Ronin: Nest of Vipers, Part I By Daniel Kalban
Characters belonging to DC Comics Ronin/Joseph Kane, Data/Sam Kane, and Barkley belong to Daniel Kalban Batman created by Bob Kane
Story and certain characters copyright Daniel Kalban 2013 Batman and related characters belong to DC Comics Page 1
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1.1 The exterior of the Gotham RONIN Palace Theatre. (narrating) Ah, the theater. Seriously, theaters like this were my home away from home when I was a kid when I’d have Brighton sneak me away from my studies to watch my grandmother perform from the wings.
1.2 A view from the rigging as a RONIN figure in body armor, blue (narrating) trench coat, and matching I guess I always liked seeing fedora runs down the center shows from the wings, made you aisle. Gunfire can be seen feel more part of the show than blasting behind him. The just being someone who paid top shadows of hired thugs can dollar for front row seats. be seen.
1.3 Ronin flips onto the stage as RONIN bullets hit a cardboard prop. (narrating) But that sometimes meant dealing with some of my grandmother’s co-stars for whom the word "diva" wouldn’t begin to cover it. And the audience wouldn’t want to see THAT drama.
1.4 Ronin tosses "jitterbugs" at RONIN the gunmen Seriously, you steal the trophies from the Gotham Theater Awards and think you WOULDN’T get attention, Dahl? Especially after the TV Memories fiasco?
1.5 Ronin smirks as the guards go RONIN down. And you didn’t get good help either. Page 2
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2.1 In Ronin’s HUD in his mask, DATA the green avatar of Data Who is this Mary Dahl lady (which looks like a chibi anyways? superhero version of Sam Kane, Ronin’s little brother) sighs
2.2 Ronin is still smirking as he RONIN delivers a kick to the gut of People have been asking that for a thug years.
2.3 POW! Ronin’s hat is shot off. RONIN Wuh-oh
BABY DOLL (off panel) So, mock me, huh?
2.4 We see the smoking barrel of BABY DOLL a gun hidden in a doll. (off panel) Guess you don’t want to play nice! Page 3
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3.1 Big panel reveal of Baby RONIN Doll, standing at the foot Oh, didn’t see you there. of the stage. Two goons shine a spotlight on her and Ronin, BABY DOLL whose hat, which now has a Oh, very funny. giant hole, lies on the ground next to him. (Credits should RONIN go here) (narrating) Mary Dahl was once the headlining star on "Love that Baby". Born with systemic hypoplasia, she could never age or grow, which meant she could play the same part forever. But as time went on, the show lost its ratings and when they pulled a "Cousin Oliver" to boost them, she quit in a huff. She tried to be a legitimate actress, and stank. She snapped after that and went back into her Baby Doll persona. Batman’s dealt with her before; he keeps telling me she’s broken, trapped in a TV world. While I agree, she’s still dangerous.
3.2 Baby Doll points the gun at BABY DOLL him and smiles I can’t let the big meanie get away and ruin my fun! We got to teach him a lesson.
3.3 Ronin has his hands up, he RONIN looks frustrated. What are you going to do, overact me to death?
3.4 Baby Doll giggles BABY DOLL No silly-- Page 4
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4.1 She grins evilly BABY DOLL I’m going to shoot you full of holes!
4.2 Ronin grins RONIN Well then--
4.3 He flips and dodges as she fires her doll-gun, blowing holes through his trench coat.
4.4 Ronin throws a batarang
4.5 The gun-doll is knocked out BABY DOLL of Baby Doll’s hands MR. HAPPY HEAD! Page 5
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5.1 Ronin throws a rope around RONIN Baby Doll I think you need a nice time out!
5.2 Baby Doll struggles as Ronin BABY DOLL goes through his trench coat Oh you big kids are so mean! I for something. didn’t mean to steal the trophies, all I wanted was some fun!
5.3 Ronin sticks a baby bottle RONIN filled with milk in her mouth. Now, now; no back chat.
5.4 POV of Ronin’s feet by his RONIN hat. A giant hole is blown *sigh* through it.
5.5 Ronin puts his finger in the RONIN hole of the hat as he talks to I really liked this hat. Data and then Batman. (Note re: Data’s balloons, they DATA should have chibi faces to (on comm) match tone, etc) Alfred says he’ll send for a new one, but it’s going to take time.
RONIN Guess I can go hatless until then.... BATMAN (on comm) Ronin, report. RONIN Baby’s taking a nap.
