[Quest] The hero the city needs

[Todd Ingram]

Bruce emerged from the gate, finding himself in the glorious first tier of Coruscant. This was Not what he was expecting, the peaceful atmosphere was almost too good to be True. Blue skies, skyscrapers reaching for the clouds, respectable folks walking around. Granted They did dress a bit different from him but respectable nonetheless. He'd Probably stand out more.  'This looks like future Metropolis. I should locate Some sort of computer, If They even still have them.' Several trooper patrols were visible, they took the whole guarding this place pretty serious. The out of place prime started wandering around on the top tier. The green was a refreshing change of scenery from all the destruction and hideouts back home. The peaceful atmosphere was a sensation long forgotten by the vigilante detective. His travels took him right to the centre of the top tier, a large spiral-Shaped glass building stood triumphantly amongst the skyscrapers. Apparently it was the Well known Coruscant library, exactly what he needed, a place with answers, a source of information.

Bruce approached the front desk and smiled charismatically towards the imperial woman behind it, "I'd like access to one of your computers." He noticed several camera's around, for a library it was pretty well monitored.

The woman observed him closely, with judging eyes she spoke in a monotome cold voice," You're new here aren't you?"

Bruce stayed in character and offered the woman a smile, "Yes, I guess I am. Will that be a problem?"

The librarian shook her head slightly, "Not at all, we just need you to register. The information will be shared with the local authorities. They tend to keep close watch of the people that come and go here, whether they are primes or secondaries."

'Primes and secondaries, That's the second time people refer to others with those labels. Let's play along until I know more.' Bruce started filling in the form on some sort of digital pad. He tried to keep the answers short and vague, no need to give them more information than required.
"Thank you, last thing we need is your thumbprint. Again, this is required by the authorities."
Bruce complied and pressed his finger on the scanner, a quick confirmation beep and it was done. The woman processed it all on her workstation before addressing her guest again.
"Thank you Mr.Wayne for cooperating in this, feel free to make use of our facilities. Enjoy your stay in Coruscant. If you follow the hallway and go up three floors you will find several public dataverse devices you are allowed to use."
The prime in disguise stayed in character perfectly, offered one last smile before offering his word of thanks before heading in the library.

The detective sat behind what they referred to as a dataverse device. For Bruce it looked like a high tech computer, almost similar to his own Bat-computer from his hideout back home, almost. His eyes moved quickly over the screen, soaking in the information the dataverse was providing him. He learned about primes, secondaries, verses and Coruscants different tiers. It seemed this verse was obviously hiding its true colors. His knowledge of the Omniverse grew with every new data entry he read. Learning about high profile primes, large verse wide events that shaped This dimension and even Some theories about who Omni is and what This place is. Some believe everyone here is merely a copy of their former selves. Others are convinced It's a world were lost souls go after They die. Many theories but no answers. Some of the primes he found were wanted criminals, others, Heroes to the public. 'No matter where you go, these things never change.' The investigator however Did find many useful data regarding omnilium and Its use, a tool he could use to his advantage during his stay in the Omniverse.
 
Darkness started to set in, time flew by as he gained knowledge. Bruce shut down his dataverse terminal and got up, stretching his cramped muscles. Finding his way back through the magnificent library of Coruscant, there was much more to behold but there was no time for that. It was getting close to nightfall and he had yet to find a place to rest. 'The lower tiers were described as areas that were in development for improvement. Sounds like bureaucratically bullshit to me, I'll have to go and see for myself just How in development these tiers are.' Bruce's thoughts got interrupted by a male voice coming from behind the front desk, "please come back anytime Mr.Wayne." Even though another person was stationed at the entrance, he continued to act normal, even If this pencil pusher he never met, addressed him by his name. " Thank You for your hospitality." With those words he left the colossal building.
 
