Chapter 21: Continuous Explosions
High above Times Square, five or six news helicopters circled the New York Times Building, their powerful searchlights illuminating the rooftop. Reporters, harnessed in, leaned precariously from the open doors, their voices filled with excited commentary, each desperate for the best live shot.
The Joker, a picture of theatrical composure, offered a perfectly executed gentleman's salute to the cameras. Beside him, the New York City mayor, pale and trembling, was a stark contrast. Yang Xu, discreetly positioned with a cameraman, watched his reputation points climb.
The Joker, eyes scanning the hovering helicopters, produced a remote control. "Since this is such a grand occasion," he announced in a low, urgent tone, "I should provide a suitably enthusiastic opening performance! This way, we'll all be happy."
Before anyone could react, he pressed the button.
"Boom!"
A massive explosion rocked the city. Flames erupted near City Hall, a pillar of black smoke rising into the night sky.
The scene was immediately met with gasps and shocked exclamations from the live audience:
"Oh my god! That's City Hall! I was there this morning!"
"No way! He just blew up City Hall after kidnapping the mayor?!"
"Well, guess I don't have to go to work tomorrow!"
"This is absolutely insane!"
The live broadcast erupted in a cacophony of screams and heated discussions.
[Continuous bombings, gain 8 reputation points from Tony Stark]
[Continuous bombings, gain 0.3 reputation points from George Stacy]
Yang Xu's excitement was palpable as his reputation points on the system panel approached 10,000. Meanwhile, at NYPD headquarters, chaos reigned.
"What? City Hall's been bombed?!" Chief George, en route to the New York Times Building by helicopter, felt a wave of nausea. "This maniac! What is he even trying to achieve? He's not even attempting negotiation!"
Taking several deep breaths, he barked orders into his intercom: "Ground units dispatch personnel to investigate the explosion site. Helicopter units, secure a tactical position and prepare for immediate engagement!"
Back on the rooftop, bathed in the harsh glare of the searchlights, the Joker let out a triumphant "Wow!" He tossed the remote aside, his face inches from the camera. "I didn't just plant one bomb, folks," he sneered, "I planted many! For every minute the police don't show up, another location gets the treatment!"
The unmistakable roar of approaching helicopter blades cut through the air. A NYPD helicopter, not attempting a landing, hovered at the edge of the roof. Chief George, leaning from the open door, bellowed through a megaphone:
"Joker! You're surrounded! Surrender immediately and release the hostages!"
The Joker ignored him, moving behind the mayor's chair. From his suit pocket, he produced a gleaming dagger. He crouched, the blade pressed to the mayor's temple.
The sight sent a wave of icy dread through George, and a collective gasp rippled through the television audience.
The Joker, ignoring the tension, began speaking, more to himself than anyone else:
"Ever wonder how I got this scar? My father… a drunkard, a devil… One day, he was worse than usual. My mother grabbed a kitchen knife to defend herself. He didn't like that, not at all. I saw him stab her, again and again, laughing as he did it… Then he looked at me… and said…"
He paused, then shoved the dagger into the mayor's mouth, his voice low and chilling: "So, why so serious? Why don't you smile? This is my smile, forever."
He pulled the dagger free, quickly clamping a hand over the mayor's mouth, and then forcefully plunged his hand into the mayor's chest.
"No!"
George lunged forward, but his deputy restrained him. "Chief, the helicopter's too far! We can't jump!"
The television audience watched in horrified silence. George, struggling against his deputy's grip, screamed at the Joker: "Clown! What are you doing?! We can negotiate! Why are you killing him?!"
The Joker, his finger to his lips, hissed, "Hush, hush… I avoided the vital areas. But you only have five minutes. Choose. Kill him… or wait for the next bomb. One minute, remember?"
George, his face contorted with rage, glared at the Joker's grotesque grin, "What are you going to do, Joker?"
"This is so boring. I need some excitement, a little criminal fun," the Joker replied, casually pulling another remote control from his arm. "And… time's up!"
"Boom!"
Another explosion ripped through the night sky. Panic and screams erupted from the terrified citizens below.
"Another explosion! It's the school!"
"Two locations in two minutes! Where's he going to hit next?"