BATMAN (on comm) What? RONIN She’s tied up, been given a bottle and I’m about to summon the cops. Page 6
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6.1 Ronin exits through the BATMAN stage door of the theater and (on comm) approaches his motorcycle. His And don’t throw out that hat. hat is in his hand. Since you actually have a DNA file on record for your access to Arkham... RONIN I know, bring it back to the cave for incineration.
6.2 Ronin sits on the bike and RONIN grabs a helmet out of the I’ll do one more sweep of the area saddlebags and head back. And what have you been doing all night?
6.3 Ronin heads out into the BATMAN night. (on comm) Trying to find Harvey Dent. RONIN If I were him, I’d be hiding my ugly mug.
6.4 Baby Doll is sitting in a Caption: A couple hours later. jail cell pouting. POLICE GUARD (off panel) Mary Dahl?
6.5 Baby Doll hops off the bench BABY DOLL and approaches where the Yes? female officer is standing by the cell door. Page 7
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7.1 The guard holds out a package POLICE GUARD Your lawyer has just posted your bail. She thought you might be more comfortable leaving in more adult clothes. BABY DOLL But I didn’t phone a lawyer.
POLICE GUARD Someone paid one for you; guess you have a couple fans out there after all.
7.2 Baby Doll snatches the BABY DOLL package away How rude. And turn around!
7.3 Baby Doll hugs her lawyer. BABY DOLL She is in a chic tailor made Oh, Marion, it’s been so long. I dress, jacket and hat, all thought you were-- pink. Her lawyer is a woman with red hair, blue skirt-suit MARION combo, and glasses. She is Got out with good behavior and got very tall. Her name is Marion. my license back.
BABY DOLL And you bailed me out. MARION No, that would be my employer.
7.4 Baby Doll looks confused BABY DOLL Your employer? Why does he want to help me?
MARION Let’s just say you know something he wants to know.
7.5 Marion holds open a door for Baby Doll to get into a limo. Page 8
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8.1 Mary sits down.
8.2 She is suddenly startled. TWO-FACE Ms. Dahl....
8.3 Big panel of Two-Face sitting TWO-FACE in the opposite seat. Near him Care for a drink? is a bucket of champagne and two glasses. There is also a BABY DOLL plate filled with food. Two-Face?! But you’re supposed to be in-- TWO-FACE Arkham, I know. I let myself out a few days ago, I have a feeling the media hasn’t caught wind of it. Now, you have something I want. BABY DOLL That being? TWO-FACE Information on Batman’s new ally. I heard you fought him today. I want to know what he’s like, his personality, how he fights, how he thinks...you’re an actress, you’re good at getting into people’s heads.
BABY DOLL Why not ask Jane Doe? TWO-FACE Too unpredictable. Besides, you’re less likely to kill me.
BABY DOLL Why do you need to know? TWO-FACE To kill the new Bat Brat before he gets any bright ideas. Page 8
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8.4 Baby Doll sniffs a bit as she BABY DOLL accepts a flute of champagne. And what do I get out of this?
TWO-FACE What would you say if I told you that I know of an experimental treatment to give you what you always wanted....
8.5 Baby Doll’s eyes light up as TWO-FACE Two-Face mentions his side of Becoming a grown up. the deal
8.6 She grins evilly as she BABY DOLL clinks glasses with Two-Face Well then-- Page 9
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9.1 It’s morning in Joseph’s BABY DOLL office. He’s in tank top and (narrating) shorts, punching and kicking a --Where do I begin? heavy bag. Someone is knocking at his door. JOSEPH KANE (narrating) Have I mentioned how much I liked that hat? It was the only item from my Brooklyn days that Batman let me reuse here! And that psycho actress blew a hole in it! Still, nothing like hitting a heavy bag to relieve stress. Bruce does the rock climbing gym, I hit things.
LUCIUS FOX Joseph? It’s Lucius, may I come in? JOSEPH KANE Door’s open.
9.2 Lucius enters carrying a LUCIUS FOX folder. Joseph is still I see that you’re more than punching the bag recovered from that attack a year ago.
JOSEPH KANE Would take more than a beating by a helmet wearing loony to keep me down. So, what brings you here? Page 9
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9.3 Lucius sits down and opens LUCIUS FOX the folder as Joseph grabs a HR called me and asked me why you bottle of water. haven’t had a vacation yet.
JOSEPH KANE What do they consider my convalescence? LUCIUS FOX Sick leave, and during your rehab period you still worked from home. JOSEPH KANE So?
LUCIUS FOX New Wayne Enterprises policy dictates that all personnel take advantage of their vacation days as actual vacations, per our agreements with the unions and the board. You helped broker that, remember.
