Okay, so I'm not working on Anijza right now.
This one's been simmering for a long time and I've finally decided to
take time and work it through.
This and the following are the draft versions, I'll post the finals
up on the RAAC and my webs once I have enough C&C (if any)

Now on with the show.......
=====================================================================
===================






                                Kei and Yuri: The Dirty Pair

                                 In Need of the Dark Knight


                                             By

                                       Nicholas Stone







                                     Gotham City: 1993



Arkham Asylum, 0125AM:

It was strange for someone wanting to visit the citizens of this
institution.  Persons of whom it could be said were not the safest
people to be around.  That did not bother the night shift intern; a
barrel chest man who could easily handle most of the situations and
annoyances from the inmates.  What had him on edge though were the
prisoners held in this particular section.  Prisoners who for some
strange reason or other were left in the care of the shrinks and
doctors in hopes of correcting their warped minds.
Yeah right, warped, thought the intern.  How do you correct mass
murderers, or vicious cons out to crush every decent breathing person
that lived in this fair city?  And now this; a visit to somebody who
might just be considered the most dangerous villain of them all.
The intern glanced back at the woman walking in step behind him.  She
was of average height and build, short brunette hair with a slight
flip of hair that cut stylishly down the left side of her round face.
The fullness of her glossed red lips sent a slight urge through him,
and then her dark eyes caught his.
�I�m still here,� she said in a pleasant, well-mannered voice.
�Yeah, that�s the trouble.�
A humored brow arched slightly at his remark.
�You don�t like what I�m doing?�
�Nah, it�s not that I don�t like.  The fact is, I can�t understand
what a great look�n lady like you would wanna see a scumbag like
 him?�
She smiled.  �My company has� �Interest� in him.�
The intern scratched the back of his head.  �What ev�ah.�
They stopped at the threshold of a heavy steel door.  There were
already two interns there standing guard, and the appearance of this
woman only perked their curiosity.
�Open up,� said her escort.  �Lady here has a pass to see our guest.�
�At this time of night?� questioned one of the interns on guard.
�Yep.  Cleared by the doc himself.�
The two interns traded looks of confusion, then one of them turned.
Passing a key card through the electronic slot, the door popped open.
�Ladies first,� he said, smiling while stepping aside.
�And if this jerk tries anything, you sing out, hear?� asked her
escort as she stepped in.
�From what I heard about the other night, there should be no need.�
The door closed, leaving the woman alone to stare at the figure lying
in the bed at the center of the room.  Tubes and IV�s ran from his
pale white arms, another tube stuffed up one nostril.  He appeared to
be dead, lying in state awaiting the pallbearers to come by and bury
him. Finding the light switch controls, she turned them up just
enough to get a better look at the criminal known throughout the
world as the Joker.
Inching closer, the woman could see there were thick, really thick,
cuffs about his wrist and ankles, a wide strap across his waist to
keep his body immobile.
�Mister Joker?� she called lightly.  There came no response, and she
stepped up closer to the head of the bed.  His head was wrapped in
bandages she could see now, and as she bent over for a closer look at
his wounds, the Joker�s one good eye opened.
�Boo!� he said.
The woman let out a light gasp, stepping quickly back.  An annoying
laugh filled the room as the Joker enjoyed his little prank.
�Oh, oh, please forgive me.  I could not pass up the opportunity,� he
finally managed to say.
�Not very funny, Mister Joker,� she replied.
The Joker finally settled down.  For a second, he eyed her wondering
what she was doing there.  Finally, he laid back his head, letting
out a long deep sigh.
�So.  What can I do for you, Miss--?�
The woman smiled.  �My name is Mary Alpirt, and�,�
�Oh, French?�
Alpirt paused, smirking slightly.  �Can we dispense with the jokes,
please?�
�Sorry, sorry.  Ah, you were saying?�
Why of all the people on earth, thought Mary fighting hard to
