WHEN WE LAST LEFT, THE DOMINOED DAREDEVIL WAS DESCENDING DEEPER AND DEEPER TOWARDS HER DEMISE ABOARD OCEANIA’S DEADLY DIVING DOME . . .
Batgirl realized time was of the essence. If she didn’t escape quickly, she would perish just like Oceania had described.
As soon as the door to the diving dome had closed, the Caped Cutie had sprung into action, removing a lock pick from her left glove flange with her teeth. Ten seconds after the diving dome had been dropped into the water, her arms were free. Twenty seconds later, so were her legs.
The depth gauge revealed she was already sixty feet deep. Since all controls and communication devices had been removed from the dome, the only option for Batgirl was to escape before she sank too far.
From her encyclopedic knowledge, Batgirl knew the world’s record for freediving – that is, with no equipment, just the holding of one's breath – was 439 feet. Of course, the record holder, Francisco "Pipin" Ferreras, had to go both up and down. Batgirl would only be going up.
Batgirl noted her ears hadn’t popped. That probably meant Oceania hadn’t bothered to have the diving dome pressurized. This made sense, as sea level air pressure inside the dome would cause it to be crushed by the weight of the sea all the sooner. On the other hand, it also meant Batgirl wouldn’t have to worry as much about the bends . . . if she escaped.
Fortunately for Batgirl, the foreign criminals were unaware of the amazing array of tools, gadgets and devices in her utility belt. She removed her emergency air supply from her belt and affixed it around her nose and mouth. She could breathe normally now, but if she inhaled air once she was submerged, that air would be at increased pressure to equal that of the water. Batgirl resolved that once she was underwater, she would avoid breathing as long as possible to try to avoid decompression sickness.
The heroine next took her electronic Batgirl compact out of her utility belt. In her very first adventure, she had bragged to Robin that the device came, “with a laser beam which will destroy anything.” Her boast would now be put to the test.
Since the dome’s doors slid sideways to open, back under the diving bell’s curved surface, her course of action was clear. Aiming her laser beam at the base of where the two panels of the door met, she pressed the button, then drew her line of fire upwards.
Seawater poured in, filling the dome in seconds, which, unfortunately, caused it to sink all the faster. The heroine ignored the bad news reported by the depth gauge.
Batgirl pried her gloved fingers into the opening between the door panels. Thankfully, once split, the two panels slid apart relatively easily. The Caped Crimefightress was able to make it into open water without taking a breath of compressed air.
She now faced the challenge of proceeding in the right direction. At this depth, the ocean was quite dark. Batgirl could ill afford to waste precious seconds going parallel to the surface, much less deeper into the ocean depths.
Fortunately, the light inside the diving dome continued to function. The heroine was able see a few last bubbles rising from the dome as it sank out of sight. Orientating herself, she began to kick, swimming desperately for the surface.
On and on she swam, he lungs screaming for oxygen. ‘Am I shallow enough to risk taking a breath?’ Batgirl wondered. Her air supply was limited. With the depth gauge back in the long-gone diving dome, she had no way to judge her depth for a proper series of decompression stops. Besides, she was eager to get back after Oceania and Amazonia.
Batgirl could just about stand it no longer when she noticed a perceptible lightening in the water above her. Gratefully, she risked a small breath. Re-energized, her pace quickened.
Meanwhile, on the surface, aboard the Ocean’s Wrath, Oceania and Amazonia were on deck. They watched the screen of a portable television as it displayed the live broadcast of a press conference held by Minister Brownlee.
The Minister started by holding up the picture the police sketch artist had made after hearing Batgirl’s description of Amazonia. “This woman, who calls herself Amazonia, is wanted in connection with the recent attacks on our shipping industry, as well as a number of thefts. If anyone knows who she is or where she is, please contact the police immediately.
“Now, onto another subject: I am pleased to announce that tomorrow morning at 0800, the new state-of-the-art police launch will be available for public inspection before it makes its maiden voyage at midday. It is equipped with the very latest technology and will no doubt prove invaluable as we fight waterborne crime. Thank you.”
“It won’t take them long to figure out my real identity now,” Amazonia surmised glumly.