9.4 Joseph sits at the edge of JOSEPH KANE his desk. I do, but Bruce finalized it while I was laid up. But let me guess, he grandfathered in a clause exempting him and all blood relatives. LUCIUS FOX Actually, yes. JOSEPH KANE (narrating) Knew it! Sneaky pointy eared son of a-- JOSEPH KANE Fine, when does HR recommend my taking a vacation?
LUCIUS FOX Within the next week. Spend it house hunting. Page 9
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9.5 Joseph takes a drink of water JOSEPH KANE as Lucius closes the file. House hunting, huh? Page 10
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10.1 Lucius goes over to the bar LUCIUS FOX that Joseph has prepped for Yes, you shouldn’t have to rely on guests and takes out a ginger Bruce’s largess forever. ale JOSEPH KANE I know. And I’ve been looking. It’s just that none of the places I looked at have been up to my standards.
10.2 Lucius gives Joseph a look. LUCIUS FOX What standards? JOSEPH KANE (narrating) Oh you know: gourmet kitchen, gym, marble bathtub, giant basement to be used as a crime fighting base, super who lets you do unauthorized alterations, you know the the standards.
10.3 Joseph returns the look. JOSEPH KANE Security. Page 10
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10.4 Lucius sits down on the couch LUCIUS FOX again. Security. If this is about the Red Hood, you really should see someone specializing in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. JOSEPH KANE It’s not that, Lucius, it’s for Sam’s sake. If that maniac does come back, I want to make sure Sam would be safe at home. Right now, Wayne Manor is the safest place in Gotham. LUCIUS FOX Joseph, you can’t stay in Wayne Manor forever. People will talk. JOSEPH KANE They already talk, I’ve heard some pretty funny jokes about it already. Not that what their insinuating is remotely true.
10.5 Lucius stands LUCIUS FOX I know, Joseph; but it would still be nice for you to be a bit more independent in your own life. Page 11
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11.1 Lucius goes to leave LUCIUS FOX Besides, I know of a few penthouses here in Midtown that have their own spare basements with convenient boltholes.
11.2 Lucius closes the door as JOSEPH KANE Joseph has a look of amusement (narrating) and surprise oh his face. I swear, he knows far more than he lets on.
11.3 Joseph goes to sit at his JOSEPH KANE desk. (narrating) In the meanwhile, I should clear my calendar for the next couple weeks so I can get that mandated vacation.
11.4 He smirks as he types JOSEPH KANE (narrating) Of course, that doesn’t mean my "night job" also requires vacation time.
11.5 The exterior of the old Janus TWO-FACE Club. We can see Two-Face Yes, 22 Million for this job, standing at a desk and talking senorita. on a phone. Page 12
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12.1 Baby Doll, back in her normal TWO-FACE attire, plays with her doll. (off panel) A baby bottle filled with We think someone with your champagne is nearby, Marion particular skill set would nip holds the champagne bottle. this new hero in the bud before he gets a chance to grow. Call it "proactive".
12.2 Two-Face sits down. TWO-FACE Yes, I can arrange a group of men to assist you in this regard. We will talk when you are done with your task.
12.3 He hangs up the phone. Baby BABY DOLL Doll drains her bottle You got the snake lady? TWO-FACE Yes. BABY DOLL Goodie! Marion, refill please!
12.4 Two-Face watches as Marion TWO-FACE fills the bottle This brings back memories. BABY DOLL What kind?
TWO-FACE Teaching novice heroes not to mess with me. Last one managed to live, this one won’t.
BABY DOLL How will Batman know it was you who hired her? TWO-FACE Oh, I have my ways.... Page 13
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13.1 Ronin races through the RONIN streets on his bike See anything on the screens, Data?
DATA (on comm) Nope. That Knightfall lady is around but she’s Batgirl’s baddie and you know how Babs feels about others taking her on.
RONIN I’m well aware.
13.2 In the Batcave, Batman BATMAN approaches Sam/Data. Where’s your brother? SAM KANE Bowery Parkway heading towards Diamond District.
BATMAN Good, I have a job for him. Page 13
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13.3 Ronin is still on the BATMAN highway. (on comm) Ronin...
RONIN Oh hey Mister "No Vacation".... BATMAN (on comm) Copperhead has been sighted at the docks. RONIN Which one?
BATMAN (on comm) The woman. I want you to take her into custody. Watch out for her nails, they’re coated with...
RONIN Highly deadly neurotoxins, mainly from Amazonian snakes and frogs. I’ve read the files. BATMAN (on comm) Reading isn’t the same as fighting, you know that. Be on your guard.