Bruce couldn't shake the feeling he was being watched, it could've been because of the many patrols, the surveillance equipment everywhere, or the fact people referred to him by name back at the library. It might be better to seek rest in one of the lower tiers. Sky taxi were flying over him. 'No way I am getting in one of those, looks like a drunk Quin is driving that thing.' The elevators were a much better choice. Following the signs that were spread across the futuristic metropolis. Eventually he found his way to the elevators, the large constructions were pretty impressive on their own. These weren't your elevators like back home, no, they were large oval shaped plateaus with plenty of space to transport a significant  pool of people. Bruce walked in together with several others, their descent started as soon as the door closed shut. During their trip down the detective still couldn't shake the feeling of being observed. He continued his journey all the way down to tier 5 of Coruscant where he got off, and there it was, the true face of Coruscant. The high tech skyscrapers, the green trees, the friendly people were nowhere to be seen in this place. If the first tier resembled a futuristic Metropolis this was surely the future version of Gotham.
 
People near him started staring, his suit was giving him away, he looked too well dressed for someone living in this tier, he started to pick up the pace, looking for a place to eat and lay low for a while. During his exploration of the fifth tier he noticed a severe lack of Coruscant guardsmen here, also surveillance was lacking. The occasional camera was still around but nowhere near as intense as the higher grounds. Finally he ran into something that looked like a bar, he went in only to find himself in a very uncomfortable position. With a unified look every person in that bar glared towards the newcomer. It was obvious he wasn't welcome here, this may not be the best place to lay low.

1192 wordcount

[Todd Ingram]

Bruce walked further in the gang infested rat hole, a mistake someone would regret soon. It wasn't long before one of the humanoid creatures stood before him, towering over the uninvited guest looking down to him. He was wearing the same black jacket as some of the other guests had. They shared the same symbol on their back, a tribal looking silver jackal , it was obvious this was some sort of lowlife street gang. Their self appointed spokesperson spat on the floor in front of Bruce, "You're not welcome here, go back up before i decide to make you my personal bitch, you stuck up pussy. Run along back to your upper tier." The thread was followed by a shove. The ape looked stronger then he was, even though he placed some strength behind his arms it barely made Bruce move, that is if the detective didn't play along. By the off chance This place was monitored as well he couldn't really show the brute how this would've played out back in Gotham. The prime pretended to get shoved back against the door and held his hands up towards the attacker as a show of weakness, attempting to get out of This without having to break the idiot's face. "Look I don't want Any trouble, I will take my leave now."

The small time thug closed the gap between them and got in Bruce's face, "Yeah you better walk away you privileged pussy." His breath was almost as bad as sewerwaste on a fresh sundaymorning.
Not a second wasted the prime turned around and reached for the door. However A hairy hand pushes the door shut the moment Bruce opened it, " Not without your goodbye present."
The small fry balled a fist and send it flying. This sluggish half assed punch triggered Bruce's training and reflexes, dodging out of the way and countering with a left hook. The counterpunch landed on the brute's chin, providing the melodious sound of bones cracking before sending him flying on his back, silencing the entire bar. The detective took the opening he created to get the hell out and went back out on the streets. Looking over his shoulder he walked away from that stinkhole and got the hell out of there before more showed up. 'That punch was allot stronger then it would be on my earth.  This universe seems to have a whole different set of natural laws.' Making several quick turns he was sure he wasn't followed. Leaning against the wall of a nearby ally he took a breather. 'I can't remember being Bruce Wayne was this difficult.'

Unfortunately for Bruce he wasn't allowed to rest for long, from across the road he heard a woman screaming, the sort of scream that would send chills down your spine. Looking out from the alley he noticed a man, woman and child being held at gunpoint by a few thugs. He recognized the symbols on their jackets from earlier, it seems this was the same gang. The victims were being forced into the alley across the street. This was exactly the kind of thing why Bruce became Batman, to fight injustice. Moving back into the shade he started to focus his omnilium in order to change back into his costume, he had to make sure no one from this verse sees Bruce Wayne charging in and beat that thrash into a pulp. His eyes were closed, but before the suit was even summoned he heard the one sound he feared most. *bang* A gunshot echoed through the streets of tier 5. *Bang* A second shot was fired and it was as time stood still. No longer concerned about his mask he rushed over. Infront of him, two bodies on the stone cold floor. The scene triggered harsh memories from his own past, when his parents were shot and killed. He was too late, within that few seconds he decided to change it was already too late. Bruce looked around but the child and culprits were nowhere to be seen. With a bald fist he slammed the wall on his right, leaving cracks inside it. 'You fucking idiot, you shouldn't have waited, this is what happens when you go around playing Bruce Wayne, people get killed!'  His paranoia of getting on the empire's radar just ruined two innocent lives, and Bruce knew it.

