Post by realbatgirlreturns on Jan 12, 2008 14:19:10 GMT -5
Chapter 11 – The Compound
Sariah approaches the middle of the courtyard and stops suddenly. Bruce stops behind her inquisitively, "What's wrong?"
She turns to him, appearing unbothered by their previous encounter, "I need you to do something for me."
He looks away from her, perturbed by her demands.
Sariah – "While you follow me around here the next couple of days, I need you to stay close to me, like my shadow. I ask that you not converse with my staff unless you are approached by one of them. Having you around with me will raise questions amongst them. If I appear weak in your presence they may question my authority. If they think that I am not in control, they will form an uprising and turn against me."
Bruce returns his gaze at her.
Sariah – "I cannot allow that to happen, no matter what is going on between us."
Batman – "I will respect your wishes, for now. But know that I do not recognize your authority- over me, or anyone else."
She replies smugly, "Of coarse you don't." Now, feeling challenged by his remark, Sariah turns away from him and walks towards to the main guard office for the prison.
As they enter, the large office is filled with several guards, along with Aisha, and Charles the prison supervisor. After the door closes behind them, everyone's eyes are on Sariah and her new companion. The office remains quiet for a moment. Sariah walks over to Aisha, attempting to avoid everyone's stares. Bruce lingers at the door, now drawing more attention to him self. As Sariah begins her conversation with Aisha, Charles stands up and becomes disruptive.
Charles- "What is he doing here?!"
As the prison supervisor begins to make his way towards Bruce, Sariah orders him, "Charles! Drop it!" Ignoring her command, he continues to approach him.
Charles – "I have a bone to pick with you!"
In a flash, Sariah leaps over the chairs and upon the desks. Sariah tackles Charles to the ground quickly, hovering over him as he hits the floor. Grasping the lapels of his uniform tightly, she becomes enraged, "Have you forgotten your place?!"
Silence again fills the room. The guard shows no resistance towards her, "No Mistress."
Sariah – "I don't want to see you, or anyone else going anywhere near him, got it?!"
Charles – "Yes Mistress!"
She leans in closer to him, but speaks loud enough for everyone to hear, "If you want to challenge me, do it in the ring, understand?!"
Charles – "Yes Mistress! I do not wish to challenge you, Mistress."
Sariah relaxes her grasp and returns to a standing position, "That is a wise decision Charles. After all, you remember what happened last time. Don't let this happen again! You may get up now."
Sariah straightens her clothing and follows Aisha outside toward the prison. Stunned at the unconditional loyalty of her followers, Bruce continues after Sariah. He quickens his pace to keep up and listen in on their conversation about a prisoner.
Sariah – "I want a meeting with him tomorrow, before we release him, and we will send him to Gotham General Friday morning, as soon as the boats return. Have the doctor keep a close watch over him and have the staff review their CPR training, in case we have a problem."
Aisha – "Yes Mistress."
Sariah – "Do you have anything else for me?"
Aisha – "No Ma'am."
Sariah – "Good. I'll be around the compound for a short time, then you can find me in my quarters if you need me. Have the caterer send dinner for two, to my quarters as well."
Aisha gives a disapproving look towards Bruce, then back at Sariah, "Yes Ma'am."
As Aisha leaves her side, Bruce walks closer and takes her place, "What was that all about?"
Sariah raises an eyebrow, "To what are you referring to?"
Batman – "Back in that office, with the guard."
They continue walking, Sariah leads them to the prisoner exercise facility.
Sariah – "I assume he was angry about this morning. He's a little protective, and doesn't appreciate being hit over the head."
Batman – "No, I'm talking about you leaping across the desks to take him down. He didn't resist you at all!"
She stops and turns towards him, "His insubordination had to be dealt with quickly! I'm not sure if my defending you caused more problems than it prevented, but it had to be done. I didn't want a disturbance in the office; it wasn't the place for it."
She steps away and continues walking; other prisoners pass her by and wave. She returns the greeting.
Sariah – "Regardless, I had to make it known that you were off limits. Charles was a prisoner here five years ago. He was nearly finished with his time and wanted to work for me. I told him he could, if he could beat me in the ring."
