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Post by Dave B on Mar 25, 2019 3:47:23 GMT
Chapter 3: Patrons Date: September 20th, 1941 Place: Ace of Shamrock's Pub
The Ace of Shamrock's Pub had been the name of this neighborhood bar since 1919 when it was bought by a returning Irish-American war veteran named Patrick Casey. Casey had been a pilot and lost the use of his right arm in a crash during the conflict. He was also a strong proponent of Irish independence. Even now, long after the Irish establish an independent nation he allowed backers of the Irish Republican Army with their commitment to free the British controlled Northern Ireland the to meet in his establishment. Because of this Patrick was always suspicious of new patrons on his establishment.
Patrick had only recently warmed up to Charlie, a short man who wore dark glasses all the time, even in Patrick's darkened pub. Charlie told Patrick that he could barely see in his right eye due to a bit of shrapnel he received in the War with much scarring about his face and was tired of seeing the look of horror on people's faces because of them. Charlie had been coming to the Ace of Shamrock's since this summer. He always sat at the end of the bar and nursed a couple of drinks. He seldom engaged with anyone else. Mostly Charlie would put in a few nickels into the pub's special attraction – the jukebox Patrick had bought in nineteen thirty-five in hopes of keeping the pub open. Its uniqueness brought in enough customers to keep Patrick's pride and joy open. Even now it brought him business with Charlie and others.
Another recent regular patron sat in the booth farthest away from the bar. It was in the darkest corner of the pub. Usually couples nestled there, enjoying what private intimacy they could in a bar before Mark began his patronage earlier this month. Patrick didn't care for the man. He obviously wasn't Irish, and Patrick was not certain he was even American. But his money was good and quite often others, some from the I.R.A., came and met with Mark. Patrick watched the others with keen interest.
While the I.R.A. could meet here openly Patrick never allowed criminals to conspire in the Ace of Shamrock's, as the now crippled bookie Willie O'Flynn could attest. Willie tried to strong arm Patrick into letting him set up shop here years ago, but the I.R.A. veterans who regularly used the Ace of Shamrock's as a meeting place broke the bookie's kneecaps. Patrick never had any trouble with any mobsters and he paid no protection money either as all the gangsters knew not to mess with the Irish Republican Army.
Patrick was reflecting on his two new quiet patrons when another of his new patrons walked in. Mac MacGuire was a tall, strong, boisterous man who could talk all day and Patrick believed probably talked in his sleep as well. Mac was a light which always brightened the pub and Patrick always welcomed the longshoreman's appearance to his establishment since the first day he entered the pub. Mac was as Irish as the came. He loudly expressed his opinions on everything from the newest movie, world events, and neighborhood gossip and Patrick agreed with lmost everything Mac said. Mac gulped down his first of three beers he had every Monday through Thursday night. On Friday and Saturday nights nights Mac added a shot of whiskey to the four beers he then allowed himself (unless he had to work overtime on Saturday). Sunday was the Sabbath and the Ace of Shamrock's was closed. Patrick had Mac's second beer poured when a man Patrick knew from I.R.A., Liam Casey, came to the bar from Mark's booth and ordered a couple of beers. Liam started up a conversation with Mac. The pair had talked often the past few weeks. Patrick was busy with other customers so he didn't hear their talk but he did notice Mac followed Liam to Mark's booth with his second beer in hand.
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Post by DocQuantum on Mar 28, 2019 17:08:51 GMT
Yes, while his stories are hard to read because of the quality of the Microfiche online it was clear that he was world famous pilot, add the fact that aviators gained fame all the time in the twenties and thirties and it just makes sense. It is also why Captain Desmo and the Three Aces are celebrities as well. Dave It’s interesting to note that yes, back in the ‘30s pilots could be famous at all! Kind of like astronauts in the ‘60s and beyond, or tech company CEOs today.
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Post by DocQuantum on Mar 28, 2019 17:14:58 GMT
Nice short chapter here. The pub’s name makes me think of the Suicide Slum pub Bibbo owned in the Post-Crisis Superman comics.
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Post by lawrenceliberty on Mar 28, 2019 18:18:07 GMT
Me too! Nice establishment of setting here.
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Post by Dave B on Apr 7, 2019 15:53:25 GMT
I apologize for sending out a copy of this chapter before I edited it. Please note that the street name Winiarski, is the sole creator of Captain Desmo and Gabby
Chapter 3: Catching a Spy Date: September 21st, 1941 Place: 32 Winiarski Dr. New York City
It was Sunday morning. Batman was on the roof opposite of the newly suspected spy he had seen meeting with Otto Marks in the Ace of Clubs Pub last night. Batman believed Marks was a German agent. He had followed him for weeks and came up empty. Batman had chased down everyone Marks had come into prolong contact with. The fact that he continually came up with nothing was very frustrating for the Caped Crusader.
