Arkham Interviews
Jacob Cole: Interview # 4 February 2nd, Agent Jacob Cole of A.R.G.U.S. Evaluation for Belle Reve Task Force X. Subject: Garfield Lynns a.k.a. Firefly. Former pyrotechnics turned arsonist.
Lynns is covered in third degree burns showing through his prison fatigues along his arms and neck.
Lynns (sitting down, handcuffed to the steel table, shooting rude looks): What the hell is Task Force X? Why did I got drug in here at 6 in the morning?! The hell is going on?
Jacob Cole: Please stick to the questions that will be put before you and we will get to every little detail. Now then, you’ve operated in and out of Gotham and Bludhaven, correct?
Lynns (with a smirk and steely eyes trying to gauge the agent) Yeah I “operated” in Gotham. Good money in those snatch and grab land schemes…until the bat got involved. There’s a guy you’ll should be watching out for. I mean, the child endangerment laws broken alone.
Jacob Cole: (slightly annoyed) Believe it or not, there’s a task force analyzing his whereabouts, methods and compounding felonies. If it gets federal, he’s toast.
Lynns (laughing mildly): Sure kid. And I got a bridge in Gateway City I want to sell you. That outfit ain’t standard for G-man. What’s that about?
Jacob Cole: Oh this is a hybrid Nomex and spider silk composite armor. Making it fire and bullet resistant. It’s lighter than you would think.
Lynns: HAHAHA nothing fire or bullet proof.
Jacob Cole: So why do you suppose you were drawn to this line of work to begin with?
Lynns: (snappy) Whoa, whoa kid. You gonna psychoanalyze me or recruit me? What’s the story?
Jacob Cole: (getting exasperated) Please just answer the questions to the best of your abilities.
Lynns (mulls it over): It called to me. The heat, the flames dancing, a living thing that is always hungry.
Jacob Cole: So the fire is like your master then? Do you have to feed it?
Lynns: Stop mocking me, man. I’ll burn your house down.
Jacob Cole (jotting notes and not paying attention): I rent and that would be an inconvenience to my neighbors.
Lynns (slamming his fist on the table): And I’ll roast them all like chickens!!
Jacob Cole: Alright Mr. Lynns I think that is all the questions I have for you. I’ll have the guards take you back. Sorry to disturb your sleep.
Lynns (confused): What? That’s it?! What the hell, man?!
Jacob Cole: Subject Lynns is irritable, anti-social, possibly delusional. Maliable for Task Force X. Interview #4 ended at this time.
Lynns: (pissed off) Answer my damn question, pretty boy or I’ll peel your smooth skin off!
Jacob Cole: 10 minute break and prepare for Interview #5.
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Jacob Cole (laying down notes): Agent Cole back for Interview #5
KGBeast: CAPITALIST DOGS! I will eat your hearts! LET GO OF ME!!
Jacob Cole: Gentlemen, please put the power inhibitors and chain him to the table.
KGBeast: I will carve my name in your still beating hearts! I will violate your women! I!..
Jacob Cole: Mr. Knyazev, please sit down, stop ranting and let’s get on with this interview already. My time is valuable as much as yours is for you.
KGBeast (laughs out loud): I have plenty of time, agent. You have all your tools for your “interview”? Your blades? Your waterboarding rags and gallon jugs?
Jacob Cole: Make no mistake, Mr. Knyazev. This is an interview, not an interrogation. I wouldn’t insult you thinking I could mentally or physically break you. This is a formality in seeing your psyche and whether or not you are fit for government work.
KGBeast: And your government wants me for what? Black Ops? Wet-work? You Americans love such terms.
Jacob Cole: I will get right on that, but I need to get back to my recording this interview. Interview # 5: Subject Anatoli Knyazev a.k.a. KGBeast. Former KGB operative and cybernetic super soldier. During the Cold War accounted with no less than 250 kills, counter-surveillance,counterintelligence, espionage, expert in firearms, blades, martial arts and rotary fixed aircraft. The loss of your left arm was due to your own amputation correct, Mr. Knyazev?
KGBeast: Your Batman successfully captured me and had me bound at the wrist. It was my own means of escape. It mattered not. I got a replacement a few days later.
Jacob Cole: Case in point, Batman has no known government affiliation. He has be known to work with federal on a case by case but holds no badge or rank.
KGBeast: And can be completely denied for any of his actions that benefit your government’s actions. I am no fool. His training is impressive. His will unbreakable. A most worthy opponent.
Jacob Cole: Mr. Knyazev, I am evaluating you for one Task Force X. The hope is you will join a small contingent of super human and talented normals that work in junction with government requests in return, you will shave off your substantial time your have accrued. Does this option sound appealing?
KGBeast: Fresh air, a more than likely scenario I am called into to defend myself and others. Hmm, interesting.
Jacob Cole: Naturally your cybernetics will be augmented, repaired and maintained. As I understand it, your replacement eye and cybergun will require some updates.
KGBeast: And how do you justify that expense of the Yankee dollar?
Jacob Cole: Simply put, tools of the trade for your particular skill set.
KGBeast (robust laughter) HAHAHAHA…. I am indeed a man with a particular set of skills.
Jacob Cole: Yeah I liked that Liam Neeson film too. But back to my question, are you interested in this, Mr. Knyazev?
KGBeast: Why not. If anything, I get to end fools who would trifle with me.
Jacob Cole: Very good. I’ll be in touch. Thank you for your time.
KGBeast: Think nothing of it. It has been…educational.
Knyazev is escorted by two guards in composite armor. Cole finishes some handwritten notes and puts his files back into his briefcase.
Jacob Cole: Interview #5 finished. Knyazev was…far too agreeable. Offhand, he will kill the first man or woman that irks him. Use him with caution. Cerebral bomb is advised.
