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Post by Legend on Sept 21, 2008 17:41:40 GMT -5
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
In a dark alley two muggers advance on thier victim. Suddenly one of them is pulled backwards into the shadows. The other is struck with fear as he looks around for the assailant. On the wall across from him a shadow with pointed ears streaks by.
MUGGER
It's the Batman!
A passing car reflects light from the street into the alley and the shadows are lit up, revealing the first mugger, dead. His face slashed beyond recognition.
CATWOMAN (O.S.)
You wish.
CATWOMAN lands in front of the mugger and with one slash he falls to the ground, all while their victim stands in fear.
CATWOMAN
Get outta here. And tell your friends what you saw.
INT. BATCAVE - MORN.
BRUCE WAYNE works under the hood of the Batmobile when ALFRED walks in, carrying a newspaper.
ALFRED
Is this the kind of influence you wanted to have on the city, sir?
BRUCE
What?
Alfred hands Bruce the paper, who's headline reads "Batman's girlfriend? Mysterious new vigilante reported around city." Below is an artist's rendering of Catwoman.
BRUCE
A copycat? I can't say I hate the idea of a partner.
ALFRED
Turn to page two.
Bruce flips open to see the horrific pictures of the two muggers.
BRUCE
What the hell is that?
ALFRED
That, Master Wayne, is your idea in the wrong hands. Two criminals brought to justice by your secret admirer.
BRUCE
Criminals... maybe they had it coming. For all we know it was a life and death situation.
ALFRED
It sure was, sir.
BRUCE
You know what I mean. Of course I don't approve, but it's nothing compared to some of the stuff that goes on in this city.
ALFRED
You don't have to approve, but it doesn't matter to the public. The media is already comparing this murderer to Batman, and if the public reacts badly to this, you know exactly what they'll say about this... Catwoman, and Batman.
INT. MORGUE - MORN.
Several GCPD officers accompanied by JIM GORDON stand around EDWARD NIGMA who examines the bodies of the two muggers.
NIGMA
They need to be stopped.
Nigma puts down his tools, tapping each one three times.
GORDON
They? Batman was working with someone else?
NIGMA
I don't know. The kill isn't his style, slashing them up. He usually only goes for dropping them off of belltowers or train tracks, but you heard the witness. It moved and acted exactly like him.
GORDON
Batman has never been proven to have killed anybody.
NIGMA
Would I lie to you? So far we haven't proven that these guys were killed by some "Catwoman" either, but it's the best lead we have. You know as well as I do that this is a copycat. If you had bothered to do your job and catch the bat earlier we wouldn't be having a vigilante epidemic on our hands.
GORDON
There have only been two vigilantes.
NIGMA
There'll be more.
Nigma takes off his gloves and goes over to the sink to wash his hands, using an excessive amount of soap.
GORDON
Christ, it has to always be my goddamn city. Metropolis gets a Superman copycat and he's loved by all, but when someone decides to copy our city's hero...
Nigma stops washing his hands and turns off the water.
NIGMA
Hero? You call him a hero? He's a freak who thinks he's above the law.
Nigma turns the water on and begins washing his hands again.
GORDON
Like nobody else in this city thinks that.
NIGMA
You need to stop this now before it gets even more out of hand. Focus all the force's efforts on getting these two.
Nigma turns off the water again.
GORDON
Detective Nigma, you may be a good CSI, but you have major ego issues if you think you can catch the Batman after all these years we've been trying.
Nigma once again turns on the water and starts scrubbing.
NIGMA
How hard have you been trying? Why don't you just have a few officers on hand next time you call him over with your signal? We're talking about dangerous individuals.
GORDON
Dangerous to who? Criminals?
Nigma turns off the water again.
NIGMA
You got that right. Last I checked, Gotham didn't have the death penalty.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Bruce is working out when Alfred walks in.
ALFRED
Sir, you've been invited to a charity function tonight at the Gotham Museum of Natual History. Should I tell them to expect you there?
Bruce gets up and walks over to a closet.
BRUCE
Can't, Alfred. I have stuff to do tonight.
ALFRED
Gee Master Wayne, what are you going to do tonight?
BRUCE
Same thing I do every night, Alfred.
ALFRED
Try to change the world?
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
BATMAN jumps off a building and glides to the ground behind a shadowed figure threatening someone who's backed against the wall.
BATMAN
Why don't you pick on someone who can actually fight back?
The shadowed attacker turns around. The victim takes the opportunity to raise their gun and fire. The attacker falls to the ground and Batman runs to her, who he finds is Catwoman, as the victim runs away.
CATWOMAN
He's getting away!
BATMAN
Are you alright?
CATWOMAN
Better off that you're gonna be!
Catwoman gets up, only being grazed on the arm, and swipes at Batman, who jumps backwards.
BATMAN
So that was you last night.
CATWOMAN
You idiot! We've got to catch him!
BATMAN
You were going to kill him weren't you? Just like you killed the other two.
CATWOMAN
What do you care? I caught them trying to rob someone, maybe kill them, and I put a stop to it, just like you do.
BATMAN
I've seen what you do, and it's not the same.
CATWOMAN
Damn right. Most of the guys I run into were already caught by you. They go to prison, come out harder than ever, and get back to their old ways. I'm saving us some trouble.
BATMAN
I can't let you keep doing this. I have to stop you.
CATWOMAN
I'm not your enemy. That guy you just helped is your enemy. We should be working together.
BATMAN
I'll never work with a murderer like you.
CATWOMAN
How is a murderer like me any different from a murderer like you?
BATMAN
I've never killed anyone.
CATWOMAN
That's not what I heard. You can pick up any magazine in Gotham and read about Batman's latest victims. Why should I believe you over them? You're just a psycho who runs around in a batsuit. You're just as crazy as me and all the other wierdos you chase at night. The difference is that you and me at least try to help people with our psychosis. You need to be a little crazy to do what we do, but that doesn't mean you can't be one of the good guys.
BATMAN
No, but slicing up someone's face does.
CATWOMAN
You're so picky.
A loud explosion and crashes start to shake the city.
BATMAN
What was that?
CATWOMAN
Sounds like a job for us.
BATMAN
Stop saying that.
EXT. DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
Batman and Catwoman arrive downtown, where in the middle of flaming ruins, ZOD, flying around like Superman in an alien black suit with a triangular crest, destroys everyting in his sight with super-strength, heat-vision and super-breath.
CATWOMAN
Is that Superman?
BATMAN
I don't know anyone else who could do this kind of damage. We need to do something.
CATWOMAN
So now it's "we"?
BATMAN
This is serious! We don't have time for this!
CATWOMAN
Well what could you do to Superman? It's not like there's another one around who we could call to help out.
SUPERMAN flies in and confronts Zod.
BATMAN
I guess we don't need to.
SUPERMAN
Zod! End this rampage now! Leave Earth alone!
ZOD
You cannot stop me Kal-El! Not if you want this city to live! I'll be seeing you!
Zod flies away and Superman begins using his powers to try to fix the damage. Batman runs over to confront him, Catwoman following.
BATMAN
What's going on?! Who was that?!
SUPERMAN
Zod! He's from my planet.
CATWOMAN
Was that the other Superman in the paper today? He was helping people!
SUPERMAN
He found out Krypton was destroyed and went insane. I never thought he could do something like this! Help me! He's already gone to destroy another city, we need to stop the damage here from hurting anyone else! You need to get everybody out of these buildings, and I need to find Zod.
CATWOMAN
We're on it!
Superman uses his Super-Breath to put out the remaining flames before flying away as Batman and Catwoman run into the buildings.
INT. GORDON'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gordon sits in his office and a noticable panic can be heard outside. There are three sequences of three quick knocks at the door.
GORDON
Come in.
The door opens and Nigma enters, closing the door behind him and touching the knob three times before turning to Gordon.
GORDON
Have you found out what's going on yet?
NIGMA
Superman.
GORDON
Impossible.
NIGMA
Are you calling me a liar? I have proof.
