The Cat and the Bracelets

by Anonymous

Rev. version © 2013 ii Contents

Table of contents iii

Prologue: A Partnership of Convenience v

1 Arrested 1

2 Lessons 11

3 Aphrodite’s Bracelets 19

4 Investigations 29

5 An accidental Acquisition 41

6 Superheroines in Action 49

7 Catching the Cat 59

8 The Perils of Catwoman 67

9 Kitty-Cat’s Hiding Place 85

10 New Rules 103

11 Kidnapped 117

12 A new Beginning 129

Epilogue: New Frontiers 137

iii iv CONTENTS

Disclaimer: This is a work of (fan-)fiction. The persons, events and locations fea- tured in this story are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, events and locations is purely coincidental. It contains intentionally (a lot of) mild bondage, but no sex or graphical descriptions of inappropriate con- tent. Nevertheless parental advisory is recommended. Alfred, Batman, Batgirl, Catwoman, Harley Quin, the Penguin, Poison- Ivy, Supergirl, Wonder Woman and other figures occurring in the story are legal property of DC Comics. However, their backgrounds and charac- terizations have been changed deliberately within the limits, permissible for fan-fiction. The author does not derive any rights from this, except that this story must not be changed and sold or used otherwise even in parts by third parties for profit, but it may be distributed and read for free by anybody of legal age, who wishes to do so, without limitation.

Author’s note: The concept for for this text, including the characterizations of the fig- ures, which differ significantly from the various versions in the comic, was completely finished, before the film “The Dark Knight rises” appeared in cinemas around the world. The text itself was almost finished at that time and has received only minor modifications until then. It was a pleasure to see, that director Christopher Nolan’s version of Cat- woman differed pleasingly from the one-dimensional stereotype of the previous adaptions and the fine interpretation of the character delivered by the great Anne Hathaway shows some similarities to the way, it had been outlined here. Prologue: A Partnership of Convenience

Three month before… partially determined the appearance of a huge bat, although the latter was delib- Two caped figures met in a dark aban- erately intended. “Only if it is worth the doned store house in the harbor district effort. I’m tired of aiming for big shot of Gotham City. They were circling each mobsters, who turn out merely as a better other ready to counter the opposite’s at- kind of egg thieves,” he made his point. tack. However this was a strange kind of “If you would think I would offer you date, not an accidental encounter. something like this, you would not be “Batman, I need your help,” the here,” she replied. “Batman, this is a mat- smaller of the black-clad figures pleaded ter of life and death, and we’re the only with a low but unmistakably female voice, ones, who can stop this evil,” the woman “this is not about you or me, it’s about in the equally legendary catsuit insisted. Gotham, everything you fought for.” The latter was less the fashionable Long dark hair floated smoothly over her garment it superficially resembled than shoulders and the eye holes of the mask a clever designed and full featured fight- revealed a pair of bright, brown eyes. A ing suit. Actually a skin tight, it revealed good observer would also have noticed, a slim, but muscular figure of undeniably that the cat-like ears were by no means favorable feminine proportions. It was no just fashionable accessories, but actually wonder, that numerous rumors brought sophisticated electronic devices, indis- the Cat into connection with almost ev- pensable for her trade, which more or ery beautiful female celebrity in town. less accidentally resembled cat-like ears, “We may not be friends, but I think when she did not use them, like now. we both agree, that this is a serious threat “I don’t fight every fight anymore, to every ordinary citizen here and I don’t Kitty,” the tall man in the famous bat- know someone else, who has the means, costume said. The latter was equally well knowledge and guts to stop it.” She was equipped with electronic gadgets, which tall for a woman, which was the reason,

v vi PROLOGUE: A PARTNERSHIP OF CONVENIENCE that some of the few who had seen the ways been independent. But if you agree Cat in action claimed, that she wore high to help me, I’ll put myself under your heels. In reality the heavy “cat-boots” she command unconditionally, as long as it wore, while matching the color of her suit may take. Does this satisfy your big alpha- were more suitable for a paratrooper in male-ego?” She did not expect an an- action than for a night on the dance floor. swer and continued, “afterwards we’ll go “Actually we’re kind of enemies…,” he our ways again, no demasking no regrets, remarked. His eyes, which followed ev- just a partnership-of-convenience for a ery single one of her movements showed, strictly limited time – how about that?” that he was careful and did not trust her. “Really?” He asked and his voice told The same was true vice versa as well. her, that he understood, but did not be- “No,” she objected, “well, not really. lieve in her words. She surrounded him At least we always fought in accordance with her incomparable cat-like grace, and with the rules. If whoever is behind these he kept an eye on her, carefully not to senseless killings takes Gotham over, turn his back on her. From experience there will be no rules anymore, only peo- he knew very well, that her graceful, long ple who kill or will be killed. Batman, legs were dangerous weapons, when they we’ve to stop this.” She did not say what suddenly crashed into someone’s face. she considered to be the rules, but the Although he was a well-trained man, man in the bat-suit seemed to know. who towered her by five inches and out- “Why should I trust you today?” He weighted her by at least forty pounds, he asked instead. “Give me a sensible reason. considered the Cat to be a respectable You’ve always played your own games.” foe. He had no doubts, that he could de- “But not here and not now,” she in- feat her, but underestimating her fighting sisted, “I swear, Batman. I can’t go to the capabilities might in retrospect turn out police with, what I know. They won’t be- to have been a literally fatal mistake. lieve me and even, if they would, they “I’m serious, you’ve my word,” she won’t achieve anything. You know bet- said and demanded, “put me on a test.” ter than anyone else, that I’m telling “Good,” the tall man replied in the the truth.” The mocking tone had disap- deep guttural Batman voice. He pro- peared. She was deadly serious now. duced a black metal object with bat- “Why don’t you ask the Penguin or shaped form, she knew very well from his the Joker to fight on your side? They are utility belt. “Give me your hands.” both running free, and rumors circulating “What?” The woman behind the cat- regularly in the city say, that you come mask blurted out, taken by surprise. along quite well with both of them.” “We’re going to fight the Dragons, I’m “These rumors are not true, and you not the enemy.” She took a quick step know that,” the feline objected, “I’ve al- backwards, smooth and soundless. vii

“You failed the test,” he said and put she twisted them immediately up to the the bat-cuffs back in the pocket of his preset limits to examine the device. belt. The Cat hesitated for a second, but “Nice peace of hardware,” she said then she approached him again slowly, on and shook her joined hands, “but incon- alert, her muscles ready for action. One venient. How long do I’ve to wear them?” false movement and this would be the “Only, as long as it will take to fight start of a fight. The situation was tense. those Dragons,” he stated seriously. “Okay. Put them on me,” she said “What?” She exclaimed in fury, “how slowly and extended her wrists in paral- am I supposed to fight with those on?” lel, the gloved hands spread outwards. “You’re not supposed to fight,” he “Take that gloves off, first” he re- said, “you’re supposed to provide infor- quested. “They are sometimes not what mation and observe. In case I should fail they seem to be.” Obviously he did not you may do, what you think is necessary.” trust her – this was based on reciprocity. “That’s not fair and not logical,” she “These are simple leather gloves,” she said, “I can fight as tough as you and…” ensured him truthfully, but took them off “… you don’t have any discipline,” he and put them into a barely visible pocket cut her speech. “Those will reduce your of her catsuit. She extended her wrists ever-present temptation to do something again and he took the well-known bat- stupid.” He wanted to add ‘and to hurt shaped handcuffs out of their encasement yourself’, but these words somehow stood again without taking his eyes eyes from between them without being spoken. her. He looked straight into the brown “I can still retreat,” she said stubornly, eyes behind the mask. Then he clicked casually ignoring the fact, that wearing the ratchets down to what he knew would the cuffs gave her a big disadvantage, if he be a not over-tight, but inescapable fit. should decide not to keep his word. “Is this really necessary?” She asked “You can,” he said friendly, “but it was and took a quick step backwards, when you who came to me and asked for help.” he released her wrists, again with her nat- “And? Will you take those off?” She ural, cat-like grace. She flexed the hinged asked and raised her metal-joined hands. joint of her new ‘bracelets’ to the limits. “You’ve my word on it,” he replied as- “It’s a confidence-building measure,” suringly, “but we won’t have a deal then.” he said and approached her slowly, “And if I should choose to wear these demonstrating, that he was not up to ‘bracelets’, we have one?” She asked. hurt her. He grepped her joined hands “Of course,” he confirmed, “according and pressed a tiny button on the base to exactly the conditions, you just stated.” of both circlets, which held her wrists in “And you’ll take those off afterwards? a tight grep. This engaged the double – And everything between us will be as locks. When he released her hands again before?” She reassured herself once again. viii PROLOGUE: A PARTNERSHIP OF CONVENIENCE

“If that’s your wish, yes,” he said proved her Flexibility by bending her firmly, “but maybe we’ll understand and body backwards in a perfect cat-like bow, trust each other better than before.” whereby she managed to shake her cuffed “But why should I trust you here and wrists. His eyes followed her movement now?” She asked, “you demand a lot.” in silent admiration. She turned back to “Because I give you my word as a cru- him and looked at the steel circlets, as if she sader.” He said, as if the latter words recognized them for the first time. would be the answer to all questions. “Those are inconvenient,” she said “And your word is good for that?” He and, when he did not react, she contin- was not sure what she was up to and hes- ued, “I can’t drive for example and…” itated for a second. She realized, that the “Your ‘bracelets’ stay on,” he said, thought, that anybody could not trust his “and we’ll take my car.” He turned on his word, had never occurred to this man. heels, smiling perfectly satisfied under his “You would not have allowed me to mask, which she could not see, because put those ‘bracelets’ on you, if you would he had turned away from her, and left not believe in that,” he finally responded without looking, if she was following him. to her question, and she nodded slowly. “Meow, as you wish, Master,” the Cat “Okay, boss,” she replied mockingly in purred and followed him. He opened the order to dub, that there had been more in side door galantly and she slipped into the the last words than they had literally told seat. When he entered the driver’s seat, her, “what are we going to do next?” she had managed somehow to engage the “Well,” he cleared his throat, “we’ll go seat-belt already despite her joined hands. to a secure place and you’ll tell me what He acknowlegded this, engaged his own you know – everything.” He made the belt, started the engine of the famous last word sound like a military order in an Batmobile and entered the traffic flow. obvious attempt to change the topic. “And then you’ll tell me, what you q know, too?” She asked pretending to re- sume her previous obstinate position. “Cool car,” she remarked almost con- “Of course,” he said almost relieved. versationally, “but there’s a little power “Everything?” She was persistent. gap between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm.” “Look, Kitty,” he said, “as I see our “Where do you know that from?” A current commitment, we are partners light tremor in his voice revealed, that she concerning this matter for the time be- had managed to take him by surprise. ing. This means I’ll tell you honestly ev- “I’ve made a trial run, two months erything I know about this matter, and ago,” she stated the impossible with a you’ll do likewise. Is that okay with you?” smile, “while you were in Europe.” She “Purrfectly, okay,” she mourned and had to admit, that he recovered fast. ix

“What else did you find?” He asked al- reached for the well hidden button, most conversationally, but only his mask which engaged the secret lift downwards. prohibited her to see, that the security of “I’ve been here before,” she explained his mansion had earned top-priority. her knowledge observing his reaction. “The breaks could be stronger and, if “I know,” he replied, “it was last you pull them at full speed, the car drifts spring time. You don’t expect me to show off to the right, which is not an optimal you something you don’t know already?” behaviour in critical situations,” she ex- “So your security isn’t so bad at all. plained like an Indy-Car mechanic. What camera did I overlook?” She asked. “Well, that confirms my findings,” he “The one inside the dead light,” he replied dryly. “It’s corrected already.” replied. “You’ve been careless, Kitty. It “May I convince myself?” She asked, could have been a booby-trap as well.” “I mean, after I’ll be allowed to take your “You don’t use booby-traps, boss,” she generous ‘charm-bracelets’ off, ‘Master’.” said, “it would violate your principles.” “We’ll talk about it,” he said slightly ir- “But a narcotic gas would not,” he ritated. “However, those bracelets stay on replied, “it would have been a unique op- and in the mean-time…” he paused. portunity to catch the Cat.” She did not “Yes, ‘Master’,…?” She gave him her answer. They entered the secret chamber best Barbara-Eden-memorial-look. beyond the building. He went straight to “In the mean time don’t call me ‘Mas- a graphic terminal and activated it. ter’,” he said resigning and swallowed, “Do you know the password?” He what he originally had intended to say. asked casually, before he started typing. “Yes, boss,” she said celebrating her “I’m sorry, but that’s not cov- small victory with a smile. They arrived ered by our temporary partnership-of- at a building in the outskirts, which convenience,” she replied seriously. looked like it was in bad shape, but the “Okay, I’ll change it anyway,” he said garage opened automatically and, once and typed it in. She looked away. He they were inside, everything was appar- made a few clicks and an overview about ently in best condition. He disengaged the infrastructure of Gotham City ap- his belt, opened the door and was not sur- peared on the screen which offered more prised, that the woman befind the cat- detailed presentation in several ways. mask had disengaged the seat-belt and “That’s a just in time representation opened the passenger door on her own. of the city,” he explained. She nodded. “Don’t wanna’ take those off,” she “But fur our purposes it’s useless, if purred referring to his bat-cuffs, which still you don’t have the data, where the inci- decorated her wrists, flexing their hinged dents occurred,” she remarked dryly. joint, “they are really inconvenient.” “No problem!” He hit a few buttons “No,” he said and observed that she after which the picture showed markers x PROLOGUE: A PARTNERSHIP OF CONVENIENCE for more than three dozens points offer- sion,” she added. “If it would be possi- ing further information. He moved the ble to manipulate anyone without prepa- mouse pointer over one of them and a ration, we would be zombies as well.” pop up revealed a time and a short de- “Right,” he said. “I found, that all scription of a crime, which had happened these incidents have appeared within a there. “All murders committed by spot- corridor of five hundred meters along less citizens without apparent reasons in from these axis.” He made some mouse- the last three weeks,” he stated proudly. movements, and a straight line appeared “I guess, that Jim Gordon does not dividing the city almost into two parts.” know, that he has a big data-leak here,” “And that’s almost, where the new she remarked with an invisible smirk. ultra-high-speed data-highway lies, the “He does not have to know every- mayor is going to present us next week,” thing,” the man in the bat-suit replied she revealed unexpected knowledge. with a smile. Then he became serious “That would be here,” he stated nod- again: “Do you recognize any pattern?” dingly and did some manipulations, af- “Not immediately,” she said. “You can ter which the corresponding data-line, add an attempted murder in the edge of which was not officially announced yet, 42nd and 37th street three days ago.” appeared on screen. “It works in the Tera “Which you did not report to the po- Hertz frequency region,” he muttered lice,” he said with a trace of disapproval. not anticipating, that she understood. “Even you would not have reported “And that fits purrfectly to this,” she it,” she replied, “the guy who tried to do said and produced a pinhead-sized black it was innocent, he was completely driven pearl from one of the numerous, almost by a force, which was not his own will. invible pockets of her fighting suit. He moved like a zombie. I took him out “What’s it?” This surprise was his. of action and he did not remember any- “I think, a receiver and maybe also a thing.” What she did not mention was, transmitter,” she stated, “and the size is that it had been a hell of a fight, but Bat- compatible with the frequency range, you man knew that from experience. He had mentioned.” He looked up and whistled. also defeated one of these human robots, “I’ve always known, that you’re a re- who had fought like a madman. However, markable woman,” he replied with honest in this case the subject had not survived. recognition, “what I did not know was, “Okay,” he said, “we are looking for that you know something about physics.” something, which transmits this force, or “You big guys always think, that you’re the way, which someone has found, in or- the only ones, who can add one and one,” der to take control over these people.” she replied nonchalantly with a grin. “And what, whoever is responsible, “Anyway,” he said, “where did you get did to prepare these people for their mis- this thing from? How did they achieve, xi that such a tiny device was not lost?” low citizens. That’s only disgusting.” “It was behind his ear,” she replied, “I suspect, these crimes are only a “I cut it out, while he was unconscious. perfide test. The new data highway, re- It was a small cut, nothing serious.” She spectively its technology ought to be raised her joined hands and flexed the used to connect every public authority hinged joint of the bat-cuff to its limit. of Gotham with each other within one “How about taking these ‘bracelets’ off, year, that’s still a secret, but one of our now?” He ignored the latter question. mayor’s favorite projects. If someone’s “And how did you find it?” He asked, able to control potentially everyone, who “I mean this thing is damned small.” works next to this data line, he or she…” “You should know, that a company “… will control the whole city,” she named Wayne Enterprises makes these completed his sentence. “How do you fabulous scanners,” she said, “they are not think whoever’s behind this wants to get for sale, but I wouldn’t go out without these transmitters to or, if my encounter one in my pocket. I guess you forgot was generic, into the elected victims?” yours, when you stopped the misterious “Well, they’re very small, they may attacker at the Gershwin energy plant?” swallow them with food or receive them “So you know that, too,” he said, “it by a seemingly harmless procedure during was not in the news. However the poor the anual medical examination, which is guy was swallowed the air-intake of a tur- accidentally conducted at the GGH.” bine. There was not much to scan.” “So that’ll be our next target,” she “I’m sorry,” she replied, “I did not concluded, and he nodded affirmatively. know that. However, I think, I’ve pro- “But before we do that, I’ll give Bar- vided enough information to be trustwor- bara a short briefing of our findings, so thy now.” She extended her wrists still that her father can initiate some appro- confined by the steel circlets of his bat-cuffs. priate counter-measures,” he replied. “And you promised something, re- “A courtesy for your fiancé?” She member?” He replied, “I found out, that asked kind of disquietingly, “or why all thirty-nine victims – that excludes the should Batgirl become involved?” one you’ve prevented from doing, what “She’s not my fiancé,” he replied. he was forced to do, have been in the am- Mockingly he added, “you’ve no reason to bulance of the Gotham General Hospital be jealous – seriously, Kitty, the reason to before. I bet, that everyone of them re- use Barbara as a mediator is to gain some ceived one of those transmitters there.” time for the two of us to collect facts, be- “That’s a good hypothesis,” she said, fore the police has a chance to wipe out “but, what, do you think, is the motive be- all traces.” He did not look into her face hind these attacks? It doesn’t make sense while he said that, but a very intent ob- to bring spotless citizens to kill their fel- server, who did, might have noticed or xii PROLOGUE: A PARTNERSHIP OF CONVENIENCE might have got the impression to notice days. With Batman’s correlated list of the the trace of a smile behind the cat-mask. victims, it was easy to find out, that a “May I assume, that Wayne Enter- man named Dr. Nathan Whiteman was prises will provide those very useful scan- the only person involved in all cases. ners?” She asked. “They’re expensive.” Since his personal file also revealed, “You can definitely be sure, that they that he had been working in a leading won’t earn a cent from it,” he replied. position on a high-tech military govern- ment program, whose contents were clas- q sified before, there was little doubt, that he had not only the knowledge to im- The dispositions were made accord- plement the transmitters, but also the ing to this proposal before they drove to means to obtain and operate the high- the Gotham General Hospital. Half an tech equipment involved. Yet, even a very hour later the Batmobile arrived at a dark well founded suspicion was no proof. place not far away from the hospital. Two If someone would have been able to dark-clad figures escaped from it. They observe the intruders, he would have no- sneeked unnoticed to the shell of a still ticed, that the smaller one of these shad- unfinished building next by and entered ows, whose outline was definitely a fem- the hospital quietly from there through inine one, kept her hands in close prox- an open window on the third floor. imity, while doing the investigative work. Batman offered Catwoman gallantly However, her movements were so fluent support for a hazardous jump, but she re- and natural, that not even a trained in- fused and managed it easily. He noted vestigator would have guessed, that the disapproval, but when he was sure, she black strangely shaped objects on her was not looking in his direction, he wrists, could be anything else than tools looked a little bit longer at her than nec- of her trade or an exotic kind of jewelry. essary, admirering the grace, with which According to the work plan in the per- she managed to accomplish things. sonal office Dr. Whiteman actually had It was simply fascinating to watch, had the morning shift, so his office ought how she moved. He had intended to re- to be empty now. Therefore the Bat and move ‘her’ bat-cuffs before this operation, the Cat decided to seize the opportunity but that seemed unnecessary and, if he in order to to pay it an unannounced visit. admitted the truth, he was amazed to There was nothing remarkable in his watch how the Cat dealt with them. office except for a brand new safe of In this way, undetected by the unsus- Luthor Corp. It was the latest model, and pecting night shift, two shadows entered on his own insistence Batman undertook the unoccupied personal office and went an attempt to open it, while Catwoman through the staff rooster for the last few investigated the contents of his desk. But xiii his elaborate attempts were unsuccessful. ings, and Batman nodded affirmatively. “I think, we have to come back with “That was definitely good work, more sophisticated equipment,” he whis- Kitty” he said seriously, “and it’s you, who pered addressed at her, “this safe has a deserves to get the main credit for it.” brand new Mod. 22 lock. It’s useless.” “Don’t talk about it,” she replied, “I “Let me see,” the Cat demanded. He was never here, and we’ve never met. I did not object, and with the aid of the guess our cooperation is finished now.” electronic devices, she wore on her head, “If you insist,” he said, “but I may say she investigated the lock on her own. that it was a pleasure to work with you, “You’ve got a .2-screw pick?” She and that I owe you one. You’d also make asked after a few seconds of fumbling. a really great addition to the bat-family.” “Sure,” he said, “but I’ve also tried it “No thanks,” she said and turned away one already.” He was still certain, that she from him. “I prefer to stay independent. could not succeed, where he had failed. I guess these belong to you.” With these “Give it to me,” she demanded and, words she reached him the opened bat- when he reached her the tiny piece of cuffs she had miracleously managed to re- metal, the Cat inserted it into the lock move from her wrists. He shook his head. and started once more to fumble at it. “You’re amazing,” he said, “can I give “It’s useless,” Batman whispered, “the you a ride to your Catmobile? I think bolts of these locks are twisted…” it’s parked in the Carnegie Lane. That’s “I know,” she said and he could swear a view miles to walk.” He could see her she was smiling under the mask. “Voilà!” brown eyes widening behind the mask. With this word the safe popped open. “It’s bugged?” It was no question. “I’ve “Impressive,” he remarked and the checked the usual frequencies regularly.” tone of his voice revealed, that he was in- “Forgive me, but I liked to know, deed impressed. “How did you do that?” where you are,” he replied with a smile “Business secret,” she replied dryly. just to become serious: “Is there really “It would have been easier if you would’ve nothing I can do to convince you to join allowed me to take those off before,” she us?” He asked. “Maybe we could learn said referring to the bat-cuffs, which still from each other. I’ve to admit, that my adorned her wrists. He did not react. lock-pickung skills cannot match yours.” “Let’s see what’s inside,” he said in- “Nothing,” she said, “I’m the Cat, and stead, ignoring her comment. There was cats have their own will.” With these some money, a presumably forged pass- words she literally disappeared in the port and driving license and a little box night. He did not follow her. If it was her containing at least a dozen of the tiny decision to put an end to their “liaison” transmitters. They looked at each other. here and now, it was her right to do so. “Got him,” she commented their find- “We’ll meet again, Kitty” Batman xiv PROLOGUE: A PARTNERSHIP OF CONVENIENCE muttered after she had left. “And the the Bat and the Cat had solved the case time will come, when even you’ll need completely. When confronted with the someone, you’ve to trust.” He put the bat- complete chain of facts, the arrested sus- cuffs back into his utility-belt. “However, pect confessed and revealed, that he had these are in need of a thorough revision.” never overcome, that he had been dis- missed from his government work. q This spared him the electrical chair. Nevertheless he was convicted for a life- Batman did not want to appear in sentence. Of course the government in- the news as well. All facts, were given to volvement itself, was kept out of the the police anonymously via Barbara Gor- headlines, and nobody asked, for what don, the Batgirl, and so Gotham’s conti- sinister purposes the evil high-tech prod- nously overworked police force was able ucts had been developed in the first place. to close just another difficult case of po- Although his daughter didn’t reveal tentially apocalyptic consequences very the source of her information and spoke quickly without having much to do for it. of an anonymous hint, police commis- Dr. Nathan Whiteman was arrested, sioner Jim Gordon concluded, who had when he arrived at the hospital in the to be at least partially responsible, and so early morning. The equipment necessary Batman received a call on the bat-phone. to transfer orders to the transmitters was “I can’t accept your thanks,” he found approximately at the same time by replied honestly, “I was involved, but a squad-team headed by Sargent Barbara only as a, let’s say, supporting actor. The Gordon in his flat. From there a direct real credit goes to a very talented young access to one of the maintainance points woman, who unfortunately insists, that of the new data-highway had been estab- her name is not mentioned as well.” lished. The equipment to do that, was “Well,” Jim Gordon said, “thank her also found, supporting the evidence, that than in the name of the Gotham force. he had been working on his own bill. You know, we take every help we can get.” Wayne industries provided the scan- “Well, even I don’t know how to reach ners necessary to detect the dangerous her right now,” Batman replied, “but I’ve implants for free. By means of this ad- some personal interest to talk to her, vanced equipment more than a dozend too.” He had intended to tell him confi- tiny devices were discovered at differnt dentally on her behalve, that it had been places in the bodies of innocent officials the notorious Catwoman, who had solved and afterwards removed by surgery. the case and saved the city, but decided All of them had undergone the annual against it, because this would violate his medical check at the GGH recently. So it promise not to reveal her involvement. was evident, that all victims had received the dangerous hardware there and that q Chapter 1

Arrested

Supergirl and Wonder Woman had wise no friends of public presentations. never been friends. Nevertheless today However since the situation had been the two super-heroines had teamed up a very severe and the request had been an- second time in the same month in or- nounced officially, while they were still in der to save Gotham City. While Supergirl action, it was difficult and would not have was more or less a regular in the city news been understood by major parts of the for more than two years by now, Wonder population, if they would have ignored it. Woman had shown up only recently. She So Kara and Diana had reluctantly was more or less on a casual visit. agreed to participate. The two super- The nuclear power plant had gone heroines towered most of the officials. over-critical due to an airplane crash. They endured the public speech, arms Wonder Woman had not wasted any time crossed in front. When the mayor ad- and used her tremendous powers to evac- dressed them, they both found a view uate the people around, while Supergirl, warm words and retreated eager to leave, who was immune to the radioactive ra- respectively fly away, when a couple of diation sealed the plant and achieved, police officers entered the scene. that the outbreak of radioactive waste re- mained at a bearable minimum. q Gotham’s mayor had insisted on a press conference with the two super- “Wonder Woman and Supergirl?” De- heroines in order to thank them for spite his attempts to make this question their extraordinary commitment. Diana sound professional, the lieutenant, who Prince, the raven-haired Amazon from asked it, a veteran of the force seemed Paradise Island and Kara Zor-El the to be nervous. He was a big man, at least blond beauty from Krypton were other- three inches taller than Supergirl, with

1 2 CHAPTER 1. ARRESTED broad shoulders and enough years of ser- “The accusation is involuntary vice in order to have experienced every- manslaughter,” the lieutenant replied, thing a policeman could possibly face in giving Kara a thankful glance. She was Gotham, yet facing these legendary fig- at least willing to listen to him. ures he did not seem to feel very well. “You must be crazy,” Diana inter- “Yes, what can we do for you?” Kara rupted him – she was still furious. “We answered politely. He took a deep breath, did not harm anybody, who did not de- gathered all his courage and prepared serve it, your mayor just thanked us for himself for, whatever might happen. rescuing a few hundred people, and many “Ladies, I am sorry, but we have a of them are here to testify this.” valid warrant for your arrest!” He de- “Mam, I know about your merits and clared bravely. Kara was speechless, she it is everything else than a pleasure for had expected a request for help in a diffi- me to execute this warrant, but it does cult situation, maybe an invitation to take not refer to today’s events. The D.A.’s part in some ceremony – she had never office received a video, which seems to understood the human fondness for cele- show, that you purposely ignored a com- brations – but definitely not this. It was plete wagon with forty passengers, which Diana who blurted out immediately. fell down Lincoln bridge last week, when “What? We have just saved the city you prevented those two trains from col- and this country from the biggest disas- liding,” he explained the allegations. ter since Chernobyl, and you want to ar- “I honestly regret, the death of these rest us?” She was more than upset and two people,” Kara argued sensibly, “and I officers who accompanied the speaker can’t deny we were involved. But Diana stepped back pale in the face fearing, that and I were fully occupied in order to stop the mighty super-heroine might get phys- these trains. This did not allow for a hesi- ical. The grey-haired lieutenant however tation. It was impossible for us to foresee, was a truely brave man, he did not retreat. that the last wagon could derail due to our “I know what you did, Ladies,” he actions, while it was still on the bridge.” replied in an effort to ease the situation, “I personally agree with you, Super- “and I appreciate it.” He visibly tried to girl,” the lieutenant tried to emphasize choose his words carefully. “Sometimes it his sympathies. “However some lawyers, is no fun to do our duties, and this is cer- hired by the bereaved of those who died, tainly true for me now, but we have the when this particular rail car crashed, have explicit order from the district attorney argued, that, while you doubtlessly saved to arrest both of you, according to this the lifes of the drivers and the passengers warrant.” He presented them an official in the foremost wagons of both trains, sheet of paper. Kara disregarded it. their relatives died only because of your “What for?” She asked reasonably. actions and probably would have sur- 3 vived the crash, if you would not have this in court. To fly away might as well be got involved. They demand compensa- interpreted as an admission of guilt.” tion. That’s what this warrant is about.” “Do what you want, I do not see any “And what do you think, we should reason to let myself be arrested by these have done, look away and ignore the men,” Diana made it sound finally. crash?” Diana threw in. “This would have “That’s the argument of a dictators probably been filed by the beraved of the and criminals, Diana, ‘I do what I want many more peoply we’ve actually rescued, to do because I can do it’. We are bound as a failure to render assistance.” She was in honor to be better than that, aren’t clearly still upset but now her voice indi- we?” Kara asked suggestively. These grave cated at least some understanding. words did not fail their purpose. “Ladies, I am on you side, and I “Okay, I got your message, Kara,” Di- am sure, the judge will see it that way ana conceded reluctantly. “However, I too,” the lieutenant began diplomatically. can only hope we won’t regret it. Gentle- “However the complaint against you is men, we will accompany you voluntarily.” formally well-founded and therefore the “Thank you, ladies. I am sure this mis- D.A.’s office was forced to press charges understanding will be settled very soon.” against you,” he explained and added, He sounded relieved. “There is however “believe me, the D.A. himself is a big fan a little plea we have to address to both of of yours and was not amused, that he ac- you. It’s more or less a formality.” tually had to file this warrant.” “What is it?” Kara asked. “How do you intend to prevent us “Well I know in your case this is com- from flying away?” Diana asked frankly. pletely ridiculous, but as you might know, “I know, that we have no means to ar- since this has been debated extensively in rest Supergirl or you against your will,” public for some time, we are required to he conceded in order to continue, “but in handcuff everyone, who’s to be arrested, this town both of you have the reputation literally without exceptions, and political to defend and respect the law.” correctness requires, that this also applies “I can speak only for myself, but I am to you and Wonder Woman – although in committed to serve divine justice not hu- your cases this is completely absurd.” man law,” Diana replied. She wanted to “What?” Diana blurted out in anger, turn away, but Kara grabbed her forearm. “you want to parade us around in handcuffs “Wait a minute, Diana,” she insisted, – like you do with common criminals?” “the law applies to everyone. Just because “I am sorry, Mam, but that’s a service we have powers far beyond human capa- regulation. If you don’t tell it to my su- bilities, does not make us better than any- periors, I promise to remove your cuffs as one else here. We have not done anything soon as we’ll be out of the spotlight.” wrong, and I am sure, that we can prove “Come on, Diana,” said Kara, “It’s not 4 CHAPTER 1. ARRESTED a big deal.” She turned back to the lieu- her back. This time the lieutenant took tenant and extended her wrists together his genuine service handcuffs out of his hands tilted outwards like she had seen in pocket. Diana was obviously not promi- human television in order to let him cuff nent enough to receive a VIP treatment. her. “Do, what you have to do, officer.” Kara noted in passing, that the latter “Eh,… at the back, Supergirl, if you were joined by hinge type of joint, which don’t mind,” the lieutenant stammered allowed to fold them together, but not to uneasy if she was serious, “it’s required.” twist or turn them against each other. He “Okay, this way then,” she said and flipped the ratchets through their conter- turned around. He wanted to take his cuffs parts and the bows clasped around Di- out, when one his colleagues intervened. ana’s wrists with a serious of clicks. “We should use these ones, Sir, for the Although this made no sense, the li- show.” He reached him a pair of black etenant habitually took his time to ad- chain-linked handcuffs, which were consid- just the fit of the manacle and then he erably more massive than usual police is- pinpointed both cuffs with the head of sue ones. The connecting chain allowed the key, before he let Diana’s hands go. for almost four inches of separation. So A photoflash appeared. Someone nearby these seemingly antique shackles were not had used his cell phone cam in order to particularly restrictive. Kara did not care. catch a photo of Diana in handcuffs. Kara, She was sure, she could smash or tear who stood next by with her hands equally apart everything humans could create or fixed behind her back, saw that Diana fabricate. The antique cuffs closed with pulled on her cuffs in anger. She nudged a distinct click around both of her wrist her fellow super-heroine, with her foot. one after another. They were tight, but “Be careful, these things are not made not tight enough to burst apart, when she to hold one of us.” she whispered. simply clenched her fists. “Right now, they hold me quite well,” “For heaven’s sake, be careful, Super- Diana whispered back angrily. girl,” the lieutenant, who had observed “Would you please follow me, ladies,” her motion, after he had applied the cuffs, another officer advised them, and the two whispered„ “it would be embarrassing for freshly arrested super-heroines were es- us, if you accidentally rip those apart.” corted to the font of a police cruiser. “I’m sorry, officer. I promise to The police lieutenant kept his be careful,” Kara replied with a smile. promise. When they were around the “Come on, Diana, they don’t hurt.” block and out of sight, he stopped the “You don’t know, what you request,” car and opened Kara’s font door. she mumbled and turned her back to “Thank you very much, Supergirl, for the officer. She took a deep breath participating in the show. Please allow and brought her wrists together behind me to take your cuffs off,” he said and re- 5 leased her wrists from the inconvenient very interested even did not look at them, accessories. He regarded the old fash- otherwise she might have noticed, that ioned looking black fetters with distaste. those old-fashioned, black cuffs she had He produced an odd looking little worn before, were not snapped on like safe-type key, eyed it carefully in order to the modern ones, but had to be locked fumble it into the fairly tiny keyholes. manually with their strange looking key “The press officer found these in the After she had endured it, Kara raised evidence vault,” he explained, “and some- her joined hands carefully and took a look one’s decided, they would would look at ‘her’ reaquired ‘bracelets’. She playfully more impressive for a super-heroine ar- thought about using her X-ray vision in rest, because they are different.” He ex- order to see the locking mechanismn. plained the clumsy fumbling, before he “I know, that you might have heard pocketed them together with the key. this before, Supergirl,” the officer, who He repeated the procedure with Di- feared that she might disrupt them, dis- ana, who was visibly relieved, and so they tracted her, “but, please, be gentle to both remained unrestrained for the rest those. They may look like some high tech of the ride and the booking procedure. thing, but actually they are just old crap, At the police headquarter the two someone’s found in the evidence vault. It super-heroines were actually treated like would be embarrassing for the Gotham favorite guests not like prisoners. They police department if you rip them apart did not have to attend a jail cell but were in front of those cameras.” Kara nodded. served with coffee instead. Many police “I promise to be careful, officer,” she officers wanted to welcome them and replied generously and grabbed her left praised them for their numerous heroic hand with her right one in a maiden pose, deeds. Some even asked for autographs. so that her wrists were closely together However two hours later, the head of and the short chain dangled freely be- the department, which had hosted them tween them. He turned to Diana. so generously so far appeared and ex- “Is there a reason, why Kara gets dif- pressed politely, that they much to his re- ferent cuffs?” The latter asked askance. gret had to see the judge together with “Not really, Wonder Woman,” he the other woman prisoners busted today. replied, “the press officer wanted some- “I am sorry, ladies, but I’ve been in- thing, which looked more formidable on formed, that cameras will be present and television, but we had only one pair of this means, you have to be handcuffed those, and since Supergirl is more promi- again, however in front will suffice this nent here, we decided to put those on time.” He had the cuffs they had worn at her. I hope you are not upset about this.” hand and Kara extended her wrists in or- “Shall we switch the cuffs?” Kara asked der to let him apply them. Kara was not gruffly turned to her and raised her joined 6 CHAPTER 1. ARRESTED hands again, “I don’t insist on those.” gateway around the bus was cleared by “No it’s quite okay,” Diana stated ap- the police and half a dozen camera teams peasingly, “but, officer, if I could ask you and at least three dozen accredited pho- a little favor, I would prefer to be cuffed by tographers populated the internal court- a female officer. It’s more personal from yard usually not accessible to the public woman to woman, so to say.” The officer in order to take their shots. looked as if he thought, she was nuts, but Dozens of lights flashed when Kara was about to grant her wish. appeared on the stage of the bus. She was “Come on, Diana,” Kara intervened, clearly not amused, but managed to pro- indicating her joined hands, “I cannot duce a smile. She resisted the temptation comply about the lieutenant’s handwork. to raise her joined wrists in order to hide We already got a preferential treatment. her face, but kept them casually at waist- There is no reason to call someone else level, when she left the bus. away from her duties.” Petulantly Diana Nevertheless a knee-upwards color gave in against better knowledge and al- photo with her in handcuffs made it on the lowed him to afix the hinged handcuffs. title page of Gotham News, despite what had happened before and doubled this q papers usual run. The inquirer had a shot of an angry Diana on the front page when They were escorted to a prison trans- she turned around with both hands seem- port bus together with three other female ingly securely enclosed in tight-fitting prisoners, all restrained like Diana with pair of hinged handcuffs. The owner of this paper was also pleased with the sales. hinged handcuffs in front. Only Kara, who wore her cuffs like expensive bracelets, care- No reporters were allowed to follow ful not to put any stress on the connect- them inside, but also none of their guards ing chain was differently equipped. had bothered to remove ‘their’ handcuffs. The ride itself was uneventful, but The two super-heroines had to appear be- when the bus arrived at the court build- fore the judge with them in place. ing, it was expected by a crowd of spec- The judge acknowledged their mer- tators. These were usually not allowed to its for the community and expressed his approach the bus, but the news about two doubts, that the allegations were jus- superheroines being arrested had rocked tified, but since the two caped super- the media all over the country, and some heroines could not provide a permanent news pope had obtained the allowance to home address, he had no choice than to show their arrival on television. commit them to spend the three days, un- The rest of the gathered reporters ob- til their trial was sheduled, in prison. jected violently and the consequence of The two super-heroines were clearly their revolution was, that only a close not amused about this proposition. Di- 7 ana clenched her fists and pulled on her much more than her Supergirl-suit, which cuffs. Kara, who had resisted the temp- she was allowed to keep. Only ‘her’ cuffs tation to do so herself, observed it and caused an apparently minor problem. nudged her fellow super-heroine again. “Sorry, Supergirl, they forgot to send “Be careful,” she whispered, “you are us the key for ‘your’ cuffs. They are not complicating things, if you rip those off.” standard, and someone simply forgot to “I can’t rip my cuffs apart,” Diana send them to us. I am sorry, but you will whispered back, “I’m as helpless as every have to bear them a few hours longer. Ex- human prisoner who has to wear these cept if you choose to rip them apart, in things!” This took Kara by surprise. which case you have to pay for them.” “You mean, you cannot rip them “I have worn these bracelets for some apart? But you can fly and stop trains like time by now, I can as well wear them a me. Why can’t you just snap those cuffs?” little bit longer,” Kara conceeded without “It’s Aphrodite’s law,” Diana ex- paying much attention to this fact. plained, “We don’t talk about it. But once “That’s very generous of you, Super- an Amazon is bound or otherwise re- girl. I will make a phone call, in or- strained by a man, she looses her powers. der to obtain them as soon as possible, Since you urged me to let this man apply right after we’ll have processed Wonder them to me, I am stuck with these stupid Woman.” Another Matron stood ready to handcuffs as any of those offenders, who escort her to a little cell, where she was took the bus ride together with us.” supposed to spend most of her time, un- “That’s, why you wanted to be re- til their trial was scheduled to begin. strained by a female officer?” Kara under- “Would you follow me, Supergirl?” stood quickly. “If I had known this…” She was about to respond to the request, “Right, Miss Superwoman,” Diana when the first Matron remarked. snarled, “females don’t count. If this were “Supergirl, you should know, that all done by a female, I could fly away like you of us believe, that you and Wonder and, believe me, I would do so right now.” Woman are innocent. We’ve to treat you “Keep calm, you will get your powers like anyone else, but everybody here will back, once you are uncuffed, don’t you?” interpret our regulations as far as possible “Yes, and I will use them!” How- in your favor. So if you’ve some wishes…” ever Diana had to wait. They were es- “We appreciate this, Mam.” Kara corted back to the local prison. Kara still replied politely, but did not make a wish. treating her cuffs carefully like bracelets “You are welcome, Supergirl.” The while Diana occsionally pulled on them matron replied, “we rarely have the op- in anger and frustration, but to no avail. portunity to meet someone as popular as Kara’s take in procession at the city you. May I ask a personal favor?” jail was simple, she carried practically not “Sure, what is it?” Kara asked. 8 CHAPTER 1. ARRESTED

“May I take a Polaroid of you, which “No, as far as I know a standard key you can sign as an autograph?” will fit to those. They go back to the third “No problem,” Kara replied, “take it.” district. Sargent Riker from there is here, “No I’ll come and see your in your cell call him to take them with him. He can as soon as the key for your handcuffs will assist us anyway,” she answered, ignoring arrive. Maybe you can pose for me with Diana’s suggestively extended wrists. But these cuffs on and a collar. This will make Sargent Riker showed up a few minutes a big impression on my friends.” later and wanted to release Diana. “I don’t know,” Kara rejected the pro- “It’s a pleasure for me to release you posal. ”Wonder Woman and I are here, Wonder Woman,” he said gallantly, “I because we respect the law and not to wish we would have met under more fa- pose as models for photo shootings.” vorable circumstances.” He was already “Please do me the favor, Supergirl, about to unlock Diana’s restraints, when I will hurry to get those key and re- another female guard intervened. She was lease you immediately afterwards.” She carrying, what seemed to be a pair of ordi- begged. “It’s just for private use. I will not nary handcuffs with an absurdly long con- sell it or show it to a reporter, I promise.” necting chain, about one foot in length. “Okay, I’ll do it,” Kara answered gen- “Sargent Riker, we have strict order erously, “but don’t make a show from it.” to keep Wonder Woman under restraint. “Thank you very much, Supergirl, I She must not be unrestrained at any will come to you as soon as possible.” Af- time. However we found these,” she an- ter this talk Kara was led away. nounced, “and they are almost not re- striction at all, don’t you agree?” Only then Diana, who was still hand- cuffed and impatient to get rid of her “Very well,” replied Sargent Riker a ‘jewelry’, was processed. They took away little bit bugged, “I was just about to re- her lasso, her tiara and also wanted to move our handcuffs from your guest, if you remove her “indestructible bracelets”, don’t mind. Afterwards you can do with which turned out to be impossible. her, what you have to do.” “Listen, Ladies,” she explained, “these “You don’t understand, Sargent Riker. bracelets are irremovable, they are part of Wonder Woman must not be unre- my heritage. It was even in the newspa- strained. Therefore you have to put those pers. You can try and I won’t hinder you, on her, before you remove yours.” Diana but it’s impossible. However I would ap- reacted quickly and turned to the matron. preciate if you could remove the bracelets “Why can’t you do it?” She asked ex- your colleague has provided me with, or is tending her hands in her direction. there a problem with the key, too?” Diana “No, this must be done by a man. replied and extended her joined wrists in My instructions are very specific about it. order to substantiate her request. Sargent Riker, would you…” Diana under- 9 stood, that this was a conspiracy, in which In this environment even Kryptonian su- Sargent Riker was not involved. per metal could not resist this level of He shook his head, but took the long power. But the circlets, which surrounded chain cuffs and clicked them on Diana’s the outline of her wrists perfectly like a wrists – not too tight, but with the experi- second skin did neither bend nor did the ence of an arresting officer who knew ex- short chain connecting them lengthen. actly which degree of snugness was nec- Kara panicked. Although she knew, essary in order to prevent the arrestant that this would be impossible, consider- from slipping the steel circlets off. He set ing the smooth fit, she desperately tried their double locks, before he unlocked to slip her hands out of circlets. She had the cuffs, Diana had worn for half a day. to get those off. But all, she gained, was The new cuffs were indeed no restric- pain from the unknown material, which tion at all. Diana could move almost, as resisted her Kryptonian powers as easy as if they were not present. However, ap- simple steel defeated human ones. plied by a man, they prevented reliably, “Shit,” Kara thought, “I have worn that her powers returned, and someone, these things like expensive bracelets, and who wanted her out of the way knew somewhere someone’s laughing about this. She had to warn Kara. Kara with her me, because he or she knows’s, that I am unconstrained powers was the only one, helpless like a ten year old human girl.” who could do something, and most likely She was of course not that helpless. She there was something in store for her too. focused her heat vision on the connecting Unaware of this Kara sat on the cot of chain until it glowed white and applied all her cell and was bored. She was not used her strength, again without success. to be restrained. Almost unconsciously However, although she was consider- she began to pull on her cuffs. Increas- ably hampered, she was still able to fly, ing the level of power gradually, she was and those bars in front of her cell would surprised how much those took without not stop her. With her X-ray vision she showing the slightest sign of bending. localized Diana one cell block away. Di- Suddenly she realized, that any earth- ana ran around in her cell in circles like material she knew should have been a captured cougar. The chain of her long crushed under the current assault of chain cuffs dangled between her wrists. Oc- Kryptonian power, only Kryptonian su- casionally the Amazon grabbed this chain per metal was so strong. However these and pulled on it, but nothing happened. cuffs were definitely not forged from the “Those must have been applied by a green glowing Kryptonian super metal man,” concluded Kara. She realized, that she knew very well. They were different. someone had set them up. Kara esti- She almost panicked and used all her mated the distances. Then she kicked the strength in order to tear her hands apart. gate out of its fixing, ran to Diana’s cell 10 CHAPTER 1. ARRESTED too fast for a human eye to notice and did cally, “I can deal with those bracelets the same to the gate barring Diana’s cell. later. We should make our way to the roof “It finally sunk in, I thought you and fly away, before they start to shoot would never come,” Diana greeted her re- at us.” When she saw Diana’s question- lieved. “Could you please?” She extended ing look, she added. “I don’t want, that her wrist with the connecting chain to- someone innocent get’s hurt.” wards Diana. Then she realized, that “You may leave, but I need my Lasso Kara wore handcuffs as well. “You, too?” of Truth and my Tiara. They are irreplace- “No, that’s a different story.” The able,” Diana insisted. Kara sighed. Kryptonian grabbed the chain connecting “Okay, I will help you,” she offered. Diana’s handcuffs with her joined hands Together the two super-heroines man- and ripped it apart like straw. A flood of aged to reach the safe in which the pris- power emanated through Diana’s body. oners’ belongings were stored in almost “That’s better,” she said and snapped no time, They opened it by force and the remaining cuff bracelets from her picked Diana’s stuff up. Kara picked up wrists. “Much better!” Kara clenched her also, what looked like a lockable, mas- fists within their confinement. sive steel collar with four rings equally dis- “May I help you?” Diana asked. tributed along its circumference. “You may try. Every help is welcome. “I guess, that’s the one they wanted But I did my best already – and failed.” to use on me,” she thought. Kara looked The Amazom took hold on the circlets and at the black cuffs she had not been able together they tried to pull them apart. to get rid of. “Maybe, it contains another The unknown material, however, was not surprise?” She mused and packed it into very impressed and resisted the com- an empty paperback someone might have bined strength of both super-heroines used to carry his lunch packet and left on without revealining a potential weakness. the desk. Every hint could be useful. “Thanks for trying, Diana,” Kara fi- “What do you want with this thing?” nally said, “I still can’t believe how this is Diana asked. “It might be a tracking de- possible, too, but obviously this is beyond vice,” she warned her fellow heroine. our powers. However, maybe you know “I know,” the Kryptonian replied, one, who might be able to tear those apart “but it may also be a trace to the ones later, maybe on Paradise Island?” who set this trap for us. I think, I can han- “I’m sorry, but no one on Themyscira dle it.” Only two guards blocked their way is stronger than me,” Diana replied. “Ac- and were quickly and unbloody disabled. tually, that’s a really tough piece of Once they had reached the roof the two jewelry you’ve acquired, almost like the super-heroines said farewell to each other weapons of the Gods,” she muttered. “It and flew away in different directions. might be one of Hephaestus’ works.” “Whatever,” Kara replied pragmati- q Chapter 2