A cough and moan coming from the woman on the floor indicated she was not yet dead, quickly the prime rushed over and took off his coat. He turned the woman around and noticed allot of blood around her chest. Using his coat to put pressure on the wound he attempted to stop the bleeding, "I need some help over here!" He shouted desperately. "Anyone!? Someone call a Ambulance, a medic, Something!" The woman underneath his hands started to lose consciousness. There was no time to lose, he picked up the woman and started making his way. Lost and alone he was approaching the first folks he saw, "This woman has been shot, she needs medical attention!" The first man walked straight past him, as if he didn't exist. A young woman across the street heard Bruce's plea and rushed over. 'The closest medical facility is nearby, follow me!" He followed the stranger who led him through the Gotham-like streets. Running through the litter and puddles of water laying around they ran like their life depended on it. Only it wasn't their life they were running for.

A few blocks later the woman stopped and pointed towards a large building. She was completely out of breath but still attempted to speak, "Over..there. It's a....emer..gency...room." Bruce didn't waste a second and took off, "Thank you! You're a kind person. Be careful out there!"

The doors opened automatically and in a large white chamber filled with sick and wounded people a man stood with a dying woman in his arms. Clothes covered in blood, out of breath from running but still strong enough to shout, "We need a goddamn medic over here, NOW! She's been shot!"

1073 words

[Todd Ingram]

The artificial imitation of a heartbeat was the only sound Bruce was hearing. One of the many medical instruments in the room, and Probably the only he recognized. The advanced technology in this verse was probably the only reason this woman was still breathing. In the corner of the room, almost hiding in the shade, Bruce was sitting in a chair caught in his own thought. His mind was wandering in the past, the time that he witnessed the same crime happening right In front of his very own eyes. It was the day he lost his parents and became an orphan. The same event that he wasn't able to stop today because of what now seems as his own trivial paranoia. 'This would have never happened if I went in after them, another useless death. Even in this place death follows me.'


Ripped from his deep thoughts Bruce noticed someone talking to him. One of the nurses stood in front of him with her friendly smile," I asked, are you okay?" The imperial nurse had half long light blonde hair, wearing a white uniform with some subtle make up around the eyes. She stood but a few feet away from him, it wasn't like him to be so distracted he couldn't hear a simple nurse sneaking up on him. "You're the one that brought her in weren't you? Are you two related?" The nurse asked as she continued to do her job and checked up on the patient.


"No,... no we're not. We never even met."


She continued her routine with the patient who was still unconscious, " You never met? We don't see that allot around here, people looking out for others that is. Let alone help them the way you did. That makes you a hero around here Mr....?"


"Bruce Wayne."


She turned to him and with a sincere smile approached him close enough to lay her hand on the mentally torn prime, " Well Mr. Wayne, the world would be a better place if there more people like yourself. Treasure that part of you, it's what makes you a human, some folks around the verses seem to have lost that connection." The tone of her voice changed slightly as she neared the end of that sentence. The nurse returned to her work and started walking out the door, before Bruce could respond he heard her speak  before turning the corner, "The name is Sarah by the way." And with that she left the scene.


Bruce remained by the woman's side for a while longer. Sarah made quite the impression on him. She reminded him of Kate back home, which was a positive thing. Even though she referred to him a hero he knew he could've done more, he could've saved both. His grip on the armrest tightened, he could hear the piece of furniture crack underneath his hand. Nothing he could do about the past, all he could do was make sure this wouldn't happen again. This mask that is Bruce Wayne needs to go.


"He-hello?" It came from the nearby bed, she was conscious! Bruce responded by rushing towards the bed, "You are in good care here, you are safe." He reassured the victim.


"My son, they took my son.." Her voice was barely heard. With tears in her eyes she faded back into her sleep. It was true they were together when they were forced into that alley. Their son wasn't amongst the bodies, nor did he hear anything about him being brought in. Those, men, actually took their son? The thought angered Bruce, tortured him inside. He may have failed them before but it won't happen again. "I will find your boy and return him to you." He whispered to the woman.
 
With conviction in his eyes he stepped out the room, with clear purpose in mind he walked through the hallways of the medical facility. Sarah saw the man pacing by, "Bruce? Are you alright? Where are you going?"
 