Nigma hands Gordon a photo of Superman, Batman and Catwoman in the middle of the wreckage.
GORDON
Is that?...
NIGMA
They're working together.
GORDON
Where'd you get this?
NIGMA
Internet.
GORDON
The media is on top of it before we are. I can't believe this.
Gordon flicks on a small tv in the corner of his desk, already tuned to the news channel.
INT. NIGHTLY NEWS - NIGHT
CAT GRANT sits at the desk. In the corner of the screen there is a picture of Zod ripping the globe off the Daily Planet's roof with the caption "REIGN OF THE SUPERMAN."
CAT
Earth is being terrorized tonight in a rampage carried out by the new superman that we told you about this morning. Starting today in Downtown Metropolis, the superman moved on to the United Nations building and killed several ambassadors before continuing the worldwide spree which has already killed millions. Here to talk about the destruction is Superman enthusiast Lex Luthor, joining us from Lexcorp Headquaters which was badly damaged in tonight's madness. Mr. Luthor, what are your thoughts on the matter?
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
LEX LUTHOR sits at his desk, talking into the camera he has set up.
LUTHOR
Well, Ms. Grant, my thoughts on the matter were expressed yesterday, when I was interviewed by Lois Lane of The Daily Planet. Before we even knew of the existance of this new superman I predicted and tried to warn of the danger of letting someone like this exist. Even if we didn't see the original Superman cause any destruction today it is clear they were in cahoots, and he could turn on us at any moment. It was only this morning that both supermen were working together to "save" people, now we know that one of them is responsible for this genocide. Who knows when we'll find some skeletons in the other alien's closet? I have already been contacted by the United States government and Lexcorp has been given the contract to develop weapons to destroy these monsters which threaten not only national security, but the entire world.
INT. NIGHTLY NEWS - NIGHT
CAT
Well, Mr. Luthor, I think I speak for the entire world when I thank you for your tireless efforts to help humanity. You truly are a hero. In other news, scientists witnessed the explosion of a planet today. Krypton, which is approximately 30 lightyears away...
INT. GORDON'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gordon turns off the tv.
GORDON
It was the other superman. The one we saw in the paper today.
NIGMA
So?
GORDON
So we have no reason to think this Superman, or Batman, or even Catwoman, have anything to do with this.
NIGMA
Look at the picture!
GORDON
For all we know they were trying to help people.
NIGMA
You're denying what's right in front of you! When are you going to end your affair with these costumed freaks and do something about it?!
GORDON
Right now we have bigger problems.
NIGMA
What could be bigger than this?!
GORDON
They have nothing to do with it!
NIGMA
What more proof do you need?! We need to stop them!
GORDON
Nigma, I think you're just obsessed with Batman.
NIGMA
Of course I am! I work for the police and he's a criminal!
GORDON
Maybe you should take a break from the force. Take a temporary leave of absense.
NIGMA
Let's make it full time! I could probably catch Batman by myself faster than I would working for the idiots around here. I'm not gonna take orders from a guy who takes orders from a guy in a cape! If you won't do something about them, then I will.
Nigma snatches the photo from Gordon and heads for the door. He taps the doorknob three quick times before opening it and storming out of the room.
INT. RUINED BUILDINGS - NIGHT
Batman runs through a collapsing building when he hears a voice on the other side of the wall.
VICTIM (O.S.)
Help me!
BATMAN
Hold on! I'll get you out of there!
Batman looks around but can't find a door. He runs full force at the wall and goes through it, finding the victim terrified of him.
VICTIM
It's the Batman! Help! Get away from me!
Batman picks up the victim and starts running out of building. As he runs down a hall the ceiling crumbles in front of them, blocking their path. He turns around and runs up a stairwell and through a doorway. Looking around the room they find it's a dead end and hear a cracking sound. Looking up just in time to see the ceiling crumbling above them, Batman throws the victim to the ground and protects them with his own body. He slowly pushes the rubble away and stands up. The victim immediately gets up and runs for a window, jumping out. Bats follows in time to catch them in mid-air and turn them around. They hit the ground, Batman taking the fall for the victim, who quickly runs away.
EXT. RUINED BUILDINGS - NIGHT
Catwoman carries an unconcious driver out of a totalled car, placing them on the ground, then perking up at a cry for help. She looks around and sees a body squirming under a collapsed doorway. Running over, she lifts a slab of rock off their face, seeing the shooter from earlier. She looks down at him for a second before dropping the rock back in place and walking away, just as Batman stumbles around a corner and his face is filled with disgust.
INT. NIGMA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Nigma walks into a room covered in pictures of Batman, closing the door and tapping the knob three times before turning away from it. He sticks his new photo up with the rest, covering up the last bit of a window, where outside we can see the ruins of downtown Gotham.
NIGMA
Murderers. All three of them. And Gordon is helping them. His stupidity is letting them get away with this. Him and that whole force. They're all a bunch of corrupt imbiciles. I could start killing each of them one by one and they'd never realize it was me. I suppose it wouldn't be completely their fault though. I am a genius. I'm just smart. I am.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
NINE-YEAR-OLD EDWARD NIGMA sits in his class as his teacher hands out papers. She comes to his desk and hands him a test with his name on it, filled with many complex math equations and "100%" written in red pen in the corner.
TEACHER
Wow, Edward. Another perfect score. Your parents must be proud. I think you might even be able to move up to the next grade.
EDWARD
Oh, I don't know about that.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - MORN.
Bruce sits in a chair, covered in bruises and bandages. Through the window we can see Gotham already being rebuilt with cranes carrying a "LEXCORP" logo, when Alfred walks in.
ALFRED
Late night, sir?
BRUCE
You can say that again.
ALFRED
Did you see what caused the destruction? I heard it was Superman.
BRUCE
It was... sort of. It was another guy from his planet.
ALFRED
Where was the regular Superman during all of this?
BRUCE
Helping me and the Catwoman try to save people.
ALFRED
The Catwoman? The one that killed those thugs?
BRUCE
Yeah. I ran into her right before the supermen showed up.
ALFRED
I thought one of them wasn't Superman.
BRUCE
You know what I mean. Close enough.
ALFRED
And don't you think Catwoman might be close enough to Batman? You can turn on the news. The people don't trust Superman anymore. Do you want that to happen to Batman?
BRUCE
I didn't get into this for the glory.
ALFRED
And the Catwoman did? You're walking a fine line by working with people like this. If it's okay for her to do it why not anyone else?
BRUCE
It's not the same.
ALFRED
Says who? You? You may be rich, Master Bruce, but you're not President. You don't make the laws.
BRUCE
Don't remind me.
ALFRED
Well, sir, in light of last night's events the museum party was postponed and will be held this afternoon. Would you be able to attend then?
BRUCE
I suppose so.
INT. PENTHOUSE - DAY
Luthor sits at his desk staring at two glowing rocks, one green, one blue, when his intercom buzzes.
LUTHOR
Yes, Ms. Graves?
INTERCOM
Mr. Luthor, you have a call from the President.
LUTHOR
Patch him through. Hello?
PRESIDENT (INTERCOM)
Mr. Luthor, this country owes you an enormous debt, not only for defeating the superman, but for the amazing speed with which you have started the reconstruction effort in cities all over the country.
LUTHOR
I'm only doing my duty as an American citizen.
PRESIDENT (INTERCOM)
And a great citizen you are. Mr. Luthor, have you ever thought about entering politics?
LUTHOR
As a matter of fact, I have, and I don't need you ruining it for me.
Luthor hits a button and hangs up on the President.
INT. GCPD HQ - DAY
A fat cop sits in a chair next to a vending machine with a candy bar in his hand, when another cop approaches the machine.
COP
Hey Frank, you want something?
Frank sits perfectly still.
INT. MORGUE - DAY
A doctor examines Frank's body while talking to Gordon, holding Frank's candy bar.
DOCTOR
Yep, poisoned. What was he eating?
GORDON
Frank wasn't the brightest guy on the force but he should've known it wasn't right. Look at it.
DOCTOR
I assume it's already been dusted.
