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Chapter Text

The fight was painless. Both to Batman’s bruised ribs and to his friends, and yes they were friends. They didn’t know his name, his face or any details of his personal life. But there were little things each member did which informed him they were friends. He hoped his own gestures were similarly seen. Clark’s welcoming smiles, he had met with Sundays off to visit his childhood home and parents. Diana took the time to spar with him, improving his blade skills. In return he had taught her more hand to hand tactics and strategy. J’onn’s quiet support was mirrored.

His secrecy did have its downsides. He couldn’t let Cyborg, Barbra, Tim and Cullen meet. Victor struggled with connecting to other humans, Batman wished he could introduce him to his children who were more tech minded. But with his dedication to keeping his children secret all he could do is insist on helping with the watchtowers tech.

When Barry was complaining about Wally’s forays into speedster-hood the father in him was bursting to share his own stories. Instead, he made high calory snack bars to give Kid Flash a pick me up when he overshot his capabilities and made sure the watchtower was stocked with medicine which would be safe for speedsters of Wally’s size and age.

And Jordan? They’d sorted out their differences. Batman no longer gave him the worst assignments. And Hal’s derision had faded. They were good 90% of the time.

Either way Batman was glad when after the last of Toyman’s bots had shut down the worst injury anyone had was Flash’s healing scrape from a tumble he took.

Assuring himself of his teams well being Batman turned to go.

“Headed off then?” Kal said.

“Hrn, I’m not much use here.” Batman gestured to the truck sized slab of concrete impaling the ground.

Kal turned following his gesture and rubbed the back of his neck, “yeah, I uhh—”

“For the situation it was an appropriate response.”

Kal’s aw-shucks routine was replaced by a small but genuine smile. “Thanks B.” Clark opened his mouth, then stopped. Tilting his head to the side in a ‘I’m listening’ gesture he’d adopted around those who knew his hearing range. Those who didn’t thought the reporter had a bad habit of spacing out.

Batman grunted in question, but otherwise waited for whatever Kal was listening in to, to complete.

“The Civil Defence has cornered Flash.”

“Cornered?” It wasn’t a friendly adjective for the people who helped with the clean-up.

“hmm, Rao they’re Lex’s new people, they’re here to get us to sign up for the registration act he passed yesterday.”

“Ahh.” Lex Luthor had been in the oval office for a grand total of twenty-four hours, and they were already running into trouble with him. Bruce cursed the mainland’s insistence on Patriotism, insisting they were the best, to the detriment of a critical analysis of the system, so they could actually improve.

The US had unfortunately become a plutocracy and if there was anything Lex Luthor wasn’t short of it was money. Money plus an excellent PR team selling a story about redemption and a hard-working capitalist.

Batman scoffed, just because Lex had fanatically erased any mention of his father didn’t mean the man was any less of a blue blood than Bruce himself.

“What are we going to do?” Kal asked, “I know we discussed ‘what if,’ but I wasn’t truly expecting the ‘if’ to happen.”

It was because Clark was a good-hearted fool who still believed in the Mainland. But it was an optimism Batman admired so he kept his thoughts to himself.

Batman opened his League wide communicator, “Emergency Meeting 1200 tomorrow.”

“There can’t be another Emergency yet?” Green Lantern said.

“Luthor,” Batman growled.

“ahh never mind, I’ll be there.” Jordan said.

The Flash was the last to arrive to the meeting, though it hadn’t truly begun yet. Batman was staring out into space half listening as J’onn and Clark talked. Unlike Clark’s usual behaviour there were no smiles or kind words to go around, rather tension laced his every move.

“you need to move out of the US,” Batman said, with no warning after minutes of silence.

“I can’t just move, I have a life, a Job, a family.”

“It’s not the daily metropolis, there are international correspondents. And as for the family.” Bruce raised an eyebrow, which given his mask probably was more like an expressionless glare. “You can circumnavigate the Globe in minutes, at those speeds even New Zealand is a reasonable commute.” Batman said. “Luthor is a narcissist, and he has fixated on you as the cause of all his problems. Anything goes wrong for him will be your fault, as a businessman the fallout of his revenge was bad enough, as a president?”

“It will be worse.” Clark finished.

“Far worse, you need to make it clear. You may not like him as president, you may not agree with his choices, but you are willing to respect the wishes of the people.” Luthor would still blame him for everything anyway, but the rest of the world would catch on. And if they got lucky the person he blamed for his own failings would shift.

“He is right Kal. Respecting autonomy of human governments is not possible for you while you reside in a country Lex Luthor is president of.” J’onn said.

Clark deflated, “there is an overseas assignment at the planet I’ve been offered, it’s a chance to do some good with a pen. But—”

“You were going to turn it down because Metropolis needed you,” Batman said.

“Exactly, but if I need to get out of the U.S.? It would be perfect.”

Of course it was, Bruce hadn’t bought the Daily Planet because the future of print was bright.

Clark sorted, the group broke up and Batman called the meeting to order.

“As of three days ago Lex Luthor became President of the United States of America. Two days ago, the order for all vigilantes, Meta humans, and non-humans to register with a taskforce Luthor has set up, went through.” Batman said, “It goes without saying none of us like this situation. We are here to come up with plans for each Member of the team and the league as a whole.”

“You must have already made contingencies though?” Barry said. “I mean the rest of us were joking about what we would do because none of us thought it a possibility. But you’re…”

“You, Spooky.” Jordan finished.

“I have several contingencies in place. However even if I am ‘me’ I still need input before I decide to interfere ‘like an overgrown rodent, without the concept other people might have ideas and thoughts of their own,’” Batman said. The last part a direct quote taken last Bruce had assigned Lantern a bad shift rotation. It had been so Clark could attend his father’s 60^th not that Lantern had known.

Hal at least had the dignity to flush, rather than backing it 100% like he would have when they started the League.

“Ahh yeah, Sorry Spooks I was frustrated.”

Batman took mercy and moved on with a slight nod. “The UN has floated the idea of the JL being recognised under the United Nations. They have decided to vote on the issue in less than a month. The conditions far more favourable than Lex’s.”

“I suppose it makes sense, we do operate internationally, few countries would be okay with the US controlling our actions.” Cyborg said.

Batman nodded. Countries had been able to ignore their US connections for disaster relief or protection from alien invasions. But with Lex’s taskforce those missions would now be a heavily armed US force entering countries without their permission, not even the U.S.’s closest allies would be okay with the league’s invasion.

“I intend to secure the vote from interference. As for Batman?” Bruce smirked, “Lex will have to catch me first.”

“You plan to ignore the order?” Lantern asked.

Batman nodded. Gotham would be hostile to any force the President could employee. And Bruce was capable of avoiding or fighting any which stuck it out.

“Well one of us has a plan, what about the rest?” Lantern said.

“There is no way I can register with Lex.” Clark said, “He'd use it against me in a heartbeat. But I can’t ignore it like B. People are nervous of me and my power already. Going against the government will lose me support.”

“You are Superman surely support doesn't matter too much?” Lantern said.

“So I should become a dictator? Forcing people to do what I want them too?” Clark said.

“No, no. I suppose I see your point. I hadn’t thought of it like that.” Hal said. “I suppose forcing myself on people is a consideration I’d have to make as well?

“Less so, you are off world for significant chunks of time, and have been less idolised into a political figure,” Diana said. “As I am an ambassador for a foreign nation until I am asked to leave, I will act as the document has no impact on my life.”

“And if they ask you to leave?” Kal asked.

“Then I shall go.” Diana said.

Clark nodded, “I’m taking an overseas assignment at the Planet. And I believe Australia has made inquiries as to my availability this fire season.”

“Three down.” Hal said. “Any ideas for me Spooky, I didn’t come prepared.”

Batman rolled his eyes behind his mask.

“he’s off world frequently.” Diana said. “Perhaps you, like Kal, take an off-world task.”

Batman stiffened; he had a plan for Hal. He was hoping to bring it up without accusations of medalling but if Hal went for Diana’s serviceable plan he’d be screwed.

“I’d prefer not to,” Hal said, “Space is great and all, but Earth is home.”

“Diana is right about you being off world and therefore out of the president’s jurisdiction frequently however.” Batman said.

“Ahh so you do have a plan.” Jordan said smiling, “why didn’t you lead with it?”

“Because it’s a bad assignment.” Batman said. “I wouldn’t be willing to do it.”

“So, you stuck me with it, sounds about right Spooky.” Jorden nodded, “so what is it?”

“We need someone inside Lex’s taskforce.”

“And I’d be perfect because?”

“Because what Lex can do or can ask of you is limited. Not only that you are human, if with alien tech.”

“He can’t experiment on me. And if worst comes to worst, I can fake an off-world emergency and Oa would back me.”

“I’m aware of what you would be giving up—”

“Why do we need a person inside the task force so badly?” Flash interrupted, and winced, “Sorry Bats.”

“Because the League is made of seven people, what about Hawkgirl? The Atom? Blue Beetle? The rumours of someone new in Blüdhaven,” Diana said. “I imagine the UN will want us to open up our roster as we have been debating, but it doesn’t help those heroes left in the dark in the meantime.”

Batman nodded at Diana acknowledging the point, adding, “The UN has authority over international incidents, those who operate locally will still be on their own.”

“But you are also right, I spend too much time off world to be much help.” Jordan said.

Batman held up a finger, “But Lex is anticipating our interference. You are loud, and you do not follow orders you disagree with.”

“Is that a complement or an insult,” Barry said, “I can’t tell.”

Ignoring Barry, Batman continued, “With you there Lex will be less inclined to search for another person we have sent.”

“Me,” J’onn said correctly guessing where Batman’s brain was heading.

“Who are we sending him as?” Cyborg asked, “we’d need a baseline human Hero willing to let us compromise their identity to Luthor.”

“Why a baseline—” Barry started, “Never mind so Luthor doesn’t become an experimental creep.”

“I have secured a Hero and an alias J’onn can use.” Batman said.

“Really who?” Clark asked.

“The rumoured hero from Blüdhaven.” Batman said.

“We have their permission?” Diana said.

Bruce nodded, Dick had suggested it in fact. “He operated in Blüdhaven for 3 years and all the league got was rumours.”

“He’s better at the entire he’s a myth thing than Spooky, that’s for sure.” Jordan said.

Nightwing was indeed good, though Bruce was slighted at his own abilities. He had deliberately revealed himself to the league. In the early days, before he’d trusted them in the slightest, to draw them away from his children. The league and non-Gothamites still assumed any hero activity out of Gotham was him.

“Regardless he has a hero identity he is willing to let us use, and I have an alias which will pass any background check Luthor will throw at it.”

“Are you sure?” Clark held up his hands, “I don’t doubt your alias building abilities but Lex’s background checks were difficult to fool before he got multiple intelligence agencies behind him. I mean there is no way he’s not going to notice a recently made identity.”

“It’s my alias.”

“yeah I got that—”

“No, it’s my Alias, it was the one I created as a backstop if any intelligence agency tried to find out my identity. It’s designed to fool the best of the best. It has the funding, the training, the personality of a vigilante.” Bruce didn’t mention he had lived under the alias as he was training for several years. “If Lex doubts the identity it won’t be Oliver Brown is a real person, it will be if Nightwing wasn’t another hero identity I developed for when intervention was required in Blüdhaven.”

“Is it?” Diana asked, “Batman is connected with Gotham, I doubt either Gotham or Blüdhaven would appreciate your interference. But under another name?”

Bruce considered lying to cover for Dick further, but for all his secrecy he did trust the league, and he tried not to actively lie to them. Lies of omission however were still fair game.

“No Nightwing is another vigilante. But we have collaborated and trained together enough our methods are similar.” Batman turned to J’onn, “J’onn would make a passable Nightwing if he impersonated me. But I’ll send you through information on personality, methods, and history he’s cleared me to share with you.”

“And Marshan Manhunter?” J’onn asked

“Will do what people assume you do anyway, stay on the watchtower and wait for world ending threats.” Batman said.

“And it’ll be what I’ll do,” Cyborg said, “it’s not like I have a life or secret identity anyway.”

Batman controlled a wince, Cyborg was cut off from humanity enough, removing what connections he did have was cruel.

“He’d still be able to visit his family and stuff, right?” Barry asked.

Batman nodded, “I’ll add limited clearance for your father to the watchtower too.”

“Isn’t it a security risk?” Cyborg asked.

“Yes, but your father is trustworthy. And you need all human connection you can get, particularly with us around less.” Batman said.

“Thanks man.” Victor said.

“So that’s Diana, Clark, Batman, Hal, J’onn and Victor down. But what about me?” Barry asked.

Barry’s situation was the hardest to solve, not only was Barry a metahuman and at more risk from Luthor for it, so was Wally his young nephew.

“Both Iris and Wally are at risk here.”

“You could use either the strategies of Victor or Clark.” Diana said.

Barry was already shaking his head. “My job doesn’t have overseas assignments, and uprooting Wally from his friends after what happened to his parents?”

Wally West’s parents died shortly after the kid had gained his powers. No removing him from school and friends was a bad idea.

“Ignore the order,” Batman said. “you are an often overlooked member of the league. With any luck Lex will have bigger fish to fry. Your identity is one of the better concealed, with luck Lex won’t come after you.”

“Surely eventually he’d go after Barry?” Clark said.

“Eventually,” Batman said, “But time should not be underestimated. It’s time for Lex to show his true colours, time for opportunities to present themselves and time for Wally to heal.”

“So I’m giving Wally time to heal and hoping Lex puts his foot in it, in the meantime?” Barry asked.

“Lex always puts his foot in it sooner or later, with the entire world watching. I’d bet on sooner.” Batman said, “until then procrastinate signing up.”

Luthor could not believe the nerve of the Justice League, first they publicly announce they were willing to come under the United Nations jurisdiction, increasing the probability the UN’s vote would go through. Then most of the league had not complied with his Order and the less said about the one who had the better. The Green Lantern sure knew how to make himself annoying.

He couldn’t touch Wonder Woman without her withdrawing from the US making all those who resided in DC pissed. Superman had fucked off to Australia and Lex’s popularity in Metropolis plummeted as a result. Without Superman there the damage done whenever one of his villains attacked had increased, regular property damage and deaths wasn’t a good thing to have a president causing.

Though interestingly enough the property damage was not at a level Superman had caused before the starting of the league. Which lent credence to his theory someone in the League had taught the flying menace to fight strategically and avoid property damage.

Lex suspected exactly who it was too. The same person who was responsible for all Luthor’s blackmail and leverage on the UN and Heroes disappearing. It was time the overgrown flying rodent of Gotham learnt exactly who he was dealing with. Lex firmly ignored there was another member of Gotham who he dearly wanted to hurt right now. No this was about the overgrown furry with anger issues not Bruce Wayne.

Gotham PD had called off the search for Batman but surely, they could be convinced to restart it. With proper training and resources, they would get him under control shortly.

Chapter Text

Jim took the call from the president in his office. He had a decent idea what it might be about, the Bat had warned him it would be coming. The worst part was he was all understanding, saying how he could take it if the police were to come after him again.

Well the Bat might be able to take it but Jim couldn’t. He looked out over a bull pen filled with good cops. Cops who trusted the person next to them. Who knew the Bat had their back instead of whatever fickle protection the mob offered those on their payroll.

Not only could Jim not betray his friend who bled for the city of Gotham repeatedly, nor could the GCPD afford to fall back into a time before the Bat.

Perhaps if it was years ago, before he knew how flimsy the federal governments support could be, he’d have considered it, the Batman could take it after all.

 But the last FBI office in Gotham had closed a year before the Batman appeared, and the feds had abandoned them to fend for themselves for a year after the earthquake knowing there were still children on the island, still police, innocent civilians. They had been abandoned by their government with no apology once the bridges were repaired. Wayne provided more of the rebuilding fund than the federal government.

No, the Federal government could have a say in the way they policed their laws the day an FBI office was in their city, the day they got an apology and financial compensation for their abandonment.

“Mr President it is an honour.” Jim forced himself to say without gritting his teeth.

The president’s reply made him wish he hadn’t bothered, “I wish I could say the same but despite all the resources available to you. You have allowed the criminal known as Batman to go free.”

“I'm sorry mister President but what resources?” Jim said. He’d barely managed to supress a snort. Resources, were those the Mob weapons or the corrupt police force?

“You have all of Gotham's federal resources as well as the entire city’s police force.”

Jim didn’t bother supressing the snort this time, “Firstly any cop in the city who gets assigned to the case whose life he has saved has a conflict of interest. I had to suspend the investigation when there were no cops left who could objectively work the case.”

Jim wasn't sure every cop the Batman had saved was willing to lie on the stand for the vigilante. For the man who had brought the city out of its tailspin. But he would, he’d wager others would too. Sure, Gotham still didn’t have the lowest crime rate, and the crimes they did have were weird but...people could walk home at night and not be mugged. The money in organized crime had dried up. There was a hope in Gotham which had been missing in his early days as a cop. Every Man, Woman and child in the city knew who was responsible for the change.

Bringing his thoughts back to the conversation he continued, “Secondly what Federal resources?”

“The FBI’s field office in Gotham. Let me make this clear unless you resume an active pursuit of the criminal Batman those men and woman who back you up will disappear.”

Gordon snorted louder, “You mean the federal building which has been closed for renovations for the last 16 years?”

Mr Luthor paused, “The money to help with—"

Jim interrupted regardless of how rude it may be “Let me stop you there Mister President, you need to take a long hard look at the federal government’s spending in Gotham, before you make any more ridiculous statements. And if the amount of money spent in Gotham seems even remotely reasonable? I'd suggest you employ those Federal resources you are so proud of to check the numbers because someone is playing you for a fool.”

Jim wanted to hang up on that note, but he was responsible for the entirety of the police force and Gotham. Pissing off the Federal government was not a move he should make unilaterally.

Jim sighed, “Mister President the last pursuit of Batman cost over $200,000 and more Police hours than the current force can afford.”

Particularly with the policy Gotham criminals must be housed in Gotham. Which left Arkham, a 200-year-old building which leaked criminals like a sieve, the only place they could keep prisoners of the Batman’s calibre. Blackgate had an even worse criminal retention rate.

“I have a list of equipment the GCPD needs to fund to get up to a modern standard in Policing and if I let private entities commit more money than they already do I'll be accused of being a private police force.” Wayne enterprises covered the cost of most of their protective equipment and training already. Roman Sionis had complained the GCPD worked more for Wayne than the city last time he’d refused a donation from Black mask. Personally, Jim’s refusal had more to do with not wanting Black Mask to be in charge of importing large amounts of heavy weaponry into the city. Jim was positive over half the ordered weapons would fall off the back of the truck.

Either way the city council had capped the donations allowed by a single individual, which was a smart move in the long run. But also meant they couldn’t get an updated crime lab any time soon. Fortunately, the new Mayor also increased their budget, but it would still take years to acquire all the equipment they needed.

“Rest assured I will be looking into your claims about federal funding.” Luthor said, Jim wasn’t reassured, “but for now, what do you need to make it happen?”

Jim didn't want to do it, but the Batman would be disappointed if he didn't.

“I need a funded and supported team which has no allegiance to the Batman. They'll need to have good technical skills and intelligence to spare. And forensically I either need a lab and equipment here or a trustworthy lab elsewhere. I need to stop the leaks in our prison system, so all my resources aren't going to recatching the caught. A new prison and a replacement for Arkham at least.”

“You'll have it, provided I'll have your cooperation.”

Jim didn’t trust the president worth a damn, but the possibility of a new prison was too good to pass up. “I won’t sabotage the investigation and try to keep the most loyal to the Bat busy elsewhere. But anything more and I'll lose my standing in the city and be of no help to you.”

The remainder of the conversation was cheerful enough on the president’s end Jim doubted the man had listened to anything he said. But he wasn’t keen to keep the President for longer than was necessary.

Once he hung up Jim took a moment to compose himself and shake the slime of betrayal. The Batman could take it and if he got a prison and a mental hospital with security worth a damn, the Bat wouldn't thank him for his loyalty. Taking a breath he left his office and descended into the bull pen immediately he was swarmed by curious officers.

The police in the central station were those most loyal to Gotham and the Bat. Each he had been through hell with, even the most recent addition an Officer Grayson. Dick had been pushed out of the increasingly corrupt Blüdhaven police force a year before. Jim had offered him the position personally and had every intention of promoting the competent, friendly man the second he could get away with it and not be called out on favouritism.

“So, what was the offer you couldn't refuse?” Dick asked.

“How do you know I caved?” Jim said.

Harvey snorted, “Come on Jimbo it’s written all over your face, if you'd ripped the asshat a new one, you'd look like Catwoman with a bowl of cream.”

Jim couldn’t help a small smile which creeped onto his face at his oldest friend’s words, “He offered a prison and a mental hospital which wasn't made of a sieve.”

Harvey whistled, “Well damn, can't say no to that.”

“And the Batman wouldn't thank you if you did. After all it will be him pummelled if Bane escapes again,” Dick said.

“Ain't that the truth.” Renee huffed, “please tell me we don't have to go after him ourselves, I don't want to arrest him knowing we are the ones against Bane next he escapes.”

Officer Grayson winced dramatically, “Don't say things like that, you'll give me nightmares.”

 “I have promised I'll get everyone with particular reason to sabotage the investigation away from whoever they send.” Jim’s smile got a little larger, “And I see no reason to be anything but contrary 'till he holds up his end of the deal and we have the prison.”

Dick burst into a cackle, “If the Bat hasn't gotten himself out of this pickle by then he wouldn't be the Bat.”

Renee added and “I suppose there is no reason to inform the Mainlanders about any, let’s say, known accomplices.”

Harvey added his smile to the mix, “and if any birds are out of jail no way is the Bat staying for long enough to bother pissing.”

They had all gathered in the briefing room faster than normal. Filing in Morgan took his usual seat around the table. A normal team might not have noticed the tension around their liaison's, JJ, eyes or the slight downward pull at the corner of her mouth but they were not a normal team.

Each member was specialised in human behaviour and had chased the worst serial killers all over the country. Though none were the type to brag they were damn good at their job.

Knowing it was urgent they hurried to the meeting. If it was a bad enough one to make JJ tense, they wanted to be on their way as soon as possible. To their surprise they were greeted by Strauss and JJ who was taking her time, stopping to greet each member of the team as she handed out the thicker than normal files.

Ahh so it was a political case, Morgan knew he should feel better knowing there weren’t mass graves or any of the other horrors they had come across in the job before, but he didn’t. Political cases were their own kind of nightmare, at least in their typical case they worked together with the locals to catch a terrible person. There was a solidarity there, a bond.

Political cases were different, you never knew if someone would stab you in the back or sabotage the investigation for their own ends.

Strauss nodded at JJ having to prompt her to get started, he shared a frustration filled glance with Prentiss, this was bad.

The blonde press liaison stood at the front of a T.V. clicking onto the first slide. “15 years ago the Gotham police—"

JJ stopped immediately when Prentiss raised her hand nodding for the question. “Gotham, do we even go there?

Strauss their boss answered for them, standing straight from where she had been leaning against a file cabinet, “It is part of the USA of course we go there. We even have a field office in the city.”

“Though there haven’t been any external or interoffice investigations in Gotham for the last 16 years.” Reid added, “Gotham might tolerate local Federal agents, but external? Even 16 years ago external agents were only sent in for the direst of circumstances.”

“Which raises the question,” Rossi added, “what is so bad they are bringing us in now?” Rossi glanced questioningly at Strauss. “They did invite us, right?”

“The director—”

“So that’s a no then,” Rossi said.

“I’m sorry I thought you didn’t care to make nice with the locals.”

It had indeed been an issue of contention when the older agent had re-joined the BAU.

“It was before I saw the advantages of a cooperating police force for myself. I’m a big enough man to admit to being wrong.” Rossi said, “and even before we were generally invited if not appreciated.”

Strauss nodded, “I know this case will be difficult but it’s over my head, it’s over the director’s head. This order comes directly from the oval office.”

Well this situation was worse than Morgan had thought. The public may have bought the Luthor’s reformed act, but Derek had seen enough psychopathic narcissists to know when one was faking. He'd met serial killers he'd rather be in the oval office than Lex Luthor. Derek glanced at his team all adorned with similar pinched faces of disgust.

Morgan wasn’t certain if Strauss had missed the glares of distain or if she was choosing to ignore them. Either way she ordered JJ to continue.

“15 years ago, Gotham PD noticed a string of similar assaults, all the victims were disabled with efficiency, but none had permanent injuries. All those hits were known criminal offenders, or it quickly became apparent they were in the midst of criminal activity. Gotham PD concluded they had a vigilante.

“The opinion of GCPD was split up until a police officer was injured, later investigations show he was being bribed by the Mob. However, it was enough to start a manhunt.

“A year later the new and current Commissioner pulled the investigation citing a lack of resources to pursue the man.”

“You think the commissioner is an accomplice?” Reid asked.

“I think shortly before the search was pulled off the vigilante saved the majority of the police department from a bomb.” JJ said, switching the slide to show a collapsed building with several cop cars trapped under the rubble.

 “Well with the entire department indebted to him we are sure to find him fast.” Rossi said.

The entire team was silent for several seconds coming to terms with how hostile the city would be to their presence.

Emily interrupted the silence, “So what about his victims?”

Yes pointing out the victims and the likely escalation might convince the GCPD to back them up.

JJ furrowed her brow, “Like I said they are all—”

“No, No the ones he's killed.” Emily clarified.

Strauss didn’t meet his eyes, there weren’t any. How was it possible?

“There aren't any. At least none confirmed.” JJ said.

Derek took the time to voice his doubts, “you mean this guy,”

Derek flipped through the file in front of him till he got to the pictures of the wounds which were taken in the hospital, displaying them on the table.

“A guy has the rage to do this to people for 15 years and he’s never, not once, taken it too far?”

“Actually, there's not much anger here.” Reid interjected.

“Have you seen these photos kid?”

Reid rolled his eyes at the nickname, “Yeah and all are bruise patterns made from known martial arts moves. Moves designed to disable an opponent without undue damage or excess exertion. There are a few with marks I can’t identify but less than a person without impeccable control would make.”

Derek leaned back in his chair. He didn’t know enough about martial arts to argue with Reid, and the kid was seldom wrong. “Which means we’re looking for an Unsub who is organised and not ruled by his emotions.”

Reid nodded, “and well trained, I count 20 known Martial arts here.”

“So he's unlikely to be devolving, he's not going to make mistakes and he's not going away.” Prentiss added, “What else to we have on him?”

JJ tensed, but answered the question, “He picked a theme, his weapons which are left behind the costume he wears all yearned him a name.”

“Well don't keep us waiting.” Prentiss said.”

Hotch let out a breath, “It's Batman isn't it? Lex Luthor wants us to arrest Batman.”

And Derek was right he hated Political cases.

#

The FBI’s jet was small but made to look bigger with light paint and furniture. Gotham was close enough to DC to drive, but the brass wanted them on the ground as quickly as possible, hence the 40-minute plane ride.

Completing making the coffee Derek was unsure he’d have the time to finish, he walked back into the main part of the plane where folders had made their way onto the desks and Garcia’s face was projecting onto the screen from her office back in Quantico.

Rossi was speaking, “I'm saying the man saved us from an alien invasion, arresting him doesn't seem like fair pay back.”

“No one is above the Law, and he has committed hundreds of violent assaults.” Hotch said,

Personally, Derek was with Rossi on this topic.

“I know Hotch.” Morgan said. “But I understand were the GCPD is coming from. And the fact the order is coming from Lex Luthor gives me pause.” Arriving at his chair he sat down.

Hotch sighed, Derek knew he was required to be the leader and keep the team following orders even when he didn't agree with them. He couldn't say he envied the man his job.

“I know, I know. I’m not fond of this case either, but the law is the law and orders are orders.”

“Are the GCPD going to cooperate?” Emily said.

“Apparently the president is sure.” Rossi said.

There were simultaneous snorts, huffs and chuckles from around the plane. JJ the one without profiler training for all she was a natural, glanced up from her file. “What’s so funny about that?”

“The man is a narcissist if I ever saw one,” Rossi said.

“He'll have a way higher opinion of his influence and competence than he actually has,” Reid said.

“Yeah, I know how narcissist work, but as far as I can tell Luthor is somewhat competent.” JJ said.

“Yeah somewhat, particularly with getting the legal system to bend for him.” Rossi said low enough it was almost lost to the roar of the engines. He continued louder, “but there is a big difference between convincing the masses of a lovely tale of redemption and convincing a person to betray a friend. He won't see the difference.”

“Based on past behaviour he probably bribed or threatened them into cooperating. But these are police and Batman has saved their lives. If he bribed them they'll take the bribe and 'cooperate' by being entirely unhelpful. If he threatened them...” Emily let her sentence trail off. if Luthor had threatened them they were effectively walking into a hostile environment, where every single cop was out to get them.

Breaking the tense silence Garcia said, “So how are we going to catch Batman?

“He's a vigilante, right?” JJ asked.

“Vigilantes are people who violate the Law to exact a perceived justice against criminals or people who don't fit their moral code. So, he fits.” Reid said.

Morgan paged through their documents again, “I'm not so sure he does, vigilantes interfere due to a lack of faith in the legal system. Batman might collect the evidence and stop in progress crimes, but he doesn't do the punishing. He leaves it for the legal system. Which doesn't imply a lack of faith.”

Emily hummed, “But it does mean he's taking the role of the police who are part of the legal system, so he is a vigilante but he doesn't do the punishment part.”

“And to be completely fair to him the Police were untrustworthy when he started. 15 years ago, Gotham had the highest organized crime rate in the country, and the lowest salary for police officers. And yet a significant amount of them were living in luxury.” Reid said.

“They were being paid off?” Rossi asked.

“It would be my conclusion from the data.” Reid said.

“So Batman is well informed and well trained. What does it tell us?” Morgan asked.

“He has resources, and he is intelligent. If it weren't for the skipping work at all hours, I'd say he could hold a job.” Prentiss said.

“But he does skip work and has long nights. He either needs a boss who is in on it or he's independently wealthy.” Rossi said.

“Or he works for himself, some of the gadgets they have found are custom and ingenious and he knows how the system works. I doubt he'd have a problem creating a successful business to fund his hobbies.” Reid said.

“Perhaps we can trace him through medical records. There is no way he hasn't had major injuries.” Hotch said.

“So we are looking for an intelligent man, independently wealthy who gets injured a lot,” Garcia said.

“Assuming he’s not getting medical and financial support from the league or an independent backer,” Reid said, “given his connections to the well-funded league it’s unlikely we can find him by tracing them.”

“Okay we can’t reliably track him through money and medical records,” Morgan said, “So we are stuck with behaviour, what would his age be? He wouldn’t have started earlier than twenty.”

Prentiss nodded, “he is in control too much to have started younger.”

“But is there too much?” Morgan said, “there is so much control and competence I’m tempted to say he started in his thirties, which would make him 45-50’s”

“Age is one of the hardest characteristics to profile for now go 30's to 50's and see where it gets us.” Hotch said.

“Aren't we making a rather big assumption here?” Prentiss asked.

“He's baseline human, not alien or meta or something?” Morgan said. The team had run into a few Meta-human killers, and it always threw there profile off. Plus, Meta-humans were a recent enough development their profiles were still a work in process. Aliens were even more of a wild card, why would they display human behaviour at all? Fortunately, the league handled or had handled most of those. Morgan dreaded the day his team was face to face with a Meta killer and they had no one to call on.

“Well those assumptions too, but I was talking about assuming it is one person.” Emily said. “The majority of GCPD is behind him, even we are sympathizing with him. There is a possibility he has brought other people into the fold who have taken the mantle when he is down or got too old.”

“There is a period of about six months five years ago when the injuries did become excessive. I'd say he was angry about something, but it would also be explained by a different person in the suit.” Reid said.

“Question,” Garcia said, “if the GCPD stopped tracing the guy where are we getting our information?”

JJ screwed up her face, “The president apparently had people keeping track of him.”

Derek threw the file on the table. “So, our intel is compromised as well.”

“Morgan,” Hotchner said, disapproving.

“No Hotch, you can't tell me you’re okay with this. We are going into a hostile city, uninvited to take down a local and global hero, on the word and intel of a psychopathic narcissist who is out for his own political means.”

“No, No I'm not okay with this,” Hotch’s voice was as level and as calm as always. “I expect each of you to put your safety before this case.” Hotch caught and held his gaze.

Morgan was never sure if he hated or loved Hotch’s unflappability. He wanted the man to get angry, angry about the situation. But his calmness also assured him everything was okay. It reassured him this team was solid and would have his back no matter what.

Morgan nodded and Hotch moved his gaze to each of the team making sure the message to stay safe and let Hotch deal with the political fallout was clear.

Chapter Text

Brucie, Bruce and Batman were all in agreement Lex Luthor sucked. Bruce was aware they were all him, thank you Jason, but given how often they all had to maintain different opinions on topics it was easier to refer to them differently. No Tim he wasn’t developing dissociative identity disorder.

Brucie was the optimist, deliberately so. But he pushed for the best path forward. Inspiring people to do better with optimism. Despite what his children thought, the reputation as an idiot was incidental. In a cynical place like Gotham ‘optimism’ was applied to people like ‘special’ or ‘gifted’ were in other places. As a result, Brucie had been diagnosed as a few fries short of a happy meal by the Gotham public.

Batman was the pessimist, or realist in Gotham speak. He dragged a kicking and screaming Gotham away from the worst course.

And Bruce himself? He was a stubborn fool who would make Batman eat his words and Brucie right if it was the last thing he did.

But Lex Luthor sucked.

Brucie was disappointed in his boarding school buddy because he refused to do more for Gotham than his predecessors despite promising to after Brucie had donated money for the campaign trail. His optimism forcing him to eat up Lex’s redemption story.

Batman was unsurprised when he had investigated into each and every of Lex Luthor’s personal deals for the last twenty years trying to find a shred of human decency or consideration. He had thought he found it once in a real estate deal, but it turned out it was a manager who was fired for wasting money. Money on human lives. Wayne Enterprises had hired her in an instant and she was doing great.

The reason Batman hadn’t overridden Brucie’s choice to support Lex’s ‘redemption’ was for the opportunity to trace lex’s accounting procedures. Lex was still fuming about all his offshore accounts being publicised. And what’s more he wouldn’t recover financially for years. The victory had come too late to stop him getting into office, but hopefully it would keep him from getting comfortable.

Bruce on the other hand hated the man for what he had done to his friends. Clark primarily, Lex had hurt the man time and time again and insisted he didn’t belong on earth. An insecurity Clark carried deep. Bruce scoffed, Lex was aware if humans had to vote anyone off the planet, Lex himself would be among the first to go, far higher up the list than Superman at any rate.

Perhaps the man had impostor syndrome? He didn’t feel like he belonged to humanity and was jealous Superman could do so effortlessly. Batman scoffed a psychopath who was jealous he wasn’t a real boy. Which sounded too self-aware for Lex Luthor. No Lex likely thought he deserved the attention and admiration which Superman received.

Either way he had forced his friends into hiding, Superman moved to the other side of the world. Flash balanced precariously trying to protect Central city and his family. Cyborg more removed from humanity than he already struggled with. J’onn and Jordan were in the enemy layer and Batman hadn’t thought he could be sorry for Jordan, but obeying Lex’s orders?

If Batman didn’t personally know how good Jordan was at disobeying orders he didn’t like, he’d feel bad for the man.

There were things Bruce didn’t hate Lex for.

Forcing the Batman into hiding again being one. According to Alfred and his children he was a masochist and didn’t count wrongs done to him with the same weight.

Bruce disagreed, he simply separated the Batman from his core self, wrongs done the fursona (damn you Dick) Batman weren’t wrongs done to him. Had the man come after any of his children? The matter would be different. After all he hated the man for coming after his friends fine.

But if Bruce had to choose a personal gripe against the current President of the USA it would be exacerbating the issues between Gotham and the rest of the country. Lex was pulling what little federal resources away from his city stating Gotham’s local taxes should be enough to cover it.

They were, but it didn’t mean they had the legal right to cover it. Or they weren’t stopped because it was a ‘federal responsibility’ at every turn.

Also, if local taxes were meant to cover it surely the federal taxes would go down not up?

Another reason not to hate Lex for what he had done to the Batman was the GCPD hadn’t taken him off the most wanted list since his early days. Various officer’s had fun trying to compile the ridiculous claims witnesses had given into a semi coherent narrative.

Officially GCPD were on the lookout for a Bat, Demon, Vampire, god raised from hell, who was desperately in love with the 70-year-old Mrs Ferguson and was prone to serenading her from the rooftops.

Lex Luthor ordering him captured changed nothing as far as the GCPD was concerned, though they had sent Luthor a bill for a stake out of Mrs Ferguson’s apartment. And Officer Grayson’s partner swore it wasn’t a waste of money. They had, after all, heard the haunting serenade of a bat out of hell. Officer Grayson was coincidently in the car singing along with the radio.

Bruce loved his son but ‘Bat out of hell’ was an accurate assessment of his singing prowess.

But it didn’t mean Lex’s policies weren’t keeping him away from Gotham, why did the UN headquarters have to be in New York? In easy blackmailable and bribe-able distance for the president.

Fortunately, the man was doing most of his work for him, as predicted. Lex Luthor was charming from a distance, close up he left the delegates with no doubt exactly how the man viewed them and their countries. And for every delegate he managed to get to, another seven were repulsed.

Despite being glad the ambassadors were removing their support for the man, he empathised with the ambassadors. On one hand the USA spent a ridiculous amount of money on its military and was an economic powerhouse and they could not afford to piss it off. On the other hand, the entitlement and assumptions of a foreign power were insulting.

In fact, Lex was making a convincing argument why there was no way in hell an organization like the Justice League should remain solely in the US’s hands. No one who had spent any time with Lex Luthor would want him to have any more power.

Regardless his work here was done, and he planned to stop by central to check up on Barry, then return to Gotham hopefully with the Feds Luthor sent gone.

Chapter Text

The plane touched down as per normal. But touchdown was where normal ended, Morgan suspected he wouldn’t see it again till they left Gotham. They had finished taxiing but the normal ground crew didn’t secure the plane, instead airport security held a perimeter. The engines whirred down and stopped, and the cockpit door opened.

“Hey man, what’s going on?” Morgan asked waving to the window were security scurried around outside their plane.

“Apparently no one is leaving the plane until a GCPD officer arrives.”

Morgan placed his bag down on the ground sitting back into his seat. He thanked the pilot and waited until he retreated into the cockpit to say anything else.

“The GCPD is already pulling rank.”

Hotchner’s voice was clipped and short, “We cannot afford to aggravate them more.”

“So we cooperate.” Rossi said.

“For now. If worst comes to worst, we'll go to the Federal offices.” Hotch said.

“Why aren't we going there to start with? Surely the local Feds will be more cooperative.” Prentiss asked.