His new suspect rented an apartment on Winiarski Dr near the docks where he worked. The suspected spy left early this morning. Batman had Robin follow him in civilian clothes while Batman kept watch. He heard another set of church bells ring as he had heard all day. It was then he heard his belt radio. Robin had a report for him.
Batman smiled when Robin told him the suspect was in Brooklyn. That meant Batman could enter the man's apartment without worrying about being disturbed, He told Robin to keep observing and follow the man when he left the apartment building he was at. With that Batman swung his rope and traveled to the the man's apartment building.
It took some time but eventually he found the man's apartment. Thanks to some translucent powder he had created to track down felons that he had placed outside the doorway of the Ace of Shamrocks the previous evening. He quietly entered the apartment and started a thorough search of the man's room. After a long search he finally found evidence in a small two way radio. Batman smiled and waited for the spy to return.
Gabby McGuire was happy. He enjoyed his Sunday suppers at his mother's apartment with his his sisters, brother, and his brother's family. He left his mothers late in the afternoon with a small package of leftovers. It was Sunday and as he told Captain Desmo, “My mother expects me home every Sunday.” Captain Desmo smiled and merely nodded. Gabby hopped on the subway and slowly started to change his mind set from the world traveling Gabby McGuire to the boisterous longshoreman named Mac MacGuire who was recruited into a German spy ring last night. Gabby wasn't worried about Marks rummaging his place because Gabby had already seen the subtle hints left behind from Mark's searches earlier this week. He failed to notice the young lad who followed to his mother's place and now to his home. His guard was down after a day with his family.
When he reached his block he spotted the young man following him. He had seen the lad before, but he couldn't place him. Still a reflexive wariness came over him when he entered his building. Gabby closely inspected the door to his apartment before entering. Looking to see if the multiple clues he left to tell him that his door had been opened. Seeing none he breathed a sigh of relief and opened the door.
A blue gloved hand grabbed Gabby's wrist and pulled him hard into the room as soon as the door opened. Off balance Gabby fell flat on his face. Despite his complete surprise, he flipped over faster than his foe thought possible. Still the masked man was on top of Gabby before he could get to his feet. The masked man hit gabby square in face in what he believed was a knockout blow.
Batman saw the spy's head hit the floor hard after he had hit the man's jaw. Batman's eye's widened when he felt the man shift his weight enough to unbalance Batman and allow the spy to get out from underneath him. The man kicked out at Batman, who easily avoided the blow.
Gabby didn't know what was going on. He did not know who this masked man was. He was even sure that there was only one of them because he was seeing double. What he did know was that he going to lose this fight. “How the hell did Marks figure out I worked for the British”he said because he wanted to know how he screwed up before he died.
Batman halted his punch at Gabby's words. “Who are you he asked?”
Gabby shook his head back and forth trying to clear his vision, but it was no use he still saw two masked men in front of him. Gabby half fell – half sat on the floor. “You attack me in my apartment and ask me who I am? Ya got a lot of gall. The name's McGuire, Gabby McGuire. What do you call yourself?”
Batman grimaced when he heard the man's name. “You can call me Batman. How do we get in touch with Captain Desmo?”
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Post by Dave B on Apr 9, 2019 2:04:56 GMT
Chapter 4: A Change in Personnel Date: September 21st, 1941 Place: Saint Mercy Hospital, New York City
Three figures stood on the roof of Saint Mercy. The shortest of the three,who was also the youngest, wore a bright crimson tunic with green trunks, gloves, and shoes. A short yellow cape draped his shoulders and a domino mask hid his identity. The tallest was dressed in a gray shirt and pants,with black trunks, gloves and boots, as well as a long cape and a cowl that masked the upper part of his face. His outfit was mad for hiding in the shadows as only a bright yellow belt with many pockets gave of the ensemble any hint of color. The third man was the oldest. He was short with a pointed nose and jaw, He wore a Great War aviator's helmet with a large circled red star on the forehead. The dark goggles he had on kept anyone from seeing his eyes. A waist length leather jacket of a kind worn by pilots covered his torso and arms. A Webley pistol was holstered at his hip, his pants were khaki and his boots were polished black. They were there to talk about a man in the hospital with a concussion.