maintain her composure.  �As I was saying, I represent a company
interested in you, Mister Joker.�
The Joker�s eye widened, brow slightly arching.  �Interested in me?�
he asked.  Now why would anyone be interested in a poor small
criminal like me?�
Yes, why indeed, but Alpirt held the comment back.  �We are a young
bio-technical company, Mister Joker.  Our research varies from
developing new vaccines, to more� can I say� elaborate research.�
Silence followed, the Joker staring at her for a long moment.  He
gazed down at the clasp around his wrist, making several tugs testing
their strength.  Alpirt watched him, tipping her head slightly to one
side wondering what he was doing.
�Something wrong?� she finally asked.
�Yes, there is.  I�m just testing how fast I can force my hands
through these cuffs before you do something harsh like cut out my
heart while I�m still conscious.�
Now there�s a thought, she mused giggling lightly.  �No Mister Joker,
I do not plan to do any harm to you.  I think that has already been
done enough as it is.�
The Joker stopped, his stony cold stare of death locking on the
woman.  �You would have to remind me of that, didn�t you?�
�Not intentionally, but you could say because of that reason is why
we�ve grown so interested in you.�
�Really?�
�Oh yes.�  Alpirt moved closer to the bed.  She took another look at
the bruises about his cheeks and lips.  �Very remarkable,� she
finished.
�Now what is so remarkable about being thrashed to within an inch of
your life!� shouted the Joker.  He lunged towards Alpirt, the clack
of metal on metal sounding as his body was held back.  Through the
door stepped the interns, expecting to see their charge in some kind
of scuffle with his guest.  Instead, Mary stood calmly by, waiting
for the Joker to settle down.
�Everything alright in here?� asked one of the interns.
�Everything is fine.  Mister Joker is just having a severe flashback
that�s all.�
The interns looked over at the Joker, who immediately smiled at them
deviously.  Suspicious smirks followed as the interns stepped back
out the room.
The Joker chuckled, relaxing once more.  �Oh, oh, that was good,� he
said, laughing a bit more.  �You�re good.  Quick, I like that.�
�Thank you.  Now, to answer your question, my company is amazed at
how much punishment you can take, and still come back for more.�
�Call it persistence, Miss Alpirt.�
�Persistence?  We think it more than just that.�
The haughty smile on the Joker�s face dimmed slightly.  �Taking a
beating from Bat-Boob on a monthly basis is not my idea of fun, lady.
I come back because one day I will be the one trouncing the tar out
of his hide.�
Hmm, a strong will and determination.  I see now why they chose him.
Alpirt nodded slightly.  Opening up her purse, she put on a pair of
glasses then produced a folded document and a pen, setting them down
on the nightstand.
�Mister Joker, my company would like to include you in its research
on human genetic development.�
�Human genetic development?�
�Yes.  We want to build the better Homo Sapien.  The future mankind
that will someday travel across the galaxy.�
�And you want to use me as a starting point?�
Mary laughed.  �No, you flatter yourself.  There will be other
donations from different candidates worldwide, but you can make a
strong mark in this.�
The Joker�s interest was perked.  �How so?�
�By allowing us to use your DNA in the research.�
Alpirt pulled a syringe and plasma bag out.  The Joker cringed,
drawing back.
�I will not hurt you, Mister Joker, but we will need a pint of your
blood.�
�My, my, such an amount?  Expecting difficulties?�
She shrugged, opening up the document.  �One can never know.  So do
we have an agreement?�
Thinking, the Joker arched a brow at her.  �Let me get this straight.
You take my blood, pick apart my DNA, and contribute it to the gene
pool of mankind�s future.�
�A crude description, but I guess you could say it that way.�
The natural leer on his lips turned down into a dark frown.  �Even
with my reputation?�
Alpirt smiled.  �I assure you, my company is quite aware of your
background, Mister Joker.  Who knows, maybe if things go well we can
recreate you and fix your problems?�
Coming back in the future wasn�t a bad idea, thought the Joker.  By
then, Batman would be dead and decomposed leaving me with
cart-blanche of whatever society existed.  He grinned deviously.
�So where do I sign?�

- - - - -

Gotham Tower, 0230AM;