13.4 Batman cuts the signal. SAM KANE So, what are you doing tonight if you’re sending Joey after Copperhead?
13.5 Batman walks up to the lab BATMAN Analyzing some dirt traces from a Two-Face sighting. Damian’s grounded so don’t think of going upstairs to play video games with him. Stay at your post. Page 14
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14.1 Sam sighs SAM KANE Yes, Captain Grumpy.
14.2 Sam is scared when he BATMAN hears.... I heard that and your brother gave me grounding privileges.
14.3 Ronin rides up to the warehouse where Copperhead was spotted.
14.4 He takes off his helmet, he is hatless
14.5 He enters the warehouse, holding a flashlight.
14.6 The flashlight shines on the corpse of a security guard. Page 15
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15.1 POV from above. We can see RONIN Ronin investigating the (narrating) corpse. We see Copperhead’s Dead, looks like Copperhead’s silhouette from above. handiwork.
15.2 Ronin continues his RONIN examination as Copperhead (narrating) maneuvers down Dead for about an hour. COD seems to be poison, delivered by her nails due to the scratches across his chest. He was suffering for hours before succumbing to the poison. Not her style...normally she’d kill him quickly by a slash of the throat or by asphyxiation...
15.3 Copperhead leaps down and COPPERHEAD wraps her legs around Ronin’s Hola, chico. Surprise! neck. RONIN GRK!
15.4 Ronin grabs her legs RONIN (narrating) So freaking careless! Got to get her off of me!
15.5 Ronin manages to throw her RONIN off (narrating) There we go! COPPERHEAD Ooo, you’re strong. Page 16
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16.1 Copperhead reverses momentum COPPERHEAD and charges back But are you fast?
16.2 She pounces
16.3 Ronin elbows her in the stomach
16.4 Ronin tosses her back
16.5 She vaults backwards, kicking him in the head Page 17
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17.1 Ronin steps back COPPERHEAD Feeling woozy?
RONIN Woozy? What are you... RONIN (narrating) Whoa, not feeling too hot.
17.2 He touches his cheek, there RONIN is a scratch Oh no.
17.3 Copperhead reveals the claw COPPERHEAD on her foot. Game over for you, little man.
17.4 She flips onto him knocking him over.
17.5 She slips a Two-Face coin COPPERHEAD into his pocket. Two-Face sends his regards Page 18
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18.1 She starts to leave as Ronin COPPERHEAD tosses a line. Have at him boys!
18.2 Ronin’s line catches her foot.
18.3 She comes down to ground as DATA thugs enter the room. (on comm) Ronin, your vitals are acting up. What’s wrong? RONIN Nothing I can’t handle.
18.4 Copperhead leaps and the COPPERHEAD thugs charge Kill him! Rip him to shreds!
18.5 Ronin ducks, sending Copperhead into the first row of thugs. Page 19
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19.1 Ronin blocks a baseball bat from one thug.
19.2 Another thug hits him in the back with a tire iron.
19.3 Ronin grabs that guy...
19.4 And throws him into a crowd RONIN (narrating) Who am I kidding?
19.5 Ronin kicks one thug into a RONIN group (narrating) Her poison is slowing me down.
19.6 He extends his club RONIN (narrating) It’s like acid in my veins.
19.7 Copperhead rakes his chest COPPERHEAD armor Why don’t you stay down?! RONIN (narrating) I’m losing focus
19.8 Ronin clubs her in the face RONIN (narrating) Can’t even use my powers
19.9 Ronin vaults over Copperhead Page 20
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20.1 Ronin flips on top of a bunch of crates.
20.2 He starts pushing on a pile.
20.3 He’s sweating, gritting his teeth.
20.4 He manages to make it teeter over.
20.5 The crates fall. Page 21
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21.1 The crates and their various items fall onto the crowd of thugs below.
21.2 Copperhead looks up as a shadow looms over her.
21.3 Ronin kicks her in the face RONIN to knock her out. (narrating) Taking way too much energy just to do this.
21.4 Ronin stands surrounded by unconscious thugs. Copperhead is at his feet.
21.5 Ronin activates his comm RONIN Ronin to cave. Copperhead and friends neutra-- *cough* DATA (on comm) Sorry, Joey, didn’t quite get that.
RONIN Copperhead and her thugs are down for the-- *cough cough* Page 22
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22.1 Ronin drops to his knees. DATA (on comm) Ronin, your vitals are dropping fast.
22.2 Ronin slumps to the floor. DATA Data is panicky (on comm) Ronin, please respond.
22.3 Ronin joins the pile of DATA unconscious bodies on the (on comm) floor. Data is freaking out. JOEY! SPEAK TO ME!
TO BE CONTINUED