The oldest man was was keeping a lid on a simmering anger. His close friend had been assaulted by the tall man, causing his concussion. He received Gabby's radio call earlier than normal. Gabby said he was being dropped off at the hospital and to meet him there. He had grabbed a taxi and found out Gabby had already been admitted. The doctor let him see his friend who told him what had happened.
Evidently the Batman had also taken an interest in Otto Marks and had seen Gabby talking with him he previous evening, taking Gabby to be a spy when he found the two way radio in Gabby's apartment. Gabby told how he lost a short quick fight and wound up with a concussion. He said he was still seeing double. Gabby was going to be out of action for at least a week, maybe longer. That ruined weeks of work he and Gabby had don just to get a foot in the door of Marks's operation.
The taller man grimaced when the famed aviatort had related the news of Gabby's condition to him. He had made sure neither he or his partner had been seen when they took Gabby to the hospital from his apartment. He too had been trying to take down Otto Marks. His only success had been in curtailing the spies operations. He knew this because despite his best precautions he knew he had been spotted on the docks as his presence was reported in several newspapers.
“I can take Gabby's place” the tall man said.
“It'll take weeks to get you in as far as we have Gabby. And that's just foot in the door” said the shorter man.
“I mean can take Gabby's place as Mac MacGuire” the taller man said in Gabby's voice.
The shorter man's lips made the shape of a silent O before he folded his arms and said “Gabby has to be seen as well as heard.”
“I can do that,” replied the younger man.
“Alright” said the man in the aviator's helmet before he proceeded to tell the man in the cowl all about the persona Gabby had created for Mac MacGuire.
“We have one other problem said the tall man as he turned to the lad. Tomorrow is a school day and Robin can't neglect his studies” said the Batman. “While I can't get him home, get made up to be Mac Macguire, and work all day on the docks before meeting with Marks.
The lad wanted to protest as he wanted in on this case and knew that his being in Gotham City would preclude his involvement. His spirits suddenly flew high when the famous Captain Desmo offered to fly him back to Gotham City.
An hour later Batman had returned to Gabby's apartment after gathering his makeup kit from the hotel he was staying at as Bruce Wayne. There he called his Uncle Phillip and ask him if he could let Dick stay with him for an extended period. His uncle agreed after lecturing Bruce about the need for reliable domestic help given his need for occasions like this. Bruce thank his uncle and said Dick would explain the situation to him when he arrived tonight. Taking out several mirrors as well as the cosmetics he began the transformation into his becoming Gabby MacGuire.
Robin was worried that Captain Desmo would ask him question in an effort to discover Batman's identity, but the pilot instead talked to him about flying especially when Robin mentioned how he had flown the Batplane several times before. Robin enjoyed he rest of the flight immensely. Yet he wondered why Captain Desmo hadn't asked him anything about Batman. After there plane went into its decent for landing Robin asked Captain Desmo why he hadn't.
Captain Desmo smiled and said “We're allies now lad and we have to trust one another. I wouldn't want you looking into my life, so I won't look into yours. My helmet is like your mask even if my identity is not a secret. But you would not know me with out in on. Captain Desmo's plane was an amphibian so he landed in the middle of a river on the outskirts of town. Robin assured him he could get to where he was going alone easily. Captain Desmo said “I know you can Robin because you took don a member of the League of Assassins all by yourself.
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Post by Dave B on Apr 13, 2019 6:20:44 GMT
Doc gave suggestion of calling the League of Assassins n Earth 2 the Society of Assassins and I like it and with change the text of the previous tale as well as these. As far as Ra's goes, he is dead in our currant timeline and he's just a minor character here. See the writers section
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 13, 2019 21:07:36 GMT
I like your continued use of Phillip Wayne in these stories, especially since before 1943's introduction of Alfred Beagle, there really wasn't any kind of supporting cast other than Commissioner Gordon, who didn't know Batman's secret identity (at least at that time), as well as love interests Julia Madison and Linda Page. Some might object to the use of Phillip since he never appeared in any of the golden age Batman stories, only appearing briefly in a late Silver Age story for the first time, but I think he adds a lot of potential for Bruce Wayne's private life and family, which wasn't well explored at this time.
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Post by Dave B on Apr 14, 2019 0:35:19 GMT
I first heard mention of him in Who's Who and later I the origin for the Golden Age Batman story Roy Thomas did in Secret Origins. I just fleshed him out in two stories and I find he has lots of potential for any story before 1963 when his health started failing. Besides I always wondered where Robin would stay if Batman had a case that took him out of Gotham during the school year until Alfred showed up. Anyway Phillip is free to be used by anyone.