GORDON
Of course.
The doctor looks at the bar, the wrapper labelled "RIDDLE."
GORDON
Look at the ingredients.
The doctor looks at the back. Under ingredients it only says "Mystery".
DOCTOR
He's messing with you. It's not my field, but you need to find this guy, because it's not a one time thing. This has serial written all over it.
GORDON
I know. We have all our guys working on it but haven't gotten anything so far.
INT. GCPD HQ - DAY
Nigma walks casually through the building. Nobody paying attention to him. He goes up some stairs and exits to outside.
EXT. GCPD ROOF - DAY
He walks over to the Bat-Signal and unscrews the top. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a phone, puts it in the Bat-Signal and fiddles with the wiring.
NIGMA
Even with my help those feeble minded ignoramuses will never realize who did it. They won't even be smart enough to ask me. If they were they would find I would never lie, but people are always underestimating me, aren't they? Now they're going to suffer for it.
INT. YOUNG NIGMA'S HOUSE - DAY
Edward walks in to find his father standing at the door.
EDWARD'S FATHER
I just got a phone call from your teacher. Do you know what it was about?
EDWARD
No sir.
EDWARD'S FATHER
You're lying. You know exactly what why she called. She said you got a perfect score on a test. She said you've been doing perfect on all your tests. She said you're smart enough that you should get to skip a whole grade. Have you been cheating, son?
EDWARD
No sir.
EDWARD'S FATHER
Liar! I know you! The kid that didn't learn to talk until he was four isn't going to start acing tests all by himself. I know a cheater and a liar when I see one. I'm going to teach you to never lie again...
INT. MUSEUM - DAY
Bruce walks around in a suit phonying it up with the rest of Gotham's elite. He looks out the window at the wreckage and cranes only blocks away when he is approached by the museum's chairman.
CHAIRMAN
Dreadful. Absolutely dreadful.
BRUCE
Not for Lexcorp.
CHAIRMAN
Ah yes, I suppose they are gaining business from their help, but I don't think you can hold it against them. I don't suppose Wayne Enterprises will be helping with the effort.
BRUCE
By the time I got home yesterday Lexcorp had already snatched up all the contracts in the country, and you know they overcharged.
CHAIRMAN
And how much would you have charged?
BRUCE
How much can you charge to rebuild your own home? Zero.
CHAIRMAN
Ha! I almost forgot who I was talking to! Gotham's richest comedian! And here I was about to have a serious conversation about politics.
BRUCE
Why? What happened?
CHAIRMAN
Well didn't you see the video of the President? He was having dinner with the other G8 leaders, and when a secret service agent came in and told him what was happening he just sat there, stunned. A full seven minutes he didn't make a move, and by the time he did the other leaders had all already gotten the news and left to coordinate their countries' efforts.
BRUCE
Thank god his two terms will be up in November.
CHAIRMAN
Certainly, but who will take his place? Niether party can seem to decide on a candidate. Everyone's more worried about keeping their financial backers happy than the voters. Speaking of which, will Wayne Enterprises be making any contributions to a candidate?
BRUCE
You know, I think they might.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
Bruce sits in a chair thinking when Alfred walks in.
ALFRED
Something on your mind, Master Bruce?
BRUCE
Yesterday. I tried my hardest to save everybody, but thousands stil died. Millions are left homeless, billions of their tax dollars are being wasted on Luthor instead of health care or education. Batman didn't do anything.
ALFRED
I'm sure that the people you pulled out of those buildings would disagree.
BRUCE
I'm sure the guy who jumped out the window would agree completely. I need you to be honest. How exactly do you feel about Batman?
ALFRED
Master Bruce, every time you go out there I'm terrified, but I know you're doing something good.
BRUCE
But I can't help feeling like I could be doing more good. I can fight criminals one at a time, but it's no use if society tolerates them. It's no use if society creates more of them every day. I can't put a stop to things for good.
ALFRED
Like the Catwoman.
BRUCE
Yes! I mean... It gets the job done. There are better ways to get the job done, and I want to find those better ways, but it seems like Batman only has two options. He can continue this endless cycle, or he can follow Catwoman.
ALFRED
But those weren't the options you were thinking about, were they?
Bruce looks out the window and sees the Bat-Signal.
BRUCE
It doesn't matter. I have to go.
ALFRED
Batman has to go, sir. Bruce could stay here if he wanted to. I know you were thinking it, so I'll say it. All these years Bruce Wayne and Batman have been sharing the same body, but one of them needs control. You can pretend to have a double life, but you and I both know that one of them will always be fake. What you need to ask yourself is is Bruce Wayne about to dress up as Batman, or am I talking to Batman dressed up as Bruce Wayne?
INT. NIGMA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Nigma sits at a computer surrouded by a pile of photographs of Batman, clicking through pages of online resources. Cat Grant delivers the news on a tv in the corner of the room, but he isn't paying attention.
NIGMA
Who? Who is he?! He can't really be Batman! Under the mask there has to be the real him! He tries to make us think he's not human so we'll fear him, but I know better. Somewhere underneath he's a normal man just like the rest of us, and that's the man that can be beaten.
Nigma looks at a picture of the Batmobile.
NIGMA
I'd kill to be able to afford a car like that. Afford. Afford. Afford. Whoever dresses up as Batman must have extreme resources. But what kind of billionare is crazy enough to do something like that?
Nigma clicks through several pictures of figures like Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Oliver Queen while the TV continues to play in the background.
CAT (O.S.)
After beating the superman it seems billionare Lex Luthor continues to amaze us with his antics, just watch his shocking announcement from today.
Nigma perks up at hearing the news.
INT. PRESS HALL - NIGHT
Lex Luthor stands at a podium in a large hall full of reporters.
LUTHOR
Our people are at a crossroads. The world has reached maturity and it is now time for us to decide who we will become. Do we want to become a people who can't solve our own problems? Who sit in shock for seven minutes while our families are under attack from an alien force? I know I don't want to suffer that fate. That is why I am officially announcing my candidacy for the United States of America.
The crowd goes wild shouting questions at Luthor, most of which involve the word "superman."
EXT. GCPD ROOF - NIGHT
Gordon stands next to the Bat-Signal and turns it off when Batman glides onto the roof.
BATMAN
What's new?
GORDON
We got a killer.
BATMAN
I asked what's new.
GORDON
This seems serious. This guy's got the making of a career criminal, if we ever let him bloom.
Gordon hands Batman a bag with the "Riddle" bar in it. He examines it for a second before handing it back.
BATMAN
Poison?
GORDON
A cop. This guys on a mission.
BATMAN
Riddle, mystery, he wants us to figure something out. Did you check what was in it?
GORDON
Nothing special. Rat poison mixed in with the chocolate. Nothing specific enough to easily track. They sell it at practically every store in the city.
BATMAN
Do you have a motive?
GORDON
The thing was in a vending machine inside. I don't think he cared who he killed, as long as it was a cop.
BATMAN
Someone in Gotham who hates a cop. That'll narrow it down.
GORDON
I don't know what else I can tell you, but keep a lookout for him.
BATMAN
I'll be on full alert.
Batman fiddles with something near the ear on his helmet.
BATMAN
Do you hear that?
GORDON
What?
Batman punches through the Bat-Signal and pulls out Nigma's phone. On it's screen there is a countdown, now reaching one minute. Below the countdown the screen reads "Riddle me this, riddle me that. Who's not afraid of the big black bat?"
GORDON
A bomb?
BATMAN
I don't want to find out.
GORDON
Deactivate it!
BATMAN
Easier said than done. Now we know you're right about your guy being a a repeat offender.
GORDON
How?
BATMAN
A riddle.
GORDON
"Riddle me this, riddle me that. Who's not afraid of the big black bat?"
BATMAN
Now I get it. This one's easy.
Batman enters "546-7366" on the phone's keypad, and the countdown stops.
GORDON
How did you stop it?
BATMAN
"J. Gordon." You'd better get inside, and I've gotta go.