"I'm going to take care of things, properly this time." With that he left through the door. The night was just beginning.

729 words

[Todd Ingram]

A cold artificially created breeze found its way through the streets of Corusant's fifth tier, climbing up the walls of one of the taller buildings to provide just enough updraft to lift the lower parts of a leather cape. The cape attached to the iconic figure standing on top of the building, observing the gritty streets below. The caped crusader returned and was now following a small group of thugs wearing the same symbol of the silver jackal as the ones who attacked the family. It was obvious something was going on, more and more of the gang members gathered near a nightclub. No matter what world, scum will always gather near rat holes like this. The bright neon lights in front of the place of leisure was bright, it would put him right in the spotlight, something he'd like to avoid. But as luck may have it two broke away from the group and headed into the alley next to the club. Bruce made his way across the roofs. Standing on the nearest ledge he observed the two gangsters smoking whatever it was they smoked. Using the shadows as cover the vigilante jumped down, his cape provided the ability to glide down silently. At the last few seconds he dove down like a predator bird to catch it's first meal of the day. With gravity as his ally he crushed one of the suspects into the ground as he 'landed'. Without wasting the opportunity that the element of surprise provided he lunched at the second thug. Before the cigarette landed on the ground the skinny man was forced against the stone wall of the club, facing the raged filled crime fighter. The victim's brain was unable to comprehend the series of events that were unfolding in front of him. A grown man, dressed in a black combat suit with a bat like scowl just beat the living crap out of his partner and now pressing a black gloved hand against his throat, asking all sorts of questions.


The intimidating rough voice made its way to the centre of the criminal, awakening a fear deep within. "Where did you take the boy?!"


Shaking in his boots the scrawny man nearly pissed himself before whimpering, "W-w-what boy?"


A tightly clenched fist found its way against the wall mere inches from the wimp's face. "Last night, a family was attacked, father shot dead, mother was left to die, a boy got taken by one of your group. Now tell me, where is the boy?" Once more the deep voice threatened the already scared man.


The mind of a lowlife is easily broken, like a hummingbird the thug started to sing all the information Bruce needed, "T-There is a warehouse, they collect the children there before they are send away."


"Send away? To where?"


The man knew he was in trouble, no matter how he would answer the question, it wouldn't end well for him. "They...are sold." The moment those words left the lowlife already bloodied lips he could see a fist ending his consciousness . The body crumbled to the floor. Bruce realized what was going on, these monsters were trafficking children.

"Hey! What's going on over there?!" A strange voice yelled from the other side of the alley. Not a question Bruce was willing to answer. Using his grappling gun he quickly found his way back to the roofs of Coruscant's fifth tier. Next stop, the warehouse.

[Todd Ingram]

'Two guards, one entrance to the facility. This must be the warehouse where they keep the children.'
 
From a distance, Batman was observing.  Even though the thought of children being shipped off to do god what made his blood boil, he had to stay calm. Rage and anger would lead to mistakes he couldn't afford right now. With any other case he would find a way inside without being seen, but this time, he wanted them to know what was coming. He wanted them to feel fear. Making his way down he made damn sure both members of the gang saw him as he walked up to him, dressed in his black armor.

"Take a look at this joker."  One of the guards joked against his partner as the vigilante got up in their faces.

"Me? The Joker?" The unknown costumed man spoke with his distorted voice.  "No, I know the Joker, and you can consider yourself lucky, I'm way more lenient than that clown." Before the guard was given the chance to respond, Batman's fist  immobilized his voice by crushing the windpipe. With a wide open mouth the guard was gasping for air, creating nothing but a wheezing sound, slowly resorting to a fetal position on the ground.

Without second thought a weapon was drawn, the other guard pointed a gun like weapon at the vigilante.  Before the gunman was allowed to take proper aim, Batman disarmed him by grabbing the wrist and breaking his arm. A loud crack was heard, followed by a agonizing scream as the bone nearly pierced the skin.

"W-who the fuck are you?!" The desperate man cried out.

"I'm -the- motherfucking Batman! And now you shall suffer for all the pain you punks have caused. Where are the children?!" His rough voice inspired fear deep within the man, who felt like a small scared boy that was about to piss himself.