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Post by Dave b on Jan 17, 2020 3:28:33 GMT
Chapter 3: Patrons Date: September 20th, 1941 Place: Ace of Shamrock's Pub
The Ace of Shamrock's Pub had been the name of this neighborhood bar since 1919 when it was bought by a returning Irish-American war veteran named Patrick O'Malley had been a pilot and lost the use of his right arm in a crash during the conflict. He was also a strong proponent of Irish independence. Even now, long after the Irish establish an independent nation he allowed backers of the Irish Republican Army with their commitment to free the British controlled Northern Ireland the to meet in his establishment. Because of this Patrick was always suspicious of new patrons on his establishment.
Patrick had only recently warmed up to Charlie, a short man who wore dark glasses all the time, even in Patrick's darkened pub. Charlie told Patrick that he could barely see in his right eye due to a bit of shrapnel he received in the War with much scarring about his face and was tired of seeing the look of horror on people's faces because of them. Charlie had been coming to the Ace of Shamrock's since this summer. He always sat at the end of the bar and nursed a couple of drinks. He seldom engaged with anyone else. Mostly Charlie would put in a few nickels into the pub's special attraction – the jukebox Patrick had bought in nineteen thirty-five in hopes of keeping the pub open. Its uniqueness brought in enough customers to keep Patrick's pride and joy open. Even now it brought him business with Charlie and others.
Another recent regular patron sat in the booth farthest away from the bar. It was in the darkest corner of the pub. Usually couples nestled there, enjoying what private intimacy they could in a bar before Otto Marks began his patronage earlier this month. Patrick didn't care for the man. He obviously wasn't Irish, and Patrick was not certain he was even American. But his money was good and quite often others, one from the I.R.A., came and met with Mark. Patrick watched the others with keen interest.
While the I.R.A. could meet here openly Patrick never allowed criminals to conspire in the Ace of Shamrock's, as the now crippled bookie Willie O'Flynn could attest. Willie tried to strong arm Patrick into letting him set up shop here years ago, but the I.R.A. veterans who regularly used the Ace of Shamrock's as a meeting place broke the bookie's kneecaps. Patrick never had any trouble with any mobsters and he paid no protection money either as all the gangsters knew not to mess with the Irish Republican Army.
Patrick was reflecting on his two new quiet patrons when another of his new patrons walked in. Mac MacGuire was a tall, strong, boisterous man who could talk all day and Patrick believed probably talked in his sleep as well. Mac was a light which always brightened the pub and Patrick always welcomed the longshoreman's appearance to his establishment since the first day he entered the pub. Mac was as Irish as the came. He loudly expressed his opinions on everything from the newest movie, world events, and neighborhood gossip and Patrick agreed with most everything Mac said. Mac gulped down his first of three beers he had every Monday through Thursday night. On Friday and Saturday nights nights Mac added a shot of whiskey to the four beers he then allowed himself (unless he had to work overtime on Saturday). Sunday was the Sabbath and the Ace of Shamrock's was closed. Patrick had Mac's second beer poured when a man Patrick knew from I.R.A., Liam Casey, came to the bar from Mark's booth and ordered a couple of beers. Liam started up a conversation with Mac. The pair had talked often the past few weeks. Patrick was busy with other customers so he didn't hear their talk but he did notice Mac followed Liam to Mark's booth with his second beer in hand.
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Post by Dave b on Jan 17, 2020 3:33:43 GMT
Chapter 3: Patrons Date: September 20th, 1941 Place: Ace of Shamrock's Pub
The Ace of Shamrock's Pub had been the name of this neighborhood bar since 1919 when it was bought by a returning Irish-American war veteran named Patrick O'Malley had been a pilot and lost the use of his right arm in a crash during the conflict. He was also a strong proponent of Irish independence. Even now, long after the Irish establish an independent nation he allowed backers of the Irish Republican Army with their commitment to free the British controlled Northern Ireland the to meet in his establishment. Because of this Patrick was always suspicious of new patrons on his establishment.
Patrick had only recently warmed up to Charlie, a short man who wore dark glasses all the time, even in Patrick's darkened pub. Charlie told Patrick that he could barely see in his right eye due to a bit of shrapnel he received in the War with much scarring about his face and was tired of seeing the look of horror on people's faces because of them. Charlie had been coming to the Ace of Shamrock's since this summer. He always sat at the end of the bar and nursed a couple of drinks. He seldom engaged with anyone else. Mostly Charlie would put in a few nickels into the pub's special attraction – the jukebox Patrick had bought in nineteen thirty-five in hopes of keeping the pub open. Its uniqueness brought in enough customers to keep Patrick's pride and joy open. Even now it brought him business with Charlie and others.