Gordon takes a pair of gloves out of his pocket and puts them on. Batman hands him the phone and jumps off the roof.
INT. NIGMA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Nigma sits reading Lex Luthor's Wikipedia profile.
NIGMA
Luthor. It finally makes sense. The guy is the target of every freak in the world, he manages to survive all the mutants that Superman brings to Metropolis, but if they're buddies, not only does he have Superman's protection, but they can evenly work out each other's territory. Superman takes care of Metropolis while Luthor flies here every night to rule over Gotham, but that's not enough, now he wants to control the whole country. Somebody has to put a stop to him once and for all.
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Catwoman turns a corner and finds Batman waiting for her.
CATWOMAN
How's it going? Feeling better?
BATMAN
What do you have against the cops?
CATWOMAN
Don't even get me started. I got pulled over for speeding today...
BATMAN
Who else did you try to kill?
CATWOMAN
What?
BATMAN
Your Gordon bomb didn't work.
CATWOMAN
I knew you were crazy.
BATMAN
It really wasn't you?
CATWOMAN
A bomb? Does that sound like me?
BATMAN
I guess not.
CATWOMAN
I like to get more personal with my justice.
BATMAN
You like a more... face to rock approach. You were in zero danger, he needed your help, and you killed him.
CATWOMAN
That guy? That was the same punk you let get away.
BATMAN
So you think you can choose who lives and who dies?
CATWOMAN
If you don't shut up I'm gonna choose you.
BATMAN
No need to get violent.
CATWOMAN
That's what you don't understand about this job. It is violent. Maybe Superman can walk up to someone with a gun and bring them to jail, but if you pull that crap you're dead, and rightly so. These people deserve whatever fate they get. If you don't like it, go get a desk job. You can spend day in day out pretending there's nothing that needs fixing. You're not doing any fixing anyway, just damage control.
BATMAN
From damage people like you cause.
CATWOMAN
I'm sick of you thinking you're so high and mighty. If you think I'm one of them, then I need to show you first hand that they will try to kill you!
Catwoman lunges at Batman, swiping at his chest, not even scratching the armor. She tries to kick him in the face, but he catches her leg and flips her onto the ground.
CATWOMAN
You hit a girl!
BATMAN
Take that sexist crap somewhere else.
Catwoman kicks out Batman's feet, sending him to the ground. She gets up and stands over him.
CATWOMAN
You think I'm bad, I can't even imagine how you handle the bad guys.
Catwoman sprints away.
BATMAN
Cheap shot.
Batman hears a scream from the distance. He gets up starts running through the alley.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - NIGHT
We see through the bars of a cell, HARVEY DENT, his face buried in a newspaper with a picture of Batman, Catwoman and Superman on the front page. Across the hall through a small square window in a thick steel door, a conversation can be heard between a professional sounding DR. HARLEEN QUINZEL and an extremely well spoken man.
QUINZEL (O.S.)
And the voices, they've stopped?
MAN (O.S.)
Oh yes. Your therapy has really done wonders for me, Doctor Quinzel.
QUINZEL (O.S.)
Well I'm glad to hear it. In my professional opinion, you are well on your way to recovery and I think you would be an ideal candidate for our day release program. I would gladly support you if you'd like to go in front of the board.
MAN (O.S.)
Oh, I don't know if there would be any point in that. The men upstairs have plenty against me. I don't expect to ever see the light of day again, and over the years, I've made peace with that.
QUNZEL (O.S.)
You've made mistakes in your past, but haven't we all? I think you're far too hard on yourself.
MAN (O.S.)
I'm glad to hear you say that. I don't think someone like me even deserves the pleasure of your company.
QUNZEL (O.S.)
If you don't feel you're ready, I won't push you, but just know I'll always be here for you.
The door opens and Dr. Quinzel walks out. Dent pretends not to notice her. After she gets far enough away, Dent slides up the bench to the bars of his cell.
DENT
So you're doing better?
MAN (O.S.)
Would you shut up! This is a private conversation!
DENT
Stop joking around.
MAN (O.S.)
Okay, I'll have to get back to you later. Bye. What do you want, Dent?
DENT
You said the voices stopped, but I guess you were lying. Why didn't you want her to help get you out of here?
MAN (O.S.)
Because I don't need her help. I know someone with much more influence who is going to help me get out of here. You see, I've been chosen by someone who's been monitoring us for a very long time.
DENT
You really are nuts.
MAN (O.S.)
Not half as nuts as you. Not my problem. You wouldn't be talking like that if you knew the magnitude of his power.
EXT. ALLEYS - NIGHT
The Dark Knight jumps through the allies and rooftops until he spots two muggers and their latest victim. As one holds their taget, the other holds a knife to their throat before he is yanked backwards into the shadows. The other is struck with fear before he is grabbed and spun around, looking justice in the face.
MUGGER
What the hell are you?
BATMAN
I'm your worst nightmare.
Batman begins to subdue the mugger as the victim flees. Suddenly the ground begins to shake violently. The surrounding buildings begin to collapse around them. He looks over and sees the mugger frozen with fear.
BATMAN
Come with me!
Batman and the mugger dodge falling debris as they run out onto the street, then having to deal with the panicking cars.
MUGGER
Can't you just fly us outta here?
BATMAN
I'm not Superman, you know.
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT
A gunman holds up the clerk of a small store.
GUNMAN
Just give me the money so I can get out of here!
EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Catwoman looks across the street below to see the gunman robbing the store.
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT
CLERK
Who do you think you are you punk?!
GUNMAN
Shut up! Just Shut up!
The gunman pulls the trigger just as the ground begins to shake violently. His shot misses as the building starts to collapse.
EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT
The earthquake in full swing, Catwoman loses her balance and falls off the roof, just managing to break her fall by catching a light post before hitting the ground. Getting up, she runs into the store...
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT
...and pulls some rubble out of the way to find the clerk and the gunman. Catwoman lifts the clerk off the ground and begins to carry him away when she hears his semi-concious voice.
CLERK
There's someone else in there. Don't forget about him.
CATWOMAN
That guy who just tried to shoot you? He doesn't deserve to live.
CLERK
Who are you to decide that? Please, don't let him die. You can save him.
CATWOMAN
Alright! I don't know how you ended up calling the shots here.
Catwoman lays the clerk on the sidewalk and goes back into the store to find the gunman, lifting a slab of rock off him.
GUNMAN
Thank you so much.
CATWOMAN
Don't thank me... Are you alright?
GUNMAN
I think I can walk.
CATWOMAN
Great. Let's get out of here.
Stepping outside Catwoman gives the clerk one last look.
CATWOMAN
There you go. You can go back to getting killed now.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - NIGHT
A huge panic is going on all around as the ground shakes violently. The steel door across from Dent's cell shakes on it's hinges.
DENT (O.S.)
What's going on?
MAN (O.S.)
I was just telling you. You two really should be more observant.
The ground continues to shake and the door comes right off it's hinges, landing on the floor with a loud bang. On the other side, standing calmly with his hands behind his back is THE JOKER, dressed in a perfectly formal purple suit. He steps out of the cell and walks into the hall.
JOKER
I'll see you guys later.
Joker gives the door to Dent's cell a pull and it easily comes open.
JOKER
Make yourselves at home.
Dent gets up and we finally see his face, half handsome, free of blemishes with well done hair, the other half hideously scarred. The Joker continues down the hall. With all the chaos around him he strolls calmly, smiling serenely to himself. Dr. Quinzel stumbles around in a panic when a light fixture falls from the ceiling. Walking past, The Joker swoops her out of the way. They stare into each other's eyes as the ground stops shaking.
INT.GORDON'S OFFICE - NIGHT
His office in ruins, Gordon climbs out from under his desk and looks out the window to see the city in even worse shape. All the skyscrapers have collapsed and Lexcorp cranes have crushed many of the smaller houses.
EXT. ARKHAM ROOF - MORN.