Careful eyes looked over the expanse of Gotham City, searching for
any signs of trouble about its quiet streets.  So far, things had
gone well, thought Batman.  The Joker had been rendered inactive
several days ago after a spirited chase across the city, what a
relief that was.  So far the rest of the usual crooks menacing his
city were either locked away, hunkering low, or fled the area for the
time being.
Good.
Batman�s form shifted, leaning over the edge of the ledge, gazing
down at the street below.  It was peaceful, just the way every night
should be, but still something had him slightly on edge.  Maybe it
was this meeting he was about to attend the purpose of why he was
there in the first place.  It wasn�t common for anyone to request
such things.  Most people were both awed and fearful of any
encounters with him. This request though had him slightly curious,
and when Commissioner Gordon relayed the message, he figured it would
be better to see what these strangers had lurking in their minds.
Jim Gordon was against it, offering to send him some support now that
he was working alone again, but he declined the offer thinking he
could handle anything that arose.
Keen ears caught the sound of steps coming up the stairway.  Without
looking back, Batman said, �You�re late.�
Behind him, standing startled at the doorway stood a man wearing a
dark overcoat, eyes concealed by a pair of wraparound Raybands.  He
was bald, middle-aged, with a pleasant expression on his face that
faded slightly as the Dark Knight came to full height as he turned
around.
�Ah, Mister Batman,� he said, breaking out in a cheerful smile.  The
stranger extended a hand as he approached, but Batman remained
immobile.
�Ahem, yes, I can understand your neutrality,� continued the
stranger.
�And to whom am I addressing?� asked Batman.
�Me?� replied the stranger.  A pause, Batman could see his brows
shifting for a moment.  �Ah, for now, Mister Batman, you may address
me as Mister Smith.�
An unnerving silence passed.  Smith swallowed lightly beneath the
withering glare of the Dark Knight�s eyes.
�What do you want?� Batman finally asked.
Relieved by the break, Smith cleared his throat.  �Yes, well Mister
Batman, I represent a company that is in need of your services.�
�My services?�
�In particular, sir, we are requesting your assistance in a project
of what we feel is very, very important.�
Batman�s eyes narrowed; regarding this Smith with caution.  Something
did not feel right here, the apprehension felt earlier turning into
suspicion.
�Who, may I ask, are you referring to, Mister Smith?�
Again, the impish smile appeared.  �A small company, Mister Batman.
One that for reasons of security, would like to stay �low profiled�?�
Low Profile? thought Batman.  This was beginning to reek of havoc
down the road, and Batman knew he better find out what kind before
nipping it in the bud.
�Batman is fine, Mister Smith,� he said, walking over to the ledge
again.
Smith followed.  �Uh, Batman, I�m sorry I�m not allowed to share
more, but once I explain you might understand better.�
�I�m listening.�
�We are a medical research company, Batman.  Our goal is to develop a
better� for lack of description� human.�
Batman jerked lightly, turning around to face Smith again.  �You want
to what?�
�Improve upon man
s current abilities.  Enhance our natural talents to allow us greater
chances of survivability here on Earth, and later on other worlds.�
Smith could sense that Batman�s mood was beginning to darken.  A
confrontation was not what was desired, and if he alienated Batman
his current employers would be highly upset with him.
�Is your company named �Tyrell� by any chance?� asked Batman.
�Wha�Tyrell?�  Smith stopped, thinking about the name before catching
on to what Batman was referring to.  He started laughing.
Batman was not.
Slowly, Smith�s chuckles subsided.  �Uh, I can see you are not
humored by our research?�
�What you and your �Company� are planning is not ethically right,
Smith.�
�But we�re endeavoring to improve the human race as we know it,
Batman.  For the benefit�,�
�Of mankind?� finished Batman.  He moved closer towards Smith.  �What
you�re proposing to do is play god, Smith.  We are not gods!  Man was
not put on this earth to dabble with his creation.�
The Dark Knight turned roughly away, furious over the mere thought of
what this man and his company were thinking of doing.  It was hard
for him not to gather this man up by the scruff of his neck and make
him tell who and where he might find the head of this company and put
an end to this here and now.
�Batman, please hear me out,� begged Smith.  There came no answer,
and he continued.
�Mankind must evolve.  You of all people should know this.�
�But it should be natural, Mister Smith,� replied Batman, rounding on