Another recent regular patron sat in the booth farthest away from the bar. It was in the darkest corner of the pub. Usually couples nestled there, enjoying what private intimacy they could in a bar before Otto Marks began his patronage earlier this month. Patrick didn't care for the man. He obviously wasn't Irish, and Patrick was not certain he was even American. But his money was good and quite often others, one from the I.R.A., came and met with Mark. Patrick watched the others with keen interest.
While the I.R.A. could meet here openly Patrick never allowed criminals to conspire in the Ace of Shamrock's, as the now crippled bookie Willie O'Flynn could attest. Willie tried to strong arm Patrick into letting him set up shop here years ago, but the I.R.A. veterans who regularly used the Ace of Shamrock's as a meeting place broke the bookie's kneecaps. Patrick never had any trouble with any mobsters and he paid no protection money either as all the gangsters knew not to mess with the Irish Republican Army.
Patrick was reflecting on his two new quiet patrons when another of his new patrons walked in. Mac MacGuire was a tall, strong, boisterous man who could talk all day and Patrick believed probably talked in his sleep as well. Mac was a light which always brightened the pub and Patrick always welcomed the longshoreman's appearance to his establishment since the first day he entered the pub. Mac was as Irish as the came. He loudly expressed his opinions on everything from the newest movie, world events, and neighborhood gossip and Patrick agreed with most everything Mac said. Mac gulped down his first of three beers he had every Monday through Thursday night. On Friday and Saturday nights nights Mac added a shot of whiskey to the four beers he then allowed himself (unless he had to work overtime on Saturday). Sunday was the Sabbath and the Ace of Shamrock's was closed. Patrick had Mac's second beer poured when a man Patrick knew from I.R.A., Liam Casey, came to the bar from Mark's booth and ordered a couple of beers. Liam started up a conversation with Mac. The pair had talked often the past few weeks. Patrick was busy with other customers so he didn't hear their talk but he did notice Mac followed Liam to Mark's booth with his second beer in hand.
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Post by Dave B on Jan 17, 2020 3:34:37 GMT
Chapter 4: Catching a Spy Date: September 21st, 1941 Place: 32 Winiarski Dr. New York City
It was Sunday morning. Batman was on the roof opposite of the newly suspected spy he had seen meeting with Otto Marks in the Ace of Clubs Pub last night. Batman believed Marks was a German agent. He had followed him for weeks and came up empty. Batman had chased down everyone Marks had come into prolong contact with. The fact that he continually came up with nothing was very frustrating for the Caped Crusader.
His new suspect rented an apartment on Winiarski Dr near the docks where he worked. The suspected spy left early this morning. Batman had Robin follow him in civilian clothes while Batman kept watch. He heard another set of church bells ring as he had heard all day. It was then he heard his belt radio. Robin had a report for him.
Batman smiled when Robin told him the suspect was in Brooklyn. That meant Batman could enter the man's apartment without worrying about being disturbed, He told Robin to keep observing and follow the man when he left the apartment building he was at. With that Batman swung his rope and traveled to the the man's apartment building.
It took some time but eventually he found the man's apartment. Thanks to some translucent powder he had created to track down felons that he had placed outside the doorway of the Ace of Shamrocks the previous evening. He quietly entered the apartment and started a thorough search of the man's room. After a long search he finally found evidence in a small two way radio. Batman smiled and waited for the spy to return.
Gabby McGuire was happy. He enjoyed his Sunday suppers at his mother's apartment with his his sisters, brother, and his brother's family. He left his mothers late in the afternoon with a small package of leftovers. It was Sunday and as he told Captain Desmo, “My mother expects me home every Sunday.” Captain Desmo smiled and merely nodded. Gabby hopped on the subway and slowly started to change his mind set from the world traveling Gabby McGuire to the boisterous longshoreman named Mac MacGuire who was recruited into a German spy ring last night. Gabby wasn't worried about Marks rummaging his place because Gabby had already seen the subtle hints left behind from Mark's searches earlier this week. He failed to notice the young lad who followed to his mother's place and now to his home. His guard was down after a day with his family.
When he reached his block he spotted the young man following him. He had seen the lad before, but he couldn't place him. Still a reflexive wariness came over him when he entered his building. Gabby closely inspected the door to his apartment before entering. Looking to see if the multiple clues he left to tell him that his door had been opened. Seeing none he breathed a sigh of relief and opened the door.
