threat.
�So,� continued the Joker, �what kind of opposition are we up
against?�
�Opposition?�
�Yes, y�know, police, army, navy, do-gooders?�
�James will brief you on the authorities of Rosomer.�
�Uh, I was really asking about one person in particular. Do they
have any crime fighting flying rats in their city?�
�What?�
James came over and whispered something briefly into Preston�s ear.
He laughed, humored by the information, smiling at the Joker.
�No, Batman and all of his incarnations have been long gone, Joker.
Nothing to worry about there.�
Cart-Blanche!
�Then I�ll need access to a laboratory, workshop, and, oh yes, a
tailor.�
�A tailor?�
�The Joker can�t celebrate his re-birthday wearing a hospital gown,
now can I?�
Preston laughed again, actually humored by the comments. �The
computer system will get you everything you need, Joker. Work
quickly, you two will be leaving in three days.�
�That will be plenty of time.�
�Then we�ll leave you alone for now. Enjoy, and do behave please.�
�Oh I will,� called Joker as Preston and his entourage headed out.
�And thank you, Mister Preston for the rare opportunity of a second
life!�
The door slid shut and the Joker sat back. He sighed, clasping his
hands behind his head and gazed dreamily up at the ceiling, pondering
the opportunities handed down to him. A new beginning, and more
importantly, a new stage to appear on one where the crowd was
literally captive, and there could be no chances of interruption.
That made him jump slightly. Quickly did the Joker get out of the
bed and went over to the mirror on the wall. He examined his
features checking for any flaws or anomalies that might have warped
his features. Nothing looked amiss, and then he undid the clip
holding the bandages tight about his head, pulling it off.
A devious grin formed as his bony fingers wove their way through the
long, dark green locks of hair on his head. It widened, the evil in
his mind burning bright in his yellowed eyes.
�And no Batman,� muttered the Joker, breaking into a titter that
quickly grew into a insane hysterical laugh�
* * * * *
�I�m not sure this is going to work out, Mister Preston,� said James
as they headed down to the elevator.
Preston though, felt things were shaping up for him. He could see
the potential of having someone like the Joker working for him, but
then there was a sense that the Joker might become obtrusive.
�Faith, James. Faith,� he told his man. �The Joker will come
around.
James drew in a deep breath still at odds about the man and his
mental faculties. �I don�t like him,� he said.
�You�re not supposed to.�
�He will cause us more trouble than he is worth, if you don�t mind my
saying so, Mister Preston.�
They reached the elevator and Thomas hit the call button. He thought
back to some of the things Joker had said. That bit about renewing
his career did bring some alarm to mind, but he was confident that
the man could be controlled.
�Joker will do as we tell him, James,� he continued. �I trust you do
not have doubts about controlling him?�
�I will control him, but what if he does not follow our plans?�
The door to the elevator slid open. Preston stepped in, and then
paused thinking a moment. As his bodyguards fell in behind him,
Thomas turned and arched a venerable brow at James.
�Well then, he will be dealt with properly. Won�t he, James?�
A thin smile formed, James glad to see that all of his master�s
senses had not left him.
�Of course, Mister Preston. Of course.�
* * * * *
Willie Brandt Airport,
New Berlin, Rosomer, five days later;
[Tower, this is Lufthansa Shuttle 570 making final glide to pad 06,
over.]
[Roger, Shuttle 570, air is clear, grave bays activated. You are
cleared for touchdown.]
[Thank you (mmphth), thank you, Tower.]
[Did I say something fun, 570?]
[(Miffphth!) No, no, did I laugh (heheheehe)?]
[Yes, and you just did it again. What�s the joke?]
[I-I-I don�t know (Hahahah), oh, we seem to have gotten the jollies
up here!]
[Well don�t let it disrupt your landing.]
[Rogher, I mean Roger (Heh heh heh hee hee hee). See you on deck!]
* * * * *
A sleek, silver and black planetary shuttle marked 570 glided down on
to a landing pad, lining up with the support markings and shut down.
All was oddly quite as several transit bays extended out to dock with
the access hatches and debark its load of passengers. The customs
officials stood waiting fro the first passenger to come up the
debarkation tubes, but still no surge of passengers and after a few
moments they eyed one another ready to go aboard and see what was
wrong.
Suddenly, one figure appeared down the long expanse. He strode
confidently along to a silent tune in his head, each step a bouncing
gait that conveyed a sense of cheer and satisfaction. To the
officials, this newcomer was oddly dressed wearing a wide brimmed
hat, long lavender colored trench coat with black fur lining the
collar, and black shoes with white spats. Curious eyes examined this
ghastly pallored man as he strode up to the surveillance counter.
�Hiddy-ho, boys!� exclaimed the Joker with a cheery wave of a gloved
hand.
The customs officials were speechless for a second, and then one of
them turned motioning to a support bioroid lurking on station in the
background.
The Joker eyed the hulking black unit as it stepped up off to his
side.
�Are you the only passenger?� asked one of the customs officials.
�Me? Oh, no, no, no, no. My colleague should be along shortly.�
�So there were two of you? Hmm, this manifest is wrong then. I list
here close to one thousand passengers, twelve crewmen, three pilots,
and four engineers.�
Joker inched up on his toes, looking over the counter at the
electronic display. �Ah, yes, that list is quite correct,� he told
them.
�It is? Okay, so I suppose the rest of this flight will be along?�
�Eah� that might be a little difficult for some of them right about
now.�
By then a small crowd had formed wondering why the delay, and who
this strange looking person was. Several security personnel also
were on scene watching them with growing concern.
�And why is this, Mister�?�
�Joker. A name the entire planet will soon get to know very well.�
Hurried steps suddenly came from the tube, and then in full stride
appeared James. His face was flushed with exasperation, several
small suitcases in his hands.
�Joker, damn it! You�.� He stopped when he saw all of the officials
and security units standing around the Joker, mouth slowly dropping
open. Son-of-a-bitch, muttered James, hurrying over to the customs
station.
