DC: Rise Of Krios

*Commissioner Gordon, Falcone Penthouse Suite, Gotham Skyscraper

FLASH

FLASH

"Commissioner!"

"What can you tell use about the death of Gotham's first Godfather?!?"

"Is there foul play!"

"Is this a play from Penguin?"

"What will be the reaction from the crime families?!"

Gordon stared at the sea of flashing lights and cameras, his eyes were heavy from the non-stop hours of stress and lack of sleep. Since the call came in late last night he had been here, waiting on autopsy reports and investigators fill him in. At this point he had been up for nearly 40 hours and he was starting to feel it.

He sincerely doubted as he stared at the swarms of reporters that he would be getting any rest soon.

Holding a hand up the crowd quieted quickly. Despite liking or hating him, people certainly respected the Commissioner.

Taking a breath he spoke loudly and clearly, "I will not be elaborating and I will not be taking any questions. This is all I will say, at 11pm Carmine Falcone was found, and has passed. Currently we are treating this as a natural passing but will be investigating. That is all!"

"The GCPD respectfully asks," Here he gave them a firm glare that cowed the majority of reporters.

"Respect be given to the investigators and love ones of Mr. Falcone."

With that Gordon walked back into the building, his officers closed ranks and kept the ever growing mob of reporters and spectators back. 

Entering the elevator he took it to the top where the penthouse was. Reaching the top he passed a few of the CSI units, officers and investigators as he made his way into Carmine Falcone's suite. 

Standing in the luxurious living room he stared at the white sheet the covered Falcone's body in his lounge chair.

Gordon had lifted the sheet to see the familiar aged face of one of his biggest collars he had pulled. Thanks to Batman and years of fighting the organized crime lords they had managed to successfully indict Carmine Falcone on a racketeering charge. That soon tied into a RICO case that former D.A. Harvey Dent prosecuted before his fall from grace. 

Sighing, Gordon popped a piece of nicotine gum into his mouth as he reminisced about the past. Taking down Falcone with Batman who had just started his vigilantism and the young D.A. Dent had been a power team in the making. Hell, putting away Carmine had insured his rise to Commissioner, Dent was set to become mayor, and Batman became accepted by the GCPD.

Walking over to the kitchen he scooted bar stool from its place and sat with a certain amount of relief. He was definitely getting too old for this shit.

Save for a few officers around the apartment securing the scene, most of the CSI lab techs and cops were outside. Forensics had already collected everything they wanted and most preliminary reports had Falcone dying from a arrhythmia or some sort of heart failure. When he pressed if it was natural or outside factor the forensics teams had provided some positives that it was natural. They assured him that they would update him with toxicity reports as soon as possible but as of right now it looked like no foul play.

Still, as he sat on the bar stool staring at the scene he felt something off, something that he couldn't his finger on.

"It feels off to you too doesn't it."

Normally, Batman sneaking up behind him would get a bigger reaction, maybe an admonishment not to do that, but right now with how tired he was he couldn't bring himself to care.

"Why does it feel off Batman?" He asked quietly.

Batman walked past Gordon and lifted up the white sheet. Taking a device from his belt he seemed to take either blood or some sample from the body. A few of the officers who saw him widened their eyes in surprise but made no move to stop him. They knew the drill with the Commissioner and vigilante.

Batman moved so his side was to Gordon but continued to face Carmine Falcone's body. 

Gordon rubbed his eyes, "Forensics and CSI all seem fairly certain it was natural causes. No signs of struggle or poison though we will have to wait a few more hours till that is confirmed."

"No need," Batman said as he lifted the device he had looking at it closely.

"According to this, no toxins, poisons or narcotics are running through his system. His blood is clean."

"So it really is looking like the old bastard died of age or something," Gordon leaned back with some relief but also frustration.

"I swear I would of sworn Penguin decided to say screw it and start a turf war. More casualties but we would of been able to take him down. I suppose this way there will be less death and less chance of civilians getting hurt."

Batman seemed to ignore Gordon and continued to stare at his device and back to Falcone. Gordon could recognize the look the man was giving. The wheels in his head were turning and he was trying to figure out the problem.

"Forensics initial report said Carmine died from something like heart failure correct?"

Gordon frowned and sat up, "Based on the body and initial examines yes... why?"

Shaking his head Batman walked away from the body and began looking around the penthouse. From the kitchen to bedroom the man did a swift but Gordon knew thorough search, what he was looking for he didn't know.

Finally stopping near the lounge chair, he briefly touched some of the magazines on the end table before stopping. His eyes darted around and a certain confusion settled in his eyes before understanding.

Gordon, recognizing that look stood up and walked over to stand next to Batman. Thinking it was the magazines that caught Batman's eyes he began to look closer at them.