Batman – "And?"
Sariah – "He lost."
Batman – "But he works for you now, and I find it hard to believe that you could defeat him if he were really trying."
Sariah looks at him in disbelief, "You know nothing about me Bruce! When I was through with him, he could barely stand! The only reason he works for me now is because he saved my life! He stopped another prisoner from stabbing me in the back. He took one in the gut for me! He didn't have to do that!"
Batman – "So you gave him a job because he saved you from a knife wound, after humiliating him in the ring?"
Sariah – "Yes."
Batman – "So, why haven't you demonstrated these super fighting skills to me?"
Sariah – "Because I didn't bring you to this island to impress you. Besides, I already know you are stronger, and faster than me. You beat my time on the obstacle course!"
Bruce laughs, "That explains the look on your face when I was finished!"
Sariah and Bruce reached the prisoner exercise facility and entered. During their visit, Sariah was greeted cheerfully by practically every prisoner present. Bruce watched as she was personally interested in every prisoners well being. A few talked with her about the up coming fight and about their training. Several had complaints about various on-goings in the prison. She promised them positive resolutions to their problems and treated everyone as if they were her most important business clients. In return, they were pleased with her and carried on with her demands as leader and chief. Bruce became a bit jealous as many men showed sexual appeal towards her. As they exited the facility Bruce was slightly awed at her popularity amongst the prisoners. Sariah led Bruce to the prisoner's entrance to the fighting stadium. Bruce held back his feelings of jealousy for Sariah as they walked, by remaining silent. The stadium took up the space about half the size of a football field, and could easily sit over a thousand people. Sariah avoided the inner areas of the stadium, suggesting that they were unimportant. She took him directly to the fighting ring located in the middle of the stadium. The floor consisted of bare ground. Dirt and gravel, raked nicely after every match. Bruce man studied it carefully, taking note of all the entry ways, and the placement of stadium seating. Sariah watched Bruce as he looked around carefully. She broke the silence with a sigh of anticipation.
Sariah – "For years I dreamed of watching you fight here. The gladiator like stadium allows for various fighting styles and matches. There are no referees, just two people, and a fight to the finish. The winner is declared when the other can no longer stand, or gives up."
Batman – "And how many of your prisoners have died while fighting for you?"
Sariah – "They don't all fight for me, Bruce. Many of them fight for glory, honor, and money. They are allowed to keep ten percent of the earned income from their fight, if they win."
Batman – "And deaths?"
Sariah pauses, hesitating to answer the question, "There have been five deaths. Three of them happening before I was appointed over the island. Two of those fighters being, my husband, and my father who were never prisoners here."
Her answer quickly draws his attention.
Batman – "What happened?"
Sariah – "It's a long and painful story. Perhaps we can talk about it later? I don't know about you, but I'm starved."
Bruce quietly agrees and follows her to her quarters. They enter the small building through the front door and Sariah gives a very short tour. The first room is a quant living room with one sofa, a coffee table, and a small television. The living room is connected to a small kitchen equipped with a sink, range, refrigerator, and microwave. A dining room lingers to the side with a small, but elegant dining table with only two chairs. A lovely place setting has been arranged with dinner for two. Sariah points in the direction of the master bedroom down the hall, and excuses her self to wash up. Bruce takes a few moments and examines the pictures on the wall. There are a couple of frames with pictures of Sariah and familiar faces from the compound; the doctor, and Aisha. Another which is much poorer in quality showing a man, a woman, and two little girls. Near the end of the row, there is one frame that has many small photos arranged with Sariah and a man, presumed to be her husband. Bruce catches a glimpse of something shiny down the hall and proceeds to it. Two dark colored frames each contain a younger picture of Sariah and a gold Olympic medal.
Sariah quietly approaches Bruce from behind, "I was very young in those pictures."
Batman – "You won the United States Olympic gold medals for Judo?"
Sariah – "Yes, consecutively for the middleweight category. I was in my eighth degree black belt at the time. My father made me start when I was only 3 years old."