“Normally we would but,” JJ said, “the Locals are restricted in what they are allowed to investigate. They’re stone walled when it comes to Batman and know worse than nothing.”

Allowed by the locals to investigate, where they Federal agents or children? Morgan could understand keeping the peace, but not investigating Batman in the slightest?

“So what have they been doing for the last 15 years? twiddling their thumbs, crusiey job.” Rossi said.

“I actually looked into that,” Reid said, “none of the FBI’s evidence is accepted by local authorities. According to complaints against the GCPD filed, the locals often attribute their cases evidence to Batman.”

So the local Feds hated Batman and the GCPD hated the FBI. This investigation was going to go great.

The cockpit door reopened, and the pilot came back out “the Local LEO's arrived at the tarmac and is insisting he give you all the 'welcome to Gotham' speech before you leave the plane”.

The Pilot moved to the back of the plane and opened the door revealing a man in an officer’s uniform. The man was fit and young with black hair and blue eyes. Surprisingly he had a blinding smile which was not what Morgan had been expecting from the Locals.

The man bounded up the stairs with an easy grace pointing to athleticism.

With a smile he offered a hand to the closest of the FBI which happened to be JJ.

“Hi I’m Officer Richard Grayson, though most people call me Dick.”

“Special agent Jennifer Jareau but most people call me JJ.”

“Nice to meet you,” Dick shook her hand and turned to the next in line, Morgan.

“Supervisory Special Agent Derek Morgan, Most people call you Dick?” Morgan asked.

Officer Grayson rolled his eyes, but his smile remained undisturbed.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard all the Jokes. But my parents weren’t native English speakers and by the time they died it was my name. My adoptive dad tried to suggest I change it and I flipped at him.” Dick’s smile widened, “Now I keep it to watch people squirm.”

Derek forced his face to remain in a polite expression and spoke, “Sorry for your loss Dick.”

This wasn't anything like Morgan had expected. He had expected open hostility not the cheerful good-natured man in front of them. Dick moved on, introducing himself to the rest of the plane and Morgan suspected he would remember all their names from the initial introduction, or get close to it.

Introductions over Hotch asked the elephant in the room “So why did you prevent us from disembarking from the plane?”

The light-hearted man stilled and became serious and professional in an instant. “We would have let you make your own way to the GCPD but,” Grayson rubbed the back of his neck, “there was an Arkham breakout while you were in the air.”

“Why does the breakout necessitate an escort?” Hotch asked.

“Both Doctor Isley and Doctor Crane are among those loose, you run into Ivy without knowing what to do these days its mostly embarrassing. But Crane? You’d be dead before you knew it.” Grayson swung a backpack off his shoulders, “I bring Gotham survival kits and a basic safety briefing. No Outsiders we want to live are let loose in the city without them.”

What the hell? Who was this, Doctor Crane? And why was he so dangerous and yet kept in a prison which was escapable?

“You want us to survive? I thought the GCPD would be more hostile.” Rossi said.

Officer Grayson sighed, “Do we want you to catch the Bat?” He shook his head, “no, at least not the police who aren’t being paid by the mob. But it doesn’t mean we want you dead.” Morgan wasn’t sure he was meant to hear the next bit as it was muttered under his breath, “At least not the ones who aren’t being paid by the mob.”

Rossi snorted “So anyone being helpful with the Batman investigation wants us dead?”

Officer Grayson’s smile returned with force, “Precisely.”

Well, this trip was getting better and better.

“So, what exactly is in a Gotham survival kit. I mean we do carry guns and are trained to use them,” Reid said.

“I see your intel on Gotham is worse than we feared.” Officer Grayson said. “Both Doctor Pamila Isley and Doctor Johnathan Crane use chemical weapons. And there are several other individuals who thankfully remain locked up who do the same.” The man reached into his backpack and pulled out small black canvas bags handing them around.

Morgan unzipped his laying it on the table. Gotham couldn’t be bad enough it needed a true survival kit. Gotham was part of the USA a six-hour drive from his home. It was not a war zone. But the inside of the kit did nothing to convince him of his own reassurances. Inside there were several epi-pen like syringes with designs on them. He touched the one with stylised Ivy climbing it and was surprised to find the picture raised on the plastic. Not only did it mean this wasn’t a prank with carefully re-labelled epi-pens, it meant it was a serious enough problem to cover the visually impaired.

Next was a respirator which packed down remarkably small and was better than any he had seen before. Picking up and examining it he found an embossed stylized W he was familiar with from all the Wayne products he had used in his life.

There were two other things in the kit, the first was like a blood tester he had seen around diabetics, the second a pamphlet with both the Wayne logo and a QR code on the front.

“Right all this information can be found on the website the QR code will take you to, but we have found Outsiders don't tend to read it as thoroughly as is necessary. Nor do they download the Gargoyle app, which is essential for anyone in Gotham to have immediate access to. In fact, why don't I walk you through the app first.”

The next twenty minutes terrified Morgan out of the idea this was a prank. Hell, it terrified him more than the anthrax briefing. Some of it was the content, knowing there was a weapon and a mad man out there who could and would make you laugh yourself to death was chilling.

But more than the content it was the fact Gotham was a major metropolitan centre within a 6-hour drive of his home and he didn't know any of this. The Local FBI offices should have warned them at least. He desperately wanted to believe it was a hazing for outsiders but... the kit was too professional, the app too well made. 'Gargoyle' had features DC's civil defence could learn from. No Gargoyle and the survival kits were essential parts of going out in Gotham.

But none of this information had leaked outside of the city, it was like getting a safety briefing about a dangerous country on the opposite side of the world rather than less than an hour by plane.

“How did we not know about any of this?” Reid said, examining the Joker’s pen fascinated.

Dick shrugged, “It’s Gotham.”

Like it explained everything.

Except it did, didn't it? How many times had Morgan heard wild stories about Gotham, he hadn't believed any of them of course. Gotham was like one of those creepy pastas, they exaggerated and twisted stories of the city for the vibes and the notoriety, none of it was any truer than the Russian sleep experiment, Jeff the killer or Slenderman, Right. Right?

There wasn't a guy called professor pig who sliced people up to make a 'perfect person'. There wasn't truly a guy calling himself the Mad Hatter who could mind control people and was obsessed with finding a perfect Alice.

The Federal government hadn't abandoned a large amount of people on the island when the bridges went down in the earthquake seven years prior, leaving innocents to suffer in a city who had no medicine or food production capabilities.

Morgan begged to a God he wasn't sure he believed in it was all exaggerated horror stories built off the internet and Gotham's weird sense of humour. Because if even half the stories were true, Gotham was tough as nails and had every reason and right to hate the Federal government with a passion.

Chapter Text

Barry looked exhausted. The man dragged his feet as he entered his Flash pad, a small apartment Flash had in central city for when he was too tired to make it to Iris and Wally in Keystone. Flash stared at the fridge for a moment before sighing and taking off his Cowl. If Bruce had to guess, he was considering going out to fill his empty refrigerator. But had decided to settle for one of Batman’s high calorie meal replacement bars instead. Batman took no offence to the derision Barry sent the three bars he’d picked up from the corner of the room. They were designed to be as energy dense as possible, not taste good. They were working on it. And they were better than Batch 3, Batman shuddered R&D had made the entire company try some after they figured out exactly how bad they tasted. PR had labelled them Peppermint, Orange and Sawdust flavour and they weren’t wrong.

Batman was unsurprised by the empty fridge he’d come across in his snooping earlier. Lex had people staking out local supermarkets, forcing Barry to either make do with the meal replacements or order more expensive food. Considering the added expenses bringing Wally into their life took, it was unsurprising Barry went for the meal replacements nine times out of ten.

Had Luthor not been a jackass, the Flash’s financials would have been tight, but manageable. Bruce was tempted to forgive their debts outright, but he knew his meddling would not be appreciated. He was already risking enough having purchased the debt, lowered the interest and made certain their homes would not be repossessed.

But he could tied them over until Iris’s new job started. He entered the apartment silently and placed his pile of piping hot Pizza’s on the table and waited for the Flash to turn around.

Flash startled jumping and spinning so Batman was in the centre of his vision. Even though Bruce hadn’t been trying to hide perhaps he should have made a sound.

“What do you want?” the snappy cold tone was contrary to Barry’s normal friendly demeanour. Batman let the man take a moment giving Barry the benefit of the doubt. Sure enough the man collapsed in on himself rubbing his face.

“Sorry Bats it’s been a long day.”

Batman held out the Pizza, “Month I’d say.”

Barry’s face lit up, “thanks Bats you’re the best.”

“I’ve had bulk groceries placed on the watchtower, contact Victor and have him beam them down.”

“Make that the bestest.”

“I figured you'd be having trouble finding untraceable food.” Batman had enough tack not to mention their financial situation.

“Yeah, when you eat as much as me and Wally people get suspicious.”

“If you ever need any help...”

“I'll ask, but it’s not worse than having three kids to feed, and I get paid decently. But thank you for offering.”

By Bruce’s calculation it was more like having 12 kids to feed but he wasn’t going to bring it up. Barry’s and Iris’s wages would cover it normally, but it had been anything but a normal year for the two.

“So why, other than the food, are you here?” Barry asked.

“Am I not allowed to be concerned and check up on a teammate?” Batman asked.

Barry’s eyes widened, and Bruce internally laughed, at the hand caught in the cookie jar expression.

“You’re allowed to be. I pretty sure you have been before, but you typically… well... You’re like those old fangled Butlers. You know? From the British Old timey TV shows. You show your affection tangentially by making our lives easier from behind the scenes.... Dropping in and talking to us?”

Old fangled British, huh? Alfred would be amused.

Barry bowed his head shuffling, “Not your thing.”

“Hmm,” Batman acknowledged Barry’s conclusions, he was right. If Barry had been coping, he’d have never known Bruce had been here. “How bad has it been?”

Barry shrugged “You know looking over my shoulder constantly waiting for the government to come after me and my family. General disapproval from half the people I save.” Barry started pacing slowly, for a speedster, Batman fixed his gaze on the wall so he didn’t get dizzy. “I mean not being liked might be okay for you Bats, but I'm too much of a people pleaser.” Barry stopped and looked at Batman, “Please tell me the UN is voting soon.”

“They are, and Lex is doing a fantastic job arguing for our cause.”

Barry nodded, paused and scrunched his brow, “Wait he’s doing a fantastic job arguing for us?”

Batman grunted, “Lex Luthor is only tolerable from a distance. No one wants him to have more power.”

Barry nodded, “What are you doing here though. Its appreciated but this could have been done from Gotham?”

Batman considered lying but it served no purpose, “I’m avoiding Gotham.”

“that’s not like you.”

Batman acknowledged the statement with a grunt, “Lex has ordered an FBI team to Gotham to apprehend me. Their best chance to find me is when I insert myself in their investigation... I'm removing the temptation.”

Barry rewarded his honesty with a smile, “I didn't think Gotham was friendly to the Feds?”

“The Feds aren't friendly to us, but according to my sources they are a good group and talented at what they do.”

“You worried?” Barry said, eyes unwavering.

“No.” Batman said.

“That’s it? No offense Bats but you hate being out of control and foreigners in your city searching for you?” Barry said, “you’ve got to be going out of your mind.”

Batman grunted dismissing the Flash’s concerns, “I'm not physically inserting myself into their investigation doesn't mean I don't have sources.”

Flash flashed him a smile, “Ahh so you’re not worried because,” Barry sped over taking a seat from the table and sitting down stroking the air like one would a cat. “Everything is going precisely according to plan. Mwa ha ha ha.”

Batman smirked, the Fed’s were isolated in Gotham with there most friendly faces being his son and one of his best friends. It didn’t matter how competent they were they weren’t getting to any conclusions he didn’t want them too.

However, it didn’t stop the energy from building up in his system and he started pacing.

“Okay Mr 'I'm not worried.' Why are you pacing.” Barry said.

Batman wrestled the energy under control and spun to face Barry as still as a gargoyle.

“The FBI’s presence in Gotham changes things, not for me but for Gotham.”

Barry sat down a large gesture of patience and willingness to listen from a speedster. “What's the problem?”

“Gotham.”

“Ooohkay, I got that but what about Gotham? and why come to me? We get along alright but I'm not your worry buddy.”

Barry was right, he typically brought his worries to Alfred, J’onn, Clark or Diana. Barry didn’t normally make the list. But “Superman is stressed enough with Luthor. For all Wonder Woman isn't half as oblivious as she's appearing for Lex there is still a lot of history and politics she's catching up on. J'onn is undercover, Cyborg is rather young, and Lantern is...Lantern.”

Barry began to fidget again, but considering how hard it was for a speedster to concentrate while being still Bruce didn’t find it insulting.

 “Well glad I can be of service. And as your sounding board the avoidance of the question was slyly done.” Barry said.

“Gotham...Gotham has a long and complicated history with the Federal Government.” Batman said.

Barry nods getting another bit of Pizza.

“The relationship between the Mainland and Gotham is barely hanging on by a thread. As it has been for seven years.”

“Is it that bad?” Barry said through a mouthful.

Batman levelled the Flash a glare, “They blew up all the bridges and mined the rivers after a major natural disaster.”

Barry fidgeted “But they got all the people out until it was safe from the contaminant, right?”

Did intelligent Mainlanders like Barry believe the story? Then again the propaganda campaign was thorough.

“No they did not. There were some 50,000 People who didn't make the evacuation in time. And not only did they block them from leaving, but they also refused any attempt to send aid.”

To Barry’s credit he didn’t insist he’d gotten it wrong like some mainlander’s did, “Ah shit that’s bad.”

“50,000 isn't huge compared to Gotham's whole population. But everyone knows the stories. And those who did leave were homeless and often treated like second class citizens.” Batman said, “It's been a few voices of reason stopping the entire city from revolting for a few years now, and with Lex in the oval office?”

What he didn’t tell Barry was most of those voices of reason were his. Bruce was aware separating from the Mainland would court war. Wars had casualties and horrors which Batman was desperately trying to avoid.

Flash’s eyes widened, “The powder keg is going to blow.”

Batman nodded, “All it will take is a spark. The FBI’s presence their pursual of Batman? It might be enough.”

“Shit, what are we going to do?”

Batman shook his head, “There is little I can do; at least options I haven’t already done. And there is even less the league can do.” Batman said. “The People of Gotham hate the US.”

“Gotham is going to revolt.”

Batman nodded.

“You must have plans, seen this coming from a mile away.”

“Seven years and a hundred and twenty-three days away. Yes, I have plans.” Batman said, “but does it mean I like my plans?”

And Bruce truly didn’t like his plans. He could, he would protect Gotham and its people with everything he had, but who would be collateral? He loved his family, his city but he also loved his friends, in the League. And the soldiers they sent against Gotham didn’t deserve any of his plans.

“They will be bringing a military force against a city. A city full of non-combatants. The way we would even have a chance...”

Flash visually gulped “Underhand tactics, attacking civilian populations in return. Terrorism and guerrilla warfare.”

Batman sighed and nodded, the next time he saw Barry it may well be on opposite sides of the battlefield and he’d told Barry to relieve his guilty conscience.

Chapter Text

Dick walked into the station followed by six suited people. The entire station, crooks, cops, and crooked cops all stopped to stare. The majority of the stares let up once they noticed Officer Grayson with them, and the canvas survival pouches on their belts. But a small amount still glared them down.

Jim hurriedly finished his call, stepping out of his office and descending into the bullpen to head off any unfortunate encounters. For all he didn’t want the Bat caught, the relationship with the mainland was taught enough to burst.

“And this here is Commissioner Gordon,” Dick said, sweeping his hand out to indicate him. “Commish these are Supervisory special Agents; Arron Hotchner, David Rossi, Dean Morgan, Emily Prentiss, Jennifer 'JJ' Jareau, and Doctor Spencer Reid.” Indicated each as he said their names, looking back Dick asked, “Did I get them all right?”

The black man stepped forward holding out his hand, “Derek Morgan, but otherwise spot on.”

“Ahh bugger, so close.” Dick said.

Jim smiled at Dick’s antics, and turned to the FBI team, “I won't say I'm happy to see you. Or say GCPD will help you with whatever you need, but I do want to make sure you all leave as healthy as when you arrived.” Jim said

A voice behind him, who he was pretty sure was Harvey added, “and leave soon.”

The tall dark-haired man, Agent Hotchner if Jim remembered correctly, stepped forward offering his hand, “We’ll take it.” Hotchner turned to the chaotic bull pen, eyes roaming, “do you have a room we can set up in?”

Jim nodded and took them back to conference room B. as opposed to one or two. Conference room B was the one the Bat always used and if he hadn’t bugged it the Batman wasn’t the man, Jim thought he was.

“This work?”

“It will be perfect,” the blonde lady, Agent Jareau added.

“So commissioner perhaps you could settle a debate for us?” the man with the goatee asked.

Jim grunted he couldn’t remember his name for the life of him.

“Did the President threaten or bribe you into this?” he said.

Jim couldn’t help the surprised laugh which burst from him. “Bold of you to assume he didn't try both.”

“Try?” Asked Doctor Reid.

“He tried threatening us, but realised he had little to hold over us and started bribing us.” Jim said.

“What did he manage to get you on?” Agent Prentiss said, holding up her hands she continued, “Hey I'm not judging, just curious.”

“Permission to have a new prison and insane asylum built. The ones we have are ancient, crumbling or overcrowded and leak like sieves.” Jim said. He hadn’t heard a word of it since he hung up of course, only demands.

“So we can expect your men to be supremely unhelpful.” Goatee said.

“With anything pertaining to the Batman investigation. I've spoken to them about how to otherwise treat you,” Jim shrugged, “I can't guarantee they'll behave entirely but they should be friendly enough.”

Jim wasn’t willing to bend over backwards for the outsiders and he was certain his people knew not to either.

“Thank you, commissioner, for doing what you can to smooth over our investigation.” Agent Hotchner said.

Jim shrugged again, “Hey unless I get a new prison before you catch him, he'll be out before sundown anyway.” Jim shook his head, “Besides, the Bat is the one who goes home with broken bones when they break out, he wants a better prison more than anyone.”

“So if your all set here, I’ll leave you and Officer Grayson to it.”

“You want us to stick with him?” Goatee said.

“Yes. I’ve spoken to my people, but for the rest of Gotham you’re on your own. Dick is well liked and can deescalate most situations. Any questions, problems he’s your man. Ditch him at your own risk.

“Why officer Grayson?” Doctor Reid said, “He doesn't seem like the most obstructing person out there.”

Dick put a hand to his heart, “Hey!”

Jim chuckled, “you haven’t seen him at his finest.”

“Thank you Commish,” Dick said. “Plus, I have experience with Outsiders.”

“Experience with Outsiders?” Agent Prentiss said.

“I lived in Jump city for a while and started my career in Blüdhaven.” Dick said.

“Why did you transfer here?” Agent Morgan asked.

Officer Grayson shrugged, “It's closer to family mainly. And my Capitan forced me out when it became apparent, I wasn't taking bribes or giving into threats. I could have forced it, but Blüdhaven appears to be perfectly happy falling into a pit of crime.”

“Gotham was the same when I first started, they'll start to realise mob backing isn't all it’s cracked up to be soon enough.”

“Perhaps, but it would take a stronger man than me to stick it out.” Dick said.

Jim shook his head he was of the opinion there weren’t many stronger than Dick Grayson. Despite rocky patches Bruce had done well with the kid. “It would take a more flexible man than you. I can't tell you how many times I had to bend my moral code not to die in the early days. Not being able to stomach it is not surprising, I barely could.”

Officer Grayson, blinked away tears dramatically wiping at his eyes, “Thanks Comish.”

Jim smiled and handed over a bit of paper, “Wi-fi password. We’ll leave you to it.”

Both he and Dick left to return to their regular days filled with paperwork.

Morgan sat down making himself at home. The chairs were old and patched but comfortable. Old GCPD chairs he’d bet. A small coffee maker was sitting in the corner along with several cups. He slipped out his laptop placing it on the table.

“Well, that was a warmer welcome than I expected,” Rossi Said.

“No kidding I was expecting slurs and insults, not Coffee and banter. I mean they aren't planning to help us with the investigation, but they don't hate our guts either.” Emily said.

“The safety briefing will be giving me nightmares for a while.” Derek said. As he brought up the video conferencing app and initiated a call to Garcia.

“You don't think it was deliberately designed to frighten us off. Like all those Gotham stories.” Reid said.

“I thought it was at first but… kid these packs,” Derek patted the bag on his belt, “are professionally mass produced. And I spotted several littered around the station on our way in.”

“Plus” Garcia chimed from where the video call had connected, “there is no evidence those Gotham stories are made up.” Her voice lowered, as close to spooky as a woman of Penelope’s bubbly personality could manage in a pinch.

“But they must be. We have come across the most disturbed individuals possible in this job and those don't hold a candle to the stories about Doctor Hugo Strange.”

Morgan reached out and placed a hand on Reid’s shoulder it was unsurprising a man who feared becoming schizophrenic would be hit hardest by stories of a psychologist experimenting on their patients.

“It's possible they have been exaggerated, but it doesn't mean they come from nowhere. Gotham is a big city; it will have its fair share of crazies,” Derek said. He kept his true thoughts to himself. It wasn’t only the crazy which came form a Manhattan sized city. No, Gotham had been systematically neglected, the police until recently ineffective. Injustice bled through the streets. If there was a city designed to push people past their breaking point it was this one. And they were here to arrest what little light and hope they had.

Chapter Text

It had been 16 years since there was a federal case in Gotham. They had ignored Dick’s frequent kidnappings, the Joker’s horrifying body count and every single white-collar crime a city responsible for 10% of the US GDP could manufacture.

The only thing which did get their attention was threatening to treat Gothamites better.

Get a prison which was slightly humane? Have you considered the impact on local residents? And, does it comply with current standards for the humane treatment of prisoners? Bruce had submitted plans for a literal five-star resort when last he was particularly bitter. Humane standards, his arse.

And that wasn’t mentioning last time they threatened to raise minimum wage or implement a health care plan. Or hell do better background checks on people buying dangerous chemicals.

Bruce wished he could say he was surprised. But after living through no man’s land seven years ago the idea the federal government wanted Gotham dead, wasn’t a hunch, it was a bone deep certainty.

He had used his wealth, fame and considerable intellect to convince the mainland it was a bad idea to repeat No man’s land. They had relented last time after all, eventually. Bruce desperately tried to ignore they had relented the moment Gotham had started recovering, finding its feet after having the rug ripped out from under them.

He’d been asked both by his kids, the local government and press. Why he was so desperate to remain with the USA most Gotham born and bred would be happy to go independent in a second.

His answer up until a year ago had been the same. ‘My eldest lives in Blüdhaven,’ if we were to go independent, who knows how long it would be before we saw each other again. And it’s not just my family which would be ripped apart. Look at what the German wall did to the country, to families. If we were to become independent the border would do harm. Sure, eventually we could work out a border system which worked, but how many years would it take?’

Which was assuming it went peacefully but Brucie Wayne was too much of a good-hearted optimist to realize Blüdhaven would become a war zone. Or any type of border crossing relied on both sides being willing to deal and the USA wouldn’t be.

But for all Brucie Wayne scrambled bribed and begged Gotham and the mainland not to make it worse. Bruce was aware it wasn’t going to get better, and now Dick was home the desperation which had clawed at his insides had waned, sure all his points still stood but there was no longer a personal reason to bash himself against a rock and he was tired of being the sole one holding the two together.

Batman on the other hand was planning for the inevitable

Dick Grayson went to the manor for dinner. Frequently after a day at the GCPD he’d eat cereal at his apartment and crash for a few hours before patrol, but today he wanted to fill in his family about events in person.

Dick snorted, the FBI team had warned him the Batman was likely to insert himself into their investigation. Which considering the number of bugs in the GCPD wasn’t wrong. Not to mention their liaison was planning to spill the beans directly to the Bat tonight. But Batman himself would not be around the investigation at all. In fact he was out of Gotham at the moment checking in with the Justice League anywhere but New York which Bruce Wayne was visiting on a business trip. Bruce was always working hard to create distance between himself and Batman.

So there was no chance of Batman and the FBI interacting. Unless the FBI got in trouble, and the Batman had to rush back to save them.

Dick sighed it was inevitable they’d meet, wasn’t it?

Dick was greeted in the entrance by Alfred, the man was as timeless as ever. “Welcome home Master Dick I pray you had a good day?”

“Decent enough, where is everyone?” Dick said there was no way they weren’t all here to ambush him.

“Ahh, I do believe they are waiting in the parlour to interrogate you on the Outsiders.”

Dick snorted, “I was wondering why I wasn't ambushed.”

“Simply because one plans an ambush does not mean one cannot be polite about it.” Alfred said.

Dick smiled and walked towards the families sitting room. Dick huffed, the entire family were lounged in the room chatting.

“Sooo, how did it go?” Jason asked, from where he was hanging upside down off the couch book lying open on his chest.

Dick decided to live up to his name, and allowed a smile to creep over his face, “How did what go?”

Damian who had been sketching on the floor tutted, “Don’t be obtuse, the outsiders sent to track down Father?”

“Gave them the how to survive Gotham speech. They seem like good enough people.” Dick said squishing himself down on the couch.

“Stop being your name sake Dick, how close are they to the Batman?” Stephanie said as she jabbed him in the ribs to get some space back.

Dick shifted allowing Steph to get comfortable, laughing, “They have got he is well-trained, well-resourced male between the ages of 30 and 50.”

“Well, its true, should we be worried?” Tim asked.

“It’s also true of thousands of Gothamites.” Jason pointed out. “And it’s not like Bruce goes around advertising he’s trained in every martial arts form known to man.”

“They believe their best chance of catching him is when he inserts himself in the investigation.” Dick said.

Alfred cleared his throat, “Which means none of you, civilian identity or not will make contact with the FBI, am I understood?”

There were nods around the room even Jason relented after Alfred stared him down enough.

“Good, Master Dick and our existing bugs will have to be enough intelligence for us.” Alfred said.

“Alfred's right changing and reacting to this investigation in anyway will give us away.” Dick said.

“I mean this is why B acts like an idiot in public, we have put in consistent effort to conceal our identities now we, as much as it sucks, have to wait for it to pay off.” Tim said.

Personally, Dick thought Bruce acted reasonably intelligent in public. But compared to the quiet intelligence he displayed at home or the brutal intelligence behind the cowl. Bruce’s public persona was stupid.

“Yeah, yeah as much as I delight in giving the old man shit,” Jason said, “I don't want to give him over to Outsiders or Lex bloody Luthor.”

“I will stay away from them.” Damian declared.

“I'll scrap the glitter prank,” Steph huffed disappointed. Cass who had been silently paying attention from the corner nodded.

Dick waited until the severity of the situation sunk in before he continued, “That said, I did bug their rooms if anyone wants to listen in?”

“I thought you were their liaison.” Damian said.

“I am. But it doesn’t mean they are going to trust me. I've all but admitted I'll sabotage their investigation into the Bat.” Dick said.

“Right then, to the batcave.” Stephanie said.

The entire family scrambled up, to be stopped by Alfred standing in the door.

“I believe the only place you all shall be going is to dinner after which you shall all get rest before going to the cave to patrol.”

“But—” Tim began.

“No buts Master Tim, the fastest way to revealing our identity is to change our behaviour or to be lacking sufficient rest to make informed choices. Therefore, you shall all be conforming to schedule.”

Jason muttered something under his breath.

“Yes even you Master Jason.” Alfred said.

It took longer for Jason to cave than it would have taken Dick but cave he did.

“What about breakout?” Cass asked the question Dick had forgotten about Scarecrow and Poison Ivy’s escape with everything going on.

“Master Duke apprehended Scarecrow earlier today, and miss Ivy spent the day with Harley and then turned herself in.” Alfred said.

“Right its Harley's birthday.” Tim said muttering “Should I get her something? no it would be weird, right?”

“Where is Duke? I'd expect him to be here.” Dick asked.

“Master Duke is covering comms till you are all ready for patrol.” Alfred said.

“So he gets to listen in to the FBI” Damian said.

Morgan unaware of the small bug in the hotel’s air vent set up a video connection with Strauss.

“So how’s Gotham treating you,” Strauss said.

Rossi huffed, “better than expected, but they’ve admitted they are not going to be helpful.”

“As expected apparently the commissioner tried to get the president to bribe him for their cooperation. The price quoted was exorbitant.” Strauss said.

“they’ve admitted as much to us Ma’am,” Derek hesitated, was he going to bring it up? “but the price they quoted was secure facilities to hold their criminals.”

“I have no doubt it is what you have been told, however the president indicated they had demanded an entire Federal budget similar to the one New York has on top of what they already are receiving which is a ridiculous amount.”

“Does it strike anyone else as weird we haven't been contacted by the local FBI office?” Reid said.

“I’ve been in contact with the local office, but they are being less than helpful,” JJ said.

“You had to contact the local FBI?” Straus said, “Are the GCPD not cooperating that badly?”

“They are cooperating for anything which doesn't regard Batman.” Hotchner said. “But unless we want to rely entirely on biased information we need the local offices support. All the evidence which comes through the GCPD is suspect and wouldn't get a conviction in any court of law.”

“It's not your job to get a conviction. Just catch him.” Strauss said.

“What's the point of catching him if we cannot hold him? Unless the FBI and legal system now does whatever the President says?” Rossi said.

“He is breaking the registration law, once he is unmasked and signed on, we won’t have to keep him.” Strauss said.

“So this isn't about the man's crimes at all.” Morgan scoffed, it was nothing more than a political powerplay his team was caught in the middle of.

“I'm sorry I thought you believed him justified.” Strauss said, “Just find him.” She hung up with an aggressive strike to her keyboard.

“Well this is going great.” Prentiss said what was on everyone’s mind.

“Prentiss and JJ tomorrow go down to the federal building and see if you can scrounge us up some support. Morgan, Reid you go to Blackgate and interview those Batman has brought in.” Hotch said, providing their marching orders for tomorrow.

“And us what are we doing?” Rossi asked.

“We are taking Officer Grayson to Arkham to interview the inmates there.”

Chapter Text

Patrol last night was uneventful; save for Red Robin landing badly and being off with a sprain.  Nightwing was having to lay low as to not ruin the Martian’s cover. He had an alternate identity, but Sypher wasn’t his, the same way Nightwing was. But Nightwing had solid evidence he existed which Sypher did not. So, the Martian got Nightwing and he got to flesh out Sypher’s existence.

It was quiet enough Dick though Gotham was holding its breath, what would the Outsiders do? Or perhaps one Arkham escape was enough for a day.

He’d stopped on the way to work to fulfil his cop stereo type for the day and pickup doughnuts and coffee for the FBI and the rest of the office.

He walked into the conference room, placing his spoils on the table, before grabbing his own. To his surprise Harvey Bullock was in the room already.

He cleared his mouth of the powdered doughnut and said, “Good Morning all. How was your night.” Like he didn’t already know, Duke and Barbra had given him a recap.

“Decent enough, seemed quieter than I expected.” Prentiss said.

“You're not wrong the night shift insists it was eerily silent. The Bats stopped a few crimes but other than that?” Harvey shrugged.

“Batman was active last night?” Doctor Reid said, “I expected him to lie low.”

Harvey snorted, glancing at their six-person team probably thinking the same thing Dick was. Six people with one or two handguns each against the Batman? Not a chance.

“The Bat is more of a workaholic than the entire precinct combined if you think that he blinked at your presence in the city you need to revise the profile you’re working on.” Apparently Harvey had enough tack not to mention the sever lack of fire power for the job.

“But Batman will definitely know we are in the city?” Morgan said.

Dick contained a snort; the Bat knew Morgan liked to sing Beyonce in the shower.

“Considering I was there when the commissioner told him you were coming myself I'd say yes.” Harvey said.

“You have met him?” Prentiss asked.

“Well yeah.” Bullock said, “You'd be hard pressed to find a cop in the city who hasn't at least seen him. Though Jim and Grayson have been around him the most.”

Dick startled when had he been around the Bat enough to know him better than any other cop, other than the obvious. They tried to make sure the Batman didn’t favour Dick over any other officer. Bullock seeing through their rouse wasn’t good.

“I have?” Dick asked.

“You got saved by him a few times when you were a kid right?” Harvey said.

Oh right Boy kidnapped, if you considered those events he had been around the Bat more than most.

Dick huffed, “When you put it like that, I’m probably his best friend. The amount I got kidnapped was ridiculous.”

“It ain't a secret the Batman has a soft spot for kids.” Harvey said, turning to the Fed’s “Before you get any inappropriate thoughts, I mean he’s good at getting accurate witness statements from them and calming them down.” Harvey smiled “Damn ridiculous seeing a man in heavy armour, looking like a bat out of hell talking to a kid. Yet he can calm down a seven-year-old like it’s nothing, lord knows how it works his armour is intimidating to grown thugs. To us grownups he talks in grunts and growls but to kids? Well, he’s probably spoken more to Dick than he ever has to me.”

Bullock lent over to JJ stage whispering, “I don't think he likes me much.”

The door opened admitting the commissioner. Dick offered him the box of doughnuts.

Selecting a chocolate one Gordon spoke, “Harvey no one likes you much. But who are we talking about in particular?”

“I'll have you know Fish thinks I'm a delight,” Bullock sniffed, “and the Batman.”

“Fish Mooney? Penguins old boss? How do you know her.” Dick asked, alight with curiosity, it was seldom he got to hear about the days when Harvey and Jim were partners.

“Firstly, Harvey she's dead, consequence of being Cobblepot's boss. Secondly didn't she try to have us killed.” Gordon said.

“Yeah, but we smoothed it over, didn't we?” Bullock said.

“You know sometimes I hear you reminisce about old times, and I'm reminded my family is not in fact the most insane thing to happen to Gotham.” Dick commented.

Harvey snorted, “Nice try kid, your family's got money, automatically makes it ten times crazier than me.”

“Though they are rich enough we'd have to call them eccentric, our lives were plain crazy.” Jim said. “Either way Harvey I need your help with something.”

“Ooh, the commissioner needs my help with something, lucky me.” Bullock winked and stood up.

“Paperwork Harvey don’t get excited.”

“Maybe I like paperwork? You don’t know.” the commissioner and his old partner departed before Dick could hear the comeback.

Smiling at their antics Dick turned to the FBI who were watching the exchange with small smiles and sharp gazes.

“Sorry your family?” Agent Prentiss asked.

“Ahh, technically my last name is Grayson-Wayne, I drop the name at work. Advertising you’re a Wayne, particularly as a cop, is asking for trouble.”

Doctor Reid whistled, “you were adopted by Bruce Wayne the owner of Wayne Enterprises the largest Private Multinational company in the world.”

“That’s the one. But crazy happened when someone told Bruce adoption was a thing, I now have seven?” Dick paused to count. Should he count Harper and Cullen. Nah if he counted them where would he stop? “Four legal, two fostered siblings, not to mention the legions who still technically live with their families, but they totally have rooms at the manor. And not a one of us have easy histories.”

“Sounds like the best sort of chaos.” Agent Morgan said.

“Oh it is, I love them all to death and back but sometimes work is relaxing.” Dick said.

“Speaking of work.” Agent Hotchner said.

Dick pulled himself up from where he had been hanging over his chair and sat like ‘someone with a spine’ as Bruce often told him to do.

“What was the plan today?” Dick asked.

“Would you accompany agent Rossi and I to Arkham.” Agent Hotchner asked.

Dick stiffened, the last of his smile leaving for a slight frown. “Why are we going there?”

“We need to speak with the people who the Batman has apprehended.” Agent Rossi said.

“So not even the regular patients, the absolutely horrid inmates.” Dick concluded. There were a few who weren’t too bad but by in large to go to Arkham you had to be the worst of the worst.

Dick took a breath, “Yeah I can go with you. But if you’re meeting the Joker I am staying outside.”

Forcing his mind from the man who had taken his brother from him, he turned to the rest of the team. “Where are the rest going?”

“Morgan and Reid are going to Blackgate and Prentiss and JJ are going to the local FBI offices” Agent Hotchner said.

Dick furrowed his brow “I mean sure, Blackgate I get. but why are you going to the FBI offices?”

“Come on man, you know we need independent information, and the local Feds are more likely to cooperate.”

Duke had mentioned how certain the team was the FBI office was in Gotham and functioning. He’d even mentioned JJ had apparently made contact. But Officer Grayson shouldn’t know about the private conversations they’d had last night.

“There aren't any local feds, though?” Dick said.

“We have offices here.” JJ said.

“Yeah, but they are mainly used as an unofficial homeless shelter,” Dick said.

All the team turned to him.

“Listen I was the first of Bruce's children. He hadn't yet figured out security which worked, and Gotham was worse back then. I've been kidnapped 10, no 11 times, yet the first time I met a Fed was when I moved to Jump city. There are no Feds in Gotham save you lot. If you've been told otherwise someone’s lying to you.” Dick said.

All the Feds’ eyes tracked over his face. Dick guessed they were all deciding whether he was lying or not.

“Alright we'll drive past anyway and get some photos as proof to send back to DC so we can start an investigation. JJ go with Morgan, Prentiss with us.” Hotchner broke the silence.

Dick didn’t believe the FBI was truly taking him at his word, but he was grateful they were giving him the benefit of the doubt.

The short drive to homeless plaza was taken in silence. Dick, stuck in the back of the FBI’s SUV, could only see Agent Prentiss’s reaction. Her eye’s widened taking in the steel barrels with fires burning in them warding off the November chill. People with all they had in the world on their backs or in their shopping carts milled around warming themselves.

The Federal building’s automatic doors slid open admitting a man who’s layered, hole ridden clothes told Dick exactly how long the man had been homeless.

The city had wanted to clean up homeless plaza years ago, but Bruce had stopped them. A large percentage of homeless didn’t want help from the various homeless shelters around. Some were too proud, some terrified of being readmitted to Arkham. Dick couldn’t blame them Arkham was a horror show. People struggling with schizophrenia or PTSD in no way needed to be exposed to Arkham mental asylum. Any nonviolent offenders were now admitted to a facility Bruce had built, but the stories of those unlucky enough to have been admitted still made the rounds.

Either way Homeless Plaza had an abandoned building, with functioning bathrooms, heating and cooling. (Bruce paid the electric company, and some of the regular homeless to clean the place.) Sympathetic police and the Bats stopped by often enough the place hadn’t become a drug haven. As such for those who wouldn’t go to a shelter it functioned as well as one.

Agent Hotchner’s shoulders were tense when he ordered the rest of them out of the car to take photos as proof. Dick may have been imagining things, but he thought he heard anger in the Outsiders voice, good he should be angry.

Dick slid out of his seat and took the second he was blocked from view by the Black vehicle to switch his earpiece to the spyware he’d installed on Agent Hotchner’s phone.