The whimpering coward started to shake unintentionally but was quick enough to respond before getting even more hurt, "They are being loaded, in the back, they may even be gone already, please, it hurts so much!"

Not the type of criminal Bruce was used to, so easy to give in. A well aimed right hook disabled the man's consciousness and fell to the floor. There was no time to waste, quickly he rushed towards the back of the hideout.

From a distance he witnessed the last child being loaded into a white van, the moment of shock made him careless and got spotted by one of the men near the van. unfortunately for the vigilante they had their weapons at the ready and immediately started firing, forcing Batman to dodge for cover. Unwillingly seeking shelter behind some crates he could hear the vehicle moving, he had to move, NOW!

Equipped with a few batarangs he emerged above the crate he was covering behind. Time appeared to stand still for a single moment as his mind took aim, hand eye coordination was motivated to perform extraordinary. With a single motion he send two of his metal throwing weapons flying towards two different targets. One was hit in his trigger hand, the other was less lucky and felt the batarangs pierce his stomach. Immediately the shooting stopped as the screaming guards were tending to their freshly created wounds. No time to waste on trash, the vehicle was already in its way. Luckily he was prepared, using a small computer like gadget on his arm he heard a familiar sound closing in from a distance. The loud engine roared as the Batmobile came crashing through the walls of the facility, barely slowing down as the prime jumped into its seat, closing the hood above him. In the distance he could see his target move, it increased its speed, clearly trying to get away from its attacker. From the back of the hero's eccentric vehicle a flame emerged as it gave the boost that was needed to gain ground. The high speed chase through the fifth tier wouldn't go unnoticed by local law, he had to move quick before anyone interfered with his justice.

Not before long Batman managed to drive his iconic car next to the vehicle containing the children. Above his head the cockpit opened, activating autopilot the car continued at the same speed. It gave Bruce the freedom to make the jump. Pushing off from the edge of the car he jumped against the white van, the blades of his gauntlet made it possible to catch something resembling a decent grip while climbing to the roof. Finally, it was time to end this. Making his way over the roof towards the driver's seat he barely kept his balance. He had to play this careful, if the vehicle crashed it would be catastrophic for the future slaves in the back. Using his grappling gun once more he shot the hook through the roof of the van, only allowing a very short piece of cable to be released. But a short piece was all he needed, using his gadget to lower himself to driver's side of the van he made a single swing and reached the car door, putting himself in a very vulnerable position, luckily for him the driver noticed too late Batman opened the door. With a single swift motion the driver was removed from his seat, and was placed on the street. Thanks to the high speed of the vehicle the landing was anything but pleasant, the driver tumbled across the pavement  until a friendly nearby wall stopped him.

Bruce took the seat and got the van to a halt. There was only one more thing to do. The vigilante walked to the back of the van, with a batarang in his hand he was prepared to take out any guards that might be in the back of the van. With a fluent motion Batman opened the door,  prepared to take out anyone in his way, yet it wasn't a guard he found. In the back there was a group of several children cowering together as the saw the intimidating costume. "You are safe now." He said, not able to bring across the meaning of the sentence. Whether it was panic or fear what made them cry it didn't matter, they were safe, even if they didn't realize it yet. From a distance he heard local law approach, no matter what world he was in, he could always tell by the similar sounds they produce when closing in.
 
Before leaving the scene he walked towards the unconscious driver, dragging his fat ass back to the van, only to leave him next to it, with a batarang placed on his forehead. It was a sign, a warning, for anyone willing to listen. Moments  before local law takes over the scene he found his way to a safe distance to observe. The children were safe as they were taken out of the van by several white armored soldiers, known as stormtroopers in this world. Once he saw the boy he recognized from the ally he knew he succeeded. He wasn't able to bring the dad back from the dead but at least mother and son are able to be reunited. Bruce felt a sense of relief as the weight fell off his shoulders. But it was clear his story within the Omniverse was just beginning. Word will spread of Batman being a prime and a resident, and before long, the psychos will follow, they always do. For now, he had to start building a life as Bruce, his cover.

One of the local law enforcers took the batarang that he left on the mashed up body of the driver. Bruce waited until every child was taken care of, before vanishing into the night. The Dark Knight has made his statement.