"Whew, finally got that sorted." The policewoman flicked her ponytail back and said into her radio, "Word from the negotiators: the group on the west side is willing to back down, on the condition that the east side pays the burial expenses. Same old story."
The tall officer leaning against the patrol car lowered the leg he had propped beside him, straightened up, adjusted his collar, and spoke into his radio. "Have them move the bodies out first. Both sides withdraw in opposite directions, then pick out two or three troublemakers and toss them to us."
"I'm afraid it won't be that easy. One side's made up of outsiders, and getting them to produce scapegoats is too difficult." The policewoman's intermittent voice came through the radio. "They don't understand Gotham's rules, and their accents are especially thick. I can't be bothered wasting breath on them. Just arrest them."
"You're as fierce as ever, Desna. Fine, I'll notify the SWAT team to arm themselves... Attention, everyone! Attention!"
The police got to work in an orderly fashion, guarding several entrances to the residential district while leaving only two narrow paths for both sides to withdraw through.
The locals shoved out two minors. Even after the police pinned them down, they kept swearing and shouting that they'd make the people across from them pay.
The police immediately pulled hoods over their heads. Once the hoods were in place, an officer standing at the intersection waved his hand, and reporters surged forward.
"What caused this armed clash?"
"What are the casualties? Has anyone died? Have the ambulances arrived?"
"Will this affect the market's regular opening? How many days will it be closed? What do the stall owners and investors think?"
"Were any officers injured during this suppression operation? Did you strictly comply with the