True to his prediction halfway through talking to one of the locals, explaining what they were doing taking photos of the place, Aaron Hotchner made a call.

Having gained tentative permission from the homeless, Dick walked around following the agents calming any ruffled local nerves, and listening in.

“Agent Burke.” Said an unknown voice, though Dick assumed it was Agent Burke. He was trained by the world’s greatest detective after all.

“Agent Burke it's Agent Hotchner with the BAU.” Agent Hotchner said.

“Of course, you gave me the profile for Neal Caffrey which brought me close to catching him.” Burke said. The phone picked up muffled squabbing on the other end of the call. Neal Caffrey, Dick had heard the name somewhere before.

“You took my advice about welcoming him to the team then?” Agent Hotchner said.

“Still not sure it was a good idea though.” Burke said, but there was a lightness to his tone letting Dick know he was teasing whoever was listening in.

Another unidentified voice spoke, though Dick would bet it was Neal Caffrey, “It was a great idea Peter, and you know it.” Oh right that was it, Selina had mentioned the nonviolent con man joining the FBI, it was hot gossip in her circles.

“Listen Peter I need to speak to you alone for a moment.” Agent Hotchner asked.

There was a flutter of activity on the other end of the line as the other people in the room left.

“Sorry about that.” Agent Burke said.

“Shouldn’t I be the one to say that to you?” Agent Hotchner said. “I was the one to recommend him for your team after all.”

Agent Burke chuckled, “Perhaps, so what is it?”

“We are currently investigating a case in Gotham.”

Agent Burke let out a whistle.

“Yeah, the problem is we were told to ask the local Feds for help.” Agent Hotchner said.

“Makes sense, what’s the problem?” Agent Burke said.

“There isn't an FBI office in Gotham.” Agent Hotchner said, “Well, there is an office but given the number of homeless currently using it as shelter it hasn't been used in a long time.”

“You mean someone is funnelling the entirety of the FBI's resources in a city the size of Gotham into their own pocket?” Agent Burke asked.

“I don't know what to think but someone is lying to someone for something and that’s your team’s specialty.” Aaron said fighting a headache, “Whatever it is, its big. My boss was genuine, and Reid found case files submitted and JJ has been in communication with the office.”

Even people as influential as the BAU in the FBI honestly thought there was a local office.

Dick took a second to help one of the older residents of the building up the stairs. He also slipped a brochure for a charity old persons home into their jacket. They’d refuse, they always did but he still tried.

“You think it’s someone high up?” Agent Burke said.

“It has to be.” Agent Hotchner said.

“More than likely, damn this is big.” Agent Burke said.

“Locals say the office closed for temporary renovations 16 years ago and never reopened. I'll send you anything we get, but I have to get back to my case.”

“I’ll look into the money and keep you updated.” Agent Burke said and hung up.

#

They hadn’t lingered much longer at Homeless Plaza the Outsider’s presence unsettling the locals and the photos they took damning enough there was no need for extras. Driving down to Arkham in silence they were each lost in their own thoughts. So much so Dick forgot to prep them for Arkham security. To be fair to him Dick had been through security so many times he forgot they hadn’t. Dick knew to leave his weapon in the car, his shoes didn’t have laces, nor his pants a belt. The FBI was another story.

Dick leant back on the building waiting for them to pass through. Arkham crumbled more every time he visited. The Mental Asylum had once been state of the art, 200 years ago. The gothic stonework was beautiful. Or would have been if there was more left, but major renovations of detention facilities required federal approval to ensure humane conditions.

Approval Gotham never got from the mainlanders. Dick could understand their objections to Arkham, to make the place humane would take more than an extensive renovation. It would be easier to build a new facility, but do you think Gotham could get approval for that either?

As a result Arkham, the epicentre of a major earthquake, right before no man’s land, was still used. Temporary chain link fences covered the gaps in the walls, and metal jacks held up the roof. Or they had, plants now took the load covering the gaps. It was the reason Ivy was still brought to Arkham; she’d been declared sane by multiple psychiatrists now but without her regular presence the building would fall.

Dick was 90% sure Batman had talked to Ivy about the situation and secured her cooperation. After all Ivy wasn’t no Joker Helper and wanted most of the Arkham residents to stay exactly where they were.

Dick rocked his head against the wall to watch the Agents take in the scene.

“I know you said it was bad but...” Rossi trailed off head turning as he took in the ancient building.

Dick grunted in acknowledgment, “I swear its worse every time I visit.”

“How? How can you be okay keeping anyone here?” Agent Hotchner said.

Dick ruthlessly controlled his heart rate and breathing. Preventing his logical abilities from being clouded by the rage simmering. Losing his head about the unfair accusation wouldn’t help anything.

“Where else are we meant to keep them?” Dick asked, leaning into his sadness rather than rage. He pulled himself off the wall. “No seriously we have submitted proposal after proposal for a new facility or comprehensive renovations and have been turned down time, after time.” Dick scoffed, letting his frustration slip through. “They site budget, but even after Bruce offered to pay for it out of pocket it was turned down due to lack of need, after all Arkham works perfectly well.”

“These conditions are inhumane, even if they are the worst of the worst.” Agent Hotchner rebuked. Dick wasn’t sure if it was in agreement with his statements or if he believed they needed to do a better job impressing the situation on the Mainlanders.

Dick decided to give the man the benefit of the doubt. “Preaching to the bloody choir. Bruce even built a new facility figuring it was better to ask forgiveness than permission. But right when we were planning to move them, we got a cease-and-desist letter. Apparently, the new facility was too high a risk for the people surrounding it.”

“And this isn't?” Agent Prentiss nodded at a particularly collapsed section of wall.

Dick let bitterness into his voice “Ahh but we are Gothamites, we hardly matter.”

Prentiss searched Dick’s face, nodding she turned back to the building.

“Is Blackgate like this too?” Agent Prentiss asked.

“It's a little better, it wasn't as close to the earthquake's epicentre and was a newer building to start with, but it's not up to standard. And yes, B also built a new prison we can't use.”

“Why does Bruce care so much? I'm not saying he shouldn't but he's rich enough he could ignore it.” Rossi said.

Dick sighed, he couldn’t mention Bruce got a rib broken every time Killer croc broke out, so he went for the press answer. Perhaps it was even more truthful, “His parents took on Arkham as a project shortly before they died. He wanted to see the project through when he was still nine and he insisted on visiting the place. It hadn’t been through the earthquake then, but it was still dark, dingy and more Elizabethan torture prison than hospital. I'm sure there is a fancy psychobabble word, for an experience like that, but formative is what I'd go with.”

The group remained silent, and Dick started picking his way through the rubble and grass.

Dick hated silence, more so in a place as haunted as Arkham, he cast around desperately for conversation.

“I love B, he isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. But he has a good heart. Something as obvious and wrong as Arkham and Blackgate, or a newly orphaned kid going to juvie is going to tug at his heart strings 'till he does something.”

“You got sent to juvie?” Agent Prentiss asked.

Perfect distraction, personal trauma and phycologist agents, Dick mentally patted himself on the back. “Yeah. No one wanted a gypsy in their house, so it was the only place for me to go, 'till Bruce stepped in.”

“That's rough.” Rossi said.

They made it to the large oak doors, which guarded the entry. Dick had to yank on them with all his weight to get them to move. Stepping inside Dick was pleased to find the inside warm and dry.

Even if Outsiders didn’t care for Gothamites, Gotham did. Recycled plastic sheeting was woven into Ivy’s patches, to keep the rain out. Big fluffy blankets woven out of natural fibres, sustainably sourced, were made by the local craft society, kept the warmth in.

A bright friendly smile of one of the crafters greeted him. Mrs Ferguson at 70 had taken up a part time gig as a receptionist. Dick was certain it was because she had a big heart and warmth to spare. But it was a running joke in Gotham that Mrs Ferguson had a thing for Batman, her affection was returned, and she had taken the job to see more of him.

Mrs Ferguson put down what appeared to be another blanket smiling up at him, “you here to see Ivy and Crane or interrogate me about my suitor again.

Dick smiled, “but Mrs Ferguson your statement was incredibly helpful we sent it to the President himself.”

“Well good, we can’t have the Mainlanders thinking my suitor is anything but the demonic angel he is.”

“Exactly, why the president is probably ordering a search of Hell as we speak.” Dick smiled wider imagining the president acting on any of the ‘intelligence’ the GCPD had sent to the president on the Bat. Unfortunately considering the BAU’s presence he hadn’t brought it. Such a shame.

“and you’ll have to ask them,” Dick jerked his head

“Outsiders?” She asked.

Dick heard all the questions she was asking with that one question, ‘Do you want me to fuck with them? Obstruct them? They are here for the Bat right?’

“they’re good,” as much as Dick would love Mrs Ferguson to be in form, they were good people and legitimately angry about Gotham’s treatment. There was a chance, admittedly a snowballs chance, they might be able to change their relationship with the mainland for the better. Fucking with them too much could ruin those odds.

“Oh are they finally coming to do the report on the conditions they promised ten years ago?” the tone was as friendly as Dick could ask for, but there was cynicism behind every word. Though at this point, cynicism, sarcasm, bitterness and obstinance may as well be included in the Gotham accent.

Dick huffed a laugh, “that would be the day, no they’ve got questions about the Bat.”

Mrs Ferguson shot him a glare which said, ‘I thought you vouched for them.’

Dick rolled his eyes, and shot back his best, ‘behave’.

“We don’t do psych profiles on the Batman.” Though it was said in a heavy Gotham accent the words themselves were as polite as he could expect.

“He's liked even here?” Rossi asked.

Mrs Ferguson’s accent dripped even further into a Gothamite twang, “He was the first person to recognise these People. Oh they are incredibly dangerous people but they are people, sick people who deserve kindness beyond what this world gives them.” Mrs Ferguson voice dipped along with her head, “Except the Joker I don't understand why the man won't put a bullet through the monsters head and be done with it.” She raised her head and her voice, “Well I do, but Joker makes it incredibly hard to remember it sometimes.”

Ignoring the Fed’s she turned back to Dick, “who do you want to talk to first hon?”

“Both Isley and Crane broke out yesterday, we’ll talk to them.” Agent Hotchner answered.

Mrs Ferguson responded when Dick inclined his head. “I'll have Garry see you through to them, Officer Grayson don’t be a stranger now.”

“I’d never Mrs Ferguson,” Dick put a hand to his chest as if mortally offended.

Shortly later a Guard Dick recognised as Garry entered. He was a good choice of escort; he was Bat friendly so was unlikely to be over helpful to the FBI. But he wasn’t a Lander, the Gothamite word for those who had personal gripes with the mainland. No Garry would be good humoured and friendly.

Garry took them through the second layer of security. Airport security would weep with jealousy. It was a game Bruce played with himself. Make security to catch all the Bat gadgets, make better gadgets and repeat. Dick managed to smuggle his earpieces (alien organic tech, designed to reduce momentum in their skulls. Concussions where a thing B took seriously and had stopped as soon as he was able.) His contacts, (they probably assumed they corrected his vision, rather than the complected bits of tech they were.) lockpicks (composite plastic close to bone density), and switchblade (looked like a pen and was made of the same material as the lockpicks) past security. It must be Arkham’s turn for an upgrade.

Agent Prentiss was running her hands over the equipment wide eyed fascination on her face.

“Hey we might not be able to fix the building,” Dick said, “but the federal government have no say in security.”

Agent Prentiss nodded “So what's the deal with Ivy and Crane? You gave us a short run down yesterday; I assume there is more?”

Dick nodded as the last of their group, Agent Hotchner, passed through security.

“Doctor Isley or as she prefers Ivy activated her metagene in a lab accident. It gives her the ability to talk and control the green, or plants as they are normally called. By itself it wouldn't have been too bad, but the accident damaged her anterior insular cortex.”

“The part of the brain responsible for empathy.” Rossi filled in.

“Yeah long story short while she was recovering she empathized with plants the same way you or I would empathise with People.” Dick said, “Considering her condition is it any surprise she was horrified with what humanity was doing to the planet?”

“I suppose if those rainforest companies aren't destroying biodiversity they are also committing mass murder and I suddenly had the power to do something I'd become violent too,” Agent Prentiss said.

“Exactly, she's been better the last few years.” Dick said. “We are not sure if it is her brain recovering or if it’s because she met someone who she wants to be better for.” Dick laughed, “she still empathises with plants, so I wouldn’t step on any flowers in front of her. But she’s reasonable and has accepted the Green and humans must find a balance, and killing won’t get her way faster.”

They moved down the halls, the chipping paint and masonry occasionally patched by Ivy.

“Crane on the other hand has made no improvement. The Man's obsessed with fear, seeing it effects on people. Sadist through and through. He's here rather than Blackgate because he hallucinates and frequently does what the voices tell him to. But even without that he'd be a sadist.”

They turned a corner into Ivy’s hall and the greenery became constant. Dick internally smirked at the scrunched brows the agents flashed each other as they picked there way over trunks on the floor. If Ivy wanted to escape, she’d walk out one of the many holes. If Ivy wanted them dead all she had to do was stop holding the roof up.

“Crane has no want or desire to get better. He's perfectly happy the way he is. He will...well I imagine you've dealt with sadists before?” Dick said.

“Quite a few yes.” Agent Rossi said.

“Well I won't teach a Grayson to back flip then,” Dick said with a chuckle. And knocked on a solid wall of trunks.

The wall retracted, vines and leaves moving until an empty doorway stood in its place. An invitation if he had ever seen one.

“And this Ivy is an inmate here?” Rossi asked in a good approximation of the sarcastic Gothamite accent.

“As much as she can be, considering she’s holding up the building.” Garry said.

Ivy walked into view, she was wearing loose fitted jumper with green tights. Usually when Dick met Ivy she was dressed in skimpy plants, but she must have caved to the cold weather and Harley’s lounging dress sense.

“Garry,” she nodded “And well, well, lovely to see you again Officer.” Ivy said.

“You as well Ivy, I hope you and Harley had a good day?” Dick said.

“It was rather lovely,” Ivy said with a smitten smile, “and no I won't tell you where Harley is.”

“I didn't expect you to.” Dick said, “I respect her desire to stay the hell away from the Joker.” And he did, no one wanted her to get back together with the clown.

“She would never go back to him.” Ivy said.

“Glad to hear it. She was always the more competent of the pair.” Dick’s eyes widened, “Don't tell Joker I said so.”

“Your secrets safe with me.” Ivy winked, “Bitching about the Joker is always safe around Harley and I.”

“As much as I’d love to take you up on the offer,” Dick said, “I’m here with them.”

“Ahh yes the Outsiders sent to catch the Bat.” Ivy said no doubt hearing it through her plants. “What did he do to get them on his tail?”

“Pissed off Luthor,” Dick said.

Predictably Ivy’s face screwed up. Dick couldn’t blame her nobody liked Lex. “That filthy man has destroyed so much of the world. With his search for radioactive stones and more and better profits at the expense of everything and anything. And not just the Green has suffered but the Red too.”

For the first time Ivy turned to the Outsiders, Agent Prentiss in particular. “Ask your questions but I cannot promise to cooperate.”

The FBI was wise enough to reshuffle to let agent Prentiss take the lead as it was clear she’d get the best results.

“I suppose my first question is what your impression of Batman is.” Agent Prentiss asked.

“He is a man, of the Red.” Ivy answered

“Red?” Prentiss asked.

Dick answered, “Animal kingdom.”

“But despite those two disadvantages, he has compassion for those who would hurt him,” Ivy said. “There is pain to him, but he uses it to protect not to cause pain in turn.”

Though Prentiss asked further questions Ivy refused to answer. And they left shortly after. Dick appreciated Ivy was willing to protect Batman despite their rivalry.

They retreated from the green covered halls making their way deeper into Arkham where the building was more secure and the worse were held. They went through another layer of security this time Dick had to leave his pen blade and lockpicks behind.

Unlike Ivy who was allowed privileges and they had met face to face. Crane was held behind Plexi-glass and his hands were in cuffs.

Dick leant over and whispered, “Agent Hotchner should take the lead for this one.” From what little Dick had seen Hotchner was a lot like Bruce. They both hovered protectively, willing to take the hits for their teams. Admittedly the hits Hotchner had taken so far where political rather than the beatings B took for his children. But in this case, it was their shared unflappability which they needed.

Nothing got to Crane as much as Batman’s stoicism, the way Bruce would be shown his worse fear and he’d take a deep breath and move on.

Agent Hotchner considered Dick then nodded standing at the front.

 “And whose here to visit me today?” Crane said.

“Supervisory Special agent Aaron Hotchner with the FBI.”

“And tell me Supervisory Special Agent, do you know what your biggest fear is?” Crane asked, “have you faced it? Would you like to?

“Yes I have faced it.” The certainty in Agents Hotchner’s voice could not be dismissed. “But today isn't about me, it’s about Batman.”

“The Bat?” Crane said, “Ahh yes the Batman a man who uses darkness and fear as his allies and yet they call him a hero.”

“You think he enjoys his enemies fear?” Agent Hotchner said. Dick heard the unasked question, ‘is he a sadist?’

“Who wouldn't?” Scarecrow replied.

Rossi and Prentiss would have let their frustration show but Hotchner asked in an even tone, “Is he like you?”

“No, no he's nothing like me!” Crane said, “He might appreciate his enemies fearing him but fear is not his aim. He's Soft.” Crane scoffed, “Fear is nothing but a tool for him a means to an end rather than the beauty it is for me.”

They left the room in short order, Crane unwilling to be swayed from his poetic waxing about fear.

“well. he’s fun,” Rossi said.

“Did we even get anything from him?” Prentiss asked.

“Batman's not a sadist, he gets off on neither pain, nor fear.” Rossi said.

“That something I suppose.” Agent Prentiss grumbled, “it still felt like a waste of time. And why does Batman do it? If he’s not getting off on it, why would you face people like that?” She nodded at Crane’s door.

And oh boy did Dick never want the FBI theorising on what his Dad got off on ever again.

“Why do we do it? It’s not the pay.” Rossi said. “The more I learn about this guy the more I'm inclined to profile him as a Law enforcement officer and one of the good ones.”

“But why not join the police?” Agent Prentiss asked.

“Perhaps it has to do with the police force at the time.” Agent Hotchner added nodding at Dick, “Officer Grayson couldn't stay within a similarly corrupt police force.”

“But he did try.” Agent Prentiss said, “Perhaps we should search for police who left the force before Batman becomes active.”

“It's a good idea,” Rossi said, “unfortunately we need to make another stop before we head back.”

Dick sighed and shared a glance with Garry. The look was of shared frustration and dread about what was to come.

“You want to talk to the Joker don't you?” Dick said.

“Want to? Ehh” Agent Prentiss hedged, “need to? yes.”

“Why do you call him the Joker?” Agent Hotchner asked, “you referred to the others by name not moniker.”

Garry answered the question before Dick could get to it. “Nobody knows his name. He's refused to tell anyone, or if he does there are too many to choose from. And his fingerprints and DNA are too badly corrupted for a match even if he was in the system.”

“Corrupted?” Rossi asked.

“One of the many stories he's told of his past involves him falling into a vat of chemicals and judging from his appearance it could be true,” Dick said.

Garry continued, “That is the more commonly accepted origin story. But he's told a lot of sob stories to get sympathy.”

“He's a psychopath, right?” Rossi asked.

“Definitely. There are debates on what else to diagnose him with. But psychopath and Sadist we are certain of.” Dick said.

“What can we expect?” Agent Prentiss asked.

Dick scoffed, “The unexpected. The man is a genius. Though he pretends to be childish. He is fantastic at finding sore points and pushing, he knows people and uses the information to tear them down.”

Garry continued, “Nothing can prepare you for the first time. He'll find everything you try and hide, push you until you snap. and laugh as you beat him.”

Garry shuddered he was talking from experience, “And he has a fixation with the Bat. As far as I can tell it's one sided. The Bat hates him as much as any sane man does.”

Oh boy how Bruce hated the man. Dick added to Garry’s thoughts, “the Joker is obsessed with the Batman finding what makes him tick and pulling him down to the muck with him.”

Dick forced a weak smile to his face, avoiding memories of warehouses, explosives and little brothers. “Honestly I'm pretty sure it is stubbornness and the intense desire not to do what the Joker wants which is holding him back.”

And Superman physically stopping him, but Dick wasn’t going to mention Batman and Superman’s first meeting.

Instead he muttered, “It’s been the only thing which has held me back a few times.”

Admitting that to the FBI might not be the smartest move but they were profilers they knew him well enough, Joker being able to make him lose his cool should tell them what they were getting into.

“Hey, you didn't go far enough you needed another guard to pull you off. You're doing better than me.”

Dick shook himself and slapped Garry on the back encouragingly, “I don't have to deal with him every day.”

Dick covertly observed the outsiders, he was glad to notice tension and worry in their faces. They were wary, good. They wouldn’t be stupid.

The made their way into the deepest pit Arkham had to offer. The Joker, Hush, Hugo Strange all resided here. “I'll stay out of this one, he knows me too well to be an asset in there.” Dick said.

“And I don't care if you’re FBI you will obey Arkham's rules for Joker exposure. Five minutes max, then a debrief and a full review of everything he said. And under no circumstances is anyone to be alone with him, ever,” Garry said.

The team entered the room and Dick walked over to observe through the monitor.

The Joker was wheeled in strapped in a strait jacket and looked more like Hannibal Lector than was comfortable.

The image of the Joker was distorted slightly by the thickness of the bullet proof, explosion proof barrier.

The audio came through clear, “Hello Mr Joker, I am supervisory special agent Aaron Hotchner.”

The laughter was a chilling cackle which rose in volume. And made every instinct in Dick’s body ache for a weapon.

“A federal agent in Gotham, I thought I killed the last one?” he hadn’t but Joker was searching for a button to press.

Fortunately the agents where smarter than his first attempt, “The last recorded FBI case occurred long before you were active.”

Joker’s smile cracked wide. “Ahh was it? It must have been a good dream.” Joker jerked against his restraints “So what can little old me do for the FBI?”

“Your opinion on the Batman.” Agent Hotchner went straight to the point. So much like Bruce.

“The Batman,” Joker said pouting, “I've killed how many people?”

10,247 people Dick filled in mentally, it used to be 10,248 but Jason had come back.

“And it's the Batman who gets you to come? The goody too shoes who doesn't even beat little old meeee excessively.” Joker’s pout creeped into a smile, “Well there was this one time, I killed a little birdy and he lost it.” Joker chuckled and Dick squeezed his fingernails into his palms. “I thought he was finally going to do it, finally going to play with the rest of us in the muck. But no big blue stopped him, and he's never tried again.” Joker said with a pout.

God Dick hated the pout.

“Hey maybe I could kill two birds with one stone? If I killed say 10,000 more people in metropolis would the FBI come after me instead of Bats. And it would be pay back for big Blue stopping Batsy and I's moment.”

Dick made a mental note to warn Superman.

Joker cackled, “Perhaps the reporter he's so fond of what’s her name LL something low, lang, land,” Joker clicked his fingers, “Lois Lane that’s it.”

Though hadn’t Lang been the name of his high school girlfriend? Had Superman’s identity been compromised?

“Superman moved to Australia,” Rossi said.

Joker blinked apparently he hadn’t learnt that in the hole. The laugh he let out was loud and fake, “Now why did he do that?”

“I'll give you a clue it begins with LL and is currently the president of the United States of America.”

“Lois Lane became president well I'll be, I didn't know she was running.”

“Lex Luthor.” Agent Prentiss said.

The Joker burst into laughter again. “He does have a lot of LL's in his life, what was his prom date called Lana Lang? His pet Lancer Lot?”

Okay there was a good chance Superman’s identity had been compromised.

“So Superman had been run off by Lexy and the Feds are looking for Batsy. My, My is my dearest Batsy as wanted as me?” Joker said.

Then he laughed. And he didn’t stop until Garry pulled the Fed’s out at the five-minute mark. By mutual agreement they stayed silent until they had gotten back to Doctor Crane’s level.

the natural sounds of the asylum covering up the echo of laughter, resonating in Dick’s brain.

“Anyone else feel we gave him more than he gave us.” Agent Rossi said.

The humour fell flat but Dick appreciated the effort. “You will have.”

“I feel like we should warn Superman.” Rossi said.

“Superman's in Australia and he's about as powerful as they get.” Agent Hotchner said. “even so…” He turned his head over his shoulder.

“I'll tell the Batman next time I see him he'll pass it on.” Dick said.

Chapter Text

Derek Morgan had few perspective changing moments. He'd been raised as a black kid and abused by adults. There were no earth-shattering revelations the world was unfair, or monsters existed left to him.

But he'd always had faith in the legal system. Police brutality or not, the way forward was to improve the system, not destroy it. And he still believed it he supposed, but his mental estimate of where they were in the process took a large step back.

The cells in Blackgate were dark, wet and cramped. The facilities made for when Gotham was a far smaller city. Not updated or repaired in a long time. When he had asked about it ready to be righteously angry, it turned out it had been the Federal government who had blocked moving the inmates to a new facility.

The police did far more than those from the rest of the country to divert people from going to jail. The people of Gotham were doing all they could to subvert those Derek had sworn to serve, for the people Derek had sworn to protect.

His faith in the Federal government as shattered as his faith in God. In fact, Derek was uncertain why Gotham didn't secede from the union all together. Hopefully the others had better news.

Not about catching the Bat, the man who worked hard to get the people on top and not hurt the little guy who was desperate. Morgan couldn't care less about catching him. He wanted to know Officer Grayson had been wrong about the FBI's presence here. That Arkham was better than Blackgate. That the Federal Government wasn't sabotaging it too.

Morgan held onto his temper by fingertips when the team confirmed Dick wasn’t.

“I get your upset Morgan, we all are, but anger isn't helping right now.” Hotch said.

Morgan desperately wanted to explode at his boss, but Hotch was right. His co-workers were good people and not responsible for this mess. He had to calm down and approach this rationally. He took a deep breath.

“Hey man there's a gym down the hall if you want to blow off some steam?” Dick said.

Morgan thought about the offer but ended up shaking his head. He had control over his temper, he’d use the hotel Gym later.

“How do you stand it the injustice done to your city? Your people?” JJ had been horrified by the prison and furious she had been played by whoever was answering her phone calls. She’d handed the number to Garcia and made a call to try and track it, but the number had been disconnected shortly after her last call.

Officer Grayson, collapsed in a tired bitterness, a bitterness which seemed common to Gothamites creeping in, “I hope to hell there is an illuminate, or court of owls manipulating the situation to their benefit. That the people in power are misinformed rather than malicious.”

Dick gave a half-hearted smirk, “We have also discussed it as a city, ceding from the US, or ignoring the laws and doing what we want anyway. But separating from the Mainland has people dead, if there is any way to resolve our differences peacefully? We must give it our all.”

Dick gave up smiling with a sigh, “But these last few years it has been waiting for a push, more than there being any hope left.”

Derek was unsure of how to respond. Dick was right, Derek, JJ and Reid had gone alone to the prison and experienced how Gotham treated unwelcome Outsiders, it wasn’t pretty. There was hurt here, real and deep hurt between Gotham and the Mainland.

If the mainland apologised and attempted to make it right maybe the damage could heal, but there was no way Lex Luthor would smooth anything over. “You worry Luthor and/or his pursual of Batman, will be enough to tip it over into open violence,” Derek said.

“In all honesty your investigation might be enough, lord knows Lex isn’t going to make anything better. If the BAU or whoever Luthor sends next gets anywhere near close? Or if any Gothamite gets hurt in the chase. It will absolutely be enough.” Dick gave a small smile, “Why do you think I've been assigned to smooth over the interactions with locals and get you out of Gotham as soon as possible?”

“Do you think you could win a war with the mainland?” JJ asked.

Morgan was tempted to snort, an island all on its own against the US? not a chance.

“I think we could make it a costly victory. But no, if it came to a battle we'd lose. And yet it feels inevitable.” Officer Grayson said.

“For whatever its worth I'm sorry for what has been done to Gotham.” Derek said, “Because it's not just the FBI leaving and Arkham and Blackgate is it?”

“No it systematic, forcing us into more and more impossible places. Not only law enforcement officers but everyone from the lowest paid workers to Bruce himself. Churches stopped from meeting. Foster care and Child protective services hamstringed. Every single Gothamite has tried to improve our lives in some way to be stymied by the federal government.”

Officer Grayson, visibly shook off the melancholy thoughts “But it is not your problem.”

“Isn't it?” Morgan asked, “We came to arrest a guy who’s bringing hope to Gotham. Sure, he's not Superman but he is making a difference and a good one.”

Grayson hummed.

Nobodies heart would be in it but they needed the familiarity of it. So Derek Morgan flipped open his phone and called the light of their team.

“Hey Baby girl” Morgan said.

“Well if it isn't mister chocolate thunder himself,” Garcia greeted, “what can I be doing for you?”

“Would you believe me if I said the team had a rough day and needed your beautiful voice to cheer us up?”

“Well I am fantastic but... I’m sensing more?”

“There is no Federal building here.” Derek said.

“But...but the records and the cases?” Garcia said.

“Every single one of those cases were attributed to the Bat by the GCPD we are assuming they are correct.” Reid said.

“Well that makes your boy quite the detective.”

“Hang on is that why you were so sure there was a federal building working in Gotham?” Grayson said, “They are taking credit for the Bat's work.”

“Yeah man, I'm sorry.” Morgan said.

“No, no, I'm annoyed we didn't think of it.” Dick said, “Do you have any idea how much easier it would be to get the Batman's evidence admitted in court if the FBI was claiming it.”

“You didn't tell me we were on speaker.” Garcia said.

Morgan went to apologise aware Garcia wasn’t as comfortable with their banter around strangers as he was.

“And miss your lovely voice unrestricted by societal norms?” Grayson intervened smoothing over any awkwardness, “Please forgive your chocolate thunder he was doing me a favour.”

“Well, well, well lovely to meet you good looking.” Garcia said.

“Please for all you know I'm a complete troll of a man.”

Morgan supressed a snort, he might be as straight as they came but he wasn’t blind.

“With a voice like that? With a stunning attitude to match? I don't think so.” Garcia said.

Hotch cleared his throat, “As amusing as your accurate guessing of Officer Grayson's looks based on voice and attitude alone is, perhaps we should return to professionalism?”

Officer Grayson lent over to Morgan and whispered, “Did your boss call me hot?”

Morgan shot Dick a smile as Hotch continued ignoring them.

“I have enlisted the help of Agent Peter Burke from the FBI's white-collar division to investigate who is lying to whom about the Gotham Office can I give him your number for discrete technical support?”

“Of course boss, I'd be happy to find out who is responsible for this mess.” Garcia said.

“So, what do we do now?” Morgan asked, “I don't think any of us would be happy to continue to profile Batman.”

Officer Grayson pouted, “But I wanted to know how close you guys came.”

“It's not like we have to do anything with the information.” Reid said.

Officer Grayson in a rhythmic chant said, “profile, profile, profile.”

“Why are you so keen?” Prentiss asked.

Grayson shrugged, “Everyone made bets on what theory you would come up with. Now that I know you won’t do anything with the information, I want to know who won.”

“We could change our mind?” Rossi said.

“The Bat can take it.” Grayson said, “Come on profilers profile.”

“Did you misquote Dora the Explorer at us?” Reid said.

Grayson nodded his head, “yeah.”

Hotch shook his head, “We may as well take a stab.”

Dick cheered and took a seat.

“So we have an intelligent well-funded and trained individual between the ages of 30-50. Which is massively broad.” Reid said.

“We also know he's a controlled, sane, compassionate individual, if he has a temper it is firmly under control.” Rossi said.

“He's not sadistic either, any satisfaction he gains from doing this is from protecting people not causing people pain.” Hotch said.

“A guy like this first choice isn't vigilantism.” Emily said, “It’s not the kind of thing a sane compassionate man would try first or even third. He was pushed to this, like Hotch pointed out, he couldn't join the police. His morals were too inflexible for the corruption which was rampant at the time. So what are his options?”

“You think?” Morgan said catching on to where Prentiss was going with this.

Emily nodded.

“It’s possible.” Morgan said, “he has shown a respect for the Justice system. He tore down the corruption but has since been more than willing to work with law enforcement. I think your right he would go the legal route first.”

“Okay I'm lost.” Grayson said.

“You and me both Hot stuff.” Garcia said.

“Batman can't join the local police, it is too corrupt for him to do anything about, so what’s his remaining options? Legal first.”

Officer Grayson’s eyes widened, “The FBI, but they pulled out of Gotham before he could get here.”

“There is your trigger,” Morgan said, “the final straw which made him turn to vigilantism.”

“I don't know though, a full year?” Prentiss said, “it’s a long time for someone this proactive to do nothing.”

“But we don't know he started as the Bat.” Grayson said, “I mean people don't start out in a fur suit, he probably tried hockey pads and a ski mask to start.”

Morgan snorted.

“So an FBI trainee or young agent who dropped out 16 years ago.” Rossi said.

“120 names.” Garcia said.

“That many?” Derek said.

“Not surprising considering the intense training and standards upheld.” Reid said, “16000 applicants are required for 900 positions. Most are removed for health reasons or not passing a background or psych test. The Batman as we profiled him would pass those. Once you are training one in fifty are asked to politely leave and maybe two in fifty are subject to change in circumstances and a further three can't make the grade requirement.

120's a bit higher than average but not out of the realm of possibility.”

“So are any of them from Gotham?” Officer Grayson asked.

“Not a one,” Garcia said.

“huh” and Derek had been sure they were on to something too.

“Oh, not good.” Garcia said.

“What's not good.” JJ said.

“So, after I got no hits I widened to search to successful applicants from Gotham, still nothing, so I widened the search to a couple of years either side and there is still nothing. Not a single person who got to Quantico in the last thirty years has lived in Gotham within five years of applying.” Garcia said.

“And that would only happen if?” Rossi asked

“If we were weeding them out in the applicant process sir.” Garcia said, “and yes every single applicant from Gotham has been ruled out in the psych evaluation or sooner.”

“Well damn, I knew the fed’s had problems with Gotham but... cutting us out like that?” Grayson said. His brow furrowed “Hang on isn't Dinah Lance FBI now, she was raised in Gotham.”

“Hang on give me a sec,” Garcia said, “yes we do have a Special Agent Dinah Lance, but her profile says she's from Blüdhaven.”

“Perhaps it’s a strategy common to Gothamites who notice the pattern.” Dick said.

“Batman would notice.” Hotch said.

“Searching for Blüdhaven cadets,” Garcia said, “that year we had 2 from Blüdhaven pull out. 1 fail out and three pass but they are still in the FBI.”

“What were the reasons given?” Hotch asked.

“Sarah Morgan pulled out due to pregnancy, I feel like we can safely exclude her. Tracy Green, she pulled out to care for her sick mother, also excludable. And an Oliver Brown failed out due to bad scores on the gun range.” Garcia said.

“Tell us more about Oliver Brown, Batman doesn't use guns.” Rossi said.

“But not using guns isn't the same as being bad with them.” Prentiss said.

“It could be a psychological aversion to them as well.” Reid said, “An ingrained fear of using firearms could correspond to bad scores.”

“It's moot anyway if he decided to fail out rather than pull out.” Derek pointed out.

“Throw it on purpose?” Rossi said, “I suppose. I would have assumed more of an ego, when pulling out would have worked as well. How well did he preform on the rest of the course work?”

“Beyond excellently across the board, in fact there is a note here, the need to carry a firearm was offered to be waved like our own resident genius. He turned it down.” Garcia said. “So, an Oliver Brown, in Gotham?”

“Or Blüdhaven,” Morgan said. It was close enough commute, it would be a simple trick to stay off the radar.

“Oliver Brown, must be a common name.”

“Oh it is over 2500 in Gotham alone,” Garcia said, “but I have his approximate size, ethnicity and age. Which leaves me with 5 names, well one name, five people.”

“Are any independently wealthy?” Morgan asked.”

“No inherited wealth, but Oliver brown number 4 has made money by patenting several devices including a new small winch and rope launcher, similar to what Batman has left behind.”

“Well shit we found him, now what do we do.” Going after Batman could start a war. Also, Morgan had read the reports six agents against Batman? They had no chance, and the GCPD was as likely to stab them in the back as they were to help them.

“The way I see it, we don’t have the manpower to arrest him,” Rossi said.

“Given the current political climate we can’t do anything until we get backup.” Morgan said.

“And if someone leaked it to Batman his identity is blown?” Prentiss said.

“There is absolutely nothing you could have done.” Grayson caught on with a smile.

“What a crying shame,” Rossi said.

“Tragic,” Hotch added.

Derek glanced at Grayson who was completely calm and any remaining guilt clawing at his stomach evaporated along with any confidence he had in the team’s theory. He had the feeling, he wasn’t certain whether it was good or bad, they had fallen hook line and sinker into Batman’s trap.

Chapter Text

Speaking with Barry had brought a question to the fore front.

Who wanted Gotham dead? No Man’s Land was a hard bit of Gotham’s history for him to remember. Jason’s beginning as Robin tainted by his death, Dick distant and out of reach in Jump city, and his people starving on the street.

But he still remembered the absolute certainty he, and a lot of Gotham had as the first mine went off. The Mainland wanted them dead. It was when the information there were still civilians on the island leaked, when Gotham had begun to recover the Mainland had come back.

No someone wanted Gotham dead, destroyed, but they needed the US to be the good guys in the equation.

And after no man’s land, Gotham was squeezed till it had nowhere to go but break, Someone, somewhere wanted Gotham to start a war. That they were stubborn enough to survive it wasn’t in the plans.

 Dukes report solidified his hunch, the FBI legitimately thought they had an office in Gotham. The relationship between Gotham and the mainland was bad, yes but someone was making it worse.

But why and to what end? And what would they do next?

How would he do it? Get Gotham to start a war.

For him it was simple all he had to do was stop holding it together, and he was the only one. It wasn’t hubris or an over inflated opinion of his importance.

Batman encouraging the police, and Bruce encouraging the civilians. So, from an exterior perspective you had two people to stop.

As Bruce, his main reasoning had been Dick. In all honesty he hadn’t fought his son being pushed out of Blüdhaven PD, too happy to have him home. He hadn’t even investigated it beyond knowing Blüdhaven PD was corrupt and his son wasn’t.

Now he was kicking himself for the oversight. He no longer fought ferociously as he had done, and Gotham could tell. His changed attitude would be taken as approval by the majority which took Bruce out of the major obstacle bucket.

Which left Batman.

So how do you remove the Bat.

They already had though hadn’t they. They sent in the FBI, made him a public enemy of the Mainland, and pitted the GCPD, who were loyal to him, against the FBI.

There were no obstacles left, all it would take was a spark to ignite the status quo.

But what would the spark be?

It would have to further discredit the Bat or Gotham.