A blue gloved hand grabbed Gabby's wrist and pulled him hard into the room as soon as the door opened. Off balance Gabby fell flat on his face. Despite his complete surprise, he flipped over faster than his foe thought possible. Still the masked man was on top of Gabby before he could get to his feet. The masked man hit gabby square in face in what he believed was a knockout blow.
Batman saw the spy's head hit the floor hard after he had hit the man's jaw. Batman's eye's widened when he felt the man shift his weight enough to unbalance Batman and allow the spy to get out from underneath him. The man kicked out at Batman, who easily avoided the blow.
Gabby didn't know what was going on. He did not know who this masked man was. He was even sure that there was only one of them because he was seeing double. What he did know was that he going to lose this fight. “How the hell did Marks figure out I worked for the British”he said because he wanted to know how he screwed up before he died.
Batman halted his punch at Gabby's words. “Who are you he asked?”
Gabby shook his head back and forth trying to clear his vision, but it was no use he still saw two masked men in front of him. Gabby half fell – half sat on the floor. “You attack me in my apartment and ask me who I am? Ya got a lot of gall. The name's McGuire, Gabby McGuire. What do you call yourself?”
Batman grimaced when he heard the man's name. “You can call me Batman. How do we get in touch with Captain Desmo?”
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Post by Dave B on Jan 17, 2020 3:35:39 GMT
Chapter 5: A Change in Personnel Date: September 21st, 1941 Place: Saint Mercy Hospital, New York City
Three figures stood on the roof of Saint Mercy. The shortest of the three,who was also the youngest, wore a bright crimson tunic with green trunks, gloves, and shoes. A short yellow cape draped his shoulders and a domino mask hid his identity. The tallest was dressed in a gray shirt and pants,with black trunks, gloves and boots, as well as a long cape and a cowl that masked the upper part of his face. His outfit was mad for hiding in the shadows as only a bright yellow belt with many pockets gave of the ensemble any hint of color. The third man was the oldest. He was short with a pointed nose and jaw, He wore a Great War aviator's helmet with a large circled red star on the forehead. The dark goggles he had on kept anyone from seeing his eyes. A waist length leather jacket of a kind worn by pilots covered his torso and arms. A Webley pistol was holstered at his hip, his pants were khaki and his boots were polished black. They were there to talk about a man in the hospital with a concussion.
The oldest man was was keeping a lid on a simmering anger. His close friend had been assaulted by the tall man, causing his concussion. He received Gabby's radio call earlier than normal. Gabby said he was being dropped off at the hospital and to meet him there. He had grabbed a taxi and found out Gabby had already been admitted. The doctor let him see his friend who told him what had happened.
Evidently the Batman had also taken an interest in Otto Marks and had seen Gabby talking with him he previous evening, taking Gabby to be a spy when he found the two way radio in Gabby's apartment. Gabby told how he lost a short quick fight and wound up with a concussion. He said he was still seeing double. Gabby was going to be out of action for at least a week, maybe longer. That ruined weeks of work he and Gabby had don just to get a foot in the door of Marks's operation.
The taller man grimaced when the famed aviatort had related the news of Gabby's condition to him. He had made sure neither he or his partner had been seen when they took Gabby to the hospital from his apartment. He too had been trying to take down Otto Marks. His only success had been in curtailing the spies operations. He knew this because despite his best precautions he knew he had been spotted on the docks as his presence was reported in several newspapers.
“I can take Gabby's place” the tall man said.
“It'll take weeks to get you in as far as we have Gabby. And that's just foot in the door” said the shorter man.
“I mean can take Gabby's place as Mac MacGuire” the taller man said in Gabby's voice.
The shorter man's lips made the shape of a silent O before he folded his arms and said “Gabby has to be seen as well as heard.”
“I can do that,” replied the younger man.
“Alright” said the man in the aviator's helmet before he proceeded to tell the man in the cowl all about the persona Gabby had created for Mac MacGuire.
“We have one other problem said the tall man as he turned to the lad. Tomorrow is a school day and Robin can't neglect his studies” said the Batman. “While I can't get him home, get made up to be Mac Macguire, and work all day on the docks before meeting with Marks.
The lad wanted to protest as he wanted in on this case and knew that his being in Gotham City would preclude his involvement. His spirits suddenly flew high when the famous Captain Desmo offered to fly him back to Gotham City.