"Gotham Weekly, Golfs International, Metropolis Press..." Gordon muttered.

Looking up at Batman he asked, "I know that look of yours, what about these is bothering you?"

Sweeping around the chair Batman knelt down and examined the floor closely.

"Its not the magazines themselves that are curious," Batman said quietly.

"Its the fact that a lounge chair away from the main lights, with an end table is missing a lamp. I checked the other rooms and its not there."

"Maybe he just didn't have one?" Gordon suggested.

Batman shook his head, "Carmine was a passionate reader who enjoyed doing so late into the night. Its possible what you suggest but someone who read as much as he did, in what was probably his favorite chair would need and want a light close by. Especially since his vision was no longer as strong as it once was."

Tilting his head his fingers traced the faintest trace of scruff on the wood.

Batman gave Gordon a serious look, "Something was here. Small or light making a lamp more likely. It was also moved not too long ago based on the dirt it covered that cleaners could not reach."

As Batman stood up, Gordon said, "Are you suggesting foul play now? Just based on a potentially missing lamp? You know that is thin."

The vigilante nodded before holding up his device from earlier.

"Signs of his blood showed Carmine died from an arrhythmia related death. The problem is that many of the markers or enzymes for a heart attack are there."

"Sounds like what is expected," Gordon said.

"Except," Batman spoke softly so only Gordon could hear him.

"The Troponin and CK enzymes which indicated a heart attack. They all burst within a millisecond, even a severe heart attack would of had something more gradual before exploding out. This looks like someone squeezed the organ, but somehow internally."

Frowning in confusion Gordon asked, "Wait, like around the heart?"

"More like the internal of the heart..."

Batman's voice trailed off as shouting became pronounced from outside the penthouse.

A officer came hustling towards them.

"Sir," he gave Gordon a crisp salute and a small nod to Batman, "The Falcone family and lawyers are back and demanding to see the body."

A loud crash sounded in the other room and the voices got louder with one more pronounced then the others.

With a look of resignation Gordon asked the officer, "Sofia Falcone I presume?"

"Yes sir," the officer said with an apologetic look.

Pinching the bridge of his nose Gordon sighed and said, "Tell her to wait a few minutes and I will talk with her personally."

The officer saluted and walked respectfully away from the two.

"Sofia is going to be a problem," Batman said.

"Don't I know it," Gordon growled, he could really use a cigarette right now.

Batman gave him a stern look, "And as for Carmine?" 

Gordon's frown grew as he considered what to do. For all intents and purposes Carmine Falcone appeared to have died for a heart attack. A result that would prevent a turf war exploding fully between Penguin and the Falcones. But if what Batman suggested was true and Carmine was killed, that would bring a certain amount of chaos and bloodshed. Useful to help take down Penguin, but the casualties right now after so much destruction the last few years was not what Gotham needed.

A difficult choice, and one his sense of duty and law would not enjoy.

"For now," he said hesitantly, "The GCPD will adhere to what CSI and Forensics say was the cause which currently is a heart attack."

Sensing the mild disapproval from Batman he continued saying, "That will be GCPD's stance and the case will close. But I would ask you look into this more, quietly and avoid ruffling too many feathers. It is best for Gotham for now to stay in this uneasy peace rather then break out into a war, not until we are ready."

Batman stayed quiet before surprising Gordon.

"I agree."

Gordon looked at Batman who had the barest hint of a smile.

"Gotham cannot afford a new turf war, and if we investigate quietly we may be able to take down whoever killed Carmine quietly while appeasing the Falcones."

Walking to the glass door Batman opened it and stepped out onto the balcony. Taking out a grappling hook he prepared to leave before asking Gordon one last question.

"Who do you think will take Carmine's place? Alberto?"

In the hallway down from the the yelling pick up again. Apparently the Falcone's were done waiting for the Commissioner come talk to them."

"Knowing our luck absolutely not," Gordon said heavily.

"Most likely Alberto will serve as the face, but Sofia... Sofia has the will and fear of the capos. She will be running things before the week is out."

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*Felix, The Order base, Unknown Location

"Do we know anything?" Felix spoke quietly.

The conference room was full of the various heads of the Order. Each looking a little worse for wear as they all had worked non-stop to try to hunt down Krios.

Felix could feel the various eyes bore into him.

He couldn't blame them for the growing anger and frustration directed his way. The Commandant had been very quiet since they reported their failure in the Himalayas.

'Perhaps he is granting us leeway due to Krios new found power?'

Such a thought was a foolish hope. The Commandant had made it clear the last time he spoke to him the consequences of his failure.