His stomach sunk as an idea occurred to him, it was too good, too perfect for anyone to overlook. He pulled out his phone and scheduled Bruce Wayne’s plane to leave as soon as he could get there and made a call.

The FBI decided to leave Gotham immediately, figuring it was better to ask forgiveness than permission when they left before the Bat was caught. For all Dick hadn’t wanted them here he was sad to see them go. They were a good team made up of great people, intelligent and good at what they did to boot. Getting to Bruce’s backstop identity was no small feat, through hypothesis, behaviour and reasoning alone? It was impressive work.

Dick hoped it didn’t make a headache for Martian Manhunter, who was currently inhabiting the identity as part of Luthor’s cronies.

He was in the middle of seeing them off standing on the tarmac outside the terminal building when his phone rang. He absently pulled his phone out of his pocket while saying, “I suppose this is goodbye.”

“it was nice meeting you man,” Agent Morgan said.

Dick slid his finger over the phone bringing it to his ear and nodded at Agent Morgan. He turned back to the terminal building,

“Grayson speaking.”

“Dick keep the FBI away from the plane.”

Dick knew his Dad, knew when the situation was urgent. He spun back.

“Get away from the plane.”

The Feds turned, Morgan who was the closest brow furrowed.

But Dick was scanning the sky, a Bomb which would be triggered upon engine start up would have given Bruce more time to give him information. Therefore missile. Spotting a rapidly approaching dark spot he yelled again, “Now! Run! Move, move, move.”

Thankfully he’d built up enough trust with the Outsiders they began to move. Dick turned back around running to the door, and shouting for people to get away from the windows.

Dick pulled and held open the door watching the approaching missile, and doing a head count. The two airport support staff had beaten him inside, Morgan, Rossi, JJ, Prentiss, Hotch. The missile was seconds away, to the point where other people without his bat-contacts had spotted it and started screaming. Dick knew he’d have to shut the door to protect the people inside. He lunged out the Door and dragged Reid through and slammed it shut. Only for the horrified faces of the Pilots to great him.

He’d forgotten about them. Dick had enough time to meet their eyes and for them to let up on their sprint, one closed his eyes in resigned acceptance, before blinding light, noise and shock wave overtook him.

Dick was encased in a floating black silence.

Dick breathed clenching his fist in their all-clear signal, the Bateracts cleared, the earpieces allowed him to feel acceleration and noise again, His under suit relaxed. Chaos and screaming hit his ears.

Right airport less Gothamites than standard. Screaming was a thing they did. He rolled to his feet cataloguing his body, his eyes and ears were clear, Batman’s protective equipment kicking in before damage could be done. The facade of the building, the bullet proof glass and the active protection system had done its job. Gotham was of the belief if Joker bombed you once shame on him, if he bombed you twice? It was on you. He had been the closest to the explosion, closest living anyway. The pilots wouldn’t have made it even if he had remembered they were there. Or at least he tried to convince himself, but he doubted the men’s faces would be anything but burned into his nightmares for a while.

He turned to check Reid, he had been the next closest and he hadn’t had the protection of the under-suit Bruce made him wear to work. Perhaps he should apologise for calling B paranoid?

Nah

Morgan was with him checking his response. Good, there didn’t appear to be any major damage.

Speaking of Bruce he searched for his phone. Dick was barely being able to hold his lunch when he found his phone’s remains shattered and spread out alongside one? Both? Of the pilots’ bodies.

Dick wrenched his eyes away, he was a cop he had a job to do he could fall apart later in front of Bruce, Alfred or the department shrink, not here.

“Is everyone alright?” Dick called. “Anybody injured.”

He got murmurs of confirmation of health, he scanned everyone he could aware shock could cover pain. But no one appeared injured.

Dick sent off the all clear signal on his communicator, the more complicated messages required his phone or gauntlet to interface with but a ‘I’m fine,’ was built in.

“Someone...someone blew up our jet.” JJ said, shaking a little. Prentiss placed an arm around her shoulder and drew her in, the Fed’s were taking care of their own.

“I'd suggest everyone here checks in with at least one person they know and tell them to spread the word you’re okay. Please keep it to texting and minimal, we don’t know how stressed the system is right now.” Dick said raised voice talking to everyone.

Dick walked over to Morgan and Reid, “Call Garcia. It was your plane she needs more than a text.”

Morgan reached into his jacket and pulled out his phone, frowned and tried again, “there’s no signal.”

Dick turned calling out again, “anyone got signal?”

Five hands raised.

“What network are you on?” Dick asked. But he had a horrible gut turning hunch he already knew the answer.

The man who stepped forward was wearing a business suit but had a leather upper class survival bag clutched in his hand. This man was a Gothamite through and through, composed in a way even the Feds weren’t.

“That failed Wayne one they never bothered discontinuing.” The man said.

The 'failed' Wayne one was an excuse for Batman to have comms all over the city and insurance if the Mainland abandoned them again they'd have communications. Which is why it was the answer Dick dreaded but expected. The Mainland had abandoned Gotham again.

Dick took a breath, there was no need to catastrophise yet, Dick knew Bruce, Gotham’s network would have redundancies and resilience built in from the ground up. It was possible the Others were down, overloaded or something. He firmly ignored the voice in the back of his mind saying all of them, all at once?

Turning back to the Citizen he asked, “You were here during No Man's Land?” Few other people switched from the convenance and consumer orientated service of the other providers.

“Yeah. Is it happening again?” The man asked, “I know Gotham talked about going independent but...I thought Mr Wayne would stop it.”

“Listen Mr?” Dick asked,

 “Jared Barraclough,” Mr Barraclough said.

“Mr Barraclough, I don't know any more than you do at this stage, do you mind if my friends borrow your phone. If you've sent out the all clear?

The all clear was a function of the Gothamite app 'gargoyle' it alerted all those who were friends when the all clear had been pressed. It would prompt action if your tracking data was close to an area of concern.

“Yeah it’s fine, I've sent out the all clear.” Mr Barraclough said.

As much as it sometimes sucked being part of a city constantly in crisis, it did make for tough as nails civilians. Hell Dick could figure out the Gotham natives at a glance.

They didn't have his family’s blasé attitude, but they were better off than the FBI. Dick took the phone and handed it to Morgan his brows pinched in doubt, but the call connected quickly.

Chapter Text

Derek watched as Officer Grayson turned and made himself busy, calming and checking on civilians with a smile and more competence than agents twice as senior. He was an impressive man, had the FBI not had problems with Gotham, (or Dick with them) they would have scooped him up in a second.

The call connected, “Listen whoever you are I don't care something jus—” Garcia was panicked.

Derek interrupted, “Baby girl, baby girl. It’s me.”

“Oh thank god. The explosion at Gotham airport? It looked like your plane and I know...I know they are common model but I couldn't get through and—”

“Hey, hey, hey...it's okay I'm with the entire team I need you to keep that in mind okay.” Derek said.

“Okay” Garcia hesitantly said. “What are you building up for?”

“Not until you take ten deep breaths baby girl.”

Morgan counted them out with her using the time to settle himself as well.

“now what were you avoiding telling me?”

“It was our plane.”

“What, how? you’re all alright, right?”

“We are fine.” Derek said, but couldn’t avoid looking at the smears of red peeking out from behind the piles of bags someone had assembled to block the sight. “I can't say the same about the pilots.”

Derek had seen Officer Grayson shut the door in the men’s faces, he’d seen the devastation on his face. They wouldn’t have made it but it would have been a tough call to make. Morgan made a note to check in with him later.

“Oh… oh, no, those poor men, their families.” Garcia said.

“Listen baby girl I'm not sure how long this connection is going to last, the cell towers are down. So I need you to spread the word okay, Jack first, my mother and sisters, Burke, Strauss and the rest of our Co-workers, okay can you do that?”

“Yeah, yeah I can do that, okay. Just keep yourself safe and come back alive.” Garcia said.

With the goodbye hanging in the air he hung up. Handing the phone back to the Gothamite with a clap on the back and a sincere thanks.

The airport fire services had arrived outside the windows and were putting out their plane. For the first time Morgan stopped and examined the wreckage. Well wreckage implied a carcass of what had been before, but there was nothing but a hole in the tarmac. Twisted metal in pieces thrown from the impact point.

How? How were they alright? Glass wasn’t an effective barrier against an explosion large enough to reduce a plane to unrecognisable chunks and yet. He walked up to the barrier and twisted so as much of the outside of the building as possible was in view.

To his surprise the cladding of the building was blown out. Their pilot's remains were a few yards from the building not thrown against it as he would have expected. The glass however was thick, Bullet proof. Or perhaps more accurately explosion proof.

Had something like this happened before? Because if he didn't know better he'd say they were expecting it. Speaking of expecting it. Officer Grayson had known about the glass, he knew shutting the door would make a difference. And he knew the missile was coming. He turned to officer Grayson who was on the opposite side of the room talking to the newly arriving police. The arriving police getting accurate and timely information on the situation was more important than his interrogation. He’d leave it for now.

Having finished up handing over the situation to the police who arrived he walked back over to the Feds who had congregated in a group. They'd have questions and he didn't have answers. How did Bruce know? Had he said who was on the other end of the call before the explosion? He couldn't remember.

The easiest thing to be caught in is a lie. Bruce's old lessons reared its head. If you are ever in doubt of what to stay stick to as close to the truth as possible and they'd figure out the rest later.

“Hey how are you guys doing?” Dick asked.

“Honestly, how would you be if someone blew up the plane you were meant to be on?” Prentiss said still pressed against JJ’s side.

“I'd be terrible.” Dick said, “Scared, angry and want to know what was going on.”

“How did you know man?” Morgan said.

“I got a call from Dad he told me to keep you away from the plane. As for how he knew.” Dick shrugged, there were half a dozen ways he could have found out. But the FBI didn’t need to know that. “I didn't get to ask before our call was forcibly disconnected.”

“You manage to let him know you’re okay?” Hotchner asked.

“I got through to a younger brother he'll spread the word I'm good. I don't want to block the few phone lines which are working.” Dick said. Duke would be on comms right now and have gotten his I’m fine signal.

“We need to know who blew us up and why.” Morgan said.

Dick nodded, he hadn’t thought they would be okay with anything less but… “Yes. But the missile was a hit on you. Right now, you're safe because no one knows you got out. When word spreads?”

“We'll be in danger.” Rossi filled in.

“Exactly, our first course of action is to get you safe.” Dick said.

“But—” Morgan said.

“No Officer Grayson is right,” Agent Hotchner said. “Getting safe is our first priority.”

“You know this city, where do we go?” Prentiss asked.

Fortunately it was an easy answer, “Wayne Enterprises.”

#

Tim greeted Dick, grabbing him and clinging for far longer than was usual for his younger Brother. Given the claps and cheers which went up, the rest of Wayne Enterprises was as happy for Dick to be safe too.

“Tim, timmy, tiny Tim, I’m fine.” Dick said.

Tim snuggled under his arm but let go of his death grip and turned to the FBI who were struggling with building security.

“Should we help them?” Tim said.

“ehh… probably,” Dick shrugged. And guided Tim over to the team.

“Hey, there is a reason I brought you here it has the toughest security this side of Arkham, they are not going to let you keep your guns.” Dick said.

“Even with your say so?” Agent Morgan asked.

“Not unless I go through a cognitive control test, and they take about a week.” Tim said. Cognitive control tests were a standard in Wayne enterprises, any large decision wasn’t valid till they had a passing test ID. With the rise in mind altering/controlling substances/devices/metahumans it was needed.

“Tim's right it's an annoying protocol but a necessary one.” Dick said, “it won’t be waved.”

Agent Hotchner glanced back at his team and removed his gun.

“And the backup.” The security guard growled. Dick tried to remember if this guard had any reason in particular to hate Outsiders. But he must be new because Dick didn’t know him.

Hotchner raised his eyebrow but conceded taking off his ankle holster.

“Sorry,” Prentiss said, “we got blown up this morning we are a little twitchy about giving up our guns.”

“If you get this twitchy about an explosion you aren’t going to go far in Gotham Outsider.” Okay, there was definite beef there.

“Thank you, Pete,” Tim said, “let’s not antagonise them.”

‘Pete’ grumbled making half an attempt to keep it under his breath, “why not? they antagonise us plenty.”

Dick elected to ignore the statement, he had no relationship with this employee, him rebuking his behaviour would be seen as supporting outsiders over one of their own.

Tim either missed it, or came to a similar conclusion as Dick, probably the latter. Dick gave a polite thanks to Pete, leading the team to the sole elevator which serviced the top floors of the building. Once the doors slid closed Tim spoke, “Apologies for Pete he has had bad experiences with the feds.”

“Honestly from what I've seen, I was expecting everyone to treat us similarly.” Rossi said.

“I can't deny it is a common enough attitude.” Tim said, “but its no reason not to be polite.”

Dick burst out laughing, “sorry, sorry” Dick said, “it’s you sounded so much like Alfred then.” Becoming serious Dick continued, “have you heard from Bruce at all. Last I heard I was learning about an incoming missile from him?”

Dick gave as much information to Tim as he had knowing there was a better chance he had enough information to populate his lie.

“He touched base briefly before getting in a helicopter, he should be here in 15 minutes or so. Our connection was spotty.” Tim said. “but he knows you’re okay.”

The elevator dinged at their floor and Tim lead the agents off. Leading them down the hall to the CEO’s office.

“The spotty connections are not restricted to around the impact site.” Reid said.

Tim shook his head. closing the doors carefully and checking the intercom was off. The move was obvious and he was certain the Feds picked up on it, but he knew his brother well enough to know they were meant to. Nothing convinces people you can’t be sneaky better than being caught being badly sneaky.

“All networks but ours are down.” Tim said quietly. There was no reason to the sound proofing on this room could muffle an explosion.

“Why's Wayne’s still up?” Prentiss said, “and why’s it a secret?”

“this goes no further than this room without confirmation, we don't want to spark a riot. The Wayne network was a hobby from one of the survivors of No Man's land. It doesn't have the best fidelity or coverage but it’s all run locally and designed to slip into other networks as noise. It's impossible to take down from outside or isolate the calls originating from Gotham.”

“You’re worried if the design gets out people will assume it’s another No Man's land situation.” Dick said.

“Well yes, but I'm more worried it is another No Man's land situation.” Tim said.

“I'm sorry No Man's Land?” JJ said.

“No Man's Land is the common moniker used to refer to when Gotham was quarantined from the remainder of the US after an earthquake damaged a biohazard containment facility.” Reid said.

Tim raised an eyebrow, whether it was about Reid’s recall, or the Mainlanders lie of Biohazard containment facility Dick didn’t know.

“Only the CDC lab which had been 'broken' has always been in New York not Gotham,” Tim said, “and instead of getting everyone out as promised some 50,000 people were trapped here.

“No food, no power, no medicine, no way out. The rivers were mined so you couldn't swim for it and all the bridges were blown.”

Reid eyes widened astounded “Oh.”

“We barely had enough land to keep 50,000 in food what are we going to do if everyone gets stuck here?” Dick said.

“We hope to hell it's our system being more resilient, than the competitors. The Internet and land lines are still working so we have hope it's a phone thing.”

The thumping of chopper blades grabbed Dick’s attention, he could tell even from this distance it was one of Bruce’s.

“Ahh that will be Bruce now.”

Still hyper alert and with his contacts in Dick spotted the familiar black spot and gasped. He half registered Tim turning to him as he scrambled for his phone which was smeared along the tarmac at Gotham international, a casualty of the exact type of missile headed towards Bruce’s chopper now.

Only Dick didn’t have his phone he couldn’t return the favour Bruce had done him earlier in the day. A black lump fell from the chopper but before he could identify it a flash of light modulated by his bateracts filled the sky.

The offices sound proofing and the distance took care of his ears. Though they still rang. But they rang with the breathless “Bruce?” Tim asked.

Bruce couldn’t be dead, it wasn’t possible. And he refused to believe it until Batman’s body was in front of him.

“Wait, wait, I see a shoot.” Morgan said.

Dick held his breath searching the sky. Tim dived for the binoculars he kept at his desk.

He spotted the shoot seconds later. Bruce would have been alone in the Helicopter, there was one person it could be.

“It’s him Dick, its him he’s fine,” Tim said choking slightly.

Dick slung an arm around his brother, both to lend support and take it, “Of course he is Timmers he didn’t take all those skydiving lessons for fun.”

Tim gave him a blank look, “isn’t it exactly why he took them?”

“Off course not, ‘you never know when you might need to skydive out of an exploding plane Dick,’” he quoted Bruce, he turned to the feds, “we had just watched Mission impossible.”

The thing about covers is being too paranoid was suspicious, Bruce publicly did all sorts of extreme sports it be weird if he didn’t joke about them to his kids.

Tim disentangled himself from Dick making his way over to his computer. Dick followed, both to stay in contact with family after two near death experiences in a day, cover whatever Tim needed to do on the computer, and placate his curiosity about what Tim was doing.

Tim pulled up the Batapp, though it appeared generic and wasn’t called that. He opened the message which was blinking from Oracle,

ORACLE

'Gotham Servers and networks are under attack,

code indicates it’s the NSA'

Well shit this was another No Man’s land scenario, Tim thought the same given his next typed message.

Red_Robin

No man’s Land Protocol

He hesitated finger hovering over send, Dick squeezed his shoulder and Tim pressed enter. There was no going back now. They’d committed to war.

“Sorry,” Tim said, “letting the others know Bruce is alright.”

“Nah man, take the time you need,” Morgan said.

“Although,” Hotchner said, “let us make a call to Quantico before any irreversible decisions are made.”

Too late, all of the Bats network were undergoing steps to make Gotham independent from the Mainland. Still it would be an interesting conversation to hear.

Dick nodded to Tim who handed over his phone, “Please do, I hope we are wrong,” Tim said.

It was a credit to the BAU they didn’t have to be asked to put the call on speaker.

“Agent Erin Strauss speaking.”

“Strauss, what is happening?” Hotchner asked.

“Oh Aaron Thank God, We thought you had died in the explosion.”

“No, me and the team are fine, the pilots are dead.” Hotchner said, “What was it? Because it looked a hell of a lot like a missile.”

“We know about as much as you, we tracked it and it appeared to come from Gotham. The only person with significant fire power there is the Batman. I'm so sorry for ever putting you in his path.” Strauss said.

Tim took a breath to object, but Dick stilled him with a shoulder squeeze.

“Nothing in the Bat's profile suggested this as a possible course of action,” Hotchner said.

“You don’t know Batm—”

“With all due respect Ma'am, knowing Batman is precisely what you sent us to do.” Hotchner said, “The man never risks collateral, he does not kill, he doesn't even use guns.”

“Well he's never been backed into a corner by the FBI has he?” Strauss said.

Hotchner caught his eyes briefly, “We were nowhere close to backing him into a corner Ma'am. He had us chasing ghosts, and he knew it.”

Ahh so the FBI had caught Dick wasn’t worried and what it meant. He’d be annoyed at himself except it was pulling their arses out of the fire right now.

Agent Hotchner closed his eyes, “Erin every single thing I’ve learnt about this man says he would never resort to this course of action.”

“Okay then it wasn't him, but the missile still came from Gotham, maybe someone there wanted you dead?” Strauss said.

“And the missile which blew up Wayne's helicopter? And what is up with the phones? none of them are working except local carriers.”

Dick was hoping they’d keep Wayne network out of this.

“Bruce Wayne is dead?” Strauss asked. Fortunately, she had overlooked it.

“No, he wasn't on board.”

“Well thank God for small blessings, Wayne is the main voice stopping Gotham from rebelling.”

Hotchner hummed, “Perhaps that’s it? Like Joseph Paul Franklin, the serial killer tried to ignite a race war by killing. Perhaps this person is killing people from both sides trying to start a war between Gotham and the US. From what I've seen both the Batman and Bruce Wayne are strongly against cutting ties with the mainland. Kill Wayne and frame Batman for the deaths of the FBI and you have a war on your hands.”

Huh, Dick hadn’t thought of it in those terms.

“It’s a possibility and I'll raise it but given the number of military people coming in and their attitudes, along with the Presidents, shall we say, demeanour I don't think there is much weight my word will have.” Strauss said.

“You must try, Erin. Gotham is a US city, filled with people. Non-combatants we have sworn to protect. Children and innocents.” Hotchner sighed, “this is heading to violence unless someone can stop it.”

“I’ll try Aaron, but—”

“It’s not only innocents, if there is war, my team will effectively be trapped behind enemy lines, with no back up.”

“And I will do everything I can Aaron, but until then make your way to the local FBI offices they should have some supplies.”

Hotchner’s eyes closed and his shoulders slumped, “Erin the inhabitants of those offices are the homeless.”

“What, no they are lying to you.” Strauss said.

“I saw them myself, I have photos. there have not been FBI agents in Gotham for the last 16 years.” Hotchner sighed, “Erin, Gotham is not wrong. They have reason to be betrayed. To be angry.”

“Aaron, are you sure?” Strauss asked.

“yes, the people here are trying for peace, but they are resigned to a fight.” Hotchner said. “Regardless of whatever Peace keeping and restoring order speech they are giving right now. If the USA brings any form of military force into Gotham it will be War. Gotham has no faith in the US treatment of those who surrender, which means it will be long and bloody and to the last man.” Hotch sighed, “Give my love to Jack.”

“I will,” Strauss said, “and I will do everything I can to stop the war drums.”

“Be smart and be safe someone wants a war.”

Agent Hotchner hung up the phone and passed it back to Tim.

“So they're not wrong, their assumptions are right?” Prentiss asked.

“Indeed,” Rossi said, “the wolves of war are gathering they sing a song of rotten bones.”*

Dick turned from the agents and to look out over Gotham, to borrow a phrase from his younger self this was so not aster.

Chapter Text

Batman had expected the attack on the FBI plane, but the attack on his own Helicopter was a surprise.

No one should have been expecting him. Bruce was due to stay in New York another three days. Even if you had seen the plane take off, it was diverted last minute from Gotham airport leaving him to take a chopper from their alternate.

His flight plan was filed minutes before he took off.

One of Brucie’s more extravagant hobbies was flying and he kept choppers at various airports. Batman chose the airports used if Gotham’s was closed for any reason. Because it was Brucie’s Chopper it was equipped with Parachutes. Because it was Batman’s missile detection systems the military would dream of.

He had seen the warning with enough time to set a course over a parking structure and clear the explosion safely.

It wasn’t fun by any means, but he walked away.

But why was Bruce Wayne hit?

Had they even known it was him? They must have, he wasn’t hiding, the chopper showed up on every ATC tower and it was registered to him, no other aircraft had been hit.

 Framing Batman for the murder of the FBI made sense. It was a shoddy frame job for Gothamites, but to Outsiders? Who knew the FBI was hunting the Bat and the FBI blew up. The majority of the population wouldn’t need a court of law to convict.

But the similar attack on Bruce Wayne was unexpected. Sure, you had to silence him, he had the power to bring people back to the table, even if he no longer thought he would get a successful resolution. But to blow him up in a similar manner to the FBI? The Helicopter explosion put doubt on the entire frame job of Batman.

Perhaps it was a separate entity?

Someone trying to kill him?

Clear the bat?

Either way he had to find out what was going on.

Bruce reached down and dusted his jacket and straightened his cuffs and walked out of the elevator, the worried Dad he normally had to hide coming to the forefront.

“Dick?”

The door to his/Tim’s office flew open and two pairs of wide blue eyes met his. His steps hurried until he threw caution to the wind and ran the last few paces. Grabbing and bundling his eldest into his arms.

For all he knew Dick had survived the explosion it hadn’t stopped those heart stuttering moments from shaking him thoroughly. Turning to Tim he reached out and drew him in too, burying his nose in their hair. They were safe.

“Dad?” Tim’s voice was weak and uncertain.

“Yes Tim.”

“You’re okay, right.”

“Shaken not stirred.”

Both of his boys groaned at the reference, it was a half-hearted objection to as they called it his ‘embarrassing Dad humour’ but they relaxed more.

He took a moment to kiss both of their heads.

He remained unwilling to move and face the FBI in the room.

The tall dark-haired man, he recognised as Agent Aaron Hotchner, cleared his throat. “Sorry to interrupt Mr Wayne, but we have questions. Given the current Political climate, rather desperate ones.”

His kids tried to move away, but the Father in him refused to give up physical contact. Reassurance they were all still there. He shuffled them over to the couch in his office. Content as both his kids wiggled to lean on him. Combing his fingers gently through Dick’s hair he answered.

“I'll tell you what I can.” Bruce said.

“Thank you, I know it’s been a rough day.” Agent Hotchner said.

Bruce snorted, considering how close Dick had been to Jason all over again? Perhaps he was closer to stirred than he let on. “You can say that twice.”

“Officer Grayson told us you warned him about the attack.”

Bruce nodded. He had the hunch someone would try to kill the FBI team and frame the Bat, but he hadn’t thought it would happen as soon as it did. It was luck he logged into the correct satellite and spotted the missile, in time to warn Dick.

“Yeah, I called him, in case he could keep you away from the plane.” Bruce huffed an attempted laugh, “I thought he'd have your number or something, I had no idea he was there. I didn't until Dick's phone dropped out and I saw the footage.”

“You didn't know the attack was imminent?” Hotchner said.

“I knew the threat was soon,” Bruce said, “not missile already in the air. I…”

Bruce let his distress show, “I was almost too late.” His voice cracked, “Fuck,” Bruce made a show of pulling himself together, “Sorry, sorry, you want to know how I knew.”

Agent Hotchner nodded.

Bruce tore his gaze from his children, “I've been in New York all week, rubbing shoulders with the UN assembly and others. I was tipped off by an acquaintance there was chatter? Is that the word? About a false flag attack, the one where you attack pretending to be someone else, on the FBI in Gotham.”

Bruce shrugs “the only place they could be certain to hit you is the airport.”

They likely had a target lock on the plane and waited for the FBI to be in range of the explosion before firing. Bruce would have waited until the plane was taxiing to be certain, but whether it was a scare tactic or bad tactics he didn’t know.

“Your acquaintance?” Hotchner asked the obvious question.

Bruce glanced around his office, flicking his eye’s as if searching for an escape. “Listen she wasn't supposed to tell me, and I don't want her to get in trouble. Not after she sa...she saved Dick's, and your life.”

“We'll keep it quiet, but we need to vet your source.” Agent Hotchner said, “they could be involved.”

Bruce would have done the same. Giving a piece of intel and claiming it would get you in trouble if anyone found out you told, was the oldest trick in a con man’s book.

“Julia? She would never.” Bruce said.

“Julia Pennyworth?” Dick asked filling in the story.

“Yeah, Julia Pennyworth, she works for the SRR, British army intelligence of some sort. She’s the estranged daughter of Alfred.”

More importantly she worked often enough with the Bat, she’d cover for him and backdate the chatter to prove his story. And she was competent enough to do it well. Other intelligence agencies would pick it up soon enough.

“Alfred?” Agent Hotchner asked, “Officer Grayson mentioned the name?”

“He raised me after my parents died, though insists on being called a butler.” Bruce said.

Dick giggled “As if an employee could get away with so much sass.”

Tim from where he was snuggled into his side said, “He is British I think it gives him a right to twenty percent more sass.” Bruce spied on Tim’s phone and was unsurprised to recognise the Batapp open and him typing away coordinating from here.

Bruce smiled up at Hotchner, “Alfred's family, regardless of how complicated or Sassy.”

Agent Hotchner allowed some amusement to show. “And how did you get out of the helicopter?”

“Sorry can I have your names, referring to you all as Agent is getting tiresome.” Bruce said.

Truthfully it was so he didn’t slip and say something he wasn’t meant to know. And to give him a second to compose his story.

The agents around the room introduced themselves, and Hotchner repeated his question.

“Parachute, I go sky diving regularly. So I had one on board I was lucky it was packed right and easily accessible. It’s been a while since I've had a chance to go sky diving with the chaos at the Manor.” Bruce deliberately misunderstood the question.

“I meant how did you see it coming?”

Tim looked up from his phone, “That chopper is equipped with the WHF sonic early warning system right?”

Bruce looked down, “Is that what it's called?”

Tim pushed Bruce playfully, “didn’t you insist on doing all the consumer grade test flights yourself?”

“Well yeah, I enjoy flying, but we were going to rebrand with something more consumer friendly before the launch.” Bruce turned back to the agents, “The HFW Sonic early warning system…”

Tim shoved him harder, “that was deliberately wrong.”

Bruce smirked without ignoring Tim. “It's designed to be a collision avoidance system. It is light and cheap enough to be used on consumer drones. On the real thing it uses AI avoidance paths but for testing it gave me an alert. Enough time for me to jump out anyway”

“You flied the test flights?” Agent Morgan said, “Was there a pilot on board?”

“No thank God,” Bruce said eye’s wide, “Just me I was flying over from the alternate I landed at due to the explosion.”

“This is normally where I'd thank you for your time and make our exits but...” Agent Hotchner said.

Dick pulled himself out of Bruce’s arms, “You don't have anywhere to go.”

“I'm sure we can figure it out.” Agent Morgan said.

Dick shook his head as did Bruce,

“I'd tell you to take your SUV and drive for the borders of Gotham as fast as possible but...” Bruce let the sentence trail.

“The roads are blocked, bumper to bumper, people are panicking and rushing to pick up kids and the like,” Tim said.

Dick tensed, “I have to get back to work.”

Bruce pulled him back down to the sofa, “No you got blown up this morning.”

“But it’s my Job and they are going to need help right now,” Dick said.

Bruce sighed and rubbed his face, it was times like this he hated the fact his eldest became a cop. “I know. But it’s going to be a long few days they'll need fresh people more tomorrow than they need exhausted people today. There are those crash pods down on the 10th floor, clean-up have food and rest for a few hours before going in at least.”

“But—” Dick said.

“he’s right man, you’ve, we’ve had several shocks we have to sleep it off otherwise we'll do more harm than good.” Morgan said.

“If its alright,” Doctor Reid said, rearranging his bag on his shoulder, “I think we would all like to help out however we can too.”

“I’ll call in and see, but if they desperately need me? Or us?” Dick said.

Bruce smiled at Dick offering his phone, “I’ll take it.”

#

The moment Dick escorted the Feds out of the Office Bruce and Tim leapt into action. Each going to their respective desks and typing in a password which opened the Bat operating system.

“Oracle report.” Batman growled

“B it's good to hear your voice.” Oracle replied

There were similar expressions of relief over the system and Bruce did a voice count relieved all his children responded.

“When are you joining us on the streets Old man? Things are getting crazy.” Redhood said.

“Three hours.” Batman said.

“Why so long,” Redhood said “is the Vampire waiting for the sun to set?”

“The plane, presumably with me inside was several hours out over the pacific when the call about the explosion came and it turned around.” Batman said.

“The Batman's still a few hours out.” Oracle said.

“Wait. Why did you send the bat plane away?” Redhood said.

Tim answered, “They wanted to frame the Bat for taking out the FBI, he was giving himself an alibi.”

“Right.” Hood said, “Wait how many places were you this week?”

Black Bat answered, her spoken language still wasn’t the smoothest but it still filled him with pride. “Bruce in New York, Batman Central and then flew to Melbourne, had to divert back to Gotham.”

“But you can't have known you were going to need an alibi for so long.” Redhood said.

“I didn't, but the plane is capable of more than most assume,” Batman said, “causing the jets to incompletely combust makes it appear I'm overclocking the engines and racing, rather than slowing down and being seen.

“So when they do notice you they assume you were further away than you were and your top speed is lower. Smart Old Man.”

Bruce’s heart squeezed having Jason talk to him in such a friendly way.

“Based on the way you all are talking I'm going to assume things are relatively under control.” Batman said.

“Relatively is the right word,” Signal said, “people aren't yet sure what to think. The particularly flighty are making a break for it but the rest are holding 'till official word. We are mainly stopping petty looting. But more and more people are starting to catch on to non-local phones not working.”

Robin tutted, “There is unusual traffic for this time of day. The schools have called parents to pick up their kids early. So far everyone is obeying the road rules.”

“Dad hasn't made the call to shut schools.” Oracle said.

“The longer we wait the more people will do what they think is right,” Batman said.

“and the harder it will be to convince them to listen to us later.” Tim added.

“So what do we do?” Alfred asked.

“No Man's Land Mk2 has been called.” Batman said, “Right now the mainland knows nothing, we keep them oblivious for as long as possible. It gives us time to be as prepped as possible. To that end Signal: be loud and bright, it’s a normal day and people are freaking out for no reason. Maintain Order.

“Can do.” Signal replied.

“Robin I need you to coordinate with the police to discretely move as many of the dangerous criminals to the facilities as quietly as possible. Arkham patients and staff get transferred as well. Except Ivy, she knows her job.”

“Of course Father.” Robin said.

“Redhood, talk to your contacts get word to the people on the street to hunker down, they can run if they want, but we cannot guarantee safe passage.”

“The people I run with are Gothamites through and through they aren’t leaving.” Redhood said.

“I am aware, but it will impress the situation on them. And they’ll spread the word to other Gothamites.”

“ahh alerting Gotham while keeping the Mainland in the dark, got it.” Redhood said.

“Black Bat, check the bridges and tunnels are secure. Initiate ‘draw bridge’ if you have to. But don't risk yourself or civilians.”

“Look after myself, don't worry.” Black Bat said, getting to the heart of his concerns.

“Spoiler, the same deal as Black Bat but the docks. Rope Bluebird in if she's available.”

“Yes sir.” Spoiler replied.

“And us?” Tim asked.

“Oracle, Red Robin and I will secure information channels, communication, the power grid and control.” Batman said. “Penny One you’re coordinating. Also contact Penny Two for an alibi for...

“I was listening in Sir, and I must say I consider you family too.” Alfred said.

“Aww...well isn't that lovely.” Redhood said.

“You too Master Hood.”

There was spluttering on the other end of the line. And Bruce’s lips curled into a soft smile.

“So how long do we have 'till the mainlanders make a move?” Oracle asked.

“Holding leaves time for panic and unrest to build, but too long and we'll have our feet under us.” Batman said, he'd have to guess but… “I'd assume three hours.”

“They'll shoot Batman first?” Oracle said.

“If they want to remain the good guys.” Batman confirmed.

“Why don't we let him die?” Tim said, “Well obviously not you, but the batplane isn't worth a war. And your still enough of a cyprid to make a comeback.”

Redhood snorted, “Have the USA kill the Bat, I thought we were meant to be stopping a war not starting one.”

“We'll let them take the first fatal shot, with any luck they'll be too gun shy but...” Bruce hesitated, “this is a powder pot. It has been for a while; this is the spark. And Lex is not known for thinking things through.”

“We can expect things to be quiet for the next two hours at least?” Tim said.

“No, the war is just in my playground not yours. They've been trying to insert worms into our utilities since the explosion.” Oracle said.

Spoiler laughed, “How successful are the being?”

“Very...If they were aiming for Washington DC not Gotham.” Oracle said.

“Is it going to kill?” Batman said.

“I'm doing to them what they're doing to us.” Oracle sighed, “This is war, were not getting away with no casualties.”

“I'm aware.” Batman said

“Doesn't mean he likes it.” Red robin said.

“None of us do,” Oracle said, “but DC has access to the entirety of the US aid and Wonder Woman. A hit there won’t be harmless but they'll be better off than we would have been.”

“Also fear,” Black Bat said, “US congress sit and make war from afar. Prove this will hurt them too. They hit our families, we hit theirs.”

His kids were right, he let out a breath and made the order, “Hit the Pentagon, Quantico, Area 51, NSA and Langley, as well.”

“They'll have backups.” Oracle said.

Batman nodded even though no one save Tim could see him. The places he’d listed would have independent generators and be fine, but chances were their homes were all powered by the same plants. “Yes, but their homes, their families won't.” Batman said.

“Right so we are making the people in charge regret their choices, got it boss.” Oracle said.

“When are we alerting the general populous to get out or get ready to fight?” Redhood asked.

“I read in the Police, local government and emergency staff, half an hour ago.” Red Robin said, “I indicated I'd get them as long as possible but no more than an hour.”

“Send out the alert in ten,” Batman said, “we can't keep a lid on this for another half hour.”

“What message do you want?” Tim asked, turning to him. 

“Independence.” Batman said.

“Is there no hope left for a peaceful resolution?” Robin said.

“The worms they are sending would kill, the first shot is fired and they aren't pulling punches.” Oracle said.

“And how long could we maintain peace if we did stop it?” Signal asked, “Gotham's relationship with the mainland is not sustainable.”

For two hours the situation stayed steady, the war to secure Gotham happening in cyberspace rather than the streets.

For all Bruce knew Gotham bred tough citizens and the mainland had courted them for enemies he was still surprised at the low volume of those who chose to flee. He had expected heavy traffic out of the city but more were arriving than leaving. Which was both heartening to know people love the city as he did, but also a logistical nightmare. It was his job to keep these people fed, with power, and calm.

When the plane was half an hour out, he took over manual controls wanting to play things out himself rather than allowing the autopilot control.

Tim had insisted on better graphics, haptic feedback and immersive experience. Like Bruce didn't know he was using it to play games. Considering how much of a workaholic his son was he'd encouraged it. But he had personally thought the old interface was fine.

Now sitting in his office chair with a headset and controls which hid in his over engineered desk Bruce could admit his son might have been onto something, it was as close to sitting in the Plane as was possible on the ground.

For the third time that day his technology alerted him to incoming missiles. This time however he could do something about it. He wasn't stuck behind a phone and a screen screaming for his son to get out of the way. He wasn't stuck behind Brucie having to pretend to be a civilian, he was Batman in a plane which was top of the line tech before he tinkered with it and added alien components.

Regardless he waited till the last second as to not give away more than necessary. guiding the yoke, he rolled letting the missile pass beneath his wing. Pulling the trigger, he fired on the projectile and ducked the resulting fireball.

“I've been fired upon with lethal force. No man's land mk2 is a go.” Batman said.

There were several booms in the distance, bridges blown on Black Bat's signal. Cass living up to her ability to predict him with her rapid response.

The picture flickered as Tim switched Gotham to its independent grid moments later.

Turning his attention back to his task he searched the plane's radar for who had sent the missile. The stealth on the drone was good, but not that good.

It was following at a distance, probably waiting for orders now it was confirmed he'd survived the attack. Or perhaps to verify what was going on in Gotham.

An incoming alert sounded again, how did they come from in front? Regardless he fired shooting the missiles out of the sky long before they became a danger. When he had cleared the smoke, his sensors alerted him to a convoy on the ground. Ah ground to air missiles, from the approaching army the drone was meant to block him in.

Peeling left he circled the ground forces. He hesitated on the trigger. There were real people down there. Good people, people with families within range of the explosions if he hit their anti-aircraft weapons. Chickening out he launched an EMP hopefully large enough to fry their targeting computers.