“It will make things a little bit harder,” Oceania replied, seemingly unconcerned, “but at least we won’t have to worry about–“
“BATGIRL!” yelled one of the WEEPers, as the Caped Cutie surfaced.
“What!?!” Amazonia cried.
“That’s impossible,” Oceania said, her normally implacable demeanor somewhat shaken. “She should be fish food by now.”
“WEEPers front and centre!” Amazonia commanded. “Get ready to repel the border!”
The Intrepid Investigator climbed up the stern ladder and took up her classic hands-on-hips pose. “You tried to send me down to the bottom of the ocean, but now it is you who will go down . . . for ten to fifteen years!”
Three WEEPers rushed at Batgirl and attempted to grab her. They found, however, that Batgirl’s wet lurex costume was too slippery to hold. Ducking and weaving, Batgirl managed to come out of the melee behind her attackers. Gripping onto the railing for support, she propelled all three over the side with her shapely legs.
Two more WEEPers closed in and attacked, but Batgirl was on a high after having cheated death once again. Twin fists of iron landed on her attacker’s abdomens, forcing the air from their lungs and doubling them over. Two swift kicks ended their involvement in the fight.
Batgirl turned toward Amazonia and Oceania. “Ladies, your crime spree ends now!” Batgirl stated decisively. “Surrender and it will be better for you in the long run.”
The two conniving criminals looked at each. Amazonia smiled and then faced Batgirl again. “We have not yet begun to fight!” Amazonia announced, adopting a fighting stance.
“Why don’t you keep her busy, until the WEEPers get back on board?” Oceania suggested, before disappearing down a hatch.
In their previous encounter, Amazonia had proven herself an accomplished fighter. If the three WEEPers were to rejoin the fray, they might succeed in making Batgirl a prisoner yet again. Determined not to let that happen, Batgirl launched an all-out attack on the Brazilian beauty.
Briefly, Amazonia’s defence held, but eventually the high-paced assault wore her down. Batgirl landed some punishing punches on the beautiful blonde’s torso. Realizing she was losing, Amazonia dropped her guard and charged, only to be met with a perfectly-timed, chorus line kick to the jaw. The glamazon gangster gal was launched into the air and landed heavily on the deck, but Amazonia did not notice the landing, as she was already unconscious.
With her peripheral vision, Batgirl spied the WEEPers she had sent for a swim climbing back aboard. Seeing their leader defeated, however, had taken the fight out of them. They did not resist as Batgirl Batcuffed them, the other two WEEPers and Amazonia to the yacht’s railing.
Batgirl then went below decks after Oceania. Making her way through the vessel, she eventually heard noises coming from one of the forward-most rooms. Opening the door, she saw Oceania pulling an enormous hypodermic needle out of a medical kit. The creaking hinge alerted Oceania to the fact she was no longer alone.
“Batgirl,” she said evenly. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon – at least not unrestrained.”
“You sinister she-devil!” the American said, staring at the syringe. “No doubt that was intended for me.” Batgirl struck a triumphant pose. “Your crew has been defeated.”
“Then I guess it’s over,” she said, setting down the syringe. “I’m not a fighter. What happens now?”
“Once I hand you over to the authorities, you’ll get a fair trial. Since you haven’t killed anyone yet, with your history and good behavior, you’ll probably only serve five years in prison.”
“Five years,” Oceania repeated quietly. “I don’t know if I can last that long in jail.”
“I’m going to place these Batcuffs on you now. Please hold your hands out where I can see them.”
Oceania complied, but remained standing where she was. The heroine walked across the cabin towards her.
As she did so, Batgirl triggered a pressure plate in the floor. The heroine was completely enveloped by a falling net!
“Well, I guess I lied again, Batgirl,” Oceania said. “I am a fighter, but I fight with my mind, not my body.” As Batgirl struggled with the netting, Oceania pushed her over. As she was falling, one of the compartments on her utility belt struck a wooden chair and popped open.
“What do we have here?” Oceania asked, as if noticing the belt for the first time. The diminutive villainess then pulled out a role of duct tape and started wrapping it around Batgirl’s ankles. Oceania used the tape to pin Batgirl’s arms to her sides, rendering the heroine effectively helpless.
Oceania then took out a small knife. With it, she cut through the netting around the immobilized heroine’s waist and removed the utility belt. Taking her time, she thoroughly examined each and every compartment.
