Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 29, 2006 1:15:18 GMT -5
Legends of the Batman #5
Apprentices
Part 1:
D.E.O.
Apprentices
Part 1:
D.E.O.
Written and Edited by Daniel Dyer
"My word,” Alfred says as he sees one of the Batman’s shredded uniforms in the cavern below Wayne Manor. “I take it, sir, that it is certain the felon is indeed more than human?”
“Less than human from what I’ve seen, Alfred.”
“I would quite agree, sir. Looks as though you were attacked by a real crocodile.”
“Might as well have been. He took me to his element. Below the lake’s surface.”
“Master Bruce? How did you...?”
“Dumb luck, Alfred. I couldn’t breathe, barely able to fight back. Croc was slashing and clawing. He was his own downfall. He caused a small underwater avalanche, knocking himself out cold with the debris.” Bruce then gets back to business and brings up a file on the computer monitor. “Torval Freeman.”
“Pardon?”
“A scientist for the government,” explains Bruce. “He has disappeared in the last few years, however, after being ostracized by the scientific community. It says he was working on a few unorthodox experiments. The exact experiments aren’t listed here. They are security locked files. Top clearance, but there is an unclear reference regarding unethical reptilian DNA splicing, and an apparent tie to a file titled ‘Super Soldiers’.” Bruce folds his hands together and sits back in his chair.
“And you believe the government is creating alligator men to become super soldiers?”
“Not currently, no. And not just ‘alligator men’, Alfred.” Bruce then brings up a file on the DEO.
“Department of Extranormal Operations?”
“A branch of the government founded shortly after World War II, to monitor extranormal activities,” Bruce informs.
“I’ve never heard of this... DEO, sir.”
“Not many have... even ones with your background. Most believe it to be a rumor. And the rumor has it they tried to develop their own extranormal operatives. Although, the DEO were not the government’s first attempt at a super soldier program.” Bringing up another file, he continues, “Tylerco. Privately owned and founded by Rex Tyler. Tyler was contracted by the government to create enhanced humans through chemical use for World War II. Tyler developed a drug called Miraclo. But Rex didn’t want to risk endangering anybody else. He took it himself, however it turns out the drug was unstable. It gave him enhanced strength, speed, reflexes, but it only lasted an hour. He became the costumed mystery man known as Hourman. Once other mystery men started showing up, the government switched strategies. They decided to use the mystery men as their super soldiers. Is it any wonder the government then turned on their protectors once the war ended.”
“Sir? Is Mr. Tyler’s... escapades on public record?”
“No,” Bruce says simply and then continues on. “After the ‘Society’ were disbanded by the government, the Department of Extranormal Operations were formed to monitor any appearance of enhanced humans, or metahumans as they were called. The DEO have normal human operatives as well as registered metas. I believe years later, someone of influence within the DEO came across the files on the first super soldier program. An investigation would then lead them to Miraclo. My guess then would be their scientist then studied it and developed a way to stabilize the process and even adding to the enhancements.” Bringing up yet another file. “Which brings us to Slade Wilson. He was a top assassin for our government during Vietnam. And I believe, the first and only DEO sanctioned super soldier. After Wilson received his enhancements, he defected, becoming a paid mercenary. After the debacle with Wilson, the DEO ceased their super soldier program. Wilson’s still at large to this day.”
“But... certainly he’s not still active, sir?”
“Alive and active.” Bruce sits silently for a moment. “From what... information I’ve gathered on Wilson, he hasn’t aged since the experiment.”
“And what does this have to do with this Freeman fellow and his crocodile man?”
“I believe Freeman was trying to restart the super soldier program under the nose of his superiors. Once he was found out, he would have been promptly fired, hence his disappearance.”
“Is he creating some kind of militia of these... metahumans? And what would Freeman want young Richard for?”
“Uncertain.”
“Well, far be it from me to interfere, sir, but if he is forming a ‘militia’, could it be possible for Dr. Freeman to want to experiment on the young Grayson?”
“Eh?” Bruce says, raising an eyebrow.
“To enhance his natural abilities. I believe you said he was a natural athlete. Forgive me for saying so, but possibly moreso than you. If Mr. Jones is still in Dr. Freeman’s employee, then it would indeed be feasible to think Dr. Freeman might be in need for other enforcers. And a child could be influenced easier than the adult Graysons.”
“That won’t happen, Alfred. That’s why he’s going to be staying here, for his protection.”
“Indeed, sir. The Manor is now a safe house, is it?”
Bruce turns to Alfred. “Do you suggest I abandon the boy?”
“Never, sir. Just realize, sir, like another young boy I once knew, sir, Master Dick might need more than simple protection. Sir.” And Alfred turns, leaving Bruce alone in the his cave of bats.
***