�What are you doing,� growled James in a low voice.
�Why I�m merely introducing myself to the populace of Rosomer, that�s
all,� answered Joker.
The suitcases dropped, James inching right up into the Joker�s face
waving an angry finger at him.
�You� You� you know what Mister Preston said!�
�Oh I know what Presty said, but how else am I going to make an
indelible impression on these people if I don�t give them something
to remember my by?�
�What have you done?� asked the customs official.
James cringed backing away eyes searching for the nearest exit of
escape.
�Nothing spectacular,� said the Joker, �I just gave the rest of the
passengers something to, heh hehe hehe, laugh about.�
�Laugh about?�
�Yeeessss, on a permanent basis.�
�Permanent?� Both officials looked briefly down the tube. �Are you
telling us that they�re�.�
�All dead? Yes.�
�Oh no,� moaned James, slapping a palm to his face.
�And, and you�.�
�Killed them all? Yes. Had to have somebody to test my new systems
on.�
A murmur of fear passed in the air from the crowd. James heard
weapon safeties click off. The bioroid next to Joker raised an
armored fist pointing the business end of a weapons array menacingly
at him.
<You are under arrest, miscreant,> it told him.
The Joker gasped in mock surprise. �Why officer, or whatever you
are. Is there a problem?�
<Silence! Place your hands behind your head and do not move.>
James stared inching back, but the hard end of a stun baton nudged
him. He slowly looked to find two heavily armored security men
behind him, dark sneers on their faces.
Meanwhile, the Joker appeared not in the least bit worried. �Are you
sure you want to arrest me?� he asked as he carefully raised his
arms.
<DO IT!>
�Okay. If you want to be another example I can oblige you. I can
oblige all of you.� His evil eyes looked over at James. �I hope you
still have those filters in I gave you, Jimmie-boy?�
�No, Joker, No!� said James, but it was to no avail.
Joker�s index and middle fingers pressed down into the center of his
gloved hands. The Bioroid covering him made a slight shudder of his
body then called out his warning once again.
<You are (ggrrrrszznnikkk) u-uunder (haaahhaa) a-aa-rrrress-tttt.>
�Uh, excuse me, metalhead? I did not seem to understand your last
comment?�
The bioroid began to stagger and his weapon arm wavered away from the
Joker. <I said� (Hahahaha)�. You, you, you, you� are� (Grrznnrikkk)�
no, stop, you�re killing me!>
�That�s the point of all this,� said the Joker with his devious
smile.
James heard a snicker come from one of the security men behind him.
Their stun batons clattered to the ground as the two sank to their
knees beneath a wail of sudden overwhelming fits of laughter. Soon,
before anyone could escape the crowd around them was heaving and
writhing in painful rows of chortles and laughter. Even sentient
electronic units were flickering uncontrollably, mesmerized by the
Joker�s captivating spell.
�Yes, that�s it!� cried the Joker like an empowered Evangelist urging
on his gathering, �Yes, laugh. Laugh! It�s the best form of
medicine around!�
James finally broke from his horrified stupor. Grabbing their
suitcases, he hushed over to the Joker.
�We need to go, now!� he shouted at him.
�Oh what is the rush, Jimmie-boy?� asked the Joker.
�You are the rush, that�s what!� James thrust one of the suitcases
into Joker�s hands, grabbed him by the collar as he made for the
nearest exit.
�So long, kiddies,� called the Joker while tossing playing cards
wildly out into the crowd. �It has been so much fun. You are a
wonderful audience!�
Through one of the emergency exits they went, James angrily towing
the Joker along. With a sharp shrug, the Joker pulled out of his
grasp. James did not miss a beat.
�Mister Preston is going to have your ass!� he grumbled angrily,
right up in the Joker�s face.
Unfazed, Joker calmly straightened his collar, cutting occasional
looks of anger himself back at the man.
�You worry to much, Jimmy,� he said. �After two demonstrations I
would think you could see nothing can stand up to us.�
�You are not here to massacre people, Joker!� shouted James.
�They�ll remember me though. The first step in gaining control.�
James yelled up to the ceiling in frustration. He spun around and
reached down grabbing his suitcase again. A firm hand on the
shoulder stopped him.
�One more thing, Jimmy,� said the Joker. James turned his head
slightly back as the Joker moved up close to his side.
�If you ever grab me again like you did, I will kill you.�
The thick menace of his voice startled James briefly, but he
refrained from continuing their conversation knowing they need to get
kilometers away from this starport before more security arrived.
Jerking his shoulder away, James sneered as he continued on down the
exit corridor.
�Coming?� he called back over his shoulder.
The Joker leered evilly at James and followed him�
* * * * *
Central Police Headquarters, New Berlin;
Boredom filled Kei�s ever energetic mind while she lay on
Superintendent Warren�s leather bound couch, listening as he and Yuri
went over damage and casualty figures with yet another enraged
citizen on the desk monitor.
[�and these blood thirsty Triple A Agent�s you hired from the
Confederation�]
�3WA, maam,� Yuri corrected the woman on the screen.
[Whatever! They should be taken out and executed without question!
Superintendent Warren, I thought you are in charge of our safety and
well-being?]
�I-I-I am, Madame, but we have found it necessary to use some extra
force to�.�
[Kill innocent citizen!]
Peter cringed back in his chair, eyes turning to Yuri for some sort
of support. She shrugged innocently, raising her hands.
�Madame, I assure you all will be repatriated, and no more needless
acts will be committed against the populace.�
[We�ve have heard that before, Superintendent Warren! If you will
not take heed to our concerns, then I am sure The Director will hear
us!]
�He already hears you, and doesn�t give a diddly hoot about what you
have to say, you crone,� Kei said just out of speaker range. Yuri
shot her a hard look.
�There is no need for that, Madame, I assure you,� said Warren.
[I believe there is!] snapped her reply. The screen winked into
darkness; Warren slumping tiredly back in his chair.
�This is so, so wrong,� he sighed.