Joker and Quinzel step through a door out onto the roof. The city is uniformly covered in fire and chaos. Already, new Lexcorp cranes are lifting the pieces of the ones that fell the night before. In the distance, an explosion is heard and one of them falls to the ground. Joker looks at it all and smiles peacefully. He turns to Quinzel and holds out his hand.
JOKER
Shall we dance?
She takes his hand and they begin to slowly waltz to the sounds coming from the streets.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - MORN.
A small squad of goons headed by Dent roams the streets. They stop at one of the Lexcorp cranes and several goons huddle around it for a moment. They step away and the entire gang waits at the edge of the lot. After a few seconds the base of the crane explodes and it crumbles to the ground.
DENT
They think they can take Gotham back from me. They had their chance. I won it fair and square.
The gang walks down the street and stops at the door of a badly damaged but still standing building. They kick open the door to find Nigma who cowers in the corner and looks up at them.
NIGMA
Who are you?
GOON
Public servants. Just informing the constituants of their new leaders.
Out from behind the gang steps Dent.
DENT
Hello, good sir. Please, no need to hide. Do you need medical attention?
Nigma shakes his head.
DENT
Good. If we can help you with anything, please don't hesitate to ask. By the way, we think it's time for you to start looking for a new apartment. This place is a dump. If we lived here we'd sue whoever runs the place.
Cracking a smile, Dent and his goons turn to leave.
NIGMA
Wait! Maybe you can help me with something.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - MORN.
A helicopter lifts off of the ruins of the once stately mansion.
INT. HELICOPTER - MORN.
Bruce sits next to Alfred, looking out the window at the destroyed city. A TV is built into the back of the pilot's seat in front of Alfred.
BRUCE
Did they find out what happened? Was it Superman again?
ALFRED
You and I both know it was too big to be Superman. He was busy in Metropolis. Took a reporter hostage and tore up downtown. They got off easy. What happened here was divine intervention. Whoever was watching over this place finally did what needed to be done.
BRUCE
How can you say that?
ALFRED
I'm sorry, Master Bruce, but I had to wait around all night not knowing if you were alive or dead because this city is so rotten you're the only one with the guts to try to do the right thing.
BRUCE
I'm not even so sure it's the right thing anymore. Batman couldn't help anyone last night. I was just as helpless as the rest of them. I don't know what to do. I give up.
ALFRED
On Gotham, sir?
BRUCE
No, on Batman.
The pilot turns around and yells to be heard over the chopper.
PILOT
Where are we taking this thing?
BRUCE
Washington D.C.. Bruce Wayne hasn't given up yet.
ALFRED
I think you may be the only one.
Alfred points to the TV where the President is giving a press conference.
INT. PRESS CONFERENCE - MORN.
The PRESIDENT stands at a podium in front of a huge crowd.
PRESIDENT
By now, everyone knows about the two catastrophies that struck first Gotham, then Metropolis last night. While we have no reason to think that the earthquake was in any way related to the Superman attack, they effect us in similar ways. Both of these disasters require immense help from everybody, from the highest levels of government, to the personal level. Presidential candidate Lex Luthor has already started the reconstruction efforts in both cities, but while this has gone well in Metropolis, where the damage was localized and an isolated event, the people of Gotham have not reacted as well. Across the city there have been attacks on construction crews, police forces, and destruction of building materials. We and our allies at Lexcorp have almost completed a final solution to the Superman problem, but Gotham is not a problem that can be solved like that. These disasters, along with the previous Superman attacks, have financially, militarily, and emotionally taxed us all, and we simply do not have the resources to do everything. Therefore, at 10:58am today, congress passed, and I signed, a bill which changes the boundries of our country. Effective immediately there will be no travel to or from, no military aid, and no government reconstruction of the island city. As of now, Gotham City has officially been rejected from the United States of America.
The crowd goes wild and bombards the president with questions.
INT. COURTHOUSE - DAY
In the ruins of a courtroom, Dent sits as judge while Nigma and MR. KANE sit in front of him and a bailiff stands to the side.
DENT
Mr. Nigma, state your case against the defendant.
NIGMA
It's simple, your honor. The defendant was the owner of the apartment complex in which I lived. It was his responsibility to make sure the place was safe for those he rented to. Although there were always safety violations which I brought to his attention multiple times...
KANE
Objection!
NIGMA
Are you calling me a liar?!
DENT
Order! Objection overruled. Mr. Nigma, please continue.
NIGMA
After trying to get him to keep his building safe, to no avail, the slightest shake sent it tumbling to the ground. Something which should not have happened to a properly maintained property. He took everything I own, and any just world will know I deserve compensation for that.
DENT
Would the defense please state their case?
KANE
The entire city was destroyed in the earthquake! Everyone lost everything! There's nothing else to say! This is just a frivolous case!
DENT
Calm down, Mr. Kane. I will now deliberate and make my decision.
Dent picks up a coin, both sides heads but one is scratched. He flips the coin and looks at the result.
DENT
Heads. I find in favor of the plaintiff. Mr. Kane, you are ordered to hand over all your capital and posessions to Mr. Nigma.
KANE
This is insane!
DENT
Get out now or I'll find you in contempt of court!
KANE
You can't do this! You aren't a judge! You're just a gangster!
DENT
Bailiff! Take care of the defendant!
The bailiff immediately shoots Kane.
DENT
Mr. Nigma, you can collect your awards at your leisure.
INT. SENATE - DAY
Bruce stands in front of congress pleading his case.
BRUCE
I can't believe what our country has become. The ones elected to protect the people have turned their backs when they are needed most. Not only the President, who's recent monstrous decisions are to be expected after his terrible two-terms, but all the senators that voted this measure.
The room erupts in shouting chaos, but Bruce continues talking.
BRUCE
This government has proven itself to be corrupted beyond repair. If it is to be fixed drastic action needs to be taken. Dynasties need to be broken and the power needs to be taken back from the grasp of the two party system. That is why I am officially announcing my independant candidacy for the presidency of the United States of America.
INT. NEWSROOM - DAY
Cat Grant delivers the news with a picture of Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor in the corner of the screen.
CAT
The political world was shocked again today when billionare philanthropist Bruce Wayne cast his hat into the presidential ring. Even more shocking still is the fact that initial polls suggest that both he and rival independant Lex Luthor are already more popular than both major parties. They seem to be campaigning on the public's dislike for the current administration and both sides of congress after the passing of the wildly unpopular Gotham City rejection bill. However, political experts agree that both candidates will need to place firmer stances on other issues if they want to have any staying power in the campaign.
Cat pauses for a second to listen to her earpiece and watch something offscreen.
CAT
We're getting word of breaking news right now from downtown Metropolis, apparently Lexcorp headquarters is under attack. We go now to Daily Planet Reporter Lois Lane.
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
LOIS LANE talks into the camera, while Superman battles a giant spiked monster in the background.
LOIS
This is Lois Lane for WGBS news. We're here at the scene of what may be the fiercest battle the Man of Steel has ever fought. Earlier today a vicious beast emerged from the Lexcorp building in downtown Metropolis and started tearing the city apart. Immediately our hero arrived to protect us, but the monster shows no signs of stopping. It appears that Superman may have met his match.
INT. LEXCORP JET - DAY
Inside the lavish jet we see Luthor sitting across from BRAINIAC, a complex robot with glowing red eyes.
LUTHOR
Why should I let you try the cloning idea again? It didn't work last time, and we both know how your idea for Project Doomsday is working out. This is destroying my reputation, and I can't afford to suffer any more humiliations if I'm going to win the election.
BRAINIAC
You want to regain your reputaion, and this is the perfect way to do it. The public cared for Kal-El more than we could've expected, but Project Doomsday was successful and he is no more. The humans do not know you created the instrument of his destruction. To them, a clone will be the same thing. You will have brought Superman back from the dead, but to us, we have a being with immense power, ready to do our bidding.
INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY
The President sits at his desk talking to a general who wears many medals and honors.
PRESIDENT
Luthor's whole campaign is nothing but insulting me! I have a legacy to protect! I will not go down in history as the worst president ever just because he wants to make it the fad of the week to blame everythig on me! We need to shut him down. Tell the public what he's done. He killed Superman, damnit!