Lessons

Two days later someone knocked at now familiar voice whispered. Barbara Gordon’s apartment door. Bar- “Kara?” Barbara opened the door and bara, a police officer, had just finished a caped figure with sunglasses sneaked in. the morning shift. She was comissioner “Kara, what to hell did you do?” She Gordon’s daughter and, when she was not asked. “The news is full of your’s and on duty, better known as Batgirl, another Diana’s escape from the district prison. caped heroine, of Gotham City. How could you be so stupid?” The rain- So far she had managed to hide her cape clad figure did not answer immedi- identity. Although not equipped with su- ately, but took a seat in an armchair. She perpowers, the blonde beauty had earned pushed her sunglasses upwards. Barbara herself great merits in crime fighting and noticed a gentle metallic jingle during the was undesputedly considered to be the move, but did not pay attention to it. female counterpart of Batman, she knew “It was a setup, Babs,” the blonde well and had frequently cooperated with. woman explained. “Someone has put false More than a few believed and gossip charges together in order to take me and added considerably to it, that there was Diana out of the game.” Barbara nodded. a romantic relation between them. Al- “Which game?” She asked. though she had not told anybody about “I’ve no idea, Babs. I just know, that it, Barbara was not disaffected. However someone made a damned big effort pre- up to now this had not happened. sumably in order to get Diana and me out She had met Supergirl a few years ago. of the way. But I don’t know from what They had fought together and liked each yet. Right now I need a hiding place and other at once. In the meantime Barbara help in a delicate matter. Nobody knows, and Kara had become close friends. that you are Batgirl and that we know “Babs it’s me. I have a problem,” a by each other, so no one will look for me

11 12 CHAPTER 2. LESSONS here – if that’s okay with you, of course.” “Because these bracelets have mechan- “You know, that as a police officer it’s ical locks. Do you see the key hole on the my duty to put you under arrest?” Bar- side of the cuff ?” Raising both hands she bara asked, but her voice revealed, that gave Barbara a close look at them. she wasn’t serious about and Kara did not “Yeah,” Barbara agreed. The orifice at respond to it, she had another problem. it’s base was tiny and had an unusual form, “Babs, I really need your help,” she but it was definitely a key hole. pleaded. “You are a good lock picker?” “Well, I remember, that the key, “Well, that me be judged by others, which fits to these locks looked like a lit- but, as you know, I managed to open one tle safe key – I saw it shortly, when the of- or another lock, which was considered to ficer, who has put them on me, removed be quite secure,” was the dry reply. it from it’s keyhole. Therefore I am ab- “Can you open these?” She clumsily solutely sure, that they can be unlocked opened her rain coat, revealing her fa- with this particular key.” Batgirl agreed. mous costume and the pair of black hand- This was a reasonable conclusion. cuffs, which still decorated her wrists. “Why did you allow anyone to shackle you with these high-tech cuffs at all?” Bar- q bara questioned in a different direction. “Arrogance, Babs,” Kara admitted, “You are handcuffed, Kara?” Barbara “pure arrogance. I thought I could rip stared at the Kryptonian’s hands disbe- them off any time I wished. I have worn lieving. “Why don’t you rip them apart?” them for show, when I was arrested and “I don’t know, what these bracelets are when I met the judge. Believe it or not. made from, Babs, but I have spend the I was very careful in order not to damage last two days, trying everything I could them. It took damned long, ’till I realized, think of to get rid of them. As you see, that I had been a prisoner of these things without success,” Kara explained. in reality and now I’m stuck with them.” “You still have your powers? I mean “You are still too credulous, Kara,” it’s nothing like Kryptonite the staff, Barbara reprimanded her friend. “When which makes you Kryptonians more or will you learn to distrust foreign people?” less human?” Barbara asked the obvious. “I know, Babs, I know,” Kara replied. “No, I can fly, snap steel, burn any- “However, can you open them?” thing with my heat vision, Babs. I can do “Well, if there is a mechanical lock, everything, but I can’t get rid of these it can be opened. I will fetch my picks damned bracelets.” She tugged on them for and we will see.” She went to a closet, emphasis. “You are my last hope.” returned with an extensive collection of “If you cannot open those, why do lock-picks and started to work on them. you think, I might be able to help you?” “You will be free soon,” Barbara an- 13 nounced confidently, but after a serious as first price in any lock-picking contest. of unsuccessful attempts her confidence That’s my professional opinion.” dwindled rapidly and after she had spend “You mean I should offer them as the the better part of the afternoon with first price? Be serious!” Kara rejected the them, it had completely faded away. implicit proposition immediately. While Barbara worked on the locks, “Counter question: Do you want Kara, who was condemned to watch, used yourself to be adressed in the news as the time to tell her friend in detail, what ‘Bondagegirl’?” Kara did not react. had happened from her arrest until then. “Babs, whoever did this to me – and I But the elaborate effort did not pay off. don’t mean that colleagues of yours, who “Kara, I am really sorry to disap- actually applied them – has presumably point you, but I fear, I can’t help you,” made sure, that I can’t get my hands on Barbara finally had to admit. “To open the key,” she argued. “But someone on these locks is beyond my capabilities.” this world must have made these hand- “Shit!” was Kara’s reply, which was cuffs and this guy should also be able to very unusual for the Kryptonian who at- remove them. Therefore we have to find tached a lot of importance to her per- out, what this strange metal is and how it sonal manners. “Thanks anyway, Babs” can be forged. Actually Diana mentioned she added in an effort to coat her feel- a guy named Hephaestus, who might be ings. “However, do you know anyone, able to do it, before we separated.” who might be able to do it?” She looked “That’s the ancient Greek God of desperate. “It’s only,… well, I don’t want blacksmiths and metallurgy. I don’t think to wear them for the rest of my life.” he runs a shop around the corner.” “You mean, you need someone who’s “Shit, Babs, it was just an idea.” She better in lock picking than me?” tugged on the connecting chain of ‘her’ “Yeah, Babs, no pun intended. I need wristlets. “Look, I can still do many things someone, who can open these lousy with my hands linked like this, but I can bracelets. They are not really fashionable.” definitely not appear in public like this. She smiled in an attempt to pretend cool- There are too many, who’ll need me.” ness. Barbara gave her a knowing – she “Actually your thought might not be could imagine, how Kara felt right now. completely wrong,” Barbara replied. “I “Okay, Babs, to be honest, I feel hor- know a metallurgist at Gotham Univer- ribly already. I have not even been able to sity. He should be interested in your cuffs, change my dress. I must smell awfully.” and, if he does not know how to open “That’s something we can change,” them, we still can ask Batman. Usually he Barbara grinned at her, “but seriously, the might have even better connections.” locks of those cuffs are a completely dif- “Batman will try to help me, but he ferent matter. Those could easily serve will joke about me,” Kara objected. “Can 14 CHAPTER 2. LESSONS your metallurgist keep a secret?” q “Well, I think, you don’t will have to mention your real name, respectively re- “What’s in the bag?” She asked loud veal your identity. It’s just a promising enough, that Kara could here it inside the try. However, do you want them off?” cubicle despite the running shower. “Okay, it’s at least a glimpse of hope,” “The collar from the prison safe, I Kara admitted. She raised herself, “we told you about,” Kara answered. She had won’t know, if we don’t try. Let’s do it.” to raised her voice to drown the shower. “Not so fast, Kara. It will take me a “But there is nothing peculiar about few days to get an appointment,” Barbara it,” she explained her most recent find- curbed Kara’s high spirit. “Right now you ings. “No marks no scratches, nothing. need a shower and new clothing. Your es- It’s also not a tracking device – I’ve cape is still in the news, although it was checked this. It’s just a lockable metal not mentioned, you escaped handcuffed.” collar with three rings attached. The key “Presumably no one believes, that I works. The collar feels a little bit strange, cannot not take them off,” Kara mused. “I but it’s not a Kryptonite alloy – I mean, I would not have believed it two days ago.” can fly and don’t feel week if I touch it.” “I think, you don’t care about corro- “That’s strange,” Barbara objected, “if sion on your bracelets?” Barbara asked. it was a setup, it should have a purpose.” “You bet, but I can’t take of the upper The shower stopped. Kara dried herself, part of my suit,” Kara who understood a little bit hampered by the cuffs, but Barbara’s line of thought objected. she did not call for assistance. When she “Well, a pair of scissors will do!” Bar- reappeared, wearing her underpants and bara nevertheless stated with a grin. a towel wrapped around her breasts. Bar- “And what shall I wear afterwards?” bara awaited her with the collar at hand. Kara was not fond of her proposal. “Let’s make an experiment,” she sug- “Well, I have a tank top and a pinafore gested literally waving it into her view. dress, not the latest fashion, but they “What do you mean?” Kara asked. should fit you, too,” she came up with a “As I said, if the two of you fell victim practical solution. “If the problem will be to a trap and this collar was a part of it, solved, I assume, you have a spare suit?” it must have had some function. Are you “Of course.” So Kara stripped off her sure, that it is not something extraordi- throusers and Barbara made short work nary which has some unknown powers?” of the upper part of her suit and her bra. “Of course I am,” Kara replied. “I’ve “Now you are ready to use the teared off one of the metal rings with two shower,” she announced. When Kara dis- fingers. It’s simple human made steel. I’m appeared in the cubicle, Barbara fetched sure, I can break that collar into two parts the paper bag, she had brought with her. with my hands even while handcuffed.” 15

“That’s why we will make the experi- nected the piece of chain to the ring on ment,” Barbara insisted. “Whoever set up the back of Kara’s collar, so that it dan- the trap, has left nothing to chance. I bet, gled along her spine. Then she wrought you’ve been lucky to have escaped at all. the other end of this chain around the one We’ve to know, what this collar is about.” between ‘Kara’s’ handcuffs and locked it “I believe by now, that the matron just there by means of the second padlock. wanted to make a photo of me in it, for “May I ask, what’s the purpose of what reason ever,” Kara ascertained. this?” Kara’s angry voice revealed, that “Please, lower your hands and step she saw no sense in Barbara’s actions. through your cuffs,” Barbara demanded. “Try to get your hands back to the “What for?” Kara was still dubious. front.” Kara did, what she was expected But Batgirl was persistent: “Just do it.” to do, or rather she tried to do so. But “Okay,…” The towel fell down and her hands were caught back by a chain, she revealed two magnificently well-formed would have been able to rip apart a few breasts. Kara stepped through the cuffs minutes ago. She almost panicked. and faced Barbara with her hands fixed “I can’t, Babs, I simply can’t,” she al- now behind her back. Her breasts were most yelled, trying desperately to get her forced outward by the enforced posture. cuffs loose from the chain, without success. She visibly disliked it, but bent her head “Calm down, Kara. Try to enlighten a little to allow Barbara to affix the collar. this candle with your heat vision.” She fo- It snapped shut with a click, and Barbara cused on one of the decorative lights on turned and removed the sticking key. Barbara’s table. It did not work either. “Do you feel something?” She in- “What about your X-ray-vision, can quired. The Kryptonian shook her head. you look through the wall?” She tried to “Negative – it’s just a necklace.” penetrate it and shook her head. “Okay, I’ll fetch something. Don’t “Can you fly?” Barbara asked. move.” With these words she disap- “Negative.” She was not able to lift off. peared towards her bedroom and re- “So you are disabled like Diana, once turned with a piece of chain and two locks. she was handcuffed.” Barbara concluded. “These are two simple brass padlocks. “Shit,” Kara used the word Barbara I think you can squeeze them between had never heard from her before the two fingers?” she asked suggestively. third time. “I must have been very stupid, “I should be able to do this,” Kara Babs. This collar was the real trap.” replied confidently. “What do you want?” “No, Kara,” Barbara replied gener- “Well, I’m going to use them to affix ously, “just too credulous. This is the first your bracelets to this collar by means of an lesson: Don’t trust foreign people.” ordinary peace of light steel chain.” Barbara “Okay lesson understood,” the Kryp- announced. She used one padlock to con- tonian replied meekly. She yanked on the 16 CHAPTER 2. LESSONS chain. “What to hell do you think is this “Babs, would you be so kind, to take thing, it feels a little bit cold, but not like this collar off?” She asked and pulled on Kryptonite. Yet I’m almost powerless.” it. “It’s enough, that I have to face the in- “You can sense Kryptonite, from a dignity to be handcuffed.” Barbara smiled. few feet away?” Barbara asked knowingly. “Lesson number two, buddy: Don’t “Of course, except if it’s radiation is trust friends you recently played a joke shielded by lead or depleted Uranium, on.” Kara was immediately on full alert. something very dense and heavy.” “But that was half a year ago,” she ob- “But you did not feel anything like it, jected immediately. “And you were able while you carried this collar around?” to free yourself after all in a few minutes.” “Hell no, I would not have let you put “So you still know what I mean,” Bar- it around my throat, if I would have sus- bara stated with a sinister smile. pected it contained some Kryptonite.” “Damned, Batgirl, you insisted, that “That’s presumably the point. I think you could do everything on your own.” this collar is a kind of trap for snotnosed “Kitty-Cat had fixed me up with three Kryptonians made by Luthor Corp., but pairs of bat-cuffs, legs and feet, enforced by that’s pure speculation, I should not talk thumb and toe cuffs, a perfect steel hog-tie. about things I don’t understand.” I was almost naked. You bent down and “No, Babs, go ahead, you may well be asked, if I was okay, and then flew away.” on the right track,” Kara encouraged her. “Well you said ‘yes’, ‘yes’ meant you “My theory is, that it is made from did not want my help. Besides, there was Wolfram carbide, or something similar, nobody around, who could harm you.” hard and dense and that it contains only a “No, ‘yes’ meant I was not in immedi- small fraction of Kryptonite which is ar- ate danger. It would have cost you a snap ranged, so that it’s radiation mainly dis- of your fingers to rip those fetters apart.” tributes to the inside, a fraction of Kryp- “But this would have destroyed your tonite, which is so tiny, that you cannot precious bat-cuffs. You were not in danger, sense it and that it is only effective in re- and your…” Kara tried to argue. ducing your powers, when it’s locked onto “Don’t try to talk yourself out of it. your throat. Maybe closing it around your You left me chained up on purpose. Now it throat contributes to focusing it’s radia- will be your turn,” Barbara cut her speech tion to a precisely determined level.” off. She produced a chain leash and fixed it “Which is the case now. That makes to the front ring of Kara’s collar. sense.” She tried to reach the collar with Barbara was merciless: “Take off your her hands, but could not do so. Angrily underpants,” she demanded. “Kitty-Cat she strained against her restraints. had removed mine as well.” Kara gulped. “What?” Kara exclaimed angrily. q “You heard, what I said!” 17

Reluctantly Kara wriggled herself out them in order to achieve a tight fit. of her underpants. “Satisfied?” To her chagrin Kara noted also, that “Almost.” Barbara had fetched a Barbara had fitted at least all visible buck- strange ensemble of black leather straps les within the reach of her hands with with shiny steel buckles and rings. small brass-locks denying them to open “What’s that?” Kara had no idea. any of them, as long as she was in the “It’s called a leather harness.” weakened state imposed by the collar. “Did you wear it?” Kara asked. “Did you wear this thing often?” Kara “I once had a boy-friend who liked to asked, referring to the leather harness. see me in this, however it will suit you “Every night we were together.” even better.” Barbara began buckling the “And did you also wear handcuffs, like whole ensemble onto Kara’s naked body, me?” She wriggled them around her hips. while the temporarily powerless super- “Usually two pairs” Barbara replied, heroine watched the ceiling, but did offer “one for my wrists and the other for my neither physical nor verbal resistance. elbows – sometimes a pair of leg-irons too.” “Are you finally ready?” She asked, “Babs you are pretty kinky,” Kara when Barbara had finished her artwork. stated. “What has appened to this guy?” “All-most, you look splendid. Do you “He’s dead,” Barbara replied with a want to use the mirror in my bedroom?” broken voice. “He was shot down on duty “Do I have a choice?” Kara asked. three years ago, before I became Batgirl “No,” Babara tugged on the leash and and before we got to know each other.” led her to her own bedroom. A mirror of a “I am sorry for you,” Kara expressed man’s height allowed her to appraise the sympathie. “Do you still miss him?” results of Barbara’s efforts. A small steel “Yes, Kara, I miss him. I miss him ev- ring adored her throat directly under the ery day,” She replied. “With two pairs of collar, which had taken her powers away. cuffs on your arms, you can hardly use lock From this emanated two leather picks, and the pair on your elbows is com- strips, which ended in two steel rings cen- pletely inaccessible. Shall I show you?” tered around her bare nipples, which “I am not in a position to stop you.” were additionally connected by a hori- Kara understood, that this was more than zontal strip. They were also supported a little revenge. Barbara needed someone by another tight fitting horizontal strip, to talk about her losses. So she did not which disappeared behind her back. resist and even squeezed her elbows to- Two other buckled straps connected gether when Barbara applied the second them to a third one centered on her pair of standard handcuffs to them. crotch, which was in turn held in place by “That’s better than a push up bra? crotch strap. Most of the straps were ob- “I can see it,” Kara replied, regarding viously buckled and Barbara had adjusted her truely impressive image in the mirror. 18 CHAPTER 2. LESSONS

“Do you want to try the leg-irons too?” sense his spirit is still with me and, al- “I’ve never worn ones,” Kara replied. though there was so much he couldn’t She sat down on Babara’s bed, scooted teach me anymore, I am glad and thank- backwards and attracted her legs ankles ful, that he lived and that I was granted together. Barbara took the mentioned set to have known him. Don’t try to for- of leg-irons out of her toy box and clicked get the ones you’ve lost, try to preserve the ratchets down on Kara’s ankles. what they gave you. Forgetting is no so- “How is it? Move around.” Kara com- lution. It also means loosing, what you plied, raised herself and took a few steps. gathered from them.” Barbara kept quite “Well, it’s… restrictive. Is that, what for a while holding Kara’s hand. you’ve done, when the two of you were to- “How old are you Kara?” She finally gether?” She asked and Barbara nodded. asked, impressed by her friends speech. “And you liked to be restricted like “Much older than you can imagine, this, be under someone else’s control?” Babs. Kryptonians have a much longer “Only when it was him. I wish I natural live-span than humans, and our could forget him!” There was an infinite technology allows us to prolongate that amount of sadness in Batgirl’s voice. even further,” Kara explained evasively. “Come to me, Babs, give me your “Then you have experienced all this?” hand,” Kara prompted like a mother. She “More tha a hundred times, Babs. But reached out around her hips and Barbara this did not prevent me to fall victim to took her hand, which was still confined your trap and end up as your personal slave,” she said indicating her . within the grep of a cuff behind her back. restraints “We are, what we are through the peo- “I can take everything off,” her fellow ple we love and hate, the ones, who form heroine offered, but relativated her offer us, Babs,” she tried to explain her fellow- immediately, “except for those very spe- heroine with the wisdom of a long life. cial handcuffs on your wrists, of course.” “Nobody is alone on this world and “No, I deserve to wear these things,” when a beloved one dies, a piece of him Kara replied, “and I can bear them ’till to- or her remains in the heart of the be- morrow. This will remind me in the fu- reaved. My father was assassinated, when ture not to underestimate humans again.” I was a young girl. He was the best father So Kara spent the night in the re- you can imagine and, when he died, my straints Barbara had imposed on her and heart broke. It took years ’till I was able was only freed in the morning, except for to talk about it. But my father’s thoughts the mysterious handcuffs, the two heroines and idea’s are still in my head and I’m had no means to remove at all, yet. much more than I would have been, if he would have never existed, Babs. In this q Chapter 3

Aphrodite’s Bracelets

“High Kara, I’m glad, you could bracelets off, is simply too big for him to come,” Barbara greeted her fellow hero- carry around. He leaves off work at 17.30 ine a few days later. The blond beauty pm and will be alone with us in the labora- was casually dressed and had a fashin- tory afterwards. What else do you want?” able jacket with empty sleeves wrapped “Okay, this will do,” Kara conceded around her upper body. She took it off, relieved, “what did you tell him about, when she entered Barbara’s apartment. how this happened?” Nervously she “I’m glad, that nothing serious has tugged on the chain between her wrists. happened,” I don’t want to appear on the “I told him, you are a super-kinky screen like this,” Kara said, indicating the super-heroine in need of assistance after chain between her still braceleted wrists. a sex-accident,” Barbara replied dryly. “Well, I’m confident, you’ll get rid of “What?” Kara yelled almost. those today,” Barbara replied, “our ap- “I was just joking,” Barbara hurried to pointment with Dr. Bowman – you re- explain, when she saw the expression in member the material science expert I her fellow heroine’s face. “You Kryptoni- told you about? – is scheduled for six pm, ans don’t have any sense of humor.” today. We’ll meet him in his office.” “Not in this matter.” She took a deep “What do you mean?” Kara asked. breath. “What did you really tell him?” “We should visit him in his office with me “I told him simply, that a friend gave in these handcuffs?” She seemed to be up- those to you, who also does not know, set. “No way, Babs. I’ve a reputation to who really gave them to him. You’ve worn defend. I thought he will visit us.” them on a party and lost the key, and “Kara, we have to visit him,” Barbara that’s where I got involved,” her friend agued. “Nobody can change this. The ma- replied. “It may not be the smartest chinery, which is necessary to cut ‘your’ cover-story, but it’s at least not com-

19 20 CHAPTER 3. APHRODITE’S BRACELETS pletely ridiculous. Is that okay with you?” “Nice bracelets,” he commented Kara’s “I think it will do,” Kara admitted. ‘jewelry’, “and you put them on yourself?” “Good. Then there’s only one little “I am ashamed to admit it, Dr. Bow- problem: I know, that they have a secu- man. They were given to me by a friend rity gate at the institute now, because re- as a kind of party joke,” Kara declared in peatedly equipment has been stolen.” accordance with her cover-story. “I tried “You mean, I’ll nevertheless have to them on, but after the party the key, I had show off these ‘bracelets’ there?” Kara stored in my purse, was gone and…” asked, indicating ‘her’ wrist restraints. “… now you were stuck with those,” “You’ll have to declare them as your the old scientist finished her sentence. personal property, when we enter the “Well, that’s actually the short version building in order to keep them when we of the story,” Kara smiled at him. leave it,” Barbara explained. “I knew you “Is there a longer one?” He asked. wouldn’t like it, but this is the way it is.” “Yes. My friends and I tried every- “Great!” As expected, Kara was any- thing, we could imagine, to get them off. thing, but enthusiastic about it. Everyone was willing to help me. They “Do you want them off - ‘yes’ or ‘no’?” started with a bolt cutter and ended with “Of course,” Kara gave up resistance. a diamond coated hacksaw. They even “Then let’s go.” The heroines reached tried an angle grinder, but if you take a the building without being noticed. close look, they did not even manage to q scratch this damned chain, that keeps me captive.” She gave him the opportunity to The security man at the gate was baf- convince himself about this fact. fled, when Kara declared her handcuffs as a “Barbara suggested to visit you, Dr. “pair of matching bracelets”, but he signed Bowman, and actually you are my last for it with a grin and asked Kara, if she hope already,” she continued. “Up to now had a friend, which brought him a black I did not have to show up in public, but, look from the hampered super-heroine. Dr. Bowman, I would rather die than run “Hi, Dr. Bowman,” Barbara greeted around with theses things on my hands. the scientist, an elderly man dressed in a I never did anything wrong.” She made it white lab coat, who already awaited them. sound very desperately, and her well pre- “Linda, that’s Dr. Bowman – he was very pared speech achieved its goal to distract helpful to us in the Sally-Jones-case – and him from asking further questions. Dr. Bowman, this is my friend Linda, to “Well, Linda, there are materials, that whom this really strange misadventure are quite tough beyond common expec- with the bracelets has happened.” tions, but, that the angle grinder and a di- “High, Linda,” Naturally Kara had to amond coated saw did not leave a mark return his handshake with both hands. on those bracelets, is not a good sign.” 21

“So you can’t help?” The disapoint- ence today for disrupting crystal struc- ment adhering to these words was real. tures, except for a nuclear explosion.” “I did not say so, Linda,” Dr. Bowman “So there is no realistic hope, that I replied evasively. “But it doesn’t look very will ever get rid of these,” Kara exclaimed good. We’ve a hydraulic cutting device, truely shocked by his judgement. much stronger than a bolt cutter, a high “Unfortunately not, Linda,” he de- pressure water beam, a plasma torch and clared. “No one, I know, could help you. a high energy laser for these purposes, Maybe Superman or Supergirl can rip and we’ll try all of them if necessary. them apart, but currently human science There are some rare materials, which can has no means to achieve this. I’m sorry, withstand a diamond coated sawblade for that I’ve to tell you that, but it would’nt some time, but I don’t know about any- be the truth to tell you anything else.” thing, which would not suffered a scratch “Very well, Dr. Bowmann. Thanks for from it, maybe with one exception. Are your efforts anyway.” Kara hardly man- you sure, the saw was diamond coated?” aged to hide her disappointment. She had “At least they said so.” Kara replied. expected much more from this appoint- “Well let’s try,” Dr. Bowman sug- ment and just wanted to leave now. gested. “Would you come with me? These “Linda, I know, you are desperate machines cannot be carried around.” now, and therefore I don’t know, if I can They tried everything he mentioned and dare to ask it,” the old man visibly tried a few other methods without success. to choose his words carefully, “but for sci- The hydraulic cutting tool was even ence this is a truely great discovery,…” damaged – the cermit blades, that ought “No, Dr. Bowmann,” Kara inter- to cut the tiny chain like butter according rupted him harhly. “I don’t want to be- to Dr. Bowman, were crushed into pieces. come an exhibit in seminar rooms. I guess Knowing, that those tools were quite I somehow have to come to terms with expensive, Barbara thought the Doctor these bracelets and I would appreciate, if would be angry about this, but actually you could forget about this discovery.” Dr. Bowman didn’t care. He was truly fas- “You are on the wrong track, Linda,” cinated, almost excited by the scientific Dr. Bowman objected hauntingly. “I paradox, that ‘Kara’s’ bracelets had not suf- might not be able to remove them from fered any marks from these attempts. your wrists, but I might be able to find “Linda, I am sorry, but your handcuffs out something about their origin, which – I may call them handcuffs?” He began. in turn might help you in the near future.” “Yes, of course, as that’s precisely, “How?” The short question revealed what they are,” Kara admitted dryly. to Barbara that her fellow heroine was “Well Linda, those handcuffs have de- desperate enough to grasp at straws. feated anything known to material sci- “Well, we have not only cutting tools 22 CHAPTER 3. APHRODITE’S BRACELETS here but also a lot of instruments for in- The second sample I’ve got to see after vestigations…” Dr. Bowman began. forty years.” Kara had raised herself and “If you don’t know this material, how took a look at his computer screen. do you want to find something out about “But, that’s just a picture of the mid- its origins?” Kara asked logically. “No, dle link of this chain,” she stated. “Your thanks, Dr. Bowman, I do not want to be- X-ray image looks like a normal picture.” come part of an experiment either.” “Right,” Dr. Bowman replied, “but an “But I might have seen precisely this X-ray image must not look that way. If material before,” Dr. Bowman admitted. it were a conventional material we would “Where, Dr. Bowman?” Suddenly he see the crystal structure. Not the atoms had attracted Kara’s full attention. themselves, but a regular scattering pat- “I’ve to convince myself, first, ladies.” tern. But this material simply absorbs ev- Kara sighed. She would not get rid of ‘her’ erything, as if it would be a massive block bracelets, but what could she loose? of unstructured ultra-dense nuclear mat- “Okay, what do I have to do, Dr. Bow- ter. There are no seperated atomic nulei, man?” She asked not quite convinced. Linda. According to the books this kind “Place your hands on this X-ray device of matter cannot exist under normal con- over there, with the chain directly over ditions. That’s definitely Adamant – no the hole.” She did what he requested. other material shows this property.” “That way?” She had placed the chain “I beg your pardon,” Kara replied above the middle of the opening. excitedly, “I’ve never heard about this “Perfectly,” the old man was pleased. Adamant. But since you seem to know it, “I’ll fetch a view lead sows for your pro- can your knowledge somehow help us to tection ’till the tube is heated up.” remove those bracelets from my wrists?” “That’s not necessary.” Kara almost Dr. Bowman shook his head slowly. bit on her tongue. He could not know, “Unfortunately not, Linda. Nothing, I that her Kryptonian physiology was re- know, can cut or even weaken Adamant.” sistant to X-rays far beyond the level this “Great!” Kara exclaimed. “But what to simple device might be able to produce. hell is it? You said, you’ve seen it before?” “Oh dear, believe me it is, the radia- “Yes, it was in London forty years ago. tion is quite strong, not comparable to a It was the most exciting time of my life.” medical X-ray device. I have to insist on “And, who made it?” Kara asked. it.” With visible effort he placed a few of “I don’t know,” he replied, “we were the heavy sows in front of Kara’s breast told, that it had been excavated from an and she endured it quietly. Then he acti- ancient place. It was a single bracelet sim- vated the device. It took only a view min- ilar to yours, but one which could be utes to take some digital X-ray pictures. opened and closed easily without a key.” “That’s it,” he muttered, “Adamant. “Where did it come from?” Kara was 23 persistent. “It’s important, Dr. Bowman!” lished. This stuff is much more rigid and “It was found in Athens. Hephaestus’ much tougher than everything, I’ve ever Temple is one of the best preserved an- seen or investigated, orders of magnitude tique buildings. Using ultrasonic sound beyond everything, we can create today British archaeologists had found a small – we couldn’t even probe it to its limits cavity under the building much older – and the stuff absorbs high intensity X- than the building itself, and inside this rays without heating up like nothing else. cavity they found this single bracelet and Well that’s what your… bracelets also do. nothing more. Well, that’s at least, what No one knows where the energy disap- we were told, when it was given to us.” pears. It’s only a theory, but since energy “Diana!” Barbara, who had observed has not much mass, it might be absorbed and listened quitely, exclaimed. “Diana and stored by the material itself.” said something about Hephaestus.” “Call them handcuffs, Dr. Bowman,” “Yes,” Kara replied, the chain connect- Kara replied. “If I understand it correctly, ing ‘her’ bracelets was taut, but defeated according to your judgement there’s the incredible high tension easily. “Dr. nothing, I can do to get rid of them.” Bowman, what is this Adamant?” “I’m sorry, Linda. But that’s the way “A mythological material. According it is. I’m not even sure, if those handcuffs to ‘Prometheus bound’, which is an wouldn’t survive a nuclear explosion.” ancient tragedy attributed to Aeschy- “Great! But thanks anyway.” Kara was lus, it was the material the Greek not enthusiastic about their findings. God Hephaestus used to chain the titan “Dr. Bowman,” Barbara interjected, Prometheus to a Caucasian mountain.” when it deemed her, that everything “That’s just an old fairy tale. What is meaningful had been said, “you know, I’m it in reality, Dr. Bowman?” Kara inquired. a police officer and it’s my job to inves- “We still don’t know. This bracelet tigate, how this could have happen to was brought to London, although this Linda. It would be very helpful not to was forbidden by Greek laws, and exten- say essential for my investigastions, if you sively investigated there in total secrecy. I would not discuss this with anyony else in had done some work on super-strong ma- particular not with your colleagues.” terials. Under the condition, not to talk He smiled: “No problem, Barbara, to anybody about it – it was during the they don’t believe in Adamant anyway. cold war, ladies – I got access to it. How- But, although I could not help you, this ever the investigations had to be closed was a truly exciting evening for me, ladies. without results, except, that the material, I would give my right arm for talking to it was made from, dwarfs everything we the guy who’s forged these bracelets.” can create up to now.” He sighed. Kara’s mood had hit rock bottom and “Those data, we got, were never pub- did not improve, when the security man, 24 CHAPTER 3. APHRODITE’S BRACELETS who checked them out, asked her, if he Kara was not sure, if she could reach could date her in that outfit. She fixed the the mythical Island of Themyscira as the steel door of his office with a grim look, Amazons themselves call Paradise Island when they left. When he wanted to leave, at all. She had tried many years ago and he found, that someone had jammed the failed. A force field of unknown nature, door unnoticed by him with a few welds. but beyond Kryptonian power had de- nied her to approach the mythical Island. q Diana had told her much later, that this was a creation of the Gods installed to keep all kinds of aliens and humans in “That was a complete failure,” Bar- particular away from the island and that bara summarized their enterprise, after only the Amazons and the Gods them- they had returned to her apartment. selves of course were able to penetrate it. “No, Babs,” Kara managed to surprise her, “although I was very disappointed, However, Kara needed help in order that I still have to wear these cursed to get rid of those handcuffs and the only trace led directly to the Gods, who had bracelets, we have learned something. If it was indeed Hephaestus, who made them, provided the Amazons with their pow- we have to go to Paradise Island. If there ers ages ago. Since the Gods themselves is some knowledge about these, it can be were not present anymore, Paradise Is- found there. And I won’t give up.” land was the logical choice to start a re- “You have to go to Paradise Island.” search about anything related to them. “You don’t want to accompany me?” As far as Kara knew, neither Diana “I’ve the morning shift tomorrow.” nor any other Amazon had any back- “You let me to go alone to Paradise Is- ground knowledge about the technology land helpless like this?” Kara asked mock- of the Gods. Unlike Kara, who was a ingly and raised her joined hands. survivor of the high-tech-civilization of “You’re everything else then helpless, Krypton and had access to some technol- you can fly, you can…” Barbara objected. ogy beyond human knowledge, the Ama- zons were acquainted with some high- “Okay, I’ll fly alone,” Kara conceeded. tech devices at least partially even more “And I should try to find out through advanced than Kryptonian ones, but they official channels, how these came bracelets were not familiar with the principles, ac- to Gotham city. If they really stem from cording to which these actually worked. Hephaestus’ Temple in Athens, exca- vated forty years ago, how can it happen, The Gods themselves of course had that they appear in Gotham City today?” mastered their technology and the proof, that it was at least partially superior to the Kryptonian one just adorned her q wrists. Kara did not have have access 25 to much of the former Kryptonian high “Don’t you see, that I am fettered and tech anymore, but she had a database helpless? I am no threat to your island.” about it and from this she knew, that She protested against the treatment. those things, which held her wrists cap- “You have breached the shield of tive should be impossible to create, ac- Athena. You are a severe danger to our cording to the collective knowledge of community. Are there others like you?” Kryptonian scientists. But a God named “Ladies, if I would have had the inten- Hephaestus had proved long ago, that tion to attack you, do you think I would Kara’s ancestors were wrong on that. have arrived handcuffed? I’m Kara Zor-El The force field shielding Paradise Is- from Krypton. Diana knows me.” land from detection by human technol- “We don’t know you. We will bring ogy as well as the intruding of foreigners, you to Hippolyte, our queen, she will de- which were recognized and classified by cide, what to do with you. But be pre- unknown means, did not hide the Island pared, to be send to Tartaros, foreigner, from Kara’s superior Kryptonian senses. a prison nobody has ever escaped from.” But it had prevented her from setting her “Great!” Kara thought, “I delivered foot on Paradise Island, when she had at- myself into the fire directly out of the tempted to do so a few years ago. frying pan.” She was forced to kneel in Being aware of its hostile nature to front of Hippolyte the Amazon Queen, non-Amazons, she approached the force who looked a lot like an older, but still field carefully in flight, expecting to be re- attractive version of Diana. She resided pelled like at the last occasion, which was on a throne shaded by, what looked much presumably less painful if it happened at like a smaller, but intact version of the an- lower velocities. But to her surprise today cient Greek temple, that crowned the an- the force field did not take care about her. tique urban castle of Athens in Greece. The Amazons however reacted con- “Let her loose,” the Queen ordered. fused and terrified. Two warriors took the Her warriors obeyed, but stayed close by newcommer immediately into custody. in case, Kara should try something. Kara Zor-El was treated very roughly. “Who are you, foreigner? I was told, “Stop, ladies, I am not an enemy. I am that you breached the Shield of Pallas seeking for help,” she tried to convince Athena? This has never happened before her guardians, who had taken her by the and may be a hint of great danger to us!” elbows with a power only slightly weaker “I am Kara Zor-El from Krypton, than her own Kryptonian strength. Had your royal highness,” Kara replied bow- her hands been free, she might have been ing her head, “I am acquainted with your able to defend herself against this as- daughter, Princess Diana, and I came to sault, but human bones would have been Paradise Island seeking for help.” scrunched to peaces under their grep. “You claim to be acquainted with Di- 26 CHAPTER 3. APHRODITE’S BRACELETS ana? This can be verified quickly: Philea, mighty goddess let you pass, because you would you please call Diana?” She ad- are wearing those. Kara, the jewelry, you vised one of her companions, before she are wearing, is very old and priceless.” adressed Kara again. “You said you were “I am neither wearing them voluntar- seeking for help, Kara Zor-El. Yet you ily nor do I want to keep them.” Kara achieved something, no mortal ever man- replied, “I came here to get rid of them.” aged to do, you breached the impregnable “I am sorry, but we cannot help you, shield of the mighty Pallas Athena.” Kara,” Hippolyte expressed her regrets. “I honestly don’t know, why the shield “Unless you manage to obtain the key, did not prevent me from reaching your is- I fear, nobody can help you. Only Hep- land, your royal highness,” Kara declared, haestus is able to free you. Not even one “but I can assure you, that I did not of the other Gods is capable to do so.” come here to do any harm to anyone – “So my visit to Paradise Island will be quite contrary: It’s a personal problem of no avail?” Kara beared the new infor- of mine, your royal highness, for which mation with remarkable composure. I dare to ask for the help of your peo- “Don’t you want to know, what trea- ple. It’s these,” she extended her joined sures you are wearing?” Hippolyte asked. wrists. “I was shackled with these a few Kara shrugged. “Well, what are they?” days ago, and I can’t take them off.” “Hephaestus was once married to “And you think, Amazonian power Aphrodite, the Goddess of love. It was an can help?” Hippolyte asked the obvious. arranged marriage. Although he adored “No, your royal highness,” Kara her, she was not happy with him. I’m not replied, “Diana has already tried and she entitled to judge her motives, but she be- failed, as I did. But in the mean time I gan to date Ares, the God of War. Hep- found out, that they might have been ex- haestus learned about it and developed an cavated in Athens on Earth. They were invisible net, in which both were caught, presumably found in a cave under the when they slept with each other. He Temple of Hephaestus forty years ago.” brought them enroled in the net to the “Oh, that’s interesting, my dear,” Hip- other Gods, who laughed about them.” polyte stated. “Please, let me take a look “That story has been told by Homer, at them.” Kara raised herself. The war- it’s famous,” Kara replied knowingly. riors wanted to stop her, but Diana’s “Yes, but what has not been told mother waved them off, and Kara pre- by Homer, but was told to us by the sented the Amazonian Queen her hand- mighty Aphrodite herself, is the follow- cuffs, who eyed them very thoroughly. ing,” Hyppolyte declared. “Hephaestus “I think, you did not breach the shield thought about punishing her for cheating of Athena, Kara Zor-El,” Hippolyte said on him. He forged a pair bracelets joined gravely, “I think, that the shield of the by a short chain. Since the Gods by their 27 natural powers are able to defeat any- They were locked by a unique key Hep- thing, you can imagine, he used Adamant, haestus carried always with him and nei- the metal of the Gods, only Hephaestus ther the mighty Aphrodite herself nor mastered to create and forge. He actually any of the other Gods could help her to forged three bracelets, a conventional jewel get them off. Hephaestus and Aphrodite bracelet and the two lockable ones joined separated in peace centuries later, but by a short chain, you are wearing now.” she’s never cheated on him again.” “This sounds plausible, because I’ve “Is Hephaestus still alive and if where heard, that the jewel bracelet you men- does he live now?” Kara questioned. tioned was found there, too.” Kara said. “Nobody know’s. He’s immortal, so he “Well, the story goes as follows: He- should be alive, but where is not known, phaestus showed Aphrodite the jewel at least not to us,” was the reply. bracelet, and she was very fond of it. If “And why do these bracelets no handcuffs it’s loaded with power Adamant glows in- let me pass the force field, you call the comparably, it’s much more shining than shield of Athena,” Kara finally asked. highly polished silver, you should know. “Because they are made from the Since his wife was so fond of this bracelet, ‘Metal of the Gods’, Kara. Only the Gods he asked her, if she would like a sec- used this metal, usually for weapons and ond one to have a matching pair. He pre- amour, but also other things like those tended to need the first one as a master you are wearing. A sword of Adamant copy and took it away from her. A few cuts everything including our ‘Bracelets days later he offered her a surprise and of Submission’ or Diana’s ‘Lasso of Truth’ asked her to close her eyes. And it was a and very likely your bones, too, like but- surprise. When she opened her eyes, she ter, everything except Adamant itself. Ev- was wearing those bracelets, like you are eryone carrying something from Adamant wearing them now. When she found out, is regarded as a God or a missionary of that even her powers could not defeat the Gods, and the Shield of Athena will the chain keeping her hands together, she not stop him or her to reach this island.” objected heavily, clamored and threat- “Don’t you find it strange, that hand- ened to leave him, but the cuckolded God cuffs work as a passport to your otherwise beared up and did not change his mind.” well protected Island?” Kara asked sensi- “Well, that’s almost like I got them, bly. “I mean usually the bad guys get hand- except, that I saw what happened, but did cuffs and, as humans say, those are the last, not understand and allowed them to be I want to invite into my living room.” put on me,” Kara commented the narra- “Kara, you don’t understand, what tive. “Anyway, how did she get them off?” you are wearing,” Hippolyte replied. “She got them off, when Hephaes- “Those have been touched by a God- tus released her after seven Earth-years. dess for a long time and Adamant is able 28 CHAPTER 3. APHRODITE’S BRACELETS to store forms of energy beyond human treated us, after all we did for them.” comprehension. If you were human, you “Diana, there is a reason, why I’m might benefit by a considerable prolon- wearing those,” Kara said, “someone – gation of your life without aging or suf- and I don’t mean the police – wanted us fering from diseases, just because you’ve out of the way for some big coup. This is worn those bracelets for some time.” going to happen soon, because our sen- “I’m Kryptonian,” Kara said. “My tence wouldn’t have been anything other lifespan is much longer than humans’.” than one of acquittal. It would be better, “Diana’s told me about Kryptonians, if we had someone with your powers on and I admit, that your physical pow- our side, who’s not hampered like me.” ers and your technology are remarkable,” “The people of Gotham don’t deserve Hippolyte admitted. “But believe me, it’s my help,” Diana was very firm about this. nothing compared to the abilities of the “Diana, you don’t know the people of Gods – but there she is.” She referred to Gotham at all. They are by no means bet- Diana, who was approaching them. ter or worse than humans anywhere else. “High, Kara, nice to meet you. You’ve We fell victim to a scheme invented by still a problem with those cuffs?” Diana some criminal mastermind, not by the had arrived, greeted her and continued, people of Gotham,” Kara tried to argue. “Yes, mother, that’s Kara, better known “You still like the people of Gotham as Supergirl, a fellow fighter for justice.” ’though they did this to you?” Diana “So you indeed know each other,” asked, referring to Kara’s chained hands. Hippolyte stated please. Then she asked “Hell, Diana, it were not the people her daughter: “Did you know, that Kara’s of Gotham, who did this to me,” she ex- wearing the ‘Bracelets of Aphrodite’?” claimed. “I beg your pardon, your royal “No,” Diana replied, “I even didn’t highness,” she added when she saw how know, those still exist, although I found the Amazons around reacted to her curse. it remarkable, that Kara was not able to “Not even the police lieutenant, who put free herself from those. Her strength is them on me knew what he had done.” extra-ordinary, you must know.” “What you say, sounds reasonable, “Well,” Kara said, “since your peolple Kara,” Diana admitted after thinking have no means to free me, from those, Di- about it. “Maybe I should accompany you ana, I would appreciate, if you could ac- for a few days. After all I can’t leave you company me back to Gotham City.” helpless like this,” she said mockingly, “of “You know, why I don’t want to set my course, if you don’t object, mother?” foot into this inhospitable town again,” “Permission granted,” Hippolyte Diana rejeced her suggestion at once. replied with a warm smile. So the two “Because, the people there wanted to super-heroines headed back to Gotham. bring you to trial?” Kara guessed. “Because of that and the way they q Chapter 4