An hour later Batman had returned to Gabby's apartment after gathering his makeup kit from the hotel he was staying at as Bruce Wayne. There he called his Uncle Phillip and ask him if he could let Dick stay with him for an extended period. His uncle agreed after lecturing Bruce about the need for reliable domestic help given his need for occasions like this. Bruce thank his uncle and said Dick would explain the situation to him when he arrived tonight. Taking out several mirrors as well as the cosmetics he began the transformation into his becoming Gabby MacGuire.
Robin was worried that Captain Desmo would ask him question in an effort to discover Batman's identity, but the pilot instead talked to him about flying especially when Robin mentioned how he had flown the Batplane several times before. Robin enjoyed he rest of the flight immensely. Yet he wondered why Captain Desmo hadn't asked him anything about Batman. After there plane went into its decent for landing Robin asked Captain Desmo why he hadn't.
Captain Desmo smiled and said “We're allies now lad and we have to trust one another. I wouldn't want you looking into my life, so I won't look into yours. My helmet is like your mask even if my identity is not a secret. But you would not know me with out in on. Captain Desmo's plane was an amphibian so he landed in the middle of a river on the outskirts of town. Robin assured him he could get to where he was going alone easily. Captain Desmo said “I know you can Robin because you took down a member of the League of Assassins all by yourself.
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Post by Dave B on Jan 17, 2020 3:36:27 GMT
Chapter 6: The Lawyer and the Soldier Date: October 6th, 1941 Place: New York City Municipal Court House and an Abandoned Warehouse Owned by Otto Marks
Carl Munci was dressed in a hundred dollar tailor made navy blue suit with a white silk shirt and red tie. He blew smoke from his a Cuban cigar into the face of the policeman outside the cell where his clients where. As a mob lawyer Carl detested the police and they in turn hated him, even when they took his bribes. This particular cop was one of those he truly despised; because he was a truly honest policeman. Carl handed the officer his card identifying him as the the attorney representing the two supposed members of the infamous Society of Assassins.
The officer read the note and asked Carl if he wanted and guards nearby when he talked with his clients.
Carl said no and was let in the barred cell where defendants waited in the courthouse when their trial was not in session. He loudly objected when he saw his clients were manacled both hand and foot, but was told his clients were too dangerous to be unchained. The policeman then shut the cell door and walked away. Carl turned and faced his clients. They sat stoically as he introduced himself and told them he was there to represent them during their trial.
The man continued to stare away as he said “We are guilty. The world knows we are guilty. Why do we have a trial?”
Ignorant foreigner Carl thought as he sighed deeply. “Everyone in America is entitled to a trial when their arrested. Even if they're guilty.”
“But why are we represented by a rich man like you?” asked the woman.
Carl smiled at the question. “Because my usual client told me to be your attorney. That and to ask you a question.
The pair both turned to Carl and said “What question?”
“Its a question from your boss. He does some contract work for my client” said Carl.
The pair swallowed hard and Carl could sense the fear his words had caused. “This Raoul Gould must be quite a big man to scare you two.”
Both immediately became as impassive as when Carl first entered the cell. “What does Ra's Al Ghul command?” the male asked.
“Oh there's no order. He only wants to know if he should send another team to cayrry out your orders” said Carl.
“No, he does not.” said the male.
“Okay,” said Carl. “Your trial starts next week. Do you need anything before then.
The pair of assassins look at one another in silence before the female killer said “We will need to see the floor plans of the courthouse.”
* * * * * * *
Liam Casey was a former member of the Irish Republican Army. He had quit when his fellow I.R.A .members in America had refused to work with the Nazi spy cell run by Otto Marks because they believed America would get into a war with Germany and they supported their adopted homeland. Liam fumed at he idea. Northern Ireland wasn't free of British rule , so Ireland wasn't free. Liam hated the British and would side with anyone who was at war with the Limey pigs. To him, America was just another front for the war of Irish independence.
Liam was watching the outside of the Ritz Hotel, waiting for Captain Desmo to come out so he could trail him. The American aviator had been giving poor Otto fits. He had already sunk the three British freighters Mac MacGuire had told them about. Desmo followed the ships out to a rendezvous with the British Navy off America's coast. The German Government had protested the first time, but since then the American Navy was also hunting German U-boats hunting Allied shipping. Liam cursed President Roosevelt as he spat at the damned Anglophile in the White House. Liam had hoped Joseph Kennedy, the former Irish American ambassador to England would have run for president. But Roosevelt was running for a third term and Liam prayed that the Republican Wendell Willkie would win.
Liam saw Desmo's car being brought out by a valet. Liam hailed a cab and told if he was able to successfully follow Desmo's car discreetly; he would give the driver twenty dollar tip. The man readily agreed they trailed Captain Desmo to Brooklyn. Desmo went into the building at 826 Wheeler Avenue.