GENERAL
With our money. We financed Project Doomsday. If we reveal that he was involved, he'll reveal we were involved. There goes your legacy. Let's focus on other things for now. Bruce Wayne is also becoming rather vocal about his dislike for you.
PRESIDENT
Bruce Wayne? Nobody cares what he has to say.
GENERAL
I just think you should be careful of him, sir. You don't want to misunderestimate him.
INT. RUINED HOUSE - DAY
Three of Dent's goons kick open the door of a small, rundown house where inside a family huddles among broken and crushed furniture. The goons start to walk through the door when Catwoman jumps through a hole in the ceiling and lands in front of them.
CATWOMAN
Leave. Now.
GOON
What's this? Batman finally got the operation?
CATWOMAN
Leave this family alone.
GOON
We'll do whatever we want, bitch!
The goon throws a punch which is easily dodged. Catwoman sends him to the ground with one punch when the second goon opens fire. She grabs the gun right out of his hand and pistol whips him, taking him out in one blow. The last goon swipes with a knife, slashing Catwoman across the arm. Trying to dodge the attacks, she lands several punches before kicking the knife out of their hand, sending it sliding across the room. The goon runs out the door and into the distance.
CATWOMAN
These two won't be out for long. You can do what you want with them.
Catwoman leaves the house as the family watches in silence.
INT. GCPD HQ - NIGHT
Gordon stands in front of a map of Gotham as he adresses what seems like the entire police force covered in full riot gear.
GORDON
By now, you all know the situation. We're on our own. There's no one to help us, but that's never stopped us before. We can do this, but it will be an uphill battle. In less than twenty-four hours nearly half of the city has fallen under gang control. Many of these are just random riots pulled together by any neighborhood leader, but there is one that's different. As you can see on this map, control of the city is divided into three major groups. The blue areas, centered here, approximately a five block radius around the station, is the area we've been able to keep under control. It's relatively free of gang influence and random acts of violence. These scattered green sections are the smaller street gangs we all know and love, using this as a opportunity to legitimize their power. You'll also notice that Arkham and Blackgate have no specific influence. You would think that they would be heavily populated by their former inhabitants, but they've all moved here, to the courthouse. They've staked out control in roughly eight blocks in all directions. Why the courthouse you ask? It's because the man who leads them has quite a bit of experience there. Some of you know him quite well. This gang is controlled by Harvey Dent. This is the group we need to watch out for. They are more organized than the other gangs, and we have no reason to think that Dent wants anything less than total power over the city. They have been attacking construction crews and destroying sites. It seems like they are deliberately trying to stop the reconstruction, and if anyone's happy about the president's decision on the matter, it's them. We need to act now and get rid of the smaller gangs, get the people on our side, so we'll be equiped to fight Dent. You all know where you're going, let's do it.
The cops head outside into the parking lot. One of the last ones stops to talk to Gordon.
COP
What do you get when you cross a pig with a car bomb?
GORDON
What?
COP
It's written on the inside of my helmet.
The cop hands Gordon the helmet and he looks inside.
GORDON
Jesus Christ, the Riddler's still around. Everybody stop! Now!
EXT. GCPD PARKING LOT - NIGHT
A cop gets in one of the many cop cars and turns the ignition. The explosion causes a chain reaction through all the cars in the parking lot, enveloping most of the cops and sending the rest to the ground. Gordon runs outside just in time to witness a helicopter come down and land in front of the station. Dent and two goons step out and walk towards Gordon.
GORDON
Harvey. You were the Riddler? How could you do this?
DENT
This? This isn't my doing. Must've been someone else you pissed off. I'm here to make a deal with you. You and the rest of your force will now work for me to take the rest of the city from those amateur punks. In return, I might tell you who cooked these pork chops.
One of the goons hands Dent a chart.
DENT
Just sign here.
GORDON
The GCPD isn't going to team up with vile gangsters like you.
DENT
Really? Because there might be an added bonus in it for you...
Dent pulls a gun out of his jacket.
DENT
...I might not kill you and the rest of your men.
GORDON
Where the hell is Batman when you need him?
INT. QUEEN'S OFFICE - DAY
OLIVER QUEEN sits at a desk reading paperwork. His intercom buzzes and he presses a button.
INTERCOM
Mr. Queen, you have a visitor.
OLLIE
Send them in.
The door opens and Bruce walks in.
OLLIE
Bruce Wayne. What a surprise. Please, take a seat. Do you need some advice on politics? I know it's your first day.
BRUCE
Actually, I do have a rather large request.
OLLIE
Campaign donations? I would think Wayne Enterprises would be able to foot the bill for all your costs. They have been for the rest of your life.
BRUCE
I don't think you understand.
OLLIE
It's you who doesn't understand, Mr. Wayne. Do you think this is a joke? You're just some rich playboy who sees the Governator get elected and thinks he can do it too. You're spitting all over the electoral process and ruining it for real independant candidates like Lex Luthor.
BRUCE
You support Luthor?
OLLIE
Hell no, but at least he knows what he's doing. He actually has an idea of how to run his company, not just have his parents' friends run it for him.
BRUCE
So you think running the country is like running a business?
OLLIE
Are you deaf, or just dumb? Oh wait, we already know the answer to that. I hate Luthor, but right now we need to focus on getting rid of the guys who are letting millions of people die in Gotham, and if Luthor is the only way to do it, I'll take the best I can get.
BRUCE
Luthor isn't the only way to do it.
OLLIE
You? You don't have a clue what you're doing.
BRUCE
I know who I want to surround myself with. I need strong leaders who have honesty and convictions. Who know what they believe in and aren't swayed by the media or playing politics. Mr. Queen, I want you to be my running-mate.
OLLIE
Are you insane? Why don't I just become Paris Hilton's vice-president?
BRUCE
You've got the wrong idea. You don't know me as well as you think you do.
OLLIE
Really? And exactly what part of the human enigma that is Bruce Wayne have I been missing?
INT. NEWSROOM - DAY
Cat Grant delivers the news.
CAT
The race for the white house was shaken up again today. The two major parties fell even further behind the independants after both Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne announced their vice-presidential running-mates. In a surprise move Luthor has teamed up with rather low-profile senator Pete Ross, while even more surprising is Wayne's choice, and his choice's acceptance, of Star City Mayor Oliver Queen. Queen, an outspoken liberal, is helping Wayne gain many votes from people who would otherwise vote Democrat, while Wayne's proven fiscal policy, which has made Wayne Enterprises the world's richest company, is attracting long-time Republicans. However, Wayne and Queen still trail behind in the polls after Luthor's popularity spiked when Lexcorp introduced Superman II, Kon-El, which in some ways has even overshadowed the original Superman's return from the dead and the mysterious "Man of Steel" who has been openly opposed to Luthor and Kon-El.
EXT. NIGMA'S MANSION - DAY
Nigma pushes open the large gates emblazened with a stylized "K" and steps into an extravagant garden in front of a crumbling, but still standing, mansion. Nigma starts to walk around the garden.
NIGMA
Excellent. Kane was just as wealthy as I expected. And now it's mine. Let's see what I won...
Nigma steps around to the back of the mansion to find a helicopter on a landing pad.
NIGMA
Even I didn't expect that.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - NIGHT
Dent and Gordon lead a squad of several dozen goons and cops, indistinguishable in their matching riot gear and heavy artillary. They advance on a group of teenagers hanging out around a crumbling apartment building.
GANG MEMBER
What the hell is this? Some punk ass cops tryin' to shut us down?
DENT
Now, that's no way to talk to your elders. Maybe my men will have to teach you and your friends some respect.
The cops/goons raise their guns when one in the back is sucker-punched by Catwoman and falls to the ground. Everyone opens fire in all directions as Gordon drops to the ground and Dent uses his own men as a shield. Catwoman tries to dodge the bullets and wait for an opportunity to attack.
CATWOMAN
Come on Bats, I know an earthquake wouldn't knock you off. Why don't you come on and help out?