Investigations

Time flows slower on Paradise Island, The public relations officer got a tip, which is physically part of another uni- leading to the requirement for these cuffs verse with slightly different laws of na- for Kara’s public arrest from a raven ture. So Kara’s short visit there gave Bar- haired female police Sargent of report- bara three days for investigations on her edly pretty appearance, who could not be own. The first question was, how Kara’s found by description and presumably was special handcuffs had found their way into not a member of the Gotham force at all. the evidence vault. Presumably this had In addition Barbara found, that the happened not long ago and on purpose. director of the prison the two super- The receptionist was able to tell her, heroines were brought to, had collected that they had been confiscated two weeks some gambling debts, which mysteriously ago in minor case of theft, which was dissolved themselves before their intake. quickly solved and let to a fine for the The matron, who had processed them thief, an otherwise spotless saleswoman, turned out to be his wife, and after some named Sally Krane, working for an adult pressure from Barbara’s colleagues he ad- shop. While everything else – nothing re- mitted to have received the collar for markable among it – was claimed by the Supergirl and the precise prescriptions, owner of this shop, those bracelets were how to treat Diana from a mysterious not claimed and put in the excess storage. blond woman, who claimed to work for It was not difficult to find out, that his credit granter. After Barbara had elu- Sally Krane, who was fired afterwards, cidated these connections, the corrupted had worked for just two days in this shop, director and his wife were fired. had never existed as a real person and, To Barbara all these findings pointed that the adult shop sold nothing looking straight to one name – Catwoman, the even remotely similar to those bracelets. only woman criminal in town capable of

29 30 CHAPTER 4. INVESTIGATIONS developing such a plot. As Batgirl Barbara her a serious advice by her father, but it knew for sure, that Selina Kyle, a smart was also not strictly illegal and therefore and good-looking business woman, cur- qualified the subject to be used in court. rently working for Markham Inc. was the notorious Catwoman, but Gotham’s po- q lice and therefore Sargent Barbara Gor- The next morning the aforemen- don officially did not know that – there tioned Selina Kyle was on alert. At least was some evidence, but no proof. a dozen police officers were on the 127th Nevertheless in this case it deemed floor of Gotham’s Empire Tower, the her to be of importance to get her hands highest building in Gotham city, the top on Catwoman. Kidnapping Selina as Bat- of which was leased by Markham Inc. girl was not recommended. It was nei- More than a year ago she had been ther legal nor – without reinforcement hired as a secretary to Emmett Finch, the e.g. by Kara – a very promising option, right hand of James Markham himself, because the Cat had shown more than and she had done a good job so far. once, that she was a respectable combat- Long well-formed, muscular legs, ant, and waiting until there was an op- shoulder-long, full brown hair, a winning portunity to catch the Cat in action was smile and big and bright brown eyes had out of question – the Cat had never been done as much for winning this position as caught redhanded. For some reasons she a first rated degree from Havard, which did not want Batman to be involved, too. was still on top of America’s most pres- So Barbara decided to play a trump, tigous universities in economics. she had kept in store for quite some As always, when she entered her office time – a hair doubtlessly, acquired from she was dressed adequately, a high necked the feline villain in a former, still unre- white blouse, black shirt just covering her solved case of theft. If it could be proved, knees, black nylon stockings and moder- that this particular hair belonged to the ately high heels accented her splendid fig- business woman Selina Kyle, working for ure today without showing too much. Markham Inc., the D.A. would file a war- To get to the point she was an eye rant and if Catwoman was not aware of catcher. But her male as well as her fe- this in time, they would have her. male colleagues had learned very fast, A hair of Miss Kyle for the purpose of that the sportive beauty with the warm comparison could easily be obtained by smile was much more than Emmett Barbara on a ‘private’ visit in her office Finch’s anteroom pet, although none of as a member of the regular cleaning crew. them would have believed, that she was Her method of choice to acquire the de- the legendary woman in the catsuit. sired evidence was not in full agreement A hard worker, tough in discussion, with police regulations, and this earned sharp minded and gifted with the ability 31 to pinpoint the week spot in someones even wider. She played the innocent vic- argument, she had soon earned a certain tim very well. “This must be a mistake. reputation and manœvered herself in the I got a speeding ticket three month ago, position to climb up the career ladder. but that was paid immediately.” All this was on stake now. They were “This is not about speeding, Miss definitely after here. What mistake could Kyle,” Derringer explained. “You are un- she have made? There was no trace from der suspicion to be involved into six cases the notorious Catwoman to the spotless of capital theft over the last three years.” business woman. To flee or to face what “That’s impossible. You have the was about to come was the question. wrong person,” she objected convinc- Unfortunately the first alternative was ingly. But the lieutenant began to recite not an option anymore – they were every- the obligatory Miranda-statement. Then where. That saved her from making a de- he cued Barbara: “Do your duty Sargent.” cision. She took a seat behind her desk, She approached Selina and produced formed a rhombus with her fingers and a pair of hinged high-security handcuffs. awaited the inevitable. Finally lieutenant They had safety locks with unique keys, Derringer and Sargent Barbara Gordon that blocked the double locks. These entered the anteroom of Mr. Finch office. were the best restraints the department “Miss Selina Kyle?” The big man in the had in store, but Barbara doubted, that uniform of a lieutenant addressed her. those were sufficient to hold the Cat. “That’s me. Good morning, Madam,” “Handcuffs? For me? Come on lieu- she nodded to Barbara, before she di- tenant. What can a small woman like me rected her eyes back to lieutenant Der- do against a couple of big guys,” Selina ringer. “Sir – what can I do for you? tried to make it sound mockingly. Mr. Finch is…,” she pretend, that she as- “It’s a service regulation, Miss Kyle,” sumed, that this was a visit to her boss. lieutenant Derringer explained seriously. “This is Sargent Gordon, I am lieu- “Nothing personal. Political correctness tenant Derringer, Gotham Police,” a requires, that we treat all our prisoners deep male voice used to command cut her equally. Maybe you’ve heard about it.” words off. “Miss Kyle, we’re not here to “You guys are kinky, right? Okay I will visit Mr. Finch. We came to see you.” participate in the show,” she raised her- “Me? – Idon’t know, what you expect. self and extended her wrists, hands tilted But I’m Mr. Finch’s receptionist. I don’t outwards. “Put those bracelets on me, I’m see, how I might be of any help to you.” not going to offer any resistance.” “We are not seeking for help, Miss “I am sorry, Miss Kyle, in your case Kyle,” the lieutenant made clear. “I’m those go on to the back,” Barbara inter- sorry, but we’ve a warrant for your arrest.” vened, “would you please turn around.” “What?” The big brown eyes grew “As you wish, this way then.” Selina 32 CHAPTER 4. INVESTIGATIONS complied, turned in a fluent move on her cause you any trouble,” Selina said heels and presented her hands, wrists to- quickly. Reluctantly Barbara had to set gether. Barbara fitted her with the special aside her own concept of proper restraint. handcuffs scheduled for this purpose. She clicked them down two notches tighter q than necessary and engaged the double locks secured by a tiny security key. The Cat was given into the custody Although she had chosen the most se- of two badged officers, and the warrant cure cuffs in use by the Gotham police, she for searching her office was executed – was well aware, that those were not of the without success. No further evidence was same quality as her own bat-cuffs, which found. However when they drove back, the Cat had defeated more than once. they heart over police radio, that Selina But security locks required sophisti- Kyle had escaped on her transport from cated picks and, since they had caught her Empire Tower to the police headquarter. off guard and she had applied them with Both accompanying officers had been the key holes facing upwards, there was knocked out so quickly, that they were some hope, that those cuffs could provide not even able to tell who had done this. a challenge even for the Cat. She fetched Her handcuffs were found opened, but un- a pair of short chain leg-irons too, but to her damaged in the back of the police cruiser. chagrin her superior stopped her. Unfortunately shortly after this there “We won’t make a show of it, Sargent. was an “accident” in the laboratory where Miss Kyle is secured according to the reg- the genetic comparison had been per- ulations, that’s enough. Could you please formed, which did not cause much dam- place a jacket over her shoulders. Not ev- age, but burned the just single hair, they eryone has to see, that she’s handcuffed.” could connect to Catwoman, and all the “Thank you, Sir,” Selina said quickly records about it. Barbara fumed: The Cat with a winning smile, “that’s very kind.” was well-known to be good in her profes- “But, Sir,” Barbara objected, “if she’s, sion, but here Selina had delivered a true who we suspect her to be, and I’m masterpiece in finding out where the evi- shure about this, she’s very dangerous. I dence against her came from and how to strongly recommend leg-irons and an addi- eliminate it in no time. To her chagrin her tional pair of handcuffs for her elbows.” next move was of similar quality. “We don’t want to exaggerate this, Barbara’s mood was not raised, when Sargent. Miss Kyle has collaborated ex- she heard, that Miss Kyle had entered the emplary. Put the jacket of her over her D.A.’s office two hours later, accompa- shoulders, and then let’s go.” He made it nied by one of James Markham’s most sound definitely, and he was in charge. expensive lawyers and claimed, that she “Thank you, Sir. I promise, I won’t had been liberated against her will by a 33 masked woman, who was dressed like the lowed and raised her index finger. “I have famous Batgirl. She asserted perkily, that the impression, that it turns you guys on, she had rejected the caped crusader’s of- to see me helpless in all those chains.” fer to free her and that she wanted to de- “I’m too old for this, gal,” the man an- liver herself back into custody voluntarily swered. “and I don’t believe your story. in order to prove her innocence. You’ve escaped once, and I don’t want, “I submit myself to the justice of the that this happens a second time.” authorities of Gotham City, in faith, that “But it wasn’t me, it was Batgirl, who a fair trial will prove my innocence and re- liberated me against my will – ouch, store my reputation as a spotless citizen,” you are ruining my stockings,” Selina she stated forthrightly into the acciden- protested, when he fixed the next steel cir- tally present camera, her big brown eyes clet around her slender ankle and pinching looking like personated ingenue, while a her silk stockings within its ratchet. man of the badged force cruelly applied “Would you keep your legs a little bit a pair of massive hinged handcuffs to her more together?” The old man asked in- demonstratively extended, slender wrists. stead of an answer. With a sigh she com- “Officer, these bracelets are really not plied and the second circlet noisily closed necessary,” she announced nonchalantly, around her other ankle. There was less after the camera was shut off. “I’m here than a foot of chain joining these anklets. voluntarily, so I’ve hardly any intention to The Cat raised one leg only slightly ac- flee,” she argued not unreasonably. companied by a jingle, estimated her de- “You are waisting your time, lady,” the gree of freedom, made an intentionally old man said, “I trained Officer Gordon, clumsy move forward, stumbled and al- who arrested you, and, if she think’s you most fell – and this looked authenically. are guilty, you are guilty for me too. So Barbara, who had the opportunity would you please turn around, Mam.” or displeasure to watch her great en- “Officer, we both know, that I will trance from nearby, had her own opin- leave the court as a free woman. These ion about it. This woman, who was able bracelets are just for show.” The old man to do things, Barbara had had to learn took his time to set the double locks. by hard training, almost effortless, had al- “No, Lady, they are required by regu- ways managed to bring her to the boiling lations. Those are for peo ple we think to point. She would have given a lot to put be dangerous,” he said and showed her a this particular villain into a small lightless pair of short chain-liked leg-irons. He knelt cell and throw the keys away. Unfortu- in order to apply them to her ankles. nately today this was not going to happen. Mockingly she stretched her freshly “Officer, I can’t walk in all these joined hands as far as the steel circlets chains,” she complained heartbreakingly. around her wrists and the waist chain al- “No problem, Sargent Miller, will as- 34 CHAPTER 4. INVESTIGATIONS sist you.” Barbara grinned. She got at least strating how helpless she was, in particu- a show for her interrogation. Selina was lar to impress the male recording clerk. presented in full hardware, hinged hand- Barbara refused again to do that and cuffs, the high-security model, attached to confronted her with the evidence, they a waist-chain, the locks covered by a metal had, knowing that the only substantial box and leg-irons connected by a short proof had been destroyed already. If it chain, in summary, everything Gotham’s recquired a proof, that it had been the force had in store for high risk criminals. Cat, who did this, her prisoner smiled at her, after she’d put her cards on the table. q “Miss Kyle, you’ve been identified with the criminal publicly known as “Miss Kyle, you agreed to this inter- Catwoman with a probability of more rogation without legal assistance, because than 99%,” she concluded, “and I am you claim to be innocent,” Barbara an- sure you’ll agree with me after all, that nounced formally, when Selina was led this criminal deserves these chains you’re into her office. “We don’t believe in this. wearing, so let’s come to the point.” I’ve to inform you, that our conversa- “This is completely ridiculous, Sar- tion will be recorded and that all evidence gent, I’ve neither heard about this ‘cat- emerging from it, will be used in court woman’ before nor done anything of against you. Do you understand this?” these awful things, you accused me of.” “Yes, this is fine, because I have to Selina continued to play the innocent make a complaint first. I was not only business woman. “I can only repeat, overloaded with physical restraints,” Selina you’ve the wrong woman. This evidence, yanked on her chains, “although I deliv- you claim to have against me, is wrong ered myself into custody to clarify this and it won’t stand proof on trial.” misunderstanding. But these were not “Please spare us the small-talk, Kitty- taken off even, after I was locked into a Cat, I’ve good reasons to assume, that jail-cell. I protest against this treatment. the recent accusations against Wonder After all I haven’t killed the president.” Woman and Supergirl originated in a con- “Miss Kyle, we’ve very good reasons to spiracy and, that it was you, who’s be- treat you this way. I can assure you, it’s hind this,” Barbara stated. “This was well in agreement with the law,” Barbara re- planned and has had a negative impact on jected the allegation, “please take a seat.” the security of this city already. There- “Sargent, someone wants to ruin me, fore I want to know, why you wanted to but you’ve the wrong woman. I didn’t do take these two benefactors of Gotham at something wrong and I don’t deserve all least temporarily out of action.” these chains. Please take them off, Sar- “As far as I know from the news these gent.” She made a good show, in demon- ‘two benefactors of Gotham’ are on the 35 run after they’d been lawfully arrested,” stroyed by Supergirl by now, turned out Selina retorted. “Why don’t you go after to be an invaluable relict, which was lost them instead of putting an innocent lit- long ago,” Barbara explained. “Tell me at tle secretary like me into all these chains?” least, from whom you obtained this.” She stressed her point. “But this is pre- “Since we are talking about handcuffs,” sumable beyond your capabilities.” Selina replied, “I want those off, now. Ei- “You are anything else than an in- ther you take yours of me now or I won’t nocent little secretary, Kitty-Cat, and tell you anything.” The cat had changed you can complain about your ‘jewelry’ as tactics, but not told her anything yet. long as you want, I won’t remove it. Get “That’s the wrong order, Kitty-Cat,” used to it,” Barbara replied. “We both Barbara clarified, who was in charge. know it was you, who organized every mi- “First you’ll give me some information nor detail in the two superheroine’s arrest e.g. about those cuffs, you provided for Su- personally and the only thing I want to pergirl, and then, I may consider to take know from you now is, why you did it.” yours off for the rest of this interrogation. “Isn’t it inappropriate for a police Sar- Up to now you’ve delivered nothing.” gent, to call these fugitives ‘benefactors’ “Why are you so interested in those and ‘heroines’?” Selina played her cho- handcuffs? Could it be, that even the om- sen rôle convincingly. “Obviously no one nipotent super-criminal, was not able to here cares about the fact, that two poten- get them off?” Selina smiled. For the first tially very dangerous fugitives with super- time the Cat had slightly lifted her mask. powers are running free in Gotham.” “As I told you, we assume, that “Aspecial task force takes care of this, they’ve been destroyed by Supergirl, who Kitty-Cat. What I want to know from couldn’t know, that they are an invaluable you is, why you undertook all this ef- historical artifact. I just want to know fort to create a chart house of ill-founded how, they came into your possession.” charges although you know, that those “Look Sargent, I don’t know anything will break down soon,” Barbara inquired. about it, except what was in the news. I “As a common citizen I thought, that think this conversation is useless.” This it’s up to a judge to decide, if charges are was it. Selina would not tell her anything. pressed correctly or not, but the Gotham “I’m very sure, that you’ve nothing to police force…” This woman was nuisance, hold me here for more than a day and I in Barbara’s opinion she had always been. can’t tell you things, I don’t know about.” “Here’s another plain question, Kitty- Catwoman had refused to give any an- Cat,” Barbara interrupted her. “When swers. Barbara wished, she would have ac- Supergirl was arrested, you provided even cess to a medieval torture chamber, but the handcuffs for this show event. Actually since she had no substantial evidence, the latter, which are are presumably de- there was no legal way to get something 36 CHAPTER 4. INVESTIGATIONS out of the Cat, who knew this, too. stroyed, the evidence against Miss Kyle “Okay, Miss Kyle, raise yourself,” Bar- was not sufficient to win the case and that bara said, “you’re waisting my time. Since the D.A. had decided to drop all charges. you don’t want to cooperate, you can play Instead he had suggested a formal inquiry for the next few hours with your ‘charm about Batgirl’s possible entaglement. bracelets’,” Barbara said and wanted to di- rect her out of the interrogation room. q “How’s Supergirl doing, with her With respect to another line of in- ‘charm bracelets’, Bat?” Selina whispered vestigations Barbara was more successful. in passing, so that only she could hear it. According to her research, the gambling “Your little plan failed, Kitty-Cat. debts accumulated by the former prison She’s ripped them off. They were not director over several years had been accu- strong enough to hold a real super- mulated almost without exception in il- heroine,” Barbara whispered back. “But legal betting offices run by the Penguin, she’ll not be amused, if she gets to know, who was known to have a certain affinity who’s the one, who put them on her. I to Catwoman, and, it had definitely been don’t want to be in your shoes right now. him, who had cleared off all debts. Kryptonians are very resentful.” Selina’s To Barbara this meant, it had been cool expression faded a little bit, and that him, who had also hired the Cat, who was was at least a little reward for Barbara. known to be independent, to take care After just two hours, she had to spend about Supergirl and Wonder Woman. But in her small jail cell, Selina was driven to what was he up to? As far as she knew, court, still in handcuffs and leg-irons, but in there had been no conspiracy against Bat- a police cruiser, not in the regular prison man or herself, although Batman had bat- transport, which spared her the cameras. tled the Penguin more often than anyone As usual the judge ordered her re- else. Why were Batman and herself not straints to be removed in court room and, regarded a threat to the planned opera- since she had no criminal record and had tion, why only Kara and Diana? proved her intention to cooperate with Gotham’s underworld had suffered the authorities by her voluntarily return, heavily recently. Poison Ivy and Amba he saw no reason to keep her in custody. Kadiri were only the most prominent fig- The bail was ridiculously low, so that she ures from Gotham’s honorable society, could pay it from her own money imme- who had been arrested recently, more or diately and leave court as a free woman. less by Batman and Robin. Robin had Barbara’s mood, which had not hit been badly injured during the danger- rock bottom yet, was “improved” even ous ride. But the gangs of Gotham and further, when the D.A.’s office told her, those criminals, who were not organized that without the hair, which had been de- in gangs, like the Cat ought to be on alert. 37

There were signs of a temporary al- It was debated in the media, if it was liance formed by several villains and super legal to treat the two women this way. villains and their followers in order to ex- Every time pictures were shown of Poi- ert revenge on the Dark Knight and the son Ivy shuffling around in handcuffs at- Gotham police department. Gotham’s tached to her waist by a steel chain and badged and unbadged force was well short chained leg-irons, although she was aware of that. Something was going on in confined in a gas proof tank only con- town, but concrete information was rare, nected to the rest of the world by a cais- and the usual sources were unreliable. son lock, constructed to confine her. The conclusion, that the recent oper- Even more public attention gained ation against Diana and Kara mainly con- Amba Kadiri, the “Indian snake woman”. ducted by Catwoman according to Bar- The latter was kept in special cell-cage, bara’s opinion was only part of some big- only a few yards in diameter. But she still ger operation, was not implausible, and wore the bat-cuffs Batman had used to ar- some precautions had been taken. rest her. Two pairs of chain-linked bat-cuffs Batman had reacted to the recent secured her arms behind her back, one news already and arranged, that the badly pair on the wrists and the other directly injured Robin was transferred to a foreign above her elbows. In addition an over- hospital in an unknown country, where sized pair of bat-cuffs secured her ankles, he should be able to recover safely, which allowing her only tiny steps on bare feet. was assumed to take several month. This had attracted a lot of public in- Likewise Barbara’s father had finished terest, because in contrast two Poison negotiations to transfer Poison Ivy and Ivy’s trial, which took place in the prison, Amba Kadiri to a high security prison in where her tank was located, hers was Metropolis, which provided better secu- held in public and those restraints were rity and even more importantly was pre- never removed, which meant, that she ap- sumable outside the “operation area” of peared on screen with them in place reg- most of Gotham’s well-known criminals. ularly in the morning and evening news. The judge’s ruling, to keep her like q this for security reasons, was heavily de- bated in the public news and human The latter operation had a top level rights activist had filed several request to security classification, so that Jim Gor- terminate this inhuman treatment of the don refused to tell any details, even to small and innocent looking woman. his daughter. Security for Poisson Ivy and While Amba Kadiri indeed looked Amba Kadiri was at top level anyway. small and innocent, an impression further Both villains were kept under physical re- underlined by her refusal, to wear any- straint and in the strictest isolation. thing more than a bikini swimsuit and her 38 CHAPTER 4. INVESTIGATIONS habit to walk barefoot, she was almost as As a rule during the trial the following dangerous in direct combat as the Cat. routine had been established: Two mus- But While Catwoman had never cle packed police officers trained in mar- killed someone, except if her own life was tial arts took the Indian Snake woman in serious danger, to Amba Kadiri the life out of her cell-cage and marched her to of other people meant nothing. She was an armored transporter, inside which her capable of killing a strong man with a sin- shackles were secured via padlocks. gle stroke of her develish steel claws, and At least four officers accompanied the she had proved this several times. transport, which was itself escorted by The latter had been removed, after four police police cruisers while other of- she was arrested, but it had been her, who ficers guarded the route. When they ar- had injured Robin severely, before Bat- rived at the shielded entrance of the court man had been able to overpower her. house. Amba Kadiri was taken out of the Nevertheless during her trial for the van and had to shuffle to her cage. Her media it had been an attractive show shackles were fixed to the bars via pad- to capture this beautiful woman, wear- locks, then the cage was closed. ing nothing more than the bikini swim Only when this had been affirmed, the suit, shuffling into the court room every judge, the jury, lawyers and accredited re- morning and shuffling out every evening. porters were allowed to enter the court But the Judge was firm: Although her room. Amba Kadiri endured all this sto- woman lawyer, a high profile defense at- ically without showing any reaction or torney from Metropolis, hired by dubious saying a word. She did not answer ques- figures of the Gotham underground de- tions or show any reaction. She rested in- manded this violently, the Amber Kadiri side her cage like a meditating Buddha. was never released from her bondage. But, when Batman took the stand, – Responsible for this decision was a he was allowed to protect his identity by video taken and provided by Batman wearing his famous outfit – the blandy showing her slicing Robins throat, with snake woman showed a hefty reaction. blood floating down in streems. The lat- She reared up in her shackles, pure hate ter had barely survived the attack. But the in her eyes and said in clear English, but Judge as well as the jury had seen it and with an inhumanly low voice. “Scarecrow, did not feel comfortable about this quick you are dead. I’ll rip you into pieces.” moving killer sitting just a few feet away. These were the only words spoken by So the dock had been transformed Amba Kadiri during her trial. Batman’s into a man sized cage with an inch thick mouth smiled mockingly, but his eyes did bars and the defendant had to kneel in not smile, when he replied in an equally this cage – she had insisted to kneel on low voice, “I’ll be to your disposal, if you a mattress – with her shackles in place. can afford the time – anywhere, anytime.” 39

She had been sentenced to twenty On this list was a start requested by years, while Poison Ivy got forty. Her trial Gotham Police with her father – Gotham did not catch so much attention because police commissioner James Gordon him- it was held within the facility, where she self – as the primary contact person. It was imprisoned, without public covering. was suspicious, that her father was men- tioned at all – normally he would have del- q egated it to some subordinate – and of course, that he had not told her about it. Barbara’s father was not happy about Actually for Barbara it had been much Amba Kadiri’s public trial either, but the easier to obtain this information, the mayor had insisted on it. He once re- Penguin presumably also had obtained by marked to his daughter, that half of the now, before – she knew her fathers pass- force had been out of action for almost words, and he did not know about this. three weeks just to secure a trial, which could have been finished within two days. The Gotham police department Although Barbara could not rule out, planned to transfer the two super villains that Gotham’s underworld was aiming at by airplane to Metropolis in three days. something else with the recent actions, This close and dagger operation was nat- she was convinced, that it was concerned urally classified as top secret. But obvi- with the arrest and conviction of those ously the details had been leaked already. two of its most prominent members. Barbara found the facts, gathered up What had caught her attention in par- to now, interesting enough to inform Bat- ticular was a flight list for proposed night man. Bruce Wayne listened to her ar- starts from Gotham Airport, discovered guments and replied. “I agree, the Pen- in the office of one of the Penguins book- guin and his companions are up to some- makers. This copy of a secret internal thing around this flight. Assuming they document was most likely acquired by don’t want to sabotage the plane or shoot bribing or blackmailing some official. it down, they have to strike either at Since Gotham like other boom-towns Gotham or at Metropolis airport.” had grown over the years, the outskirts “But this makes no sense,” Barbara had reached the airport and the people objected, “my father and his colleague in living there by now fought a long-lasting Metropolis have entered into an agree- legal war against night flights. While ment with the US-Army to guard both courts had denied a strict prohibition of airports, and, as adventurous the Penguin night flight, they had ordered to reduce and his henchmen might be, combating them to a minimum, and it required a the Army is beyond their capabilities.” properly founded request, filed at least “Well I think, we can be sure, that this two weeks in advance to get a plane off won’t be a direct attack. But we have to the ground between 11 pm and 6 am. guard the takeoff and landing anyway. I 40 CHAPTER 4. INVESTIGATIONS will be in Metropolis around this time for land right now. She hopes that the Ama- business negotiations, if you could watch zons might be able to free her from ‘her’ the takeoff, it will be fine. What worries bracelets.” Upon his insistance, she told me most, requires a different approach.” Batman the rest of the story, the whole “What do you mean?” Barbara asked. story, except for the not unimportant “I suspect, that they’ll have someone fact, that the Cat was involved, too. The on the plane,” the Dark Knight explained Dark Knight rarely interrupted her. his thoughts. “and presumably your fa- “I agree with your conclusions,” the ther will not allow you or me to be on this Dark Knight finally said. “The ‘honor- plane, too, in order to counter this.” able’ society plans to free Poisson Ivy and “Hell, no. He doesn’t even know, that the steel clawed Indian snake. Since we I know about this flight. He thinks, that both cannot get onto this plane, the most only a few men, he selected personally, important question is: Do you think, we know about the details of this operation.” can count on Kara or Diana in time?” “Would it help to tell him, that the “I know neither, when Kara will be Penguin knows?” Batman asked frankly. back, nor, if the Amazon’s have been able “Not really,” Barbara replied. “I think, to help her, nor, if she will have convinced it’s already too late, to cancel the thing.” Diana to accompany her. I guess, Diana is “Then we have to rely either on Kara still upset because of her recent arrest.” or Diana, better on both” Batman drew “And Kara may not be willing to do the logical conclusion. “They can fly.” something, if she’s still handcuffed,” Bat- “Kara’s to Paradise Island to seek for man mused. “it’s still strange to imagine, help,” Barbara delivered the bad news, that Kara’s handcuffed. But anyway, I will “and I don’t know, if she will support us.” talk to Superman, if he can help us, just “Is she still upset, because she was ar- in case the two won’t be available. I’ll fly rested?” Batman asked the obvious. to Metropolis tomorrow. The plane with “No, she’s handcuffed,” Barbara replied the two villains takes off in three days. with a grin, which was not visible for him. You should guard Gotham’s airport, while “What? She’s Supergirl, nothing I’ll have a look at the one of Metropolis at made by humans can hold her.” His voice this time and the rest is up to our Kryp- revealed to her that this was one of the tonian and Amazonian friends. Give me a rare occasions, on which she had man- call, if you hear something new in partic- aged to take Bruce Wayne by surprise. ular, if and when Kara will be available. I “But ‘her’ handcuffs are not human- don’t know if Clark can afford the time to made. They have probably been manufac- support us. We’ll hear from each other.” tured by an ancient Greek God named Hephaestus, and even Kara can’t take them off. That’s why she’s on Paradise Is- q Chapter 5

An accidental Acquisition

Later, much later, after they had be- when she learned that she had no chance come more than friends, the former to recover. Although their acquaintance Selina Kyle aka Catwoman told Bruce had been only short, they understood Wayne aka Batman, how she had come each other, and Selina had begun to build into posession of “Aphrodite’s Bracelets”. up a positive relationship to her mother. Selina did not have the opportunity She paid and still cares for her grave. to know her mother very well. The lat- When she found out, what had really ter had been a rape victim and more or happened, she took part in a class action less the result of this crime had been her. lawsuit against Morgan, which was dis- When she was a little child, she had hated missed, wrongfully dismissed. Therefore her mother, because she had rejected her she decided to let Morgan pay for it, if and given her in care of an orphanage. not for her mother, who was dead already, But when Selina grew older, she un- then for the others, he had harmed, too. derstood, that her mother did not re- This happened, long before she even- ally hate her child, but her biological fa- tually became Catwoman. So she still ther for, what he had done to her. There- had to learn much about tricking people. fore she began to look after her mother But Selina was clever and good-looking. with the limit means available a teenager. Changing her hair-color from brown to When she finally found her, she was al- black, adding eyeglasses with window ready very ill, poisoned by the waste, a glass, a blouse, which emphhasized her heinous Rupert Morgan had knowingly feminine attributes accordingly without had build some his tenements upon. revealing too much, a skirt ending above Many of his tenants just became sick, her knees and a pair of high heels, accen- but her mother, whose health was not tuating her well formed legs, transformed the best at this time, committed suicide, her into every straight man’s dream.

41 42 CHAPTER 5. AN ACCIDENTAL ACQUISITION

Utilizing her no less respectable com- quired a certain wealth after an affair with puter skills – another useful knowledge Rupert Morgan, who could afford this. from her university education – she man- aged to appear as Angelina Meyers, a so- q ciety journalist, on the invitation list of Occasionally Selina introduced her- one of Morgan’s famous private parties. self respectively her fake identity to Mr. These parties were not private at all. Morgan, spreading subtle hints, how im- More or less everyone, who belonged pressed she was by Morgan’s wealth and to Gotham’s high society or could make power, pretending to be an easy target of some creditable believe, he belonged to his male craving for reputation. these circles, was invited. Some journal- Up to then she had not decided how ists, who could be trusted to report only, to proceed. Selina was already a master- what these people expected to read about grade lock-picker, a former hobby, which themselves, were also well received. should become a valuable skill later, but It did not require the mental abilities by no means an expert in cracking safes of a genius to draw the conclusion, that or security systems and she had not man- the guest list was long enough, that nei- aged to obtain more than a building plan ther Mr. Morgan himself nor one of his of Morgan’s mansion, which did not show subservients could know everyone, who the details and security installations. attended the party, or at least could con- Her original plan had been to gather nect a name to every partygoer’s face. here and now the information she con- Incidentally a newspaper of Gotham’s sidered indispensable to break into Mor- omnipresent rainbow press employed a gan’s mansion and more important to society reporter name Angelina Meyers, leave it unrecognized and unharmed. But who superficially looked like Selina in her Morgan’s interest in her or rather her new attire, but was occupied differently body provided a much simpler oppor- at the time. To obtaine a corresponding tunity to obtain, what according to her press ID and a faked driving license was judgment he owed his former tenants. only a minor problem for someone, who “I’m not a material girl,” she remarked could match Selina’s computer-skills. in passing after the small talk, “but there’s This way she had managed to ap- one thing I envied your wife. She wore a pear on the party, held in Morgan’s man- marvelous necklace, when she accompa- sion, which was big enough to host a nied you to the president’s dinner.” folk festival. The unknown beauty natu- “You mean the ‘Stars of Gotham’,” rally caught the eye of Mr. Morgan, who Morgan replied with a knowing predator had a certain reputation as a lady-killer. smile, “yeah, that’s a fine peace of jewelry, Widespread Rumors said, that more than costed me quite a few bucks. You have an one of Gotham’s local starlets had ac- exquisite and expensive taste, girl.” 43

“Fine is an understatement, Mr. Mor- “Well Angelina, if we take some pre- gan,” Selina replied, “it’s simply gorgeous. cautions, I think we can make an excep- It looked exactly like the jewelry, I pre- tion,” he tried to lure her. “I might let tended to wear, when I played a princess you wear these gems for a few minutes, in my childhood dreams. The thought to provided you won’t tell my wife about it touch something so marvelous still ex- – Lucinda can be very jealous, you know.” cites me, but in my profession the salary “What do I have to do for it?” She of a lifetime is not sufficient for making a asked directly aware of his intentions. deposit on buying something like this.” “The sight of a beautiful young girl “Would you like to wear them, for a like you wearing them will be enough re- few minutes, at least?” Morgan swallowed ward for my old eyes.” Selina looked into the lure and gloated over the imagination, his lustful eyes and did not believe a single that it was him, who was about to catch a word, but the opportunity foreshadowed fish. “They are here in this house.” Selina by these words was too tempting. did nothing to correct his thoughts. “I know, that I shouldn’t do this,” she “Wow,” she canted surprise, “I said carefully, “but I would regret it for thought something so valuable would be the rest of my life. Mr. Morgan, you know kept in bank safes all the time and taken how to twist a girl around your finger.” out only for very special opportunities.” “I await you at the door, in the saloon “You are right, but there are some in half an hour,” he replied conspiratori- things my wife and I don’t want to sep- ally. “It leads to our private quarters.” arate from. So we installed a burgle-proof “I will be there, Mr. Morgan,” she safe with all safety-precautions requested replied, and she was there, but not as by the insurance,” Morgan told her totally the easy prey, he expected. Morgan let unaware of his guest’s true intentions. the beautiful self-proclaimed avenger to a “And if you would fetch this gems for private elevator. It took them up together me, you would have to shoot me in order to a floor where his office was located. to protect these secrets,” Selina replied. Behind the door was an antechamber, “No, Mr. Morgan, wearing this necklace where occasionally his private secretary might have been a dream of mine even be- might be situated, if Morgen choose to fore I knew, that they really existed, but work here, and the office itself. He went I know, where I belong in this life.” directly to a small safe and opened it. It had a simple combination lock. She could “I have a weakness for beautiful not see the numbers, but it opened up. woman, Angelina,” Rupert Morgan threw his net. “I may call you Angelina?” q “Of course, Sir.” She treated him with the level of deference a man in his posi- But instead of the “Stars of Gotham” tion expected, but not a stitch more. he produced, what looked like a pair of 44 CHAPTER 5. AN ACCIDENTAL ACQUISITION black iron manacles linked by a short chain “No of course not. But these are ev- and a tiny key. Selina was really baffled. erything else than a pair of common hand- “Believe it or not, but this is my most cuffs. My father hired a specialist to inves- valuable possession, Angelina,” Rupert tigate them. They are far stronger than Morgan stated, ignoring her wide open any material known to science today. eyes, that expressed disbelieve. “They are Even Superman couldn’t break them,” he more valuable than all this jewelry stored advertised, what Selina considered a clod- in the safe over there,” he said pointing dish trap for young, innocent girls. to a back door leading to another room “This sounds very interesting, Mr. behind his huge personal writing table. Morgan, however didn’t you want to There was an almost imperceptible hint, show me the family jewels or should I that he wanted her to wear them. say crown jewels? Their fame is legendary “What? That’s a pair of handcuffs,” She comparable only to those of the British had expected anything but this. Was this Royal family,” she tried to distract him. a joke or did he really believe, she would “Well there are two or three other col- be so stupid to let him put those on her? lections, which might compare well to “No, Angelina, those are the ‘Bracelets those,” he conceded flattered and cajoled. of Aphrodite’ ”, Morgan stated seriously, “But not in Gotham,” Selina replied. “two out of three of them. My father got ”Please, Mr. Morgan, you promised to them from Garry Marsdon, a highly rec- show me the marvelous necklace your ognized British archaeologist and special- wife wore on the presidents dinner.” ist for the ancient Greek culture. He be- “Right, I promised, Angel,” Morgan lieved, that the Greek Gods were a race of said hesitatingly. “But my insurance agent extraterrestrials with technical capabili- will kill me, if I open the safe in the pres- ties far ahead of our own, even now.” ence of a foreign person. You must not see He made this sound very important. the combinations and precautions.” However, at this time Selina was utterly “Put a blindfold on me then, this scarf convinced, that these were just a kind of over there will do,” she suggested point- cheap sex toy and that the dirty old man ing at the garment over a chair, which had wanted to trick her into putting them on been discarded obviously by its owner. in order to deal with her, as he pleased. “You won’t pull it off?” He sounded “Nevertheless, this is plainly a pair of dubious, but Selina was not easy to fool. handcuffs, small handcuffs made for women. “Woman scout’s word of honor, Mr. You don’t think about putting handcuffs Morgan, pleeeaaase!” She tried to look on me. Do you?” She formulated it care- like a college coed, who was eager to see fully. She had read his face and knew, that those jewels, and was quite good in it. this was a condition sine qua non. But she “Okay, let’s make a compromise. did not want to make it too easy for him. You’ll sit down on this chair, and I’ll put 45 this blindfold and ‘Aphrodite’s Bracelets’ on her heals and bowed forward, her wrist on you, then I’ll fetch the necklace, you’re stuck out in parallel behind her back – a so fond of, and you may wear them for fluent move only the Cat was capable to five minutes without blindfold. After that perform in perfect limberness like this. they go back in the safe, I’ll take the “Better, Officer?” She whispered bracelets off, and we will join the party mockungly. Her voice was dulcet. He al- again. I might already be missed, you most drolled when he closed the bracelets know.” He was trying to push her. with distinct clicks around her wrists, “I don’t know, Sir,” Selina replied, locked them and finally removed the key. “wearing a blindfold is okay, but those “Now you are wearing, ‘Aphrodite’s handcuffs scare me. I’ve never worn hand- Bracelets’, Angelina. Not many woman hve cuffs.” Back then it was the plain truth. had the opportunity to wear them. How “Oh, it will be an interesting experi- does it feel?” She took a look at them, ence, believe me. Besides these are no stretching the connecting chain to its handcuffs. The Greek Goddess Aphrodite limit. The bands were very smooth and shall have worn them for several years. surprisingly heavy, a tight fit, not uncom- That’s of course only an unconfirmed ru- fortable if there would not not have been mor. But I can assure you they are very the short chain linking them together. comfortable to wear – you’re by no means “Like a pair of handcuffs, Mr. Morgan,” the first to do so. Give them a try.” she said tilting her captive wrists, “sorry, “If you say so, but you’ll take them off, but that’s what they look like to me.” right after you closed the safe?” She tried “Well Hephaistus is said to have made to make these words sound worriedly, but them in order to enforce the faithfulness thought, that she had this mean crook of his wife,” Morgan replied almost ca- right, where she had wanted him to be. sually, trying to hide his triumph. “You “Boy scouts word of honor, Angelina,” know who Hephaistus was?” He asked. Morgan could hardly conceal his tri- “An ancient Greek God – the guy umph. “Come, give me your hands.” She who chained Prometheus to a mountain,” smiled and extended her wrists seduc- she revealed some unexpected knowledge ingly towards hime hands tilted outwards. about the ancient world. “Amythological “Then do your duty, officer.” Her figure, who’s never existed after all.” eyes smiled, when she presented him her “You are well educated, Angelina. But hands, the wrist close together ready for in the latter point you are wrong,” Mor- cuffing. It was a perfect gesture of submis- gan explaind seriously. “Hephaistus has sion, but the woman, who should become existed, and those bracelets, you are wear- the Cat was anything bu submissive. ing, are the proof for this. They’ve been “No not this way,” Morgan objected. forged by him, long before humans were “Behind your back of course.” She turned able to forge something as simple as steel.” 46 CHAPTER 5. AN ACCIDENTAL ACQUISITION

“They look like cheap manacles of the fun together afterwards?” She should not kind some men or women buy for too be able to misinterpret his intentions. much money in adult shops to play kinky “You do not think about keeping me games with each other.” Selina did not in these handcuffs?” She asked, raising her want this dirty old man to think, she had joined wrist around her right hip. Again actually bought this far-fetched story. there was this mocking undertone. This “Oh, no, Angelina, those bracelets woman acted as if she had everything un- you are wearing would easily hold the der control even now, and this was defi- strongest man, even Superman, if they nitely a knew experience for Morgan. would fit to a male wrist,” Morgan “Those are bracelets, very expensive claimed seriously. “But they’ve been bracelets, as I told you, Angelina – much made for the most beautiful woman, who more worth than the necklace you are so ever existed. At least that’s, what the an- fond of wearing.” Selina recognized, that cient Greeks believed. Even today no- he had not answered her question. From body is able to produce something even the fact, that he did not mention the scarf similar to this craftmanship and quality.” anymore, she concluded, that he did not “When you say so.” Selina still consider her a threat to his most precious thought, that Morgan had made up the possession, but had made the whole thing whole story in order to impress her. up in order to trick her into letting him She felt, that he was about to object put these antique handcuffs on her wrists. and dwell on this matter, but then he sim- He eventually went to fetch the ob- ply said, “as far as I know you are not mar- ject of her desire and, since he took his ried?” Now it began to get interesting. time to do so, Selina used hers to twist “No, Mr. Morgan.” She said with a sideways and investigate ‘her’ newly ac- mocking undertone. “I’m not married.” quired bracelets. She was a master lock- “Someone who counts on your faith- picker already, and as such it was an un- fulness?” He undertook the next step. expected experience, that she was easily “No one, who knows that he could, able to locate the key-holes but by no if he wanted,” she pretended an unex- means to open the locks behind them. pected amount of equanimity. For him “So here are the stars of Gotham. this looked like, either she did not bother Bend your head a little bit, dear,” he about being handcuffed by a stranger, or interrupted her and, when she did so, she did not believe to be in danger, be- he closed the precious gems around her cause she thought, he was too old. neck. They were marvelous indeed. “What about the necklace?” She “You may take a look at them,” he an- asked before he was able to finish his re- nounced pointing to a large mirror on the flection about her cool understatement. wall. Selina raised herself effortless and “Of course, maybe we can have some admired the gems. With her hands fixed 47 behind her back she was forced to stretch “That, Mr. Morgan, was a big mis- her chess out. She could feel, that Mor- take,” there was enmity and determina- gan’s eyes did not rest on the famous dia- tion in her voice, he had never expected dem but on her equally impressive female a woman – any woman – to be capable of. attributes residing directly beyond the Morgan shuddered for a second. famous gems. Almost absently he com- Selina clenched her fists, but they mented: “They suit you very well, dear.” were useless now. He grinned, when he “When I was a child, I often dreamed saw the glimpse of anger in her brown to be a princess, and in my dreams I al- eyes. Without any warning she rammed ways looked like this. They are really gor- her knee into his groins, and while he col- geous,” she admitted. She tried to reach lapsed in pain, she had changed the dis- for the gems and pretended that the tance, so that her high heels clad foot, reaching fingers of her right hand were which clashed against his forehead now stopped a few inches away from their tar- could develop enough speed to knock get by the tight metal band on her wrist. out a heavy weight champion. Morgan “They’ll go back in the safe soon,” he was just an old man, not particularly well reminded her ignoring her pleading look. trained. He was instantly unconscious. “May I touch them, Sir? Please!” Selina quickly lowered her hands be- She begged and twisted her joined wrists hind her back and stepped through the around her hips, pretending to be help- connecting chain of ‘her’ bracelets. She was less. “This chain is simply too short.” slim and flexible and would have been “No dear, our deal was you wanted to able to do so with much more restrictive know how they look on you,” Morgan re- cuffs like the ones the police used to ap- jected her desire. “Touching them with ply to their customers. She made another your hands was not part of the deal.” attempt to open them with the multi pur- “But, Mr. Morgan, how can you be pose lock-pick, she used to carry with her, so cruel, keeping me handcuffed?” She but to her chagrin, again the cursed pick tried her small children voice and twisted simply did not work as intended. her cuffed wrists, emphasizing her help- Angrily she gave the still unconscious less condition. Morgan thought, he finally victim of her high speed kick a body had her where he had wished her to be. search and thereby acquired the tiny key, “Actually do a lot for every handcuffs which opened both bracelets without dif- woman’s figure, they put your nice breast ficulties. The useless manacles clattered to on display and the stop you from doing the ground. Carefully she took the jewels something against this,” Morgan smirked off and stored them in her purse. and pinched her into her left breast. She was already about to leave, but q then she came back and stuffed the dis- carded bracelets, she still believed to be 48 CHAPTER 5. AN ACCIDENTAL ACQUISITION a sex-tool of a dirty old man, into her always with the key within reach. Cat- purse, too, together with the matching woman trusted nobody to keep her keys. key, mainly out of curiosity, because she The discovery, that even a Krypto- had not been able to pick their locks. nian like Supergirl might not be able Selina disappeared and was never seen to defeat those handcuffs, as Morgan had again. Surprisingly Morgan did not press claimed, happened more or less acciden- charges against the unknown thief. In- tally. The curious Cat wanted to know stead he pretended, that his visible in- how those locks, she could not defeat, ac- juries were due to a home accident. tually worked and why every copy of the He ordered a renown jeweler to pro- original key she had created had failed duce a precise copy of the stolen neck- to do, what the original one did with- lace and hired a couple of hit men to out problems. So she tried to uncover find and kill the unknown thief. The lat- them. First with simple tools but then ter were not successful, but the boule- with more and more sophisticated ones. vard reporter, whose identity Selina had However nothing from a diamond saw assumed during her visit, had a deadly ac- up to a high energy laser in a secret labo- cident about a week after this incident. ratory could even scratch the material. In A view weaks later the gems appeared contrast to Barbara, Selina had a solid sci- separately on the black market and in entific education (and a master degree in the following Morgan’s former victims re- mechanical engineering). Therefore she ceived a few remarkable donations from knew, that she had acquired something several anonymous benefactors, the total truely extraordinary, which according to amount of which summed up to the black common wisdom should not exist, and market value of the stolen gems. that Rupert Morgan’s claim, that the That was, how the remarkable young black metal bracelets ought to be more valu- woman, who should become the Cat ac- able than the jewels she had acquired, quired ‘Aphrodite’s Bracelets’. Selina had maybe all the jewels she had acquired kept the latter merely for sentimental over the next few years, might be true. reasons. Robbing Morgan in order to Of course she never had a definitive compensate his victims had been her first proof, that Supergirl could not defeat Robin-Hood-action. But the bracelets also them, but with regard to their unique taught her something about her limits. properties Selina considered this worth a Every time she felt too confident try. The opportunity should come, when about her lock-picking skills, she took the the Penguin approached her in order to odd looking pair of cuffs out of the drawer, find a solution for disabling the two su- in which she used to kee them, and tried perheroines, and she did it more or less to pick those – always without success. the way Barbara had figured out already. Sometimes when she was in the mood she even tried them on her own wrists, but q Chapter 6

