[b]Thank you. Time for Protocol 10 itself.

[center]Chapter 12: Streets of Fire[/center][/b]

[Catwoman and Jess saving Arkham!Batman, then leaving via the only exit.]

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[i]Krank Toys Co., about a block from the Gotham City Police Department[/i]

Bane's attempted treachery and theft of the TITAN had been averted a minute or so ago with his imprisonment, but his was not the only problem in the city by a long shot.

Batman was stunned.  TYGER helicopters were firing on Arkham City and missiles were being launched from Wonder Tower.  "Strange...  You're going to pay for this."  He activates his communication tab.  "ALFRED, have you found a way to gain access to Wonder Tower yet?"

[i]"Not yet, but I have come across something of interest.  I was able to track the transmissions of your counterpart from this world."[/i]  The Bat-G's AI quickly responds.  [i]"I am currently receiving transmissions from him.  Patching you through to receive."[/i]

[i]"Oracle, Strange is launching missile strikes on Arkham City from Wonder Tower.  You shut this place down; Joker's taken Talia, I'm going after them."[/i]  Immediately, Batman recognized the voice.  It was his own.

[i]"You can't.  Hundred will be killed.  I need your help to stop the attack."[/i]  This had to be Oracle, he surmised.

[i]"He'll kill Talia."[/i]

[i]"You need to think this through.  Batman can't let all these people die."[/i]  Another familiar voice.  Alfred.  This world's Alfred.

[i]"My tracker's not activating.  Re-route all Wayne-Tech satellites to boost the signal."[/i]

"ALFRED, patch me through so that I can speak to him."  Even he knew that this wasn't right.

[i]"I can't do that.  I realize it is difficult, sir, but you need to decide if one life is worth sacrificing to save a thousand?"[/i]  This world's Alfred is trying to pierce through with logic.

[i]"Don't do this, Alfred."[/i]

[i]"Batman must save Gotham.  I'm sorry, but deep down, you know I'm right."[/i]

[i]"But..."[/i]

Finally, he speaks up.  "No 'Buts'.  You have a duty to Gotham, and that is the highest priority.  Greater than any one person, even if it is someone you care about."

Oracle's voice comes through clear.  [i]"Who is this?  How did you get this transmission?"[/i]

"That's not important at this time.  What is important is that you need to realize that your actions are inheriantly selfish.  Wake up, and realize that you have a job to do.  Now, do it, Bruce.  Save Gotham."

The line goes silent.  Alfred clears his throat.  [i]"Whoever he is, he is right.  Your duty to the city is paramount."[/i]

[i]"Oracle...  Do not lose Talia's signal."[/i]

Batman releases the tab.  Hopefully, he took the hint.  "ALFRED, see if you can open a link to Azumi."  Waiting a few moments, he tabs again.  "Azumi, come in.  Are you receiving?"

The sound of rushing water, of the whizz of bullets cracking through. Some breathing, but it was somewhat panicked, explosions seemed in tandem with some crashes near the GCPD.