As if to make up for his indecisive actions, he blew a hole in the highway, no need to make their approach to his city easy, the drone which had been tracking him was now directly in front of him. It was still questionable whether a normal aircraft could get a lock, but better their enemies beware of his capabilities. He took the shot guilt free as the unmanned drone plummeted to the ground over farmland.

He twisted the aircraft back round towards Gotham city, throttling back the engines and engaging active stealth measures, and twisted to line up with the path to the cave and engaged the auto pilot again.

Taking a second he shook off the immersive experience and reassessed the situation.

They had secured the island and preparations were underway for either active conflict or a siege, it was the mainland’s turn now. It was time to take his own advice and sleep while he could.

Lex Luthor was shocked.

His simple plan for getting the rodent under control had blown up several bridges of a city. For all Gotham was a pain it was a major financial power. 10% of his country’s GDP. However, the situation was still salvageable after all he had tied those fools in the league and their copy cats to him for a reason.

Hal Jordan had recently returned from space when he was ordered to gather forces to take down Spooky and quell Gotham’s eccentricities. Hal snorted quell Gotham? it would take a nuke. He thought about saying so, but this was Lex he’d be inclined to take it literally. So, he did what he was told. He gathered the hero’s and the villain or two who had appealed sufficiently to Lex’s ego to make the cut and sent them to Georgia while he took a nap. After all he’d been up for some thirty-six hours everyone knew your judgment and listening skills plummeted with sleep deprivation. Gotham, Georgia what was the difference? They both started with G and the devil was a regular visitor of both. Although he was probably in Gotham too regularly to be considered a visitor. Jordan smirked and fell into long overdue sleep.

Clark was conducting an interview in Papa new guinea when he heard the explosions from Gotham. As tempted as he was to race over and check if his friend was alright and whether he needed any help he forced himself still. He was staying out of the USA right now and Batman would not appreciate the interference.  Still, he snuck back to civilization in the night to watch horror filled at the events unfolding on the News.

Diana did not answer to Lex Luthor and nor did she answer to Man’s world. which wasn’t to say there weren’t men she held in high esteem and would respect the wishes of. The top of the list was the Batman and until he asked for assistance, she would follow her heart. Batman had the situation under control, so she shrugged and moved on.

Barry woke up for his shift, running late he didn’t even notice anything was different until he was at the office and his co-workers were huddled around a monitor, when he asked what was going on he got a series of blank faces and rolled eyes. After some good-natured teasing from his colleagues he was caught up on events. Batman was rarely wrong, but Barry wished he was this time.

Chapter Text

The tenth and eleventh floor of Wayne Enterprises had been remodelled shortly after Tim had started interning for the company.

Bruce insisted it wasn’t connected.

But Dick new better. Tim worked himself to the bone, having a place B could send him to get actual rest rather than a quick nap, helped his brother to remember to take care of himself. And B was the type of person to remodel an entire floor for someone he cared for. Even if getting him to admit his care verbally was like pulling teeth.

It had taken time but Dick had realized B didn’t not care, if anything he cared incredibly deeply and was loyal to the end. But he had problems expressing it, his love language was acts of service and in his mind, they didn’t count if he took credit. And Bruce was nothing if not sneaky. As a result there were people around whose lives were exponentially easier due to his interference, claiming he was a heartless bastard.

But for all it was for Tim the rest of the family and the entirety of Wayne enterprises benefited. Pod hotels where a feature of Japan Brucie had brought back after a trip there. Three levels of pods containing a bed, Power sockets and TV’s, lined the walls. There was a gym, showers, laundry and day-care centre. Combined with the cafeteria on the ground floor employees of Wayne enterprises never had to leave.

For most companies it would imply a nightmare amount of overtime was ‘requested’ but Wayne Enterprises had strict rules on paying for overtime and not requesting more than a certain amount.

Rather it was a place to crash if you couldn’t get home for one reason or another. Dick knew there were several employees who stayed at the pods all week and braved the traffic to the more affordable places on the weekends.

It had also been essential during city wide attacks, allowing their employees to be safe in one of the most protected buildings in Gotham for the duration of the emergency. Regardless Dick was grateful when he climbed into his reserved pod. For all he had wanted to return to the station he was glad both Bruce and his captain had demanded he rest.

He hadn’t gotten hurt but a shower and a chance to sleep off the shock and adrenaline crash was appreciated.

#

Waking was abrupt. For all this pod had been made for him it still wasn’t his apartment or better yet his room at the manor. As a result the half asleep instinct to get his awareness about him as quickly as possible. There was a shuffling outside the door by his feet and he reached for the button which would activate the security camera’s outside his door.

A person he vaguely recognised from accounting shuffled past in Wayne issued Pyjamas ruffling his wet hair with a towel chatting quietly from a woman he recognized as an engineer from manufacturing. Checking the time, it was nearing 2200 about time for people to head to bed if they were staying the night. Which given the circumstances he went to bed too could be most of their employees.

Enjoying a stretch, he clambered out of his bed grabbing some clothes to change into, and got out of the pod, he found his way into the common area. Seeing the feds weren't up yet he left to find what was going on.

Checking Gargoyle he wasn't surprised to find there was several alerts he had missed. The highest ranked was made a few hours prior. A large banner proclaimed, 'independence for Gotham’.

There was also a text from his Sargent telling him he was on protection detail for the Feds. Given the entirety of Gotham now considered themselves at war with the mainland, protection for the outsiders was vital. Particularly considering they were the proof Gotham hadn't blown up federal agents.

Scanning his hand and typing his code into the door he got into B's office. For all the doors had a veneer of walnut Dick knew they had a core which would make tanks jealous. Had he not had the code there was no way he'd be getting in.

Inside he found Bruce napping on the couch and Tim tapping away at the keyboard. Dick greeted Tim. He didn’t bother modulating his volume for the sleeping Bat. Bruce had successfully slept through his children on a rampage multiple times. Yet he always woke when a stranger sneezed in his direction.

“Hey Dick,” Tim greeted and rolled his chair over, Dick pulled Bruce’s chair round so he could look over Tim’s shoulder.

“Independence had been called.”

“Yeah, we released the video of the Vote and declaration to the public a couple of hours ago. Gotham also applied to be recognised under the UN.” Tim said.

The Vote had been a referendum for the inhabitants of Gotham if they would like to go independent in the last General election, 89% were for it. Local government had held the vote from being publicised to the Mainland at Bruce’s urging stating they had to time it right.

But Gotham had the paperwork ready waiting.  

“What’s been the mainland’s reaction?” Dick asked.

“Surprised confusion mostly,” Tim said “the ‘National Guard’ stopped it’s advance though.”

“The national Guard what did they send?” Dick said. He had little hope it was anything less than an army marching.

“Ground to air missiles and a UCAV MQ-9 Raptor, at least. Tanks, soldiers. ”

“How are any of those meant to quell a riot?” Dick said. The question was rhetorical, they weren’t. It was a show of force to scare Gotham into standing down. Letting the Bat be captured. The fact Washington expected it to work spoke of how little they knew about Gotham.

“Surely the Raptor was hidden?” Dick asked.

“It was till it fired on the Batplane and B took it down.” Tim said with a smile.

If there was one common thread between all the Bats it was a love of tech and gadgets.

“It was then Gotham declared independence and we blew the bridges.” Tim said. “No Man’s Land Mk 2 is underway as of 1536.”

“And how are things on the street?” Dick asked.

“Surprisingly calm,” Tim said, “Gothamites are holding and appear unconcerned, with events, even crime is holding its breath. Me and Oracle are defending cyberspace, Spolier and Bluebird are keeping an eye on our shipping lanes but the rest are on rest.”

“What’s Lex up to?” Dick asked. Luthor was a wild card and he had the US behind him at least for now.

“Lex's pet heroes aren't following his commands. 'They're striking for better working conditions.’” Tim said.

Dick huffed, “How did that happen?”

“Lantern.” Tim said, “I might forgive the things he’s said about Dad if he keeps this up.”

Dick raised an eyebrow.

“Lantern sent the team of supers down to Georgia, instead of Gotham. When Lex called him on it Lantern went into a rant about how their working conditions were unfair. He was up for thirty-six hours for corps and Luther business. They are demanding a maximum shift length and pay.”

“We should send Lantern a gift basket.” Dick said smile plastered on his face, “Lex has to be loving this.”

“Already delivered.” Tim said, “Honestly watching Lex fall apart is fun, we owe Lantern big. Lex's power is crumbling before his eyes. His Heroes won't do anything, the UN is claiming the Justice League allowing them to work on planet sized events without Lex's go ahead. The public is crucifying him for not signing on to allow the JL to operate for local emergencies. And now his country is tearing itself apart.” Tim’s smile fell, “Yeah he's loving it but—”

“But he's going to crack and do something extreme.” Dick finished.

“Yes, and as far as I can tell he's aiming it at the Bat.”

Dick turned to his sleeping father, “So when is the Bat hitting the street?”

“He's not. He'll come out if something big happens and keep the peace on his regular patrol. But otherwise, Bruce is needed more than Batman right now.”

“Plus having batman around might convince the Outsiders it was all his idea. Bruce can put on a charming and human face on the reasons we defected.” Dick said.

“Exactly. The rest of us are myths or close enough to it on the mainland we can operate freely.”

“He can take Sypher out if he gets antsy.” Dick said. Sypher was a Bat ID they all could inhabit without much difficulty,

“Aren't you going out?” Tim said. Dick was using Sypher currently as Nightwing was benched with the Martian undercover.

Dick shook his head, “I've been assigned to keep the Feds safe, and out of the way. When or if I'll be able to get out is in question.”

Tim grunted, a smaller version of Batman’s, it’s a good idea grunt. “If he gets…Make it when he gets board of the Cyber war side of things.”

A popup appeared in the corner of the screen, the box showed footage of JJ and Reid, entering the common area of the pods, a short sting of text hovering around their faces identified them as Agent Jareau and Doctor Reid on restricted and monitored access.

“Two of your feds have gotten to the common area. There are a few Landers there.”

Dick nodded, Lander’s was Gothamite slang for those heavily impacted by events and caring a grudge.

“Violent?” Dick asked.

“Nah, just rude.” Tim said. “Why don’t you want to run interference? They seem like good people.”

“They are,” Dick said, “I think. But I go there and everyone’s on their best behaviour. No one is going to speak their mind.”

“You want them to see what Gothamites think of Outsider’s when they aren’t on their best behaviour?”

“Exactly, and I want to see what they think of Gotham, B and me when I’m not around.” Dick said.

Tim leaned over and picked up his phone.

Dick peered over his shoulder, his phone was in civilian mode, scrolling for a contact.

“Sam,” Tim said pointing at a woman who had been peaceful until the Outsiders had arrived.

Tim Drake-Wayne

Sam you’re in pod common right? Security alerted me the Outsiders are around.

Samantha (PR manager)

Yeah? They just walked in.

Tim Drake-Wayne

Can you set them up with Guest Wi-fi and show them to the press briefing room. It will be empty right now right?

Samantha (PR manager)

You want me to make nice to Outsiders?

Tim Drake-Wayne

Please.

Samantha (PR Manager)

Will do boss.

“So spying on Coworker’s is Batman like.”

“they’re Outsiders and tracking the Bat.” Dick said, “they got to Bruce’s backstop ID with little more than sentences of information. I don’t want them unobserved.” Dick said, “Not here, not now.”

“they have good tech support,” Tim said, “Penelope Garcia, I looked into her, went by the Black Queen before she got caught and turned to the FBI.”

“How good?” Where they compromised after all they had placed spyware on the agents tech.

“My level.”

So not Barbra’s level, “are we compromised?”

“Barbra caught onto the traps in their system before our spyware could trigger it. But we aren’t getting into anything Miss Garcia has her hands on.”

“We still have tracking and sound right?”

Tim nodded, “Benefits of department issued tech. Their phones and laptops all had vulnerabilities, but their files? We have to leave them alone.”

“So, we don’t have any prior behaviour to clue us in on what they will do?”

“Behaviour?” Tim snorted, “it’s like we are the profilers.”

“Aren’t we?” Dick asked.

“I suppose we do dabble.”

Dick spent the next ten minutes while Samantha set up the FBI chatting with his brother. He received a text inviting him but pretended to still be asleep and ignored it.

“you want to use Bruce’s—” Tim waving a hand at Bruce’s desk.

“In your way huh?”

“I do have a cyber war to wage.”

Dick pouted but scooted over to Bruce’s desk and brought up all their surveillance. He was all set up when the video call connected and Sam left the room.

“Odd to be waking up at this time of night,” Prentiss said.

“that it is, but those pods?” JJ said, “We need them back at Quantico.”

“Is Grayson coming?” Prentiss asked.

“I don’t think so he hasn’t responded to my text.” Morgan said.

“Sleeping it off, I suppose,” Rossi said. “He wasn’t concussed.”

“Nah, he was fine,” Morgan said. “Just shock. So how is everything there Baby Girl?”

“Right so I contacted everyone I could think of, they are all worried but know your alright and communication should go through me.”

“Jack?” Hotchner asked.

“With his aunt and coping decently.” Garcia said.

Dick did a quick search for Jack on Agent Hotchner’s file. Ahh his Son with deceased ex-wife, Haley. Killed by a serial killer, nasty.

“And how are you doing Baby girl?” Morgan asked

“Besides you all being on the other side of what is looking more and more like a Civil war? I'm fine.”

“Stressed as hell got it,” Morgan said, “but we can look after ourselves and we are safe.”

“Are we?” Prentiss asked. “Officer Grayson is a good man, but…No one missed Samantha’s hostility. And she is under orders to play nice.”

“Gotham is hostile,” Rossi said, “But officer Grayson and his family aren’t, they aren’t going to upset the boss.”

“We are safe here.” Hotchner said.

“But likely monitored.” Reid said, “Samantha got several texts before she came over.”

“So they don’t trust us,” Morgan said, “would you? We are sworn to defend a place they hate. We could sabotage everything because we thought we were right.”

“What can we do?” JJ said,

“Sit tight.” Rossi said. “we are proof Gotham didn’t blow us up. Staying safe is the best thing we can do to stop this.”

“can this be stopped?” Morgan asked.

“No,” Garcia said. “Gotham had a referendum last voting cycle, they voted overwhelmingly for independence. The vote and declaration were publicised minutes after we fired on Batman. The UN is reassembling to vote on whether to accept Gotham’s claim.”

“We fired on Batman?” Reid asked.

“yeah,” Garcia said, “he took out the drone, the highway and ground to air armaments, no casualties.”

“Surely they haven’t publicised the drone—” Rossi said.

“They haven’t,”

“Baby Girl have your fingers been taking you places you shouldn’t.” Morgan said.

“I can neither confirm nor deny anything,” Garcia teased.

“What’s Gotham’s play?” Rossi asked, “they’ve known this was coming, but against the US?”

“So far their moves are about getting the public on side.” JJ said. “Publicising the vote, the declaration,”

“Yeah but it’s Gotham,” Prentiss said, “is anything they say going to be believed?”

“It’s more than likely they are trying to get international sympathy not local.” Rossi said.

They weren’t wrong there if they could sway the international community their chances increased dramatically.

“The bridges weren’t blown by us.” Garcia said, “it was probably Gotham.”

“Hold up,” Morgan said, “the bridges blew?”

“Yeah, shortly after the military fired on Batman.”

“So siege?” Rossi said, “doesn’t seem smart unless I’m missing something.”

“Why not? historically sieges favoured the defending party, and the smaller force.” Prentis said.

“Food,” Reid said, “Gotham has around 15000 acres and most of it is developed. And even if it wasn't it take approximately 5 acres to feed a single person. There are some scale efficiencies to be made but there are 1.7 million people living in Gotham so they need 8.5 million acres of land. Gotham is too small to maintain its population even for short periods of time.”

“What about the islands like Arkham, Blackgate if they can control them?” Prentiss asked.

“It wouldn't make a difference,” Reid said.

“Is there a technical solution?” Morgan asked.

“There are various methods to reduce required input for edible yield, making use of vertical space for instance, but they are still ways off being viable at large scale.”

And that was where Reid was wrong, between Wayne enterprises and Ivy they had drastically reduced the resources needed to feed Gotham as well as created the technology required. In the end they hadn't even had to cut into the city’s parks for arable lands and they still had redundant space in case of a failed crop. And with Ivy at the helm, they wouldn't need to wait for the first harvest. Within a few days the construction would be finished, and the first crops would be harvested.

“So unless we are missing something they don’t want a siege.” JJ said.

Dick made a note to keep the FBI away from the Cafeteria.

Wayne Enterprise’s Cafeteria was a proof of concept for the farming methods they would be implementing. The six-floor atrium turned into green. There they grew enough food to feed all of Wayne Enterprise’s staff and family. Down to the mushroom bacon, Dick was so fond of.

“So what does Gotham have in excess?”

“Money, educated people, and manufacturing.” Reid said, “Wayne Enterprises was reluctant to move production of Medicine and tech overseas, siting quality and control. They make close to everything on the island. They have other Manufacturing hubs around the world but Gotham’s home to R&D and the most critical bits of kit.”

Prentiss glanced up, “will the US become short of Meds if Gotham stops shipping?”

Everyone turned to Reid, Reid looked at Garcia, “What I don’t have every fact under the sun memorised.”

“So google does still have a use.” Prentiss said.

“Wayne medical, focuses on bulk production of life saving medication for affordable prices and development of new innovations and medications.” Garcia said.

“Are you reading off their website.” Reid asked.

“I was doing my best Reid impersonation.” Garcia said with a smile, “But to answer Emily’s question, yes, insulin, heart meds, antibiotics and the like. Other companies make them but not in bulk like Wayne enterprises and not as close to affordable.”

“So is that their plan,” Morgan said.

Prentiss nodded, “it would be my bet. We have only discussed Wayne enterprises, but how many of our essential goods have a stop in Gotham. Gotham is responsible for 10% of the nation’s GDP. The equivalent to the state of New York on their own. And they rely on manufacturing more than banking. They aren't going to be under siege they are going to be holding it.” Prentiss shook her head, “Holding? Attacking? Whatever it’s called. How long can the US hold out without Wayne medical, their company secrets, their medicine. Or if it becomes a fight how many of Gotham’s chips or software are in critical bits of equipment? It’s been seven years since they knew this was coming, does Wayne or any other Gotham company have backdoors into their systems.”

They were a damn impressive team for sure. They had guessed most of Gotham’s strategy in minutes.

“Wayne and the others are also multinational, no country wants to be cut off.” Morgan said. “Are there any other companies the US has to worry about?”

“Several, how many are Gothamite enough to stick it through is another question.” Reid said.

“There are several excellent Cyber security firms.” Garcia said. “For all things are quiet on the battle front, the cyber front is a mess, but Gotham is –”

The call dropped out.

“What happened?” Reid asked as Morgan spun the laptop to him.

“the call dropped, I’m going to try and reconnect.”

But Dick already knew they wouldn’t be able to. It wasn’t a problem on their end, Quantico had lost power. He had received a notification from Oracle a minute ago. He’d dismissed as not relevant to him.

Oracle

Mainland launched Cyber-attack on Utilities, attempting to redirect.

Tim and Collen had replied backing her up.

Quantico would have backup generators, but the interrupted power would mean Garcia had to restart her system, it would take a second. True to his predictions the first attempt to reconnect fell through, but the second connected.

“Sorry, sorry,” Garcia said and she explained the situation.

“Is it just a power cut or?” Prentis asked.

“I don’t know yet, information is coming in.” Garcia said, “Oh, oh that’s not good, several power stations across the US are reporting loss of equipment. To the point they’ve had to introduce rolling blackouts to maintain functionality.”

“Cyber-attack you were just saying Gotham was good?”

“It looks like it,” Garcia said, “I’m going to go digging and see what I can find. But its going to take a second and require my full attention.”

“Hit us back once you’ve worked your magic mama.” Morgan said.

“You know it.” Garcia said stabbing her pen at the keyboard and hanging up.

“So, what do we do now?” JJ asked.

“Officer Grayson still not up?” Rossi said.

“Still hasn’t replied,” Morgan said pulling out his phone.

“I wonder if we’ll be allowed to eat?” Reid said, “Lunch was a while ago, but Gotham’s going to run out of food soon.”

“And we are outsiders, Samantha made it clear they already begrudge us beds.” Prentiss said.

“On the other hand, Grayson is well connected and not the type of person to let people starve.” Rossi said, “He’ll either get us out or get us food.”

Dick made a mental note to send up some of Bruce’s less palatable meal replacement bars. It wouldn’t do for the Mainland to know they had a steady supply of fresh food growing. Yet they were right, Dick wasn’t going to let them starve.

“Anyone else impressed with Grayson?” Morgan said, “he kept it together better than me during the explosion.”

“I noticed his manner too,” Rossi said, “I wonder though, is it standard in Gotham or is Grayson a special case.”

Dick wished he had popcorn, this was the juicy bit.

“Bit of both I’d say.” Prentiss said, “the GCPD and the staff here have been remarkably calm, but there is no doubt Grayson is being trusted with tasks above his rank.”

“Nepotism?” Rossi asked.

“I doubt it,” Morgan said, “more likely the opposite, he handled today fantastically, he’s well liked, knows what he’s doing, the only reason he is still an officer is because the commissioner is afraid to show favouritism.”

“And intelligent,” Reid said, “All the Wayne’s we’ve met are.”

“You sure?” Prentiss said, “we didn’t speak much to Tim.”

“And Bruce has a reputation.” JJ said.

“Tim is in charge of a multinational corporation at 17 and all the employees I’ve seen respect his leadership. You don’t get respect without being competent.” Reid said, “and as for Bruce? He might not show the traits media portray as intelligence, but it hardly means he’s not.”

“Traits the media Portrays?” Prentiss asked.

Reid made a gesture towards himself. “I can read fast and have accurate recall, which are considered intelligence. But physical intelligence? an ability to make your body do what you want it to, is often overlooked. Mr Wayne got alerted to an incoming missile assessed his situation found a parachute strapped himself in and jumped out of a helicopter before it got hit. A rapid assessment of a situation would be far more useful in the FBI than my rote memorization.”

Huh, Bruce didn’t normally bother concealing his physical intelligence, The ability to dance didn’t cross with the ability to fight or solve crimes in most people’s minds.

“You understand what you read too kid.” Morgan said.

Doctor Reid waved him off, “I know. You don't have to placate me. I know I'm a genius I'm saying just because Bruce Wayne gets the wrong end of the stick sometimes and is a little gullible doesn't mean he is any less of a genius than me.”

which may be the most complementary thing Dick had heard about Bruce's intelligence from anyone but family.

“Put it this way, had I been in the chopper yesterday I’d be dead.” Reid shrugged, “If he misses some social cues and can’t memorize facts he’s read who am I to judge.”

While the chatted and theorised about what was going on, Dick worked on schematics for his next generation of escrima sticks.

Half listening in Dick startled hearing his name.

“…Grayson didn’t seem concerned we got to Batman’s identity?” Morgan said.

“Yes, he didn’t seem concerned at all.” JJ said.

“So what? Grayson knew we weren’t going after him, or did we get it wrong?” Rossi said.

“Oliver Brown is perfect. He fits the expected profile of Batman to a tee.” Prentiss said, “normally we get it wrong at least once.”

“Guys I’ve been reading over the files the GCPD provided and well…” Reid said, “Batman I think he thinks a lot like us.”

“What do you mean kid?” Morgan.

“I mean to make the leaps he’s made in a few cases he has to be able to profile, I think he knew what we’d ask, where we’d look and covered his tracks,” Reid said.

“So, used a fake identity when applying to the FBI?” Prentiss said.

“Or hacked it after the fact.” Reid said, “I checked into it and Oliver Brown is one of the most common names in Gotham for his age range.”

“He chose it,” Morgan said.

“It’s a possibility,” Hotchner said, “But we are currently more unwelcome here than Batman, Oliver Brown is the name we came for.”

#

Alright Dick stood up enough spying it was time to meet up with the feds again.

Dick was most of the way to the conference room carrying a box of meal replacement bars, when he ran into Samantha coming the other way.

“Hey you’re the Outsiders guard right?” Samantha asked.

“Yeah, why?”

“You know they are in the press room right?”

“Yeah just on my way with dinner?”

Sam glanced down at the box and pulled a face, “Trial batch 3, those are foul enough I might feel sorry for the Outsiders.”

Dick beamed, “Well can’t have outsiders knowing we have fresh food to offer.”

Samantha returned his smile, “And here I thought we were being too accommodating.”

“They’re good people.” Dick said, “if loyal. Speaking of the outsiders, you do PR and videos for WE right?”

“Yeah why?”

“The FBI got shot at yesterday, I’d prefer a proof of life video before they accuse Gotham or the Bat.” Dick said, “I know it’s closer to midnight than anyone wants to be up.”

“But the sooner the better?”

“Exactly”

The video they had ended on had the team standing half in front of a window and half in front of the backdrop with a clock with the time and date in clear view.

JJ ended up doing the speaking as press Liaison she was the public face of the team. Dick also ended up in the video, all but begging the mainland not to make the situation worse. But also, being clear they would consider any armed forces sent hostile and they would fight.

JJ stepped up and began speaking, there was no script but there were talking points they had agreed on

“Good evening, I’m Special Agent Jennifer Jareau with the BAU, this should be live at 11:48PM eastern standard time, on the 3^rd of November 20XX.

Some of you might be wondering why I am being so precise about the time. The fact is there was a missile aimed at my teams plane this morning at 1:45 pm. There are rumours and chatter going around we are dead and either Gotham City or Batman were responsible for our demise. As you can tell we are all none the worse for wear. And it was a Gotham City Police Officer who kept us that way.

“I know a lot of people out there are scared and confused and don't know what’s going on. But I urge patience and communication. Nobody wants a fight, Gotham is a city filled with non-combatants and there is always a peaceful way to resolve conflicts.

“I would like to remined everyone Gotham is a city filled with children and innocents. Those are the people who will be most affected by rising violence.

“Thank you for your time and your bravery.”

Samantha didn’t stick around for any longer than necessary after the shoot, but she kept her thoughts to herself, so Dick was counting it as a win.

Dick was struggling to avoid laughing as the agents valiantly tried not to make faces as they ate batch 3.

Morgan narrowed his eyes and Dick tried wide eyed innocence, but it didn’t work as well as it had when he was a kid.

“You’re fucking with us.” Morgan said.

A smile pulled at his lips, and Dick broke, pulling bars from later runs out of his pocket and handing them around.

“Batch 3,” Dick said, taking and throwing all the bars away. “We’ve been working on a non-perishable, dense complete meal replacement for a while. Batch 3 was notorious for the flavour and became a running prank around WE.”

Rueful smiles broke out across the teams faces.

“Living up to your name huh?” Prentiss said.

Dick smirked “Granted none of those pranks happened while in a hostile place while food supply was in question. So I’d say I was sorry but you all know I’d be lying, your faces were too good. But” Dick said, “you don’t have to worry about food, Gotham’s been expecting this for a while, we may not have nice food but we have enough.”

“Thanks man,” Morgan “We weren’t going to say anything, we knew food could be scarce but…”

“But out of everyone R&D pranked only Bruce could eat it with a straight face, and I’m pretty sure it was pure willpower not to be pranked by Tim.”

The light mood settled back into the seriousness of the situation.

“Is Samantha like Pete? Bad experiences with Outsiders,” Morgan asked.

Dick sighed, “unfortunately it’s common, there is a lot of resentment in Gotham. The Comish talked to the precinct for a good hour before you arrived and I still intercepted more than a few cops trying to do something nasty to you all. There was a reason me Harvey and the Comish were talking to you. Samantha has bad experiences with the Outside though.”

“What happened.” Prentiss said.

“Not exactly sure, but we call them Landers, the people who either got caught on Gotham and blocked off, or those who had rough experiences with the relocation efforts.” Dick said. “I know there was a woman in her department who was 16 when No Man’s land occurred. She was the only one of her family who made it out and she thought she was lucky when a mainland cop took her in. She was wrong,” Dick turned away, “she couldn’t cope and deliberately overdosed about a year ago after smothering her 6-year-old.”

“Damn that’s rough.”

“Everyone has stories, people they lost, people who got hurt. It should tell you a lot more people came into the city than left when we declared our independence. They came to a city too small to sustain their population because they would rather risk starvation than the mainland again.”

“So there’s n—“

JJ was cut off as a boom sounded not far off.

Dick pulled his replacement phone from his pocket. He had three priority alerts from three apps.

Gargoyle

‘Explosion in Gotham River near Vincefinkle bridge. Advice: avoid location, contact police with any further information.’

BATAPP

Accelerations and sounds indicative of explosions registered at 23:36. Triangulated to west river near the Vincefinkle bridge. Est. 56 meters from Gotham bank. Assuming correct location and surface detonation, explosive equivalent of 50kg of TNT (this is an automated message, more intel. Req., advise of any knowledge)

GCPD

Explosion near Vincefinkle, according to calls it looks like another one of the MK56 mines got something on the water. (Stay alert)

Dick met the expectant gazes of the FBI, “It looks like a mine in Gotham River blew, you’d think feds would remember where they’d put mines right?”

“Right you mentioned those,” Morgan said, “They mined the river during no man's land right. Haven’t they been cleaned up?”

Dick sighed, “We swept for enough to use the water again but there are places we didn't bother with.”

“We glossed over them mining around a US city yesterday because of everything else going on” Prentiss said, “But they seriously left them there? Every time I think it can't get worse.”

“Do we know what blew?” Rossi asked.

“Not ye—” there was a ding and Dick glanced at his phone again.

BATAPP

Redhood advised; a mainlander ‘Ron Golds’ who stayed behind was convinced via radio to get a coast guard boat and help the national Guard across the river. Idiot didn't stay in the cleared path. Est. Two casualties and a coast guard boat sunk.

And immediately after.

GCPD APP

Mainlander was an idiot, stand down.

“Never mind, a mainlander spooked and ignored the clear paths,” Dick said,

Chapter Text

Colonel Frank Neil woke with the sun, though the sun got to stay hidden under its thick grey covers while Frank had to answer to the brass with barely enough time to skull a single black coffee. It was meant to be a simple return order and stop Batman mission. However, it was rapidly increasing in complexities.

General Lane as well as Admiral Corby were already on the call.

“I suppose the first question is what do you need to bring down Batman.” General Lane asked.

“A way into Gotham without tonnes of rock over my people’s heads.” Frank said.

“Weren’t you able to convince one of the coast Guards to pick some of your men up?” Admiral Corby said.

Frank pushed down his anger. He’d worked with Admiral Corby before; John was a good man. He’d said the river wasn’t mined, therefore to the best of his knowledge it wasn’t. It hadn’t stopped the words he’d said to convince Ron Golds to leave the safe paths from playing on repeat in his head.

“Yes and your intel on the mines was proven wrong and we lost both the boat and Ron’s life.”

“Batman mined the River?” General Lane asked.

“Unknown,” Frank said, “Ron claimed they were left over from No Man’s Land.”

“According to international law mine fields must be declared, and its close enough to an international shipping lane we wouldn’t have done it.” Admiral Corby said.

Frank nodded, “Either way the river is mined, and I am unwilling to risk my people getting buried in the tunnels.”

General Lane nodded.

“How can Batman have gotten this heavily armed without us noticing?” Corby asked. Heavily armed was an understatement, the missile had downed his drone, his fire had made mincemeat of the highway they were traveling down. And the plane? Frank wasn’t airforce but it wasn’t a model he was familiar with, and it had been better than the flyboys he was used to. Comparatively the EMP wasn’t the most sophisticated they had ever come across but damned if it hadn’t done the job. They’d lost 70% of anything with a circuit board in it when it had hit. But perhaps the most frightening thing about Batman was how many dead he’d be counting if he’d been aiming to kill.

“If it is Batman,” Frank said, “the vote was legitimate, we have to consider Batman isn’t the instigator of events.” Frank shook his head, “if Gotham has declared independence than we would be marching on a hostile city. We need approval from Washington to proceed, and we need the manpower to take the city,” Frank said.

General Lane grunted, “I’ll get you your marching orders, or lack thereof. Until then hold your position and set surveillance of the tunnel entrances and riverbank. Hold any people crossing for questioning.”

Luthor was fighting a Bat shaped headache he thought becoming president would stop the capes from ruining his life. Lex hated to admit it, but the alien was easier to deal with.

“A war would be unpopular, your approval rating is already far lower than we want it.” An advisor Lex couldn’t remember the name of said. Approval rating what bull. He was so busy sucking up to the UN ambassadors in hope to make them refuse Gotham’s declaration. But apparently they were still pissed at him for hamstringing the Justice League. Didn’t they understand the aliens and freaks needed a firm hand.

“Any news from Deathstroke?” Lex said, his approval ratings would improve once the issues with Gotham were stopped.

“Slade Wilson is in the city but Batman has yet to be active.” The advisor said, “But sir?” the man was flittering with his hands.

“What?” Luthor asked, the incessant movement annoying him more than he should have let it.

“The removal of Batman may not change much. All our intelligence suggests Batman was opposed to the move for independence.

He was president why did he still have to deal with idiots? Lex suppressed an eye roll, “if you believe that you are a fool. Get out.”

“But...but what do I tell the force standing by at Gotham?” the advisor stammered.

Lex wasn’t as fast supressing the eyeroll this time, “Tell them to hold their position, let no one in or out of the city. Slade will do his job and then this will be over.”

Why did he have to come up with everything? The advisor pushed himself up with poorly concealed shaking hands and all but fled the room.

Maybe he wasn’t such an idiot.

“And if it is Gotham rebelling?” the voice came from behind him, Mercy. The woman was extremely loyal and competent as such Lex put up with the questions better.

“Then we will see how long a city the size of Gotham takes to starve.” Lex said.

And wouldn’t it be the perfect payback? Batman, Wayne Enterprises and Bruce fucking Wayne in one blow.

 Lex thought he’d hit the jackpot when his old boarding school acquaintance had all but given him a blank check for his campaign, a blank check he had claimed was less on his disclosures.

The money he had liberated had been used for a verity of endeavours the Nuremberg Code was too short sighted to see the necessity of.

He should have remembered for all Wayne was an idiot, he had a mystical ability to gain and retain the loyalty of incredibly competent people. Lex had offered Fox three times the capped executive salary to work for Lex Corp but he had been turned down flat, the offered four times had earned him a sneer.

But those competent people had flagged Wayne’s transaction as suspicious and instigated a trace and hold for Cognitive Control suspicion. The donation had been traced with the ability to recall had it not gone where it was meant to. When he had confronted Wayne about it, and Bruce had gone and posted the results on twitter. Claiming someone was stealing from him and he should investigate it. Though Bruce had chosen to believe the best in Lex it didn’t change the public outing of his hidden accounts. Nor did it stop those who weren’t as naively optimistic as Bruce from side eyeing him for the theft.

He’d denied it was him of course, paid the fines had the FBI shut down the accounts and connected facilities. It would take decades for him to rebuild what Bruce had lost him. And worse it hadn’t convinced many of his innocence, chances were good he’d be impeached and the senate would oust him.

He had to prove himself a leader, which meant getting Gotham under control.

Lex sighed, and making nice to the people around him, “Please convey my apology to the advisor Mercy,” Lex waved a hand at the door, “claim stress or the like.”

Chapter Text

Peter Burke had had a long few days he forgot how much he relied on his team and the resources of the FBI until he couldn’t access them. Not that his team had listened to his demands they stayed out of the case for long.

He had believed they should stay out of the investigation because this was all going to collapse on someone and he’d rather it be him than Diana or Jones.

Neal however managed to worm himself into the investigation and had spilled the beans to Mozzie, Diana and Jones quickly, looping them in. Stating both Diana and Jones were too junior to be involved, not to mention 16 years ago when the scam had started they were both in high school.

He also made the frustratingly good point this was big enough it didn’t matter if they were oblivious, they’d be taken down too, better they be informed.

Neal was in charge of the forgeries, for all FBI case files weren’t the normal thing to forge they were still without a doubt falsified documents.

Diana, Jones and Garcia, were following the money trail, while Peter tried to figure out how they had pulled it off.

They were all sat in the conference room brainstorming when the call came through.

“A video call from a Penelope Garcia?”

“ahh right,” Peter said, “she’s the technical analyst for the BAU, she’s helping with the case.”

Jones nodded and answered the call.

“Miss Garcia, how is it going?” Burke asked, “I know Quantico got hit and has a power outage.”

“It’s going fine sir the backup generators kicked in and we were lucky enough to have a turbine or two weren't running at the time of the hit. Not enough to give everyone power all the time but we can manage. Provided Gotham doesn’t launch any more cyber attacks. How's the investigation?” Garcia said.

“I've read my team in.” Peter said.

“Read us in?” Neal said, “We clawed our way in and you were overworked enough to let us.”

Burke suppressed an eyeroll. “Penelope Garcia, meet my team, Diana Berrigen, Clinton Jones, good agents and Neal Caffrey, forger, thief con-man and our CI.

“Alleged they got me on bond forgery.” Neal said.

“Sure, sure alleged. Bad news and a terrible flirt.” Burke said.

“Lovely to meet you all. Garcia smiled, “So what have you put together?”

“These are some of the sloppiest forgeries I've ever come across.” Neal said holding up the FBI case files.

“Really?” Garcia said, “because they got past the FBI.”

“But only the FBI,” Neal said, “and those parts are good. The person who did this absolutely knows how to fill out FBI case files and has the legitimate blank forms. But the details of the case compared to the files the GCPD gave us are way off.” Neal stood and started pacing, “If this was a forged bank notes, I'd say they got their hands on legitimate paper and ink, but they are copying the image from a low-resolution picture.”

Burke glared at Neal and the man confined himself to a chair again. “I could find all the information on those forms online, including the mistakes the media made and all the bits they held from the press are missing.” Neal said.

“So they could have done this from anywhere,” Peter said.

“Anywhere but Gotham.” Neal said, “The case files are completely devoid of local linguistic traits. If this person has been to Gotham, it wasn't for long.”

“We've been investigating the money. The FBI is paying for an office.” Diana said.

“About half what Manhattan gets despite the fact Gotham is bigger,” Jones said “which isn’t fair.”

“But isn't relevant to the case.” Diana said, “Its being held in an approved account and spent in ways which doesn't raise alarm bells. They have 250 people on staff, and each of them have a different account. Hell, they are registered to FBI agents, others to cleaners and support staff.”

“How is it possible?” Peter said, “We have seen the pictures, no one is in the Gotham field office and keeping 250 people in on a conspiracy would be near impossible.”

“I thought so too. Diana said, “But the identities are too well made to be laundering. I thought what if the money is going to the FBI? So I checked the New Jersey field office and they have 250 staff registered to Gotham. But track those agents assigned to Gotham you'll find they live elsewhere. 50 or so in Atlantic city, some in Fawcett. Most of the money missing is going to the FBI just none of it to Gotham.”