Superheroines in Action

Kara was sitting in Barbara’s living ing.” She sat the cup on the table clasped room, her long legs beated over each the bracelet on her left hand, with her right other. The gorgeous blond Valkyrie wore one and sliding it forth and back. a tank top, her favorite type of gar- “See, one inch upwards and one down- ment over the last days, narrow trousers ward, that’s it.” She demonstrated this high shafted boots and to her constant fact plastically. “They don’t care, what I annoyance the inevitable pair of black want to do. They tell me every day, you handcuffs. Almost unconsciously she was are our prisoner, Kara Zor-El, and, what- toying with the short but unbelievably ever you do, you do it at our terms.” strong chain, that still joined her wrist. “Those are just a few pieces of stout “Babs, these damned little ‘devils’ metal, Kara,” her fellow heroine replied drive me crazy,” she stated angrily re- sympathetically, “not your enemies.” ferring to ‘her’ irremovable bracelets, “it’s “Have you ever been shackled like this not, that there’s something I really can’t for more than three days?” Kara asked. do, but every time, I try do something, “No,” Barbara replied dryly, “but I’ve they remind me about their presence and been shackled much crueler than you’re show me, that they are stronger than me.” right now. And some of us weak humans “Like drinking coffee?” Barbara asked have sustained being shackled for years.” quizzically with a Siamese smile. “But this is definitely not going to “Yeah, even like drinking coffee. It’s happen to me, Babs,” Kara said firmly. “I unbelievable. I can still lift an Aircraft have to get those off. I don’t know how, carrier, smash Diamonds with my fingers, but I will get them off very soon!” She but I can’t drink from a cup of coffee tugged again with all might on the con- without having to use both hands for it,” necting chain and Barbara shivered with she took a sip out of her cup, “it’s frustrat- the thought, what actually would hap-

49 50 CHAPTER 6. SUPERHEROINES IN ACTION pen, should this remarkable piece of metal revealed, that the Kryptonian did not break right now. But nothing happend. consider it a problem to find a human, any “Correct me, if you think different, human anytime, she wished to do so. but up to now, there’s not much, we “Nevertheless, she’s a clever bitch and know, that may help in achieving this.” quite stealthy. You’ve to lure her with “Hephaestus forged them millenni- something, she can’t resist. But you must ums ago to punish Aphrodite for cheat- not think, that it’s easy to foresee, what ing on him,” Kara summarized, what they Kitty-Cat finds irresistible. And even if actually knew. “There’s only one key fit- you know this, she can sense a trap from ting those, and according to Diana he’s miles away. Her biggest weakness is her the only one known, who ought to be able ambition to achieve the impossible.” to recreate it or open them without it.” “Sounds like an interesting person, “But he’s in another dimension, even but maybe we should pursuit the obvious you cannot reach, and, if we can trust first. Catching Catwoman can wait.” Diana’s judgment, if he’s still alive, he’s “What do you mean?” Barbara asked. not very helpful, neither to humans nor “We’ve always assumed, that the mas- to Amazons or Kryptonians,” Barbara ar- termind behind this setup had everything gued reasonably, “so I think, we can ei- under control including the key to ‘your’ ther focus on obtaining the only key, cuffs, but perhaps he or, if you’re right, which hopefully still exists – or hire a cou- she had not. The last time I remember, ple of master lock pickers, in order to that this key must have been present, was work on them around the clock.” when the lieutenant, who arested us, used “As you know, I don’t like the lat- it to lock those on me at the police head- ter idea. Maybe we should try to talk quarters. Foolishly I didn’t care about it, to this Catwoman, whom you suspect but most likely he simply put it into his to have stolen those cuffs from, whoever pocket, after he put those on my wrists.” stole them from the cavern under the She raised her wrists still joined by a chain temple of Aphrodite, and, that you sus- in front of Barbara’s eyes for emphasis. pect to have planned the whole set up to “You mean, I should try to find and in- get them on me. Maybe we can simply ar- terview him?” Her fellow heroine asked. rest her, if you come up with something, “That would be a start. After all you’re which could stand a trial against her.” a police officer like him. I don’t think, “Well, it’s actually not easy to catch, that he’s been involved in this conspiracy, Kitty-Cat – at least not red-handed, be- but maybe, he still knows, where this key lieve me. If she doesn’t want to be seen, went to. Perhaps he even kept it as a sou- she’s quite invisible. I’ve never managed venir, and you simply have to ask him in to find even one of her hiding places.” order to obtain it?” Kara suggested. “But she’s only human,” Kara’s tone “That would be too easy,” Barbara 51 replied. “But you’re right, I’ll find out, “Fine I’ll try to find out, what I can.” who it was, and ask him. Do you believe, “Well, I might try to talk to this Cat- we can find a so tiny piece of metal?” woman anyway,” Kara remarked. “She’s “No I don’t,” Kara admitted. “But I’m accidentally not also the thief, whose ca- desperate, Babs, and to be honest the reer you want to put to a premature end?” prospect to wear these bracelets for the “She’s a very special thief,” Barbara rest of my life really terrifies me.” replied. “She’s not only a thief, but a also “I didn’t know the Girl of Steel could a nuisance. Each time Batman and I…” be terrified.” Barbara was serious. There “OK, there’s something personal be- was no trace of sarcasmn in her voice. tween you and her,” Kara observed. “Any- “Then you’ve learned something, way, I’ll try to find her, while you’re on Babs. Everyone has something he or she’s duty. It’s a point on our to do list anyway, afraid of,” Kara replied. Barbara grinned. and unless she’s some up to now unknown “Besides, supposed I should manage superpowers, this shouldn’t pose a prob- to obtain the key against all odds, what lem. Do you coincidentally have some- will I get?” She asked with a twinkle. thing filed about her? – It might help.” “What do you mean?” Kara looked “Incidentally I’ve copies of all official blank. “You really want money for help- and unofficial files on her. She was never ing a friend, who’s in the doghouse?” convicted, but suspected to be behind al- “You should know me better than most every spectacular theft, which has this, Kara,” Barbara hurried to make her occurred in Gotham over the last two point. “No, I don’t want money or any- years.” She went to her her home office thing materially valuable, of course. I just and came back with a big folder labeled want the promise, that you support me “Catwoman”, which she handed Kara. in order to make sure, that the career of a “Very impressive,” Kara admitted, af- certain thief will find its definitive end.” ter a superficial look at the table of con- “You are crazy, Babs.” Kara under- tents, which covered several pages. stood too quickly. She had already figured “And she seems to be a real beauty, out, what her fellow heroine was up to. too, even masked like on this police “Maybe I’am a little bit kinky, but not photo,” she remarked. “She must have crazy.” Barbara corrected her. Stubbornly brought in by Batman or you, because she asked: “Seriously, what do you say?” she’s wearing a pair of bat-cuffs. But isn’t “All right,” Kara gave in, “if you man- it custom in Gotham to take these pho- age to obtain this key somehow, I’ll sup- tos so, rhat the face is visible, too?” port you, if that’s, what you want, and if “Yeah, that’s not an official police the proposed measures do not violate the photo. I took it with my cell-phone-cam law, provided this key works of course. – unfortunately with her mask in place. It It’s a small price for my freedom.” was two years ago and required both of us 52 CHAPTER 6. SUPERHEROINES IN ACTION to take her in. Unfortunately she escaped ated the ‘special’ model ‘C’ of his bat-cuffs, five minutes after this photo was taken. where ‘C’ stands for Catwoman. I always However, Batman and I know, who she carry a pair. Do you want to see it?” is – Selina Kyle, a simply little secretary “Why not,” Kara replied. “I never working in the headquarters of Markham cared much about cuffs, likely because I Inc. – Here’s an unmasked photo.” could rip them apart, until I got these.” “She still looks like a cute, innocent “Here, that’s the model ‘C’.” Barbara girl to me,” Kara remarked, “hard to handed her a pair of heavy, brand-new, think, that she’s Gotham most wanted – black bat-cuffs from her utility belt. And, yes, she’s definitely a beauty.” “It looks like any other pair of bat-cuffs “You wouldn’t be the first, who’s to me. I don’t see, what’s so special about fooled by this cute, innocent look. She’s them?” Kara gave them back to Barbara. as tough as the meanest villian in town. I “There are no key holes – look here. arrested her recently and tried everything Once applied only the double locks can to squeeze her out, without success. We be set by pushing these little pins. That’s had to let her go, once again. The prob- a standard feature of handcuffs, they pre- lem is not to find her, but to catch her vent the ratchets from closing further red-handed.” She sighed. “Sometimes it’s and hurting the wearer’s wrists. Normally hard to be restricted by the rules, while the locks of handcuffs, any type of hand- these criminals can do what they want to cuffs, can be opened by a key, but since do, whenever they want to do it.” the model ‘C’ has no key holes, those “If we would not stick to the rules, here have to be cut off, which in this case Babs,” Kara replied, “we would hardly be requires something like diamond coated better than the ones we fight. However, saw blades, or they will stay on forever.” you said, she’s managed to escape you “Isn’t that a little bit over-kill?” and Batman – with bat-cuffs on?” Subcon- “Oh no,” Barbara confirmed. “Not sciously she looked at her cuffed hands. in the case of Kitty-Cat. She’s escaped “No,” Barbara replied, “she’d managed from all kinds bat-cuffs more than once to pick those before. We found them at record speed, although the locks had open on the floor of her improvisational been modified in between. There’s sim- holding cell, but no trace of Kitty-Cat.” ply no other way to confine her reliably.” “Batman never mentioned, that a sim- “So, maybe she’s the master lock- ply human villain ever escaped his cuffs. picker we are looking for?” Kara asked He was always very proud of them.” reasonably indicating ‘her’ bracelets. “Actually Kitty-Cat motivated him to “Maybe, but I doubt it,” Barbara improve them several times. Quite re- replied. “Those locks are different from cently, presumably after another nega- anything produced on earth for at least tive experience with this nuisance, he cre- three thousand years. And according to 53

Dr. Bowman they are a product of a tech- she said raising her cuffed wrists, “but with nology, that dwarfs even the one of you the three of us standing together like his Kryptonians. Probably nobody on today’s musketeers, I think, we can handle it.” earth really know’s, how to pick them.” According to their plan of action Bar- “Presumably you are right,” Kara ad- bara had assumed a position next to mitted. “However, if we manage to catch Gotham airport. She took her time to her, before we get this key, if she’s that clear the terrain. There were neither sus- good, it might be worth to give her a try.” picious moves nor noises. If their oppo- “Don’t count on it. Catwoman is not nents had considered to strike here, they very helpful either. If you want to find must have had something special in mind. out, if she can pick those locks, you have Batman also reported the same from to apply them to her own wrists, but this Metropolis airport regarding the pres- requires to get them off your’s first.” ence of known villains. But according to “Well, one should not cross bridges, his observation Metropolis police had al- before one come’s to them. If we’ll have ready sent a larger contingent of the force our hands on her, we’ll see. If you’re right to terminal three and closed it for pub- concerning our special friend’s plans, I lic traffic. Barbara knew, that her father might have to fight them, the way I am. would not like this, but he would not like When did Diana want to show up ex- to meet her at the current location, too. actly?” Barbara looked at her wristwatch. The plane was ready for takeoff. Ob- “In about five minutes.” While she viously no other precautions than keep- said so, there was a knock on the door and ing it in the restricted area were taken. Diana also in unobstrusive street clothes Then the Gotham police force showed joined them, and the three heroines made up five minutes before schedule. Two ar- last refinements to their plan of action. mored prisoner escort vehicles were es- corted by no less than two dozen cruisers. q A lot of Barbara’s colleagues must have learned very late, that their service “Ready for action, ladies?” Kara, who schedule had been changed or their hol- more or less had taken the lead of their idays were called off. Nevertheless the group, finally asked. When her two fellow whole operation was well organized. Of- heroines nodded, she continued declam- ficers swarmed all over the the place and torily: “One for all and all for one!” secured everything in almost no time. “You are reading human literature?” Finally Amba Kadiri was pulled out Barbara asked with mild astonishment. of the first van. Barbra observed, that “Only the good novels,” Karla smiled, she was still barefoot, covered only by a “I don’t think, that any of Dumas’ ficti- swimsuit, but every restraint allowed by cious heroes ever went to battle like this,” regulations had been placed on her. 54 CHAPTER 6. SUPERHEROINES IN ACTION

Instead of leg-irons her colleagues had second van by means of a fork truck. Ob- placed an over sized pair of hinged hand- viously she was inside, and Barbara was cuffs on her ankles, which did not allow sure, that she was well restrained either. her to walk at all. A waist-belt had been The whole containment was brought to been tightly buckled around her waist, so the plane, which had a cargo bay, in which that the ring was at the reverse side. it was stored. Poison Ivy was supposed to She wore a pair of hinged handcuffs, spend the whole flight in the cargo bay. which were threaded through this ring, Apart from this nothing happened. If and Barbara was sure, that those were of Gotham’s honorable society was going to the high security type and that the key strike here, the right time for an attack holes were facing upwards. An additional had passed away, once the plane’s doors pair of chain-linked cuffs adorned her up- were closed, and this was the case right per arms right above the elbows. Even if now. The plane rolled to the runway. she miraculously should manage to slip Barbara observed the spectators. No- off her tight-fitting hand- and ankle cuffs, body was particularly suspicious. A young she would still be seriously hampered by woman made a phone call, maybe she was those, to which she had no access at all. about to brief the Penguin about the time Barbara reflected, that precisely this of departure, but that was not illegal. She ensemble had been her first choice, when would inform her fellow heroines, too. they arrested the Cat. This was the way After they received Barbara’s call, Di- she would have left the Empire Tower, ana and Kara took over. Both super- she would have been convicted for theft, heroines accompanied the plane in order and with a little bit luck she would still to shield it from a suspected attack. be in custody. However, this opportunity Diana was dressed as usual, but Kara had been lost. It had not been her fault. had exchanged her costume for a com- Two strong police officers had taken pletely black one. Barbara assumed, that hold on Amba Kadiri and, although the she had chosen this dress in the color of snake woman had tried to fight, as if she her cuffs in order to hide as good as possi- was about to be taken to hell, they had ble, that she was still wearing the latter. had no difficulty to carry her to the plane. It was a night flight and the weather Barbara was sure, that Amba had been was bad, too. Nevertheless Kara and Di- buckled tightly into her seat and would ana did not want to be spotted or de- enjoy the constant supervision of at least tected otherwise from the plane and so one of her colleagues during the flight. followed it in quite a distance. In the With Poison Ivy the whole procedure darkness they could rely on Kara’s heat vi- was was more difficult. Barbara observed, sion, which could detect the jet’s engines that something, what looked like an over from a considerable distance quite well. sized refrigerator, was pulled out of the But the bad weather made it more and 55 more difficult to keep an eye at it. plane. Barbara’s colleagues who, once the Suddenly the plane was gone. It had plane was safely on the ground, wanted to been tilted downwards and Kara and Di- defend themselves, had no chance. ana, who followed it too far behind, had When the two superheroines finally not noticed the move and missed the tilt- reached the scene, half of Jim Gordon’s ing point. Inside a dense rain cloud it was bravely fighting men were already dead not easy to determine immediately, what or wounded, and the rest was facing un- had really happened. Actually, the two su- avoidable defeat. Amba Kadiri had been perheroines needed almost half an hour freed from her restraints, and Poison Ivy to figure out, what had been going on. had been taken out of her sealed box. Two As Barbara had already suspected, no of the attackers were working on her cuffs. villains were on board of the plane except Kara judged the situation and drew of course for Amba Kadiri and Poison the right conclusion. She waisted no time. Ivy, who were well secured. Nevertheless “You take out the snake, I take care the plane had been kidnapped. After an for Ivy,” she spoke into the microphone. event-less hour the steering suddenly did “We’ll meet at the old station 10 miles not react on the pilots command any- up the rails.” She did not wait for reassur- more, and the communication was gone. ance and headed down immediately. The Later investigation showed, that dur- two men, who were busy to free Ivy from ing the last maintenance parts of the her cuffs and irons were dashed away when flight electronics had been exchanged by Kara darted at Ivy and grepped her at her a manipulated service-kit, which allowed prison uniform with her joined hands. the kidnappers to overtake the steering In an instant Ivy, who was still fettered, and shut down the communications by was lifted towards the sky away from her wireless signals. This resulted in the plane would-be-liberators. In the mean time with two pilots, a dozen police officers Diana had attempted to undertake the and the two villains on board going down, same type of attack on Amba Kadiri. as if the machine were on autopilot. The Indian snake woman however Luckily the villains had no interest in recognized her approach, and she was killing its passengers at least not as long fast. Before Diana could take a hold on as Amba and Ivy were on board. So some- her intended target, she dashed away to one, who had been a good pilot, before the side and Diana had to take a heavy a drug-affair terminated his career, took blow, after she missed her. If Kadiri over and landed the plane on an old air would have worn her steel claws, Diana force field, which was not in use anymore. might have been seriously wounded. The penguin had gathered a strong Diana executed plan B: She took her and well armed force of his henchman, lasso of truth and swirled it around her and they were well equipped to enter the head. Even the snake woman was not fast 56 CHAPTER 6. SUPERHEROINES IN ACTION enough to evade the loop of the magic Kara simply transferred Ivy into this weapon to close around her middle. tank and sealed the cap. It was big enough Her liberators however reacted and to provide Ivy with air for at least twenty managed to fire half a dozen shots at hours – enough time for a special unit to Wonder Woman who deflected them take her out and return her into custody. with her Femininium bracelets. The She had almost finished this task, when problem was not to be exposed to cross- Diana showed up with Amba in tow. fire. In contrast to Kara the Amazon was “What shall we do with her?” Diana not immune to gunfire, but had to rely on asked, referring to her bound prisoner. her superhuman reactions and the tough- “Can’t you use your lasso on her?” ness of her Femininium bracelets. Kara suggested. “It’s the safest choice.” That meant, Diana’s abilities to de- “Yeah, but I don’t want to leave it on flect bullets were limited to bullets, she her,” Diana foreshadowed reluctance. saw. A quick firing machine gun or bul- “Nevertheless, it will do for now,” lets approaching her from behind posed Kara insisted, “there are still a lot of peo- a serious threat. Once Amba Kadiri mid- ple we have to take care for very soon.” dle was enclosed by the lasso of truth, Di- This was true. So Diana used her lasso of ana hurried to follow Kara towards the truth to bind the snake woman securely. sky with Amba Kadiri in tow. A few shots Twirling and twisting Amba Kadiri fired from behind missed their now quick tried everything to avoid being bound, moving and rapidly increasing target. but the combined powers of Diana and Following the rails, it was easy to Kara, although the latter was handcuffed, reach the old station, Kara had deter- were much too great to allow her to evade mined to be their meeting point. Poison the bonds and her resistance was awarded Ivy had tried her biological weapons on with a very tight and inescapable hog-tie. Kara, but, as the Kryptonian knew from With the two villains secured it was previous experiences with this particular time to head back to the scene of the at- enemy, her extraterrestial physiology was tack. With their goal out of reach, the not receptive to Ivy’s poison at all. penguin’s henchmen were just about to leave the scene. However, they could not Once they were back on the ground, withstand the combined force of the two Kara had used her heat vision to weld superheroines attacking them from the Ivy’s to her , combining leg-irons handcuffs air. Soon they had to surrender uncondi- them to a quite effective hogtie. steel tionally and lay their weapons down. However, neither Diana nor Amba Kadiri would be able stand Ivy’s poison. q The solution to this problem was pro- vided by an old big water tank, which was Diana guarded them and the un- rusty from the outside, but leak proof. harmed police officer’s cared for their 57 wounded colleagues, while Kara disabled him, what had happened. He had not the device the villains had used to take mentioned, that the two superheroines control over the plane and force it to land. were officially regarded as fugitives. Once this was achieved, the author- Diana explained the situation to Kara. ities, which were of course aware, that “One of us has to fly him back to something was going on, but had no clue, Gotham,” she stated, “you or me?” what had happened, could be informed. “Me,” Kara said, “when I deliver him, The plane, which had been damaged in the people in the hospital will look, but the ground fight would never take off nobody will ask questions about those.” again, but help in form of complete squad She raised her cuffed hands. “If I stay here, of armed helicopters was soon on its way. it would be more embarrassing.” Kara tried to stay away from the po- “Hey, what about me?” Diana ob- lice officers in order not to show, that she jected mockingly, “I’m a fugitive, too.” was still handcuffed, but that was of no use. “They won’t talk about this,” Kara Some of them had observed this already. replied. “Humans, in particular Ameri- However it took only five minutes un- cans have a very practical way to ignore til one of the officers approached Diana, facts, if it is advantageous for them.” who was guarding the captured villains, “And if they do?” Diana asked. and asked her: “Wonder Woman, eh…” he “Then you should do, what we should stuttered, “may I dare to ask you a favor?” have done, before we both were arrested “What is it, officer?” Diana replied. – just fly away,” Kara replied and added: “It does not concern me, it concerns “I apologize for talking you out of it.” th Barry Johnson from the 4 precinct, he Some officer’s watched wide-eyed, has a wife and two daughters…,” he began when Kara took a hold on the makeshift slowly. However, Diana was impatient. stretcher, his colleagues had put together “What is it?” She interrupted him. for Barry Johnson, who was already un- “He’s lost too much blood,” he replied conscious, with her joined hands. Every- directly, “I’m no doctor, but I think, he’ll one not too far away could see, that she die, if he doesn’t get a blood-transfusion wore handcuffs, but nobody said a word. soon. I thought, you or Supergirl…” Kara took off and delivered the pa- “I see,” Diana odded understanding, tient as fast, as his condition allowed di- “I’ll talk to Supergirl, make him ready for rectly to the emergency ambulance of the transport – he can be transported?” Gotham General Hospital. Of course it “Yes, I mean, I think so – there’s no did not went unnoticed, that the invin- doctor here – we would be indebted…” cibly superheroine, whose escape from a “Make him ready.” Diana sent him local prison had been in the news a few away. Then she contacted Kara, who had days ago, wore handcuffs during their ar- just talked to Barbara’s father and briefed rival, and a young doctor dared to ask. 58 CHAPTER 6. SUPERHEROINES IN ACTION

“Don’t get me wrong, Supergirl. I’m a gret, what has been done to you and Su- big fan of yours and this man owes you pergirl and personally apologize for it.” his life, but can’t you really take those “Now, because we’ve saved your butts off?” Kara, who had always valued hon- – that’s the way you call it?” Jim Gordon esty, fought a little fight with herself. But nodded, “you pretend, that it’s business admitting, that she was indeed in a sense as usual, but in a few days Supergirl and I defeated by those “little devils” on her will be on your most wanted list again.” wrist, was against her Kryptonian pride. “Look, Wonder Woman, it’s beyond “I am wearing these,” she declared, my powers to withdraw your names from “because I promised to do so, ’till my in- the wanted list. Only a judge can do so, nocence is publicly proved – it’s not a big but the DA and I’ve at least taken care, deal.” Obviously the young man was not that the two of you are only on the lo- convinced and did not believe her, but at cal list. So Supergirl and you are on the least it was a sensible explanation. wanted list of the state, but you’re not on Meanwhile it was up to Diana to deal the nation-wide wanted list. E.g. nobody with the police forces, which had arrived has the right or duty to arrest you here.” shortly after Kara’s departure, and to take “That’s very convenient, commis- the credit for uncovering and blighting sioner, isn’t it?” Diana asked cynically. one of the most spectacular coupes ini- “Yes,” he admitted, “sometimes we’ve tiated by Gotham’s honorable society. to act pragmatically. But if Supergirl and She led the the officer’s to the hid- you cooperate, I think this little misun- ing place Amba Kadiri and Poison Ivy. derstanding can be settled very soon.” The container for transporting the villain “I don’t attach importance to this, was still usable and soon she was trans- commissioner,” Diana replied dryly. ferred into the latter. Up to now, Jim “I can understand this. Nevertheless, Gordon, who led the operation himself, even if no official will repeat it,” Jim Gor- had not mentioned Diana’s escape from don stated, “Let me personally say thanks a Gotham prison, but Diana was still up- for saving our butts, Wonder Woman.” set about the circumstances of her arrest, This way they departed. Poison Ivy and so she raised the topic herself. and Amba Kadiri were finally transferred “In case you haven’t watched the to the high-security prison in Metropo- news, commissioner,” she said, when they lis with only a slight delay from schedule. were alone together, “I’ve recently been But although the Gotham Press, which arrested for saving the lifes of some of had reported in big letters about the fugi- your people. Is it custom in Gotham to tive superheroines, made a U-turn and offend the ones, who’re on the side of the praised them for their action, Kara and law?” She asked with anger in her voice. Diana remained on the local wanted list. “No, Wonder Woman, it’s not,” Bar- bara’s father replied honestly, “and I re- q Chapter 7

Catching the Cat

Barbara had not been dormant while opening, but also for locking the bracelets. her friends saved the day. Reflecting, Therefore not the arresting lieutenant, what she knew about her fellow heroines but the captain, who had locked them on public arrest, she found out, that Kara Kara at the police headquarter, had been and she had overlooked a minor detail. definitely the last one, they knew for sure Barbara used her lunch break to drive must have had this key in his possession. to the prison where Kara and Diana had A few phone calls told her, who it was been held. According to Kara’s narrative, and that he was still on duty. Sighing Bar- she had been cuffed and relaesed by a po- bara dispensed also her lunch in order to lice officer and to achieve the latter, he meet him. Soon, she was convinced, that must have had the key to ‘her’ handcuffs. he was a honest man and in no way re- The detail she was sure, her fellow lated to Catwoman. He remembered it heroine had overlooked, concerned the very well and told her frankly, that he had construction of these handcuffs. Mod- put this particular key into the internal ern handcuffs or even her bat-cuffs had a mail in order to transfer it to the prison. ratchet-type closure. They required no So there was a not negligible likeli- keys to slap them on a prisoner’s wrists. hood, that it may simply be there, and in- If the double locks were not set, deed, it turned out, that the dubious ma- which required the keys, those could be tron had not even lied to Kara. As the opened by squeezing the ratchets to the devil might have wanted, the key had ar- zero position, which was of course impos- rived an hour after their intake, right after sible as long, as they encircled a wrist. the escape of the two superheroines. But ‘Aphrodite’s Bracelets’ were differ- In the turmoil afterwards, the arrival ent. They required a key, as far as they of the key had not received any atten- knew a very unique key, not only for tion, and it had ended up in an office

59 60 CHAPTER 7. CATCHING THE CAT drawer. When she drove back, in order to could have mentioned, that the whole re- resume her duties, Barbara had the price- connaissance was done by someone else.” less piece of metal safely in her pocket. “Sorry, Babs,” Kara admitted, “we “Important information!!! My place, should have done so. But that’s not the today 8 pm, Babs,” she wrote Kara an elec- reason, why you called for this meeting?” tronic message about the good news. “No, it’s not, of xourse,” Barbara The Adventures of her fellow- replied, “but since the humble police Sar- heroines filled the afternoon news al- gent Barbara Gordon has spent her com- ready. Diana received most of the credit plete spare time for two weeks on it with- for saving the day. Kara was mentioned, out being credited, I think, the two of you but no recent pictures of her were shown. owe me something on this behalve.” Barbara guessed, that her friend was pre- “Acknowledged,” Kara replied sumably not very fond to pose in front of earnestly and Diana nodded agreement. a camera, while wearing her ‘her’ bracelets. “Good,” Barbara said and fixed Kara She was surprised, that Diana accom- with her eyes, before she continued, panied Kara, when the latter showed up “what would you do, if I could provide in the evening. Barbara, who knew her you with a key, that fits to ‘your’ bracelets?” well, could see, that Kara was in a bad “Really?” Kara asked and Barbara mood. More than once she tugged on nodded. “I’d say, that I owe you a really the short chain, that held her wrists to- big favor,” Kara stated seriously, “Bab’s gether. For Barbara, who knew better do you really have the key to these?” She than anyone else, what Kara could do, it asked. “I’d have never believed, that I’d was still unbelievable, that the small piece ever say this, but they drive me crazy.” of metal was completely unimpressed be “So it would be a big favor – like this assault of super-human forces. putting a definite end to the criminal ca- “What’s so important, Babs?” Her reer of this Catwoman?” Barbara asked. friend asked, after they had exchanged “I don’t want to buy a pig in a poke.” greetings. “You made up a big mystery.” “Yes, it would be,” Kara confirmed her “Well, maybe it’s not much. But while promise, “Babs, you can’t imagine, how you two saved the world, I’ve used my much I’m longing for using my hands the brain and drawn some conclusions,” Bar- way I want again.” Barbara smiled. bara enjoyed to keep them on suspense. “Well under this condition we should “Well,” Diana replied seriously, “I give this one a try,” she said and pro- wouldn’t say, we save the world, but I duced the tiny, but odd looking little think, Kara and I did a fairly good job.” safety-type-key she had acquired during “Doubtlessly you did,” Barbara her spare time. “Give me your hands.” replied with a mischivous smile. “Not, Eagerly Kara extended her joined that it is important,” she added, “but you wrists, and Barbara inserted the key into 61 the key hole of one of the bracelets. At least it was most likely Catwoman, who man- it fitted quite well. She had the impres- aged to decorate you with those bracelets.” sion, that the key made a small clockwise “I’m aware of this and I’ll be careful,” movement before it allowed a rotation in Kara promised. “Since you found out – the other direction, but this might have and I agree on that, that it was presum- been an error of perception. However a ably her, who arranged Diana’s and my full turn anti-clockwise produced the de- arrest, it’s also of interest to me to teach sired and wistfully awaited result, when her a lesson. Therefore this is not really a the first bracelet finally popped open. favor. However there’s something I don’t Kara immediately pulled her wrist out understand…” She looked at her friend. of its long-term confinement and rubbed “Go ahead,” Barbara encouraged her it with her other hands. “A big thanks knowing, that Kara would do anyway. to the Gods of Krypton,” she said. Her “Well, Batman and you have fought fellow heroines felt, what a load this had her more than once. You know Batman been on her mind, “and to you too, Babs,” very well, and he’s quite capable. Why she added. “Where did you find it?” haven’t you asked him to support you? “Well actually it was very simple.” “I want to tell you the truth,” Bar- Barbara replied truthfully, “Actually, I bara replied cautiously, “Batman seem’s got it from a drawer in an office of the to be a little bit soft on her during the last prison you two escaped from. It must few months. He agrees with me in princi- have arrived, just after you escaped.” pal, that she’s a criminal, who belong’s be- “But I would not have looked there, hind bars. But, when it comes to take ac- Babs,” Kara admitted, “not in a hundred tion against her, he tell’s me, that there’re years and the perspective to wear them more important crimes to be solved, and so long was truely frightening. Could you once he said, that she’s not really a crimi- please undo the other one too?” Barbara nal. It’s almost, as if she’s bewitched him.” nodded and a few seconds later Kara was “I understand,” Kara replied, al- completely free for the first time in days. though she felt, she did not understand, “This was definitely an important what Barbara wanted to say. “Maybe message,” Kara hugged Barbara carefully there’s something else, we could do?” with respect to her human constitution, “and if you wish, I will help you to catch q this Catwoman in order to make sure, that she does not annoy you anymore.” “There’s just a minor thing,” Barbara “That would be fair,” Barbara said, told her fellow heroines almost conversa- “but be aware, that the Kitty-Cat must tionally. “There’s still a warrant for the ar- not be underestimated, although she’s rest of the two of you, you know, and as a presumably only human. Remember, that police officer it is my duty to arrest you.” 62 CHAPTER 7. CATCHING THE CAT

“What?” Diana, who had kept quiet not my intention to damage our comrade- so far, exclaimed. “If you think, I’ll let me ship. If it has to be, you may pick the being arrested again, you’ve to be nuts.” place and time to arrest both of us.” “Not so fast, Diana,” Kara said. “Since “How about here and now?” Diana all the facts have been presented already. sighed, but was bound by her promise. This would be just a formal requirement “Do your duty then,” she said and ex- to confirm our innocence officially.” tended her wrist in front. Barbara fetched “That’s right, Kara,” Barbara added. “I a pair of regular hinged handcuffs, which be- suggest, you take yourselves in and argue, longed to her service equipment. that you had to escape in order to do, “Okay, but don’t damage those,” she what you just did. I will testify on your said to Diana, while she closed the ratch- behalves, and you will walk away as spot- ets on her wrists. “I’ll have to pay for less citizens without a criminal record.” those, if you scrap them.” She had de- “I don’t care about a criminal record.” liberately omitted the obligate request to Diana said firmly. “The last time I tried lock Diana’s hands behind her back. to come to terms with human law, I got “I promise to be careful,” Diana said. almost rotten in solitary confinement.” “I guess, the same applies to me,” “But I freed you after just two hours,” Kara said, raised herself and extended her Kara replied, “and I would not like the wrists in close proximity in front, too. two of us having a criminal record.” “Right,” Barbara replied, “except, that “Do, what you have to do, but keep I don’t want to lead you into the temp- me out of this,” Diana was still upset. tation to scrap my cuffs.” She fetched the “I’d like you to do it on my behalf, Di- discarded “Bracelets of Aphrodite”. ana,” Kara said. “If it’s Barbara, who’ll ar- “Is it really necessary?” Kara asked, rest you and me, what can go wrong?” but did not retrieve her hands. “After all “You mean, it will be her, who should I got rid of them only a few minutes ago.” put handcuffs on me?” Diana asked. “It wouldn’t be the real thing else,” “Handcuffs, you can shred anytime,” Barbara answered, while she locked them Kara replied knowing her feelings.“But on Kara’s wrists. “I’ll give my dad a phone suggest you don’t without an emergency.” call, in order to send us a car to take us to “Nevertheless, I still don’t like the the headquarters, where you’ll be booked idea to be handcuffed,” Diana objected. in and presented to the judge, who’ll set “But you liked the idea to take all the you free. Any objections?” Kara and Di- glory,” Barbara remarked bitterly. Silence ana both in handcuffs shook their heads. occured. Nobody wanted to say anything. This way it was done. Jim Gordon de- All arguments had been exchanged. cided, that the arrest of the two super- “You’re right,” Diana admitted after a heroines should be managed as discretely moment, “this was careless, and I it was as possible, and so a single Sargent arrived 63 with a police cruiser ten minutes later. turned away from her – to no avail. Her He was awed by the sight of two super- superhuman strength was gone. heroines in handcuffs awaiting them. The Sargent opened the back doors “Very impressive, insn’t it, Charly,” of his cruiser widely and gallantly sup- Barbara greeted him in uniform, “I was ported both superheroines with their en- as surprised as you’re now, when Super- trance. He acted more like chauffeur to girl and Wonder Woman knocked at my his prominent guests than a police offi- door. They want to be arrested to prove cer performing an arrest. Barbara could their innocence and clear their record.” not criticize her colleague, since this was “Yeah, Barbara,” he said, “I guess I’ve precisely his advertised rôle in this case. never driven so prominent passengers.” Both superheroines were not brought He did not dare to say prisoners. to the booking area, but directly to Jim “Oh, Supergirl and Wonder Woman Gordan’s office with Barbara in tow. are very cooperative,” Barbara said she “Sorry for the inconvenience, ladies,” smiled, “but you’re right, it doesn’t hap- Jim Gordon said, “it’s this political cor- pen every day, that someone like them rectness issues, that require us to hand- knocks on a simple sargent’s door. I cuff all our prisoners independent of their guess, over the whole excitement I for- gender and the crimes they are accused got to double lock Wonder Woman’s cuffs. of. May I nevertheless offer you a cup of Would you like to do it? She doesn’t bite.” coffee. The coffee here is not so bad as its “Really? Eh,… Miss Wonder Woman, reputation.” Diana and Kara agreed, and would you…” Reluctantly Diana gave him Barbara was offered a cup of coffee, too. access to her wrists. She was furious. If When the secretary, who had served stares could kill, her’s would have killed the coffee, had left the room Jim Gor- Barbara, while Kara grinned. She had di- don declared. “While you were driven vulged Diana’s weakness to Barbara. here, I’ve talked to the D.A. He’s already The Sargent inserted the cap of his dropped all charges against you. If none handcuff key into the corresponding holes of you objects, you’ll be driven to court of Diana’s cuffs and engaged the double directly from here and the judge will set locks, Barbara had omitted on purpose. you free immediately. I’ve also heart, that “Thank you, Sargent,” Diana man- the mayor will hold a press conference aged to say with a smile. Right afterwards right afterwards, in which he will apolo- she sent a very black look to Barbara. gize publicly for the obviously wrong ac- “I’m honored, Miss Wonder Woman,” cusations against the two of you.” the sargent replied, “you’ll be my most “Thanks, commissioner,” Kara said. prominent passengers ever.” Barbara She sipped on her coffee, holding the cup noted with satisfaction, that Diana pulled gracefully in her joined hands. Diana’s at her handcuffs immediately, after he handling of her cup of coffee was less 64 CHAPTER 7. CATCHING THE CAT graceful. She had somwhat less experi- “I would like to, Daddy,” Barbara re- ence than Kara in doing things handcuffed, acted quickly, “but I’ve to visit the loo and the hinged joint of her cuffs made the very urgently – too much coffee, you task of holding the cup not easier. know. Could you do it for me? Here’s the “Don’t thank me, Supergirl,” Jim Gor- key.” She reached him the handcuff key don replied, “it’s the mayor, who will and left without waiting for an answer. apologize. I’ve invited both of you just to Jim Gordon loosened Diana’s hand- say thanks for your brave and very suc- cuffs, which were not too tight at all, each cessful action against the most recent as- by one notch, which was still too tight sault on law and order in this city. With- to slip her hands out and Diana thanked out your intervention this could easily him, while Kara grinned behind his back. have been a disaster for Gotham’s police.” “You, too, Supergirl?” The comis- “It was a pleasure for us to help you, sioner asked. Obviously he had not rec- commissioner,” Kara replied. “Actually, it ognized, that Kara’s cuffs were different. has always been a pleasure to help you, be- “No, mine are perfect,” Kara replied cause you’re a brave and honest man, and resigned, “there’s no danger, that I acci- I think – no, I know for sure, it was you, dentally rip them off.” Since he was not who convinced the mayor to apologize.” aware, what difficulties these ‘bracelets’ “I’ve just reminded him about, what had caused Kara, he did not have a chance the two of you’ve done for this city. It was to catch the true sense of her words, be- his idea,…” Kara interrupted him. fore Barbara returned and led them out. “Diana and I know, who are the hon- “You’re a beast,” Diana said with dis- est people in this town, commissioner, taste, when the three of them were alone. and I can assure you, that we’ll continue “Because those make you only hu- to support them, despite this misunder- man?” Barbara replied not bare of any standing.” She raised her wrist. The piece logic, “I’m only human all the time.” of chain between them jingled softly. “It’s not about being human,” Diana “Thank’s for your kind understanding, explained referring to the history of her ladies,” he replied relieved, “let me know, race, “we’ve been kept like this for cen- if I can do something legal for you.” turies. Those bracelets we use as weapons “I don’t think so,” Kara replied, but now, are a reminder to the days, when Diana used the opportunity to object. they were used to shackle us. Every Ama- “Sir, your daughter has made these a zon fears to fall back into those times.” little bit tight,” she raised her cuffed hands “In half an hour you’ll be rid of those,” for everyone to see, “maybe you can con- Barbara replied, “it’s not a big deal.” And vince her to loosen them a little bit?” she was right. The judge simply declared “Of course, Wonder Woman,” Jim all charges raised against them as wrong- Gordon replied. “Barbara, would you…?” fully raised. Afterwards they were re- 65 leased from their restraints and flew away. from Batman’s versatile arsenal were in- stalled, but as the by far most efficient q measure without knowledge of her supe- riors she convinced Morgan to accept a disguised Kara introduced as a civil cop Three days later, Barbara and Kara as an enforcement of his security agents. met and made plans, how to catch the no- torious Cat. The opportunity was good, Barbara pondered her head, what the because Rupert Morgan, a favorite vic- Cat intended to do. Even without Kara tim of the Cat, had announced his an- there was enough firepower to sink a bat- nual charity auction, and in the last two tleship. This time Morgan had actually years the Cat had shown up every time invested a substantial part of the cost of and stolen something valuable. Therefore the whole show in security measures. he had asked Gotham police for protec- But, when the attack started, almost tion, and after some pleading Jim Gordon all of their elaborate preparations were had delegated this job to his daughter. more or less useless against it. A gaseous Barbara knew, that the Cat had fooled narcotic was released with enough pres- many colleagues and her own experiences sure to reach everyone in the treasure in dealing with Catwoman were also not chamber, before an alert could be raised. very promising. But with Kara and her A later investigation confirmed, that unique abilities as a backup she was de- not even gas mask could have protected termined to change this once and forever. the security men, because a new narcotic This time half a dozen old and valu- gas, a top secret invention sponsered by able pictures should be auctioned. The the army had been used, which enfolded last time the Cat had stroke before the its impact by absorption over the skin. auction, so that the whole event had to What Catwoman understandibly had be called off, but in the year before, she not taken into account was, that Kara’s had captured the fully loaded delivery van physiology was different and did not re- right after the auction and all the already act on the narcotic as intended. Directly sold objects had been stolen, before they after an audible plop everyone in the room could be delivered to their new owners. went down. Kara followed immediately Guarding the whole event was not an pretending to have been affected too. easy task for just one officer, who was A few seconds later a panel in the roof more or less just an enforcement of the was opened, and their she was – the Cat. private security agency hired by Morgan A gas-tight version of the famous catsuit anyway in order to protect the event. covered her body which slid down along a Barbara interpreted her rôle not as in- rope. Quickly she looked around, before tended as a contact officer, but took part she headed for the encased pictures. Ef- in the preparations. Additional sensors fortless she opened the first encasement 66 CHAPTER 7. CATCHING THE CAT and disregarded it, then the second… replied and closed the connection. Be- Kara had observed all this through cause the building was very high, this was her almost closed eyelids. When Selina an optimistic estimate, but she did it. turned her back on her. She raised her- “There she is,” Kara greeted her with self with super-speed and assumed posi- triumph in her voice. “Your Catwoman tion behind the unsuspecting cat-burglar. caught and captured red-handed.” However Selina had either felt the air “Selina Kyle,” Barbara adressed the drag of this movement inspite her pro- unconscious woman, “that will make a tective suit, or her legendary cat senses nice long sentence, but before you’ll tell had warned her. She turned around, and us everything about your intentions.” she reacted fairly quick for a human. A “Can you have a look at her, while clenched fist would have made a deep I fetch something to carry her?” Kara impact into Kara’s stomach if she were asked, refering to the unmasked captive. human. But Selina could as well have “Sure,” Barbara replied with a grin. rammed her fist against a block of steel. “Be careful,” Kara warned her, “she’s While her fist hurt like hell – luck- damned fast for a human.” The Krypto- ily for her it was only sprained not bro- nian disappeared. Five minutes later she ken – Kara had no difficulty to sweep her was back with a sack sufficiently large to legs away. And before Selina could move, encase an average-sized woman’s body. she used super-speed again to remove her “She’s lock pins in her boots and mask. When her skin was exposed to the clothes,” Barbara explained to Kara the narcotic gas, Selina lost consciousness, as reason, why she had taken Selina’s clothes everyone else had, except for Kara. off except for her underpants. She was “Got her,” she briefed Barbara by the just about to slap her bat-cuffs ‘model C’ secure radio provided by Batman. around the unconscious woman’s wrists, “Any casualties?” Barbara asked. when her Kryptonian friend intervened. “Everyone except me is unconscious,” “I have a better idea,” Kara said and Kara replied. She looked around, “but produced the Adamant bracelets, she had they seem to be okay. It may be not wise, kept, after Barbara had released her from when you open the door from outside.” their grip. “These will look fine on her, “OK,” Barbara replied. “How to hell and I bet, she can’t take them off either.” did she do it? There was no alert, noth- The circlets closed with a distinctive ing.” Kara did not answer. “Anyhow, if I click on the feline’s wrists behind her can’t get in, can you get her out, Kara?” back and a turn of the odd little key “She came through an airway. I guess, sealed Catwoman’s fate. Still unconscious I can take this way, too,” Kara replied, she was put into the sack, and Kara car- “let’s meet on the roof.” Thanks to her ried her effortless away through the air. ability to fly this was a sensible place. “I’ll be there in five minutes,” Barbara q Chapter 8