Yuri admired his features wishing all of this chaos would slack off
so she could try and make her move on the man. He let out a low moan
triggering her opportunity to try and alleviate his some of the
tension pulling on his nerves. Yuri moved up behind the chair.
�There, there, Peter,� she said gently massaging his neck and
shoulders. �We�re so sorry you�ve gotten into trouble because of
us.�
Peter grunted, enjoying the soothing warmth Yuri�s firm finger worked
back into his stiff muscles. Not bad, he thought. Could grow fond
of this one. Too bad she�s teamed up with such a bitch.
�I know you both don�t mean to do it,� he said. �I hope there will
be no more attempts from any incorrigibles trying to disrupt the
system.�
�I think we�ve stemmed the tide,� Yuri replied. She leaned down and
kissed him lightly on the top of his balding head. �And you�re doing
a fantastic job, Mister Superintendent.�
A cringe went though Kei, sickened by her partner�s cooing up to this
arrogant man. Hot hormones made for sloppy actions, and Yuri was
literally pouring herself into Warren�s lap like some golddigger in
heat. She eyed Warren trying to figure out what Yuri saw in him.
�Uh, if I can break the levity over there, shouldn�t we be trying to
figure out who is orchestrating all of these actions �Mister
Superintendent�?�
Yuri felt Peter�s muscles tighten up once more. �We don�t know if
anyone is coordinating anything, Kei,� she said.
�Oh no?� Kei sat up. �Well for starters, our last three encounters
involved heavy weaponry. Let�s take for instance those freaks in our
last skirmish. They blasted my gorgeous holocoy with ordinance that
the normal average everyday citizen of this Fascist society would
never be allowed to possess.�
Kei could see that she had caught Warren�s attention. Leaning
forward, Peter rubbed his chin thinking about the facts just
presented to him. They were valid even Yuri had to admit.
�Our reigning government, Kei, requires certain standards,� said
Peter, �of which any �opportunity� to disrupt them would be
detrimental to us all.�
�I�m not knocking the Iron Fist you guys have in power,
Superintendent. It�s just that even a black-market purchase of
weapons of that caliber requires a hefty load of money. I don�t
think those punks had even a fraction of such an amount.�
�Maybe that�s why they were robbing that bank,� suggested Yuri.
Kei arched a brow. �No, my inverse excuse for a blonde partner, the
reported theft was all electronic transaction files. Any top hacker
would have gone a different route than outright theft.�
�So then why the attempt?� asked Peter.
�I�m guessing someone�s trying to rattle your infrastructure.�
Yuri retook her seat, staring quizzically at Kei. �What good will
that do?�
�One, you shake up enough business folks, threaten to cut off their
regular routine, and I�ll bet you they�ll do anything to make it
stop.�
�And Two?� said Peter.
�Two, we all know Rosomer is the jewel of the brass knuckles holding
the Hierarchy in line�.�
�Okay, cut out the mockery.�
��a piece of this planet�s income and wealth means a pretty hefty
increase in someone�s pocketbook.�
This was beginning to sound like a major underworld organization to
Yuri. At last count, she knew of only four such cartels with the
resources that Kei�s theories suggested. Which one, if they were
involved, might be difficult too nail down. Another serious notion
came to her mind. What if they all were in on it?
She started to ask Kei if a call back to Bill was needed when an
urgent knock came at the door. Garry Smith stuck his head into the
office, face ashen with fear.
�Superintendent� uh, we�re needed down at the starport.�
�What�s happened now?� asked Peter.
Garry hesitated. �I don�t think I can rightly explain it.�
�Hm, sound likes this won�t be such a boring day after all,�
commented Kei as she stood up.
Warren felt like crawling under a rock right now, tired of the
constant attacks. No sense delaying this, he got up and pulled his
holster from a hook on the wall, putting it on.
�Bring the car around, Garry. I�ll be down in a moment.�
Yuri followed him to the door. �You want us to come with you?� she
asked.
For a second Peter Warren entertained the idea of leaving the two
walking time bombs behind, but from the look on his assistants face
thought better of it.
�Yeah, you might as well. Better to be around when the mayhem starts
than hear about it after the fact.�
�Great,� said Kei, �Let me get my gun and�.�
�I don�t think this situation is calling for that, Kei,� said Yuri.
Kei smirked but gave in to her partner�s suggestion.
Muttering a silent thank of relief, Warren put on his garrison cap
and led them out the door.
* * * * *
Crime teams worked through the grizzly task of recording the scene of
what might be the most shocking murders ever committed on Rosomer so
far. Specialist went over every inch of the access portal while
medical teams in an ever growing stream, brought bodies up the ramp
from the silent shuttle docked outside.
Kei gazed sadly around at the people lying on the floor trying to
picture in her mind what could make a person do such a thing to so
many innocents. She could hear Peter Warren across the room raging
almost in near fury at the starport�s security chief, asking him
again and again how anyone could gat away with something like this
and not be caught. It was a good question; Kei looking back at the
customs station where Yuri stood jacked into the consol going over
the systems records.
{Anything?} she sent to her partner.
{No. This thing acts as if it was attacked. I�m going to have to do
some really deep digging.}
{Okay. Call when you find something.}
Kei knelt down next to one of the unfortunates killed in this
shocking raid. She studied the man�s features and ran a quick scan
across him with her field scanner checking for any signs of a
biotoxin or chemical residue. The results were negative and she
frowned scratching the side of her head, confused. They didn�t
appear to have died violently; in fact there was one thing all the
biological victims had in common.
Carefully, Kei turned the man�s head towards her. His eyes were wide
open, almost bright as if enjoying what ever had happen to him, but
what stood out more was this eerie sardonic grin that stretched his
cheek and face muscles to their maximum capacity. She leaned over to
the next victim; a woman, and found the same symptoms. Something
suddenly fell to the floor from the collar of the coat she wore and
Kei picked it up.
It was a playing card, purple back, white front with the head of a
clown in its center. The letter �J� was placed in either corner, Kei
stood up. �Hm, a Joker?� she mused walking over to join
Superintendent Warren.