Sariah quietly steps towards the dinning room and Bruce follows her, intrigued by her. She takes a seat at the table calmly, waiting what questions may follow. He takes his seat as well, and both begin eating. In between bites of the succulent Salisbury steak, he begins to pry deeper into Sariah's past.
Batman – "Tell me about Aisha. She mentioned you were her mother."
Sariah – "Ah. She let that slip, did she? I am her step mother. I'm too young to be her biological mother. She will be turning eighteen next month and enjoys spending her summers here on the island, learning to follow in my footsteps no doubt."
Batman – "And what does she do the rest of the year?"
Sariah – "She attends school while staying with her real mom in Gotham. She graduates in the spring."
Batman – "What of your sister Sheila? Are you two as close as you seem?"
Sariah – "Sometimes, we are too close, and we disagree on many things. But one thing is for sure, she is an asset to my organization."
Batman – "What do you disagree on?"
Sariah – "Most of the time, the treatment of the prisoners. She is a real doctor, despite what you are thinking. She has a real license and practices out of Thomas Wayne Memorial Hospital. Perhaps you've heard of it?"
Bruce nearly chokes on his food. Coughing, he reaches for his water. Sariah smirks at his surprised face.
Sariah – "Relax. She's a good doctor, and doesn't participate in illegal activity. She cares about her reputation, as do I."
Batman – "She's an accomplice to kidnapping. You don't think that's illegal?"
Sariah – "If she could have her way, she would have taken you back to Gotham. She does not approve of what I have done. For your information, I sent the boats away to keep her from letting you leave. I had always thought of myself as being a law abiding citizen until I began to hire out for your capture. Through my fathers legacy I was able to find underground connections."
Bruce remains quiet through several bites of food watching her avoid his eye contact.
Batman – "Just out of curiosity, how much did it cost you?"
She glances at him while taking a sip of water.
Sariah – "To the three who actually accomplished the task, eight hundred grand. All together I've spent five million dollars. I was never worried about how much it would cost me in money. I was willing to do whatever it took to get you here." Sariah finishes her meal and lays her fork on the empty plate. "I consider this a very expensive date we are having."
Sariah approaches the middle of the courtyard and stops suddenly. Bruce stops behind her inquisitively, "What's wrong?"
She turns to him, appearing unbothered by their previous encounter, "I need you to do something for me."
He looks away from her, perturbed by her demands.
Sariah – "While you follow me around here the next couple of days, I need you to stay close to me, like my shadow. I ask that you not converse with my staff unless you are approached by one of them. Having you around with me will raise questions amongst them. If I appear weak in your presence they may question my authority. If they think that I am not in control, they will form an uprising and turn against me."
Bruce returns his gaze at her.
Sariah – "I cannot allow that to happen, no matter what is going on between us."
Batman – "I will respect your wishes, for now. But know that I do not recognize your authority- over me, or anyone else."
She replies smugly, "Of coarse you don't." Now, feeling challenged by his remark, Sariah turns away from him and walks towards to the main guard office for the prison.
As they enter, the large office is filled with several guards, along with Aisha, and Charles the prison supervisor. After the door closes behind them, everyone's eyes are on Sariah and her new companion. The office remains quiet for a moment. Sariah walks over to Aisha, attempting to avoid everyone's stares. Bruce lingers at the door, now drawing more attention to him self. As Sariah begins her conversation with Aisha, Charles stands up and becomes disruptive.
Charles- "What is he doing here?!"
As the prison supervisor begins to make his way towards Bruce, Sariah orders him, "Charles! Drop it!" Ignoring her command, he continues to approach him.
Charles – "I have a bone to pick with you!"
In a flash, Sariah leaps over the chairs and upon the desks. Sariah tackles Charles to the ground quickly, hovering over him as he hits the floor. Grasping the lapels of his uniform tightly, she becomes enraged, "Have you forgotten your place?!"
Silence again fills the room. The guard shows no resistance towards her, "No Mistress."
Sariah – "I don't want to see you, or anyone else going anywhere near him, got it?!"
Charles – "Yes Mistress!"