The Perils of Catwoman

The narcotic was quite effective. Back to her captor, that she was conscious. in Barbara’s flat, Kara had enough time In particular the cuffs on her ankles were to go through Barbara’s rich equipment not very encouraging. The Cat knew, she in order to enforce Selina’s restraints up to would not get very fast very far. the level, that deemed her necessary to It was just the moment, when Bar- hold the famous cat-burglar securely. bara, who had delegated everything, she A collar with a chain leash turned to could in order to clarify, what had hap- the back and affixed to the connecting pened at Morgan’s charity party to her chain of her bracelets prevented any at- colleagues, pretending, that she was fol- tempt to bring her hands to the front, and lowing a hot trace, which was more or less a pair of male sized bat-cuffs went on her the truth, finally arrived at her own flat. slender ankles for additional protection. “Kitty-Cat’s just awake,” Kara greeted When Selina regained consciousness, her and they turned both to their op- she noticed, that she was naked except ponent, who slowly raised herself to her for her underpants and the aforemen- knees, which was all she could do, pre- tioned restraints, which secured her wrists tending to have just realized her bonds. and ankles. Kara, now back in her famous “You two must be very scared or very superheroine outfit observed her. kinky to truss a small woman up like this,” The feline realized immediately, that she remarked, indicating her fetters. To she was closely shackled. Her hands care- her horror she recognized, that her worst fully examined the rings holding her wrists fears had become true, when she caught prisoner and the chain arrangement hold- a sight of the bracelets on her wrists. She ing them behind her back. She also es- had tried every trick she knew to open timated the freedom of her legs, before those without the key, after she had ac- she slowly opened her eyes and revealed quired them, and so she knew all to well,

67 68 CHAPTER 8. THE PERILS OF CATWOMAN that she had no hope to achieve this now. them and who hired you in order to put “That’s just a small tribute to your rep- me and Wonder Woman out of the way.” utation, Miss Kyle, or should I call you “I don’t know, what you mean.” Catwoman,” Barbara retorted. “Listen, Kitty-Cat,” Kara said, “you “You came up with such unsustainable can tell me these two facts and get away allegations before, police-sargent Barbara with just an intentioned robbery,…” Gordon,” Selina replied, revealing, that “She must not walk away almost for she was aware of Batgirl’s identity, too. free,…” Barbara exclaimed in fury. “And right now, you are holding me pris- “Walk away with, what we can prove,” oner without justification. I am…” Kara continued, “or I will destroy the “You’re a notorious thief, caught red- only key to those.” She threatened show- handed by Supergirl and me, and this ing her the tiny key to her freedom. time we will prove everything, Kitty-Cat. “It’s indestructible,” Selina replied. You’ve the right to remain silent until…” “So you know this,” Kara retorted, “I know the text, I was arrested by you “Look, Kitty-Cat, I’m Supergirl, I can put before with big news-coverage,” Selina it into the center of the sun, could scuttle interrupted her, “unjustifiably arrested.” it in the ocean of Europe or put it on a “We both know, that you deserve a view other places you even can’t imagine, few years in prison.” Barbara replied, “and where nobody can retrieve it from…” this time, you’ll get and serve them.” “What’s this?” Selina interrupted her “What for?” Selina asked. “I’ve just – she was not easy to be fooled, “the corrected some injustice, and you know Krypton version of ‘Good cop, bad cop’?” that. I’m no less a criminal than you’re!” “On Krypton we didn’t play games, “You dare to say this?” Barbara was Kitty-Cat,” Kara repleid, “it’s as simple as about to slap her in the face, but Kara this: You give me the information, I want grepped her arm, before she could do so. and I let you off the the hook, or you’re “Don’t let yourself be provoked, Babs. stuck with your pretty prey for the rest This is not the time to balance bills.” of your life. I can imagine, that it’ll make “Take these off,” Selina interrupted escaping from prison much harder.” her, indicating her close shackles, “and we “You can’t do this…” There was a tiny can settle it immediately, just the two of bit of tremor in the tough woman’s voice, us, the Bat and the Cat, here and now.” only a tiny bit, but for Kara’s extremely “Anywhere and anytime,” Barbara fine senses this was clearly audible. replied heftily. She was in heat, too. “I can do this, Kitty-Cat, and I will “But not now and not here,” Kara in- do so. I always get what I want. Think terrupted, “we know about those bracelets, about it, I give you exactly one hour, be- which you are wearing right now. What fore I want an answer. In the mean time, we want to know is, how you acquired the two of you can settle your little dif- 69 ferences,” Kara said and left the flat. chained hand and food – and you long Selina was shocked by this formidable for seeing me in the harness, don’t you?” threat, she could not deny it. But she Selina asked almost seducingly. managed to stay cool – she had always “If you know it, you can wear it with a managed to stay cool – and she had a plan. leash, Kitty-Cat” Barbara said firmly, “we “Hey, Bat-Brat, where are my clothes? can start your pet training right now.” I will file a complain about you for A hairpin hidden in her underwear false arrest, kidnapping and sexual harass- and overlooked by Kara had opened the ment,” she tried to provoke Barbara. way for Selina’s escape. In seconds deft “Who says, that we are going to take fingers had picked the padlock fixing the you to prison, Kitty-Cat?” Barbara had intractable chain connecting ‘Aphrodite’s quickly learned from Kara. “You’d escape Bracelets’ to her leash, and successively she within hours. I’m tired of hunting you. had also been able to unlock the allegedly We think about keeping you as a pet.” escape-proof bat-cuffs on her ankles. “Want to put me in this harness of Altogether these remarkable accom- yours?” Selina pursued her strategy. plishments had been a matter of less than “Who told you about the harness?” ten minutes. Nevertheless the Cat had The realization, that her arch-enemy pretended successfully to be helplessly knew one of her most intimate secrets, bound, as long as Supergirl was around. was an unpleasant surprise for Barbara. After Kara had left and Barbara went “Nobody. I was here and investigated to fetch her harness, Selina brought her your flat,” Selina celebrated her unlaw- hands to the front in a fluent move, the fully acquired knowledge. “Besides, your connecting chain taught. This did not security system is not even mediocre. I cause a noise perceptible to human ears. know everything about your double life – Selina had to accept, that braceletted and your kinky preferences,” she claimed. like now, she was no match for the highly “You are a thief and a notorious liar,” trained Batgirl. But when she got her Batgirl retorted, “nobody will believe joined hands on a paperweight, the un- you.” But she went pale and her voice re- suspecting heroine had no chance to re- vealed, that she was really shocked. act. The capped glass sphere hit her in the “But I have water-tight proofs and the back of her head and the lights went out. society of Gotham will find it – let’s say – Selina immediately took a set of hinged interesting, that Jim Gordon’s daughter is bat-cuffs out of Barbara’s utility belt. She Batgirl – and kinky,” Selina threatened. removed her enemy’s blouse and bra and “What about putting you into this clicked them down on the unconscious harness and taking a few photos?” Bar- crime-fighters wrists behind her back. bara tried to regain the upper hand. “This makes us equal,” she muttered, “I can’t stop you, I am naked and regarding her forcefully connected hands. 70 CHAPTER 8. THE PERILS OF CATWOMAN

She also removed her utility belt, and one. She must have picked the locks of boots, and disrobed her of her clothes as her restraints, while you were around.” well as of most of her lock-picking tools. “I doubt it. However, if we are lucky, Her pants came in handy, because Kitty-Cat will do no better with these they fitted Selina as well. The ball-gag and bracelets, than I did – that’s what I hope, the harness, Barbara had devoted to her, and this means, she’ll have to return in or- also found another receiver – revenge was der to get this little key,” she remarked, sweet. She expertly applied these items dangling it in front of Barbara’s face. to the senseless woman. She had esti- “Apropos keys, I keep a spare set to mated the circumference of Barbara’s an- those behind the baking soda in the up- kles right. The now superfluous pair of per left door of the kitchen cell,” Barbara over sized bat-cuffs fitted around them as remarked indicating her own shackles. well, and interlinked with the ones al- “Maybe tomorrow morning, Babs.” ready on her wrists they formed a very Kara replied with a grin and Barbara’s fa- strict and acceptably secure steel hog tie. cial color faded. “Revenge is sweet.” Batgirl was still without conscience. “You can’t leave me like this,” Barbara Teasing her long-term enemy was a great protested, although she knew very well, temptation, but the hour was almost over that Kara could and might indeed do so. and Selina had concluded, that it would “No, I can help you to sit,” Kara be better not to wait for Kara’s return. mocked, “and I think I might find a collar She removed her mask, wrapped a and a leash to complement your outfit.” towel around her upper body, hiding ‘her’ “Don’t dare to do that, or…” she began bracelets behind a corner of the latter and well aware, that this was an empty threat. disappeared on the streets of Gotham. “Don’t make promises you cannot She had done well to hurry. Three min- hold,” Kara cut her speech and so she utes after her departure, Kara returned. was able to enjoy her very own restraints “You are a really fine guardian,” and harness. Two hours after sunset, Kara Kara greeted her fellow heroine, who freed a grumpy Batgirl from her hogtie was about to regain conscience. “Kitty- and declared the bill closed, a point of Cat’s gone. She’s taken the ‘Aphrodite’s view Barbara was not willing to share. Bracelets’ with her, and you are holding siesta.” She removed Barbara’s gag. q “This malicious animal must have hit me from behind. I’ve a damned big Without being recognized or drawing headache,” Barbara complained in vain. attention Selina reached one of her se- “That happens only to too credulous cret hiding places. Equipped with a mat- people, someone told me recently.” tress, a minimum of dresses, food for six “This could have happened to every- weeks, not tasteful, but eatable, and all 71 the tools of her profession, it contained Selina was a really tough woman. everything, she needed right now. A small purse containing some money Only very few people knew about the and tools hid the unbreakable chain join- small bunker built ages ago, and nobody ing what appeared to the casual observer was aware, that Catwoman had moved as a matching pair of black bracelets. in some time ago. The most important The neighborhood around her hiding objects of desire were a bra and a tank place was naturally not one of Gotham’s top. Next she checked for lock-picks. A finest addresses, so some care was nec- well-preserved set in working condition essary, and up to now Selina had man- was available. Immediately she started to aged to avoid trouble with her profes- work on the locks of ‘her’ new bracelets. sional knowledge, how to behave here. Actually Catwoman was not very con- However, just this day she ran acci- fident, that she would be able to open dentally into a young man, who might them at all, because she had tried this be recognized as a gang member on many times without the inconvenience of first sight by every rookie-cop of the having her own wrists enclosed by those 4th precinct. An attractive, well dressed tightly fitting circlets – without success. young woman was not, what he suspected However, today she tried for three to see here, but obviously this was some- hours, before she took a break. Futilely thing, he could acquire taste for, if this her wrist fought the chain, that forced creature was able to develop taste at all. them to stay in close proximity. She con- Quickly a knife appeared in his hand, sidered her plight. The prospect, that she which Selina immediately judged to be might not be able to remove those from the crooks most valuable possession. her wrists for a long time – maybe forever “What do we have here, babe, got – had something truely frightening even lost?” His crabby smile disclosed, that to someone as tough as Selina Kyle. dental hygiene had no priority for him. Three days she spent with other fruit- “Put that knife down, boy, and I less attempts to get rid of the unloved might let you go,” Selina replied calmly. ‘jewelry’, before she admitted the de- “Wow, a little girl with a big mouth,” feat to herself and left her hiding place. he approached her regarding her as a Formally she was well dressed. Tennis prey, not as a risk to his own health. That shoes, white socks, hot-pants, not too was his first mistake. Selina dropped her hot, but emphasizing her long and well purse and he starred at the handcuffs on trained legs and the tank-top hinting at the young woman’s wrists. He starred a a well-formed pair of firm breasts. Sil- second too long – that was his second ver sparkling, reflective sunglasses hid her mistake. A well aimed kick hit him hard eyes, eyes, that looked still clear. No tears into the guts with painful consequences . had found their way down her face, yet – Before he was able to sense something 72 CHAPTER 8. THE PERILS OF CATWOMAN else, his knee was smashed by another invisible interlocutor sounded confused. kick and the knife he had lost during “What did you really acquire?” this attack was snatched by Selina’s right “I know,” she admitted without dis- hand, which moved in perfect although closing any details. “It is, what it is, and enforced synchronicity with her left one. nothing, I want to sell. I need help.” He did neither have the time nor was “Anyway, you can pay?” He asked the in the mood to admire the grace of her obligatory and most important question. movements. He went down and a last “Of course,” she replied, it was a con- kick against his chin robbed him of his ditio sine qua none, “but only in case of ability to make his own dispositions for success. I don’t pay for unfinished work.” some time. Selina struck his knife into “The one I would rely on is Howard a groove on the board way broke the Wilson,” her correspondent suggested, blade, and threw the remaining parts to “but he will see money first, you know.” the ground next to his unconscious form. “I know him, well actually only his reputation,” she conceded. “ Anyway, he’s q good – how much does he want?” “His usual fair is fifty-thousand bucks The Cat looked around, her breath plus expenses for taking the job and the already at normal level. Nobody seemed same amount in case of success.” This was to have noticed the incident. She raised not the figure, she had hoped for. the discarded purse with her joined hands “I don’t have this much.” It was the and made the chain disappear behind it. plain truth. Half of it had been her limit. Assuming a normal pace she left her “Then you have to deal with Harry would be attacker behind. She finally Bernsen,” he made another suggestion. reached a telephone in the middle of “Tin can Harry?” She was not enthusi- nowhere and dialed a secret number. astic. The guy he had recommended, was “It’s me, the Cat,” she simply said. a safe cracker, whose abilities had never “I’m in need of help – I’ll pay for it.” been able to catch up with her own ones. “Police?” a moil voice on the other end “The same,” the voice confirmed. of the line inquired. “Batman or one of “No thanks.” She had made a quick those other caped won’na-be heroes?” decision. “I’ll take Mabuse. Contact him. “No, a metallurgical problem.” She When, do you think, he can be here?” explained. “A truly extraordinary one. I “And the salary?” The man asked. “He need a really good expert who can cut a can turn nasty, if he doesn’t get paid.” small piece of indestructible metal, with- “I’ll get the money, provided his ex- out heating it up to a thousand degrees.” penses don’t exceed five-thousand,” she “I beg your pardon, but to me t’is said, although she did not know right sounds like a contradiction in terms.” Her now, how to keep up with this promise. 73

“Okay, then it can be arranged,” her ing was known for sure, except that he correspondent sounded satisfied. “Actu- was acquiring money presumably for fur- ally it’s your choice. Where and when?” ther enforcing his rebuild Cyborg body. “The old storehouse in Finnegan’s Selina was not amused about the street,” she replied after a few seconds of price, he demanded. Fifty-five thousand thinking, “in four days after sunset.” bucks was all, she could mobilize within Howard Wilson aka Mabuse had four days, and even this would be difficult been a top rated material scientist, who with those bracelets on her hands. After all had suffered terribly from Kryptonite ra- she could not walk into a bank, sign for it diation generated in a secret government and leave with a pair of handcuffs in place. experiment. All, which remained of him, Under considerable difficulties she was his brain, which by now should be had been able to fetch forty-eight thou- embedded into a life-cell protected by sand by collecting everything, she could some Kryptonian super metal. However, get, from her hiding places, luckily with- he had used his knowledge to create a out compromising herself. The rest ought cyborg body with a Kryptonite power to be obtained by dissolving an account, source and remarkable capabilities. she had created under a wrong identity. The latter had looked quite similar q to Metallo, but with tentacles instead of normal extremities. Stronger and more “Fifty bucks, Harry. You go in, show flexible than anything else, enhanced by a the signed authorization and bring the formidable arsenal of weapons and tools. money to me.” A check about 7.145 It had been a formidable appearance. bucks and an order of disclosure were on However, the modified Kryptonite the table between them. Harry knew the radiation had also damaged Howard Wil- woman in the black poncho – not her son’s brain and turned a formerly polite real name, but he knew what this woman and cautious man into a power crazy de- could do. She had called him offering fifty molition machine, who called himself Dr. bucks for a ten minutes job without risk. Mabuse after a still famous movie figure. Among the local crooks the Cat had The public sometimes called him the reputation of being a honest trader. Metallo 2.0, and he had delivered Super- Harry was no hero, just a man who man a tough fight. The latter had finally wanted to survive without working too been able to trash his Cyborg body, but much, and Selina knew this as well. had not killed him. There were rumors, “Why can’t you go yourself?” He that Mabuse had recovered from this and asked cautiously. “It’s really not a trap?” was preparing for another clash with the “No it’s not. Honestly, Harry, every- uncrowned king of all superheroes, but thing’s clean and strictly legal. I can’t go only few people had seen him and noth- because of these.” She lifted the garment. 74 CHAPTER 8. THE PERILS OF CATWOMAN

“You are handcuffed?” White open eyes ‘her’ bracelets, the Cat wanted to be pre- stared at ‘her’ chain-linked bracelets. pared as good as possible to do so. “That’s quite obvious,” she said dryly. Mabuse had been a formidable oppo- “Eh…, why don’t you simply pick nent for Superman once, and he ought to them?” He dared to ask. “Everyone say’s, be an even more formidable opponent for you are the best lock-picker in town.” her. The only feasable way to take him “Yes,” she conceded, “but I can’t pick out of action, she could think of, was the these and no, they can’t be cut off either.” application of electrical currents. Not the “Wow. Who put them on you?” She type of current used in an average house- did not want to discuss this matter. hold – much stronger currents, and Selina “That’s not your business,” she replied had an idea, how to obtain the latter. harshly. “No questions, no talking, just Beneath the old storehouse was a high cullect it, and bring me the money.” voltage transform station, where the cur- “Okay, okay.” He was about to leave. rent of a 100 MV ultra high voltage over- “Harry!” Her voice held him back. head transmission line was transformed “Yeah,” he replied nerviously. to high voltage and distributed to several “Don’t get crude ideas. You know, I still formidable transmission lines. Af- can tear you into peaces, even with these ter the breakdown of the nuclear power bracelets on my hands, and, Harry, I’ll do plant, this line was on overload now and so, if…” She did not have to say more. more important to Gotham than ever. “I know, I know,” he replied, went, The old storehouse was still in work- fetched the money and received his fine. ing condition, although it had not been Her reputation was still sufficient to im- used over the last few years. But it had press crooks like Harry. But dealing with a working rail crane. In theory it should Mabuse was an entirely differnt matter. be possible to position something heavy She did not have enough to pay him, above each point inside and drop it by at least in case he should be successful, remote control. Knowing both Selina’s and she did not want to waste a thought mind had formed a plan, not one she about the other case. If Mabuse couldn’t immediately believed in, but one, which do it, she would be doomed anyway. might work after reworking the details. Mabuse was dangerous, even for her. It was more difficult than expected Some preparations were necessary in or- to prepare the old storehouse for one der to prevent him hopefully from killing woman working alone with only limited her, after he would have found out, that use of her hands. However Catwoman she was not able to pay him the rest. was well aware, that her life depended Selina was desperate, but this did not on it and therefore she bestowed great make her incautious. If it should be nec- care in the preparations. Climbing and essary to fight Mabuse after getting rid of mechanical work had never been difficult 75 to her, but for the required kind of work “It’s these,” she said raising her joined the irremovable handcuffs imposed very hands, referring to the restraints, which inconvenient restrictions on every move. had caused her so much trouble. “I sim- Selina worked night and day, and on ply want them off, but without my hands the day of schedule she was completely being amputated or burned to ashes.” exhausted. But everything was well pre- “You are handcuffed?” This was defi- pared and triple checked. Her chances nitely not what he had expected. If his were anything, but good according to her metal face had been capable of an ex- own optimistic judgement, but Selina was pression he might have grinned. “That’s determined to take all, she could get. funny. Someone’s cropped the cat.” Finally she was ready to confront “That depends on the point of view,” Mabuse, as ready as anyone could be. She Selina replied calmly. “I cannot remove stared at ‘her’ bracelets and gave the con- these on my own. You claim to be the necting chain an angry tug. She had done ‘Master of any Power’.” She extended her this a hundred times before. It was use- wrists. “Show me, what you can do.” less, but reminded her, what was on stake. “You must be very desperate. A wild cat without claws is only a pussy cat,” q he stated. “I believe, you’ve already tried “You’ve the money, cat?” Mabuse’s everything available to your limited re- question was as forthright, as could be ex- sources. That might raise the price. I pected. The huge metal body moved with ask you again: Where’s the rest of my a grace, that rivaled her own, although it money?” This crook had sensed the op- out-weighted her by at least a ton. portunity to hold her for ransom. “It’s in the suitcase over there,” Selina “May I remind you, that we’ve a deal indicated the direction with a nod. A ten- and I’ve fulfilled my part. Up to now tacle longed for it, grabbed the case and you’ve delivered nothing,” Selina insisted. ripped it apart. He counted the money “Maybe I should just take you with and stored it in one of his body holes. me, and keep you as a pussy cat.” It was “That’s only half of it,” he said lurk- a joke, but the menace behind it was real. ing at her with extended tentacles. He re- “Maybe you’re just a bigmouth and minded Selina of a snake in front its prey. this is too difficult for you.” She coun- “The deal was, one halve for trying, tered his suggestion offensively. “The the rest in case of success,” she replied. birds in Gotham tell, you’re not as pow- “Right. What’s your problem?” Selina erful, as before Superman trashed you.” stood directly in front of the huge cyborg. “I’m more powerful than ever,” he She lifted her poncho, her favorite gar- gave back matter-of-factly with faith in it. ment since her escape from Barbara’s flat, “Then show it.” She said indicating, a little bit. There was no way back now. that she was willing to return to their 76 CHAPTER 8. THE PERILS OF CATWOMAN business. “Half the money, if you can snap an insulator. However, it’s also incredibly this chain, the rest is for the bracelets.” She tough. My tentacles will be damaged, if I extended her chain-linked wrists again. apply more force.” She felt the immense “Well, they suit you,” he said enjoying tension disappear, although the power in his position. “What if I prefer to let them his grep on ‘her’ bracelets might still have on you? It may be worth the money.” been sufficient to lift a railway wagon. “Then everyone will know, that you “What about your claim to be the are not trustworthy,” she said calmly. ‘Master of all Powers’? I’ll give you all the “I don’t need anybody. I do, what I money, if you just rip off the chain.” like to do.” He was stubborn – and mean. “Sorry, Pussy Cat. I can’t do it. I’ve ap- “But, I think, you need money,” she plied a plasma flame and a high energy argued, “and nobody’ll make a deal with laser in addition to mechanical power be- you, if it’s known, that you you collect yond your imagination. That peace of money on promises and don’t deliver.” stuff is beyond my capabilities.” His facial “I want to see my money first,” he in- lenses sparkled. “How did you get it?” sisted. “Who knows, if you can pay?” “That’s not your business.” Another “Who knows, if you just want to kill tentacle grepped her throat. She knew, he me and collect the money. You got the might break her neck with a thought. first half. Now it’s your turn.” The Cat “Okay, I got it from Supergirl. It’s made clear, that it was not him, who dic- some Kryptonian super metal,” she made tated the rules. “Show what you can do.” it sound anxious, but became cool as ice. “You are a tough trader, Pussy Cat,” Fear would not improve her situation. he finally gave in. “I like this. Give me “It’s not a Kryptonian super metal. your little claws, Pussy.” He grabbed My brain capsule is made from finest ‘Selina’s’ bracelets with his tentacles. An Kryptonian super metal, but it can in no immense force was building up, a blue way compete with this stuff.” Although laser beam originated from one of his Mabuse was a ruthless criminal, he was body caves and another tentacle ignited also a scientist, and the material of ‘her’ a blue flame, which hit the same spot of bracelets had made a big impression. her wrist chain. “I honestly don’t know, what it is. I Selina feared, that her bones would be only know, that I got them from Super- shattered like glass, if the chain between girl,” She provided a not entirely honest, her bracelets would suddenly disrupt. But but plausible short version of an answer. it didn’t. Only the link he had attacked “Where’s the rest of my money?” by the flame and laser seemed to show a With his tentacle on her throat her bar- silver sparkle, but no sign of weakening. gaining position was not very strong. “That’s no normal metal, Pussy Cat. “It’s in a shopping bag, but it’s secured It doesn’t support electric currents; it’s with a firebomb, only I can deactivate.” 77

She prayed, he would believe this. The grace. tentacle unwound itself from her throat. “I’ve to put in a code,” she said. But in “Very clever, Pussy Cat,” he admitted the bag was only the remote control for unwillingly. “Well, show me that bag.” the rail crane. It was almost in position, “It’s on the stage over there, but if you but a slight adjustment had to be made. touch it, the money will burn to ashes.” It paid off, that she had greased the rails. “Fine, you do it then for me, Pussy.” The movement caused almost no noise. “You’ve to release my hands first,” she She was worried as hell about the reminded him, that he had affixed her. chain connecting her to Mabuse, but what “No, Pussy.” He produced a little sil- could she do? He would kill her anyway. ver chain out of another of his countless Selina sent a silent prayer to the Lord. body-cavities, wound it around the inde- She did not do this very often, because structible chain connecting ‘her’ bracelets she did not know, where he lived and, if and welded two links together with his he cared for this world at all. Then she laser beam, so that she would not be able pressed the button of the remote control to remove it without a suitable tool. and awaited, whatever might happen. “I beg your pardon, but I don’t trust A thick copper cable was dropped you, Pussy,” he commented this measure. onto Mabuse’s body and, a microsecond “Okay, but you must let me go, once before it made physical contact, hell liter- you’ve the money.” She cursed her temer- ally opened up its doors. Everything was ity. This chain did not belong to her plan. on flame. The button had also triggered “Sure, Pussy, sure.” Selina had no a magnetic switch, which redirected the doubt, that her survival was not some- full power of the big transmission line thing he seriously considered. His failure into the cable, an incredible bold of light- would become known and, although his ning grepped for Mabuse’s cyborg-body. metal face had no human expression, she Even the reportedly invincible body had sensed his interest in inheriting the amour was not able to defeat the enor- metal, he could not defeat as a bonus. mous amount of energy. The output of Right know, she was still alive, just be- the transmission had even been increased cause in his greed he intended to collect due to the power plant break down, and also the rest of the money – money, that now the power, destined to support half had never existed at all. The immensely of Gotham City, floated through the cy- powerful grep on her bracelets loosened. borg’s body, which was literally melted. “Okay, Pussy Cat. Fetch the money Selina, who had instinctively closed for me, and it will be better for your her eyes, when she pulled the trigger, ob- health, if it’s not burned.” He gave her served the result from her seat in a box, chain some slack and Selina climbed up to which was protected from the still float- the top of the concrete stage with cat-like ing currents by a thick, insulating con- 78 CHAPTER 8. THE PERILS OF CATWOMAN crete block. Nevertheless it was a still make any statement. The remains of his frightening storm of power. She had been body were transferred to a secure place. more than lucky, that the chain Mabuse Scientists had to find out, if his brain was had welded to her bracelts was molten dur- still working and could be rescued. ing the process without transmitting the No trace or hint to the Cat was found lethal current into her body. Maybe also and so the investigation concluded, that the Adamant had absorbed something. the Super Villain himself had tapped the Selina did neither feel sorry for Ma- transmission for unknown reasons and buse nor did she care about him. The no- fallen victim to powers, he could not con- torious super-villain had intended and al- trol. A workforce of a hundred man spent most managed to kill her. Only his greed a whole day under pressure to repair the had paved the way to her to survival. damage to the main transmission line. After a while she realized, that a con- siderable amount of those energies had q indeed reached ‘her’ bracelets, but not harmed them. They had not even heated Catwoman recovered surprisingly up during the process, which might have fast. But the cursed manacles still adorned been a disaster on it’s own. Instead they her wrist and their ubiquitous control of sparkled now like pure, highly polished her movements were a constant reminder silver without the slightest scratch. about her defeat and a persistent instiga- “Great work, Selina,” she thought, “if tion to do something against them. this bastard had at least cut this damned On the next day after sunset Selina chain, they would go through as expen- was once again sneaking through the sive jewelry, now. But they are still hand- streets of Gotham, wearing her cat-boots cuffs. All of my money has been burned to and the pants of her famous catsuit under ashes, and who on earth hires a girl in sil- an also black poncho, which had involun- ver handcuffs without asking questions?” tarily become her favorite garment. She gave the cursed chain another des- She was in a bad mood, as always after perate tug, a useless habit she had ac- spending fruitlessly more than an hour in quired over the last few days. A disaf- order to get rid of ‘her’ nasty ‘bracelets’. fected and still fettered Catwoman left the The poncho at least hid the latter from damaged building in total darkness facing public view, but it did not spare her the an uncertain future, while a huge black- disgrace to reveal them occasionally. out had darkened most of Gotham City. Opening a door, pushing a button in What remained of Mabuse’s cyborg an elevator, to handle a computer termi- body was soon discovered by alerted po- nal, touching her face and even bare ne- liceman. His brain had survived, but the cessities like eating or drinking required super villain could not or did not want to to raise her hands and give anyone, who 79 was accidentally looking in her direction, Selina knew, this was a vague hope, a clear view on the dangling chain, which but she was also aware, that without joined the irremovable metal circlets. hope, all which remained, was despair. Since the unpleasant encounter with There was not much a handcuffed woman Mabuse much to her chagrin the lat- could do, even if she managed to explain, ter sparkled like polished silver, catch- why she was handcuffed and why these spe- ing anyone’s eye, when hit by the slight- cial handcuffs could not be removed. est shaft of light. She had tried to paint There was a scientist, a physicist them black, but no kind of paint seemed named Dr. Hammersmith, once claimed to stick to the perfectly smooth surface. to be a genius, but by now outcast by Almost constantly she squeezed her the scientific community, who claimed brain about finding a way to get rid of to have constructed a gate to an inter- them, but, how often she turned the dimensional place named Olympus and problem around in her head, only two who was about to raise money for an ex- persons seemed to be able to release her pedition to it. For a hundred grands he from her current predicament – Super- was offering a place on this expedition. girl, who held the key, and the legendary Selina had checked it, before she con- creator of the tough hardware, she had tacted Mabuse, which seemed to be the been condemned to wear, Hephaistus the more promising solution. There was no ancient Greek God of the blacksmiths. insurance, that this man was not a crack- To ask or even beg Supergirl, was out pot like thousands of others on the world of question – this would violate her pride wide net. However, the proof, that the and self-respect, not counting the fact, place, this man claimed to have found a that Supergirl would probably not be will- bridge to, once existed, adored her wrists, ing to help her, and threatening a Kryp- and it was better to die in action than tonian was hardly a promising approach. to die as an old woman, who would have Among insiders or boneheads(?) there spent half of her wasted life in handcuffs. had always been rumors, that the ancient The precondition to get a ticket for Greek Gods were not mythological fig- the expedition was to raise some money, ures, but real and still alive somewhere. and this was, what she was up to now. But since she had acquired and inves- In principal the Penguin and some other tigated the Bracelets of Aphrodite, Selina members of Gotham’s honorable society did not rule out this possibility anymore, owed her something. This was difficult to and the few facts, she knew about the list and even more difficult to collect. Amazons of Paradise Island, seemed to After arranging an appointment she indicate, that at least some of them were climbed unseen down into Gotham’s un- not only still alive, but still seemed to derground, where the Penguin was the show up there on rare occasions. undisputed king. It did not take long, un- 80 CHAPTER 8. THE PERILS OF CATWOMAN til she reached the first checkpoint. She on the phone, Cat” he said calmly, after would have been noticed much earlier, if Dagger Bill had left. “So tell me what you – well, if she were not the Cat. She ap- really want, now, and I’ll think about it.” peared suddenly and without the slight- “I need money,” she said, “not too est warning right in front of Dagger-Bill, much and not for free, I’ll pay it back.” who was on duty to guard his boss. “How much?” He asked directly. “Who’re you?” Was all he could stam- “A hundred grands,” she replied and mer, when the red light of the laser tar- added, “I am good for it.” He whistled. geting device wandered above his body. “Right now, that’s a lot of money,” he “It’s me, the Cat,” she said, “I’ve an ap- said hesitantly, “as you might know, I’ve pointment with your boss.” He relaxed. faced some hard drawbacks recently.” “Put the gun down,” he said, trying to “I didn’t charge you for taking those gain the upper hand, “I’ve to search you.” super bitches out of action,” she argued. “No way,” she replied, “you’ll show me “And you were not very successful the way, and, if you behave well, I’ll ab- with it either,” he replied, “although Su- stain from punishing you for your lazi- pergirl was reportedly a little bit ham- ness. Come on, move!” Grudgingly he pered, these two interfered quite effi- raised himself. The Cat was well known ciently with our recent operation.” here and, although the Penguin would not “But this was not my fault,” she stated. be enthusiastic about his performance, “No, but together with some other he would accept, that it had been no one not successful enterprises the current sit- less than the Cat, who had fooled him. uation forces me to save my money,” he Selina needed almost no light and said. “You’re the most capable burglar in managed to stay in the dark. So he did not town. To raise a lousy hundred grands has see, that the hand holding the gun was never been a big deal for the Cat.” connected to its counterpart. He tried to “I can’t do it now,” she said honestly. mislead her twice, but the Cat smelled “Why not?” She lifted the poncho, the the traps and outmanœvered him. silver chain dangling between her wrists. After half an hour Dagger Bill entered “Because of those,” she replied, “I the current residence of Gotham’s un- can’t take them off.” His eyes widened. derworld’s uncrowned King with Selina’s “Those are the ones you used to take gunt aiming at him. She put it into its hol- Supergirl out of action?” He mused, and ster, before she greeted the Penguin. she nodded. “And in tit-for-tat response “You made it sound very urgent,” he she has fitted you with them, too.” said. “Yet you remained very vague.” “That’s more or less correct,” she con- “I’ve to talk to you,” she replied, ceded, “if I could face her in fair fight…” “alone!” He waved Dagger-Bill away. “A fight with a Kryptonian’s never “You’ve been beating around the bush fair,” he stated, “only a fool fights a 81

Kryptonian by hands. However, I’m sure, army,” she replied truely. “I’ve never you’ve tried everything already to get rid worked for you, we’re not blood brothers, of ‘your jewelry’. Mabuse’s ‘accident’…?” just business partners, no more no less.” “He wanted to betray me,” she said. “That’s right, Cat,” he said, “and “Whatever,” he replied, “he’s underes- therefore you won’t get this money from timated you, but obviously it didn’t work me. It would be a foolish investment.” out for you as well.” She shook her head. “Your last word?” She asked with bit- “Look, Cat,” he said, “we’ve made terness, knowing his answer in advance. business and seen better times together. “Yes!” With this single word her hope Therefore I won’t take advantage of your to find a trace of Hephaistus had faded misery, but I also won’t help you. This is away prematurely. The chain connecting your personal problem not mine. Besides, ‘her’ silver bracelets was taught. Without a why don’t you ask the Dark Knight?” further word she turned on her heels and “Because he’s my enemy as well as disappeared in the labyrinth, which con- yours,” she said, “he would put me into stituted Gotham’s underground. prison immediately, and I am not in the best condition to escape right now.” She q raised her joined hands for emphasis. “Maybe…,” he replied sceptically, giv- Three days later a tall man in a Sher- ing her a dubious stare, “maybe not. Ru- lock Holmes outfit stood lost at the bar mors say, you know who he really is.” of Gotham city hall’s annual social wel- “These rumors are wrong,” she said, fare ball, the entrance to which cost a lit- but avoided his eyes, when she said so. “I tle fortune. This was traditionally a fancy don’t know more about him than you.” dress party, so he did not catch much at- “But there’s a reliable source, who tention. Nevertheless he looked a little claims, that you’ve at least once dropped bit lost, when a beautiful brown haired a gun, when you ought to have hit him.” woman in a white summer dress wearing a “That’s true, indeed” she admitted, “I straw head approached him from behind. may be a thief, but that doesn’t mean, I “Ah, Mr. Holmes,” she said, “I am glad shoot a man in his back.” She paused for you could make it. I’m Irene Adler.” He a moment and, when he remained quiet, looked at the newcomer. Her dress was she added: “That’s against my pride.” shoulder-free but still conservative and “But Batman is our arch-enemy,” he might have gone through as a business said, “he fights his own self-declared war outfit. Indeed Selina, and it was her, had against us, and a soldier, who doesn’t do, chosen a dress, she had occasionally worn what he or she’s supposed to do, is not in office, when she had been working for worth to be trusted very far for me.” Markham Inc. He stared at ‘her’ silver “I’m neither a soldier nor in your bracelets or rather the chain between them. 82 CHAPTER 8. THE PERILS OF CATWOMAN

“I’ll wear a matching pair of sil- the one of the Kryptonians, but only, if ver bracelets,” she had told him on the an according to our opinion very ill-fated phone. When he remarked, that this was enterprise succeeds. Mr. Luthor doesn’t not very uncommon, she had replied, believe in inter dimensional travel. He’s “yes, but mine will be joined by a chain. I invested too much money into projects think, that’ll make them unique. Adler – like this, which delivered nothing.” Holmes, you know the story?” He didn’t, “Then, why are we talking at all?” so she had provided the background. “Well, it’s also rumored, that you “Let’s go to a more private place, Miss are very well connected in Gotham, Adler,” he said and, when they went to a Miss Adler. Mr. Luthor thought, you free table, he said, “I assume your name’s could eventually provide some informa- not Adler, although you’ve managed to be tion worth the money you are trying to listed in our customer files as such.” raise for this rather obscure project.” “As well as your real name’s presum- “Information like what, Mr. Holmes?” ably not Sherlock Holmes,” she replied. “The secret identities of one or more “Miss Adler, normally we don’t care, of Gotham’s caped heroes, like Batman, who orders our products, as long as Batgirl or Supergirl for example.” he pays in advance, but you’ve ordered “If I would know any of these, I could and received something, from which only raise much more money,” she replied, very few persons know, that it exists.” “there are many gentleman in Gotham, “And I’ve paid for it,” she replied. who are much more eager than your boss “That must be sufficient.” A waitress ap- to know that. Unfortunately they don’t peared and they ordered a glass of whine. have any vision concerning technological “Miss Adler, you’ve received these possibilities to reach their goals.” items only, because the Penguin told Mr. “Sorry, Miss Adler,” he said, “my boss Luthor, that you’re credible without lim- isn’t interested either, provided you don’t its,” he replied after the waitress had dis- come up with anything, you’ve to sell?” appeared. She raised her joined hands “No I’ve not,” Selina replied firmly. bent outward, so that the silver circlets slid “Then you’re waisting my time. slightly downwards and the short chain Good-bye, Miss Adler.” He placed a between them dangled freely, revealing, note on the table and left. Angrily Selina that their fit on her wrists was quite snug tugged on the chain joining ‘her’ bracelets. and did not allow her to slip them off. “Mr. Holmes, I’ve made good use of q it,” she said. “Your boss and I are on the same side. This has to be sufficient.” She wanted to leave, too, when a man “What you offered is very vague, ac- in one of the more common Batman out- cess to a technology entually superior to fits approached her. These outfits were 83 popular in Gotham. It was not the orig- locks than me,” he replied thruthfully, inal one, but a cheap replica sold around “compared to you I’m a fumble finger. I the corner. Although the wrapping might would only scratch this exquisitely pol- have been cheap, its content priceless. ished silver, and this would be a shame.” “Ah, Miss Kyle,” the man said in a low “Actually it’s not so easy to open them, voice, which sent a shiver down her spine. but that was surely intended.” She looked “What a coincidence to meet you here. I into the eyes behind the mask, while she just talked to Mr. Markham about you.” said so, if there was a reaction to this re- “Mr. Wayne?” It was no question, she mark. Either he really did not know, or remembered this voice, as if she had he was an extraordinarily good actor. heard it just yesterday. “You’re dressed as “Maybe for an ordinary person,” he Batman. What will the ‘original’ say?” replied casually, “but surely not for you, “He will forgive me the hybris,” he Miss Kyle.” He gave her a look, she could replied dryly. “Mr. Markham said, you not interprete and asked a question she quitted your job and he didn’t know why.” had not expected. “Would you give me “Personal reasons, Mr. Wayne – a pri- the honor to dance with the most beau- vate reason,” she replied evasively. tiful woman in the whole city, who’s inci- “If you need some help…,” he began. dentally also the smartest girl I know?” “Thanks for the offer, but I’m fine.” She was taken by surprise this and “Forgive me my lack of knowledge,” hesitated for a second, which he used to he changed the topic, “but may I ask, add, “we haven’t met for quite a while what rôle you’ve chosen for this evening?” and I really miss our occasional ‘ren- “Irene Adler,” she said, “You know, dezvous’.” She wanted to reject the offer, Sherlock Holmes – Irene Adler, a ‘Scandal but a look in his eyes and the pleading in Bohemia’.” He nodded understanding. tone of his voice changed her opinion. “The woman, who fooled Sherlock “Why not, Mr. Wayne, but you must Holmes,” he replied with a warm smile. not think you can fool me with comple- “I can imagine you very well in the rôle.” ments. I’m only a little secretary, who “Unfortunately Mr. Holmes left al- doesn’t really belong to all these wealthy ready,” she said, “and he took the keys and famous people.” Actually she wanted for those with him.” Her deft fingers, that to say more, but missed the right words. had opened almost every safe in Gotham “We both know, that the value of a City at least once, as no one knew better person cannot and ought not to be mea- than Batman, toyed with the connecting sured by the figures of his or her bank ac- chain of the sparkling metal circlets, which count, Miss Kyle,” he replied seriously. enclosed her wrists so snugly. “You inci- “That’s a rare opinion in your circles,” dentally don’t have a key, that fits those?” she replied, and he led her to the dance “I think, you’re more versatile with floor. It was a slow dance. He held her 84 CHAPTER 8. THE PERILS OF CATWOMAN more closely than appropriate for a loose “Miss Kyle, if you’ve a problem, you acquaintance, and she let him do so. may tell me. I still owe you something.” “You should have come as Cat- “No, Mr. Wayne, you don’t owe me woman,” he whispered into her ear, “we anything. The scholarship, which allowed would’ve made it as the couple of the a poor orphan to enjoy a first-class univer- evening, the Bat and the Cat, you know.” sity education, was funded by the Wayne “With me in handcuffs, Mr. Wayne…” Foundation. It’s me, who’s indebted to “Why not,” he replied, “everyone can you, and I think you should know that.” see, that it’s a kind of jewelry you’re wear- “I didn’t until now,” he replied, “the ing. And the Cat has some affinity to jew- Wayne Foundation was established by my elry, hasn’t she?” Did Batgirl really not parents, and they made it a principle, that tell him? “Besides, ‘of all God’s creatures, a committee of the best professors in this there’s only one, that cannot be made the country elects the scholars without any slave of the lash – that one’s the cat’.” involvement or even insight by the fam- “Is this a perception of yours or the ily. This is fine. I’ve never questioned it.” opinion of a certain Samual Longhorn “Nevertheless it was your money, Clemens, better known as Mark Twain?” which allowed me to become, what I am.” “Miss Kyle, you always manage to sur- “I disagree,” he objected. “It was en- prise me,” he replied with a smile. tirely your diligence and your talent, that “Because I’ve read a book? Mr. opened you those doors. I insist, that I’ve Wayne, you’re easy to impress. If I would nothing to do with it – again, if there’s have chosen come as the Cat, I would something, I could do for you now,…” hardly wear those. The Cat likes to roam “I’m fine, Mr. Wayne,” she rejected freely, the Cat would never allow herself his offer again, “I’m sorry, but I really to be fitted with those. Forgive, me, that have to leave now.” Those were her last I defend a criminal, but I’ve always been words. He wondered about her choice of a fan of the Cat, she’s so… independent.” jewelry, but the thought, that it had not “What surprised me, was, that our been a voluntary one, seemed too absurd. taste in literature seems not to be so Selina was desperate. She ran out of much different,” he replied seriously, possibilities and even worse also out of “but in one point we seem to disagree ideas how to do something against ‘her’ fundamentally: Everyone needs someone bracelets, and she ran out of money either. to count on, sometimes. Even the Cat…” Secretly she had longed to tell him, “No, not the Cat,” she insisted. The what had happened, to beg him for help, music ceased, and he had to let her go. even if he should have been aware, what “It’s a matter of principle. It has been very Supergirl and Batgirl had done to her. But nice from you to dance with me, but now she did not. The Cat still had her pride. it’s time to say goodbye.” She indicated, she wanted to leave, but he held her back. q Chapter 9