“I thought your belt was just a fashion statement. I see I was wrong.” Oceania held up the electronic compact. “This is very impressive. You must have used it to escape from the diving dome,” she concluded. “This time, though, you won’t have your belt to save you.”
Batgirl’s heart sank as Oceania examined her utility belt. She had just lost a major advantage. “Maybe not,” Batgirl replied, “but I will defeat you nonetheless.”
Retrieving the syringe, Oceania injected the contents into Batgirl’s left shoulder. “I think not, my dear detective.” Oceania condescendingly patted Batgirl. “It’s time to go to sleep.” The drug took only moments to act and Batgirl’s eyes soon fluttered closed.
When the Purple Paragon awoke, the first thing she noticed was that she was in motion. Strapped to a medical gurney, restraints prevented her from making all but the smallest of movements. Two WEEPers were pushing Batgirl down a tunnel.
Her escorts noticed her stirring and one of them picked up a hand-held radio. “She’s awake,” was all the woman reported. Batgirl had been gagged, so she could do little except take in her surroundings. Midway down the tunnel, she saw Oceania standing, wearing a stylish, long-sleeved, white lab coat.
The young villainess walked up to Batgirl’s supine form, then put her left hand on a pipe for support as she leaned over the heroine. “Welcome to my underwater lair, Batgirl. No one will find you here. The New Zealand government has no idea I've constructed a new, state-of-the-art marine laboratory on the sea floor directly underneath WEEP HQ."
'That's why she has the underwater exit in her office,' Batgirl thought. 'She must use the diving dome to travel between WEEP HQ and this complex.'
Oceania looked at Batgirl for a long time, a strange expression on her face. Her eyes, though, were as vacant as ever. Then, with a gesture, she motioned for the WEEPers to follow as she turned and walked down the tunnel.
Shortly thereafter, the tunnel ended and they entered a huge laboratory. Batgirl could have been forgiven for thinking she was on the set of the science-fiction movie. Cutting-edge technology was being employed to produce a multitude of vessels, which looked more like spacecraft than sea craft.
“It is impressive, is it not?” Oceania asked rhetorically. Dozens of female technicians were constructing the radical marine vehicles. “Soon, we will be able to visit any part of the ocean we desire. I am decades ahead of anyone else in this field.”
Oceania looked down at Batgirl. “You don’t need this anymore,” she said as she removed Batgirl’s gag.
Batgirl realized the vicious villainess was showing off her facility, much like a socialite giving a tour of her new uptown apartment. ‘Good,’ thought Batgirl, ‘she’s seeking approval! Along the way, she might reveal something I can use against her.’ Batgirl decided to go to work on Oceania’s ego.
“This really is quite an accomplishment,” Batgirl said. She didn’t have to pretend to be impressed. She truly was. “Any scientist at any of the world’s leading universities would give their right arm for a chance to work in a place like this.”
The slightest hint of a smile played at the corners of Oceania’s mouth. She indicated a room in front of them. “This is the control room, however, the gurney will not fit through the door.”
Oceania made another gesture. Half a dozen WEEPers undid the straps restraining Batgirl, but they held her down as they carried her inside.
“Bind her,” Oceania instructed. “She will not interfere with our plans again.”
The WEEPers pulled Batgirl’s hands behind her back and tied them securely. They also bound her ankles, knees and elbows. They then placed the bound beauty in a chair and departed. The twenty by twenty foot room was crammed with monitors and all sorts of control panels.
“This is the nerve centre of the whole operation. From here, I receive regular updates on all work in progress. I can monitor and coordinate proceedings to keep things running smoothly.” As Oceania was talking, she responded to several extensive reports.
Batgirl, on the other hand, was experiencing information overload. Even with her ability to speed read, before she had finished one report, several more popped up on other screens.
“Not many people could process this much information so quickly, but you make it look easy,” Batgirl said. Again, she didn’t have to feign being impressed.
“Well, I was valedictorian at every school and university I attended,” Oceania said. “I received my first college degree before I was a teenager.”
“There’s no denying you are extremely talented,” Batgirl said. “It’s a pity we are on opposite sides.”
“Yes, it is,” Oceania agreed, “but we can’t have you, or anyone else, for that matter, interfering with our quest.”