Peter was at his wits end. ��and what is this!� he shouted, pointing
down at the inert body of a security bioroid. �How did this happen�
and, and without any marks or damage on it?�
The unfortunate security chief could only shrug just as lost as he
was. �I can�t explain it, sir!�
Next to the body, Garry looked up at them. �This is a Panzeroid
Mk-16, one of the best units in the force.� He pushed a button on a
small open panel near the base of the bioroid�s next. �Not a spark,
not a flinch. It�s so inert not even restart functions are working.�
�Meaning?� asked Peter.
�It�s dead, just like the rest of the people around us.�
�Who could do something like that?�
�Maybe a Clown?� suggested Kei. She held up the card and Peter took
it staring hard at the face on its front.
�Where did you find this?�
�One of the victims had it on her.�
�We found more scattered all over the place, Superintendent,� added
the security chief.
Warren gave the card another once over before handing it back to Kei.
�And you think this is the asshole who did this?� he asked her.
�Possibly. Why else would he leave something like this around?�
Garry stood up. �A calling card?�
�And a very bad one at that. Is a clue though.�
Fury returned to Warren�s eyes. His face drew into a dark mask of
anger and he went over to the customs station.
�Did you find anything?� he asked Yuri in a strained voice.
�Maybe,� she answered. �Give me a second.�
They all watched as Yuri worked her electronic magic. The consoles
main screen flashed and then a picture finally came into view.
�Several minutes before the attack,� explained Yuri, �just after the
shuttle completed docking.�
�Hey look, it�s the clown,� Garry pointed out to them.
On the screen, the clown�s odd features chatted merrily with the now
dead officials. Another person came into view, a bald man all
dressed in black and it appeared that he was mad about something.
They watched as the scene progressed, then after the hands of the
clown hands rose up into the air, the picture started to deteriorate,
flickering in and out in a stuttered rhythm before finally going
blank.
Yuri disconnected and gazed up at the surveillance bubbles situated
around the room. �Must have killed the scanners too,� she said.
�Very ingenious if I might say.�
�Well don�t,� snapped Peter. He turned sharply around to Garry. �I
want you to get this �Clowns� face on the street immediately!
Plaster his kisser on every public bulletin monitor, set up search
points on every access leading into and out of New Berlin.�
�You got it,� said Garry, frantically taking down notes.
�I want this clown, Garry. You hear me? I want his battered body
dragged before me before I have him executed.�
�We�ll get him.�
Meanwhile, Kei was looking over the dead again. �Garry,� she called
back, �what about baldy?�
�Who?�
�The bald guy chewing at our clown. Was he one of the dead?�
�Not sure. Some of the victims have already been carried down to the
morgue.�
�Find out,� said Peter. �If not, he too goes on our most wanted
list.�
�Right.�
Gazing around at the scene again, Warren let out a long sigh and
shook his head. �The Director is going to sack me yet,� he said.
�Not if we catch this guy or guys, and hang their carcasses out to
rot,� answered Kei.
A little dark but fitting in Warren�s mind. �If anybody needs me, I�
ll be at headquarters coordinating the search.�
Kei glanced at the bodies again before turning to Yuri. She found
her colleague leaning against the console studying the features of
the clown with some curiosity.
�What?� asked Kei.
Yuri did not answer at first, tipping her head from side to side as
she looked at face. �He looks familiar,� she finally said.
�Somebody we should know?�
�Can�t say, but� its odd but I could swear I�ve seen him before.�
�Well don�t let it bother you too much. Right now it�s more
important that we catch him for the flaying I�m sure your boyfriend
is concocting right now.�
The picture flicked off, Yuri standing rigid at the remark. �Will
you stop?�
Kei giggled. �Say, are you up to a long night of grav sweeps though
the city?�
�Anything to keep your overly active mind occupied.�
Checking the charge in her pistol, Kei gestured to the hallway.
�After you, grumpy.�
Yuri rolled her eyes, holding back the insults on her lips as she
walked past�
* * * * *
West Ocean Docks:
Situated in one of the large dockside buildings of New Berlin�s
harbor district, Joker sat listening to James as he addressed the
small group of Preston�s underground employees. Young men, he
noticed, eyes roving over the faces gathered around. Impressionable
lot, eager and energetic, they lacked focus and a sense of
organization. Well that was all about to change here very soon.
James said something in his direction, but the Joker smirked not
really interested by his blathering. Such a fool, and I�m supposed
to work for him?
��will be redirecting our efforts to gain access into the
infrastructure of Rosomer�s financial system,� finished James. A
young man dressed sharp in a gray double-breasted suit waved a hand
at him. �Yes?�
�And how are we going to do this?� asked Kelly McBride.
�We will start slowly. I envision subtle threat, maybe a few
well-timed kidnappings, or simply tapping into classified databanks
to get the leverage we need. Once we have just even one company
under our control, the rest will swiftly come into line.�
Joker could see that McBride obviously was the leader of this gang.
A bright boy, he thought, I will have uses for him.
�Not happin�n,� blurted out a thin man wearing wide wrap-a-round
glasses and headphones.
�And why is this?�
The man lifted the glasses up giving James a doubting stare. �Police
for starters. There�s more black ice, firenets, neural traps and
other nasty things in place to give even me second thoughts.�
�And for Gadgets to say that means a lot,� added McBride.
�Well I�m sure the police will be no problem. My associate here is a
master at police delousing. May I introduce to you, the Joker.�
At last, muttered the Joker. He flashed them a wide grin as he
stepped forward. �Hello, boys. Glad to be here!�
McBride sized up this newcomer all clad in his sickening lavender and
green harlequin outfit. �Snappy threads,� he said, a humored glint
in his eyes.
Joker paused a moment. �Oh this? Its nothing, something I whipped
up from the past.�
Several of the gangsters chuckled at the Joker�s reply.