Kitty-Cat’s Hiding Place

Since Bruce Wayne had not bothered prised. Almost nothing concerning the to tell them, Barbara and Kara were un- Cat had been confirmed in the past. aware of this meeting. For them Cat- “Nevertheless, is she still wearing your woman had disappeared once again with- bracelets or not?” She asked in order to add, out a trace, like a black cat in the night. “it might be interesting to watch, how she Nobody could tell anyone of her where- deals with her newly acquired ‘jewelry’.” abouts. Barbara, who was professionally “To put this straight: Those are involved in other cases, had experienced not my, but ‘Aphrodite’s Bracelets’,” Kara this more than once in connection with replied, “and the answer is ‘yes’: I have the Cat and accepted it, but Kara found, very good reasons to assume, that she also that she had to satisfy her own ambition. did not manage to get rid of them also.” With her superior senses and tech- “That would mean, that Kitty-Cat’s nological means, she spent a lot of time claws are still cropped,” Barbara stated, in order to track down the mysterious “which is consistent with the fact, that feline. Nevertheless it took more than no truly spectacular burglaries have oc- three month, before she appeared in Bar- curred over the last weeks. But how do bara’s flat and came up with a partial re- you know this, if you haven’t seen here?” sult of her laborious investigations. “Well there is a location in lower “Good news,” she announced. “I may harbor-city, named the ‘Bondage Club’. finally have found a trace of Kitty-Cat.” You’ve heard about it?” Barbara nodded. “So where does she hole up?” Barbara, “Yes, I have even been there once,” who had the early shift, was not very en- she admitted a little bit ahamed, but thusiastic. She had failed too often. truthfully, “with Jim – a view years ago.” “Well, actually it is has not been con- “Well, for twwo month, they have a firmed yet.” Barbara was not very sur- new waitress there, named ‘Kitty’,” Kara

85 86 CHAPTER 9. KITTY-CAT’S HIDING PLACE said, “and the waitresses in this bar…” I know,” Barbara replied, “the one who “… serve in handcuffs, I know” Barbara said, that the laws apply to everyone and continued, “the perfect working place for that they’ve to be followed literally.” a woman, who can’t take her handcuffs off.” “Oh, it’s still me, Babs,” the Krypto- “Well, this was my conclusion, Babs.” nian explained, “but since she’s attacked “If that’s all you have, it’s a very me, it’s my law, which applies here, re- weak evidence,” Barbara was still skep- spectively the law of my home world. You tical. “Every bar in town has a bar maid can be sure, that Kitty-Cat will not com- named Kitty, and honestly I don’t be- mit any crime anymore, once I’m finished lieve, that our Kitty-Cat works as a wait- with her, if that really is, what you want.” ress, serving her guests in bondage – what “Sounds not interestingly,” Barbara a descent. Do you really think it’s her?” replied half-pleased. Knowing her fellow “Honestly, I still don’t know,” Kara heroine’s fondness for secretiveness she replied, “but her description and the time added, “however, I guess, that you don’t she’s started to work there fit. She should want to tell me any intimate details?” work there regularly and we won’t know it “No, but if you want to watch and for sure, if we don’t convince ourselves.” learn, you may accompany me,” Kara “Okay, Sherlock,” Barbara mocked replied with a smile, “you have been in her, “if you’re so eager to know this, that bar, so you know the constraints…” why’re we still sitting here? Let’s see and “Only groups with one dominant are arrest her. We’ve still her genetic finger- allowed, and all subs must be in bondage.” print from the attempted burglary.” “You’ve been the sub?” Kara asked. “I think, we’ll find her there, Babs,” “Yeah,” Barbara said, “but, it doesn’t Kara stated, “but I don’t want to arrest mean, I’ll do it again, let’s throw a coin.” her,” Barbara shook her head vehemently “I found this trace, and it was you, in order to express strong disagreement. who let Kitty-Cat slide,” Kara reminded “Why not?” She asked, “I mean, if her. “I think, this gives me the lead.” she’s still cropped and stays so, that’s okay “Okay,” Barbara gave in, “but I hope with me, too, but it wouldn’t also do any you agree, that we can’t show up as Super- harm to know, that she serves her time in girl and Batgirl there. We’ll have to dress solitary in a nice high-security jail cell.” ourselves, so that no one’ll recognize us.” “No, this case calls for my personal “Of course! It’s indeed advisable for attention,” Kara said, “I believe by now, us. Therefore I count on your funds.” as you do, that she’s dared to attacked “So, what’s your operation schedule?” me and therefore I’ll teach her personally, “Well,” Kara began, “I thought, we what’s right and wrong and, if she doesn’t should convince ourselves today or, if it’s obey my rules, she’ll wish she were in jail.” not okay with you, as soon as possible, be- “That doesn’t sound like the Kara, fore our lovely bird will have flown out.” 87

“As I told you already, today is okay. cient, so that we’ll be allowed to enter.” But let’s have a meal first. Humans must “The rules have changed, they require eat, you know.” So Barbara prepared a stricter security,” her friend objected. small meal, which they ate quietly, before “Listen, Kara, I am a police officer and they went through her funds together. I won’t wear any police issue handcuffs. Basically they chose leather outfits with That’s against my pride,” she stated. head masks, which obscured their faces “I feared, you’d say so. So I bought even to a close observer. Barbara’s dress my own set,” Kara replied and produced was not more revealing than Kara’s, but a pair of genuine hinged handcuffs from her endowed with a leather collar and a leash. own purse. Before Barbara could object, “These leather cuffs will do,” Barbara she switched to super-speed again and, suggested for her required bondage. “I before her fellow heroine had a chance to can connect them by a snap hook.” move, she wore them behind her back. “They are fine,” Kara gave back, “but “Great, really great, Kara, how should I think, they should go to your ankles.” I assist you if I am fettered like this?” Bar- “Hey, I’m wearing high heels,” Barbara bara’s mood had dropped rapidly. replied. “There’s no reason to hobble me.” “This is no fighting mission, we just “But they give you the proper touch,” want to convince ourselves, if it’s really Kara said and buckled them with super- Kitty-Cat, who works in this bar.” speed around her ankles. Barbara noted, “And you want to have some fun with that she also locked the buckles by small me.” She looked at ‘her’ cuffs, “Oh no…” padlocks from her collection, whose keys “Is something wrong, Babs?” Kara the keen Kryptonian pocketed as well. asked suspicially innocently, “I hope I’ve “And those padlocks are simply for au- set the so-called double locks correctly.” thenticity?” She asked sarcastically. “And you have sealed the key holes “Right, and I guess this chain fits in with your heat vision. They cannot be between?” Kara had also found a chain of opened anymore and have to be cut off!” about 16” with another pair of keyed pad- “It was Batman, who inspired me to locks attached in Barbara’s toy box. do this,” Kara explained “I remembered “Do what you have to do, but I have this model ‘C’ of his bat-cuffs you told me only one pair of leather cuffs.” She could about? Don’t worry I can rip them apart not stop Kara anyway. Soon the chain dan- anytime, without hurting you.” gled between her ankles. The Kryptonian “But I cannot open them myself.” pocketed the corresponding keys, too. “You mean by means of those lock- “But you’re well equipped with all picks you’ve hidden in your belt? You kinds of handcuffs?” It was no question. didn’t intend to use those?” Barbara’s very “No way! You can bind my hands with black looks told her the contrary. rope,” Barbara conceeded. “That’s suffi- “You did it on purpose,” she accused 88 CHAPTER 9. KITTY-CAT’S HIDING PLACE her fellow heroine. “This is a dirty setup.” “There are laws in this country, and “I don’t want you to spoil this evening up to now, it has been you, who always in- by freeing yourself and getting us thrown sisted, that those laws have to be obeyed out,” Kara smiled at her, but Barbara literally by everyone,” Barbar retorted. could sense a mocking twinkle in her “That’s still my opinion,” Kara said. smile – she had planned this from scratch. “So how about Kitty-Cat? She belongs “Take them off. Kara, I want those behind bars for theft in sixty-seven sus- cuffs off, now!” She stamped her foot in pected and six proven cases,” Barbara de- anger, which made her ankle chain tinkle. clared. “Isn’t it enough for a sentence?” “No, you’re well dressed for this lo- “She’s been living with those bracelets cation, and we don’t have time to waste for three month now. According to what with discussions,” Kara was merciless. she actually did, I find, that’s enough.” “Kara, I definitely won’t go in public “So you want to set a notorious bur- like this. Take them off,” Barbara insisted. glar free?” Barbara could not believe it. “Kitty-Cat ought to be kept much “Not immediately – this would spoil more secure than you are for three month my intentions,” Kara said. “But to put it now. What do you think how she feels?” straight, I also don’t want to see her in “I don’t care,” Barbara exclaimed. “the prison for years with those bracelets on.” bitch’s a criminal and deserves it. I…” “And you don’t want me to interfere – “She’s no more a criminal than we are. that’s the real reason, why you put me in I went through the records, you provided, those,” she said indicating ‘her’ cuffs. and read between the lines. I couldn’t find “You’re a clever girl,” Kara replied. a case where she stole something from “I thought we’re a team,” she said. someone, who didn’t deserve it. I know “We’re, Babs, we’re,” Kara insured. all of her victims quite well. I really don’t “But partners don’t treat each other know, why you’re chasing her so hard.” like this, they trust each other,” Barbara “Did you talk to Batman about her?” relied and tugged angrily on her cuffs. “No,” she said. “I’ve my own sources “You’ve to play the sub anyway,” Kara and means to gather information.” argued practically. “It’s not a big deal.” “So stealing is okay, according to your “For me it is – hmmpf.” Kara had once Kryptonian law, and you feel guilty for again switched to superspeed and termi- treating this poor Kitty-Cat so mean?” nated this discussion by stuffing a ball gag “No, but almost all the things, she into her helpless fellow heroine’s mouth. stole, seem to have been spent for good “If we thrash this out completely, purposes like orphanages and hostels for Kitty-Cat will have gotten herself an- homeless and so on. At least there’s a cer- other job in the meantime,” she put an tain correlation between thefts you at- end to their discussion. She led her fel- tribute to her and noticeable donations.” low heroine by the leash and Barbara had 89 to follow her in small measured steps. “Did we do something wrong, Sir?” Kara asked with a winning smile. q “No everything’s fine. But since this is your first visit, ladies– at least that’s what Of course Kara spared her friend the I think, Master Bill, that’s the big man be- humiliation of being moved around in hind the bar, like’s to explain the house public in this outfit. She simply flew with rules to every new visitor himself in order Barbara in tow to the location shaded to avoid misunderstandings. Would you by the actually moonless darkness, which be so kind and go to the bar first?” had encumbered the heaven over the city. It was well after nine o’clock, when “No problem,” Kara said and grabbed Kara and Barbara entered the Club. A Barbara’s leash. The bar room was big- chunky man blocked their way: “You are ger than it looked from the outside. new here, ladies?” He asked politely. The counter filled a rectangle in its cen- “Yeah, we heard, that people like us ter, where a big man fulfilled the bar can have some kinky fun here,” Kara tender’s duties. This had to be “Master made the conversation. There was no way Bill”, owner and chief barkeeper of “The Barbara could take part in it. The big red Bondage Club”. He wore a short leaved rubber ball prevented reliably, that her white shirt and a red fly. The same was friend could form understandable words. true for two muscle packed coworkers. “That’s right, ladies, but we have cer- Presumably these guy’s not only tain requirements, and I have to check served drinks but were also on the payroll you first. You are the submissive?” He ad- in order to enforce the house rules if nec- dressed Barbara. The latter gave Kara an essary. The bar was only moderately fre- angry look but nodded unwillingly. quented, not bad for a genuine Tuesday, “May I have a look at your restraints.” but surely well below it’s capacity. Only a Reluctantly she turned her back on him. minority of the guest preferred bar stools. “All solid steel,” Kara declared proudly, The ratio of dominants and sub missives “I have the keys, but I promise she will was close to one, which meant, that al- not get free, before we leave.” Neverthe- most all guests had shown up as couples, less he took a closer look at Barbara’s almost half of which were odd ones. handcuffs and gave them a light tug. Ob- Without any doubt The real attrac- viously he was pleased with the result.” tion of this bar were the waitresses. “Everything’s fine. But real wrist re- And there she was, Selina Kyle, the Cat- straints are sufficient,” he explained, re- woman. Kara discovered her at once and ferring to the fact, that Barbara wore leg gave her fellow heroine an advise. irons too. “It’s one of our house rules, leg The former cat-burglar wore black restraints are optional. So you may pass, hot-pants and high heels, emphasizing Ladies, however there’s one minor thing.” her bare long and muscular legs. A leather 90 CHAPTER 9. KITTY-CAT’S HIDING PLACE harness similar Barbara’s framed an am- to her ankle chain. Right now she kept her ple pair of bare not too big, but well- legs close together, which gave her a view formed breasts. A black leather collar inches more by lifting up her hobble chain. with a name tag in front, from which A further improvement was possible a leather leash dangled between her by raising one leg from the ground and breasts, completed her outfit. The latter letting the ring of the connector chain assessory seemed to be solely for show. slide up to the corresponding anklet. The This was obviously not true for a pair additional slack, gained this way, did not of short, but genuine police-type leg-irons come completely for free, because it com- with only about a foot of chain, which promised her balance. But the Cat would adorned her ankles and limited her stride not have been the Cat, if she easily lost accordingly. The Cat was also hobbled. her balance, even on fairly high heels. She had of course noticed the new- Selina had applied this trick fre- comers from the corner of her eye, but quently right from her start on the job even the Cat had not penetrated the in order to overcome the narrow limits in masks of the two heroines, and so she did range. This had had given the athletic Cat not paid much attention to them. Kara a considerable advantage over all other concluded, that she ought to have done waitresses, who applied it rarely and only this job for quite a while, because she was if they could not avoid the unstable posi- well adapted to her current restrictions. tion. She had been able to move faster, Barbara and Kara observed, how serve more customers and gather more Selina Kyle carried a tray with drinks to tips than her less gifted colleagues. a table. She moved in short, hobbled steps It had not taken long until the bar’s on her four inch stiletto heels, put the owner had noticed this and decided to tablet down on one of the small side ta- level the competition of his employees a bles installed everywhere for obviously little bit. So on one evening, when she was exactly this purpose. Then she grabbed about to resume her duties, to Selina dis- two glasses, one in each hand. She had covered her chagrin that ‘her’ connector no choice to handle them differently, chain had been shortened by a couple of because Aphrodite’s graceful Adamant inches. Each of these “hardware sets” had Bracelets still decorated the Cat’s wrists, a name tag, a mix up could be excluded. It although the latter were no longer black was Master Bill, who cared for the equip- as coal but sparkled like polished silver. ment, and these chains were all adjusted In order to make this task more diffi- to the wearer’s individual heights. Some- cult and enjoyable for the guests someone one had done this on purpose either with had padlocked a steel chain to the unbreak- Master Bill’s approval or by his order. able Adamant one joining them, which She had not mentioned it, but since was in turn connected via a sliding ring then much to the pleasure of the male 91 guests Selina had to raise one of her long Bill”, the club’s owner, approached them. legs in order to enjoy the same range as “Good evening, ladies. You like, what her colleagues. Right now she distributed you see?” His smile was all buisiness. drinks, with the natural cat-like grace in “It’s quite…, well, let’s say interesting,” particular admired by male visitors and Kara replied politely with a similar smile. received a few tips, the guests used to “I don’t recognize the two of you,” he stuff into the waistband of her hot-pants. said casually. “You’re new to this place?” After she was finished with this task, “Yes,” Kara replied. “We got a tip she received a slap on her buttocks. Kara from a friend, this should be the hottest could see, that Selina’s fists were clenched place in Gotham – and I think he’s right.” within the confinement of her cuffs. The “I’m pleased about your judgment, Cat was cropped but not tamed. Never- but before they join the fun, I’d like to in- theless Selina managed a winning smile, troduce my guests,” he began his speach. fetched her purse and put the notes in it. “It’s not easy to run a place like this and Then she fetched the tray with her joined to assure, that all the guests have fun. A hands and hobbled back to the counter. hand full of rules have proved their value Half a dozend other waitresses hob- over the years, and we request our guests bled around like Selina all in the same and employees to stick to them. Who kind of bondage with the exception, that doesn’t obey this rules, will be thrown out presumably someone was able to take and won’t be allowed to come back. I’ll their handcuffs off. One wore her handcuffs tell you these rules now, ladies, and you’re in the back. Later they should learn, that free to decide, if you want to stay or not.” this was due to a special request of some “Okay, that’s fair,” Kara replied seri- guests. Kara took hold on Barbara’s leash. ously, “go on, what are these rules?” “Our Kitty-Cat seems to be still well “The first rule’s, no violence! Not secured, which is fine,” Kara whispered against your companions and not against into Babara’s ear. “However, half of the our waitresses. No one will be beaten or guest are dressed like us,” I don’t think whipped inside this bar. As you may have she’ll recognize us behind these masks.” seen already, our waitresses are a little bit “You want to be served by her?” restricted in their movements. They are Babara, who was gagged, could not artic- advised to tolerate a playful slap on there ulate this words properly, only muffled buttocks, when they serve you drinks or sounds emerged from her gag, but know- a meal, but they must not be molested or ing her friend Kara sensed their meaning. touched inappropriately – or forced to do “Why not? She seems to be respon- something, they don’t want to do.” sible for the six tables in the back part. “That’s fine with us,” Kara replied. Two of them are still empty…” She inter- “Ken, can you fetch Jenny from the rupted herself, because because “Master rest room to give us an introduction?” He 92 CHAPTER 9. KITTY-CAT’S HIDING PLACE adressed one of his fellow barkeepers. in order to protect us. We must not tell “And the second rule?” Kara asked. any guest the real ones,” she explained. “No illegal activities in this bar, even “Okay, Jenny, you and the other wait- if they’re consensual. No drugs, no table resses are into bondage?” Kara asked. sex, nothing, forbidden by the law.” “It looks that way,” she replied, raising “We appreciate this. Claire and I have her leg-iron chain by lifting her handcuffed never been in trouble with the law.” hands, “but actually, I’m not, and I think “Good. The third rule is: Don’t drink the other waitresses are neither, except too much. It’s not, that I don’t want to for Kitty. Well, at least I think so.” sell alcohol, but if you make trouble, we’ll “Who’s Kitty?” Kara asked casually. throw you out. The waitresses are advised “The brown-haired girl over there,” to judge, if you have enough. If they de- Jenny replied referring to Selina Kyle. cide, you’ve enough, they won’t serve al- “And why do you actually work here?” coholic drinks anymore. We expect our “Because it’s well paid. We earn twice guests to accept this decision or to leave.” as much as a regular bar maid in Gotham. “Claire and I don’t want to be mo- I’m an archæology student, and I earn my lested by drunken guest either and we ap- college money during the evenings here.” preciate this rule, too,” Kara replied, “Are “Isn’t it hard to serve the guest that there more rules and if, what are they?” way?” Kara asked an obvious question. “Well there are and they’re concerned “Not at all, it takes some time to do with the treatment with our waitresses. something if you are restrained like this. Jenni, who’s been out of service ’till now, But the guest like, what they see, and they will explain it to you.” He left them in wait patiently, ’till we have fulfilled our the company of a blond waitress, who was duties. If your hands are fixed in front like outfitted very similarly to Catwoman. this,” she raised hers to their limit, “you “High, I’m Jenny and I serve here as a can do almost everything you are used to waitress.” She extended her wrists joined do, just a little bit slower and clumsier.” by a pair of chain-linked handcuffs con- “But the waitress over there has her nected via another chain to a matching hands fixed in the back,” Kara remarked. pair of short-linked leg-irons. With pro- “That’s Barby,” Jenni replied deliber- fessional knowledge, Barbara judged, that ately. “She’s accepted a special request.” these restraints were genuine police-issue. “What’s that?” Kara asked nosily. “Nice to meet you, Jenny,” Kara said, “Well, if the bar isn’t overcrowded, and Barbara nodded, which was all she Master Bill allows, that a pair of guests re- could do. “I assume, Jenni is not your real serve one of us waitresses as personal at- name?” The waitress shook her head. tendant. Provided the girl agrees, it costs “No, the names on our name tags are a hundred bucks, which are for the girl, fictional. It’s a precaution by Master Bill because she cannot gather any other tips 93 over the time. Then she might be fitted Kara grabbed Barbara’s leash and headed with additional restraints or fixed to the straight for one of the free tables in table by these leashes, we’re wearing. Do Selina’s service district. Soon the former you want to make a request for me?” Catwoman showed up. She did not seem “I don’t think so, maybe later. What to recognize the two heroines in disguise. do you do in an emergency?” Kara asked. “Good evening, ladies. How may I “I mean serving in restraints is fine for the serve you?” The Cat asked casually. guests, but if e.g. a fire breaks out…” “Of course, Kitty,” Kara pretended to “It’s not a secret, that all of us girls have read her name-tag, “can you make have a standard key in our purses, which a turn for us?” . This was a frequent re- fits these,” she indicated her handcuffs, quest. Selina looked at the ceiling and did, “and those,” she explained, jangling her what she was advised to do in such cases: leg-irons. “But we’re not allowed to use She raised her joined arms as far as her it, except in an emergency. We’re not al- connector chain allowed, which was not lowed to take these off not even during much, and performed a perfect pirouette. our regular work breaks. If I’d remove “Extraordinarily,” Kara remarked and them now, I’d be fired immediately.” added: “You’re born to wear those chains. “What do you do on the toilet?” Don’t you agree, Claire?” Barbara grunted “Well, there’re no cameras there.” and when she realized, that she could not Jenni smiled. “What the boss can’t see,…” form proper words she nodded simply. “This girl, Kitty,” Kara asked almost “Do you want some drinks ladies?” casually, “why do you think, she’s the only “May I take, a closer look at your hand- waitress here, who’s really into bondage?” cuffs, Kitty?” Kara turned to Barbara. “A “Because she wear’s her own, private friend of mine’s a collector, and he’s a sim- pair of handcuffs, different from all others. ilar pair to this one, which he considers Master Bill granted her the privilege.” to be the crown of his collection. He had “Maybe she’s just allergic to nickel or a problem with a lost key, and it was al- something similar,” Kara suggested. most impossible to obtain a spare one, al- “I don’t think so. She wears them though he’s a wealthy man. Believe it or when she arrives here and when she not he obtained a collection of fifteen- leaves. In fact, I think, I never saw thousand keys in order to obtain one, Kitty without this pair of handcuffs on her which fits. Now he’s trunk full of keys in wrists. This ist pretty weird, isn’t it?” his garage. I wouldn’t believe it, if I hadn’t “Very weird, indeed,” Kara replied, “is seen it with my own eyes, Claire.” there something else we should know?” She could feel, that these words had “Well it’s custom here to put the tips grepped Selina’s full attention as in- into the waistbands of our hot-pants.” tended. Catwoman extended her wrists, “Well, thank you very much, Jenni.” which were well captured by “Aphrodite’s 94 CHAPTER 9. KITTY-CAT’S HIDING PLACE bracelets”, for inspection pretending to be exclusive service, Mistress,” Selina ex- calm, but Kara sensed a light trembling. plained. “We can’t use a tray this way, and “Look at these fine arcs, Claire,” she it takes too long to serve everyone; there- adressed Barbara, “they follow the out- fore this would cost you a hundred bucks. line of her wrists perfectly, and yet there’s “Well I can afford it.” Kara replied. no ratchet, just a tiny safety lock, which “I don’t accept special requests.” Harry claims be unpickable, all the same “That’s a pity, because I would have and Harry thought, his were unique. He preferred you. Would the blond girl over claimed they were made of an indestruc- there do it?” She nodded to Jenny, who tible metal and paid a fortune for them.” was now serving the tables next to Selina’s Then she turned back to Selina. district, in order to put Selina on the spot. “Thanks, Kitty. You don’t have prob- “For you I’ll make an exception,” Cat- lems with the keys?” She asked sweetly. woman hurried to say. She managed to “No, why?” Selina managed to lie and say it buisiness-like, but Kara could sense, shook her head, but the lines in her pretty that it had not been easy for the proud face told Kara, that her mind was in over- Cat to form these words. “But I’ve to ask burst mode. It required all of her self- for allowance first,” she added quickly. control to ask the next question casually. “Do it then.” Selina turned to the man “What can I bring you, ladies?” Only at the bar, waited until his eyes found a slight tremor in Kitty-Cat’s voice re- hers, bent forward, lowered her cuffed vealed, that she was deeply disturbed. hands and raised her left leg, indicating, “I would like a coke with rum,” Klara she intended to step through ‘her’ cuffs. stated, “and Claire here prefers a glass of He nodded and advised her to do so. At White Bacardi, with a straw, don’t you?” the same time he advised Jenny by a ges- “Very well, ladies.” Selina turned on ture to overtake Selina’s other tables. her leels around and hobbled slowly away. Angry about this humiliation Selina Kara waited, until Selina had managed put her purse to the back, where she half of the way to the bar in her tiny trip- would be able to reach it. She managed ple steps, before she raised her voice. to keep her balance while she stepped “Wait a minute, Kitty.” She did not through ‘her’ cuffs despite the high heels say more. Selina took a deep breath and irons. After this she turned her back turned around again and hobbled back. to Kara, bowed forward and raised her “Kitty, your colleague over there hands dutyfully to the limits of her con- serves with her hands behind her back, is nector chain to Kara for inspection. it possible, that you do this, too?” Kara “I’m at your command, Mistress.” observed, that Selina clenched her fists. The proud, former cat-burglar almost bit The chain joining her handcuffs was taut. on her tongue, when she said this. “She’s accepted a special request for “Very niece, dear, very niece,” Kara 95 purred, than she slept her on the but- “Master Bill, said, ‘make assurance tocks. She noted, that Selina reacted with double sure’,” she explained the ensemble a angry tug on her wrist chain. The cat in with a shrug, but Kara was merciless. her was well hidden but not tamed. “This still doesn’t look right, Kitty. “Here’s your money,” Kara slipped a You have a key to those in your purse?” hundred dollar note into the waistband of “Yes, but…” Selina wanted to object. her hot-pants, directly beyond her navel, “Give it to me, you can’t stay like this. where she would hardly be able to reach I’ve to make an adjustment,” Kara in- it. “Now go and fetch our drinks, Kitty.” sisted. “They don’t suit you this way.” Re- Slowly an angry Selina Kyle hobbled to luctantly Selina handled her the key. the bar and fetched their drinks. How- “You look very flexible, Kitty,” she ever, she immediately proved her cat-like said maliciously, “I am sure you can make limberness, when she served both drinks your elbows touch.” Kara was merciless. on one tour, without spilling a drop. The “Yes, but…,” the former Catwoman note had also disappeared from her pants. began, but Kara interrupted her again. “Thanks, Kitty. Your handcuffs are “You look like a reputable girl to me, very nice, but your colleague serves with Kitty, aren’t you?” she said, “I’m sure you hinged hindcuffs. They give her another want to earn those hundred bucks.” flair, if you know, what I mean. Do you “Of course,… Mistress,” Selina think, you can wear those too?” Kara did pressed the answer through her teeth. not have to see it, in order to know, that “Turn around, Kitty, it’s for your the unbreakable chain between the Cat’s own good.” When Selina complied, Kara wristlets behind her back was taught. opened the hinged cuffs and reapplied “You wish is my command, Mistress.” them above her elbows. Catwoman’s leg- Selina hobbled back to the counter, sur- endary flexibility allowed her easily to rounded it and approached Master Bill. touch her elbows, and the fixation caused She talked to him and bowed forward to her well shaped breast to stuck out give him easier access to her wrists. prominently. She double-locked them. Kara noticed, that he wanted to take “You look magnificent, Kitty. What hold of her elbow, but Selina stepped do you think, Claire?” Barbara could only back. She said something to him. He nod, since her ring-gag prohibited her to shrugged and she approached him again. form proper words, while Selina explored He clicked a pair of hinged handcuffs on her remaining degrees of freedom. She her wrists above her own wrist cuffs. She was not very pleased with the result. wanted to leave, but he held her back and “Would you mind, if I clip your leash engaged the double locks. Five minutes to the ring over there,” Kara asked. It was later she was back with an additional pair not difficult to conclude, that the leashes of heavy hinged handcuffs on her wrists. were not completely dis-functional. 96 CHAPTER 9. KITTY-CAT’S HIDING PLACE

“Of course not, Mistress, this belongs cuffs are mandatory, but those irons would to the service,” Selina replied dutifully, be reserved for special opportunities.” slipped onto an upholstered stool next to “I’m comfortable with my job here, their table and allowed Kara to affix her Mistress,” Selina replied cautiously, “and leash. The chain joining the steel anklets on those anklets and irons don’t bother me.” her well shaped legs dangled freely. “You are really into bondage aren’t “Spread you legs, a little bit, Kitty, you?” Kara pushed further. “Jenny also this is no finishing school.” Selina gave told me, that you never take those hand- her a black look, but did what Kara re- cuffs off. They’ve to mean a lot to you.” quested. The chain between ‘her’ anklets “The friend, I received them from, and the one joining ‘her’ bracelets jangled, meant a lot to me.” Selina stuck to her while the Cat assumed a straight posture. story. “He’s dead. I wear them, because “You’ve very fine breasts, Kitty. Are he liked this way. They’re comfortable.” they real?” To Kara’s surprise she blushed. “And they suit you extraordinarily,” “Yes,” Selina replied scarcely audible. Kara commented. Selina’s fists were “What about a nipple chain for these clenched within their confinement. nice boobs?” Kara asked provokingly. “Thanks, Mistress,” she said. “How- “No, Mistress,” the reply was firm. ever, I heard coincidentally, that you “That’s where I draw the line. No one know a collector, who paid a fortune for touches my breasts.” Kara decided not to this kind of cuffs. How much is a fortune?” carry her humiliation over the edge. “Oh, old Harry paid fifty thousand “Very well, Kitty. They are nice as bucks for them,” Kara lured her. “Fifty they are. I talked to your colleague Jenny, thousand bucks for a pair of handcuffs. when we arrived, and she told me, that You’ve a treasure on your wrists, Kitty.” you are a real bondage enthusiast, Kitty, “Wow.” She feigned excitement. “For furnishing your own handcuffs, I appreci- this much, I’d sell them. Who’s this guy?” ate this,” Kara mocked the cropped Cat. “Harry’s a collector, Kitty,” Kara “You mean those on my wrists. They replied bitter-sweetly, “and he’s already a are a gift of an old friend, I wear them for pair. I don’t think anyone else will pay so sentimental reasons,” She repeated the much money for them. I’d tax them three cover story she had come up with in order hundred bucks, keys included. You’re not to explain, why she was not seen without going to sell them for three hundred?” her “jewelry”, unaware of Kara’s identity. “No they are much more worth to “Actually you move very well in hand- me, Mistress,” Selina replied. “However, cuffs and leg-irons. That’s not easy to find. who’s this guy, who paid so much for Would you like to work for me as a house- those handcuffs. Does he live in Gotham?” maid?” Kara asked. “I think, I’d pay you “He lives in Gotham, at least he owns the same you earn here on average, the an estate here, where he keeps his collec- 97 tion. But you can put the idea right of this lack of understanding. “We aren’t al- your mind, Kitty. Harry does not like ev- lowed to remove those. Couldn’t you just eryone to know, that he collects handcuffs, take these from my elbows, Mistress?” and I won’t tell you, where he lives.” “Oh those, of course, Kitty.” Kara “But Mistress, for a poor waitress this fumbled a little bit with the locks pre- is a lot of money, even if he pays half as tending to be a fumble finger, while Selina much, it’s a lot of money,” Selina begged. was impatient, but finally they came off. “I’ll think about it, but first fetch an- “Thanks, Mistress.” Quickly Selina other coke for me and a bloody merry for stepped through the chain of her handcuffs. my slave, you like a bloody merry, Claire?” “I will be back soon,” she announced Barbara shook her head. “A coke then?” and tripled to the door signed WC as fast, She nodded. “That means two cokes for as those high heels and the chain limiting us.” She unclasped Selina’s leash. her stride allowed. Immediately Barbara “As you wish, Mistress.” She scooted gestured to Kara to release her gag. down from the stool. Although her arms “Do you think, she recognized us?” were fixed rigidly by the two pairs of cuffs, Kara asked, unbuckling her ring gag. this was a smooth and elegant move. “No, but what to hell do want to do?” “And Kitty, get yourself a coke too, if Barbara grimaced with pain. “It’s her. So you like one,” Kara offered generously. let’s wait ’till closing time and take her to “Thank you, but we’re not allowed the police HQ or do with her, whatever to drink with the guests, Mistress. Be- you want. Properly cuffed as she’s now, sides, it would be a little bit difficult to even the Cat can’t give us much trouble.” hold a glass with all this jewelry you put “I don’t want to take her to prison. on me.” The latter was undeniably true. She’s had a hart time to come to term She hobbled to the bar, fetched the re- with those cuffs for three month by now. quested drinks and served them again That’s almost enough punishment.” without spilling a drop. Then she opened “She’s the Cat,” Barbara argued, “the her purse and took the handcuff key out. one, who brought you and Diana into “Come, Kitty, take your seat,” Kara prison, who tricked you into those cuffs requested ignoring the pleading gesture. even you couldn’t remove and the one, “I’d like to obey, Mistress,” Selina who’s battled Batman and me for years.” replied. “But I would be really glad, if “That’s the point, Babs. Kitty-Cat’s you grant me to use the toilet first.” She not really a bad girl, at least not one of said and reached Kara the handcuff key. the really bad ones. But she’s a worthy op- “Of course, Kitty, take your time,” ponent for both of us, but only if she can Kara took the key and bent down, as if roam freely. Hampered by those Adamant she wanted to release Selina’s leg-irons. cuffs, she can’t do much more than to “No,” Selina stepped back, annoyed work here as a waitress. That’s a waste.” 98 CHAPTER 9. KITTY-CAT’S HIDING PLACE

“So you acually want to set her free?” prove your posture.” She locked the dis- “Yes!” Kara replied earnestly, “but not carded cuffs back onto Selina’s elbows. right now and not unconditionally. Could Catwoman chuckled a little bit and you ask Batman, if we can use his Man- tested her new bonds habitually before sion next to the cape,” she asked, “the she replied, “Thank you, Mistress. May I one, he rarely uses, or at least its garage?” bring you or Lady Claire something?” “I think, that’s no problem. You want “Slave Claire, Kitty. Claire’s my her to try to steal this fictious box with slave,” Kara answered, which got her a the handcuff keys?” Barbara concluded. black look from Barbara. “No Kitty, take “If she is desperate enough to try this, your seat and let me fix you to the ta- she has suffered enough,” Kara asserted ble.” Selina knelt on the stool, her knees firmly and added: “She’ll think about it spread. She bowed into Kara’s direction and learn from it – she’s not stupid.” to allow her to fasten her leash to the ring. “No, but I don’t agree, that it’s a good “Kitty, Claire and I just talked about idea to free Kitty-Cat from her cuffs,” Bar- you and your handcuff fetish. Claire had bara objected. “If you don’t want to put a good idea, where you could live it out her into prison, we can simply leave and better paid and more easily than here.” forget, that we found her,” she argued. “I’m happy here, Mistress,” Selina “After all she’s found a job, which goes gave back. “I don’t have to do, what I along very well with her natural talents. don’t want, and I can wear those cuffs So, why should we interfere at all?” halve the day without having to answer “You are mean… There she comes. any questions. Anyone here expects me Time for you to shut up.” Kara forced the to wear them and halve a day’s enough.” gag back into Barbara’s mouth and buck- “Well it concerns old Harry, the col- led it, while Selina hobbled back to their lector, I told you about, but if you are not table. She observed, that her stride was interested…” Kara ejected her fishing rod. perfectly adjusted to the length of chain “A handcuff collector, that’s something between her anklets, which allowed her to different of course,” Selina made a verbal carry her charges without the need to use U-turn. “Do you think, I may get a look at her joined hands to keep balance. Despite his collection?” Almost uncosciously the the restrictions imposed on her move- Cat toyed with the only piece of her re- ments the Cat was in an admirable shape. straints, she was really concerned about, When Selina arrived, she stepped the short chain, which joined ‘her’ bracelets. through the chain between ‘her’ handcuffs, “That’s not all. You definitely’ll get turned her back to Kara with her elbows the opportunity to wear all kind of hand- almost touching and announced dutifully, cuffs, you can imagine, and your paycheck “I’m back to your disposal, ladies.” will be much bigger than here.” This pro- “Very well, Kitty,” Kara said, “let’s im- posal was everything else than appealing, 99 but the Cat was blindsided by the hope posing for us, so that I can send Harry to obtain the missing key to her freedom. your job application?” Kare requested. “What do I have to do in order to earn “No, this would be fine, Mistress. But such a paycheck?” She asked mockingly, please take care, that no other guests ap- “sleep with him and all of his guests?” pear on those photos. It’s forbidden to “No just doing his housework, clean- photograph other guests, but the wait- ing, vacuuming, wishing and occasion- resses are advised to pose anytime.” ally preparing a meal, handcuffed of course “Well then let’s take the wall as back- and occasionally leg-ironed too, but usually ground and you as the main motive.” Kara dressed more decently than your current took some photos of Selina kneeling on outfit. But you may be required to serve the stool, posing with her cuffs. Then she drinks bare breasted sometimes. Harry’s unclasped Selina’s leash and on Kara’s de- over seventy. He had a maid for this until mands the former Catwoman did another now, and he’s looking for a replacement.” series of truely hot photos demonstrat- “Sounds interesting,” Selina replied. ing her extraordinary flexibility in mock- “You don’t have a problem with hav- ingly fighting her current restraints. ing you elbows cuffed for more than an “So that’s enough, Kitty. Go and fetch hour?” Kara asked, knowing the answer. another Coke for Claire and me. I will Indeed, Selina hurried to reply: “Not send Harry an email with your photo at all, Mistress. You fitted me with these shooting, and, if he’s interested, you will ten minutes ago. If you like to stay and hear from me or directly from him.” keep me this way, I can easily prove it.” “Can’t you give me his address?” “Well, then you are under considera- “No, Kitty,” Kara refused strictly, tion,” Kara said generously, “I mean in “only if he invites you for a job interview.” case you are interested – and if you can “Very well, Mistress” Selina replied prepare an eatable meal if requested?” and hobbled away. They spent another ex- “Yes, I’m interested,” Selina con- citing hour with Catwoman literally on firmed, “and I can assure you, that I’m the receiving end of the leash, before a good cook, Mistress. Thank you very Kara announced, that they had to leave. much for this opportunity, Mistress” “It was a pleasure to served by you, “Well, I’ve to ask Harry first. But as Kitty, however I think it’s time to go, I far as I know, he’s still looking for a re- want to pay the bill for the two of us.” placement, and you fit the profile per- “It was a pleasure to serve you, ladies,” fectly. Do you have any serious diseases?” Selina managed to say. Swallowing the “No, honestly not, Mistress.” truth, she collected Kara’s money. “Do you object, if I take a few pho- “Thank you, Mistress, could you tos with my cellphone-cam of you wear- please unclasp my leash from the ring ing the handcuffs. I mean can you do some and maybe also undo my elbow cuffs?” She 100 CHAPTER 9. KITTY-CAT’S HIDING PLACE asked and handled Kara the correspond- q ing key, she had fetched from her purse. “Of course, Kitty,” Kara replied and The two superheroines left the bar took the key in order to unlocked Selina’s and because of her hefty gestures Kara re- elbow cuffs. But before she unclasped the moved her friend’s gag immediately. leash, she clasped the hinged cuffs back “Could you remove those too? We’ve onto Selina’s wrists, making sure, that to talk.” Barbara asked, indicating the their keyholes were facing upwards, so jammed handcuffs behind her back. that she could not access them easily. “Not yet, Babs. Let’s plan our next “Hey!” The Cat exclaimed angrily. steps first.” Despite Barbara’s protests “Is something wrong, Kitty?” Kara carried an angry Batgirls arms like “Excuse me, Mistress,” Selina swal- a child and they flew to her apartment. lowed and shrugged her shoulders, “I “Kara, if you don’t open these hand- guess rules are rules.” Kara double locked cuffs now our friendship is on stake.” the hinged cuffs also, before she undid the “Give me five minutes,” Kara insisted. leash. She scooted down from the stool. “Okay, I hear.” Barbara was impatient. “Mistress?” The Cat fidgeted ner- “It’s about Catwoman. We know, vously with her doubled wrist restraints. where she spends her time from Tues- “Yes, Kitty, did I forget something?” day to Sunday between 7.45 pm and 3.15 “Yes, Mistress,” she said. “You wanted am…” Kara began, but was interrupted. to recommended me for a new job?” “Yes, and that’s all we need to arrest “Good point, Kitty,” Kara pretended her after she leaves this bar today,” Bar- to have forgotten about it. “where can I bara errupted. “We’ll take her to police contact you, if Harry is interested?” HQ and leave the cuffs on her. She’s not “Here, every day, except on Mondays, able to remove them, so she’ll have to from 8 pm to 3 am,” she provided the in- spend the next years with them on her formation voluntarily. “We arrive a earlier wrists without a chance to escape. That’s, and leave later for changing our dresses.” what the law, you appraise, requires and “Well, you’ll hear from me, if Harry what she deserves. You can send her the is interested,” Kara promised. “Come on, key when she’s finished her term.” Claire.” She grepped Barbara’s leash. “No, she’s not harmed anybody except “Thank you very much, Mistress.” the pride of you, Diana and me as super- Selina stepped through both pairs of cuffs heroines” Kara argued. “She’s spent three and realized, that Kara had applied the month in those cuffs and works as a wait- second pair with the key holes facing up- ress in that bondage bar, which is presum- wards, shrugged, put the key back into ably the only job she can do without re- her purse and hobbled to the counter, to vealing, that she can’t take those bracelets have them removed by Master Bill. off. That have been three months of hell 101 for her, and that’s definitely enough pun- cut yourself out of your current jewelry. ishment. – You should know that.” I could arrange, that it will not go unno- “I disagree,” she replied. “However, ticed that this misadventure happened to you can take these cuffs off me, and, if you Jim Gordon’s fancily dressed daughter.” insist, I promise to chase her no longer, “That’s blackmail and betrayal of a but if she commits something else…” crime-fighter comrade.” She protested. “Not so fast, Babs. I’ve good reasons “No it’s just convincing a bullheaded to release her from those cuffs soon. I buddy to do the right thing.” Barbara want you to understand, why we must not pouted. She did not like the idea, but leave her that way. You know she’s no Kara could be more stuborn than any hu- means to get rid of them. How’d you feel, man being she knew, and she had the if you’d have had to wear these handcuffs means and power to enforce her opinion. not for three hours but for three month, “Okay, I bow to the violence,” Barbara because every expert you consult fails?” surrendered. “But let me out of those.” “Not very good, I guess,” Barbara ad- “And…?” Kara was still suspicious. mitted. “But in Catwoman’s case there’s “And I will follow your suggestions in another reason to be taken into account.” these matter,” she said unwillingly and “But no reason, that counts for me.” added: “You have my word as a heroine.” “Nevertheless, as long as her claws will “I count on that,” Kara said, grepped be cropped this way, she won’t be able to Barbara’s wrists and broke the top quality rob someone, and it won’t be easy for her steel cuffs as if they were made of wax. to steal anything. If we do nothing about “Wow, my job would be much easier it, we’ll save a lot of people to fall pray to if I would have your powers,” Barbara Catwoman’s crimes, simply because she’ll adimtted. “I know you for so long now, no longer be able to commit them.” but it’s always amazing to see, how you “But you must not convict anyone for do this. Anyway, what’s your command, crimes he or she’s not committed yet.” royal highness of superheroines?” “But she’ll commit these crimes, “She’s said she will be in that bar, ’till that’s as sure as water flows downwards.” 3.15 pm.” We have halve an hour. Let’s try “Than you’ll catch her. If you should to track her back to her hiding place.” need assistance, it will be a pleasure for “What for?” Barbara asked baffled. me to assist you,” Kara dug in her heels. “Any knowledge about your enemies “What do you really want, Kara?” can be used as a weapon, if you are smart “You could provide me with a pair of enough to use it,” Kara smiled. “And Cat- those special ‘model C’ bat-cuffs and help woman is still a potential foe, isn’t she?” me to lure her into my trap or stay out.” “Clausewitz?” Barbara guessed. “And if I don’t do so?” Barbara asked. “No, General Jar-El-Zorro, 23rd dy- “Then you can consult someone to nasty.” They flew back to bar and ob- 102 CHAPTER 9. KITTY-CAT’S HIDING PLACE served the main and back entrance. Five vice into the drains. The former master- other women, presumably her fellow thief’s connected hands disappeared un- waitresses were picked up by men with der the garment together with the ar- cars untill 3.12 am, there was no trace of guably most valuable and yet not appreci- the Cat yet. At 3.15 am another female ated peace of jewelry in Gotham, and she figure, clad into a black poncho-like gar- proceeded, as if nothing had happened. ment, black trousers and shafted boots “I’ll follow Kitty-Cat, because I can left the back entrance of the Bondage fly in case, it will be necessary. You call Club, which moved quickly with the dis- your colleagues,” Kara commanded. tinctive grace of Catwoman. Kara and “Why? – Even I wouldn’t arrest her Barbara were sure, she wore the irremov- for beating up three street robbers.” able Adamant bracelets under that poncho. “No, tell them what had happened, They followed her carefully, appar- without mentioning any names, they shall ently unnoticed in a distance. After four hospitalize and arrest these guys, not blocks a street gang consisting of three her,” Kara clarified her directions. young men armed with knifes blocked “To your command.” This way it was her way. This was no conspirational done. It turned out, that Selina had called meeting, and Kara wanted to intervene. an ambulance already, while Supergirl to “No, wait,” Barbara stopped her her chagrin and disbelief was unsuccess- friend, “Kitty-Cat, can care for herself,” ful in locating Catwoman’s hiding place. she claimed. “Stay here and observe!” “I had her in clear view, and from “But she’s handcuffed!” Kara objected. one second to the other she was gone. “She may not have your powers, but I’ve checked everything,” a disappointed she’s quick and smart. Watch and learn,” Kara told her fellow heroine afterwards. Barbara insisted. Seconds later, all three “I told you, you are waisting your of them laid on the ground unconscious time. Kitty-Cat has her little secrets,” and severely injured by well-timed kicks Barbara replied wisely. “Besides, in the precisely aimed at their heads and groins. next days you’re on your own in tracking “If I wouldn’t have seen it, I would not down Kitty-Cat, I’ve the night shift and, believe it,” Kara was truely impressed. while you are going to play games with “I can only repeat myself,” Barbara her, I’ve to earn some money for living.” replied, “never underestimate your en- The next pursuing enterprises were emy. She may not be able to fly or snap uneventful insofar, as nothing extraor- steel, but she’s still a formidable enemy.” dinarily happened, but also unsuccess- Catwoman’s hands, which were defi- ful, because at some point differing from nitely connected by a short, but sparkling time to time, despite her X-ray vision chain appeared and picked up a cell phone Kara always lost track of Selina somehow. one of the wannabee-bandits had lost. She spoke a few words and threw the de- q Chapter 10

