God Of The Omniverse

The next morning, Gotham was still buzzing over the news revealed the previous night. Just like when Arias employed former criminals, some were in support, while others were opposed or showed concern.

The majority of the negative views came from outside Gotham, as Arias faced very little opposition within the city. With many of Gotham's big names either facing court cases or being unable to act due to the incriminating evidence he held, Arias's influence continued to grow.

As Arias was getting ready for the day, he received a phone call that he knew would be coming.

"Hello, Miss Vale."

He picked up the call and put it on speakerphone, Vicki Vale's voice immediately resounding on the other end.

"Good morning, Mr. Markovic. No need for formalities; just Vicki is fine. Anyway, I'm sure you know why I'm calling and what I want to ask."

"You want another exclusive, I take it?"

"That's right. The people of Gotham have many questions regarding this new project you're involved in, and I'd like to give them answers."

"I'll be happy to provide an interview, so long as the article you write will be in a positive light."

"Of course, a bit of criticizing for formality's sake, but overall positive."

"Right. Anyway, tonight should be fine. We can do it over a meal like we discussed previously."

"Is that your way of getting the date I was promised out of the way quickly?" Vicki's tone shifted to a more playful one.

"I'm sure you and I will be able to utilize that time to the fullest." Arias also implied something with his remark, but before Vicki could respond, he cut the call.

...

After dealing with Vicki, Arias went to the Iceberg Lounge to address the newly formed special task force. It was composed of Shade, Harley, Giganta, and a few other capable individuals.

They gathered in the storage room located on the lower floors, the same place they had first spoken to Arias. Just like before, he stood in front of them with Roulette by his side and began to address the topic at hand.

"I'm sure you're all still a bit confused regarding this new project. I wanted to address the fact that it is not permanent. At most, this should last a month, but in that time, I want you all to take it seriously. You'll each receive $500,000, plus a bonus for making the organization look good. Any questions?"

The first to raise her hand was Harley, who went on her tiptoes and waved eagerly. "Ou me, ou me."

"Yes, Harley?"

"Er, boss, aren't we supposed to be the bad guys and such? I don't think I can manage being a hero like Batsy. Unless… can I just whack the baddies to death? I'm pretty good at that."

Arias released a visible sigh but still answered Harley's question.

"Bad or good, it doesn't matter. We do what's necessary to achieve our goals, simple as that. So, no, you can't kill anyone while on the task force unless it's a last resort. Clear?"

Harley stood at attention and gave a firm nod. "Aye, aye, sir."

The next to raise his hand was Shade. "Do we have to do interviews and such? It would be a shame for the public not to hear the words of a dashing and handsome lad like myself, you know. I've actually been practicing. I even wrote ideal scripts the others can follow to make the organization and yourself look better in the eyes of the public."

Shade reached into his coat and brought out a thick stack of papers. Harley was the first to frown at this.

"Shade, you were that one kid who got beat up just for coming to school, weren't ya?"

Shade ignored Harley and kept his "gentleman" like composure while holding the papers out toward Arias.

Arias narrowed his eyes at this for a moment but then smiled. "Excellent idea, Shade. Vicki Vale will be coming through here later. When she does, you should pass those to her, and she can edit them for you and make them even more, um… splendid."

Roulette gave Arias a doubtful glance in the corner of her eye. *Just tell the guy you don't want to read paragraphs upon paragraphs of cheesy lines and narcissism.*

Shade was none the wiser and just smiled victoriously at the still-frowning Harley. "Thank you, boss. A renaissance man like you knows best."

"Right… well, any more questions? None? Good, you're dismissed."

Arias was quick to turn heel and leave before any more useless questions could be asked. Giganta, who looked like she wanted to say something, just kept her hand lowered.

"Got something you wish to ask the boss? I can pass it on for you if you're feeling shy," Shade looked up at the tall woman with a confident and clearly flirtatious smile.

Giganta blushed slightly and nodded. "I was going to ask if we would get uniforms… since we are a team and all."

As if he had heard the most exciting thing ever, Shade smiled and agreed immediately with great energy. "Brilliant idea! You can all wear top-of-the-line tuxedos like mine, with a cane and top hat included. We should also get a pair of neat white gloves each."

The once excited look on Giganta's face faded, and she now looked just as unhappy as Harley.

"I'd rather walk around naked than look like an Abraham Lincoln cosplayer on crack."

Shade frowned, and an argument soon broke out.

"Of course, you would. You already dress and look like some cheap whore."

"Well, you look like you touch little boys."

"You just have no class."

"Well, duh, I graduated."

"…"