Gotham.
An airline jointly operated by Wayne Enterprises and Ferris Aircraft was nad Gotham Airlines. As the largest airline in the city, it bore Gotham's na proudly.
A private luxury airliner sat quietly on the tarmac, awaiting its owner.
Bardi boarded through a private terminal, Alfred following closely behind. Once Bardi sank into the plush sofa inside the cabin, the plane slowly lifted off and set course for Washington.
He did not bring along his five-million-dollar "bodyguard," Deathstroke.
Calling him a bodyguard was a joke. With Deathstroke's skills, he could dismantle the Justice League with a proper plan. His strategic intellect rivaled Batman's. Assigning him as a re bodyguard would be a complete waste of his talents.
Instead, Bardi had sent him to eliminate Gotham's most dangerous criminals. Bane, Penguin, Black Mask, Scarecrow—each one identified and assigned to Deathstroke for execution according to Bardi's detailed plan.
The other rcenaries, in collaboration with the Court of Owls now under Nightwing's control, were ordered to arrest, detain, and neutralize all underground syndicates, traffickers, organ smugglers, drug dealers, and other criminal organizations operating in Gotham. Bardi would personally review the results afterward.
All the cris and networks within Gotham had already been investigated by Bardi, and each operation had been assigned with precision. As long as the plans were followed, all darkness and sin in Gotham could be purged in a single day.
But that would only treat the symptoms, not the root cause. The evil in Gotham was like wild grass. It could be burned today, but it would regrow with the spring breeze.
Ultimately, it ca down to environnt and resources.
Bardi swirled the wine in his glass, reclining on the leather seat. Through the cabin window, he looked down at the ever-shrinking Gotham. A bleak feeling lingered in his chest. Above the clouds, his gaze shifted slightly, drifting into thought.
Gotham's high cri rate was difficult to explain, but the external environnt was undeniably a major factor.
Gloomy clouds hung over the city year-round. The dark Gothic architecture, instead of adding charm, gave the city a haunting, oppressive aura. In this environnt, even the mood of the average citizen could turn bleak and unstable.
"The next step is to rebuild Gotham's environnt, its sky, and its skyline."
Bardi already had a comprehensive plan in mind.
Turning Gotham, the city of sin, into a city of light wasn't difficult. With funding from Wayne Enterprises and access to cutting-edge technology, he had more than a dozen thods available to transform the city.
Bardi chose the fastest route.
Cooperate with the governnt.
As Bardi reflected, the private jet landed quietly on a restricted tarmac near the White House.
Waiting to greet him was the U.S. Secretary of State, a refined, middle-aged white man in a sharp suit and mild deanor.
"Mr. Wayne, the President, several congressn, and four generals are waiting for you."
"An honor. Please, lead the way."
Bardi extended his hand. The Secretary of State guided him through the President's exclusive Rose Garden and into the Oval Office.
Inside were four Army generals, the President of the United States, mbers of his Cabinet, and over a dozen congressn—so of whom had already received more than ten million dollars from Bardi. Over thirty people were packed into the modest-sized office, all turning to face Bardi.
"Everyone, thank you for waiting."
With a polite smile, Bardi gave a slight bow.
Alfred began handing out docunts, distributing copies of the plan to everyone in the room.
"Mr. Wayne, the power gathered here today is enough to shake Gotham to its core," soone said coldly.
"I hope you're not here to make another Batman joke."
"If this is just about clearing up your Batman ss, then this eting was a waste of ti."
"Wayne Enterprises only guaranteed us a eting. Make your words count."
Several mbers of Congress voiced their discontent with thinly veiled sarcasm. They had already dismissed the childish notion of a billionaire playing superhero. If Bardi had no real plan, they were ready to start carving up Wayne Enterprises on the spot.
"Mr. Wayne, please proceed. I hope this is truly as you've described," the President interjected, cutting off the noise and nodding toward Bardi.
Bardi glanced at the self-serving politicians, then exchanged a knowing look with the President. The two had already spoken by phone and established a mutual understanding.
With a crisp snap, Bardi flicked his fingers.
The lights dimd. Alfred set up a projector on the desk, and in the darkness of the Oval Office, images began to appear.
"Everyone, I call this the 'Gotham Project.' It is designed to transform Gotham within six months."
"Of course, that is simply my personal vision for restoring my hotown."
"But for all of you, it should be seen as the 'Superhero Regulation Project.'"
On the screen, images of superheroes flashed by—The Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Superman, Shazam, Green Arrow… So-called heroes, but just one wrong step and they could beco criminals.
Even now, these costud vigilantes were wanted by law enforcent and the FBI. But how could ordinary agents deal with soone who could fly, outrun bullets, or had unbreakable skin? They were practically untouchable.
"Can you provide us with information on them?" asked the head of the anti-terrorism task force.
"No. I don't have their information," Bardi replied calmly.
Of course he knew. But he had no intention of providing it. These godlike do-gooders were potential obstacles to his plans, so he was rely setting up a small insurance policy. This wasn't even the main focus of his proposal—just a convenient distraction.
"Then why are we having this eting? This sounds like a local issue. I fail to see the federal concern."
"Get to the point, Mr. Wayne. We're busy people."
"Ridiculous waste of ti."
"The FBI is still investigating you, Mr. Wayne. You'd do well to watch your words."
Bardi smiled faintly, scanning the room. The President remained calm. General Sam Lane's stern gaze didn't waver. So of the congressn who had accepted bribes were already shifting in their seats, uncertain.
The noise and clamor were rely part of the performance. The red-faced opposition was expected.
"I want the governnt to issue a formal statent."
"In the days to co, let Batman serve as the public symbol of Gotham. A hero who represents justice, law, and the eradication of cri."
"Declare Batman as the face of the national cri reform initiative, jointly undertaken by and the United States governnt."
(To be continued.)
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