Chapter 16: Chapter 16: A New Age
Arias was unconcerned with the specific events involving the Gotham Gazette as he simply sat back on his couch and watched the news about the commotion surrounding the creation of the Justice League. *If Vicki pulls through, the story might even be bigger than this,* he pondered as he listened to the numerous rants, opinions, and differing viewpoints on the Justice League members.
While perusing the various news programs, he came across a particularly interesting news station, GBS, which was airing the G. Gordon Godfrey show.
"I don't know about you, America, but I don't trust this so-called 'Justice League' that everyone is so happy about. I mean, come on people, these are grown men and women running around in skin-tight bodysuits that leave little to the imagination, fighting other crazy people."
Arias watched the blonde-haired Caucasian man on the screen strut around his stage, shrugging and making air quotes.
"I mean, take Wonder Woman, for example. America's hero? I dunno about you, America, but I wouldn't want my daughter growing up thinking this is how heroic American women dress."
"You shouldn't place your trust in aliens either—Superman? The Martian? I mean, c'mon, we were literally invaded by aliens who likely came here because of them. I mean, we all saw the clip of Superman conversing with what looked like the boss of those invading aliens. Coincidence? I think not, people… I think not."
Arias turned off the television, chuckling at the absurdity of the show.
"I'll give him credit; he's good at changing the subject and slanting the evidence. Oh right, today is Monday, so that means the mayoral elections should be reaching their final stride this week."
Arias rubbed his chin in contemplation for a bit, then picked up his phone and went for a walk. To avoid being tracked to a specific spot, he strolled for around thirty minutes before stopping in a random area of East End. He took out his phone and made a call.
The phone rang only briefly before the voice on the other end picked up.
"[Yes? Who is this?]"
"Have you forgotten me already, Gregor? I did say I would be reaching out to you in the future. Well, this is it."
"[Arias… what do you want?]"
Arias grinned as he continued to speak as if he were chatting with an old friend, despite sensing Gregor's resentment.
"I looked at the recent polls and saw you have no chance of winning the elections this time around. What if I told you I could change that?"
"[Don't toy with me, Arias. Just tell me what you want. More money?]"
"Careful how you use my name, Gregor. If I'm found, so are your past 'business transactions.' Moving on, what I want is simple: for you to become the mayor of Gotham." He revealed this casually, as if discussing something mundane.
"[Well, I'm sorry to break it to you, but even if I give it my all, I'll probably only place third or fourth in the polls.]"
"The majority of your competitors won't get the chance to finish the race, Gregor. You're a smart man, so I expect you to use the advantage you'll be given to the fullest. Once you're in office, I'll contact you again. For now, stop fucking that trophy wife of yours and prepare."
*Clack~*
Arias ended the call without waiting for a reply and started to head back home.
…
Gregor, who had indeed been engaged with his wife, scowled as he looked around the room. *How did he know? Did he wire my room? My whole house? Fuck!* He began to worry, but then he felt a gentle touch on his back.
"Come on, darling, let me relieve your stress. I'm sure you'll win the next election." Gregor declined Cynthia's offer, swiftly getting up and putting on a robe.
"No, I have a lot of work to get done."
…
Arias smiled as he saw many helicopters flying overhead into the city on his way home. "Looks like it's begun." He looked only briefly, then hurried back to his apartment.
It was almost like clockwork when a breaking news announcement was made at precisely 9 o'clock that night.
---
**[Breaking News]**
*Good evening, Gotham. Vicki Vale here to bring you the most shocking development in recent Gotham history. The Gotham Police Department informed us late this evening that they had finally discovered solid proof against the city's major crime lords. As I'm speaking to you, the Gotham Police Department, with the assistance of soldiers from the Don Grato military base outside of Gotham, have started a city-wide raid to seek out individuals responsible for the numerous crimes committed in our once-beautiful city.*
*Some of these prominent figures include eight of the twelve contenders for mayor, the Falcone, Cobblepot, Valentine, and Giordano families, as well as a small number of Gotham PD officers who had been using their positions to aid these criminals in carrying out their operations. Police Commissioner Gordon, who is beside me, can provide us with further information about this historic takedown. Commissioner?*
---
The camera panned and zoomed in on James Gordon, the well-known Police Commissioner of Gotham. He cleared his throat and looked at the camera with a serious expression as Vicki brought the mic close to his face.
*Late this evening, I received an automated email from one of our own, which was delivered to me. Craig Dawson, a deceased Gotham police officer who was killed mercilessly the day before, obtained this information. He expressed regret for withholding the information in a letter that was included with the documents but said that he was unable to trust anyone—including myself—and was preparing to leave the city. He promised to release the material he had obtained after he had left. Sadly, that never happened, and for that, I sincerely apologize to his family and friends. He was able to make a difference in the lives of the people of Gotham because of his courage and selflessness.*
*The material we received gave us hard evidence about a number of Gotham's prominent figures, including the late Thomas and Martha Wayne. The number of crimes committed is just too great to enumerate here, therefore I strongly advise Gotham residents to read Miss Vale's in-depth article in the Gotham Gazette. That is all.*
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Vicki grinned, and although the camera panned too quickly to capture most of it, Commissioner Gordon could be seen groaning and frowning in response to his own words. Vicki, the only reporter present, smiled back into the camera and decided to wrap things up.
*Well, there you have it, Gotham. A new age is upon us—one free from crime and corrupt leaders. This has been Vicki Vale of the Gotham Gazette, reporting live. Good evening.*