She leans in closer to him, but speaks loud enough for everyone to hear, "If you want to challenge me, do it in the ring, understand?!"
Charles – "Yes Mistress! I do not wish to challenge you, Mistress."
Sariah relaxes her grasp and returns to a standing position, "That is a wise decision Charles. After all, you remember what happened last time. Don't let this happen again! You may get up now."
Sariah straightens her clothing and follows Aisha outside toward the prison. Stunned at the unconditional loyalty of her followers, Bruce continues after Sariah. He quickens his pace to keep up and listen in on their conversation about a prisoner.
Sariah – "I want a meeting with him tomorrow, before we release him, and we will send him to Gotham General Friday morning, as soon as the boats return. Have the doctor keep a close watch over him and have the staff review their CPR training, in case we have a problem."
Aisha – "Yes Mistress."
Sariah – "Do you have anything else for me?"
Aisha – "No Ma'am."
Sariah – "Good. I'll be around the compound for a short time, then you can find me in my quarters if you need me. Have the caterer send dinner for two, to my quarters as well."
Aisha gives a disapproving look towards Bruce, then back at Sariah, "Yes Ma'am."
As Aisha leaves her side, Bruce walks closer and takes her place, "What was that all about?"
Sariah raises an eyebrow, "To what are you referring to?"
Batman – "Back in that office, with the guard."
They continue walking, Sariah leads them to the prisoner exercise facility.
Sariah – "I assume he was angry about this morning. He's a little protective, and doesn't appreciate being hit over the head."
Batman – "No, I'm talking about you leaping across the desks to take him down. He didn't resist you at all!"
She stops and turns towards him, "His insubordination had to be dealt with quickly! I'm not sure if my defending you caused more problems than it prevented, but it had to be done. I didn't want a disturbance in the office; it wasn't the place for it."
She steps away and continues walking; other prisoners pass her by and wave. She returns the greeting.
Sariah – "Regardless, I had to make it known that you were off limits. Charles was a prisoner here five years ago. He was nearly finished with his time and wanted to work for me. I told him he could, if he could beat me in the ring."
Batman – "And?"
Sariah – "He lost."
Batman – "But he works for you now, and I find it hard to believe that you could defeat him if he were really trying."
Sariah looks at him in disbelief, "You know nothing about me Bruce! When I was through with him, he could barely stand! The only reason he works for me now is because he saved my life! He stopped another prisoner from stabbing me in the back. He took one in the gut for me! He didn't have to do that!"
Batman – "So you gave him a job because he saved you from a knife wound, after humiliating him in the ring?"
Sariah – "Yes."
Batman – "So, why haven't you demonstrated these super fighting skills to me?"
Sariah – "Because I didn't bring you to this island to impress you. Besides, I already know you are stronger, and faster than me. You beat my time on the obstacle course!"
Bruce laughs, "That explains the look on your face when I was finished!"
Sariah and Bruce reached the prisoner exercise facility and entered. During their visit, Sariah was greeted cheerfully by practically every prisoner present. Bruce watched as she was personally interested in every prisoners well being. A few talked with her about the up coming fight and about their training. Several had complaints about various on-goings in the prison. She promised them positive resolutions to their problems and treated everyone as if they were her most important business clients. In return, they were pleased with her and carried on with her demands as leader and chief. Bruce became a bit jealous as many men showed sexual appeal towards her. As they exited the facility Bruce was slightly awed at her popularity amongst the prisoners. Sariah led Bruce to the prisoner's entrance to the fighting stadium. Bruce held back his feelings of jealousy for Sariah as they walked, by remaining silent. The stadium took up the space about half the size of a football field, and could easily sit over a thousand people. Sariah avoided the inner areas of the stadium, suggesting that they were unimportant. She took him directly to the fighting ring located in the middle of the stadium. The floor consisted of bare ground. Dirt and gravel, raked nicely after every match. Bruce man studied it carefully, taking note of all the entry ways, and the placement of stadium seating. Sariah watched Bruce as he looked around carefully. She broke the silence with a sigh of anticipation.