Catwoman manages to sneak up behind and knock out one of Dent's shooters. She repeats this process several times to take out enough cops/goons and make them the minority. The battle turns in the street gang's favor.
DENT
What the hell is happening? Gordon?!
Dent looks around, but Gordon is nowhere to be found.
DENT
Traitor! I'll kill him! Men, retreat! Meet back at the station, and be on full alert for our old pal Jim.
Dent and the remainder of his gang run away, leaving Catwoman standing there with what's left of the street gang.
CATWOMAN
Just because I'm fighting Dent now, don't think I'm on your side. If you guys don't clean up your act I'm coming after you next.
Catwoman sprints down an alley.
INT. CAMPAIGN RALLY - DAY
Bruce stands at a podium rallying his supporters.
BRUCE
My opponents have been saying that I don't have any experience, that I'm a one-issue candidate only focused on his own local problems. Yes, the Gotham city disaster is an extremely important issue, and will be the first thing addressed when I'm elected, but there's more than that. This country deserves a leader who respects its citizens. We all know how the buracrats in Washington treat their citizens. They leave them behind when things get tough. These people are so self important they refuse to even acknowledge the existance of the independant candidates. But guess what? It's about time they realize that they're so out of touch that in a few days, it's the voters who are going to refuse to acknowledge them! Now, I understand that many voters are torn between myself and my opponent Lex Luthor. They say we share many of the same policies and that we don't have enough experience to even judge us, but those people are mistaken. Look at the history. For years Luthor has run his company, Lexcorp. I have to give him credit for running a very successful corporation, but that's also the problem. He is the only one who deserves the credit. There are no decisions made by the board of directors, no advisors giving opposing points of view. Time after time we hear news stories of higher ups at the company getting fired for not sharing his views. Is this how we want our nation to be run? My opponent may have different policies than the current administration, but if he is going to continue using the unilateral approach that has taken the power away from the people, then we may as well not vote at all...
INT. NEWSROOM - DAY
The scene is abruptly cut to Cat Grant delivering the news.
CAT
We interrupt Bruce Wayne's campaign rally for breaking news. Presidential candidate Lex Luthor is in critical but stable condition in Metropolis General Hospital after his Lexcorp Headquarters in downtown Metropolis was demolished in a fight between four different Supermen and the monster that seemingly killed the first one. Some reports say he was brought to the hospital by the "Superboy" Lexcorp created, Kon-El, who was later killed in battle against the rampaging monster. We go now to get people's reaction to the news.
EXT. STREETS - DAY
Different people are interviewed on the street.
INTERVIEWEE 1
All I can say is that I'm glad Luthor created Superboy to fight the monster. I really hope he pulls through.
INTERVIEWEE 2
I think he's really a modern day hero. I know who I'm voting for in November.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
GORDON sits in the defense seat while Dent stands and talks to him.
DENT
The station, Jim? You really thought we wouldn't find you there?
GORDON
So I suppose you're gonna kill me now?
DENT
Not at all, my friend. We have turned Gotham from the lawless anarchy that it used to be, back when it was your job to enforce things, into a place of order. You will have your day in court, and that day is now.
Dent walks up to the judge's seat.
DENT
James Gordon, you have been accused of treason against the nation of Gotham which stems from a breach of contract with its leading party. How do you plead?
GORDON
Wait! You said you're bringing law back to Gotham. If that's the case, I should have the right to an attorney.
DENT
Yes. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be provided for you.
GORDON
I can't afford an attorney because there are none left in town, except one. For my legal representation, I call upon Harvey Dent.
INT. QUEEN'S OFFICE - DAY
Bruce sits with Ollie in his office.
BRUCE
The pity vote. Luthor's got this all tied up.
OLLIE
You can't give up that easy. We still have the final debate tomorrow. That could bring a lot of people over to our side. We've just gotta hope that nothing else happens to Luthor before then.
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Post by Legend on Sept 21, 2008 17:42:27 GMT -5
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Luthor lies on a hospital bed, covered in bruses, bandages and casts when Nigma walks in wearing a doctor's uniform and pushing a gurney.
NIGMA
Mr... Luthor, was it?
LUTHOR
Yes.
NIGMA
Great, do you mind if I call you Lex... or Batman?
Nigma pulls a damp rag out of his pocket and holds it over Luthor's face. Luthor struggles for a moment then goes limp.
NIGMA
Now to put them off the trail...
Nigma reaches into his coat and pulls out a card. He begins to place it on the table, but hesitates. After a few seconds he pulls back and places the card back in his coat, retrieving a different one and placing that on the table.
INT. NIGMA'S MANSION - NIGHT
Luthor slowly awakes, looking Nigma right in the face. Luthor, in his many casts and bandages, sits in a wheelchair.
NIGMA
Hello Lex. I've been following your exploits for quite some time.
Nigma steps back and begins to walk around the room. Luthor's eyes dart around, not being able to movie his head. In the dark room, a slideshow projector throws a picture of Batman onto a screen in front of him.
LUTHOR
You're going to kill me, aren't you?
NIGMA
That's up to you. You see, I know you very well. Let's see how well you know yourself. This is you on your first night as the bat. On what date was this picture taken?
INT. NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Cat Grant reads the news.
CAT
In what is being seen as a politically motivated crime, Lex Luthor has been kidnapped from his hospital room at Metropolis General. Authorities are questioning just how such a high profile patient could be removed without anyone noticing, but even more puzzling still is a cryptic clue left at the scene of the crime. Police say they've found a card left on Luthor's bedside table that reads, and I quote, "The man that you all seek to find is in the land you left behind."
INT. QUEEN'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Bruce shuts off the tv and turns to Ollie.
BRUCE
I need to go back.
OLLIE
I know.
BRUCE
I'll just go get Luthor, bring him back here, and we'll postpone the debate until he's ready.
OLLIE
I'll drive.
INT. COURTROOM - NIGHT
Gordon sits at the defense table as Dent sits in the judge's seat.
DENT
Would the prosicution present their closing argument?
Dent gets up, walks in front of the stand and starts pacing.
DENT
This case is simple. After the disaster that struck Gotham, we needed to stick together. James Gordon signed a contract that he and the Gotham City Police Department would work with Mr. Dent to uphold the law and enforce justice. But what did he do? He betrayed Mr. Dent, he betrayed the city, and he broke the contract. This is an open and shut case, there's nothing else to say. The prosecution rests.
Dent goes back to the judge's seat.
DENT
Would the defence please present their closing argument?
Dent gets up and once again starts pacing the front of the room.
DENT
Jim Gordon is a man who's always served his city with pride. Here is a man who, over the years, proved his dedication and became commisioner of the Gotham City police department. Why would he enter a contract with Harvey Dent? The same Harvey Dent who has been convicted of multiple murders, who's roving gang influence destroyed every reconstruction effort of our fair city. Jim Gordon is a hard working, law abiding citizen, and Harvey Dent is nothing but a thuggish warlord. Objection! Overruled! Continue, Mr. Dent. Why would Mr. Gordon sign a contract to work with Dent? Would he do it because his life was on the line? That would be an understandable reason, but not the real reason. Jim Gordon signed the contract because, as everyone in this room, including Your Honor, was witness to, Harvey Dent threatened to kill all of Gordon's men. Jim couldn't let these men who'd stood by him all these years, who watched their friends die at the hands of a terrorist seconds earlier, get killed because of his decision. Under this death threat, Jim Gordon did what any leader would do. But coercing someone into signing a contract is not something a good leader would do. In fact, a good leader would know that it is illegal, and that any contract signed under illegal conditions is null and void. Jim gordon broke no laws by not working with Dent's gang, and it is Harvey Dent who is the criminal and should be locked away for life!
Dent walks back to the judge's seat.
DENT
After examining the evidence, I find the defendant, James Gordon, not guilty. On the other hand, Harvey Dent has been accused of uttering threats, conpiracy to commit murder, and multiple counts of first degree murder. How do you plead?
Dent walks behind the prosecution's table.
