Chapter 36: Broken Beliefs Part 2

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 and some were opposed or showed concern.

The majority of the negative views came from outside Gotham, since Arias faced very little opposition in Gotham with many of its big names either facing court cases or unable to act due to the incriminating evidence he had.

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

"Hello miss Vale."

He picked up and put it on loudspeaker, 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 answers 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 sure 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 to it, 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 capable others.

They gathered in the storage room located in the lower floors, the same place they had first spoken to Arias. Just like before he stood in front of them with Roulette 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 all receive 500,000 dollars and a bonus for making the organization look good. Any questions?"

The first to raise their hand was Harley who went on her tip toes and repeating. "Ou me, Ou me."

"Yes Harley?"

"Er Boss, isn'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 wack the baddies to death? I'm pretty good at that."

Arias released a visible sigh but still answered the question Harley asked.

"Bad or good it doesn't matter, we do what's necessary to achieve our goals, simple as that. So in regards to that, 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 their 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 towards Arias.

Arias narrowed his eyes at this for a moment but then he 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 wise and just smiled victoriously at the still frowning Harley. "Thank you, boss, A renaissance man like you knows best."

"Right… well anymore questions? None? Good, you're dismissed"

Arias was quick to turn heel and leave before anymore useless questions were 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 his he had heard the most exciting thin ever, Shade smiled and agreed immediately with great energy. "Brilliant idea! You can all wear top of the line tuxedos like mine with a can 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."

"…"