�But really, boys,� continued Joker, �I understand you�re having
quite a police problem here. I will be correcting this.�
�Right,� said McBride. �This gang used to be double this size,
Joker.�
�Ah, ah, ah. That�s �Mister� Joker, thank you.�
�Right� anyway, �Mister Joker�, ever since Superintendent Warren got
here, most of our guys have either been terminated, jailed, or quit.�
�Really?� Joker grimaced, thrumming his fingers rapidly on his chest
as he digested this tidbit of news. �That-will-change,� he said
firmly. �I used to go up against a public official in Gotham City.
A very troublesome man Commissioner Gordon was.�
�Did�ya take him?� asked a burly hulk of a man.
�Honestly, I�m not sure. I�ll have to brush up on that come to think
of it.�
An odd answer from an odd person, the gangsters exchanged quizzical
looks and shrugs not knowing how to take it.
�Well Superintendent Warren is the Director�s best man; not to
mention he has outside help as well,� said McBride.
�Outside help?�
James leaned forward. �The 3WA, remember?� he reminded Joker.
�OH yes! This goody-goody two shoes outfit from what was it? The
United Galactic Confederation?�
�Yeah, and not just any 3WA team, but the Dirty Pair,� Gadgets called
out.
�A-who?�
�You don�t want to meet up with these two chicks,� said McBride.
Joker drew back frowning at him. �Women? You make it sound like
they�re dangerous.�
�They�re demons!� cried one of the gangsters.
The fear could be seen plainly on their faces. Joker arched a brow
and then chuckled sinisterly. �Do not fear these �girls�, or this
Warren chap and his puppets. They will be eliminated in due time.�
Out of view, James jumped lightly at the Jokers last comment. His
eyes narrowed with suspicion as the Joker paused in his speech.
Giving James a knowing sideways glance, Joker began pacing slowly
while formulating his next words.
�But they�ve got �roids�, and, and, armor, and everything else that
can kill you!� shouted another one of the gangsters.
�And I don�t feel like becoming instant fertilizer at the hands of
some cop�s zap gun either,� added McBride.
�Tch, tch, tch, tch. Such lack of bravery.� The Joker shook his
head in disgust. �Gentlemen, I have brought with me something that
will give us the upper hand in this little confrontation to come.�
�Confrontation?� said James. �Now hold on a minute, Joker!�
Joker held a hand up stopping James in mid-protest. �I present to
you,� he continued, reaching into his jacket. Cautious hands inched
down to weapons wary of this clown�s intentions. �The Laff-a-gun!�
Out the Joker pulled an odd shaped gun that had the gangsters and
James ducking instinctively away. The front of the so-called
Laff-a-gun was oblong with a smooth what looked like opaque green
lens, a lavender colored base, short trigger guard and grip making up
the remainder of the weapon. It looked unwieldy, awkward and
comical, something they would expect from a clown.
�Say, ah Joker-man,� called out one of the gangsters, �Are we going
to staple them to death?�
Chuckles and laughs followed, Joker staring calmly at them waiting
for their levity to subside. �Nnoo,� he said as their giggles
subsided, �This here invention of mine, along with other things we
will be making, will ensure the gendarmes of this city do not
interfere with our operations.�
It was then that James spoke up again. �Our operations do not
include confrontations with the police, Joker. I�ve already laid out
our plans.�
�Yes, and woefully inadequate too,� replied Joker.
�Inadequate?�
�And that�s putting it mildly, Jimmie-boy.�
James would not allow this affront pass. He glared angrily at Joker
and planted his fist on his hips. �Need I remind you who is in
charge here, Joker?�
�Oh, I haven�t forgotten!� exclaimed Joker brightly. He made a short
giggle then continued. �I am saying though that your �plans� lack �
oh how shall I put it� direct action?�
�Direct action?�
�Yes. Presty did not send me here just to sit around and wait for
opportunity to come along. We must seize the initiative!�
�But not by confronting the police!� countered James. �No! We will
do this�.�
�Excuse me, Mister James,� McBride said. �But I have to agree with
the Joker here on this.�
�What?�
�We can�t wait around hoping the police will forget about us,� added
Gadgets.
�Yeah! We gott�a start kick�n some butt!� added another member of
the gang.
James stood dumbfounded staring at them in silence. These fools
actually wanted to face the police down? It sounded absurd to him
and to top it all, this purple clad maniac made it sound almost good
enough to work. He looked at the Joker; who stood with his annoying
grin bright waiting for James�s approval.
�No massive killing,� he said.
�Me? Wouldn�t even think about it, Jimmy. What makes you think I�d
do something like that?�
�Because you enjoy it.�
Joker just smiled and faced the gangsters again. �And with my
Laff-a-gun, we will do just that, gentlemen.�
�So what�s the job, Mister Joker?� asked McBride.
Oh I like you, thought Joker, giving the man a broad grin. �Yes,
lets talk about that,� he said.
Placing a friendly arm around Kelly McBride�s shoulders, he led him
further into the group.
�Kelly, It was Kelly, right? Yes, yes� Kelly m�boy introduce me to
your key peoples if you would please.
Kelly felt uncomfortable with the Joker�s arm around him, but he
tolerated the man�s firm pull. �The guy with all the techno-stuff
hooked into him is Ricky Lane. We call him �Gadgets�.�
�Ah yes, and what is his function in this gang?�
The thin man nicknamed Gadgets surprised them all by taking off his
visor. He pulled nervously on the sleeves of his turtleneck shirt
not sure what to make of the Joker and his sudden attention.
�I workout things,� he said.
�Such as?�
�Ciphers, computer locks, codes. Gadgets is our tech; best in the
field,� explained Kelly.
�Hm, izzat so?� Joker eyed the man. �Nice to meet you, Gadgets.�
He shook his hand. �I�ll have lots of work for you to do tonight.
Must be properly outfitted for the job ahead.�
�Oookay,� replied Gadgets.
Joker looked over at the man standing next to Gadgets recognizing him
as the one who cracked the joke about staples. �And you are?�
The dark haired man sporting a black fedora and dressed much like
Kelly gave the Joker a slight smirk. �Oscar Taylor,� he replied in a
mean, low-keyed tone.
