The Bat signal appeared from Bruce Wayne’s window. Cursing, he poured out his tea in the sink; he had hoped to go to bed early tonight, feeling sure that tomorrow was bound to be a trying one. The night art was cool and refreshing and he felt excited to
be on the rooftop where he traditionally met with Commissioner Gordon despite his tiredness.
He was surprised to the sour little chubby man on the rooftop with him, but he was clearly police brass of some sort, one could tell from the creased suit he wore and the heaviness around the hips from a gun-belt.
“Batman, we haven’t met before but I’m acting Commissioner Jack Willows. Commissioner Gordon had an unexpected back injury and has to be in traction for a couple of days. However we had some business that could wait. You recognize this man?”
He showed Batman a picture of an aging mob lieutenant. The man looked saggy about the face and showed all the signs of lifelong alcoholism.
“ “Chicken-Fried” Rossini”
“That’s right, well, we have him in our custody for 48 hours. At that point he’ll have to be charged. Until then no one will know he is in our custody.”
“But why? What’s the angle?”
“This is why we need you. It’s a somewhat delicate matter but the federal government has given <st1:place w:st="on">Gotham</st1:place> some truly unbelieveable technology. Have you heard of a matter reformatter? It basically means we can change
someone into the exact copy of Rossini and he can step in for 48 hours. During that time, he can gather enough information to put away several key figures in gotham’s mob.”
“You’re gunning for Vaccaro…”
“Damn straight. He’s caused this city enough grief. Our difficulty is that given the sensitive nature of the device, it cannot be used by any member of our police force…”
“But a costumed vigilante whose been deputized by the police…”
“Could make the switch.”
Willows handed Batman a manila envelope bearing the seal of the police department. Inside were the schematics for the machine and a proposal by the scientist in charge, Bill Erstang. Also was a letter from Commissioner Gordon;
“Batman…
I know what we’re asking of you seems pretty crazy. But the machine has been tested and seems pretty safe although the assignment will not be. But please understand that I would not ask you to do it if it did not seem so important to our mission
of ridding Gotham of it’s mob.”
Following this was several details of the proposed mission and Gordon’ seal.
“It seems pretty crazy, but I’m willing to help.”