him.  �Not at the whim of a select few who want to decide weather we
need extra arms, or spare hearts and other abominations that could
arise from this.�
�This is nothing like that, Batman!� countered Smith.  �We will not
abuse the basic human structure.  We just want to improve upon
current models.�
Batman smirked.  �You make us sound like parts of a machine,� he
said, turning away again.
�We are in a way.�  Smith paused, a sly grim forming on his face.
�Let�s look at this from another perspective using you as an
 example.�
�Me?�
�Yes.  Look at you.  Wearing a costume riddled with enhancements and
assortments of tools around his belt.  Bat-a-rangs, reinforced
gloves, scaling wires, you name it.  Tell me you have not improved
upon your bodies abilities?�
The Dark Knight was motionless for a moment, and then slowly he faced
Smith.  �Not a very good comparison, Mister Smith,� he said.  He
tapped his chest lightly with his fingers.
�Underneath all of this is my body.  Nothing enhanced, nothing
altered.  No drugs, steroids, or gene splicing involved.  I worked to
get into this shape, worked hard.  Trained myself in various arts to
naturally give myself that extra advantage over those who seek to
harm others.�
Batman stopped, realizing then what it was that Smith was after.
�You wanted a sample of my DNA?�
�Remarkable.  Out of all that, you figured out what I needed.  I
commend you, Batman.�
�Not happening, Smith.�
�You should feel honored, Batman.  We rate you as an A plus plus.
Not many on our list are that high in our gene pool.�
�You mean there are more?�
�Why yes.  Of course we�re still gathering them together, but�,�
�Who are you working for?�
Smith stepped back a few paces as Batman walked towards him.  �Uh,
uh, n-now Batman, I came here in peace.  Good intentions and all
that!�
He stopped and Smith breathed out a sigh of relief.
�I want to know the name of your company, and who heads it,� said
Batman.
�I am not allowed to tell you that information, Batman.�
In a flash, Batman was up on the man glaring menacingly down on him.
�Is it Luthor? Are you working for Luthor?�
�Batman, please, please!�
Batman let him go, reining in his anger for the moment.
�Smith, this research must stop, do you hear me?�
Smith drew in several breaths, panting as he fought to settle down.
He staggered over to the ledge and cleared his throat before
answering.
�This is all legal, Batman,� he said.
�Not after I inform the authorities about what your company is trying
to do.�
Smith stared briefly at him.  �I take it that�s a no?�
Batman smirked.
�Right.�
Smith started reaching up into his coat, sending Batman into a
defensive stance.  He stopped briefly then smiled as he pulled out a
cigarette holder and lighter.
�Smoke?� offered Smith.
�Bad for your health,� replied Batman.
�Yeah, I know.�  He lit up, blowing a long puff of smoke up high into
the air. �So you won�t reconsider, Batman?�
�Not a chance, and you will tell me who you are working for before
you leave this building.�
Smith blew another long stream of smoke up into the air.  �Well, all
I can say is I�m sorry.�
Something sharp pricked the back of Batman�s neck followed by a cold
rush that sent him staggering.  A dart lodged itself deep into the
back of his cowl, the contents of its syringe quickly injected into
the Dark Knight�s blood stream.  In moment�s, Batman found himself on
his knees in a groggy stupor, vision whirling around as the drug took
effect.
Smith walked over and stared down at him.  He gave a two-fingered
salute to the unseen marksman lurking on the roof of the buildings
across from them then knelt down.
�You see, Batman, we are a very determined company.  We strongly
believe in what we are trying to achieve.  Please try to understand
this.�
Smith�s words were but a buzz to Batman.  He could see Smith leaning
towards him, and lashed out attempting to keep him back.  Smith
jumped out of reach.
�Whoa!  They should have listed you as a triple-plus.  Quite
remarkable,� he said.
Batman fell onto his side.  His face twisted as he fought against the
effects of the drug, but it was no good.
�Smith!� he growled.  �Don�t� don�t do this!�
�But I must, Batman,� answered Smith.  He pulled out a syringe and
blood packet moving closer again.  Batman was almost out he could
see.  Pity, thought Smith shaking his head.
��smith,� uttered Batman.
�Don�t worry, Batman.  I won�t remove your mask or anything like
that, and I won�t leave you to the mercies of your enemies either.�
�Damn you� damn you� all��
Batman�s voice trailed off.
�Hmm.  To bad.  I wonder what he�s going to be like when he wakes
 up?� mused Smith.
He made a slight grimace, thinking it would be better to complete his
assignment and be several miles away from Gotham City before the Dark
Knight woke up�

* * * * *

Weyland-Yutani Labs,
Mohave Desert, Arizona;

Everything was moving into place, on schedule as always.  Dr. Hans
Bornke stood in the observation booth overlooking the interior of a
sterile laboratory where dozens of his staff worked preparing for the
genetic experiments commencing in the near term.  A thin man, with a
long face and cold penetrating eyes, the weathered creases about his
forehead and cheeks were the results of endless study and research
over the years.  Many more had formed lately; the heated debates with
the board of directors for funds and facilities Hans was sure wore
away what remaining years he had left on this planet.  If things went
well, that would never again be a problem.
He smiled, proud of his personally designed equipment, some of which
had never been truly tested for the capacity they were to be used in.
Nevertheless, progress must be pushed onward, and the Company would
certainly reap in vast amounts of wealth once things begin to
develop.  Bornke turned away from the glass towards the rank of men
and women behind him.
�An excellent job, mien kinder,� he said.  �You all have completed
your task well.�
The agents grinned amongst themselves, proud of their achievements
and the congratulations from their leader.  At the wave of a hand, a
cart was wheeled in, several glasses of Champagne on top.
�For you, children!  As thanks for the efforts and perseverance you
showed in your duties,� said Bornke.  He picked up a glass, grinning
as the drinks were passed out.
�A toast.  To the future, and what we will achieve here to make it
mankind�s brightest.�
�The future!� echoed the voices.
They all drank down the drinks, chatting cheerfully, eager to begin
work.  Bornke made a casual glance at his watch then set his drink
down.
�And now, ladies and gentlemen we must tend now to the mission at
hand.  May I present my son, Gilbert.�
The tall blonde-haired man standing behind the doctor stepped up
eyeing the agents.  For a moment, he grinned then lifted his glass
high.  �I salute you all,� he said.  �Now that my father�s research
is about to begin, we will not be needing your services anymore.  You
have done well, but it is time to terminate your employment with us.�
Stunned expressions stared back at the two men.  Suddenly, the sound
of glass shattering sounded.  At the very back of the group one of
the agents stood clutching her hands tight to her throat.  She let
out a guttered cry and slumped down to her knees.
�Poison!� cried out one of the agents, but the warning came to late
as several more joined their companion in painful fits.
�Unfortunately,� continued Gilbert, �we find it necessary to keep our
operations secret, and since you all possess information detrimental
to our cause� we must terminate your existence as well.�
The groans and choking cries continued on for several minutes longer,
until there only remained one last agent left gasping desperately for
life.  He was the one who approached Batman, a hand reaching out to
the doctor and his son with a look of disbelief written on his face.
�---we, we� (gaack) we were� faithful to you... doctor!� he rasped,
�w-w-why?�
Bornke knelt down.  �As it was said, my friend.  Security.  No one
needs to know about us or our operations.�
A final strained grimace followed and the agents� arm slapped down to
the floor.
�Hmm,� said Bornke as he surveyed the bodies lying about.  �Well done
my son.�
�A hard thing, father,� replied Gilbert.  �Killing viable
operatives�.�
�That would have jeopardized all we are planning.�
Gilbert was quiet for a moment.  �So now what?�
�Phase three, my son.�
He understood, nodding.  �And of the bodies?�
Bornke arched a brow.
�Have their brain stems removed and deep frozen.  Save what spare
parts that are salvageable, and as for the rest.�  He paused looking
the bodies over again before heading towards the door.
�Burn them,� finished Bornke as he walked out�



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