Liam paid the driver and went over to where a group of teenagers were pitching pennies. Liam was going to ask them a few questions when he saw Captain Desmo hold the arm of man who looked like Mac Macguire's twin brother. Liam cursed as he hailed another cab and gave the driver the same promise as had before.
Liam's trailed the car as it returned to the Ritz. Liam inside the Ritz Hotel's lobby and went to one of the telephone booths there. He called Otto Marks and told him he had to investigate some new information he had discovered and told the German spy master that another one o his agents would have to watch Desmo. Half an hour later another man arrived and Liam grabbed a cab ride. This time to the New York City Docks. There he waited for Mac MacGuire until his shift ended. Liam watched the big man leave with hundreds of others. Liam knew something was wrong, he just didn't know what it was. Tomorrow I'll have to find out about the residents of 826 Wheeler Avenue
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Post by Dave B on Jan 17, 2020 3:37:15 GMT
Chapter 7: Problems Date: October 10th, 1941 Place: The McNider Residence Manhattan NY
Myra Mason once was the nurse for the brilliant surgeon and research physician Charles McNider. It had been a thrilling professional time in her life. Then the doctor was tragically blinded by a bomb intended to kill a patient the doctor was treating. Myra nursed the doctor all through his recuperation and then when he started a new career as a writer she gave up nursing,which she dearly loved, to become Charles's personal secretary. Some of her friends believed she did this out of pity, but the truth was that she was in love with Charles McNider. She stayed with him even though he showed no sign that he reciprocated her feelings. She was proof reading a chapter in his latest book when the doorbell rang.
“I'll get it!” she yelled to the next room as she rose from her desk. She was surprised to see the famous Captain Desmo at the door. Captain Desmo was Charles's uncle, but she knew that a rift had grown between them over the summer because of the captain's brutal slaughter of a group of East Indians during their attempted assassination of Desmo. Charles said Captain Desmo and his fellows didn't have to kill all the would be assassins. Dr Mid-Nite had proven that fact; along with Batman and Robin, who were on he scene stopped a several of the killers in a another room without killing anyone and Charles believed his uncle could have as well.
Myra was surprised at how short the famed aviator was as only as tall as her own 5'7”. He was wearing his famed aviator helmet with the red star on the forehead with Matching leather jacket and riding boots. He wore dark goggles so he looked somewhat like one of the mystery men that had sprung up the last few years. The holstered gun at his waist broke that image for her. “How can I help you...Captain Desmo.
A smile, a charming smile formed between the man's pointed nose and chin “as he said “I glad Charles has spoken to about me Miss Mason.”
Myra's cheeks involuntarily turned red when she realized that Charles had to have mentioned her in his letters to his uncle. Letters that she did not proof read. “Yes.. well. I” she stammered.
“Can I see Charles please.” he said as she struggle to regain her composure. “It is very urgent.”
Myra started to reply when she heard Charles call out asking who was at the door.
“Charles it's me. I need to talk with you please” said Captain Desmo.
Myra heard Charles give his uncle permission to join him in the study with a sad and cold voice. Sadder and colder that she had ever heard from the man she loved. Captain Desmo excused himself and went into the study. Myra first wondered how he knew where the study was before remembering that Charles's house belonged to his family for over fifty years.
“Thanks for seeing me Charles” said Captain Desmo. “I know you disagree about how I operate. And as my best friend reminded me, New York isn't the Indian back country.”
Charles's face softened a bit before asking his uncle why he was here. Captain Desmo explain how he and his partner Gabby McGuire were working for the British government. Charles interrupted saying he already knew that.
Captain Desmo nodded and then explained how the Batman had injured Gabby in a case of mistaken identity and how the Caped Crusader had took Gabby's place on the mission “It is unbelievable the way he looks and sounds like Gabby. Trouble is he has to leave. Somebody named the Joker has escaped from prison and is raising all kinds of problems in Gotham City. He has to go back tonight. Only I have found the British turncoat yet and Gabby is still seeing double.” “I see,” said Charles. “Why come to me?”
“I'd like you give hem an examination. The doctors at the hospital said they did all they could; But I want to be certain before we give up. I know the eyes weren't your specialty Charles, but I know you studied them a lot given your condition.” Gabby, a man Charles had never met would learn of Charles's ability to see in the dark if he examined him. He would have to trust a stranger. He looked at his crestfallen uncle and pursed his lips before saying yes.
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