“So, the FBI themselves are the thieves?” Garcia said, “diverting the money away from Gotham?”

“No. Most of the money is going to the FBI yes. But there are a few extra cleaners and support staff I can't find proof exist and it’s not counting operational budget. If this is an FBI scheme someone is skimming.” Diana said.

“Do you think this has anything to do with your team's plane being hit.” Neal asked Garcia, “I mean Batman wasn't in the City and the GCPD has been decently cooperative with our investigation.”

“Its possible, at this point the most likely. My team wasn't going to let this fraud go.” Garcia said.

“Which is why we have to be careful” Peter said worry clenching at his heart. Glaring at Neal he continued, “These people have already proved willing to throw a missile at the FBI and Bruce Wayne, they won't think twice about us.”

“The BAU I get, frame the Bat and stop an investigation.” Jones said, “but why Wayne?

“If they knew it was Wayne, they could have thought they were there to airlift the team out?” Neal said.

“The helicopter was registered to Wayne, there were other choppers in the air, they weren't just downing aircraft.”  Jones said.

“We are sure it was the same person?” Burke said.

“Yeah the tracking has it launched from the same place.” Garcia said, “the police recovered the launch station shortly after the second shot.”

“Could the attack be a distraction to get away?” Peter asked.

“Possibly? But it doesn't seem likely surely he would have run as soon as possible?” Garcia said, “my team theorised they targeted the FBI, Bruce Wayne and Batman, in order to aggravate the situation.”

“That does make sense.” Peter said. Frame the Bat, kill US law enforcement, and kill a prominent Gothamite with two shots. Three birds with two missiles not bad. “Did you manage to track how they acquired the missile. Forewarning if artillery like the missile used is easy to get a hold of in the US I will cry.”

“No weapons like these missiles are difficult to get a hold of. This one was sold to the US military and was supposed to be in transit to the middle east.” Garcia said.

“So what the missile's just fell off the back of the truck?” Neal said.

“More like they were twenty feet from where they were meant to be. They were being shipped out of Gotham's port.” Garcia said.

“So someone sneaks into the port, finds the right container opens it and fires two shots. Aren't there passwords or something?” Peter said.

“Yes there are, but before they reach the military they are a default number.” Garcia said, “in Stag industries case the Batch number and manufacturing date, not the most secure.”

And most likely printed on the missiles themselves.

“Surely missiles don’t travel commercial.” Jones said.

“But they must say they are explosive or hold them in special conditions. If you knew what you were searching for you could find it.” Neal said.

“How many explosives even travel out of Gotham?” Diana asked

“A surprising amount Stag industries does a lot of missile development and manufacturing in house.”

“So if this does come to a war Gotham is heavily armed.” Jones said.

“Yes, although I'd worry more about their surprising number of insane Biochemists.” Garcia said, her tone trying to lighten the mood. “We have been in contact with at least three. And two of those would have no hesitation at gassing the entire city.”

“Well that’s great,” Peter said. He made a mental note never to visit the city.

“That’s another thing I noticed about the files,” Garcia said. “All of them are typical murders.”

Peter raised an eyebrow, he’d read those files and typical would be the last word he’d have used.

“Chopping people up and selling them at your butcher shop is a typical murder?” Neal said, voicing his thoughts.

“Well no, but they are the type of murders my team has come across before.” Garcia said. “There are no, how to put this? Gothamite specialties.”

“You've had a cannable feeding unsuspecting people his victims?” Neal asked with a morbid curiosity Peter wished he could stuff back into his CI’s mouth. He did not want to know.

“Yes actually. Apparently, it’s not uncommon, the sadists enjoy watching people doing something which would disturb them. Those who feel remorse want to make others as guilty as them. Psychopaths have extra meat to sell, As a result, no it’s not uncommon.” Garcia said.

“Well it’s official I no longer want to live on this earth.” Neal said, “And I'm going vegetarian.”

“You and me both brother.” Garcia said before turning back to the topic. “But in none of the FBI files are there mention of Dr Crane, Joker or Ivy and those are just the three of the more dangerous and prolific criminals my team met.”

“So they are what? Trying to make it believable?” Peter said.

“It's Gotham is anything unbelievable?” Garcia said, “No I think they are avoiding mentioning escapees.”

“Wait people who are worse than the cannibals we were discussing were allowed to break out to kill again?” Peter said horrified. He’d been annoyed enough when Neal a nonviolent art thief had been allowed to escape.

“Allowed? No. live in ancient crumbling prisons Gotham is desperate to replace? yes.”

“Why haven’t they?” Diana asked

“the federal assurance for the human treatment of prisoners act.” Garcia said. “they can’t get any of their applications approved.”

“It can’t be uncommon for the Federal Government to turn down applications for humane reasons after all it was the reason the act was made in the first place.” Diana said.

“It’s not but normally it becomes a feedback process. The application is critiqued and then it is modified till it reaches standard.” Garcia said, “Gotham is denied, often with no reason attached and they have to restart the process.” Garcia snorted, “they have begun the application process 3659 times and from my quick search all of them outperform approved prisons. Hell one was a literal five star resort which was turned down for lack of outdoor area.”

Diana raised her brow, “wow they are more persistent than me, I’d have given up at the 2000 mark.”

Garcia’s lips twitched. “Either way I think whoever it is who is doing this is desperate to keep their ruse from being discovered. If they supported the fact neither Blackgate nor Arkham are fit for purpose, they'd have to deal with a federal inspection.”

“They'd be discovered,” Peter said, “so they what?”

“Turn down the applications and request for a new prison. The Mainland who trust the FBI reports see no one has escaped or filed a report on the conditions so they think all the times Gotham tried to escalate the issue was unnecessary.”

“So whoever is doing this is willing to let people die to maintain a ruse,” Diana said.

“But a war will stop them.” Jones said, “the FBI has already pulled funding for the Gotham Office. They are expected to leave.”

“That does assume money is the goal.” Peter said, “If we assume the BAU is right in their hypothesis for why Bruce Wayne’s helicopter was attacked, discord is the goal. Money is incidental.”

“It is a hell of a lot of ‘incidental’ money.” Diana said.

“But there could be more.” Neal pointed out, “You lose some money in any laundering scheme but this is more than is necessary.”

“Which leads back to the original question, who would want Gotham to be destabilised?” Peter said, “It makes a lot of money, is home to a lot of US citizens.”

“We were agreed the person who did this wasn't a local.” Diana said, “Is it possible they didn't predict Gotham's actions? If an attack took place like that in Manhattan. People would flee the city in droves, not come in and knuckle down.”

“So you think they tried to destabilise the city but Gotham is not acting as expected?” Garcia said, “You know what? this is far more the team's specialty than ours, I'll add them to the call.”

The BAU was connected in short order. An unknown officer in a GCPD uniform and two suits were in the room. Damn he’d been spending too much time with Mozzie. The female suit he recognised as JJ from the press conference, but he hadn’t gotten enough physical description from Aaron to identify the other man.

“Hey Baby girl, how is it going?” the unidentified suit spoke.

“Hey Morgan, I'm with the White Collar team Hotch called in.” Garcia said.

“Ah, sorry.” ‘Morgan’ said.

“Compared to Neal it was positively professional.” Burke said, “It’s good to meet someone Agent Hotchner holds in such high esteem.”

“Thanks man and likewise, what did you need us for?” Morgan said.

“My team and I are tracing the fake FBI office money trail and need some assistance profiling the perpetrator.”

The GCPD officer shook his head, “I still can't believe the FBI thought they had an office here.”

Ignoring the man who was introduced as Officer Grayson, Burke and his team filled in the BAU with what they had found. As they were speaking two more suits introduced as Prentiss and Reid joined them in the room.

“Hey Dick,” Doctor Reid said, “do you know if anyone profited off No Man's land?”

Peter was considering asking if dick was referring to him when Officer Grayson answered, “Sure a bunch of desperate people who would do anything for basic goods are easy to extort.”

“And if everyone evacuated?” Burke asked ignoring the Dick in the room.

“Same deal, 1.7 million people creates a massive hike in rental prices.” Grayson said.

“So Land Lord's, is that what we are going with?” Neal said, doubt in his voice.

“The ones outside of Gotham anyway. They made a killing. Other than them there was a hike in educated workers in surrounding cities. It increased NY's GDP by 20%. If you’re searching for people who profited from No man's land and aren't local thugs, yeah. It’s the rich in the nearby cities.” Grayson said ignoring Neal’s tone.

“Well that’s a dead end.” Diana said.

“Why?” Grayson said.

“Landlords aren’t an organised group. And what Atlantic city did this for the educated workers?” Diana said

“Stranger things have happened.” Grayson said. Though Burke had since concluded the man’s first name must be Dick.

Diana huffed “Maybe in Gotham.”

“Hey!” Grayson said, “we are not different from you. Gotham might be a perfect storm of a pressure cooker, but nothing which could happen here can't happen there.”

Diana surrendered holding her hands in the air, “Okay, okay I get it, but has a secret cabal of rich people even existed in Gotham?” Diana shook her head, “If it hasn't happened there it wouldn't happen here.”

To Peter’s surprise Grayson did not dismiss either the idea or Diana’s logic, rather fell into thought.

“Holy shit,” Diana breathed, “there has been, hasn't there?”

“I mean, yeah?” Grayson said still half distracted by his thoughts, “The Bat ran them off about two years ago, we caught most but there isn't anything stopping something similar happening in Manhattan.”

Neal snorted “How did a cabal that influential stay secret?”

Grayson brought himself back to the conversation, “Zombie assassins.”

Neal glanced around the room and at the others on the call for support before asking, “You are joking right?”

All humour was gone from the cheerful officer’s face, “I don't joke about talons.”

JJ glanced directly at Grayson, “That sounds like a story?”

“Yeah and a long one.” Grayson sighed “but long story short I got up close and personal to the process to make Zombie assassins. The Bat got to me before it took, much.”

Peter could swear the man’s eye’s flashed golden for half a second.

“Don’t get me wrong, that sounds terrible.” Peter said, “but how do you keep something like that secret? You can't kill everyone who finds out.”

“Oh yes you can.” Grayson said with a grumble, “But it was somewhat of an open secret like the stories of Gotham.” Grayson turned to the FBI agents in the room, “You guys said you had heard the stories from Gotham? But you thought they were exaggerated or made up.

Doctor Reid nodded “I'm still terrified Hugo Strange is a real person. And if anything, the stories toned him down.”

“Yeah,” Grayson nodded, “Same thing happened with the court of owls they even have their own nursery rhyme. No one believed it was true, just a story to scare people.”

“Really? what was the rhyme?” Burke asked, regular non-Gotham nursery rhymes were terrifying if you thought about the words too much, Peter could imagine what Gotham’s would be like.

Another man walked into frame. A teen, nursing a cup of coffee and eyes drooping exhausted, answered.

“Beware the Court of Owls,
That watches all the time,
Ruling Gotham from a shadowy perch,
Behind Granite and Lime.”

Grayson who had accepted the interloper with a nod of his head took over,

“They watch you by your hearth,
They watch you in your Bed,
Speak not a whispered word of them,
Or they'll send a Talon for your Head.”

Grayson spoke to the interloper, “Hey Timmy what are you doing down here?”

“I was about to go crash but thought I'd check in with you all first.” Tim said.

Tim turned to Agent Morgan, “I’ve talked to the GCPD about getting you out, they are willing to let you go as soon as we have assurances you will be safe on the other side.” Tim shrugged, “We don't want to keep you here, but Gotham doesn't want to be blamed if the Mainlanders attack you.”

“Nor do we want the mainlanders to have a reason to attack you.” Grayson said.

Tim nodded, and handed over his cup of coffee to Grayson, “Anyway I'm off, tell me if you need anything.”

Tim left and all the BAU shuffled turning their attention back to the call.

“So we are looking for a knockoff court of Owls?” Jones said.

“It's unlikely, I'll give you that but…” Grayson shrugged.

“Possible.” Prentiss said.

“We are going to keep on the money trail and hopefully it leads somewhere. but without going out and questioning people?” Peter said. They had gotten about as far as they could without knocking on doors.

“These people are willing to blow up the FBI and spark a war.” Morgan said, “you have to be careful.”

“And yet we can't trust anyone high enough to give us the resources to safely answer the questions we need answered.” Peter said.

Morgan went to speak, but hesitated.

Peter raised a brow waiting.

“Batman has the skill and the fire power and would be trustworthy. If he'd trust us?” Morgan said.

“Yeah but even if he did cooperate.” Prentiss said, “Batman operating on the mainland going after rich and influential people? Bad idea.”

Grayson shifted in his seat glancing around.

“What is it?” Morgan asked.

“One of those things Gotham collectively agreed to hide from outsiders?” Grayson said.

“Come on man,” Morgan said, “if it keeps a good team safe? Its not like we can admit to working with Batman any way.”

Grayson hesitated but answered, “Though the Batman is the most prolific of our vigilantes he is not the only one. They all have similar training and resources and help each other out in a pinch. But we are not sure how connected they are beyond that.”

Morgan raised a brow “You’re suggesting one of these other vigilantes works with Burke and his team to flush out who is responsible?”

“Yeah,” Officer Grayson nodded “yeah I am.” Grayson shifted in his seat but took in a breath and continued, “There is one vigilante who I'm certain the mainland doesn't associate with Batman but could be relied upon.”

“Who?” Reid said, “You’re avoiding mentioning his moniker.”

“The Redhood.”

Garcia, Reid and Neal gasped.

“The decapitate if you deal to children and hurt woman crime lord? That Redhood?” Garcia asked.

Grayson nodded, “He was an enemy of the Bat until he switched to non-lethal measures. They tolerate each other now. I think I could get the Bat to get him to cooperate.” Grayson said, “Either way he's a skilled, well-resourced man, who could safely interrogate influential people without getting Gotham blamed. Or your team targeted.”

Burke shrugged “Hey what’s one more reformed felon?”

“Hey! I'm nonviolent.” Neal said, faking offence.

“It's a good plan as any. Agent Hotchner has my number.” Burke said, “let me know when you have contacted him.”

They quickly said their goodbyes and hung up, plan of action established.

“You gripe about me being a felon, but ex decapitatey guy is fine?” Neal said.

“Not fine,” Burke said, “but not my problem.”

“For that I'm going to become a violent offender and then what are you going to do?” Neal said.

“Hand your case off with a smile on my face.” Peter teased.

Batman was glad to be on the street again. The Outside had been sufficiently convinced to go the siege route and all was going according to plan on Bruce Wayne’s part. This gave him the time to become the Bat. And the chance for adrenalin to sing in his veins and punch looters in the face after such stressful days was wonderful.

He was however being followed. Ever since he found out Tim as a small child had scrambled across rooftops unaccompanied, he’d been careful to monitor vantage points of his route. The number of places his son could have fallen and killed himself still woke him up in shivers.

The Black and orange mask the camera’s picked up was recognisable instantly. Slade Wilson, Deathstroke. The man had taken jobs in Gotham over the years. Frequent enough Batman had a folder twice as thick as interpol’s. But Bruce had never personally fought the man. Slade got in and got out, by the time Batman was on to him he was already gone.

Given the fact he was being shadowed Batman would guess he was the target. He called Black Bat in to shadow the man in turn.

Oracle’s voice echoed through comms, “Slade Wilson has officially been asked to be part of Lex's hero group.”

“The notorious assassin who will do anything for money?” Redhood asked.

“No one claimed it was a smart move on Lex’s part.” Oracle said, “but chances are he is here on Lex’s orders. “Also Officer Grayson with the FBI, has requested your presence at the GCPD.”

Robin tutted, “Why didn't he text?”

Black Bat answered, “Official, can't seem close to family.”

“So what are we going to do about Slade?” Oracle asked

“Take him down fast and hard.” Batman said. Lex couldn't believe he had a chance to take down the Bat and he was too busy to risk injury.

“Slade's good, old man are you sure you can take him down.” Redhood said.

Good enough to pose a serious threat, Batman agreed, he could win after all he had the homecourt advantage and the element of surprise. But Slade would give him a good fight and a risk of injury, and there was always the risk of the unexpected and unlucky.

“I'm sure Black Bat, can get him with our modified fear toxin. And between panic and the neural inhibitors he'll be helpless,” Batman said.

“You’re not going to insist on going mono e mono, and a fair fight?” Redhood asked.

“No.” Batman growled. He’d normally risk the injury or the teasing from his family if he called in backup, over using a drug on a person whose medical history he was clueless of. And the opportunity to increase his mythos by taking down Deathstroke was not to be discounted but Gotham needed to be protected. The risk of losing was too great and Deathstroke had to be in excellent physical condition so the risk of the toxin was minimal.

“Done, two minutes.” His daughter said. Batman interpreted, she’d injected Slade and he had two minutes before it took effect.

“I'll ambush at Cathedral square.” Batman said. It was close and had vantage points.

When the square came into view he twisted around a corner and rapidly scaled up two floors and sat still waiting as the masked man came closer. People underestimated the value of stillness to stealth.

Slade turned the corner and paused searching for him. Batman flicked a batterang such that it spun reversing course like it had come from another direction.

Slade whipped in the direction he thought the shuriken had come from, and drew his swords.

“Come out, come out were ever you are.” Slade taunted.

Why did villain’s always believe that would work. He was hero therefore he must play fair. Batman mentally huffed, he was a human amongst gods he could never play fair. He waited as still as the Gargoyle he perched on.

The moment the drugs kicked in was obvious.

They were designed both to increase fear and to reduce the speed at which the victim could process events. The first was ala scarecrow the second was to try and help the Flash slow down and relax now and then. From when Batman was helping Barry when he was having trouble as he disassociated from humanity as everyone was so slow.

Regardless to Slade right now he was a terrifying beast who moved at unimaginable speeds. Batman dropped to the ground behind him.

Batman kept his voice comically slow, Batman speaking like a chipmunk to Wilson would destroy the illusion. “You should not be here.”

“I'm here on order of the president,” Slade on the other hand slurred his words, “if anyone shouldn't be here, it’s you.”

“My people have spoken,” Bruce said, “Gotham no longer belongs to the President.”

Slade swung, had he not been drugged Batman would have struggled to evade, as it was a gentle sway back had the sword missing entirely. Batman knew the effect would be like he was made of smoke and the sword passed through him.

“What, what no I've seen you fight you're just a man.” Slade said.

Ahh so he had done research, Batman better cut this line of thought before it developed into being drugged. Fortuitously no one ever accused the Batman of being unable to cut a conversation short. Batman reached out quickly and applied pressure to the right points to knock a man out.

Despite what the movies made it appear being hit in the head did not work. He reinforced the move with sedatives and the antidote to his drug as soon as possible. In twenty minutes, the sedatives would be the only compound discoverable in his system.

Black Bat melted out of the shadow’s seconds later. Holding out her arms. Batman hefted the man up and transferred his weight to his daughter.

“Message mainland, tri-gate bridge?” Black Bat asked

“Make it dramatic, Spoiler and Redhood should have good ideas, if you need them.”

BlackBat gave him half a smile and melted into the shadows with Slade's unconscious form. Lex Luthor would consider it twice before trying it again.

Who was he kidding it was Lex Luthor, he'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was his nth attempt at killing superman after all. But perhaps the next assassin would turn him down.

Turning in his patrol route he headed for the GCPD. Dick had already alerted him to what he wanted but having him go through the official channels created more distance.

Arriving at the roof he was unsurprised to find officer Grayson, the commissioner and agent Hotchner and Jareau. Two of the five FBI but he supposed they didn't want to scare him off.

Hotchner was there because he was the authority of the team. JJ because she was personable and the least threatening member of the group. The message was clear the BAU has come to negotiate.

Batman dropped down silently in the shadows behind the group, the slight shift of his son's weight told him he had noticed. Jim stiffened a moment later, an instinct telling him there was someone behind him.

“You’re behind us aren't you?” Jim said.

Officer Grayson spun immediately, the Feds took a second to realise what Jim meant before they spun to match. Jim stubbed out his cigarette and turned with his hands in his pocket.

Batman moved stepping out of the shadows.

“How do you always know Comish?” Dick asked.

“Oh I didn't used to, you have no idea how many years I stood up here making an idiot of myself for no one to see before I caught on.” Jim said. Turning to match the rest of them.

“It’s good to have you back on the streets.” Jim said

Batman grunted.

Dick was playing with his hands, a nervous tell they had developed for his civilian identity. “I suppose you are wondering why we called you here with people out to capture you here.”

Batman grunted.

“Right this is supervisory special agent Aaron Hotchner and Jennifer 'JJ' Jareau. They wanted to talk to you about what was going on. Not catch you, just talk.” Officer Grayson said.

Batman grunted

“Right you knew that.” Dick said, “Uh anyway.” Dick waved Agent Hotchner forward.

“This fight has been building for years.” Agent Hotchner said, “But it has been exacerbated by several factors. One of which is the FBI field office which is meant to exist here. We have a trusted team in the White-Collar division of the FBI tracking the money which was meant to come here. Unfortunately, whoever this is, is high in the FBI and we cannot be certain of backup for them.”

“You want back up?” Batman said.

“Not you, you operating on US soil right now is a bad idea, but Grayson mentioned the Redhood might be able to provide back up,” Agent Jareau said.

“Hrn, I will ask.”

Batman melted back into the shadows and climbed off the roof. Listening in for a second longer

“Is he always chatty?” Agent Jareau said.

“For strangers he was positively loquacious, he liked you.” Jim said. And Bruce couldn’t help the smirk.

“What are the chances of Redhood cooperating?” Agent Hotchner asked.

“Cooperating with feds?” Jim scoffed “None. Playing with mainlanders, high.”

Chapter Text

It must be Jason’s birthday or death day anniversary soon. The old man was giving him too much fun for anything else.

First the Bat had given Spoiler, Black Bat and him permission to create a message to the mainland about sending in assassins. Between the three of them they had created an impressive tableau which would illuminate with the morning sun.

The scene they had decided on was Slade unmasked suspended from the Mainland tower of tri-gate bridge. Across the blown section of the bridge. At first glance it appeared their cables went through the man, though they had rigged a harness. His swords and other weapons were suspended around him. Swords, grenades and all. The words ‘stay out’ spray painted with a Gothic G under it behind him. It had been painted in bat-paint as Dick had dubbed it. The paint went on black dried clear and with UV exposure turned blood red. Even Jason had to admit it was creepy. Replacement had made it for a Halloween prank one year. And B the over dramatic furry he was, adopted it soon after. 

To truly drive the message home they snuck into the military camp and sprayed creepy phrases around. Concentrated near commanders and weapon stashes. The message was clear, don’t come into Gotham and we can get to you.

Then Batman had called him on the com with permission to fuck with Feds. Well technically it was help them find out who had sabotaged Gotham’s already shakey relationship with the mainland. But B knew him well enough he would have added a warning had he not wanted him to screw with them in the process. He could do both, he was an impressive multi-tasker.

As a result, he was dressed in what he liked to call his theatrical armour, perhaps overdramatic ran in the family?

The Redhood helmet was a classic as well as containing all sorts of tech he found useful so it stayed. Though his voice mod was a little raspier than average. His jacket was ripped and torn with what appeared to be perpetually fresh blood. Blood which appeared to be coming from the gaping bat shaped wound in his chest.

No, he’d freak out the mainlanders after all this uniform even got Gothamites to look twice.

Redhood was due to meet Peter Burke and Neal Caffrey at the Atlantic city docks in ten.

He came early to scout.

Five minutes after his due time once they were antsy and worried, he wouldn’t show up he dropped with the thud behind them. Oh, he could do the silent thing like B, but he preferred to have a presence a weight, which required thumping.

Both the men spun, Burke’s reaction time to his gun impressive. As was his trigger discipline as he identified him and started putting away the gun before he’d turned off the safety. Most would have fired.

“Has anyone ever told you not to sneak up on someone with a gun.”

Jason could spot the moment when Burke noticed the wound. If his gun discipline hadn't impressed him the ruthless way he crushed his instinctive reaction would have.

“Sure, but what’s the fun in that?” Jason asked

“Not getting shot? I hear that’s fun.” Agent Burke said. His dry humour startled a laugh out of him.

“It’s more fun to see their faces as you walk off their bullets.” All the bat’s uniform’s could handle a hand gun without more of a bruise than a paint ball would leave.

“Are you actually undead?” Caffrey said.

“Neal!” Peter said.

“What is it not polite?” Caffrey said, “Are we not going to stare at the large bat shaped flesh wound which is still bleeding?”

“You know for a man who loves fucking with people, you are terrible at recognizing when someone is doing it to you.”

Redhood’s respect for the man doubled.

“Really?” Caffrey said.

Jason raised a hidden eyebrow, aware the silent judging, accusing Bat glare often had a similar expression behind it.

He turned to Burke, “you are good.”

“I deal with over dramatic con men for a living.” Bruke said.

Jason chuckled at the face Neal pulled, “Why are we in Atlantic City aren't you based out of New York?”

“Officially we are here to help out the local office with a series of art forgeries which have stumped the locals.” Burke said. “Unofficially we are here to find out who is writing the Gotham files.”

“There seems to be one author. If I see one of their legitimate files, I’ll recognise it.” Neal said. He was confident and given Selina had supported his competence when they had asked her for information on him, Jason was inclined to believe he could.

“You are here to interrogate the head of New Jersey's field office to see why all those agents being paid for by Gotham are scattered around the rest of new Jersey.” Agent Burke said.

“Cool, cool.” Redhood said, “you got any intel on the guy?”

Burke handed over a manila folder, “All the information which was accessible on our system without flagging anything.”

#

The Head of New Jersey’s FBI division home was laughably easy to get into. An average citizen in Gotham had better security. Fool.

Oh fuck, now he was sounding like the Demon Brat. But honestly a sticky note with the Password to his everything in plain view?

Who couldn’t remember password123? Well apparently, the head of New Jerseys FBI Devon Pullen.

Unfortunately, this meant he was unlikely to be the conspirator. Whoever had done this had hidden from the FBI, the GCPD and the Bats, they weren’t the password, ‘Password’ kind of people.

Jason may not be the best with tech, but he could download information and do a search for common methods of hiding information.

Sometimes hiding things made them stand out.

Nothing. But…he searched around not a Bluetooth, smart anything in sight. This man was analogue, if he was hiding something it would be in the physical world. Pulling out the draw he rummaged checking for false bottoms and hidden objects.

Again he came up empty, he continued his search, under the desk, in the books. He was finished with the normal places. Places he could search without destroying anything.

About to start ripping into furniture, he was alerted by one of the perimeter drones to the head agents car within two blocks.

Right then they’d do this the spooky way.

Quickly he blew the internal house fuses, plunging the room into complete darkness, all the small standby lights and appliance hums stilling. Jason with skill brought from years of Bat training found the darkest creepiest corner with a dramatic exit. Then it was a matter of waiting.

Hood pulled up the picture from the drone which was following the car silently. The head agent was positively identified and was conversing on the phone.

“And I’m telling you they are here for the art heist.”

Huh, Jason stopped preparing to activate the cell jammer. He was talking about the Fed’s.

He searched for any signal the phone was giving off. The Bluetooth allowed an entry point. Downloading all the phones information he listened into both sides of the conversation.

Fortunately for him Devon was a smoker and stopped for a smoke on the way in. For some reason people stopped potentially incriminating phone calls when supposedly alone in a dark house. More inclined to call their mothers.

#

“But they are part of the FBI white collar division. And after the FBI went to Gotham no less, I don't like it.” The voice from the other side of the call said. Hood pulled up the caller ID and contact information. And there it was, name, email, home address and all previous correspondence. Why didn't anyone use secure messaging systems? Or at least delete emails pertaining to the bombing of an FBI jet? Jason rolled his eyes honestly this was too easy. No, no no stop. Why, why did he have to think it was easy, there wasn't even any wood to knock on. Redhood checked all his feeds again searching for a trap he’d jinxed himself into.

“Nor do I, but refusing would have been as suspicious.” Pullen said.

Finding nothing he shot off a text to both Caffery and Burke asking for an update. Seconds later Caffery replied he had lost track of Burke and was worried something happened.

Damn you'd believe Fed's could care for themselves.

“Well excellent work.” Benedict Hillary according to the caller ID he’d accessed, the current governor of New Jersey said. “The kid freaked when they started asking about cases from Gotham and now I have an unconscious FBI agent to deal with.”

Jason texted Neal quickly, secure in the knowledge his texts at least had a randomised number which would appear as RH and would delete all traces of them within 24 hours.

RH

PB been taken by conspirators I'm currently following lead to his where abouts. DP definitely involved but not calling the shots. Mentioned a kid who was spooked when you asked about cases from Gotham

“Agent Austin Newman is hardly a kid anymore he might have been my probe when we started but it was near 16 years ago now. The Kids leading his own team.” Devon Pullen said.

RH

'Nvr mind, kid = agent Austin Newman started in the FBI 16 years ago.'

NEAL CAFFREY

What are you doing to them that they are spilling the beans so fast.

RH

'His password is password123 and he's talking to his co-conspirators on an unsecured line outside, without even using code names. This is so easy I'm getting paranoid.

NEAL CAFFREY

Lol

“We are changing to code names. He's kid, you're idiot and I'm Sir.” The Governor said, “We stole a missile and blew up an FBI plane.”

“Pretty sure Austin and I don’t agree to the code names.” Pullen said.

“The kid doesn't get a vote after dumping a Fed on me. Blowing up Fed's in Gotham we can get away with. Here? Luckily Kids not an idiot and drugged his coffee, it could have been anyone. He hasn't seen us. We dump him off somewhere.” Governor Hillary said.

“I don't know sir. A kidnapping of a federal agent will have the office up in arms. And because they are from Manhattan I won't be able to sweep it under the rug.” Pullen said.

“So disappear him?” the Governor said.

“I know our first attempt to frame Batman didn't work.” Pullen said.

“But try, try, again? Do you know what the definition of insanity is idiot?”

“Not Batman,” Pullen said, at least they could learn, “Gotham has proved too protective over him but recently there have been rumours of a local mob boss, goes by Redhood. He's prone to decapitating people, if he knew someone wanted Feds back in Gotham he might kill them.” Never mind they were idiots, the agent Newman must have pulled off the hit on the FBI.

RH

They are planing to frame me for PB murder. Call in PB’s missing status if you haven’t already. I’ll make sure they incriminate themselves, more than they already have.

“We know enough of his MO to fake it convincingly.” Pullen said. Huh, maybe the old man had a point about the urban legend thing.

“Fine but if this time doesn't work you have cemented your code name.”

As far as Hood was concerned Idiot was the code name for this entire group, well he supposed he’d have to reserve judgement on Newman.

“Fair enough, do you want me over?” Pullen asked.

“Yeah, pick up a few things on your way would you.”

Jason insured there was no proof he had been there before following the tracker he placed on Devon's car.

Chapter Text

Colonel Frank Neal and Commissioner Gordon spoke on the phone for two minutes. Considering the Military had been trying to get hold of Jim for the past three days since the explosion it was a short time. Jim however was ignoring them, they all wanted to talk Gotham down.

Like it wasn’t what he, The Bat, and Bruce Wayne had been doing for years. The US finally pushed Gotham past the point he, or the others had any say.

But try and explain it to an Outsider, what’s worse an American Outsider. Try to explain the US flag hadn’t been flown in Gotham for ten years. The star-spangled banner mocked. There were local slurs which referred to Outsiders, Hell Outsiders and Mainlanders had been capitalised for a long time. There was no shared culture, no good will left to draw from.

As a result, when Jim contacted the military officer in charge of the forces around the tunnel entrances he was pleasantly surprised by the man’s demeanour.

“Commissioner Gordan, a lot of people higher up than me are waiting to speak with you.” Colonel Frank Neal said, “So I assume this is about the tunnel entrances.”

“Good guess. And fair warning they are all secured.” Jim didn't know if the bats had secured them but given the bridges had all blown it was an educated guess.

“I had assumed, but it’s good to get conformation I can use to explain to the higher ups.” Colonel Neal said.

“Happy to help.” Jim said. And surprisingly he wasn’t lying, preventing deaths be it mainlanders or Gothamites was a goal he held dear. The more he could delay the invasion and get people double thinking an assault the better off they would be.

“Speaking of helping what can I do for you?” Frank said.

“I have a group of FBI agents in the city who want to get home to their families. We need to know they are not going to be shot at the other end of the tunnel and it blamed on us.” Jim said.

To Franks credit there was no argument or defensiveness in his response. “What would make you confident?”

“Get me a live feed of your end of Hovick tunnel, I give you ours. No tricks or we will figure it out. You see us let the Feds through and we see them pulled out.”

“I can have it set up in an hour.” Frank said

“Cleared by your superiors too?” Jim asked.

“The US operates on the no man left behind policy. Those are US citizens trapped behind a border of a hostile power, we will get them back.”

Jim huffed “You know you’re the first US citizen who has acknowledged Gotham as a hostile power.”

“Well, they aren't here on the ground. If a fight comes it'll be my people’s lives.

“And mine, for what it’s worth I hope it can be resolved peacefully.”

“Is there any hope of negotiation?” Frank said.

Jim sighed, “It depends on how willing the US is to come to the table and treat us fairly.”

The Colonel echoed his sigh. They were both aware Lex Luthor would never allow them to do so. He’d want Gotham crushed and their spirits broken.

“So unless you want me to transfer your call to my General?

“I'll send you a link to upload the footage, and to get ours. And I'll call in an hour.” Jim said hanging up the phone. Well at least he'd be able to tell the FBI the good news. The team were good people, but tensions were rising and the Feds were recognisable Outsiders, they would be attacked sooner not later.

COMISH

we should have the go ahead to let the Feds through of Hovick tunnel in an hour get them prepped and down to the entrance. We will meet you there.

Dick perked up. The tension and stress amongst the FBI had been rising as more and more of the people at Wayne enterprises ran into them. Their most recent encounter was their worst one yet. However it was going to go downhill from here.

The incident in question had one of the security guards spitting at the feds calling them Unins.

Despite the slur, as far as Dick knew, never leaving Gotham, the message was clear. The saliva on Rossi's face making up any communication lost.

Gathering them quickly Dick had retreated into their conference room.

“So what does Unins mean? I gather it isn't flattering.” Morgan asked.

Grayson glanced up from his phone, “Technically it's short for Uninvited. But the groups who use the language are the more violent and radical as a result it has become more of a slur than anything.” Dick turned to Rossi, “Sorry for not seeing him.”

“You can’t be everywhere,” Rossi said.

“this is going to get worse isn’t it?” Reid asked.

“Nah, or at least not for you. The Comish has contacted the military on the other side. Provided everything goes smoothly we should have an exchange ready in about an hour.”

Dick chose not to mention the relaxation of all the agents’ shoulders.

“They haven't finalised the details at all but I'm driving you over to the tunnel as soon as you are ready.”

“I suppose we better go get our stuff.” Prentiss said.

Despite being the one to suggest they go get their stuff Prentiss was the most reluctant to leave. Lingering in the room. Hotchner paused at the door waiting for them to join, but far enough away to give privacy.

 Dick raised an eyebrow.

“It feels like we are walking away from a place we could help.” Prentiss said.

“I know.” Dick said, “But having you safely and publicly returned does us good. Plus, you've been in Gotham you know a little about what’s happening. And none of you are the type to lie. That’s worth a whole heck of a lot.”

“And we are Outsiders, if we got accepted it wouldn't be for some time.” Prentiss said.

“You also have family and your careers to get back to. Gotham and the Mainland may not agree on much but the people you put away?” Dick shook his head, “I don't think either of us want them around.”

Prentiss left catching up with Hotchner, Dick followed them out and gave them room to talk while also lingering in the view of those hostile to Outsiders, his presence discouraging negative interactions.

For all there was bright spots in this trip to Gotham Derek hated it. Firstly they had been sent on the order of the Narcissistic psychopath of a president. Second the locals wanted them gone. Third the man they were sent to profile, was saner and kinder than most of the police force. Morgan couldn’t in good conscience want him arrested.

Oliver Brown or whoever Batman really was, had tried. Tried the legal route. But it let him and his those he loved down. As he not wanted to watch as his city spiralled the drain he had been forced into more proactive measures, becoming a vigilante.

He was ruthlessly controlled keeping his personal issues under lock, he also stuck fast to the rules. Admittedly his rules but considering the state of Gotham's legal system, Batman’s rules might be the only ones which counted.

He was hope. Gotham which desperately needed promise of a better tomorrow. A population so cynical and hardened their collective response to a war with the largest military in the world was ‘about time’ and ‘it’s going to be hell on the traffic.’

Morgan was glad to be going home, but at the same time the guilt of what had been done to Gotham would never leave him. Guilt about not staying to help and fight was already eating away at him. But Garcia and Jack kept him from voicing his doubts. Hotch was trying to hide his worry but they were body language experts. He was itching to get back to Jack in a city which had gone dark.

Plus he was unwilling to let his team go through the most dangerous part alone, had Hotch been thinking straight he might have risked it. But with concern for Jack compromising his judgment Morgan had to be there.

Morgan reviewed what he knew of the plan, Officer Grayson would escort them into the tunnel to meet Colonel Frank Neal at the halfway point, who would escort them out. No one but the team and their escorts were allowed to enter the tunnel.

Safety was insured by the rank and importance of the escorts. Gotham wasn't willing to lose a cop, nor a Wayne, the Military their commander.

The team stood outside of their vehicles, flak jackets on. Their guns nowhere to be seen, out of all their personal belongings only the firearms were kept from them.

Dick stood beside them lightening the surrounding mood. And warding off the ‘landers’ whose glares were pointed. Dick was a good moral booster, much like Garcia he had a gift of bringing light into the darkest of places.

“Alright people settle down I'm about to start the video.” Jim called.

It was time. Officer Grayson jumped off the hood of the car he'd been sitting on. He unlike the surrounding forces and the team did not have Armor on, a show of good faith.

Turning towards the camera Officer Grayson handed over his service weapon to Detective Bullock. “I suppose it’s time for one of you to search me for weapons then.” Dick said with a smile.

Morgan stepped forward patting down the officer efficiently but thoroughly for the Cameras. Then stepped back into his team nodding at the camera’s Dick was unarmed. Dick was handed an earpiece he put in.

Morgan and his team huddled behind the barrier waiting for the signal. Dick left them walking over to the Commissioner to look at the screen. And take an ear peace.

“Okay,” commissioner Gordan said, “you are going to enter the tunnel and wait about twenty meters in for the confirmation the Colonel has done the same, then you walk to the halfway point. Hand over to Frank, take a photo as proof and Grayson walks back out.”

“Is there a big risk?” Reid said “It’s the US military, and they aren’t getting close to Gotham.”

“For Gotham?” Morgan whispered, “No, but for us?” Morgan nodded. There were after all reasons the GCPD suspected the US of blowing up their plane. Framing Gotham for bad treatment of their prisoners improved the US’s position.