As if on cue, Amazonia entered the control room. She pushed a button to play a recording of Minister Brownlee’s press conference on one of the monitors.
After the replay concluded, the Brazilian beauty announced, “That new boat could become an obstacle. So, we have decided to take it out, along with the Minister, on its maiden voyage.”
“You murderous fiends!” Batgirl cried. “Do what you want with me, but leave the Minister alone. Do you really want the entire government after you?“
“Unfortunately, we can’t leave her alone,“ Oceania replied. “You see, Minister Brownlee is quite persistent. She will go on trying to stop us, even after you’re gone. Once she is removed, however, I think anyone in New Zealand will think twice before challenging us . . .
“ . . . and since Minister Brownlee invited you here in the first place, we think it’s only fitting you should perish together. Once the new police vessel is launched, it will be hit by a hollow torpedo, packed with enough explosives to level a skyscraper. You will be inside that torpedo which, when it explodes, will spell the end of your illustrious crimefighting career, eliminate Minister Brownlee and destroy the new police launch, all at the same time.”
“And leave us free to continue to protect the environment,” Amazonia added.
“For such a smart woman, you really are demented, Oceania,” Batgirl declared. “Killing the Minister and me will not stop people from coming after you – far from it. Once you commit murder or as long as you continue to break the law, you will be pursued relentlessly until you are brought to justice!”
Batgirl’s words hit home as the terrible twosome realized she was telling the truth. A worried look briefly crossed Amazonia’s face. As usual, Oceania’s look betrayed nothing. In spite of her own predicament, Batgirl smiled wryly.
“Obviously, I was wrong again,” Oceania replied. After a pause, she continued, “You do need this.” She re-gagged her pulchritudinous prisoner.
“Twice in one day." Oceania sighed. "Oh, well, if you will excuse me, I have to oversee the construction of the torpedo.” Oceania left the control room.
“Oh, how the mighty have fallen,” Amazonia said, once she was alone with Batgirl. “My jaw still hurts from where you kicked me.” She punched the helpless heroine in the solar plexus twice, causing Batgirl to grunt. “I’d like nothing better than to punch you into oblivion, but I, too, have things to do.” With that remark, Amazonia made her exit, confident in the knowledge that Batgirl no longer had her utility belt.
Batgirl had been testing her bonds, but found they offered no slack with which to work. She had, however, managed to retrieve a blade from the flange of her right glove without either arch-criminal noticing. Getting free would be simplicity itself, but . . .
‘How long will my freedom last in a building filled with WEEPers? I need a plan.’
She spied a workstation set up for e-mail. Freeing herself, she e-mailed Minister Brownlee, informing the Minister of her location and the criminals' plan.
A light flashing on one of the other monitors caught her attention. Batgirl focused on the screen. It read:
Batgirl scrolled through the options menu. The very last item on the menu read:
Oxygen pump maintenance checkClick okay to continue
Batgirl was pleasantly surprised to see her utility belt draped over one of the control panels. Then, the two-note chime signalled her e-mail had been answered. Returning to that station, Batgirl read the Minister's reply:
Intruder alertSwitch to knockout gas
Hold tight, Batgirl
Help is on the way
Batgirl sent a terse message back:
Wear gas masks
After donning her own emergency air supply, Batgirl put her utility belt back on. The heroine then returned to the oxygen controls and clicked the last option on the computer screen.
Shortly afterwards, she noticed a white, misty gas filling the control room. On other monitors, she could see that the gas was filling every nook and cranny in the building. Soon, the WEEPers started dropping like flies.
Batgirl gave the gas two minutes to do its work before leaving the control centre. As she entered the laboratory, she saw Amazonia and Oceania, both outfitted with gas masks and very much awake, across on the far side.
As she moved to intercept the dastardly duo, they noticed her and prepared for battle. Amazonia moved to the front, while Oceania picked up a spanner and moved to flank the Svelte Sentinel.
Amazonia took the offensive, trying to carry out the threat made earlier. Just as Batgirl spied an opening, a reflection on the hull of a marine vessel alerted her to imminent danger from behind. Stumbling to her right, she took a glancing blow from the wrench as Oceania waded into the battle.