�Oscar is my assistant,� said Kelly. �He keeps contact with all of
our operatives working the city.�
�An �IN� man. Good.� The Joker motion for Taylor to come closer.
�Ah, no more jokes though. That is my department.�
Taylor blinked surprised by the order. He laughed moving back. �If
you say so,� he said.
Joker too stepped back sizing Taylor up. More likely to be
rebellious, I�ll keep him around for the time being, he thought. He
steps suddenly stopped as the Joker�s back his something solid and
firm. He slowly turned and found himself staring straight into the
barrel chest of a large hulk of a man. His head tipped back and he
found himself staring straight into the face of a bald thug who
appeared extremely young for his size and age.
�This is �Baby�,� Kelly told him.
�Baby?�
�Chris �Baby� Harper. Was once a leading wrestler on the Hierarchy
WWL, but after �accidentally� killing his not so bright manager, he�s
come to work for me.�
Joker stared lost at Kelly then gazed back up at Baby.
�Hello,� said Baby with a smile.
�This is going to be rich,� said Joker. �Ah, yes. And I assume you
are the muscle for this outfit?�
�Sort�a.�
Joker stepped away. �Yes, you just keep doing what you do best,
Baby,� he said gesturing timidly at him.
Ignoring the snickers from the other members of the gang, Joker
returned to the center of the group. James, standing impatiently at
the fore, waited to hear what Joker had in mind.
�What is this great plan you have, Joker?� he asked.
�My plan! It is quite simple. We, this group of fine men and I,
will begin operations by hitting one of this cities largest financial
establishments.�
�Hm, that would be the Exchequers Exchange in the heart of downtown
New Berlin,� said Taylor.
�Downtown?� exclaimed James.
�And heavily guarded,� added Kelly. �Joker, are you trying to get us
killed?�
�Of course not, Kelly! In order for us to rock this Hierarchy down
to its core, we must make a bold and resounding statement to them.�
Several of the gangsters let out fearful moans.
�But the Exchange?� questioned Gadgets.
�A good of place as any.�
�The cops virtually live right next door,� Baby pointed out to him,
but Joker merely laughed.
�You all forget that I have this,� he said, patting his side where
the Laff-a-gun lay hidden, �That, plus a few things Gadgets here will
put together for me, will take care of the Police.�
A protest grumbled in his mind, but James refrained from speaking.
Maybe this move would be the Joker�s undoing and get him killed in
the process. Would make things easier, and his dislike for the Joker
hoped that would be the case.
�What would you like for me to do?� he asked.
�You? You, Jimmy, I want to stay in the background.�
�Why?�
�Well its obvious. They get a good look at you, trace down your
identity, and link us with Presto back home in the roost. I am sure
our esteemed employer will not be too happy with the results of that
little scenario.�
James agreed and the Joker faced his new gang again. �Boys! We have
a lot to do before tomorrow, so we�d better get started.�
�Tomorrow?� they all said.
�Tomorrow,� answered the Joker. �No sense in putting this off.
Kelly, we�re going to need a workplace. Uh, Taylor, we�ll need the
fastest vehicle you can find, capable of carrying six to eight
people.�
�I think I can manage that.�
�Excellent.� Joker pulled a folded list from his top jacket pocket
handing it to Gadgets. �Get started on those,� he instructed him.
Gadgets glanced over the list, and then looked at McBride. He gave
him a slight nod and Gadgets sighed heading off to work with Baby in
tow.
The intruding arm of the Joker placed itself around Kelly�s shoulders
again. �You have an office?� asked Joker. McBride nodded. �We need
to talk, Kelly m�boy.�
�About?�
�Things� operations� the future.� The Joker tapped him lightly in
the chest with a finger. �I�m going to make us all rich, and we, you
and I, are going to make history.�
But McBride remained skeptical. �We�ll see after tomorrow,� he said.
The Joker just grinned.
�Oh yes, we�ll see� heh, heh, heh, heh� we�ll see.�
* * * * *
Onboard the Lovely Angel;
Yuri and Kei sat before the Angels controls looking up at the main
screen while Yuri uploaded the latest news from Rosomer to William
Galet, current Chief Inspector of 3WA. His troubled mind reviewed
their information, shocked by the recent killings at the starport.
Pulling off his round, wire-rimmed glasses, Bill sat back and shook
his head.
[Grief, girls,] he said, [What the hell is going on out there?]
�We�re not sure ourselves, Billy,� replied Yuri. �We thought we had
the crooks on the run, but now this new incident has got us baffled.�
�As well as surprised,� added Kei.
[And the final count of the dead is?]
�Close to twelve hundred,� said Kei.
Galet muttered a curse, frowning deeply. He wanted this whole HCS
operation to be over quick so he could get the Angels out of there
before they inadvertently wrecked the planet and angered their
leader. So close to convincing him to enter the Confederation, the
rising cost of repatriation, not to mention the increasing number of
complaints, postponed his final commitment to the accord.
Sure, the Director himself had contacted Galet in private and was not
dissatisfied with the Angels performance, nevertheless; his subject�s
opinions could not go unheeded. Several times Bill had to go and
confront the council about their methods, and only with the backing
from the CC did they agreed to allow them to remain.
A fortunate decision in light of the severity of this massacre, in
his opinion. [Yuri, were you able to figure out what killed all of
the victims in this attack?]
�That�s also eluding us here, Billy,� she replied. �I�m leaning
towards some kind of neural sensory overload, but that doesn�t
explain why bioroids and sentient systems were also effected.�
[Hm. I�ll get Kelvin on this one. Maybe he can come up with an
answer.]
�Say, Bill. Can you get the master database working on an I.D. for
this fool with the shit-eating grin,� Kei asked.
Bill smiled as he called up the image of their chief suspect in this
crime. [Yeah, I�ll have records start a search for him immediately.]
�I don�t think you�re going to find him there, Billy,� said Yuri.
[Oh? Why not?]
