Batman: Year one

Chapter Seven: Denounce the Bat

The area outside the Gotham City Police Department headquarters was buzzing with activity as journalists and media personnel gathered for a sudden press conference. The air was thick with anticipation, as no one was quite sure what announcement was forthcoming.

At the heart of the throng of reporters was Vicki Vale, her presence marked by an air of eager curiosity. Known for her sharp journalistic instincts, Vicki still carried a hint of naivete, a trait that sometimes led her to approach stories with an idealistic perspective. She positioned herself at the front center, her recorder and camera at the ready, her eyes fixed on the empty podium.

The murmurs and speculations among the press grew louder as they awaited the speaker. Questions were whispered among the crowd: "What's this about?"; "Any idea what the announcement is?"; "Could it be about the recent attacks?"

Vicki, overhearing these snippets of conversation, felt a surge of excitement. Her mind raced with possibilities, each more sensational than the last. Could this be a major breakthrough in one of Gotham's high-profile cases? Or perhaps a new initiative by the GCPD to tackle the city's crime wave?

As the minutes ticked by, Vicki fidgeted with her equipment, her anticipation building. She was always at the forefront of breaking news, ready to dive into the heart of Gotham's most pressing stories. Her idealism often colored her reporting, driving her to seek out the truth and justice in every situation.

The anticipation among the crowd of journalists heightened as Lieutenant Jim Gordon stepped up to the podium. His usual composed demeanor was replaced by a visible discomfort, a stark contrast to Commissioner Loeb's stern and expectant presence nearby.

Gordon cleared his throat, his eyes briefly meeting Loeb's before addressing the microphone. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice," he began, his voice steady despite the inner conflict he felt. "The purpose of this press conference is to address an issue that has been a matter of significant public interest and debate... the Batman."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, with Vicki Vale leaning forward, her recorder capturing every word. The statement on Batman was a major development, one that had far-reaching implications for Gotham.

Gordon continued, choosing his words with care. "The Batman, while seen by some as a vigilante acting in the city's best interest, is, by definition, a criminal. He operates outside the law, and that is something the GCPD cannot endorse or condone."

Gordon's statement, though delivered with professionalism, carried an undercurrent of reluctance. It was clear to those who knew him that this was not a stance he took willingly.

"As of today, the Gotham City Police Department officially renounces the actions of the Batman. We demand that he either turn himself in or cease his vigilante activities immediately."

The gravity of Gordon's statement hung in the air. This official denunciation of Batman marked a significant shift in the GCPD's stance and was a clear response to the mounting pressure on the department and its leadership.

Vicki Vale, her recorder in hand, was captivated by the announcement. Her idealistic view of Batman as a hero of Gotham was challenged by this official denouncement. Yet, in her heart, she questioned the motives behind this sudden shift in policy.

Gordon, having delivered the statement, appeared to wrestle with a sense of duty conflicting with personal belief. His eyes briefly scanned the crowd, meeting Vicki's gaze for a fleeting moment, a silent acknowledgment of the complex situation.

The rain began to fall, each droplet resonating with the heavy mood that Lieutenant Jim Gordon carried as he stepped away from the podium. He looked up, letting the rain lightly touch his face, a small respite in the midst of a tumultuous day. Gotham, with its ever-present cloak of gray, mirrored his inner turmoil.