The same scenario repeated itself twice, with Oceania attacking whenever Amazonia looked vulnerable. 'If this continues,' Batgirl realized, ' the two of them will be able to wear me down until I make a mistake. I've got to do something to break the chain of events.' Completely focused on the fight, none of the combatants noticed a descending diving dome.
Amazonia pivoted on her left foot and unleashed a sidekick with her right. Batgirl anticipated the attack and ducked under it.
Batgirl feinted an uppercut, but instead swivelled a complete 360 degrees, sweeping Oceania’s legs from underneath her, just as the villainess was preparing to knock Batgirl senseless. Rolling back and away from Amazonia, a devastating elbow made Doctor Briney’s body go limp.
Regaining her feet, she fended off Amazonia’s next onslaught. For another two minutes, they continued to flight, neither gaining the advantage. It became obvious, however, that Amazonia had used up a lot more energy than Batgirl. Tiring rapidly, Amazonia rolled and attempted an uppercut.
Batgirl seized Amazonia by the shoulders and pulled off her gas mask. Already breathing heavily from the exertion of the fight, Amazonia could only hold her breath for a moment. She collapsed at Batgirl's feet.
The heroine walked over and removed Oceania’s mask as well. Standing over the villainess's unconscious form, she smiled sadly, realizing Doctor Briney's scientific genius would never benefit the world as long as the young woman was consumed by evil.
Behind Batgirl, Amazonia quietly rose to her feet. She had been playing possum, for her gas mask was back over her nose and mouth. The blonde pulled out her staff and flicked it open. With an evil grin etched across her face, she snuck up on Batgirl.
Before she could strike, however, a strange cry rang through the air--
"Aaaayy aaaayy aaaayy aaaayy aaaayy aaaayy eeee eeee eeee eeee eeee!"
Turning in the direction of the noise, Batgirl was shocked to see Amazonia, staff in hand, poised to knock her into oblivion.
Amazonia also turned in the direction of the cry and spotted Minister Brownlee, an instant before a blunt, round, spinning disc bounced off her head. Amazonia's eyes dilated widely with the impact, but quickly closed as her body slumped to the floor.
The Minister, who had taken off her gas mask for the scream and throw, replaced it. Batgirl returned to the control room and switched off the knockout gas.
Soon the air cleared and everyone removed their gas masks. As her officers rounded up the still-sleeping villainesses, Minister Brownlee retrieved the discus she had used to fell Amazonia.
Batgirl re-entered the laboratory. Walking up to Brownlee, she said, "Thank you, Minister."
"No, thank you, Batgirl. We have caught two demented arch-criminals, largely because of your efforts."
Batgirl and Brownlee watched as Amazonia and Oceania were dragged over to a diving dome. The Minister continued, “It will be many years before those two are free again. New Zealand is in your debt.”
”Honestly, Minister, it was my pleasure. Crimefighting is my calling and I will go anywhere to see justice and the law prevail. Should you need me again, I would be only too happy to oblige. I think you’re doing a tremendous job.
"I appreciate you saying that. I pray we won't see any more arch-criminals in New Zealand, but I won't hesitate to call if I find myself once again in need of your expertise.”
Batgirl got a funny look on her face, as if she was unsure about her next words. "By the way, Minister . . . what was that strange cry you made before you flung that discus at Amazonia?”
"Oh, that's just something I do to strike fear in the hearts of criminals. Do you know, I used to be the discus champion for the . . . Oceania region?"
Both women smiled at the irony. Brownlee went on. "I now coach discus and usually have one or two nearby, although they aren't usually meant to be used as weapons."
"Well, I'm glad you improvised," Batgirl replied. "I'll leave you and your officers to round up the rest of the WEEPers."
The two women hugged and said goodbye.
Barbara spent the next few days relaxing on the beach. She also took time to take in some sights, as well as to check out the launch of the new police vessel. All too soon, it was time to go home.
At Wellington International Airport, eight kilometers southeast of downtown in the suburb of Rongotai, Barbara “Wilson” boarded a flight back to Gotham City. She leaned back in her seat and smiled.
Barbara faced 2006 with a renewed sense of purpose. She felt recharged. ‘No matter what challenges Daddy knowing my secret identity present, I’m ready for them. I can hardly wait to get back!’