“If the missile came from the US surely it was Lex’s office?” Reid asked.

“Nah, not his style.” Grayson said, “Well blowing up a plane with people on board might be. But not having the appearance of an organised response? Not so much.”

There was a chime and Morgan glanced around seeing the timer at zero. The barrier was pulled back and they all filed through.

The commissioner walked over, “Okay your clear to enter. Franks done all his prep too, so it shouldn't be too long before you get clearance to start walking.” Jim said, “good luck.”

Seconds later Dick waved them towards the tunnel. “The Colonel has entered.”

Morgan hitched his bag over his shoulder and started walking. For some reason Morgan had expected Hovick tunnel to be miles long. Which didn’t make sense as it went under a river you could see across. Still it surprised him the second they had rounded the bend at the entrance they could make out a figure silhouetted at the other end approaching.

Officer Grayson held up a hand pointing at the wall, “Halfway marker.”

The marker itself was like a metal expansion joint and a black line on the wall. But this wasn't a bridge, buried under Gotham river and rock there was no reason the temperature would change down here enough to need it. Closer inspection of the walls showed the black lines were groves.

Dick turned to him following his gaze to the wall, “Yes they are gates.”

“But Hovick tunnel was built in the 50's.” Reid said, “there would be no way to retrofit something so significant.”

“They are original, admittedly installed to hold Gotham city to ransom by the contractor rather than any plan for independence. Though they have been beefed up.” Grayson said.

His voice raised so it carried to the nearing Colonel.

“I figured Son.” Colonel Neal said, “There is a reason we didn't send in forces through here. That and I assume the arsenal waiting on the other side.”

The Colonel stopped about three yards away.

Hotch stepped over the halfway line extending his hand, “thank you for agreeing to this Colonel.”

“No problem,” Colonel Neal said, “no one on either side wants this to devolve into violence. As far as I'm concerned, I'm holding the line until the politicians can figure out their differences.”

“Either way, my team and I are grateful.” Hotch said.

Hotch turned to the young man who had been welcoming and open, despite Gothamites having valid reasons for hating them. The man who had kept his head, his humour and his wits as the world fell apart around them.

“Officer Grayson, thank you for all you've done.” Hotch said, “With out you, the commissioner and your family, this all would have turned out so much worse.”

Grayson shrugged and reached out to shake Hotch’s hand, “You and your team are good people, and it was an honour to work with you.”

Hotch walked the last few steps and turned back to wait with the Colonel.

Derek supposed it was his turn. “Thanks man, for being in a hostile country you managed to keep us all safe. And don't think I didn't notice you heading off people who would have been nasty to us.” Derek clasped his hand and patted him on the shoulder. “Keep in contact right?”

“I have all your numbers and will let you know if anything comes from the investigation into who blew up your plane.” Dick said.

“Right, any information on your current suspects you can share?” Morgan said.

Dick shook his head, we don’t have anything substantial enough to make accusations.”

Morgan nodded, a person who was high enough to fake an FBI office weren’t the kind of people to accuse without proof.

“Off the record? They did try to kill us, I’d like to avoid repeated attempts.”

“Off the record I’d avoid, the governor and head of the field office in New Jersey.” Dick said.

Reid nodded awkwardly at Grayson and hurried after him.

Prentiss and JJ talked to Grayson together. JJ and then Emily taking turns to hug him turning to join Morgan.

Rossi was last over, taking the time to shake Dick's hand and offer some words of wisdom before he also crossed the line.

Officer Grayson took a few steps back. “Good luck and I hope to see you all again in less fraught circumstances.”

There was a general mutter of agreement from the team before they posed for the photographic proof of the hand over and turned and started walking out of the tunnel. Morgan glanced over his shoulder once to the silhouette of Grayson walking away.

“You guys do profiling right?” Colonel Frank said.

“Yes.” Rossi replied.

“What are the chances of them collapsing this tunnel in on our heads. It seems like the commissioner was on the level, but you met them.”

“Low, they want us out safely.” Rossi said, “They do not want to take the first shot in this war.”

“Chances of me sending my men home without a fight?”

“Depends on whether the politicians will let them go without a fight.” Morgan said.

“Not a chance of them coming back to the US if we negotiated with them?”

“No chance, they've been screwed over by the US too many times. And their culture has already shifted, they are Gothamites first, second and third. In the entire time we were there no one referred to themselves as American. They use the metric system, have their own laws and flag. At this point the deceleration is a formality to them.” Rossi said.

Morgan blinked he had picked up on the Flag, laws and subtle changes in linguistics, but he’d missed the metric system.

“So prep the men for a fight. Because none of the higher ups see it that way.”

“More than likely. And pre-warning it won't be easy. Some of the best and brightest in the world are Gothamites and they have been preparing for this for Seven Years.” Derek said.

The light at the end of the tunnel loomed and Morgan found his eyes aching to adjust.

“And some pre-warning for you, the higherups all want to speak with you. It'll probably be several more days before you get home.” Colonel Neal said.

Rossi huffed, “We figured.”

“I did manage to convince them to bring Agent Hotchner’s son and Penelope Garcia here. Our people should be picking them both up around now.” Colonel Neal said.

Chapter Text

Jason pulled up beside the address he had gotten from Pullen's phone. Given the man was going to have to go to several shops to get the required kill kit. He decided to search his Co-conspirators house before Pullen headed to wherever they were holding Burke.

Jason paused, they weren't that stupid, were they? Unfortunately, nothing had proven them capable yet so Jason entered with the assumption they were holding Burke here. Perhaps he'd be pleasantly surprised, and they'd be holding him somewhere anonymous.

After all both had achieved high success in their careers, they couldn't be complete idiots.

However, when searching the basement Jason was unsurprised to prove himself wrong again. Because there in the Governor of New Jersey's publicly listed address was a kidnapped Fed.

Jason snuck himself to a vantage point and settled in. Apparently they were this dumb. But the attack on the FBI, using weapons which were already in Gotham was inspired. So either they were so confident they wouldn't be caught to bother with the most basic of security protocols or there was someone he was missing.

“You know what I don't get? Why would the Governor of New Jersey want a war with Gotham. Don't they make most of your money?” Burke said. Jason didn’t get along with Feds but if Burke kept on being cool and asking the questions he desperately wanted answers for, he was going to have to revise his opinions.

“Why wouldn't we?” Governor Hillary paced waving his hands, “It's always Gotham this, Gotham that. They Skew all our statistics, crime rate, population, Land area.”

“A city skews your population and Land area?” Burke said voice completely flat, “Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it true of literally every city in the world. And as for crime rate maybe if they had, I don't know? Cops, they'd get it under control.”

The Governor slapped Peter across the face. “Don't get smart with me, don't forget who holds your life in your hands.”

“Oh I won't. And given you are so recognisable there is no way you'd be letting me go.”

“You’re arguing I should kill you?” the Governor said.

“You’re planing to regardless of what I say. And if I'm going to die I'd appreciate if it wasn't for something as stupid as a city being built on land and having people in it.”

“Do you know how much money the Federal Government spends on Gotham?” the Governor asked.

“About Half of what a similarly sized city gets. But still significant for an individual, I suppose.”

The Governor snorted, “We aren't taking it, we are giving it to people who deserve it.”

“Deserve it.” Burke said. “Gotham doesn’t disserve what every other City in the US gets?”

“It's Gotham” The statement was said with such derision and disgust, Jason was reminded of when members of the elite of Gotham turned up their noses at the common street rat in their mix.

“Gotham?”

“Yes, Gotham.” The Governor snapped, “Have you ever been?”

Burke shook his head, “I haven't had the honour.”

“The honour?” The governor said with disgust, “It smells like trash, there are people living on the street, and yet some of the wealthiest in the country live right next door.”

Jason vaguely recalled the Governors visit from when he was Robin. He'd even agree with the Governor, but things had improved. The Bats’ consistent efforts, plus Bruce inspiring government support for the struggling, had gotten most people off the street and into housing. Once Ivy had stopped trying to kill everyone, her message started to be heard and the companies were cleaning up their act so it even smelt better.

It still smelt of millions of humans crammed into too small of a space but...Jason had travelled to Manhattan or even Metropolis and been shocked at how bad things were there.

After traveling the world, the US's homeless population was shocking and horrifying. And as Gotham improved Jason forgot the rest of the country wasn't also changing.

“So does Manhattan.” Burke pointed out.

“Yes but Manhattan has the decency to hide it.” The Governor said, “To present an image of prosperity and hope. People move to New York from all over, for a better life. And when they have had enough of the hustle of the city they move to the surrounding state. Now imagine the same thing happening with Gotham. Gotham draws in the Crazies and when Gotham proves to be too much they move away. They sleep on our streets. Do they get a job to pay for housing? No they are too good for us.”

Too good, for housing, too good for reliable food? God did Jason hate when people made out the homeless to be at fault for not working. Addiction, mental issues and luck all played a part in becoming homeless, but at no point did they decide they would rather be rained on than work.

And while it was true Gotham was consistently getting an influx of the mentally ill, they didn’t leave, rather they stayed in Gotham because Gotham insisted on treating them like human beings. And it was something Jason was proud of his city for doing.

“Aren't they sick?” Burke said, “Can they even hold a job?”

“How is that my problem?” the Governor said.

Jason personally thought it was the governor’s problem. If you had people living on the streets you had to figure out why, and how to get them basic human needs and rights covered.

“How long have you been governor for anyway? The FBI has been gone from Gotham for 16 years.” Burke asked.

“Oh it hasn't just been me, my predecessor and his all agreed. Gotham attracts and leaves us it's trash. And it doesn't even have the decency to give us acknowledgement for it.”

“Acknowledgement?”

“Manhattan is so intwined with New York, they may as well be synonyms. Yes, Manhattan respects New York. It is a part of it, in a way which Gotham has never been part of New Jersey.”

Burke shook his head, “I thought you were upset because Gotham had a bad reputation. You want to be more connected to it?”

“No but some acknowledgement would be nice.” The Governor said.

“Now you'll be known as the State who lost a city, how is that bett--?” Burk said cutting off as a new group entered the room.

Despite expecting Pullen at some point the new group did not contain him. The first man through the door was heavily armed and wearing a balaclava. Despite not being able to distinguish any features his short stature ruled him out as Agent Pullen. The second stranger through the door was not a fighter. Jason had spent enough time in high society to recognise wealth though. The man’s suit was tailored perfectly and more than likely custom made. Even the somewhat cheesy fuzzy grey mask with two small antenna was well made. Expensive even if not good taste. The third member of the group was hard to classify as a threat or not. Firstly she seemed shy, hanging back in the shadows with the same fuzzy mask as expensive suit. Secondly she was wearing a ball gown. Ball gowns were made for dancing and moving so the Lady could be a fighter. It also concealed her feet giving him no indication if she was prepared for a fight or looking pretty. Keeping her in mind as a potential physical threat Jason turned his attention back to suit who seemed the type to monologue.

“I know, isn't it beautiful?” Fuzzy face said.

“What, what, who are you?” the Governor stuttered.

The new man gestured and there was an echoing shot and the Governor fell forward. Jason knew enough of weapons to know from the sound it was a tranq-gun. Jason drew his own similarly non-lethal gun pointing it at the armed man's neck.

“And as for answering the idiot’s question, we are the Court of Moths.”

“What like a discount court of owls?” Burke asked, “I can’t believe the GCPD was right, Neal is never going to let me hear the end of this.” He muttered.

Speaking of Neal, Redhood used his helmet to send a text.

RH

Eyes on Burke, he’s fine and doing an excellent job of interrogating his captors.

“Ahh, yes Gotham would think that wouldn't they.” Fuzzy moth man said, “And I'll admit to taking inspiration we even have our own little rhyme.”

“That's nice.” Burke said.

“Heed the court of Moths,” Fuzzy started.

“You don't have to,” Burke said, “you really don't.”

“Who Plot all the time,
Guiding New York from seats in Manhattan,
Behind both politics and crime.”

Fuzzy continued ignoring the FBI agent.

“They Know your Financials,
They know your tax code,
Tell not a lie to them,
Or they'll take you from your safe abode.”

Seriously, seriously? They had even made it up! at least the Court of owls one had evolved naturally.

“Ahh it's.” Burke’s eyes flicked to the side, “nice?”

“I know, I know it's not as inspired or as lasting as the Court of Owls one,” Fuzzy face said, “but Gotham always did have a certain pizazz. And I like the bit about the tax code doesn't it send shivers down your spine.”

Okay this hiding in the corner thing was getting old. Switching off the safety he lined up the shot and—something sharp hit his neck. Spinning he spied another form exit the dark. His vision fuzzed, and he bought his weapon back up and fired aware he had moments to take out the threat before he was too out of it to move. Was it bad he’d been drugged so many times he recognised the effects immediately?

Falling down he had only enough consciousness to recognise Lady Moth as she stepped over him and out of the shadows removing her mask.

“Talia.” Jason said, well at least here was the brains of the operations. Had he been taken out by the court of Moths he didn’t think his ego could have taken it.

“Rest dear, once Gotham is destroyed you will see the detective again.”

“Bi…” Jason tried to enounce exactly what he thought of the woman but he was too weak. Besides the woman who’d manipulated him, raised his youngest brother with no kindness and all the shit Bruce was careful not to say about Damian’s conception, was the type of monster who would laugh.

Chapter Text

Derek and the rest of the team emerged from the tunnel, blinking into an organised chaos. Military people and vehicles buzzed around. The people giving a cheer when they emerged. The barrier was pulled aside and a man and woman with a white strip adorned with a red cross on their arms rushed into the area, hurried but not running.

The Colonel waved them off and the medics turned to the team.

“Any injured?” the Medic asked.

“We’re fine,” Hotch said.

The medics hesitated. “Are you sure? You were in a hostile environment for several days.”

“Yes, we are fine.” Rossi said, “Gotham might be hostile, but they didn't want to be accused of treating POW’s badly.”

“Geneva conventions were followed and exceeded.” Prentiss said.

“Really?” the medic asked, “Gotham is a city of millions, it's been several days without trade from the outside they must be hurting for food. I'd believe the rest of the Geneva convention was followed but they must have restricted food.”

Morgan furrowed his brow for all the insults levelled at them during their stay there was no one who accused them of being a waste of food. Hell, they had been given as much food as they wanted, granted they were meal replacement bars. But it was still food and enough.

“Listen ma'am,” Morgan said, “I don't think your information is accurate. There was no panic about lack of resources. No panic shopping, there wasn't even any looting we could see. Gotham has been preparing for isolation for seven years. They have everything they need and extra.”

“Seven years,” Colonel Frank Neal shook his head, “how the hell could we miss seven years of this level of resentment?”

“That is a question we ourselves would like answers to.” Hotch said.

“Well you’re in luck,” the Colonel said, “or out of luck the Brass has gathered to ask you about Gotham.”

“I'm not sure how much help we will be. Hotchner said, “After the missile we were isolated.”

“Officer Grayson did keep us informed.” Rossi pointed out as they were led through the camp.

“Yes and I'm inclined to believe he was open and honest.” Hotch said, “however I doubt you'd want to stake any military operation on it.”

“Either way you've got more information and insight than the rest of the country.” The Colonel said, “And it’s needed by command.”

They followed the colonel to a truck. Derek wasn't entirely sure whether they were being led or escorted. It was funny despite being less prisoners here than Gotham they had less freedom.

In Gotham there was no doubt in their minds Officer Grayson was there captor as much as their escort. But other than his service weapon there was no other physical restrictions on their movement.

No visible ones at least. Derek was sure had they ditched Dick and Wayne Enterprises they would have been in for a rough time. Hell, the GCPD and Batman wouldn't even have to do anything, the general population would tear them apart.

Even so it stood in stark contrast to the six heavily armed soldiers in formation around them. Stepping up into the mobile command centre the team was lead past banks of computers and into a sectioned off room with a large table.

Inside there were two people waiting for them. Derek hadn't been around a lot of military people, but he knew enough to recognise high ranked Navy, and Army personal. The Colonel offered a salute to the men and introduced them.

“Take a seat Colonel, Ladies, gentleman, we are waiting for one more then we can get started. 'Till then can we get you anything? tea, coffee?” Admiral Corby said.

“Coffee would be good.” Reid said.

“You know what I'll get a pot.” The admiral stuck his head out the door and made the order. Shortly later a cart with tea and coffee was delivered and a lean man in a black form fitting costume entered the room. The man had black hair, pail skin and his eyes were covered by a domino mask. A Blue bird stretched across the man’s chest and blue lines trailed down to his fingertips.

“Nightwing,” Colonel Frank Neal greeted.

“He was assigned to take down Batman by the president personally.” General Lane said and Morgan didn’t have to be a profiler to notice the tension there.

Derek raised an eyebrow but said nothing. No need to insert themselves in the mess of politics. Instead, he nodded at the man and listed him as hostile, trusted by Lex Luthor wasn’t a complement.

“Well then shall we get started?” Nightwing said. “You were expecting a hostile welcome, how was arriving?”

“Enlightening, did you know all the Gotham pasta stories are true? Like Doctor Hugo Strange is a real person, who experimented on his patients?” Reid said.

“It'll give me nightmares for a while.” Morgan said, “Gotham has dealt with all sorts of threats. Regular Gas attacks and killers who make the worst we chase look like kittens.”

“I agree with both Morgan and Spencer about the content of the Welcome to Gotham speech. But I also found Officer Grayson to be friendlier than expected.” Rossi said.

“He was the kid in the tunnel right?” Colonel Neal said.

“Yeah Officer Grayson was our contact in the GCPD and was assigned to protect or perhaps babysit us after the bombing.” Morgan said.

“Protect?” General Lane asked, “You weren't locked up?”

“No, but we were escorted everywhere.” Prentiss said, “And given how the general populace was treating us it would have been stupid to ditch Grayson but we were otherwise allowed free if unarmed range.”

“This is Officer Richard Grayson-Wayne, the eldest of the Wayne children?” Nightwing asked.

“Yes, though he ditches the Wayne at work and prefers Dick.” JJ said.

“We also Met Tim Drake-Wayne and Bruce Wayne while we were at Wayne Enterprises.” Morgan said.

“Bruce has publicly been for repairing the relationship between Gotham and the mainland in the past, does he still hold that view.” General Lane said.

“The feeling I got off Bruce was the same as the commissioner and Dick.” Prentiss said, “Resigned and determined.”

“Can you elaborate?” Nightwing said.

“Bruce, Tim, the commissioner and Dick all knew this was coming.” JJ said, “They tried to stop it and then prevented it for as long as possible. But they are aware there is no putting the cat back in the bag now. And they will all do their best to get Gotham the best outcome they can.”

“That's a question we would like answered.” Rossi said.

Colonel frank raised an eyebrow.

“You knew the relationship between Gotham and the mainland was bad enough to need repairing.” Rossi said, “How did it get so bad to begin with?”

“Gotham has always been resistant—”

Hotch cut the Admiral off before Morgan could. “Let me stop you right there. I saw the results of the Mainland's contempt in Gotham. We saw the frustration and the resignation of Gothamites to being treated as second class citizens. The Federal and the state governments absolutely had a part in this. Do not put this all on Gotham.”

“Blaming Gotham is how we got into this situation in the first place.” Rossi said. “We are aware we got one side of the story in Gotham, but if this is going to be resolved it starts with acknowledging our mistakes.”

Nightwing said “What did you see?”

“Ourselves?” Hotch said, “We saw the Gotham's field office used as a makeshift Homeless shelter. We saw the multiple, and by multiple, I mean thousands of applications for a humane mental hospital and prison. And we saw exactly why they needed them.” Hotch took a breath. “Arkham had walls with holes in it. Rain was getting into the cells. There were major structural issues I could see at a glance. The locals had tried to patch and mend it. But they need a building which isn't hundreds of years old. A building which hasn't been at the epicentre of an earthquake. Or at the least a secure place they could transfer the patients to while they carried out structural repairs.” Hotch said.

“Blackgate was better, but only in the sense it wasn't leaking and about to fall down. The building was made 200 years ago, and it was sized to Gotham back then. Overcrowded is an understatement. And like the kid said, Gotham has some disturbing criminals and neither Blackgate nor Arkham can hold them. The police force is overworked, re-catching the people who were already incarcerated.” Morgan said, “Everyone there knows someone who has died or was hurt due to one of those escapes.”

Rossi nodded and took over “We also saw the contempt towards Outsiders and Mainlanders. We heard a few stories about why they hate us, and I can't say they are unjustified.”

“You are sympathetic to their plight.” Nightwing said, it was phrased as a question, but it didn’t sound like one. But no one could know what they felt, although he was one of Lex’s group, perhaps he was telepathic?

“Yes, I know we got one side of the story.” JJ said, “But it is how they see the USA and they are not wrong to hate us and want to leave.”

“You profiled Batman, do you think he had anything to do with this?” Nightwing asked.

“No, I'd put him in the same boat as the Waynes and the commissioner.” Hotch said, “He'll protect Gotham, but he didn't want it to come to this.”

“You got a name right?” Colonel Frank said, “For Batman I mean.”

“We got an alias, ‘Oliver Brown’ he has either lived under, or his name he left behind, or him covering his tracks. Either way we went as far as we could with a profile and Batman got their first and ensured it was a dead end.” Rossi said.

Nightwing stiffened, did he know the name?

“Which indicates he's rather good at our job. He knew the steps we would take and where it would take us.” Reid said.

“You’re saying he has law enforcement background?” General Lane asked.

“They way it operates in Gotham at the moment he is law enforcement.” Morgan said with a sigh, “But yes, the alias we got was trained at Quantico. We'll check in with his trainers once we get back, see if they have anything extra to say. But I doubt it will lead anywhere.”

“If we could get back to relevant matters.” Hotch said.

“Batman is irrelevant? If there is a military operation there, he is the heaviest armed.” Nightwing said.

“None of his measures will be lethal, he hates killing and has spent a lot of effort getting good at avoiding it.” Morgan said, “In a fight he'll protect and minimize casualties. He'll preferentially protect Gothamites, but if the opportunity arises, he'll protect our people too.”

“You’re saying he's not a threat?” Colonel Frank said, “I have wreaked equipment which would say otherwise.”

“No, he's the second biggest threat you'll face.” Rossi said, “Well trained and equipped with the entire city including the criminals behind him. He'll stall any assault in its tracks, but he'll do it without killing.”

“If I had to bet I'd say he's behind the cyber-attack on the power grid. He scrambled and unsettled the US. But there were no casualties,” Reid said.

“The second biggest threat, who’s the biggest?” Nightwing said.

All the team answered simultaneously with Derek, “The Waynes.”

“Or at least the ones we met. Tim is scarily competent for a 17-year-old.” Reid said.

“Bruce is dedicated to his city and his family.” Hotch said, “He knows Gotham through and through. He knew this was coming and has been preparing.”

“The Medics assumed we hadn't been fed because there should be a food shortage in Gotham.” Rossi said, “And we should at least had food restricted. But we ate as much as we liked.”

“All manufacturing of Wayne medicine and tech has moved to the island over the last seven years.” JJ said.

“So Bruce is keeping Gotham fed and in medicine how is he a threat?” Admiral Corby said.

Morgan lent forward, “Tell me admiral what percentage of the US's medicine is made by Wayne? Or medical equipment or even ingredients they sell on to other companies?”

“What percentage of information to maintain and run those complicated lifesaving machines is held on Gotham Servers?” Prentiss added, “Wayne enterprises is a private company there isn’t much about their operation they’ve had to disclose.”

“Wayne has effectively limited the military's options single handily.” Hotch said, “You can't afford to destroy any of Wayne's buildings. Not unless the US is okay with letting a lot of people worldwide die.”

“None of our allies would appreciate it,” General Lane said.

“Exactly and honestly I'd even avoid subcontractors.” Prentiss said, “And there is no way he left his kids without critical and unique information, all the Wayne's would have to be extracted safely.”

“We can't bomb it.” General Lane said.

“No, the US can't afford to risk it. Bruce Wayne has limited your options to a ground assault. And even those must be tactical and precise.” Morgan said.

“Which Batman has the best chance of defending against.” General Lane concluded.

“How much reserves do we have of Wayne Medicine?” Nightwing said.

“Ahh, here I was thinking restricting them to the island was going to get them desperate willing to negotiate, but it’s the other way around isn't it.” Colonel Neal said.

“And that is why it's not Batman you have to watch out for or be careful around.” Hotch said, “It is the Waynes and they’ve done it without firing a single shot.”

By the time they were let go every moment they'd spent in Gotham was analysed to death. Particularly concerning were the active defence measures on Gotham's airport building. If the airport building was defended against bombs what others were?

To his surprise Nightwing hadn’t postured or argued with any of their authority or thoughts. Derek was inclined to like the stoic man and believe there was more behind his story than being a Luthor sycophant.

Regardless Derek and the team were ready to crash once it was over. And even the camp beds were heaven to fall into.

Aaron was annoyed when he was woken up. Though he could swear he’d rolled into bed moments ago but the sun was starting to rise and the military camp was in full swing.

 Nightwing was apologetic but firm.

“I apologise for the early wake up, the president wants to speak with you.” Nightwing said.

“The President? Give me a few to wake up my team.”

“No,” Nightwing said, “he just wants you.”

Well crap. Nobody in his team liked Lex Luthor and each had their fingers crossed the senate would oust him, was it today? He checked his watch yes, the vote was due later today. But he was the commander and chief and as such he had to follow orders.

Aaron rolled out of bed and began to get changed back into his suit. He stopped by the officer's lounge and skulled a cup of coffee. If he was meeting with the president, he'd need his wits about him.

He hesitated outside the door, changing his course to the nearby bathroom. There was every chance he'd need proof of this conversation. He checked all the stalls and then slipped his phone out of his pocket and called Penelope.

“Hey Boss, me and the little man are heading your way. Do you want me to wake him up to say hi?”

Aaron's chest ached with the want for his son’s voice, but duty came first.

“No, later. The President requested to speak to me.” Hotchner said.

“Right, So???” Penelope said.

“You know how the team feels about him.” Aaron said, “There is every possibility I'm going to need a record of the call.”

“You want me to record it?” Penelope said.

“Yes, I trust your judgement of what to do with the audio. But I want it somewhere not on me if worst comes to worst.”

There was tapping on the other end of the call, “Okay, okay sir, everything is set up. And Sir?”

“Yes.” Aaron said.

“I'll be listening in, you won't be alone.” Penelope said.

“Thank you, Penelope,” Hotch said, gratefulness squeezing at his heart and giving him the courage to move. He switched the phone to speaker and turned the volume down as far as it could go and then stepped into the room with the video conference.

“Mr President.” Hotch greeted as the man answered the call.

“Ahh, Agent Aaron Hotchner it is such a relief to have you back safe and sound from Gotham.”

Aaron didn't have to have profiler training to spot the lie. Lex Luthor didn't give a damn about him and his team. Hotch breathed, he could not control the president he could only be the best man he could be. Give Jack a roll model and hero to look up to, one who didn’t wear a cape.

So Hotch answered the lie with the truth, “It's good to be back.” Hotch said. Despite his and his team’s sympathy to Gotham's plight they were still Americans through and through.

“Listen we are both busy men, so I'll make this quick. I need you to retract what was said on the broadcast you made from Gotham.” Lex said.

“Why sir? Everything we said was true.” Aaron said.

“Oh I don't care about your urging for this to resolve peacefully. But we are both intelligent men, we both know Batman is behind this ‘independence’.”

A Narcissist like Lex wouldn't take well to being corrected. What could he do? Ignore subtext, if Lex wanted him to do something unethical, he better come out and say it.

“Nothing in Gotham pointed to it, Sir.”

Aaron forced his breathing deep, typically when he confronted men like Lex Luthor he had his team and an arrest warrant on his side. He had the power the authority. Luthor had managed to con his way into the highest office in the country. He had the power here and the team was asleep.

But Penelope was listening. It was enough not being alone, to screw his courage to the sticking place.

“Which points to how crafty Batman is. You know he convinced Bruce to set up the trace on his donation.”

Aaron bit his tongue twice, the first to say, 'the trace which caught you in your reformed lie act', the second to point out Wayne was perfectly smart enough to pull it himself.

“It wasn't even my account.” Lex said.

Another lie if he'd ever heard one.

“Regardless you need to retract miss Jennifer Jareau's statement.” Lex said.

“Agent” Aaron was too slow on the tongue biting this time and it was going to bite him in the arse.

“Her competence is not in question Agent Hotchner. But it is a sad fact of America, her people will believe a man in a suit more than a woman in one.”

“I don't disagree with anything she said. Even if Batman is behind this Gotham will fight for him.” Hotch tried to reframe the truth to get Lex to accept part of it.

“I'm sure your assessment of the situation is sound, but people are sheep they follow a strong leader. Take Batman out and they'll fall in line.”

Aaron was about to object but Lex cut him off.

“No I don't want your opinion.” Lex said, “The US needs Gotham to comply. Our experts agree taking Batman down is the best way to do it. It's your job Supervisory Special agent Aaron Hotchner to make the people see it.”

And Aaron would bet experts weren't consulted and if they were? They were promptly ignored.

“And remember it'd be a shame if you never got to see Jack again. Treason is not a light sentence.”

So that’s why Lex had gotten him alone, he was the one on the team with the softest target to manipulate.

“Yes he and a Penelope Garcia were picked up this morning to be transported to you. Touching, but will they get there? That’s entirely up to you.”

“There is every chance you won't have that power by tonight.” Aaron said.

“I'm being thrown out because Gotham is misbehaving.” Lex said, “Once Batman is gone...”

“You believe they'll let you remain in power?” Hotch asked

“Of course they will. Gotham will fall back in line, and they will get to squeeze more money from them for this little rebellion. Making the US rich,” Lex said. “You'll make the announcement at seven, early enough to catch the morning commute and by lunch we'll have Gotham.”

That was more optimistically naive than they'll be home by Christmas. He flicked his eyes to the clock, 6:45 not much time to plan.

“I'll do the press conference.” Hotch said.

“Good, good, I'll make sure the heroes I can trust are in place to take the man down.”

Interesting how he didn’t mention Nightwing.

Chapter Text

Bruce was concerned Redhood hadn’t checked in yet, his son could take care of himself, but it didn’t stop his heart jumping each time he noticed one of his children missed a check in. But he didn’t have time to dwell, Redhood might be safer where he was anyway.

The Long-range sensors had picked up incoming. Batman wished it was another missile but no, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern were all closing in on Gotham at pace.

Had they caved to lex?

He’d been sure, so sure they would hold the peace and not fight Gotham. He had never given them his name, his face, or his children. But he had trusted them with his techniques, his back, with his city. For them to be converging now when he needed them the most to stay away was heart breaking.

Batman shook his head as he pulled on his gauntlets, human friendships and betrayal didn’t take precedence over his city’s safety. Bruce supposed he wasn’t totally wrong about them, Flash, Cyborg, and Martian Manhunter weren’t coming. But it was little consolation for his broken heart.

“Hey B, we've got incoming.” Oracle said.

“I've seen them.” Batman said.

“Are they here to help or?” Oracle asked.

“Why wouldn't they have called?” Batman said, “I'm assuming hostile.”

“Any news from Redhood” Oracle asked. “Because I hate to be the barer of bad news but we’ve got more problems.”

Batman grunted.

“I called a Headcount when I picked the incoming up, Redhood, Lucius Fox and Wayne manufacturing haven’t checked in.”

Headcount was a protocol the Bats had enacted with the influential in Gotham City, calling out for an immediate all clear if nothing was wrong at their location. None of the non-responders were the type to miss a check, particularly with events as tense as they were.

Bruce took a breath, Jason could look after himself.

“Have you accessed the cameras at manufacturing.” Bruce asked.

“the cameras are cut, but entrance logs have Lucius there as well as emergency lockdown procedures activated,” Oracle said.

Two issues, they were going to have to split up. Batman’s first instinct was to put the majority of his resources into confronting the Justice League but the incident at Wayne Manufacturing was too coincidental. Their capacity to make medicine was their main known leverage over the Mainland if they lost that?

No Batman needed to focus on leverage, a war after all was far more dangerous than threats he had trained his family for.

“Nightwing, the justice league knows you work with me. If there is a chance for a peaceful resolution take it. If not…” Dick knew his contingencies.

“I’m ditching sypher?”

Bruce grunted conformation, “Blackbat, Spoiler and Signal. Go with him. Robin you’re with me at Wayne Manufacturing.”

“And me?” Tim asked swinging his bandaged foot down from where it had been elevated.

“Search for Redhood.” Bruce pushed down on Tim’s shoulder preventing his injured son from rising, “Digitally”.

“I can still fight.” Tim said.

Batman nodded, “If you have too, but right now I’d rather keep you in reserve. And we…I need to know where Redhood is.”

Tim nodded and settled back at his desk.

“Approaching CL-JL1” Nightwing called on coms, as he arrived at the open abandoned warehouse which was a preprepared confrontation location for the justice league. Nightwing and the Batfam had trained and planned for combating the league here. They had the homefeild advantage anywhere in Gotham but here, they’d explored every nook and cranny with the idea of confronting the Justice League. He also had the advantage of finally being back in his own suit.

“Good luck, stay safe.” Oracle said. Short and sweet giving away no extra information, after all Superman’s hearing range was exceptional.

His com beeped as short-range sensors picked up the three heroes approach. Nightwing hoped beyond hope he had been right and the Justice League was trustworthy. After all if Batman had been right in his ‘insane paranoia’, his own quote, Bruce would wave being right in his face for days.

Well no, he’d nod in sorry acceptance and be worse going forward. And Dick didn’t think he could handle a Batman who was more insanely paranoid, or a father who had been hurt by a significant portion of his small friend group.

Chapter Text

The press conference was already set up much to Hotchner’s annoyance and he was escorted straight there. He didn’t even have the time or the privacy to check his phone. Aaron supposed he’d have to trust Garcia. Trust her both to have a plan and to protect Jack.

If he denounced the Batman what was the worst which could happen?

Gotham would lose any trust it had in outsiders. Any chance of bring the sides to the negotiating table anytime soon. And if Lex’s kill squad got to the Bat? He would become a martyr a symbol for Gotham to rally war cries behind. No denouncing the Batman wouldn’t bring anything good.

But on the other hand Penelope and Jack were with the military. The same military who were currently beholden to Lex Luthor.

Could he do this? Betray, either an entire city full of civilians for Lex Luthor. Or place his son in danger to spite Luthor.

#

“Welcome, as you can see my team and I made it back safely to US soil.” Hotch said.

A woman he recognised as Lois Lane, award winning journalist raised her hand. Aaron nodded at her, was she any relation to General Lane?

“Lois Lane Daily planet, where is your team now.”

“Sleeping, believe it or not it's been a long few days and it was decided to do this press conference,” Aaron checked his watch “15 minutes ago, so I'm afraid if you’re expecting a polished speech?”

“Cat Grant, Cat co, is your recent start why you look so...”

The small amount of makeup required to appear healthy in the lights hadn’t been applied. Which was either an oversite or deliberately designed to make him appear worse.

“Dishevelled? like I rolled out of bed half an hour ago and chugged coffee on my way here?” Hotch said, humour wasn’t his go to method of diffusing a situation but he needed the people to like him if he was going to piss off Lex.

“So it has nothing to do with the way you were treated in Gotham?” Cat followed up

“We were treated well in Gotham. A city which as far as we could tell was well within its right to hate our guts.”

“You believe Gotham was right to declare independence?” Lane asked

“Right? I don't know and I believe historians will decide that.” Aaron said, “But Desperate? Definitely and desperate people do desperate things.”

“And why are the people of Gotham Desperate?” Lane asked.

This was the point, the point at which he could lie and point the finger at Batman, Jack would be safe. His team entered the tent surrounded by military and Nightwing appeared in the corner. They were at risk too.

But...he glanced at the city in the distance, how many children were in the City. How many times had they been let down by the Outside. He had no doubt they were getting this broadcast; he could build hope and trust, or he could tear it down.

Morgan caught his eyes and gave him a small nod. Hotch wasn’t sure how much he knew about the situation but knew the man trusted him to do the right thing. And Penelope was with Jack he wasn’t alone. He had to have faith in his team. Penelope would get Jack and herself out.

“What do you know about No Man's Land?” Hotch said.

Garcia had been through the gauntlet in the last week. Her team, her family had been stuck behind enemy lines. She'd been helpless. And finally when the nightmare had been over she hadn't thought twice about jumping in a Military vehicle and being brought to the front.

They had stopped for the night at a motel, to get some rest. Hotch's call had woken her, and the contents put a chill in her heart.

The Recording of the president more so. It hadn't even occurred to her the US military might be a threat to her. She was FBI, one of the Good guys.

But more to the immediate problem she was holding the hot potato of truth. It was doubtful she'd be allowed access to technology once the press conference was aired. She had to do something now but what?

Perhaps she could contact Batman? To distract herself during the sleepless hours of non-contact she had put together a list of hackers who could be Batman, she had no doubt he was good enough to end up on her list. Without the FBI’s resources and warrants he’d have to hack. She had applied the profile to try and get to his handle.

There were three who fit, primarily operating in Gotham Oracle, Blackbird and Redbird. Garcia wasn't a hundred percent sure which was the Bat but she had minutes to decide so she followed the profile.

To be a hacker on her radar already required intelligence. But Redbird was too recent. Batman had been active 15 years Redbird had been around five.

So Between Blackbird and Oracle. Her first instinct was Blackbird, I mean Bat's were black flying things. But Oracle often gave tips to Law enforcement and the team had profiled he'd work with them often.

Oracle she decided, she spent a few minutes getting a secure back channel to Oracle and another getting the audio of the clip to upload.

Unfortunately, it had still been loading when the wake-up call occurred. Panicking Garcia, rushed to the Bathroom. Shutting the door as quietly as she could. Quickly she stuck her phone in the draw and grabbed her toothbrush slamming it into her mouth.

The knock came again.

A man’s voice came from behind the door, “Miss Garcia? Are you awake?”

Penelope started answering with the toothbrush in her mouth “Sorry yeah.” Her voice came out muffled and she took a moment to remove it and say in a comprehensible voice, “Sorry in the Bathroom, give me a sec?”

“Sure,” the man said, “We need to get moving soon but finish up.”

Sighing in relief Penelope checked her phone happy to see the message was uploaded but disturbed to notice her signal had been cut off. Seven oh five. Enough into the press conference for Hotch's non-cooperation to become clear. They were now prisoners of the US military. She had to get to Jack and make sure they weren't separated.

And if she could manage it? get them out. Come on Garcia you can do this.

Barbra Gordan was contacted by the Black Queen at 6:55, with an audio recording of the President threatening Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner. Through Penelope Garcia and Jack Hotchner.

It was accompanied with a quick text of location and SOS.