She paused, not sure herself. �I just don�t think he�s going to be
there.�
[Another premonition?]
She shrugged.
[Well, I�ll still have them begin a search, and I�ll get my other
contacts on it as well.]
�I just can�t wait to get my hands around his neck,� commented Kei,
smacking a fist into her palm.
[I�m sure,] said Bill. [How�s Superintendent Warren taking all
this?]
�He�s ready to rip this guy into bits,� answered Yuri. She sensed
there was something Bill was not saying. �Why?�
[I don�t like the looks of this guy, girls. He might try something
bigger than this later on.]
�Just let him show his ugly face. That will be the last thing he�ll
ever do,� Kei said.
[Maybe.] Bill eyed the image up on one of his corner screens. [Don�
t let your guard down on this one girls, and be extra careful. I�ll
call when I have something for you.]
�Later, Billy.�
The screen faded out and Kei stood up, stretching.
�Well, I�m going to hit the sack and catch up on some long needed
sleep,� she said, heading for her quarters.
�What time you want to get up?� asked Yuri.
�Whenever,� she replied. �I�m not expecting pasty-face to try
anything soon. Not with the planet searching for his ass.�
�And if he does?�
Kei stopped and looked back. �Relax, Yuri. Nothing�s going to
happen. Now I suggest you get to bed too. We�ll need to be fresh
for tomorrows search.�
Kei left leaving Yuri doubting about tomorrow.
�Let�s hope nothing happens,� she said, but deep inside she felt that
was not going to be the case�
* * * * *
The Exchequer Exchange Building,
Downtown New Berlin, AM
A high formidable wall of thick ceramic metal adorned with motifs and
plaques of former officers surrounded the large building that was
home for much of Rosomer�s financial institutions. The Exchequer
Exchange operated night and day detailing the funds flowing to and
from the planet into electronic stores, counting increases in the
rich economy, and delving out its riches to the citizens and
businessmen.
Built like a grand fortress, the cold slate gray sides of the
building rose up from the center of the large courtyard like a wary
monolithic sentry ready to fend off any challenges to its society and
stature. The proud banners of the HCS fluttered from the corner
flagpoles, a steady stream of visitors coming to and fro conducting
their daily business like many times before.
But this day would prove different for the citizens of New Berlin. A
dark menace unbeknownst to them had risen to make his mark on their
society and today he had his eyes set on this building and what lay
inside.
Joker stood at the main gate staring up at this intimidating expanse
without concern of identification or discovery from the authorities.
In fact, he was looking forwards to such an encounter, but the seven
men sitting in a sturdy purple and green open top hover car did not
hold the same feelings as he.
�Well, boys,� he said, fixing the collar of his overcoat, �shall we
go inside and announce ourselves.
Kelly, timidly looking around, tried hard to keep his features unseen
as he looked up at the Joker. �You mean you want us to just walk in
there without any mask or camo?� he asked.
�Why yes. The Joker Gang does not need to fear any reprisals. Now
get out of the car!�
Everyone but Taylor climbed out. Joker looked them over as if
inspecting troops on parade. He had told them to dress in full
business attire and they complied; that is all but Gadgets.
�You misunderstood my instructions, hm?� he asked, eyeing the dark
purple turtleneck sweater, black pants tucked into calf high lace up
black jump boots.
�This is my best outfit, Joker,� explained Gadgets. �Besides, I don�
t think I look good in stuff like that.�
�In my gang, we do things professionally. We�ll have to correct your
personal attire later. At least you got the color of your shirt
right.�
The Joker gave them another last once over.
�Looking sharp, boys!� he said then paused. �Except for some of us,�
he finished, cutting an annoyed look over at Gadgets.
�Okay, so we�re ready to party,� said Kelly. �What now?�
�Why we go inside.�
�They�re going to see our faces, Joker,� said one of the three extra
gang members brought along.
�And?�
McBride rolled his eyes. �They�ll know who we are!� he exclaimed.
�Let them! Joker is not afraid of having his face plastered on the
telly. I consider it free publicity.�
�But we don�t want to be known, Joker,� said Baby.
The Joker smirked at them. He struck a mocking melancholy pose,
moaning falsely up to the sky. �Oh such lack of faith in me,� he
whined. The charade quickly disappeared and he was back to his old
evil self again. �But after a few jobs you�ll understand my methods.
Now get the tools we must not be late for our appointment with
destiny.�
Amidst disapproving grumbles, the gangsters grabbed what they needed
from the car.
�Osc,� said the Joker to Taylor, � take it around the block a few
times. I�ll signal when we�re ready for pick-up.�
Taylor sped away thankful he was not going in with the rest of them.
Meanwhile, Joker led his team up the walkway towards the Exchange
building. As they passed through the courtyard, several of the
people passing by stared at his strange features. Some even stopped
to follow them along, curious of this alien life form gracing their
planet.
Up the series of steps and past a row of tall pillars they went.
Suddenly, Joker came to an abrupt stop staring at a display on the
wall next to the lobby doors.
�What the�?� he gasped rushing over to it. A holographic image spun
in the center of the monitor, Joker�s head rotating slowly while
below it read in bold letters, �The Clown�.
�C-C-C-CLOWN!?� shouted Joker.
�Joker, will you get away from that!� said McBride.
�A Clown they call me? Even in the twenty-second century the media
can�t get their information right!�
�Joker!�
Joker spun around pointing back over his shoulder at the display.
�And who is the joker responsible for�.� He stopped, giggling
timidly. �Uh, ignore that last comment. We�ll correct this later.�
He made an angry fist, shaking it before the display allowing his men
to see a brief streak of his dark side, and then regain control of
himself. �Shall we?� he said striding into the building.
At the center of the lobby was a security station, and monitoring the
various monitors and indicators were two heavily armed officers of
the cities police force. One of them looked up and in an instant
recalled the Joker�s image from the bulletin released just yesterday.
Joker did not miss the surprised look the officer gave him and went
immediately into action, drawing the Laff-a-gun.
BWOORP!