One of the men in the back spoke up, "We sent a tech team to investigate the portal Krios used. Unfortunately, while similar they were unable to form a trace like they did with his mother. For whatever reason, we can't track him."

Across the table a woman spoke up, she was in charge of monitoring the 100 kilometer perimeter they had set-up to try to catch Krios from portaling.

"We swarmed the areas with agents and hired mercenaries," she began.

Confusion and frustration was etched on her face, "We need to start considering his use of the portal power that Sarah had is different and perhaps did not have the limitations she had."

Felix stared off as he listened to these reports.

'That would suggest he has surpassed his mother's abilities... he has gotten too strong too fast.'

The room continued with the various heads reporting their failures. One of interesting note came from their head of North American operations.

"So far nothing has been heard or seen of Krios," she said, "But curiously, Lex Luthor has begun spreading feelers out amongst the common criminal world and his Light connections."

Felix asked, "Is he looking for the Light or himself?"

"Himself," she responded, "While he appears to be using Light resources it appears he is trying to keep it on the down low from his other compatriots."

"Curious," Felix muttered before speaking louder, "But irrelevant unless his search has gives us a lead."

Before the reports could continue the room was silenced by a swarming black vortex. Out of the portal stepped a man that made the whole room stand-up in stiff attention to display respect and subservience.

Felix immediately offered his chair to the Commandant who quietly took the seat. Looking around the room the Commandant gave each of the heads of the Order a deep searching look before motioning them to sit. 

Everyone quickly sat, Felix notwithstanding.

The silence was so poignant even a knife couldn't cut it. Felix had resigned himself to whatever fate would befall him from his failure. But now, watching the scene before him, he worried the Commandant would execute the entire Order.

The silence stretch for a few moments longer before the Commandant spoke,

"The failure to capture Krios is quite severe. Not only have we lost several Sturmtruppen, the skills and loyalty we cannot replace, but considerable financial resources have been lost with the needed bribes."

"The Order," he said firmly, "Is vulnerable and weak from these repeated failures."

The head of European affairs spoke up nervously, "Sir, if I may. It may be too costly to continue to pursue Krios at this point. At least with John and Sarah they had a baby to slow them down and make them vulnerable. Perhaps we should refocus on the upcoming arms and meta trade deal with the Light rather then..."

SNAP

The head of European affairs exploded, literally into a fine mist of blood and gore.

Around the room the Order members jumped in fright with a few frightened gasps as the blood and guts splashed everyone in the room. Everyone save for the Commandant who did not have a single drop fall on him.

Despite the discipline bred into the Order members, there was still a shocked murmur from everyone in the room. Felix was used to horrifying sights, but the sudden explosion of one of his colleagues still shocked him to his core. Unlike the others he stayed in his chair when the blood splattered everywhere.

Felix gave the Commandant a cautious look. His theory about their leader just killing all of them seemed more likely then he realized. 

"Please," The Commandant spoke softly, "Now that the interruption is over we can continue our conversation."

From that everyone sat swiftly lest they become another example.

The Commandant seeing everyone sit down spoke firmly, "The Order has yet proven its incompetence. I should be rid of you all but luckily I have seen a use for you now."

Standing with his arms behind his back he continued, "Starting now, the Order will begin assisting the Light in its skirmishes against the Justice League."

A few of the members looked at each other nervously. Felix knew what they were thinking. Not since the fall had the Order boasted significant strength in fighting battles. They had retreated to keep the ideals of their forefathers alive and reverted back to more espionage, covert and economic influence. Taking on the Justice League in actual skirmishes was a dangerous path to take.

Not only did the Justice League boast the most powerful beings on the planet, but also had the support of the U.S. and U.N. Sure relations were strained but they still were a part of the security of the planet. That granted them certain advantages that even the Order or Light could not buy.

Felix was broke from his thoughts from what the Commandant said next,

"This will distract the League from Krios and allow me to pursue him unhindered."

Gathering courage Felix spoke directly to him, "Sir... does that mean you will not be assisting in these Skirmishes?"

The Commandant gave him a firm look, "Correct Felix. I will be handling Krios going forward, the Order meanwhile will actually serve a use and distract the League."

Felix gave a nod confirming his understanding though his mind was racing with the implications.

"I want you do divert attention away from Gotham," the Commandant instructed, "I will be focusing my search there first."

The Commandant had shown a growing disregard for the Order and its purpose. Felix may of been bred to be fully loyal to the leadership but that did not mean he could not prepare for contingencies. 

A little money stored here as well as some of the Order's resources may be necessary to protect themselves.

As the Commandant continued to give instructions Felix sat partially listening, partially planning back-up plans. He knew with a certain level of dread, things were falling apart, and that there was little he could do to stop it.