Oracle snapped into action. For all she might not be able to be batgirl anymore she still saved people. And in all honesty probably more. All the Bats were busy with the League and Wayne Manufacturing so she couldn’t call them in. But, but two of the league didn’t come. It might be a matter of being busy or standing back to surprise them later. But Barbra was out of ideas, she reached out to Flash and Cyborg using B’s login.

Before she could get a reply from them another monitor went off with an alert, people had entered the outside of several of the tunnels leading to Gotham.

The army was marching.

The Tunnels were already primed blowing the mainland entrances took a second. Large chunks of concrete fell off but the structure was unharmed. It was a shot across the bow. There were far more substantial explosives further in. Taking control of the LED traffic boards she sent a message. 75 tonnes of C4 with an arrow pointing to the tunnel.  There were closer to 90 but they didn’t need to know that.

In case they missed the message she had a skull and cross bones figure occasionally flash.

Most of the units stopped their approach, but the one attempting to get through Peterson tubes continued forward. To be fair they were the only group attempting stealth the others must have been diversions.

Barbra closed her eyes and sent a quick prayer and detonated the first 20 meters of structural explosives. She forced herself to watch as the tunnel collapsed on them. If she couldn’t deal with the sight she shouldn’t have done it.

Seconds later she was glad she had as killer frost burst from one of the uniforms and formed a shield around the group. Initiating a face scan Barbra was unsurprised to find a number of Lex’s ‘reformed’ villains. Barbra alerted Mr Freeze, and Firefly, Batman was busy, and Victor Fries had been better since Nora started to recover under Wayne medical’s care. The woman was still in a medically induced coma but she was recovering.

Firefly on the other hand was an arsonist and would never be safe on the streets. But she was a Gothamite and wanted Outsiders to burn more than she wanted Gotham to.

Perhaps it was hypocritical of them to accuse Lex of using reformed villains?

Ahh at least they weren’t dressing it up.

Oracle checked all her sources making sure there were no other breaches while they were distracted. She tuned into the Bats confrontation.

Morgan’s first clue something was wrong was Hotch making a press briefing on his own. He’d been gone this morning and Morgan had woken the others in panic. Only to be intercepted by Nightwing who took them to the press tent.

Hotch’s body language was the second clue, it screamed trapped. Morgan kept the team close and entered the tent with the press. Hopefully the eyes would prevent Nightwing or the military from taking hostile actions.

The actual content of the briefing were along the lines of what Morgan had expected of the Boss, but given the tightness in the man’s posture it had been the hard call to make it so. Morgan could spot the exact moment the military got orders to stop the interview. The man pulling the plugs out of the wall was a hint. The camera people objected loudly, and the military forced them all to sit down in the tent along with the team. However, there was a camera hidden in the corner who was still shooting. Morgan glanced away from Nightwing who had shoved a chair in front of the live light as he pulled out some cords. Though based on the way he placed the camera with a perfect view of events, he doubted they had been the right ones.

General Lane entered a moment later, eyes alighting on Lois Lane then Hotch, “I don’t know what you did but you pissed the president off something good.”

“I refused to lie, even when he threatened my son.” Oh Jack, wasn’t he with Garcia? Were they okay?

“That would do it,” General Lane said. “Everyone here is detained until I get further orders.”

Lane pushed herself to the front, “you can’t seriously be doing what Lex Luthor wants?”

“He is the president.” General Lane said with a sigh.

“Do you know how many times the man has tried to kill me?” Lane said. “36, 36 times and personally until he proves he didn’t use some sci-fi bit of tech to brain wash the public he isn’t a president of mine.”

“He is a delusional psychopathic narcissist.” Hotch said, “And yes you can quote me on that.”

The general knocked the pen and paper out of Lane’s hands, “Do you want it to be 37 because this is how you get to 37 Lois.”

“So you admit the President is the type of person to kill people who don’t agree with him. Do you believe he had anything to do with the whistleblowers and opponents’ deaths on the campaign trail?”

General Lane glared down his daughter, “No comment.”

A military man rushed into the tent and over to the still running camera and pulled all the plugs.

Barry was halfway to Gotham when he was diverted by a message from Batman.

BATMAN

Jack Hotchner (4) Penelope Garcia (35) under threat from Luthor. Being used as leverage. secure as soon as possible. Last known attached.

The link was to halfway between Gotham and DC. Practically on the way.

Cyborg was trying to secure Gotham from Cyber-attacks. He shouldn't have bothered Batman knew someone good, excellent even. All Victor could get on them was the name Oracle.

So when Oracle reached out, Victor reached back. He quickly downloaded files on the BAU and the video of Luthor threatening Agent Hotchner.

ORACLE

Flash is on route to last known.

“And I'll be joining him.” Victor muttered.

He transported himself directly to the last known. Flash speeding to a stop beside him, moments later.

Cyborg pulled up a picture of Penelope Garcia and Jack Hotchner. “These are who we are searching for can you check all the cars—"

Before he had even finished Barry had sped off in a blur.

“well that was rud—”

“Not a match a mile in either direction, I can search further out?”

“But they've likely been moved off the expected path.” Cyborg said, “Keep checking I'll do a scan on her tech. Cross reference with Luthor's known associates with any devices which were close to Penelope's phone.”

“Hey you do your thing I'll keep checking cars.” Barry said speeding off and Cyborg sped through the net. Occasionally being given help from Oracle, they had all sorts of back doors, Victor was going to get jealous.

But whoever had done this was good, after they had left the motel he found in minutes there was no trace at least not yet. They had to keep looking.

Chapter Text

Nightwing stood waiting for the ultrasonic whistle to capture Superman’s attention. Dick was running through the plan of attack and assets and weapons available in the immediate area. The warehouse he stood outside of had been abandoned due to Lead contamination and was hazardous enough even the homeless and the criminals avoided it. Batman had chosen it both due to lead’s X-ray vision blocking properties and because there were no Gothamites to worry about protecting here.

There was no one here now except, himself, Cass, Steph and Duke. In most fights those numbers would have been excellently in his favour. There weren’t many fights he’d bet against his siblings but Wonder Woman had fought gods to standstills. Superman could beat atlas in an arm wrestle. And green lantern? Okay if half of Bruce’s griping could be taken at face value, they could all beat Hal Jordan, his situational awareness was crap. Nightwing fought a snicker for once Batman would have to be grateful Green Lantern refused to take his training notes on board.

Superman, Wonder Woman and Lantern pulled up, hovering in the air above his head and out of reach. Nightwing clenched his fists ready to move, but refusing to take the first offensive after all they could still be friends, though why they hadn’t called a head was damning.

Superman touched down, looking around. His siblings were well hidden still Dick could help but be tense. Had they covered every spectrum he could see in?

“Nightwing right?” Superman asked, “we come in peace.”

Nightwing refused to allow himself off his guard, “Why didn’t you call?”

Superman’s eyes widened, “oh,” he rubbed the back of his neck, “would you believe I forgot?”

“Yes,” Nightwing’s lips twitched. Batman had said Superman often forgot things like calling ahead because when you could travel at the speeds superman could, visiting was faster than picking up the phone. “But I can also believe Luthor found something on you to persuade you to ‘forget’.”

“Listen, Spooky’s play with the UN worked, we are here under their banner. They recognised Gotham’s claim to independence. Which means a foreign power is marching on civilian location. They called us in to stop it.”

“Where is Flash, Cyborg and Martian Manhunter?” Nightwing asked but his tension was leaving. Perhaps Batman would still have his guard up but Dick refused to be paranoid.  

A text message from Oracle flashed in his lenses.

ORACLE

Sent Flash and Cyborg to rescue Jack Hotchner and Penelope Garcia, Lex is being a douche, again.

Diana stepped forward twining her lasso around her own arm, “We have come to help Gotham, and our friend Batman. Flash, Cyborg and J’onn are dealing with other issues and will be here as soon as they can.”

Nightwing nodded accepting the evidence brought by the Lasso of truth, “Batman’s dealing with a different crisis at the moment, and also” Dick turned back to Superman, lips bursting into a smile, “We come in peace? Seriously big blue?”

Superman returned his grin, “I had the opportunity, wouldn’t you?”

“Oh I absolutely would,” Nightwing stepped forward extending his hand, “But I’m me.”

“And who is me?” Superman said.

“Nightwing, I believe the Martian is currently using my ID.”

“We thought you operated out of Blüdhaven?” Superman said.

“I did, I still patrol there often. But Gotham is my home.”

Blüdhaven had been co-opted into the Bats patrol schedule to allow Nightwing to come home. Though Nightwing still had final say about what happened there and Bruce was careful not to overstep nowadays. Much like Redhood had say over Crime alley. They were compromises they had worked on as part of growing up.

“I’m honestly surprised Batman trusts anyone enough to work with them.” Lantern said extending his own hand.

“B may be paranoid, but he still has people he trusts. He even trusts the League.”

“He does?” Superman asked.

Lantern snorted, “of course he does do you think he’d allow anyone else to stand here if he truly thought we were a threat.”

Or he trusted Nightwing more than Lantern suspected or, Dick had thought Batman had removed himself from the equation to prevent his team being caught between Luthor and the orders to capture him, but what if he suspected the team was a diversion and the real threat was at Wayne Manufacturing.

Dick tensed.

“What?” Wonder Woman said.

“He personally trusts you, but with Gotham? When things are this tense? Dick shook his head. “Which means he—”

Dick spun heading towards the Batmobile he had borrowed. Hesitating only a moment, if he was facing a bigger threat at Wayne Manufacturing why had he taken Robin. But then again Robin for all he was excellent with a katana hadn’t yet caught all the ways Batman tried to keep them from danger.

Spoiler slipped from the shadows and joined him, Black Bat a pace ahead of him a moment later.

“Hang on?” Lantern said, “are you multiplying?”

“Often seems like it.” Spoiler said over her shoulder as she strapped in.

“Oracle can you patch them into comms?” Nightwing said. Not wanting to waste time but knowing they had to be cohesive.

“Okay so who are you all?” Green Lantern said.

“Spoiler.” Steph said as she shut the door.

“Black Bat.” Cass introduced herself before slipping in as well.

“Oracle, tech support.” Barbra said over the comms.

“So Spooky has a team did not see that coming.” Lantern said.

“Family.” Black Bat said.

“and a team he trusts with his car—hang on did you say family?” Lantern spluttered “You guys are what? His kids?”

“Yes” Cass said.

“Well not all his kids” Spoiler said

“Oh good that is a relief Spooky with” Lantern paused to do a head count, “three kids is way too much...” Lantern said, “Wait did you mean all his kids as in some of you aren't family or all his kids like there are more of you?”

Nightwing’s couldn’t stop the grin crawl across his face at the idea of three Bat kids being too much.

“Both,” Spoiler said.

“So where are we headed?” Wonder Woman asked. “the advancing forces stopped when the tunnels blew.”

“well there is a team of six Meta humans which made it through but your forces seemed to be holding them at bay.” Superman added.

“Yeah but somethings going down at Wayne Manufacturing.” Nightwing said.

“which is where Batman is.” Wonder Woman concluded.

“yes,” Batman growled over the comms, “I have a positive ID on Mirror Master, Weather Wizard, Captain Boomerang and Cheetah. Mirror master must have gotten them in past our check points.”

Damn those four where part of Lex’s reformed villain group.

“Are they going after Wayne Manufacturing to secure the Medicine?” Superman asked said.

“Not Lex’s style,” Batman said, “Luthor doesn’t care about securing Meds for the US.”

“Remove hostage.” Black Bat said.

Batman grunted conformation.

It took Dick a second to parse his sister’s comment into terms he understood, but once he had he pushed his foot down on the accelerator.

“I’m missing something.” Lantern said.

“Wayne Manufacturing make a large percentage of the US’s meds. A sane leader would want them secured; Lex is willing to let his people die to stop us from having any negotiating power.” Dick said.

“But why are they villains?” Superman asked. “Never mind. plausible deniability, though why not a Gothamite? It would make the narrative of Lex securing our Meds from the insane locals sell better and make a war more favourable.”

“Oh fuck,” Oracle said. The sound of hatred and horror in her voice alerted them all to exactly who she had missed on the initial sweep.

Joker.

“Do you have eyes?” Batman said.

“Yeah, yeah he was wearing a cap and facing away from the camera you got working again. He’s with the hostages.”

“Ahh crap,” Nightwing said.

“I’m reconnecting the rest of the cameras now we need more eyes.” Batman said.

“Okay I’ve got them,” Oracle said.

Dick was three streets away and he dropped the speed off and started obeying Batman’s stealth protocols. If there were hostages stealth was necessary.

“oh…” Oracle said.

“what?” Batman said as Dick rolled the Batmobile to a stop climbed out and reached for his grapple.

“Redhood, Agent Burke, Penelope Garcia, and Jack Hotchner are there. Redhood is secured.”

Jason allowed himself to get captured by the Joker? For all Joker had one hell of a mind, twisted though it may be, he was no fighter. And the plot against Gotham he’d been investigating was reached further back than Luthor’s interest in Gotham. Which meant they were missing someone a person or group who would work with Lex who had interest in destroying Gotham before Lex had been bothered.  Hadn’t Talia ‘Head’ al Ghul started working with Lex?

“Signal join Robin helping Freeze and firefly.” Batman said.

“But father I am perfectly capable—” Robin said.

“I know you are perfectly capable, as is Signal.” Batman said, “But forgive me from wanting you away from the Joker for as long as possible.”

“Tt. Fine but if you need backup you will call.” Robin said

“Yes, Be safe, both of you.” Batman said.

“Who are those people now?” Lantern said.

“Superman should go with them; he indicated a grudge.” Nightwing said opening the lock on the skylight.

“When did you visit him?” Signal asked.

“How many of bat’s kids are there?” Lantern said.

“The Fed's wanted to talk to him I wasn't going to expose Outsiders to him without back up.” Nightwing said, “Nobody should be exposed to him.”

“Without backup?” Steph said.

“I said what I said.”

“Nightwing is right, the Joker carries a grudge against Superman. The chances of him being prepared to fight him is nonzero.” Batman said.

“Okay, what did I do to this Joker which pissed him off so bad?” Superman asked confused.

Batman melted out of the shadows of the storeroom they entered. “You saved his life.” Right Superman had stopped Bruce from beating the clown to death the day he and superman had met. It had been shortly after Jason’s death and they hadn’t been speaking so Nightwing was slightly fuzzy on the details.

“So he's suicidal?” Lantern asked.

“No, however he is absolutely obsessed with getting me to kill him.” Batman said.

“Wait are we talking about how we met?” Superman said.

Batman nodded grunting, then shook his head taking command.

“Superman go to Peterson tube, the rest of us are taking back this facility, Be aware some of the equipment there is unique in the world and makes life saving medicine. Property damage there is measured in lives not money.” Batman said.

Chapter Text

Peter Burke had been in Several hostage situations, he blamed Neal. None of the other FBI teams were kidnapped nearly as frequently. Though given Miss Garcia and a kid who look vaguely like Agent Hotchner were in similar states of kidnapped across the room maybe it wasn’t only his team who got in situations.

Though this kidnapping did have a different atmosphere than his previous ones. There was a calm acceptance, no crying or panicking.  Was it a Gothamite thing? Or was it one of their heroes being here too. All be it tied up and drowsy with drugs.

Though there was a certain weariness, every one of the Gothamites eyes tracked a singular member of their captors. But it wasn’t directed at the rough man with way too many boomerangs, the furry cat lady, nor the dude with lightning coming from his eyes. Not even the dude in orange and green holding a gun. No it was directed at the man in the purple pin stripped suit.

“Why so serious? I know this aren’t any of your first rodeos. Why Foxy I remember your first time was with me.” The man had white skin, whiter than could be natural. Burke shuddered there was something wrong, unnatural about him.

The man sat down in an office chair and spun himself around.

“So where are the fun Chemicals? The reason I was willing to help Lexy out was his promises this place was full of toys.”

The man stopped spinning pulling a gun and pointing it at Garcia.

“Hey idiot she’s a federal agent do you have any idea the kind of hell killing her will bring on you.” Burke said.

The man burst into laughter, and every Gothamite turned to stare at him like he had spontaneously lost all his clothes.

 “Oh little fed doesn’t know how many people I’ve already killed. Now answer Foxy or little miss missy gets her brains blown out.”

Garcia tried to subtly scoot away from the kid, but was stopped by an emphatic gun jab.

“The plant triggered an emergency shut down when no one pressed the Dead man switch. All bulk chemicals are locked in the vault and all machinery locked down.” ‘Foxy’ said.

“Joker, that will have triggered an alarm.” The Boomerang man said, “we should get out of here.”

The ‘Joker’ pouted, “You're no fun, no fun at all. Well then I suppose we’ll have to get out of here and kill all the witnesses.

“We are meant to be securing this place for Luthor.” Another one of the kidnappers said. Burke would appreciate it if in future all his kidnappers introduced themselves.

The electronically altered cackle of Redhood’s helmet was the first sign he was conscious. “Those might be your orders, Sam, can I call you Sam? or would you prefer Weather Wizard?” Redhood said.

“Ahh, Weather Wizard?” Sam said, turning to the Joker, “how does he know my name?”

Redhood snorted, “hacked the Bats files.”

“What do you mean about my Orders?”

“you’re here to look good securing Medications for the US. He.” Hood jerked his head at the Joker, “his orders are to destroy the plant and make Gotham appear incapable of protecting critical infrastructure from one of their own. Lex would have public support to invade again. He kills the Fed’s here and he gets encouragement to do so.”

Joker burst into laughter.

“The little birdies have always been smart.”

“Not that it would work, Lex sprung you.” The you was spat with intense hate, “from Arkham, no one in Gotham forgives a Joker helper.”

Joker Spun in the chair again, “so little birdy when is the old man getting here?”

A third member of the group spoke up “Batman is otherwise occupied at the Peterson tubes.”

Joker laughed “You think that lot is going to slow Batsy down?” Joker said “Really? their heaviest hitter is Killer Frost. Not dissing on the Ladies, but Batman has taking Freeze down to an art form. Frost might last a few seconds. No he’ll be here soon so it’s time to clean up,” Joker stood and levelled the gun at Peter’s head

“I'm already here.” At the growling voice all of the free outsiders spun. Joker’s lips stretched into a smile, but the gun to Burks head never wavered. But his surrounding hostages, at least the Gothamites, shoulders relaxed.

The shot was deafening. Burke jerked back. Surprised he was not splattered with blood or dead. Red boots obscured his view tracing them up he found Wonder Woman standing between him and the Joker, her bracers held to block the bullet.

“And I brought friends.” A man cloaked in a heavy black cape and sporting a smirk said. A second figure hurried over and started working on Redhood’s bonds.

“Det cord, where is the trigger?” the man was wearing a skintight black suit with a blue bird stretched over his chest.

“If I break it, and I’d assume the clown has a backup.” Redhood said.

“Here.” The Green lantern said and a glowing light thing appeared pulling the cord off him without breaking the loop.

“Mind taking it somewhere it can blow up safely?”

“No problem.” Green Lantern said.

The green man made a glowing case around the explosive lifted out of the room.

Redhood was grateful his past experiences with being knocked unconscious as it allowed him to recover faster than he would have otherwise. Sure his stomach was turning over and making an attempt to force itself up his throat, but the ground was stable and he could fight. Cheetah and Wonder Woman were facing off, Nightwing engaging captain Boomerang more in quips than fighting. Nightwing could take Boomerang down with a hand tied behind his back. Lantern was doing a decent job against Weather Wizard, Spoiler was engaging Mirror Master and the Bat was facing off against the Joker. Out of the fights Spoiler and the Bat were the ones struggling. Which didn’t make sense. Sure Spoiler wasn’t their best fighter and Mirror Master was an intelligent individual who was creative with his meta abilities, so her struggling made sense. But the Bat against the Joker in a physical fight? B destroyed him every time, unless the Joker had managed to find a way to hamper the Bat.

Hood spotted BlackBat as she stepped out of the Dark helping Spoiler, Hood switched his full attention to the Bat’s fight.

“Oh come on Batsy why won’t you kill me?”

It had been a question Jason had asked Bruce many times over, his hedging ‘it’s a rule,’ or ‘if I kill him I’ll lose myself’ were never sufficient answers and it had been when Bruce ditched the pretence and honestly answered their relationship had truly healed.

“Because it freaks me out.” Bruce had shouted taking a breath and continuing at a reasonable volume, “It freaks me out how okay he is with the idea. How much he wants me to do it. I know he’s human probably better than anyone, but it doesn’t stop the doubt in my head. The fear he has one more trick, one more last laugh up his sleeve.” Bruce turned away, “When you were dead, it had been a week or two, I couldn’t remember the days passing. But I went after him with everything I had, I gave up. I pushed Dick and Alfred away. When Superman stopped me it was more like he was talking me off a ledge than anything else.”  Bruce’s cheeks flushed, “you’re back Jay-lad,” Bruce stroked his cheek, “How could I want to do anything which was so much like suicide again, when my soul is singing with happiness compared to those days?”

Jason cheeks had gone red and he swore there was something in the air which made his eyes sting, he had lunged for his Dad and hugged him close his heart healing from the tears Talia had ripped in it. It had been hours later when Jason had asked for the promise.

“Promise me if there is ever a way to kill him and keep everyone including you safe you’ll take it. And don’t give me the ‘it’ll make me as bad as him speech.’ He has killed thousands and he’s not going to stop, not ever, not until he’s in the ground.”

Bruce had pulled back and met Jasons eyes searching for something. Whatever it was he must have found it and nodded. Jason still held the nod close to his chest on days when the Lazarus pit screamed in his head.

So now instead of engaging Joker he searched for the trap, the last laugh. B didn’t need his help on the physical side rather he needed him to make certain there was no trap. Jason checked everything from signals going out, to using their artificial sniffers for unknown chemical compounds or explosives. Nothing.

But Jason did agree with Bruce there would be something. A way to be remembered through the scars he left on the world. But it had to be passive, if it was a Deadman switch it sent out a signal on his death not activated on an interrupted signal. Which was a good news, bad news situation. Bad news there was no way of detecting it before it went off, Good news they could block it.

Which brought him to the second good news, this was Wayne Manufacturing, they had an isolation room. Nothing and Jason meant nothing got in or out of the room while in use. Not a signal not a chemical, not a drop of air.

Which meant they had to corral the Joker to there, it was what the Batman was already doing. They had left the others behind, and the isolation room was down this hall. The Batman as always was two steps ahead of everyone.

Batman hit the door panel in what appeared like a mistimed swing. He took a hit for it, but joker needed a crowbar and several hours to make his hits hurt a teenager. The door hissed open, Jason hurried to the control panel setting it up. Batman kicked the Joker through the door, now he had to get clear, Bruce stepped back and threw a concussive charge large enough to be deadly in the small space into the room and took a step back.

Jason pressed the buttons to activate the isolation, scheduling a complete incineration of the contents of the room. The grenade Bruce had thrown had been a kindness, a way to spare the monster the pain of burning alive. Jason would have relied on the incinerator.

Jason flicked to the camera, the Joker righted himself, tried the door and laughed to himself. Or he assumed he did, the shake of his shoulders and his grin were familiar enough but no sound caried through the walls, and the camera didn’t have audio. Jason took in the Joker’s eyes widening as he noticed the explosive and the laughter became more intense. His shoulders no longer shook but his entire body.

The Joker pulled a device out of his pocket and pushed the button, the laughter cut off as he pushed it again. He threw the object across the room and started pounding on the door. With an intelligence Joker so often hid, he searched the room finding the safe. A small tough enclosure they used for certain tests, he locked the explosive in there spinning the wheel closed, sealing his fate.

The explosive went off causing the safe to rock on its pedestal and the Jokers terrible smile widened again, seconds later the incinerators lit and Jason internally cheered until there was nothing left of his murder.

Shuddering he turned off the monitor and encased himself into his Dad’s arms, whispering, “thanks Dad.” As he took and provided comfort in turn.

Chapter Text

Lex had a hundred things to do, a thousand. the senate was likely to throw him out. Given he’d made no progress in resolving the Gotham situation.

Everything was falling to pieces around him and he knew who to blame.

He had tried the Police, he had tried the heroes, He’d tried the Fed’s, he’d even tried the Joker earlier in the day. Now he supposed it was time to try this himself.

The Suit was ready, the testing wasn’t to Mercy’s standards, but Lex had made the designs he trusted them. And with Kryptonite as the power source Superman would be helpless to prop up the human member of the team and make him appear good.

It was a short flight to Gotham at the speeds his suit could travel, still he reviewed information on the Justice League and their fighting style.

Shortly he landed in front of the GCPD.

“Gordon!” Lex strode forward pushing the heavy reinforced door off its hinges. There was a crowd of people milling around different officers desks.

Lex searched the building ‘till he spotted the man he had called. Striding up to him he growled, “You promised me a Bat.”

The man in question took a sip of coffee and said, “You promised me a jail.”

“After I have Batman, I'd see about getting approval.” Lex said.

Muttered whispers rose around him, “And when a Mainlander sees about Gotham it means never.”

Another voice said louder, “Yeah do you think we were born yesterday? Always get half up front.”

“Also I distinctly remember saying I wouldn't obstruct the investigation not I'd bring you the Bat.” Gordon said.

Lex supressed the desire to throttle the man, “Well now I'm here to do it myself. And once Batman is stopped this revolution mess will sort itself out.”

A heavy-set cop spoke “Wait you think getting the Batman would stop the 'revolution'?”

One of the surrounding civilians with a Wayne pharmaceutical top on said, “We'll he isn’t too bright is he? Did you know he broke the Joker out of Arkham?”

All eyes in the room narrowed in on him, and Lex had to admit to being intimidated.

“He's a Joker Helper?

“Yeah, lost one of my co-workers to the mad fucker. Another's in critical at the hospital.”

Why were they all looking at him like that?

The heavy-set cop spoke, “Ah my man, you darn fucked up, I'd help you out but you’re a Joker Helper. That shits contagious.”

“It's hardly contagious, but I think we made it a capital offense in the draft laws me and the Mayor were toying with,” Jim said.

“A capital offence?” Lex said, “He's a clown with a bad sense of humour.”

A shot rung out and Lex moved, or at least he tried to, but his suit didn't respond. Glancing down at the chest piece Lex realised his critical mistake. To keep the kryptonite available to kill superman he'd compromised on shielding the power source. A young black-haired blue-eyed man strode down the stairs. He was wearing an Officer uniform and holstering his gun. Lex recognised him as Dick Grayson-Wayne.

Damn another fucking Wayne he couldn’t catch a break.

Everyone turned to the young cop.

“What? I wasn't letting an unknown Super-suit be active on a mainlander Joker Helper.” Dick shrugged.

“Not criticising just an impressive shot.” The Heavy-set cop said.

“Thanks Harvey, my brother helped me get better.” Dick said with a smile.

Gordon scanned him, “Now what?

“Copy the Bats and Slade?” Dick said.

“Tar and feather him like the revolutionary war?” a Gothamite called.

The Wayne pharmaceutical woman spoke, “Keep him as a political prisoner.”

A murmur of “But who'd want a Joker Helper back?” and variations came from the crowd.

“I don't know?” the Wayne Pharmaceutical lady said, “Mainlanders be crazy though.”

Which Lex thought was the pot calling the polished silverware black.

“Harvey lock him up, out of the suit.” Jim said, “We'll let him go when they withdraw their troops and set up negotiations.”

“You can't do that I'm president.”

“The vote went through a few minutes ago.” Dick said, “You were voted out of office.”

One of the Gothamites muttered, “Huh? maybe some mainlanders have sense.”

“Well then congratulations on becoming the shortest sitting president, Mr Luthor.” Gordan said.

“I’ve let Miss Garcia, Jack and Burke know they’ll be going home sooner than we thought,” Dick fucking Wayne said.

The heavyset cop, Harvey, Lex supposed, turned towards him saying, “And here's hoping you maintained enough political good will to get us our negotiations.”

Chapter Text

The commissioner and mayor were visiting?

Was it what Alfred had said?

Bruce blinked awake, after finally resting last night with the armies on his doorstep leaving, he was exhausted. As such it took a second for his mind to wake up another to process why he was waking up and a third to get into motion.

Bruce Wayne might be rich and near royalty in Gotham, but it didn’t mean he didn’t respect Jim Gordon or the people his city elected mayor. (Once they got rid of the corruption and the manipulatable first past the post voting system anyway.) Plus, it was eleven in the Morning which was pushing it for reformed playboy turned father. Vigilante who had been pulling ridiculous hours to prevent a war. Not so much.

Either way he scrambled without making his appearance rushed. Five minutes later he was walking into his study greeting both.

He was greeted by both the mayor and commissioner sipping on one of Alfred’s cups of coffee. “Good morning Mr Wayne, I hope we are not interrupting anything?” the Mayor said. Sandy Smith was the first mayor Bruce liked who had managed not to be killed.

“Nothing important, or rather nothing which cannot be pushed aside. Privileges of no longer being on the brink of war.” Bruce said. And Gotham no longer was on the brink, they’d taken two steps back, not safe by any means, but far enough away he had been able to return to the manor and the mayor, Sandy and Jim could leave Gotham.

“I have to say had I the choice I'd be resting straight through today.” Jim said.

“Forgive me for asking but why can't you?” Bruce said, “Things are stable, the farms are producing we are in talks with the USA to arrange agreements.” After the embarrassment of Luthor the incoming President had been forced to make nice. There first act was to move the army’s away from the border. The US had settled on ignoring Gotham as they sorted out the mess Luthor had left of international relations. For all they hadn’t acknowledged the call for independence the incoming president had promised to talk without weapons or supers. Batman suspected they were waiting until Gotham’s patched together system fell apart and they admitted to needing outside help. But it was better than a war so Bruce would take it.

And of course Ra’s and Talia would try to destroy Gotham again soon enough, but this plan had been years in the making. Slowly pushing the already fraught tensions between Gotham and the mainland worse. To be honest Bruce thought Ra’s had abandoned the idea of destroying Gotham, there was a taught understanding between them most days. So much so he suspected Talia had taken the plot over without her father’s blessing. Lord knows Ra’s would never make the mistake of giving Jason to the Joker again. Talia on the other hand, she was exactly the type to take the knife of his son’s death and twist it.

“Yes the talks with the mainland is why I am here.” Sandy said, “Bruce may I be candid?”

Bruce waved them ahead.

“I was elected as a mayor, I'd even go so far as saying I'm doing decently at it.”

“You’re doing excellently.” Bruce said.

They smiled at the praise, “Considering my competition for the last 20 years, my bar to clear was not taking bribes and staying alive. I won’t take it as too big of a complement.”

Bruce ran through a list of all the mayors in his lifetime and it was disturbingly accurate.

“We got up early today because we get to choose, choose how to create a government from the ground up.” Sandy said, “We can pick and choose from all the governmental systems from around the world and make something good. A government which learns from the mistakes of the founding fathers, from the mistakes of...sorry, sorry you got me started on a tangent.”

“Not to mention I get the feeling the US is waiting for Gotham’s government to fail so they can say they told us so.” Jim said scowling,

“And we are determined not to let it, so we have been coming up with governmental systems,” Sandy said.

“We've known this was coming for seven years we've had the best and the brightest coming up with scenarios the entire time.” Jim took over, “Hell Babs even made an online computer game to simulate what would happen depending on each scenario. Real people figuring out what works and what doesn't.”

Bruce hadn't known about the game, sure Barbra didn't tell him everything particularly about her college courses and work. But had she thought he'd disapprove? Bruce ruthlessly cut off the thought, Barbra had no obligation to tell him everything Hell she might have wanted a personal project.

“I hear Barbra is thriving at Gotham university.” Bruce said.

The proud broad smile Jim sported was the same one Bruce was supressing when he thought of the woman Oracle had become.

“Oh she is.” Jim said.

Bruce went to ask about Dick but Sandy interrupted, with a smile, “Before we devolve into proud parent catch up?”

“Right.” Jim said with a cough, “Point is we have a system of government worked out, we were hashing out the final details this morning and,” Jim shifted nervously, “there is no real way to ask this, so I'll come out and say it. Bruce, we need you to be King.”

Bruce blinked, and then blinked again. “Uhh?”

“We need a king,” Sandy said, “We are asking you.”

“No, no I got it, it'll take a second to get my head around, but I got it.” Bruce said, “since when have stable governments and monarchs gone hand in hand.”

“They don't, at the least the absolute, governing Monarchs don't.” Sandy said, “We need a head of state, a sovereignty separate from,” Sandy gestured at themselves, “The governing body.”

“So you need a figure head?” Bruce was confused and worried. Becoming a figure head wasn’t going to work, he'd loose what little privacy and time he had, for no true benefit to Gotham.

“No...well we thought—” Sandy said.

“In all honesty it is a needed position, but it is like nothing the world has ever seen before, we can scrap the King title.” Jim said.

“So what would this role entail?” Bruce said.

“We need to fold the Bat into legal precedent. Sure, the Batman might have the best of intentions, and has held to morals Gotham can agree with for years. But it is no guarantee it will always be that way. I know the Bat is hoping to have the police and legal system effective enough no one has to take the role from him.”

It was true Batman had confessed as much to Jim on a roof top after a close call.

“But on the other hand, more and more Meta's, superhero's and alien invasions are happening, I honestly don't believe the age of extraordinary people risking their lives for us is ending any time soon.” Jim stood up and started pacing, “On the other hand Luthor's solution of forcing all Meta's or heroes onto a list and under his leadership isn't going to work either. It might but Meta is too fundamentally attached to people. Too much like asking everyone of a certain ethnicity to register and obey different rules.” Jim said.

Bruce shuddered at the implications. Meta's couldn't change who they were, having a register allowed them to be treated as threats, or subhuman.

“He sees your point Jim,” Sandy said.

Jim walked back around and sat down again. “Right. Also the Batman works better as a myth, well more of a symbol now. And tying him to the police force in anyway allows for systematic corruption again.”

“So you need me to be king to keep an eye on Batman, without ties to the Government to corrupt.” Bruce said, the irony.

“That and some ceremonial duties as well. But not more than you are already doing.

It’s an elected position but it would take a vote of no confidence by both Governance, legal, and state or reaching retirement age of 65 to remove you.” Sandy said.

“And how am I to keep an eye on the Batman, I don't want my family in any more danger.” Bruce said.

“Danger?” Sandy said.

“To keep an eye on the Batman I'd have to know his identity, which means all his rouges coming after me and mine.” Bruce elaborated.

“We thought of it, the Batman's identity will be held by a smart contract which must have both yours, the commissioner and the Mayors sign off to release as well as a non-publicised signature.” Jim said.

“Who?” Bruce asked.

“We don't intend to release this, so confidential if you understand.” Sandy said.

Bruce nodded.

“You know those cognitive control tests?” Jim said.

“You mean to make it appear there is a fourth person who needs to sign off when rather I'll need to pass a test to prove I'm acting of sound mind, no coercion and my own free will.” Bruce said.

Jim chuckled, “Exactly, everyone will be searching for a fourth person not a medical test ID and password.”

Bruce thought about it. It was an elegant solution of his mask. It wasn't perfect but he couldn't place his and his family’s safety over the secure future of Gotham.

Bruce nodded seeing the wisdom.

“That covers extreme breaches of morality or desperation. But there is also folding him into the official power structure, again you would be acting as a bridge.” Sandy said.

Again the irony.

The Batman would swear to serve Gotham to you, well its manly ceremonial stuff. the point is Batman becomes Gotham's first knight, and through the power invested in you. Any other Vigilantes or heroes who wish to operate in Gotham, become 'knights' who answer to the first knight, the first knight answers to the King, the king answers to the people.” Sandy said.

“Let me make sure I've got this clear, the knights, would report to the first knight, in this case the Batman. Who would in turn answer to me, and I'd be removable by vote of the people?” Bruce said.

Nods from the other two came. it wasn't the worst answer.

“The votes of the people elected by them in any case. As well as a trial by jury, which you will have a chance to defend your actions.” Jim said.

“What if Batman does something unpopular but unavoidable or necessary?” Bruce asked.

It had happened before, a person thought innocent, guilty. Or someone getting hurt in the crossfire. And defending against Meta human and alien attacks wasn't a low property damage endeavour.

“We have a whole charter of what is and isn't allowed by the Bat.” Jim said, “It gives him more power and flexibility than the police to deal with the extreme or unusual. I believe the Bat will agree with where we drew the lines.”

“You haven't asked him?” Bruce pretended to be surprised.

Sandy chuckled, “Surprisingly you are easier to have a conversation with than the Bat, we want to have all the kinks worked out including your agreement before talking with him. He after all would want an idea who he was swearing to.”

“Do you have any concerns, questions?” Jim asked, “We wanted to get your opinion before we sign off on this course of action. You do have a different perspective.”

Bruce didn't want to bring it up but Gotham could run him and his family financially dry. And he'd let Gotham if he thought it would help but shared between 1.7 million people his fortune didn't make a month’s rent.

“What about Money? If I'm responsible for the Bats actions I could be held financially Liable. I'm happy to give to charity and help but if there was an invasion and billions in property damage? I can't cover that.” Bruce said.

“You could be held liable in the United States, Gotham is no longer part of the US and we will be having different laws and set ups.” Sandy said.

Jim sighed, “Basically we want to get rid of the culture of suing. And being financially dependent on a win. So we are replacing the federal taxes with a fund which covers all medical, physiological, or repair costs for people or property damaged in events. Be they natural phenomenon, accidents or alien invasions. In return people give up their right to sue to a governmental body. Which will take action if negligence or a crime has occurred.”

“The Batman, nor you, are suable under these rules.” Sandy said.

“All those lawyers must be weeping.” Bruce said.

“Oh no, upset lawyers, whatever am I going to do?” Jim said.

“So what do you say?” Sandy said.

King of Gotham not a choice Bruce had thought about having today. But it could work. Bruce had pondered the problem of working outside the law ever since first starting out. He had tried the FBI first after all. Bruce hadn't seen a way for Batman to be independent and above police corruption and human fallibility without being entirely independent. Their solution at the moment was working, but it more relied on Gotham collectively ignoring the giant holes the Batman was blasting in the legal system.

Judges admitting evidence he obtained, Lawyers and jurors accepting it. It was a matter of time before those holes were exploited and he wasn't there to stop it.

The Batman had been more successful than he'd imagined in his wildest dreams. He'd expected to be long dead at this point. Starting out, his hope was to have long enough to establish a legend. To go down a mysterious symbol of justice in the night. A ghost story haunting criminals into rethinking their actions. There was a reason he cleaned the police force first.

But he had been doing this for 15 years. Given the number of younger vigilantes he had adopted/tutored, Jim was right the legal problems surrounding vigilantes wasn't going away any time soon. It was time for longer term solutions than slapping duct tape on the problem and pretending it didn't exist.

Bruce nodded slowly considering it from every angle he could see, “I guess I have been the 'prince of Gotham,' for long enough.”