BWOORP!
The two cops, several bystanders caught in the narrow spread of the
gun�s blast, lay writhing on the floor, hacking and cackling
violently with uncontrollable fits. As their lips stretched into
grins, Joker turned the gun to one side and opened a panel in the
pistol grip.
�I�ll have to tone this down,� he said, adjusting a few knobs, �They�
re dying too fast.�
He glanced over the counter top to examine the schematics of the
Exchange building. Not to complex, everything seems to be centrally
located on this level.
�Okay, we�re going�, what is wrong with you guys?�
McBride and the rest of the gangsters stood staring in shock at the
bodies lying on the floor. Several screams from women coming into
the lobby startled them, and Kelly turned to Joker.
�What, what, what did you do? How did you do it?�
Joker shrugged innocently. �The Laff-a-gun, how else.�
�Boy was that quick,� said Baby, rubbing the top of his head amazed.
�And we better be getting quicker if we�re going to pull this off.
Now, forwards men!� said Joker.
The quickly ran into the main lobby of the exchange, brandishing
weapons and shouting for everyone to lie down on the floor.
Automated security guns picked up the crime and from hidden ports in
the ceiling several lasers appeared.
�We�re toast!� cried one of the gang.
�Oh please,� said Joker. With a quick turn of a knob, Joker fired
the Laff-a-gun up into the air. It made its odd warbled sound then
the lasers themselves started to waver and dip almost as if they too
were laughing uncontrollably. Several of them fired at random
sending bolts of energy careening around the walls.
Joker laughed. �A light show! Excellent!�
McBride, realizing there was no time to waste, ran over to one of the
clear pane teller windows. He slapped a fist-sized cube of explosive
on the pane and stepped back.
�Open the security door or I�ll level this entire floor!� he shouted
at the teller staring aghast at him on the other side. She hesitated
and Kelly armed the explosive with a flick of his finger.
�Do it!� he shouted. She complied, hitting a switch just under the
counter. The door leading to the back slid open and Kelly shouted to
Joker to follow him.
�Baby, you and your men stand guard over these fine citizens and
cover our backs. Gadgets, let�s go.�
Joker and Gadgets quickly followed after McBride. They came into a
room filled with computer terminals and cabinets, the terror filled
eyes of the bank employees staring at Kelly.
�Hello everyone,� said Joker moving further into the room, �My name
is Joker, but you can call me Ray.� He laughed, but nobody else
understood the joke. �I�m here to conduct a transaction. Mainly I
want you all to reroute every credit account in this building into my
personal data card which you will also be making for me as well.�
�You�re crazy!� shouted a male accountant seated near by.
�A volunteer!� exclaimed Joker.
With a quick change of a dial, Joker shot him. He jerked back, teeth
grit tight before bursting out into laughs. Desperately the man
tried to get up and run for help, but he teetered back crashing onto
the top of his station.
�Boy, is he a jolly one,� said Joker to the others as his latest
victim languished into his final gasps of life. Leaping up on top of
a desk, the Joker continued with his instructions.
�Now that you�ve seen what this little toy of mine can do, I know
there will not be anymore resistance! Fact, no?�
The accountants quickly nodded their heads.
�Goooood. Gadgets, the card please.�
Gadgets looked up at him and frowned. �Card?� he asked.
Angry eyes looked slowly around at him. �You did get that card I
requested, right?� said Joker in a menacing tone.
�That card,� Gadgets quickly remembered. He reached into his bag and
produced a thin white credit card devoid of markings.
�Work on your memory skill, Gadgets,� said Joker, snatching it from
his hand.
He looked around until his eyes fell upon one timid looking girl
seated at the center of the room. �You!� he shouted. A few short
hops and he was perched on her desk staring down at her. �Yes, you
young lady with the Velma-bobbed haircut. You are now in charge. I
want you to work with my man here and do what I have requested.
Understand?�
She hunkered down then in a shaky voice told him, �That will take
time� J-Joker, sir.�
Joker knelt, brows furrowing to highlight his tone. �Well then, you
must work fast on this, understand?�
She nodded and he handed her the card.
�Gadgets! Please accompany our new representative here� and make
sure she doesn�t try to mess things up.�
Gadgets flashed him an okay and helped the accountant from her chair.
Pleased, Joker stood up and hopped down to the floor brandishing the
Laff-a-gun high above his head.
�Such a friendly bank! I will recommend you to all of my friends!�
Placing his hands on his hips, the Joker gazed around at the
terrified faces.
�Uh, I don�t suppose any of you could tell me where I might find a
place to get some fresh fish, hmmm?�
* * * * *
People were racing around the police operations center floors as
alerts went off on their consoles. Immediately, Warren and Smith
were there looking for the cause of the disturbance. One of the
operators highlighted a section of downtown New Berlin and
Superintendent Warren started in surprise.
�The Exchange?� he said in disbelief.
�Looks like it, although I wouldn�t know who�d have such balls to hit
it in broad daylight,� said Garry.
�Let�s find out. Get me a view inside the Exchange,� ordered Warren.
A portion of the screen shifted to the main accounting offices. The
Joker was at the center of the desk prancing and dancing around,
occasionally letting off a burst into one of the terminals with a
strange weapon they�d never seen before.
�It�s the Clown!� shouted Garry.
Fury rushed into Warren�s mind. His fist balled tight and then he
spun around.
�Get every, and I mean every heavy unit out there now! Call out the
Spec Ops teams, get as many units as we can spare around the
Exchange, and get some air cover on top! Get this S.O.B. and nail
his ass to the wall!�
�Shoot to kill?�
�Let�s beat him to a pulp first. Execution will come right after.�
Garry rushed off to issue the appropriate orders. Peter stared up at
the screen again. It only increased his fury and he sneered.
�Somebody, get me my blaster!� he shouted. �I�m heading out there!�
�Superintendent,� called Garry. �You want me to alert you know who?�
Peter shook his head. �No, we can handle this ourselves. No sense
in bringing additional turmoil into the situation.�
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