New Rules

“I’ve given up,” Kara begrudingly and recently. However, what’s your intention disbelievingly admitted her defeat to Bar- with this plot, you’ve created?” She asked bara, “somewhere Kitty-Cat always left back. “And do you really believe, that me behind, and it’s totally unpredictable Kitty-Cat’s actually swallowed the lure?” for me, where this will happen next time.” “Well, I think, she’ll be suspicious “I could have told you that.” Barbara about my offer. She’s definitely not was not surprised, “I don’t have your stupid, but she’s also desperate. Did you abilities, but I’ve chased Kitty-Cat for observe how she fought her cuffs, when three, and I’ve never managed to track someone slapped her?” Kara did not her down. The only way to do that, is to expect an answer and continued, “our put a forged tracking collar around her Kitty-Cat’s everything else than happy throat, and this method only works as with her current job, Babs. And that’s long, as she finds a way to remove it.” why, I think, she’ll fall victim to my trap.” “That would be a promising solution,” “Why is it important to provoke her Kara replied seriously. “However, I don’t to do something? If it’s your intention to care, where she’s hiding anymore, let’s set set her free anaway, so that she can oc- our trap and catch her. When do we get cupy the whole force again, why don’t you the keys to Batman’s house, respectively go to this bar, take that key, I’ve acquired it’s garage? Three days are sufficient.” for you and take those cuffs from her. “He said, we can have it any time.” That saves us three days and the result “That’s fine. Have you told Batman, will be the same. What do we gain from why we need it?” Kara asked in passing. this comedy you’re stage managing?” “He hasn’t asked, so he doesn’t need “It’s a matter of justice, Babs,” Kara to know,” Barbara replied, “as I told you, explained. “We must not commit her for he’s been a little bit soft on Kitty-Cat something we cannot honestly blame on

103 104 CHAPTER 10. NEW RULES her. That’s a line I won’t cross – and a so- anything. You can simply throw away the phisticated game like the human game of key and Catwoman’s career as a criminal chess. Do you know what a Gambit is?” will be more or less finished. Why should “A special kind of chess-opening.” we reopen a problem, that’s solved al- “Right. Here this means, that I’ll offer ready – solved to everyone’s satisfaction?” her a potential advantage seemingly for “As I told you, we must not leave her free, namely to give her back the ability that way forever – it’s not justified.” to move unnoticed in the human society, “Why not? Some cultures still pun- which is coincidentally also essential for ish theft by amputating a hand, which is her ability to commit crimes.” much more drastic than, what we did, by “But isn’t that, what you and me want fitting her with those neat bracelets.” to achieve in the first place and – if I “No civilized culture does it nei- might remind you – you promised to sup- ther on earth nor elsewhere and even port me with: To protect this city and it’s more important: There is no existing law, citizens from the notorious Catwoman?” that prescribes this kind of punishment. “No, my intention’s not to disable her We’ve sworn to enforce existing laws. – that would be very easy. But – that’s Sometimes it might be necessary to intro- the point – it’s not justified. I want to duce new laws, but the essence of my talk teach her the Kryptonian way, that crime is: A law must exist and be known, before doesn’t pay off. This requires her to learn you can enforce it. Her current situation some lessons, I’ll teach her. That might may be the result of a successful escape take some time, but according to our ex- attempt, but it’s not a legal punishment.” periences, this is the most efficient way “Okay take that bracelets away from to reach our aims,” Kara proclaimed. her, so that she can occupy half of the de- “Right now destiny means it well with partment again. But why to hell is it im- us.” Kara philosophized. “As we’ve seen portant to lure her to Bruce’s mansion, if in that bar as well as, when we tried to you want to do that anyway? Why don’t track her down together, she’s not much you simply go to that bar, free her and…” hampered by those bracelets, less than a “As I also told you, I do not intend to human, who lost an arm or a leg. But let her off the hook, Babs, at least not they deny her the ability to move unno- completely. She has challenged me per- ticed among other people. Once she’s to sonally, and that means, I’ll keep an eye do something, which requires to use her on her, and to satisfy you, that will defi- hands, she’ll attract attention, in the best nitely put an end to her criminal career.” case regarded as bondage freak in the “You make simple things compli- worst as a criminal, who’s on the run.” cated,” Barbara accused her. “Throw that “But isn’t that a very satisfactory key away, and everything will be fine.” achievement? I see no reason to change “No! Again, this is not an option. 105

She’ll try to obtain the key, and I’ll catch “She is definitely not a murderess, a her red-handed. Then we’ll have a long murderess wouldn’t have called an ambu- and hopefully fruitful talk about good lance for the guys, who tried to rob her.” and evil, and just in case, this doesn’t have “No, Kitty-Cat’s a nuisance, but no the desired effect, I’ll rightfully impose murderess, However there’s a third pos- a few rules on her, call them individual- sibility, as likely as the others: Kitty-Cat related laws, which I’ll enforce. That’s the does not go to the job interview, but waits proper way to handle such a case.” a few weeks and burgles the place later,” “And if Kitty-Cat simply goes to the Barbara theorized. “We can’t wait ’till she job interview, you offered her? Wouldn’t strikes. She won’t find the desired keys, your show look a little bit stupid? After but Batman’ll loose a few valuable pos- all I bet, she’s appointed herself for her sessions, she’ll take with her or destroy current job, which suits her quite well, or- accidentally or on purpose. He’ll have no dinarily as any other of those waitresses.” proof against her and blame it on us.” “This will not happen,” Kara claimed. “No I don’t think this is a realistic “Why not? If she’s accepted as a maid, scenario,” Kara rejected her reasoning. she’ll have plenty of time to fulfill her “Kitty-Cat’s smart but deeply frustrated. plans, if not, she’ll know, where he lives She’s so eager to get rid of ‘her’ cuffs one and can burgle the house later. It would way or the other, she won’t wait.” be stupid to rob our fictitious Harry be- In the end Kara’s persistance paid off. fore, and ‘Kitty-Cat isn’t stupid’.” Barbara had to accept, that her Krypto- “It will not happen, because she has nian fellow heroine was determined to to go to this job interview wearing those handle this case her way and that there was no way to change her mind. cuffs. Remember, I’ve told her, that our fictitious conspirator Harry’s a handcuff - collector. A collector wants to investigate q these cuffs, take a close look at them. If she goes there, she’s to admit, that she To catch Kitty-Cat was a full-time cannot take them off and that he’s her job, Barbara couldn’t participate in due only hope to get rid of them, because they to her official duties and did not want to are unpickable and quasi-indestructible. take part in due to the aforementioned She would have to bow herself to him differences. So it was decided, that Kara unconditionally. And that’s something would undertake this mainly on her own. someone as proud as her, will never do.” The first night and day Kara spent in “And you’ve planned all this?” Barbara the garage of Bruce Wayne’s mansion was was still sceptical. “Kitty-Cat’s not pre- completely uneventful, and it was only an dictable,” she argued. “She’s never been. hour before sunrise in the second night, What if she plans to kill him anyway?” when Kara’s sharp ears noted the sound 106 CHAPTER 10. NEW RULES of a car climbing the steep lonely road to but if you’re too chicken-hearted to come Batman’s mansion. The motor of the car out, you won’t get it.” These provokative stopped. Then everything was quite. speach reached its goal. There she was. Immediately Kara was on alert. The Selina had raised herself to full height. quietness lasted a quarter, and after that She wore the mask and the artificial it required the enhanced senses of the su- cat ears, she was famous for. Her long perheroine to realize, that someone was legs, Kara had admired in the Bondage working on the lock of the side door. The Club, were clad into skin-tight black opening of this door and Catwoman’s ac- leather trousers. In contrast to the pub- tual entrance escaped Kara’s strongly en- lic opinion the original of the famous cat- hanced senses. She checked the monitor suit consisted of two parts, but the seam of Bruce Wayne’s state of the art elec- was covered by an utility belt similar to tronic burglar alert at once. It was dead. Batman’s. For obvious reasons she used “Kitty-Cat’s really good,” Kara had to to carry a similar ensemble of useful tools admit. It required X-ray vision to see a for her trade as the Dark Knight. feminine form investigating the contents She had exchanged her high heals for of Bruce Wayne’s garage in the complete the cat-boots. However, she had been darkness of a moonless night. Carefully forced to replace the upper part of the not to make any noise she entered the catsuit by a sleeveless black leather tube garage by the entrance from the house top. She would not have been able to side. Catwoman immediately froze. get dressed otherwise, because the metal “Damned, she really has the senses bracelets on her wrists were still joined by of a cat,” Supergirl thought and froze in the short chain. As expected Selina Kyle her movement, too. Catwoman was on was still handcuffed, and she was not fond all fours. There was a small metallic tin- of it. Kara observed, that the short silver kle. Presumably the irremovable chain be- chain joining ‘her’ bracelets was taught. tween her wrists had hit something. “You did this to me,” she said referring Kara was in range of the switch and to the now sparkling unbreakable bond switched the light on. Immediately the between her hands. “For you I’m just a human cat found coverage. If Kara would criminal, who belongs behind bars. Why not have been Supergirl, she would not should I believe you?” She maintained a have noticed more than a shadow. few meters of distance from Supergirl. “Kitty-Cat, I’ve, what you’ve been “I’ve worn them too,” Kara replied coming for.” She grabbed the small key sympathetically. “I know how it feels.” with two fingers and raised it theatrically “For two weeks only,” Selina objected for Selina to see. Everything stayed quite. matter-of-factly and added, “I’ve worn “Selina, that’s the only key to your them for more than three month.” handcuffs, and I’m here to release you, “Don’t you think, that you deserve a 107 little punishment, Kitty Cat? For exam- those on her wrists,” Selina gabve back. ple for stealing them from Rupert Mor- “You did a good job, nevertheless,” gan, for getting Diana and me arrested, Kara said, “you’re very talented.” for this little joke with the Kryptonite- “I knew, that it was you and that collar, for…?” Kara went down the list. bitch, Batgirl, who lured me to this place, “Okay,” Selina interrupted her, “what once I saw you here.” Selina said. “Con- do you want me to do to get these off?” gratulations you two have fooled me. Did “Not much,” Kara said and smiled, you have fun in pushing me around?” “first of all you can loan me some of your “Your services were, let’s say, ade- precious time to talk to each other.” quate,” Kara replied, “more than that.” “Nobody in Gotham does something “Then take these off and let me go,” for nothing,” Selina objected with a bitter Selina demanded shaking her wrists. smile behind her mask. “Don’t beat about “Actually, I did not want to fleece you. the bush. What do you really want?” I want to trade them for this brand new “I’m not from Gotham,” Kara cor- pair of bat-cuffs – in the back please.” rected her, “I was born on Krypton.” “Why should I trade one pair of hand- “That makes no difference in this cuffs for another?” Selina asked frankly. matter,” Selina replied offensively. “Because you’ll be able to open those “Do you know that you’re wearing the yourself,” Kara replied, “and you’re obvi- ‘Bracelets of Aphrodite’?” Kara asked. ously not able to do this with these now.” “I know the story,” Selina revealed un- “And if I don’t want these new cuffs?” expected knowledge. “She cheated on her “Then you can keep those, they suit husband, and he made these and pun- you very well.” Selina took a deep breath. ished her by locking them on her. The “That’s blackmail, but I’ll do, what legend tells, that she was committed to you want,” she said. “Just take them off.” wear them for seven years. Actually he did “Just one more thing,” Kara remarked. a good job. I’m not able to take them off “What else?” She opened her bag and either. But you know that already.” took out a blue shimmering metal object. “I was not able to free myself from “Just a necklace with a piece of chain,” them also,” Kara admitted, “and that was she explained. “I want your hands to stay even more remarkable. But that’s not the behind you back for the time being.” point. The Goddess was tamed and re- “I won’t be able to drive with my mained faithful while wearing them.” hands fixed like this,” Selina argued. “And…?” Selina’s voice was tart. “You can’t drive with a pair of bat-cuffs “It seems to work. You’re quite tame anyway, they are very narrow and hinged. as well, right now,” Kara replied, “you Besides presumably it isn’t your car ei- even got yourself a regular employment.” ther.” She handled her, what looked like “There’s not much a girl can do with a steel collar. “Put it on.” Selina taxed it. 108 CHAPTER 10. NEW RULES

“What is it?” The Cat was suspicious. elongated link of the steel chain that dan- “A neat radio sender, that I can’t take off gled along Selina’s spine. It was not un- tells you anytime where I am?” She asked. intentional, that this arrangement resem- “No just a symbol of your good will,” bled the one, she had envisioned for Kara. Kara made an attempt to address her con- “Mistress, may I rub my wrists before cerns, “you may take it off yourself later.” you put on those bat-cuffs?” Selina asked. “And if I don’t put it on?” Selina asked “I mean I’ve been wearing these cuffs for directly. “Will you use your super powers three month, and I think I deserve…” in order to force it around my throat?” “No, Kitty-Cat. You are a very dan- “No, but I will conclude from such a gerous animal,” Kara rejected the idea. “I behavior, that you don’t deserve to get don’t want to lead you into temptation.” those bracelets off. You can accept my offer “Very well, Mistress,” Selina mum- or leave it,” Kara said firmly. “Of course, bled, and Kara closed the bat-cuffs around I will interpret your denial of my polite her wrists and engaged the double locks. request as a signal that you are willing to “Now comes the moment,” she said continue to steal from spotless citizen, ceremonially and unlocked “Aphrodite’s and in this case I might be convinced to Bracelets” slowly from Selina’s wrists. apply you for a full board residential in “How does it feel, Kitty-Cat?” She the Gotham City jail, where you can toy asked. Selina shrugged her shoulders. with your bracelets.” Selina swallowed. “Not much different from before,” “Do I have a choice?” She asked. she replied. “My hands are still cuffed.” “Just between these two alternatives,” “And you’ll stay like this for a while. Kara was merciless. “I would put this It improves your attitude,” Kara said and onto my throat, if I were you, but….” Re- clipped a leather leash onto a conve- luctantly Catwoman took the collar from niently placed ring on the collar, which her hands and did, what she requested. encircled Selina’s throat. “Come on, “Turn it around, so that the chain’s at Kitty-Cat, let’s continue our small-talk in your back.” She complied hesitatingly. a more comfortable surrounding…” “Pleased?” Selina asked bitterly. “Didn’t you forget something, Mis- “Yes. Now step through your cuffs like tress?” Selina asked rather seriously. you did when you served us.” Selina knew “I don’t know?” Kara was perplexed. that she had not really a choice. Re- “Leg-irons, of course, Mistress,” Selina luctantly she did, what Kara requested, stated quite seriously, indicating her free turned around, bowed her back and ex- legs. “I feel almost naked without them.” tended her joined wrists. It was a déjà-vu. “Oh, those.” Kara smiled. “Sorry, Kit- “Pleased,… Mistress?” She asked. ty-Cat, I will buy you a pair next time.” “You did very well, Kitty-Cat,” Kara “Where are you taking me, Mistress?” replied and fitted the bat-cuffs through the “I intent to spend some quality time 109 with you. I’m going to teach you some- can’t turn your little wrists around inside, thing about good and evil.” She released is not a bug but a feature. We don’t want her leash. “Go ahead, dear, I don’t think, little Kitty become coltish, do we?” you will outrun me, even without irons.” “No, Mistress,” she replied, “but I can “As you wish, Mistress.” Kara followed assure you, that I can’t slip them off, even her unwilling, but so far cooperative pris- if you give me one or two notches more.” oner. She saw, that her fingers busily in- “Next time, Kitty-Cat, next time. vestigated the bat-cuffs that held her wrists Once those double locks are set, even I much closer together than “Aphrodite’s can’t loosen those cuffs without destroy- Bracelets” had done. She was also forced by ing them, and these neat little accessories them to keep them parallel to each other. suit you so well, that it would be a pity to Kara heard a suppressed curse. Selina damage them, don’t you think so?” joined hands went around her waist, as far “Yes, Mistress. They are purrfect. as possible. Obviously she wanted to take However, how long do you want to pa- a look at their confinement to confirm, rade me around outdoors like this?” what her deft fingers seemed to have felt. “I thought, we will make a little ex- “Something’s wrong, Kitty-Cat?” cursion to the cape, Kitty, the trail starts “No, Mistress, I just realized that the around the bend, just stay on the left. I’m manufacturer of these ‘bracelets’ did a glad you did not come with high heels.” lousy job and omitted the key holes. You “As you wish, Mistress.” The trail was should get a part of your money back.” small and steep, so Kara had to follow “No, it’s okay, Kitty. You are wearing Selina, who kept a fast pace, although she the latest model ‘C’ of the bat-cuffs, where had no use of her hands for ballance. ‘C’ stands for Catwoman. Batman was “Selina, you are not completely bad,” tired of inventing new locks, you would Kara began after a while, “I saw, that you pick in minutes. I guess you’ll have the did not kill a bunch of robbers, when they opportunity to wear them more often.” attacked you, and that you even called an “I don’t care.” Selina retorted. ambulance. Bad girls don’t do that.” “That’s, what I call spirit, Kitty-Cat. “Good girls, don’t get handcuffed.” Make yourself comfortable with them.” “Did I say, you’re a good girl?” Kara “May I raise a complaint, Mistress?” asked back, and Selina shook her head. “Sure, dear. What displeases you?” “You remember me about a school “They are too tight, Mistress,” Selina days friend of mine, back on Krypton.” replied. “My hands are getting numb.” Kara tried to break the ice. “She was a lot “Let me see.” Kara took a hold on like you, rebellious, but not really bad.” Selina’s confined wrists and confirmed, “I am not rebellious,” Selina replied. that they were snug, but not over-tight. “Nevertheless, I don’t want the same “No Kitty-Cat, they are fine. That you to happen to you, what happened to her. 110 CHAPTER 10. NEW RULES

She had to learn things the hard way.” “But obviously without success,” Kara “Did you have a little handcuff -talk stated. “However this talk’s not about with her, too?” Selina asked provokingly. Batman and Batgirl. I also don’t want to “No, but someone else had, well sort interfere with your little private war.” of. She was a gifted woman like you, but “I appreciate this,” she replied truth- did not understand, that talents don’t fully. Kara looked at her from one side. come for free,” Kara explained patiently. “You really like Batman, don’t you?” “They come with the responsibility to do This casual and unmotivated question something for the society. Not criminal struck Selina like a slap in the face. energy, but a wrongly understood sense “No!” she tugged on ‘her’ bat-cuffs. “I of justice carried her on the wrong track.” hate him. He’s my worst enemy,” she “Well, I don’t see any similarities.” replied a little bit louder than necessary. “You are a very gifted woman, not only “You could have killed him once,” by human standards. Although you don’t Kara, who had observed her carefully, re- have superpowers, you have the potential marked. “Why should a heinous villain to make a difference in this world. In- like you waste such an opportunity?” stead of stealing from other people, for “Thrice,” Selina corrected her quietly whatever reasons you should use your gift without answering the question. “I had to prevent thefts, to make this city a bet- the opportunity to kill him three times.” ter place to live, like e.g. Batman does.” “Okay, three times then. But obvi- “I do, what, I think, is necessary to ously you didn’t,” Kara stated. “Why?” make this city a better place. What is bet- “He’s not worth to die a honored ter or not, depends on the point of view.” death,” she said theatrically, but Kara “No you don’t,” Kara said. “But you noticed, that there was no fire in these will, and you’ll do it the way, I prescribe. words. They sounded like a lame excuse. From now on I’ll keep an eye on your ac- “To be shot in the back is hardly a tivities, and, if they go off track, you’ll honored death,” Kara, who remembered be punished by me, if possible before any her talk with Barbara, replied. “He could harm’s done. Do you understand this?” have killed you more than once, too, but “Look, Supergirl. It’s you, who does he also let you slide, I guess, on purpose,” not understand anything. It would be eas- Kara stated. “Why do think he did so?” ier, if you turn me over to the authorities “You’ve to ask Batman about it.” right now, and that’s it,” Selina suggested. “Maybe it’s the same reason, why you “You would be out of jail with in days. didn’t kill him? Maybe he likes you, too?” That makes no sense,” Kara retorted. Kara asked. “You never thought about it?” Catwoman shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t like him!” Selina replied once “Well, Batman and Batgirl have tried again a little bit louder than necessary. to do so more than once,” she replied. “Okay. Have you ever killed some- 111 one?” Kara asked. I don’t mean in com- “You are a tough one, Kitty-Cat. bat, I mean someone, who was not able However if you want to play the game, to defend himself anymore?” Selina shook then it will be a pleasure for me to join her head, almost angry to admit this. it,” she said with fierceness in her voice. “It violates my pride. If I kill someone “What do you mean?” Selina asked. I’ll have to look in his eyes,” she replied “I could afford a housemaid, who does cold-blooded, but not convincingly. all the daily duties, I do not want to do “Maybe you’ve a little voice in the myself, and I thought about hiring you for back of your head, that tells you what’s free board and lodging,” Kara suggested. right or not, a voice named conscience?” “I’m not interested!” Selina replied. Kara inquired. “Maybe you’re not as no- “I am not interested, what?” torious as you want me believe you to be?” “I am not interested, Mistress.” “Supergirl, if I were an upholder of “You’ll not be asked, and incidentally moral standards like you, I probably you’re on the top of my wanted list.” wouldn’t wear those handcuffs right now.” “But I would prefer to go to jail.” “If I would consider you to be a hope- “You would prefer to go to jail,… less criminal, I might have brought you to what?” Kara insisted stubornly. a prison, no human can escape from al- “Mistress – I would prefer to go to jail, ready,” Kara retorted. They had reached Mistress.” Selina hurried to clarify. the cape. It was early in the morning and “That’s much too insecure. It’s much the two of them were the only ones to ad- better for the public safety, that I keep mire the beautiful sight, the Cat had no you under my personal control, isn’t it?” eyes for. She assumed a straight posture “No, I don’t,” Selina replied. “But I legs slightly apart like a soldier on duty. guess, I won’t be asked anyway, Mistress.” “Relax, Selina, we are not on the drill “Very well, Kitty-Cat,” Kara said, ground,” Kara remarked generously. “you’re hired. Let’s go back to the road. “Then, Mistress, if you don’t mind, Move slow and carefully. I don’t want you you may remove these,” she answered to hurt yourself. I’m going to rely on your with reference to the bat-cuffs on her services, you know. Remember, that I’m wrists, she brought around her hips. directly behind you,” Kara threatened. “Not so fast, Kitty-Cat,” Kara replied, “As you wish,… Mistress.” They went “you are not off the hook – not yet.” back to the road quietly. Secretly she “As you wish, Mistress,” there was a hoped, that Kara wasn’t serious. But, mocking undertone in her voice. The Cat when Kara ordered a Taxi per cell phone had concluded, that Supergirl for what- to fetch them, Selina exclaimed: “You ever reasons did not intend to throw her want us to ride a Taxi, with me like this?” into jail. To show that was a big mistake. “The people in Gotham are used to Kara changed her tactics immediately. you being arrested.” The taxi driver was 112 CHAPTER 10. NEW RULES not so used to seeing a cat-like clad lady “Did you say something?” She asked. in handcuffs, but he recognized Supergirl. “No,… Mistress.” She gave her delib- “Wow, Supergirl, it’s a pleasure to erately some slack, before she attracted drive you,” he greeted them. “What did her again. Selina had no choice but to fol- this lady do to deserve your attention?” low her. This way they entered the shop. “She’s violated the traffic laws. I had “Ah Supergirl and Catwoman. It’s a to arrest her,” Kara lied, then she whis- pleasure to serve local heroes,” a sales pered, “I think I’ll set her free, but not woman in a shrill and skimpy outfit, without teaching her a lesson. Would which could be characterized as ‘kinky’ you bring us to the following place?” She greeted the involuntary odd couple. named the address of a shop in the out- “Well, we are not the real ones, of skirts, which sold bondage gear. The ride course” Kara introduced them, “but if was uneventful and the cab driver refused you like to call us this way, it will be okay.” to take any money from Kara, because “Of course,” the lady replied. “Miss… she’d had saved the city and it was some- eh, Supergirl, what can I do for you?” thing, he would tell his grand children “Kitty-Cat here’s looking for a pair of about, and… Kara did not really listen. leg-irons, she likes them short and secure.” “You don’t get me inside!” Selina “Of course, Catwoman,” she turned to stated, when he departed. Kara took a Selina, “would you accompany me?” firm hold on the leash and attracted her. “If you don’t mind, I’ll accompany “Do you want to bet on it?” She asked. you, too,” Kara said, “Kitty-Cat’s not fully “Look, Supergirl, I know, that you can adapted to her job as my personal slave force me inside, but to what purpose?” yet and still in need of some supervision.” “Prepare you for your duties as my “Don’t listen to her,” Selina said, “I maid,” Kara replied. “My first priority’s can make my own choices.” Kara at- the safety of this city. I don’t want to tracted her seemingly playfully, but with spend my spare time trying to catch you.” the irresistible power of a Kryptonian. “I’ll tell everyone that you kidnapped “Kitty-Cat,” she said, “you’re a me and…” Kara attracted her effortless. naughty pussy cat. How often have I told “… that you’re the notorious Cat- you not to act naughtily in the presense of woman, I caught red-handed in her well adults?” She glared at Selina. “One more known outfit.” She finished the sentence. time and I’ll put you over my knee right “You promised to set me free.” here in the presence of this lady.” “That’s right, but I did not say when.” “I am sorry,… Mistress,” Selina aware, “Kryptonians are worse than Arme- what Kara could do, hurried to reply. nian salesman, no honest woman can “You see, Kitty-Cat needs a firm hand trust them,” Selina muttered, but Kara’s sometimes,” Kara said to the woman with much enhanced senses caught the words. a winning smile. “Can you show us a few 113 pairs of matching anklets for Kitty-Cat?” This went unnoticed by the saleswoman “No problem, Miss Supergirl,” was the and also literally behind Selina’s back. reply. “We’ve a fairly big assortment.” “They’re fine, very fine and very se- “How long do you want to play this cure. I’ll buy them – oh no, don’t re- stupid charade, Supergirl?” Selina asked move them, they’re just, where they be- seriously, after the saleswoman had left, long. Just give me the keys and I’ll pay in order to fetch the requested items. for them. Wait a minute for me, Kitty- “Oh I’m quite serious,” Kara ex- Cat, and don’t run away.” When she re- plained. “If you work for me as my well- turned, Selina had already found out that secured housemaid, you are well occupied ‘her’ new irons had been welded on. Kara and can’t run around and rob people.” led her out of the shop on her leash. “If I wouldn’t be handcuffed, I would…” “You need some practicing, Kitty- Selina pressed through her teeth. Cat,” she said, “Mr. Wayne, the billion- “No empty threats, Kitty-Cat…” Kara aire, has offered me a stay for a few days. countered. She interrupted herself, when He likes to surround himself by beauti- the saleswoman returned. “Oh no, no ful woman. I think, he will be delighted leather cuffs, Kitty-Cat likes steel, don’t to watch you improving your skills in ser- you Kitty-Cat?” Selina gave her a black vicing him and his guests.” It was pleas- look, but remained quite. “Please try this ing to watch Selina fight the unyielding pair first, they look as if they were made restraints. The idea of serving the well- for your little ankles.” She fetched the known playboy was not appealing to the most solid pair, which also sported a very Cat, or should she know against all odds, short chain, and handed it to the woman. who Mr. Wayne really was? Kara smiled. “Kitty-Cat really likes those, don’t you?” “Okay, Supergirl, you win,” Selina “Go to hell!” Selina replied furiously. hissed the flag. “I’ll do, whatever you “Kitty-Cat, if you don’t behave, I’ll demand from me, but stop pushing me buy a gag too. – Put them on her legs. around, as if I were your personal slave.” She likes to hiss a little bit, but she does “Well, you’re a clever girl. This should not bite,” Kara adressed the saleswoman: show you, what might happen and that Selina received the irons and had to make I’m deadly serious about it. Is that clear?” a few turns, which she reluctantly did. “Yes, Mistress.” Selina replied hastily. “They’re fine, as if they were made “Okay, Kitty-Cat. I don’t want you to for our little Kitty-Cat,” Kara announced. promise something, because I don’t trust “Let me take a look at them. Please come you anyway. So I’ll just state, what will be to me and turn around.” Selina had no allowed for you and what not. Do you un- choice but to do as Kara said. The latter derstand me?” Selina nodded quietly. pretended to eye her new anklets, but used “Good,” Kara said, “and to clear this her heat vision to weld their locks shut. point first: Since I don’t trust you, the 114 CHAPTER 10. NEW RULES precondition for your release is, that “And the last rule: Don’t interfere you’ll wear that collar from now on. Your with police activities or with activities of suspiscion is true. It’s indeed a sophisti- the local crime-fighters, like Batgirl, Bat- cated tracking device, which can tell me man or me. If one of us takes action, from anytime, where you are. Do you object?” now on you’ll stay away,” Kara demanded. “No,… Mistress.” “You begrudge me any fun,… Mis- “You won’t have a choice anyway,” tress,” Selina dared to answer mockingly. Kara explained, “it’s made from Krypto- “That’s not funny, Kitty-Cat. You’ll nian super metal, locked with a Kryp- obey or…,” Kara paused for effect. tonian seal, and just in case, you should “… or what, Mistress? What’s the pun- be bored and tempted to work on it, ishment for an accidental disregard of it’s fitted with a small explosive charge, one of these rules? – I’ve to know that.” that’s nevertheless big enough to blow “It depends on the gravity of the dis- your head away, if it goes off accidentally. regard,” Kara replied angrily. “In any case This is no hoax. I don’t think, you want it means, that they’ll go back on for a cer- you to loose your head?” Kara threatened. tain time.” She took ‘Aphrodite’s Bracelets’ “No,… Mistress.” out of her pocket for emphasis. “If you “Good, Kitty-Cat. So you know, that play it too rough, it might mean, that you I can and will track you down and pun- won’t see Gotham again. I’m not joking, ish you, if you should dare to disobey my I’m Kryptonian. Don’t forget this!” rules, any of my rules.” She looked into “Yes,… Mistress.” Selina’s eyes, demanding an answer. “Good,” Kara said, “since we’ve set- “Yes,… Mistress.” tled our little differences, you’re off the “Fine. The first rule is: You won’t steal hook. You may go, where you wish to go, anything anymore. Neither from Rupert and do, what you want to do, as long as Morgan nor from anyone else, from no- you obey the rules, I’ve just given you.” body. If something does not lawfully be- She turned in order to leave, like Krypto- long to you, you don’t touch it. Okay?” nians used to leave, namely to fly away. “Yes,… Mistress.” “Didn’t you forget something?” Selina “The second rule is: Don’t meet with still mocking voice called her back. local gangsters. Neither with the local “What do you mean?” She asked. bosses, nor with small crooks. If some- “I’m fully shackled at a public place,” one’s a certain reputation or’s been in jail she replied seriously, “you cannot leave for this or that reason it’s forbidden for me here like this. It’s against your rules.” you to meet him or her in the first place. “Can’t I?” Kara asked, “you’re the Cat. We don’t talk about conspiracies etc. Just You can deal with it. This way you’ll meeting’s forbidden! Is that clear?” get a little impression, what might hap- “Yes,… Mistress.” pen, if you get the idea to disobey my 115 rules.” With this words she turned and which not much was available. She did left Selina restrained on the boardwalk of not dare to attack it by force, although a small street in Gotham’s outskirts . she had some idea in the back of her mind Unexpected by Kara that did not pose how to do this, mainly because of the pos- a real problem for the Cat. Selina man- sibly incorporated explosive charge. aged to hide in a small side way, where However, based on the reasonable as- she fetched, what looked like a big pen- sumption, the tracking signal was an elec- cil, out of her utility belt. She pushed a tromagnetic one, it could be shielded by button, and a dark blue laser beam em- metal. Selina fetched aluminum foil from anated from, what had been a prototype her kitchen equipment and wrought it in of Wayne Enterprises, and cut through several, dense layers around ‘her’ collar. her shackles. The capacity was limited, but This ought to block Kara’s signal. A fash- before it ran out of power, Selina was al- ionable scarf hid the unattractive metal most rid of the shackles, Kara had imposed object from the views of casual observers. on her, and completely unhampered. Selina was smart enough to know that For a moment the Cat enjoyed to be Supergirl would notice the disappearance free of wrist restraints for the first time in of her tracking signal, and she had rightly three month. She had not dared to touch guessed, that it would not be wise to stay the collar. It was undoubtedly fabricated any longer at this place. What she did from Kryptonian super metal. That alone not know, was, that Barbara informed posed a real problem, which required by Kara had used her absence to install sophisticated technology, no one could an illegal Trojan program on her com- carry around, in order to resolve it, and, puter in the meantime, which had no- if it was indeed fitted with an explosive ticed, that she had transferred money, charge, even that bore a deadly risk. she had earned in the Bondage Bar, from Selina decided not to try it out at one of her accounts to a giro account. least not yet. After she reached her flat unnoticed, she changed into street q clothes. She quitted her employment at “The Bondage Bar” immediately per tele- When she arrived at the bank in or- phone. The Cat had saved some money der to collect this money, an angry Kara from this job, and a first class degree from awaited her already at the front-entrance. Harvard business school should allow her “You’ve set a new record for disobe- to obtain a less humiliating one soon. dience,” she greeted her. “Hands, Kitty- Naturally the embarrassing tracking- Cat,” she demanded and produced, what collar was on top of her list. The locks looked like ‘Aphrodite’s Bracelets’. Selina were most likely electronic ones, but considered crying for help, but consider- based on Kryptonian technology, about ing that the Kryptonian could accelerate 116 CHAPTER 10. NEW RULES to a speed, which allowed her to kidnap “What?” Selina blurted out. Her fists her without being noticed by the human were clenched, the four inch chain that eye, this was not a promising solution. connected the locked bracelets was taught. “Oh, no,” she protested instead, “I did “Six months? I didn’t do anything but not violate any of your damned rules.” wrapping a piece of metal foil around this “Yes, you did, Kitty-Cat,” Kara stated. humiliating collar. That’s inhuman.” “Rule number three says not to interfere “Right, Kitty-Cat, but I’m not hu- with my or the other crimefighters activ- man. In fact you’ve been lucky. Kryp- ities. By wrapping that metal around your tonian laws require to double the origi- collar, you’ve interfered with my over- nal sentence, as long as you’re on proba- sight of your little activities and this de- tion in case of any violation of your pro- mands for punishment.” Slowly she re- bation conditions. And that’s, what you moved first the scarf and then the radia- are, Kitty-Cat, a prisoner on probation – tion blocking metal foil from “her” collar. my prisoner. See you later.” With these Selina let her do it. Fighting the Girl words she left a furious Selina back in the of Steel by hands was not promissing. center of Gotham, again handcuffed with- “I just wanted to hide this thing,” she out hope for release in the near future. advocated her action, “it’s not fair and…” Selina could only cancel her scheduled “Probably you’re lucky, that I found visit at the bank per cell phone and try to you so quickly, before you could commit hide her reacquired handcuffs as good as more,” Kara cut her defensive speech, “so possible on her way back to her flat. your punishment will not be too severe.” The Trojan program was easily discov- “Go to hell,” Selina exclaimed. ered and removed. Half a dozen bugs in- “Hands, Kitty-Cat, or I’ll hurt you.” stalled by Barbara were also found and Reluctantly Selina extended her wrists to- successively disabled. This was ridicu- gether her hands turned outwards. Fight- losly easy for the Cat. However it was too ing the Kryptonian without extensive late. Expecting a return of the Krypto- preparations was not an option. Kara nian after that, she stared at her hands re- clicked the indestructable bracelets around spectively the short silver chain swinging Selina’s wrists turned and removed the between them, but nothing happened. key. Selina stared first at her freshly On the other hand, what could Kara do? joined hands, then into Kara’s blue eyes. She was wearing those bracelets already. “How long do I have to wear them?” When nobody showed up, Selina She asked, shaking the chain between her complained about her her own impru- freshly joined wrists in true dispair. dence. Obviously she was no longer re- “Six month, Kitty-Cat,” Kara replied garded as a serious contender. Supergirl calmly, “in six month you may ask me and Batgirl had fooled her too easily. for having them removed, provided you won’t break my rules a second time.” q Chapter 11

Kidnapped

Selina fumed. Kara assumed, she Kryptonians, who heavily relied on would be desperate, but she had under- their physical superiority, were not very estimated Catwoman’s fighting spirit. skilled in fighting, once the latter was Again fitted with the unbreakable lost. While fighting Batman or even Bat- Adamant handcuffs and a new, nearly un- girl was not an option, as long as she was breakable and possibly explosive collar braceleted, Selina concluded that fighting from Kryptonian super metal, Selina had Kara might be feasible, once she would to accept, that she was no match to any have lost her super strength. Provided she of the caped crime-fighters right now and managed to achieve this, there should be even worse that she could be detected by a way to obtain the keys to her handcuffs the Kryptonian anytime anywhere. and collar from the arrogant Kryptonian. But if an enemy could not be defeated The only one in Gotham with ties to by force, it had to be done by cleverness. Luther Corp. except for the Penguin was Selina considered her brain to be the best the Joker, a sinister villain, Selina was not weapon she had, and she was resourceful. very fond to deal with. But she knew that Batman had always been aware of this; the presence of Kara had a serious impact he could not be tricked easily, but Batgirl on his business. Therefore taking Kara and the Kryptonian super bitch, what she out of action might be a common goal. called Kara, thought, that a cropped Cat “It’s me, the Cat,” she introduced her- was not worth to waste a thought at. self on the phone after she had dialed a se- Selina was determined to prove them cret number. “I need to talk to the Jester, wrong. It was widely known in certain cir- it’s about business, a profitable business.” cles, that green Kryptonite produced by “Ah, the pussy cat. Rumor says, you Luther Corp. was able to reduce Krypto- are a cropped little pet by now.” It was nians to more or less human strength. Harley Quin, Joker’s right hand. She dis-

117 118 CHAPTER 11. KIDNAPPED liked Selina, and this complicated things. her powers for long, but the bracelets “Listen, Harlequin. To keep it short, would hamper the superheroine consid- I found a way, which might work to take erably and limit her actions, provided she the super bitch out of action for a long, did not like to appear in public wear- long time, maybe forever. But I need ing them. That an infuriated Kryptonian, green Kryptonite from Luther Corp. to braceleted or not, was a formidable enemy, realize my plans. Tell your master about seeking for bloody revenge, was a matter, it. You know the mail box, where he can Selina did not want to think about yet. leave an answer. He’s time until the day The reply was short: “Tomorrow at after tomorrow.” She hung up the phone. 5 am in the airport storehouse no. 13. Harley was a fiendish bitch. If she was You alone, no weapons.” That was “great in bad mood, she might simply ignore news”, she would have to face one of her call. Angrily she gave her wrist chain the most dangerous criminals in Gotham, the habitual tug. Its presence violated her two hours after finishing her reassumed pride. Her plan to get it off had to work. services at the “Bondage Club”. Never- The next day she received a mail message. theless, she had no choice. Nobody else “You haven’t been very successful last could provide her with green Kryptonite. time. Synthetic Green Kryptonite’s ex- The first precaution measure was to pensive and short-lived. Give me a good wrap the metal foil around her collar. Of reason, why this effort’s promising or course the Kryptonian would be alarmed look for another supplier.” The address now and try to catch her, so a fast change was meaningless, but Selina was sure, that of position was highly recommended. her answer would not be overlooked. From now on she also had to watch for “I’ve the opportunity to meet the su- Supergirl trying to track her down. per bitch in a few days, and I’ve acquired “High, Pussy Cat,” one hour later a a ‘magic’ device, which can take her out of tired Selina was greeted by Harley Quin, action for a fairly long time. If you want to who aimed with a large caliber pistol at know more, we’ve to meet,” she replied. her body. “Show me your hands.” Selina What she did not tell him, was that lifted her poncho and raised her hands. she wore the mentioned “magic” device “Nice bracelets, Pussy Cat. They suit already on her own wrists and that her you. Take that cowpuncher shirt off. I’ve plan required no less than to overpower a to check you for weapons.” Reluctantly weakened Kara, acquire the key from her Selina removed the garment. She wore in order to remove it from her own wrists, only a tank top and a pair of jeans below. transfer it to Kara’s and hide the latter “Now step through that pretty chain well enough that the Kryptonian would between your bracelets.” Harley ordered. not be able to find it for a fairly long time. “I’m not here for playing games, Kryptonite would not strip Kara of Harlekin.” She raised her joined hands. “I 119 have no weapons on me as you can see. lar around her throat, which was conve- I’ve to talk to your Lord and Master.” niently equipped with a ring at the front. “You’re not in a position to raise any “Now we’re ready to go, Pussy Cat.” claims, Pussy Cat. I’ve my orders from She tugged on the leash. A further per- the Joker himself. So go on” Reluctantly sonal search was obviously not necessary, Selina stepped through the chain and since Selina had deliberately relinquished thereby transferred ‘her’ handcuffs from to take any weapon with her. She was led front to back, well aware, that this re- by Harley to a storage room, which con- duced her abilities to defend herself even tained no more than a sturdy, hardly hu- further. Selina was alerted, when Harley man sized cage on wheels. Three black produced a pair of Darby-style handcuffs. haired man in black suits awaited them. “Look, Quin, with my hands behind The Joker himself was not among them. my back, I’m hardly in the position to harm anybody,” she argued reasonably. q “Turn around, bitch. You’ve always “That’s Gotham’s famous Catwoman, been a trickster. I won’t take any chances Mr. Hussein,” Harley announced with tri- with you.” Harley exploited the situation. umph in her voice. “The bracelets and the “Quin, I’m here to discuss an enter- collar ought to be escape-proof, but, I prise in mutual interest, and I won’t…” would suggest, that you replace the other “You’re free to leave, Pussy Cat,” Har- restraints by welded ones. She’s a master in ley interrupted her. “But if you want that lock-picking.” Selina knew immediately, Kryptonite, you’ve to do what I say, lit- that Harley had never intended to lead erally, now.” Grudgingly Selina turned her to the Joker, presumably she had not around. Reluctantly she allowed her to fix even told him about Selina’s proposal. the additional pair of cuffs on her elbows. The resulting fight was short. Tightly They were not tight and had a fairly restrained, as she was, she was no match long chain, but Selina was well aware, that to the three men, who were well build she would not be able to switch her hands and no novices in martial art either. Soon from back to front anymore with them in Selina ended up kneeling in the cage. place. Even worse, she would not be able Welding equipment was available – it to even reach these cuffs with her fingers. had been supplied already for precisely However, Harley was not finished yet. this purpose – and the cage was welded “These go on your legs,” she produced shut. Following Harley’s suggestion addi- another pair of short chained Darby- tional welds were applied, which assured style leg-irons, “and don’t dare to kick at reliably, that she would not be able to me, Pussy Cat.” Selina endured this as take the additinonal restraints off soon, she well. Finally she took a short chain leash had Harley generously allowed to fix on and clipped it on Kara’s disguised col- her. Selina cursed her lack of caution. 120 CHAPTER 11. KIDNAPPED

A ball-gag had also been forced into one asked with strong Arabian accent. her mouth in order to make sure, she Selina nodded and crawled out of the would not be able to call for help later. In cage, her metal restraints heavily clanking. addition a black leather hood covered her Stretching her legs after being folded to- head, which had holes at nose and mouth, gether so long was painful. The hood was allowed her to breathe, but robbed her of removed. Adjusting to the intense day- her eye-sight and reduced her hearing. light of a tropical area was painful, too. Arabian names, dark hair and eyes she “You need toilet?” She nodded vig- had spotted, before she had been hooded orously and an armed guard let her to – it was not difficult to conclude, that a small toilet, where she could relieve Harley had sold her profitably to a pow- herself in privacy. No one had cared or erful Arabian sheik or businessman. Pre- dared(?) to take any of her fetters off. sumably she should be shipped as diplo- “Want some water?” Selina nodded. matic baggage. It would be foolish to put “Then you’ve to obey – kneel.” She any hope on the American customs. was not in a position to offer resistance, The cage was rolled on a ramp, cov- so a dried up Selina subsequently com- ered by a plane and lifted off. That was plied to every single order. The remains repeated several times, before it came to of her clothing were cut off. Her restraints rest in, what appeared to be the cargo except for the irreplaceable bracelets were bay of a plane. It was cold. The flight was exchanged by others, all polished steel and long, uneventful and an experience Selina – to her chagrin – welded on. Her new jail- was not fond to repeat. Caged and closely ers were well instructed and prepared. shackled she could only await the arrival. Luckily they did not try to remove her There was no intermediate stop. The foil-covered collar as well. Selina still did plane took the direct way, which lasted not know, if the latter contained an ex- more than twenty hours, Selina had to en- plosive charge, whose detonation would dure in her cage without water and food cost her her head quite literally. How- and awfully tasting ball-gag in her mouth. ever they removed the metal foil wrapped Finally the plane landed without trouble. around it. So they were definitely not Hot dry air flooded the plain. A stacker aware, that it contained a tracking device. crane loaded her cage on a truck. Nobody If the latter could be detected on the seemed to care for its human content. other side of the world, was a question, Her involuntary journey finally ended only Kara could answer. Selina expected in the delivery area of an oriental palace. no benefit from the Kryptonian tracking The plane was lifted, and a man used a her down, although even in Kara’s eyes grinding tool to remove the lock of ‘her’ she might have been qualified to argue, cage, which had been sealed by welds. that she had been kidnapped and that the “Get out! You understand me?” Some- whole thing was definitely not her fault. 121

