"IRS Commissioner Bavell Smith." The brown-haired woman in a black suit flashed her credentials at Bruce. Two tall, burly subordinates holding shotguns walked over and took up positions behind him.
"We received the information you sent over. We will now place you under witness protection. You will be subject to comprehensive IRS supervision and protection until our investigation is complete. Thank you for your cooperation."
Bruce was escorted onto the helicopter, but Bavell had yet to leave. He glanced back at Pale Rider and said, "Mayor, it's a pleasure to meet you. This is our first meeting, but it won't be our last. I hope you'll cooperate with our work. Thank you."
With that, he boarded the helicopter as well, leaving only Pale Rider and Nightwing staring wide-eyed at each other.
Suddenly, a faint crackle of electricity tore through the silence, as though some colossal beast were waking up. The two turned to look toward the city.
The first screen lit up, its blinding blue light slicing through the darkness like a blade. Then came the second, the third... Countless screens spread rapidly across the sides of buildings like sparks catching fire. Neon advertisements, holographic projections, and data streams surged in like a tide, drowning the entire city in a sea of virtual flames.
"It's wonderful to see everyone again. I'm Penny, host of Gotham Evening News."
"And I'm Poirot."
Two voices familiar to ordinary Gothamites appeared on the screens. The Gotham News anchors gave the camera professional smiles.
"Our task today is not to deliver the news, but to provide commentary for a live broadcast. You can think of it as a variety show. Later, we'll switch over to professional variety-show hosts on location, who will comment on the program."
"That's right. Today's program is a little special. The