DENT
Your Honor, I plead not guilty by reason of insanity.
INT. NIGMA'S MANSION - NIGHT
Nigma stands next to Luthor's wheelchair showing him a slide of his picture of Batman, Catwoman and Superman during Zod's rampage.
NIGMA
This is you working with the murderers Superman and Catwoman. On what date did you first work with Superman?
LUTHOR
I'd never work with the alien! I told you, I'm not Batman! You're crazy!
NIGMA
Wrong! Every question wrong! You lose!
Nigma pulls out a gun when Catwoman jumps through the window.
CATWOMAN
I don't know what's going on here, but I know it isn't good.
NIGMA
Catwoman! No! You're cheating! I won't allow this!
Nigma immediately shoots Catwoman. He begins to approach her when a loud helicopter is heard.
NIGMA
What the hell is that?
Batman swings through the window on a rope and kicks Nigma to the ground.
NIGMA
Batman?! No! No! What's going on?! You can't really be Batman! It's just one of Luthor's tricks!
Nigma attempts to shoot Batman, but there are no bullets left. Batman sees Catwoman lying on the floor and runs over to her.
BATMAN
Catwoman! What happened?
CATWOMAN
What do you think? You have some great timing.
BATMAN
I'm sorry I wasn't here.
CATWOMAN
Why? I can handle things by myself.
Catwoman dies.
NIGMA
Aww... How dramatic. You were just late enough to watch your girlfriend die because of you, or at least the guy you're pretending to be. Go on, take her mask off. It'll be like an episode of Scooby Doo. Let's see who she really was.
BATMAN
I know exactly who she was...
Batman stands up and starts walking towards Nigma.
BATMAN
You're not going to get away with this.
NIGMA
And who's going to stop me? Batman's in a wheelchair, and I'm not about to get beat by an imitation.
BATMAN
You got that right.
Batman punches Nigma in the face, sending him to the ground as a card falls out of his jacket.
BATMAN
Don't worry, Luthor. I'll get you out of here.
LUTHOR
It's about time! This idiot thinks I'm you!
NIGMA
You... You're really not Batman are you? He is...
LUTHOR
You're a genius.
NIGMA
But Batman was gone. There was no sign of him since the earthquake. How did you find me?
BATMAN
The little clue you left in his room? You really didn't think anyone would figure it out?
NIGMA
You don't understand. I didn't want to leave that clue. I tried my hardest not to.
Batman picks up the card that Nigma dropped and reads it.
BATMAN
"To find the man who will be your next king, go to the city that's fit for a Queen." Star City. You wanted to send us on a wild goose chase.
NIGMA
I had it all planned out. It would've thrown you off perfectly, but I just couldn't lie. I couldn't cheat. No matter how hard I tried. Maybe Luthor was right. Maybe I really am crazy. Just please, I need to know. Who are you?!
BATMAN
I'm Batman.
EXT. NIGMA'S MANSION - NIGHT
Batman wheels out Luthor with Nigma following, his hands cuffed, to a helicopter. Ollie gets out and helps Batman lift Luthor in.
BATMAN
Luthor's okay, get him back to the hospital, and bring this guy to the authorites. I think he'll tell you the whole story. I have to stay here.
OLLIE
You can't! The election's in a few days! The country needs you!
BATMAN
I'm needed here more. Just go.
OLLIE
What will I tell them?
BATMAN
You won't need to make up a story, they'll do that for you.
OLLIE
Goodbye.
Batman watches the helicopter lift off and fly into the distance.
INT. DEBATE - NIGHT
Luthor sits in his wheelchair next to a podium. At the other end of the stage stands a second podium, empty.
LUTHOR
Bruce Wayne was supposed to be here tonight, but he decided he'd rather be somewhere else. Where is Bruce Wayne?
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - NIGHT
Batman breaks up a large gang of several of Dent's goons attacking a civillian.
INTERCUT BETWEEN LUTHOR and BATMAN
LUTHOR
Apparently he had some better things to do, but I wonder, what exactly were those better things?
Several of the goons shoot at Batman, who dodges the shots and kicks one of them to the ground.
LUTHOR
I suppose it's hard being Bruce Wayne. I could only imagine if every day I had to worry about finding new ways to spend the money my parents worked hard to earn.
Batman grabs a gun out of another goon's hand and punches him to the floor.
LUTHOR
This really isn't much of a debate right now. We need an opponent to be here. Bruce Wayne has left us behind exactly when we need him, but will he learn anything from this? No. He will go back to his pampered life, free of responsibilities.
Several of the goons jump Batman all at once, enveloping him on the ground.
LUTHOR
But we can't blame him. Bruce Wayne doesn't know what it means to have responsibilities. He's never had any. Being president is a large responsibility, but to Bruce Wayne, it's a game. He got bored of all his money, now he just wants power. This isn't a game to me.
Batman breaks free of the goons' dogpile and punches another goon out.
LUTHOR
I know the feeling of having people's lives on the line. To have the whole world on your shoulders. When I killed the superman that terrorized the world, where was Bruce Wayne?
One of the goons goes after the civillian on the ground. Batman throws himself in the way and throws the goon to the ground.
LUTHOR
I will always be here. I will never leave you, and when things turn bad, you can bet that Lex Luthor will be there!
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - NIGHT
The thugs beaten, Batman checks on the civillian, Gordon.
BATMAN
Gordon! Are you alright?
GORDON
Batman! Where were you? Why did you leave us?
BATMAN
I'm sorry. I know now where I'm needed.
GORDON
We don't need you. Harvey took over the whole city and I beat him by myself.
BATMAN
Two-Face?
GORDON
He's in the holding cell at the courthouse, but now his goons are in pure anarchy.
BATMAN
Not anymore.
INT. NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Cat Grant sits in front of a screen with a map of U.S. States. Texas and Florida are red, New York is blue, and every other state is purple.
CAT
And it's official! The next president of the United States of America is Lex Luthor! Of course, this is no surprise to most of our viewers, as he ran practically unapposed after opponent Bruce Wayne dropped out of the race just days ago. Some reports say he's gotten over 90% of the popular vote. We go now to his acceptance speech.
EXT. ACCEPTANCE SPEECH - NIGHT
Luthor sits on stage in front of an ecstatic crowd, many holding campaign signs.
LUTHOR
Ladies and gentlemen. Today America has made a decision. America has decided to stand for justice, for intelligence, for honest, hard working people. Today is a great day for our nation, and a great day for the world.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - NIGHT
Batman fights an enormous hord of goons. He is noticibly tired and losing the fight when he hears a loud rumbling and the sky is filled with helicopters.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
Most of all, it's a great day for Gotham City, because my first act is to reverse the Gotham City Rejection act, and immediately send reinforcements for the strained population there.
EXT. GOTHAM HARBOR - NIGHT
Ships dock and streams of soldiers come pouring off of the boats.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - NIGHT
A seemingly endless supply of soldiers rappel down from the choppers. An all out brawl erupts with the goons, and Batman can do nothing but use the chaos to disappear into the shadows.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
I was always opposed to what the previous administration did to Gotham, but when I was there I saw that none of us here tonight can truly understand the situation.
INT. HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
Soldiers kick open the door and point their guns at Dent, who silently puts his hands up.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
We let the town fall into chaos. Into mob rule. I will not let that happen again.
EXT. ARKHAM ROOF - NIGHT
Joker and Quinzel continue to dance on the roof when the helicopters arrive and the soldiers jump out. After a few moments Joker calmly motions for her to stop.
JOKER
Our time is over, my dear, but don't worry, there will be another day.
QUINZEL
But how do you know?
JOKER
A little birdie told me.
The soldiers advance on Joker and Quinzel, who calmly surrender.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
I will end this crisis, and I will be ready for the next one.
EXT. ROOFTOP - MORN.
Batman looks out over the now silent city, which is already covered in Lexcorp cranes.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
I will always be there for you, to stand for justice. I will never abandon you for an easier path. I'm here now, and I'm here to stay, and I'll always be watching over you.
THE END
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