There was not much hope to escape to dislodge her jaw and chew on an gag. otherwise either. These men were too After three days of abstinence food well instructed, presumably by Harley and water were served to her in bowls like Quin, what precautions were necessary feeding a pussy cat. Someone had a faible to make sure that Gotham’s Catwoman to play her pranks. It took her some time would stay in their custody and so far they getting used to the food, but the selection had followed these instruction literally. was sparse, at least it was no cat food. The only lock, which was not sealed In the following she was allowed a by welds, was the one of ‘her’ new cage, minimum of clothes – a full body har- but it had been replaced by a big hexagon ness like the one she had mocked Bar- screw, which required a flat wrench, bara about adorned her, emphasizing ev- which was so big, that it was impossible erything, but hiding nothing. A mask re- to hide. Her new accomodation was at sembling her own covered her upper face, least slightly larger than the previous one. but everything else was clearly visible. A big sign was affixed to it encrypted Only her very private parts were hid- in English and Arabic by “Catwoman of den from public view by a steel chastity Gotham City” – at least she believed, that device. Since she was fettered in a way that the Arabic writing said the same. When did not allow her to touch herself at all, her gag had been removed, Selina had had this was merely a precaution against male the impression her jaw was dislodged, but guards taking advantage of her situation. after a some time she could form words. The most humiliating aspect of her “I am not going to attend this cage,” captivity was, that she had to do her pri- she had offered mild resistance, when she vate business within her cage. There was was ordered to enter the new cage. “I ac- a box, which was exchanged regularly. cept to be a captive, but I’m not a canary.” Selina was careful to keep the cage clean. “Oh yes you be,” had been the answer, “You make mess, you live in it,” the “just without feathers.” She had fought a chief guard had declared, and she be- great fight, a fight as good as a human lieved him. Her “home” was a kind of pri- girl could deliver with her limps fettered. It vate zoo arranged under a huge glass roof. had done her no good – she had ended up This was used to keep the climate in the cage as intended, but for three days modest. Apart from this Selina was kept she had received neither food nor water. worse than the animals. She was not only “You answer, when you asked,” the kept in a cage of to small proportions, chief guard, who seemed to be the only but constantly kept in her shackles. Any- one speaking English, had told her with one else might have become crazy from a ball-gag in his hand. “No crying, no the pain of having her limbs forced per- shouting. This go in else. You under- manently into these unnatural positions. stand?” She had nodded. It was of no use The weakly cleaning procedure con- 122 CHAPTER 11. KIDNAPPED sisted of hosing her with cold water inside possible ways to kill herself, to end a life, her small cage. Kara’s punishment of im- which was not worth living any more. posing the bracelets on her, she still wore, It would have been easier, if there was a picnic against this treatment. would not be that little voice in the back There were other cages, but, as far she of her head that told her. “Suicide’s like knew, she was the only human exhibit, all giving up, a cat doesn’t give up, never. It others were filled with real animals. Oc- fights.” But how? The last bit of hope had casionally a peculiar group of women vis- waned. She could hardly move in those ited the zoo – presumably the harem of its tight-fitting and welded on shackles, just owner, who had not shown up until now. sustain whatever these crooks did to her. From their talks she concluded, that he Even if she could open her cage by some was a busy man jetting around the world. magic, they would make any pitiful at- Unfortunately she quickly became the tempt of flight ridiculusly easy to prevent. main attraction of that zoo. The harem “Waiting for me, Kitty?” A deep and girls liked to visit the “Catwoman of rough, but well-known voice whispered Gotham”, a few of them even were even in clean English. She looked around in the fond of teasing or hurting the helpless darkness. Her powers might have been woman. But they provided also rumors, dwindling due to her lack of movement, because some of them spoke in English. but her eyes were still sharp and clear. From these talks of the English speak- But right now she was in doubt about ing harem woman, she learned, that she that. What had to be an illusion cre- was a temporary exhibit. The Emir, her ated by a secret wish, stood behind her “owner” wanted to tame the Catwoman cage. But this ghost was real, and it was himself. She should be transformed into no ghost, but a tall man wearing the fa- something western observers would have mous bat-costume, feared by all villains called a sex-slave, a woman without and ached by the beaten down and now any own will subject to every perverted also by her. Well right now she was beaten wishes of her owner. This was a fate down, too. She was not betrayed by her worse than death to the proud Selina, and senses. It was the Dark Knight himself. she seriously considered the latter alter- A small bulb filled her cage with light. native. But even that would not be easy. “Batman, thank God. You are going to take me out of here?” She blushed. She q had been forced to appear naked before several men and women during her ser- It was night time, the only quite time vices at the bondage bar and, since she for her. She was alone. Her narrow shack- had been incarcerated here. But appear- les denied almost every movement. Once ing naked before him even in the dim again the forlorn woman thought about light of a small bulb somehow mattered. 123

“That was my intention,” he replied man explained, what she knew very well. dryly. Yet, these were by far the sweetest “The bracelets and the collar are off lim- words, she could think of right now. its. Kara…,” she tried to inform him. “I’ll go to prison and stay inside, if you “I know already,” he acknowledged. demand this, but get me out of this cage,” “Are those the same, you wore already on she pleaded. She did not say “please”, but the Gotham welfare ball?” He asked, and there was true despair in her voice, and she nodded, which was barley visible in her sad eyes told him more than words. the dark surrounding, but his senses were “This doesn’t sound like the Cat, I as good as hers. The blue beam slowly once knew,” he remarked, “but don’t worked through the chain of her leg-irons. worry. I didn’t come in order to put you “I’ll cut only the chains. Cutting the into jail, or did you commit something in manacles is too dangerous,” he explained the meantime, I’m not aware of?” There and she agreed by nodding. Then he re- was a mocking tone in the last question. peated the same with ‘her’ elbow cuffs. Therefore she did not answer directly. “Thanks,” she said and soon she had “I’ve been in hell!” She replied instead, switched her joined hands to the front. “Batman, get me out of here, please. If Bravely she hid the pain caused by move- you’ll do that for me, I swear that I won’t ments so long denied by the cruel set of fight you anymore, whatever may hap- restraints, which had kept her limbs im- pen.” She was clearly honest about this. prisoned for so long, and raised herself. “Don’t lead me into temptation, “Let’s go?” She asked slighlty puzzled, Kitty,” he said. “Fighting you’s been one when he did not make an effort to move. of the rare pleasures, I really enjoyed.” “Don’t get me wrong.” Since his But he was already about to unscrew the masked face was in the shadow she could door of “her” cage with the correspond- not see but only feel him smile, “I like, ing big flat wrench. Quickly she wriggled what I see, but we might cause less at- herself out, once its door was opened. tention, if you could afford the time to “Not so fast, we’ve time,” he said. She dress.” With these words he reached her looked at him questioning, and he pro- a small bundle, he had brought with him. duced a well-known pencil-sized tool. The latter contained underwear, a tank “Kneel down, Kitty. That’s a laser cut- top, a pair of hot-pants, sport shoes and a ter.” Incidentally it was the same model, locally common burka to cover it all. she had used to free herself from the “Thanks,” she replied, “thank you steel restraints, Kara had imposed on her, very much.” She quickly dressed herself. some time ago. “The battery lasts only “You came well prepared,” she re- two minutes, but if you don’t move and marked, when she realized in passing, we’re lucky, I might be able to disconnect that everything fitted her very well. the conventional cuffs on your limbs,” Bat- “Where did you get my measures from?” 124 CHAPTER 11. KIDNAPPED

“Good guess,” he gave back evasively, “You don’t have to be, Kitty,” he said, “after all I know you for some time.” and this time he was definitely serious, “And you really did not come with the too. “It’s not written in stone, that the intention to put me in jail?” Somehow Bat and the Cat have to fight each other.” this still deemed her too good to be true. “No, I guess it’s not.” In the following “Why should I operate the expense to they did not share many words, but Selina put you in jail, if you are in one, even you had to think about, what he had said. Bat- couldn’t escape from?” He asked back. man who carried the light took the lead “Then why did you come at all?” She and, while they followed endless empty asked. “I thought… well I thought, you hallways, Selina got the first impressions hate me, maybe not really hate me, but… about the truely impressive place, where you know, were not sad, that I was gone.” she had been held captive for so long. “Maybe I missed you,” he smiled and The palace, which was only partially it was a warm smile, a smile that touched enlightened during the nights, was huge, her heart. “Seriously, Kitty, we might and the zoo, in which she had served so have had our differences, but I don’t far as a living exhibition, occupied only hate you and I don’t think, that you de- one of several inner courtyards all cov- serve, what these people did to you or ered by flexible glass roofs, which allowed were about to do to you,” he assured her. to control temperature and humidity ac- “My offer to help you, when we met last cording to its allmighty owner’s wishes. time was serious, although at that time I Selina’s hands were still chain-linked, honestly thought, that you had only trou- but this was not visible under the cover of ble to find a new job.” She wanted to in- the burka. Occasionally Batmann could terrupt him, but he raised his hand. sense a soft tinkle from this or the other “Let me finish this. When we’re back chains, he had cut, but not removed. Apart in Gotham you will be my guest, as long from this the Cat’s moves were com- as you want – I insist on it. What you’ll do pletely free of any treacherous noises. afterwards, is up to you, although I hope Batman secretly admired the grace of her seriously, we won’t depart as enemies.” movements, althoug this was continu- “You mean it honest?” It was not, that ously improving with every further move, she distrusted him. It was more that she which had been denied to her for so long. had considered to commit suicide a few He knew his business, too: They fol- minutes ago and still could not believe, lowed the route, he had chosen to pene- that this was more than a day-dream. trate the elaborate security system, back- “Boy scouts promise,” he indicated wards, and it worked fine. Batman had understanding for her actual confusion. pretended to be one of the countless de- “How could I be your enemy after livery men, who supplied the inhabitants that?” This time it was a serious question. of the palace around the clock with ev- 125 erything needed for living or pleasure or, “I know that you’ve been in Harvard,” whatever purpose they had ordered it for. was the surprised answer, “but I didn’t As such he had arrived in a small know, that you’ve been in the engineer- pickup truck parked in an overcrowded ing department, your official records…” parking space sufficient for a football “… are intentionally not complete,” stadium. He quickly switched into civil she finished his sentence. “I didn’t want clothes, after they had entered this truck. everyone to know everything from me, “So I’m witnessing of the unmasking but I’ve a degree in engineering, too.” of, Batman,” she remarked mockingly. “That explains your knowledge,” he “You know damned well, that I’m reflected. “I noticed, that your Catmobile Bruce Wayne, as well as I know, who you had it’s origin in an old Porsche, but aslo are,” he replied. “Don’t you, Miss Kyle?” that the additions had to be designed by She nodded with a smile. She had to hide a first-class engineer, who has been you?” under a plane, but the check on leave “I couldn’t afford to hire someone was not very strict. Obviously it had not else,” she said, “and I rebuided it, too. I been noticed yet, that Gotham’s notori- would’ve liked to do more, but this hobby ous Catwoman had escaped once again. swallowed all my money for some time.” “Nevertheless it’s a really nice car. q When you were in Harvard, did you take When they were out of side, she the monster-course by Professor H.?” joined him on the front seats, still worked “Yes, and I finished it with the high- over from her suffering, but relaxed and est rate, second only to you,” she said happy for the first time after weeks of proudly. “But I was still a beginner, when captivity and physical as well as mental you were a senior. I don’t think, that you torture. The burka had been abandoned. recognized me at all, while I was there.” “Do you know, that I once considered “Do you want to say, that you’ve been you one of the biggest disappointments a little bit in love with me?” He asked. in my life?” She managed to surprise him “No, but I was, let’s say impressed,” with this question. He raised an eyebrow. she replied. There was a trace of blush- “I didn’t know, that I’ve played a rôle ing, and he smiled. “When I returned to in your life at all,” he gave back dryly. Gotham, I considered to apply for a job “Well, I was very young, when I re- at Wayne Enterprises. It was my dream.” ceived a scholarship, which allowed me to “And?” He asked. “Don’t tell, me that study in Harvard, a scholarship from the I’ve overlooked someone like you?” Wayne Foundation. The raising star in “No, I didn’t apply at all,” she replied. the engineering department at that time “Why not?” He looked in her eyes. there was a boy from my hometown, a “Because I learned or for some time man named Bruce Wayne,” she told him. believed to have learned, that you had be- 126 CHAPTER 11. KIDNAPPED come a playboy, a ruthless squanderer of he replied, “I have the privilege to own your heritage, pure selfishness in person.” a private Jet, and in Arabian countries “It was necessary to create such an im- an appropriate amount of baksheesh does age,” he explained, “up to now nobody wonders for those, who can afford it.” has drawn a connection between Batman “And at home in America?” She asked and the lavish billionaire – except you.” doubtfully. “The aeronautical authorities “But it took me some time to find in the States have different standards.” out,” she said. “In the mean time I hated “What the US Customs and Air Force you for being so ignorant, wasting your don’t know, doesn’t attract their atten- talent and stepping aside, while you could tion,” he assured her. “There’s a small have done so much. It was unbelievable corridor not covered by radar very well. how a person so gifted could waste…” A small stealthy plane like this can slip “… his talents? I did a lot of things, through without being noticed. Don’t some fitting into my profession, but also mention this to an Air force general.” others,” he replied, “it deemed me not “You invested a lot of money in order necessary for the public to know that.” to bring me back,” she stated the obvious. “When I learned, that it was you, who “I would like to, but I can’t afford to pay created Batman, my view of the world im- back even a fraction of your expenses.” proved a lot,” she said. He looked at her. “That’s not your concern. I regard this “You were the freshman, who asked as a… let’s say as a cultural donation,” he about using a magneto-hydrodynamic replied, “Gotham City wouldn’t be the converter as an entry stage, when I de- same without its wonderful Catwoman.” fended my dissertation?” He asked appar- The interior of Bruce Wayne’s plane, ently out of context. Her eyes widened. they reached unharmed, did not show the Now he had managed to surprise her. luxury expected from a billionare’s buisi- “You remember this?” She asked. ness jet, but it was well equipped with “Of course,” he replied. “The corre- tools, weapons and other useful things, spondingly improved design’s been com- one would not expect there. With the pleted, a year ago. It was hard work, but I help of the latter and Batman’s assistance consider the result worth the effort. I can Selina got finally rid of her ankle and el- show you the prototype, when we’re back bow manacles. Only Aphrodite’s bracelets – if you’re still interested, of course?” and Kara’s collar remained off limits. “Of course, I insist on it,” she said, Batman expressed his doubts, that the “I mean, that would be nice. – However, collar was charged with an explosive. He how will we get through the security gates was aware about the unique properties at the airport? I still can’t take these off,” of Kryptonian super metal, but assured she remarked indicating ‘her’ bracelets. her, that her collar could be dealt with in “We simply won’t go through them,” Gotham if necessary. The wristlets on the 127 other hand posed a big mystery even for “I may be ambitious, but in this par- him and raised his scientific interest. ticular case I’d be the last, who’d be un- “So these bracelets are the same, you’ve happy, when you should succeed, where I worn on the Gotham charity ball al- failed,” she admitted pragmatically. ready,” he remarked admiring the spot- “Give me your hands then,” he re- less surface “and you’ve not been able to quested and produced a lock-pick out of take them off since.” It was not a ques- his utility belt. “It may take some time.” tion, but she shook her head anyway. “Go ahead,” she encourage him, “any “You really didn’t know?” She asked. fresh idea, how I could get rid of these “No, Kara and Barbara had not in- ‘bracelets’ will be welcome.” He began to ducted me to, what they had done to you. work on the locks, first on the left than I was just wondering, why you had chosen on the right bracelet, but although he took a kind of handcuffs as a part of your mas- his time and successively applied all his querade. This was by no means typical for tricks, the click, she longed for, with you. Kara told me the full story only, af- which at least one of the circlets would pop ter she had revealed to me, that you had open and release her wrist, did not sound. been kidnapped. This was two days ago.” “Somehow this pick doesn’t proceed “Well, somehow this was always what beyond a certain point,” he finally stated you wanted to do to me,” she stretched seeking for an explanation, “although the the chain joining the irremovable circlets key must pass it in order to be properly on her wrists to it’s narrow limit. She was inserted.” She nodded knowingly. teasing him with her pretended helpless- “When I used the proper key, the one ness, and this time she did it on purpose. Supergirl has hidden somewhere, I had al- “But I never managed to do so,” he ad- ways the impression, that it underwent a mitted, “at least not for long. In this re- complicated deformation, once inserted spect I’ve to admit defeat to ancient Hep- into its hole, something you cannot do haestus, because his ‘cat-bracelets’ achieved with a lock pick, independently, how so- what my bat-cuffs never could, hold you phisticated the latter may be crafted.” captive. Nevertheless, I can a least offer “Maybe it’s just a part of the locking my help in trying to free you from those.” mechanism, that behaves strangely,” he “I think, you understand, I don’t share suggested, but she shook her head. your admiration for Hephaestus,” she “No, I’m sure, it’s the key, which de- replied, “but in this aspect every help’s forms itself somehow,” she replied, “but appreciated. I’m at my wits end here.” only if it is inserted in its hole. This “Don’t bet too much on it. I hon- doesn’t exclude, that a part of the locking estly think, you’re a better lock-picker mechanism also deforms itself. However, than me,” he admitted. “But maybe my in practical terms it would be impossible approach is by chance more promising?” to copy such a behavior with any pick.” 128 CHAPTER 11. KIDNAPPED

“Ordinary matter may undergo a course I don’t know how to create some- phase transition or show a memory-ef- thing alike, but maybe Hephaestus did?” fect, but, as far as I know, these effects do “That’s also an interesting idea, but not depend on the shape of the external not a theory,” she replied professionally. surroundings,” he remarked, citing com- “No, of course not,” he admitted. mon scientific knowledge. She nodded. Then he looked into her brown eyes. “But “This material – I think it’s called seriously, Kitty, you should have asked Adamant – isn’t ordinary matter at all, nei- me, before approaching Mabuse.” ther a metal nor something else,” she said. “Would you’ve been able to free me “It’s more like a frozen force field. Don’t from those?” She asked, twisting them. ask me, what it is or how someone could “Most likely not,” he admitted, “but have produced it, but it is, what it is.” I’d have negotiated with Kara on your be- “So you don’t think, it’s just another halve. It’s no fault to ask for help, even if kind of super metal?” She shook her head. one’s to defend a formidable reputation.” “All metals, even Kryptonian super “I thought, you’d have laughed about metal have a crystal structure, which is me,” she explaind, “a cropped cat, that’s, visible in X-rays, and they are good con- what I’m, is like a tiger without teeth.” ductors, while this stuff is completely “I admit, that I’d have considered it structureless in X-rays and at least was a valuable information, that these, let’s a very good insulator, although it glitters call them ‘cat-bracelets’, could actually hold now – I’m shure, I would be dead if not.” you, after all no bat-cuff ever managed to “You mean the recent ‘incident’ with do so,” he said. “But I’d not have laughed Mabuse?” This conclusion was obvious. at you, and I also wouldn’t have left you in “Yes,” she replied, “for a second or so the lurch. After all I still owe you some- it absorbed enough energy to run most of thing, e.g. from the Whiteman-case.” the city, industry included. A tiny frac- “Maybe, I should have asked you,” she tion of this would have been sufficient to admitted. “If I had done so, it would at fry me like a grill chicken. After that the least have spared us, that you had to res- ‘bracelets’ sparkled like polished silver, be- cue me out of an oriental zoo’s cage.” fore they’ve been black, darker than coal. “Maybe, it’s good that you’re what It’s of course just a a vague hypothesis you’re,” he said with a smile, “because I of mine, but I think, they were somehow wouldn’t like to have missed the latter ei- loaded up, which in turn means, that this ther.” She did not answer, but the knowl- fetter is now even stronger, possibly much edge, that it had been important for him stronger, than it has been before.” to rescue her, was not really unpleasant. “Maybe it’s really no matter, but a With the plane on autopilot, they bot kind of topological knot in space-time, got a handful of sleep during the flight. and the sparkling surface is a tiny super- conducting barrier layer,” he mused, “of q Chapter 12

A new Beginning

They arrived in Gotham the next white sheets around her gorgeous body. evening, and he insisted to celebrate the “Alfred, Miss Kyle, just Alfred.” Cat’s return with a candle-light dinner in “Sorry, Alfred, I… I don’t remember, his mansion above the city with delicious how I got here. Did… eh, did something Madeira wine and a lunch, that would happen, I should remember?” She asked. have made the cook of Gotham’s finest The old man laughed knowingly. restaurant envious. It was a starry night, “No, Miss Kyle, I can assure you. Mr. and she felt like walking on the moon. Wayne carried you into this room – he In the next morning she awoke in a insisted to do it himself – and laid you soft bed from a gentle knocking at the down here. Mrs. Sunderlee, the cook, door of a foreign bedroom. She was wear- who served you, took your clothes off and ing no more than a white nightgown, she dressed you in a nightgown – after Mr. could not remember at all, and ‘her’ faith- Wayne left, if that’s, what concern’s you.” ful bracelets. There was a bongo band play- “I am sorry about having caused you ing inside her head. She remembered the and Mrs. Sunderlee this trouble, Alfred.” taste of a deliciously sweet wine – the “That was no trouble at all, Miss. I probable cause of her headache – and a find, that it’s time for Mr. Wayne to look kiss, a kiss she still smelled on her lips. for someone who takes care for him. I’m The question was: Had there been more? not getting younger.” Selina blushed. “Miss Kyle, Mr. Wayne awaits you “That’s more complicated…” she tried for breakfast in half an hour,” the voice to explain. Alfred nodded friendly. of Bruce Wayne’s fairly old servant an- “It’s always complicated with Mr. nounced. “Are you in need of anything?” Wayne. Mr. Wayne said, that you’ve some “No, no Mr.…?” She had attracted her trouble with those bracelets, you cannot long shapely legs and wrapped the soft remove? Shall I ask Mrs. Sunderlee to

129 130 CHAPTER 12. A NEW BEGINNING help you getting dressed?” He asked. memory. “Something I should know?” “No that the least of my problems,” “Nothing I’m aware of,” he replied, she refused any help. “But thanks.” and she took a deep breath. He gave her “As you wish, Miss Kyle. Breakfast will a warm smile expressing understanding. be served in the kitchen. It’s only for you “You’re not accustomed to alcohol?” and Mr. Wayne.” Selina gave ‘her’ bracelets “Not really,” she admitted. “I’m sorry the habitual tug, tried to slip them over for causing you and Mrs. Sunderlee this her wrists by pressing the joining chain trouble. I guess I was tipsy, and I’m downwards with her feet – to no avail as ashamed, that I was not able to get into usual. She did it carefully not to hurt her my bed.” She blushed and was ashamed wrists, pretending it was worth a try. about it, too. She wished, she could stay She sighed – for the first time she indifferent, but without the protection of was not angry after she did it – went to the cat-mask she felt like a pubertal girl. the bathroom, Mr. Wayne’s guest quar- “It was no trouble, but a pleasure for ters amply provided for each guest, and me to carry you there,” he replied with a switched into the clothes, Batman had smile. “You’ve caused me trouble before.” also provided for her, a white tank top, “I know,” she admitted, “and I regret a matching knee-long skirt, socks, no it. I’m indebted for rescuing me from…” stockings and a pair of tennis shoes. Ev- “That was also a pleasure,” he inter- erything in the closet was well-chosen rupted her. “Don’t mention it. I was re- and fitted her measures. He had spent a ferring to the numerous times you fought lot of effort (and money) to make her stay me as the notorious Catwoman.” comfortable. She felt guilty about that. “Oh that…, well, you gave me hard “Good morning, Mr. Wayne,” she times, too,” she confessed. “Nevertheless greeted him, when she entered the I’m indebted to you now and…” formidable kitchen. It was a classical “Selina,” he interrupted her again. breakfast for two, although the table was “There’s an unwritten law among cru- much too large for feeling comfortable. saders. Don’t mention something, which “Bruce, Selina, we agreed on using is a matter of course to a fellow-crusader.” our forenames, yesterday,” Batman said, “But I’ve not been your fellow cru- raised himself in one fluent move and sader,” she corrected him. “I fought you lifted the other seat a little bit to allow more often than I can remember. I was…” her to sit down like an English dutchess. “It doesn’t matter, what’s been be- “Sorry, good morning, Bruce,” she said tween us before.” He said seriously. “You and added a shy and simple “thanks.” are a fellow crusader, now, aren’t you?” “You’re welcome,” he said formally. “I guess, I should be,” she whispered. “Is there something else, we agreed “Good,” he said, as if these words had on?” She asked, admitting her lack of cleared everything, before he added, “I’ve 131 invited Barbara and Kara for lunch.” laboratories Batman had reserved for his “Batgirl and Supergirl?” Her relation- private use and some of the products, he ship to those was naturally not the best, had designed. They spent a full hour in and the presence of the chain-linked front of the compact atomic engine, they bracelets, she could not remove, on her had talked about on the plane. Selina’s wrist and the potentially explosive collar eyes glowed, when she saw it in action. on her throat were the best reminders. “It was entirely your idea to couple “Yes,” he said, “it’s time that you set- these converters this way,” he had said. tle your differences with Barbara, and I “Yes,” she had replied, “but it’s a dif- think it’s Kara, who’s still the keeper of ferent thing to propose something, which the keys for ‘your’ collar and bracelets.” is quite obvious from an engineering “I deserve to wear them.” She whis- point of view, than to realize it in a work- pered and those words surprised herself. ing machine under realistic conditions.” She looked at him. “I couldn’t imagine, “It mainly requires the resources of a that I would say this – but, yes, it’s true.” big company like Wayne Enterprises.” “But this jewelry’s very inconvenient. “And approximately half a dozen I can’t go out with you in public like ground-breaking ideas to overcome the this, and I think the bracelets’re not helpful biggest problems,” she had remarked. for you either. We should do something “Nevertheless, I’m pretty sure, that about them, except if you like them…” Wayne Enterprises could benefit a lot “No, I don’t like them – I hate them.” from hiring someone as capable as you,” “Then we should do our best to get he finally said. She did not answer and he them off your wrists,” he stated in an at- led her back to the living quarters. How- tempt to cheer her up. “I think, together ever, one trivial question busied her. we can convince Kara to take them off “Is it true, that you created these spe- and that collar as well. It doesn’t suit you.” cial bat-cuffs without key holes in particu- “I’m not so sure, Kara will do so,” she lar for restraining me?” she dared to ask. expressed her doubts, “but if she would, “I’ve to confess it,” he replied truth- that will put another debt on the list.” fully. “Since you managed to pick every “Selina, again, there are no debts be- lock, I ever created in almost no time – tween friends,” he said, “and that’s what occasionally you’ll have to show me, how we’re now,” he stated matter-of-factly. you did it – I wrought my head, but only After breakfast he showed her the found this admittedly cheap – one may mansion, including safety precautions, more correctly say – unfair solution.” technical gadgets and secret installments. “And you planned to use them on me?” Selina was embarrassed by the huge “Yes,” he said, “but not anymore, I amount of credit, he accounted her for. don’t think, I’ll need them, do I?” She She was in particular impressed by the looked into his eyes and shook her head. 132 CHAPTER 12. A NEW BEGINNING

“If you haven’t noticed, I’ve already a job, or are you open for something new?” pair, I can’t escape from. – But seriously, “It’s very unlikely, that my old posi- you found something far stronger to bind tion is still free,” she replied evasively. me: Trust – trust, I don’t deserve.” “Oh, Emmet Finch would take you “We’ll find out, what you deserve, one back with good grace,” he said, “but to be way or another,” he replied equally seri- honest, I selfishly thought about seizing ous. “But honestly, although I understand the opportunity with both hands and re- that they’re a nuisance to you, to me these cruiting you for Wayne Enterprises.” fine cat-bracelets look very well on you.” “You would really go so far, and hire “You like to see me shackled?” She the Cat as your secretary?” She asked. tugged angrily on the chain connecting “Not as my secretary, but as the as- her wristlets. He reacted to this flare of sistant to the CEO and chief engineer hot temper with a warm, disarming smile. with an appropriate salary. I shamelessly “Well, yes and no, but that was not the thought about a 24/7-type commitment.” reason for my regret,” he replied express- “I can’t accept this offer,” she replied. ing amusement about her reaction. “I don’t deserve it – you want to see more “What do you mean by ‘yes and no’?” in me, than what’s actually there.” “Well ‘yes’ because I like to see you a “It’s a strictly professional offer,” he little bit helpless, because I can help you objected, “I know very well, what you’ve and ‘no’, I don’t like to see you suffer,” managed for Finch and Markham, and he explained. “But if you weren’t wear- Wayne Enterprises can only benefit from ing those bracelets, you wouldn’t be here your abilities. Besides I could need some today, and that’s, why I’ll always cease to help in engineering as well and, who fin- regret, that Kara’s put them on you.” ished Professor H.’s course with an ‘A+’, “Sorry, I’ve never seen it that way,” her can’t have forgotten everything…” anger subsided as fast, as it had shown up. “What, if Kara doesn’t take these off?” “I know, that you’ve resigned from “I’ll hire you anyway,” he blindsided your job at Markham Inc. a few months her, “you can sign the papers tomorrow.” ago,” he said conversationally. “Would “Hey, I didn’t say, ‘yes’,” she objected. you like to return to your old job?” “You’ve asked, if I would hire you de- “It was not entirely voluntarily,” she spite those bracelets,” he variegated her said, “but it would have been a little bit words, “and I said ‘yes’ I don’t care. Did I difficult to explain those.” She raised her misinterpret something?” He grinned. chain-linked hands. “Don’t ask me, what “Yes, you did, Mr. Wayne,” she in- I’d to do to survive in the meantime.” sisted, but couldn’t hold back a smile. “Kara made some indications,” he “Bruce, Selina, we agreed on Bruce.” said, “however, provided she takes those “But, if I should work for you, – and I off, would you rather apply for your old haven’t said ‘yes’ up to now, Sir – it would 133 be better…” she tried to act coyly. “Among other things,” the Dark “… to call me Bruce,” he continued Knight replied with a smile on his face. her sentence. “Look, Selina, this is not “You looked through her simple stage about us, this is strictly business. I know, managing as well?” It was no question. that you’ll get other offers, once you’re “Of course,” he said, tipping onto her back on the market. It’s just the selfish at- nose, “and I could read in your face, that tempt to misuse our acquaintance in or- you had the same thought, when I took der to recruit you first, before one of my you out of that Arabian bird cage.” competitors get’s a chance to do so.” “She’s manipulated us,” Selina stated. “And you won’t accept a ‘no’?” She “No, she’s tried to manipulate us, be- asked, but her resistance was melting. cause she thought, she would do us a fa- “Wayne Enterprises wouldn’t be, what vor,” Batman corrected her. “What she it is, if my parents and I wouldn’t have did not take into account was, that we successfully tried to hire the best and both looked through her simple plot.” keep them on board by fair treatment.” “But we’ve both also acted more or “I might accept,” she replied finally, less according to her script,” Selina ob- “but I insist to earn my money honestly. jected. “She’s tried to make us a match.” If I won’t meet your expectations…” “Only because it was a good script, “I’m sure you will exceed them,” he which worked for us, wasn’t it?” A smile said, and Selina Kyle had a new job. rushed over her face and she nodded. q “Occasionally we will tell her, that it was the two of us who’ve chosen each Kara and Barbara arrived at lunch other much earlier,” he said, “but not to- time. Before Batman had asked Selina to day. After all we want to get you out of step through her cuffs, which she did. Af- those bracelets. That’s why you should try terwards he fixed a leash onto her collar. to look a little bit like a tamed pussy cat. “Is that really necessary?” She asked It might help to change Kara’s mind.” him. “I will look like a slave-girl – your “May I know, since when you did not slave girl,” she accused him mockingly. consider me to be an enemy, Bruce?” “Trust me,” he said. “Kara is a Kryp- “I’ve never considered you an enemy, tonian princess. It cannot do any harm to maybe a foe, but not an enemy,” he confront her with the degree of humble- replied emphsizing every word. “I’ve al- ness, she expects. Besides, don’t tell her ways admired your skills and your brav- too much.” He grinned. “She like’s the ery, and I always thought, that it might thought that poor humans like us don’t be possible to tow you to our side.” understand everything, she plans for us.” “But you’ve tried seriously if not to “Like pushing the two of us into each kill me but to put me in jail,” she insisted. other’s arms?” Selina asked and blushed. “That was before I realized, that you 134 CHAPTER 12. A NEW BEGINNING only stole from people, who more or less of your working equipment. Occasionally agreeably deserved it, and that you kn- I’ll show you some more. Maybe there’s ever kept the stolen goods. More than something, you don’t know already.” a year ago I’d to learn, that the Wayne When the two invited heroines ar- Foundation was not the only anonymous rived, Bruce Wayne handled Kara Selina’s spender to the orphange at the south leash right after the formal greetings. side. After that, I did not believe, that the “You know Selina?” He asked. Kara City jail was the right place for you.” gave him a disturbed look. Kryptonians “Why did you then insist to put those were not used to rhetoric questions. bat-cuffs on me, when I asked you for help “Of course,” she stated. “what did she in the Whiteman-case?” She asked. commit in the meantime?” She took what “I hope you can forgive me for that, looked like a light hold on her leash. From Selina,” he replied admitting guilt. “I sim- experience Selina knew that this was a ply couldn’t resist. You looked… well, in- delusion. Not even an elephant would be credible with them. But since you men- able to tear that chain out of Kara’s hand. tion the Whiteman-case. I haven’t told “Nothing, that was not honorable,” anyone about your participation. May I the Dark Knight replied. “Selina’s suf- at least tell Kara and Barbara about it? It fered a lot, and I would be glad, if the two might be considerably helpful to argue…” of you could settle your little differences “No,” she replied firmly, “that’s our in private from woman to woman, before little secret, and it shall remain this way.” we’ll have lunch – you know the garden.” “As you wish,” he replied, “but may I “Well, Kitty-Cat. It seems you’ve also know, how long exactly, you know, twisted Batman around your little finger. that Batman and I are the same person?” Don’t expect that this’ll be so easy with “Also since almost a year ago: I me,” Kara said and led Selina on her leash had heard rumors that some remarkable away. In the mean time Bruce Wayne ad- things had been developed in the lab- dressed Barbara, who seemed to be upset. oratories of Wayne Enterprises. I went “You are surprised to find Selina there, let’s say, out of curiosity, and I here?” He asked, bypassing the small-talk. was impressed. I found some remarkable “Well, I expected you to put her in jail, equipment, and there was the Batmobile where she belongs, if you got your hands – the rest was not difficult to conclude.” on her, not to keep her as your pet,” she “Mr. Fox found out, that we had an said acidly. “What changed your mind?” anauthorized ‘visitor’ about that time, “She does not belong in jail – you but we didn’t have an idea, who it was.” know this very well, and she’s not my pet “Do you want these gadgets back?” either,” he stated affirmatively. “She will She asked. “They are indeed very useful.” be my guest, as long as she wishes to be, “No,” he said, “keep them as part and I expect you to treat her as such.” 135

“She’s a notorious thief and liar. I capabilities.” Barbara was speechless. know from experience, that she can make “Are you sleeping with her?” She asked a certain impression on men, but you…” after a while with tart in her voice. “I have not been seduced by her,” he “No, I haven’t done so,” he replied interrupted her speech. “I freed her out harshly. “But, if the two of us should some of a cage in an Arabian palace, where she day decide to do so, we won’t ask you.” was treated more or less like an animal.” “I didn’t know, that you prefer crim- “I guess, she made a very shattered inals,” Barbara retorted bitterly. Was she look and, that it was Kara, who gave you deeply upset, or was she just jealous? the hint, that a poor damsel in distress “She’s no criminal,” he declared, “well had to be rescued,” Barbara replied taunt- maybe by the letters of the law, but ethi- ingly. He did not react. “Bruce, I can un- cally she’s not. However our relationship derstand, why you freed her from there, may develop or not is not your business.” but you must not put her back on the “May I ask, since when have you been streets. She deserves those bracelets and in love with her?” She asked wearily. with that Kryptonian tracking collar…” “Since the first time I met her,” he ad- “No, she deserves neither the handcuff- mitted. “And when she did not shoot me bracelets nor the tracking collar,” he in- in the back, although she was in a posi- sisted. “You two went over the edge.” tion to do so easily, I was sure that she ac- “Kara wanted her to wear those tually deserved it. But that’s something, I bracelets only for a limited time, which want to tell her myself in the near future.” she deserves very well,” Barbara justified Kara and Selina came back. Selina had their action, “and the tracking collar…” her head bowed. Kara had unclasped the “Barbara,” he interrupted her. “These leash, but she was still wearing the chain- restraints destroy her personality. Selina’s linked wristlets and the collar, although a human being as you and me, and you she had switched her hands to the front. know as well as me, that she’s not killed “Problems?” Bruce asked and Selina anybody, who was not about to kill her.” shook her head. She was visibly disap- “But she’s a thief and a nuisance,” Bar- pointed, but refused to say a word. bara argued, “who always confronts us, “Kara, may I have a talk with you un- when we don’t need it. To keep her…” der four eyes? You two know each other,” “She’s on our side now!” Bruce he continued, referring to Barbara and Wayne interrupted her matter of factly. Selina. “Maybe you can excuse us for five “What?” Barbara exclaimed in fury. minutes.” He took Kara by an arm and “You really bought this from her?” they disappeared. Selina and Barbara said “I trust her, and I require you and quietly next to each other on the table. Robin to treat her as a full member of the “Barbara, I know we have not exactly team. She’s a valuable enforcement of our been friends…” Selina finally began. 136 CHAPTER 12. A NEW BEGINNING

“And we won’t be soon,” Barbara key. Catwoman resisted the temptation replied, “Batman’s insisted to accept you to rob her wrists and remained quite. as a new member of the team, but you still “These go back to Diana,” Kara said, have to earn my trust, before I’ll bet my “since they somehow act as a key to par- life on you as my backup in combat.” adise island, I think they belong to the “That’s fine with me, I can only Amazons or does someone here claim promise you to do, what will be expected them?” Everyone including Selina shook from me. Although right now, I can his head. She addressed her directly. hardly serve as a backup to anyone.” She “You know, that this was a gesture of indicated her still present wrist restraints. trust and faith in your promise to fight for “Actually I find, that these cat-bracelets the law from now on?” Kara declared por- suit you very well,” Barbara said, “they’re tentously, and Selina nodded seriously. quite exquisite and this little chain gives “Yes, your highness,” she answered them a personal note. They make a fine formally, although there was a mocking and fashionable addition to your catsuit.” undertone, she could not suppress. “And that harness of yours suited you “You may call me, Kara,” the Krypto- very well, too,” Selina snapped back, “are nian said. “After all Bruce says, we’re on you wearing it under your bat-cape?” the same side now,” she stated only to “Well, it is actually reserved…” She weaken the ascertainment immediately, could not finish her sentence. Batman “that’s at least, what most of us hope.” and Supergirl returned from their equally “Thank you, Kara,” Selina said, and short, but more fruitful conversation. this time it was really serious. “Thanks for “Bruce has convinced me, to let you the faith you put in me in advance. I’ll try of the hook,” Kara addressed Selina, “so my best in order not to disappoint you.” let me take that of your throat.” She “It’s Bruce, who vouched for you. I produced a tiny, foreign looking device owe him personally too much, so that and pressed it onto Selina’s collar, which my honor request not to ignore this,” she opened immediately. Kara put the device replied. “I can only hope, Selina Kyle, that onto the the table. Selina caught her eyes. you deserve his trust and support.” “Was it charged with an explosive?” “Enough of that,” Bruce Wayne fin- She asked; it was more than a question. ished the discussion. “We’ve to talk about “No, that was a lie I invented sponta- some recent developments.” The rest of neously in order to deter you from work- their talk was concerned with Gotham’s ing on it,” Kara replied. “I am sorry for crime scene. Selina took active part in it this. – You know, that we can’t track you and, although she had been away for some anymore from now on?” Selina nodded. time, it was her, who could provide the “Now to the bracelets. Give me your most valuable portions of information. wrists.” Selina complied, and Kara opened them with the unique little safety q Epilogue: New Frontiers

Three month later… “We’ve introduced us,” she said, refer- ring to the Adamant bracelets that had once “You’re ready and willing to do this for more taken control about her hands. Themyscira?” Wonder Woman asked. Diana’s home the island of The- “Only if you can’t find someone else,” myscira was in Danger. An important Selina replied, “and, if you approve now piece of technology, the ‘Gem of Thalia’ and here, that we are even afterwards.” had been stolen. As far as Selina under- “Approved,” Diana smiled, and re- stood, this was a device emanating from moved “Aphrodite’s Bracelets” from one of the technology of the Gods, that con- her pocket. “Give me your hands, Cat.” trolled the energy flow necessary to sta- “What?” Selina was angry about Di- bilize Themyscira outside the space-time ana’s rush. “I know, what’s requested. But continuum of the detectable universe. you don’t want to put them on me now?” If it could not be restored or replaced, “Why not?” Diana asked, “it’s better, the island would be destroyed within two when you teach yourself some practice.” weeks. Fortunately a week on Themyscira “As you know, I had a few month of meant a month on earth. However, no practice,” she replied, “Why don’t you get one knew what it meant on Elysium, the your bracelets be welded together first?” island of the ancient heroes, where even “That can only be done on Elysium,” some of the Gods sometimes resided, and she said, “after all it’s no normal metal, it’s the only known place in the universe, Femininium. Give me your hands. It’s not where a replacement could be acquired a big deal.” Reluctantly Selina proffered or, where – this was a suspicion of Diana her wrists and each of the well-known to – the original had been brought to. be inescapable circlets closed around them In order to compensate for the pow- with the characteristic distinct click of fi- ers granted to the Amazons by Aphro- nality, when Diana turned the key. dite, Zeus had ordered that no Amazon “Ready?” Selina looked at the bracelets or woman was allowed to set her food with disgust, shook them and gave the on Elysium unfettered. Elysium was a chain linking them the old habitual tug. refugium of legendary warriors, a danger-

137 138 EPILOGUE: NEW FRONTIERS ous place ruled by the mighty Hercules. ried. But you’ve to promise, that you’ll be On Aphrodite’s request and media- careful and won’t take too much risk.” tion by Zeus, Ares the God of war, who “I promise.” She replied with a warm was the patron of Elysium, had granted smile, and he took her in his arms and the visit of two Amazons, alternatively kissed her. She kissed him back. Since the humans, but not Kryptonians. Since none chain of ‘her’ bracelets did not allow her to of Diana’s sisters had volunteered to ac- hug him, she simply grasped the collar of company her and Barbara Gordon was his shirt. It was a long and passionate kiss. occupied otherwise, Diana had asked When he finally loosened the em- Selina to support her in the attempt to brace, without letting her go, he said: “I’d retrieve the ‘Gem of Thalia’ or obtain a like to hold you a little bit longer, darling, replacement for it, and she had agreed. but I fear, that Hippolyte’s daughter’s im- “I guess you want to say goodbye to patient already.” He left his arm on her Batman?” Diana asked with a twinkle. shoulder accompnied her to the door and “That would be fine.” She followed opened it. Diana waited on the floor. the super-heroine along the by now well- “Come on, Pussy Cat, we’ve to res- known path to Bruce Wayne’s office. cue a world,” she said to Selina. Then “High Diana, high darling,” he raised she adressed Batman: “Take care of this.” an eyebrow, but did not comment on the With these words she tossed him the key well-known bracelets on her wrists. to Catwoman’s unbreakable handcuffs. He “We’re ready for takeoff,” Diana de- snatched them with his free hand. clared, “Kara told me, that you two prob- “Hey,” Selina protested and raised her ably can’t dispense with a long good bye?” hands, “what do we do in an emergency?” “You can bet on it,” Batman replied, “No chance, Cat,” Diana replied, “my “can you give us five minutes – in pri- bracelets will be welded together and, if vacy?” Diana nodded and left them alone. they find that key of yours with us, it “You know, that you don’t have to do will be confiscated and you won’t see it it, darling?” He asked her seriously. again. If you want those off afterwards, “It would be a little late to back off, it’s better to leave it here.” Selina looked now,” she said raising ‘her’ chain-linked at the chain linking the locked circlets. Adamant bracelets, “they’re locked already.” She stretched it. If she wanted or not, “Seriously, Selina,” he said, “that’s a those would be her companions, until dangerous mission and no one here can they would return, if they would return. support you, if you should be in trouble.” “I’ll put it in a safe,” Batman said. He “I’m serious, darling,” she replied, “It’s waited, until Diana turned away, gave her to be done, and I wouldn’t try to do it, if I another kiss on her cheek and whispered, had any doubt, that I couldn’t handle it.” so that only she could hear his words: “Okay,” he replied, “We had this dis- “Don’t forget your promise, darling.” cussion before, and I know, whom I mar- The End