Sariah – "For years I dreamed of watching you fight here. The gladiator like stadium allows for various fighting styles and matches. There are no referees, just two people, and a fight to the finish. The winner is declared when the other can no longer stand, or gives up."
Batman – "And how many of your prisoners have died while fighting for you?"
Sariah – "They don't all fight for me, Bruce. Many of them fight for glory, honor, and money. They are allowed to keep ten percent of the earned income from their fight, if they win."
Batman – "And deaths?"
Sariah pauses, hesitating to answer the question, "There have been five deaths. Three of them happening before I was appointed over the island. Two of those fighters being, my husband, and my father who were never prisoners here."
Her answer quickly draws his attention.
Batman – "What happened?"
Sariah – "It's a long and painful story. Perhaps we can talk about it later? I don't know about you, but I'm starved."
Bruce quietly agrees and follows her to her quarters. They enter the small building through the front door and Sariah gives a very short tour. The first room is a quant living room with one sofa, a coffee table, and a small television. The living room is connected to a small kitchen equipped with a sink, range, refrigerator, and microwave. A dining room lingers to the side with a small, but elegant dining table with only two chairs. A lovely place setting has been arranged with dinner for two. Sariah points in the direction of the master bedroom down the hall, and excuses her self to wash up. Bruce takes a few moments and examines the pictures on the wall. There are a couple of frames with pictures of Sariah and familiar faces from the compound; the doctor, and Aisha. Another which is much poorer in quality showing a man, a woman, and two little girls. Near the end of the row, there is one frame that has many small photos arranged with Sariah and a man, presumed to be her husband. Bruce catches a glimpse of something shiny down the hall and proceeds to it. Two dark colored frames each contain a younger picture of Sariah and a gold Olympic medal.
Sariah quietly approaches Bruce from behind, "I was very young in those pictures."
Batman – "You won the United States Olympic gold medals for Judo?"
Sariah – "Yes, consecutively for the middleweight category. I was in my eighth degree black belt at the time. My father made me start when I was only 3 years old."
Sariah quietly steps towards the dinning room and Bruce follows her, intrigued by her. She takes a seat at the table calmly, waiting what questions may follow. He takes his seat as well, and both begin eating. In between bites of the succulent Salisbury steak, he begins to pry deeper into Sariah's past.
Batman – "Tell me about Aisha. She mentioned you were her mother."
Sariah – "Ah. She let that slip, did she? I am her step mother. I'm too young to be her biological mother. She will be turning eighteen next month and enjoys spending her summers here on the island, learning to follow in my footsteps no doubt."
Batman – "And what does she do the rest of the year?"
Sariah – "She attends school while staying with her real mom in Gotham. She graduates in the spring."
Batman – "What of your sister Sheila? Are you two as close as you seem?"
Sariah – "Sometimes, we are too close, and we disagree on many things. But one thing is for sure, she is an asset to my organization."
Batman – "What do you disagree on?"
Sariah – "Most of the time, the treatment of the prisoners. She is a real doctor, despite what you are thinking. She has a real license and practices out of Thomas Wayne Memorial Hospital. Perhaps you've heard of it?"
Bruce nearly chokes on his food. Coughing, he reaches for his water. Sariah smirks at his surprised face.
Sariah – "Relax. She's a good doctor, and doesn't participate in illegal activity. She cares about her reputation, as do I."
Batman – "She's an accomplice to kidnapping. You don't think that's illegal?"
Sariah – "If she could have her way, she would have taken you back to Gotham. She does not approve of what I have done. For your information, I sent the boats away to keep her from letting you leave. I had always thought of myself as being a law abiding citizen until I began to hire out for your capture. Through my fathers legacy I was able to find underground connections."
Bruce remains quiet through several bites of food watching her avoid his eye contact.
Batman – "Just out of curiosity, how much did it cost you?"
She glances at him while taking a sip of water.
Sariah – "To the three who actually accomplished the task, eight hundred grand. All together I've spent five million dollars. I was never worried about how much it would cost me in money. I was willing to do whatever it took to get you here." Sariah finishes her meal and lays her fork on the empty plate. "I consider this a very expensive date we are having."