The Policeman: A Tale Of Jump City (C)

[Matt A]

Right then. This, ladies and gents, is my first Teen Titans fan-fiction in...well, a while. I'm attempting something a little different here: still firmly in the grim and blackly comic vein we all expect from me, but in terms of genre, more a political thriller than the action/sci-fi/fantasy I've done thus far. And just so's you all know, I'm fairly excited about this.;):D

I think I mentioned my rough idea for this story a few weeks back (on the STT3 thread, if memory serves), but in case you don't remember, I'll repeat what I said there. Basically, this is a Teen Titans-based reworking of the 2004 Michael Mann film Collateral, with Raven taking on Vincent's role. If you've seen the film, then you'll know why this is interesting. If not, then check out the Wikpedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collateral_%28film%29) or IMDB (http://imdb.com/title/tt0369339/) entries, and find out why this is interesting.;)

As the title perhaps indicates, this is not a Teen Titans fic in the strictest sense. It's not so much a story based on the Titans, as it is a story based on the world the inhabit, and what this world thinks of them. Indeed, only two characters from the series/comic will be appearing.;) If you're on this board just to get more Titanic action, then this won't be the story for you, but hopefully you're up for something a little different.

Also, because Jump City is so integral to this story, I've taken the liberty of drawing a map of the place. It can be found here (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y230/mattappleby/The%20Policeman%20Drawings%20and%20Others/JumpCityMap.jpg). Because most place names and geographical details used in this story have been made up by me, or interpreted from screenshots for episodes I've (probably) never seen, most of what I write won't make sense without the map, so I suggest you use it. And if I've got any details wrong, then they'll have to stay wrong, because I don't have either the time or the energy to re-draw the map.:shrug:

Before I get any further, there's a key point I need to make. Despite kicking off on this story, The Bad Seeds is my bigger priority, so chapters for this, whilst hopefully not being gold dust, certainly won't be coming more than once a week, if not longer. So I hope you can bear with me on that.:sweat:

But anyway, onto the first chapter. This is intended purely as an introduction, just to give the basics of my protagonist, and as such, is neither snappy or particularly interesting. But it is informative, if in a scattershot way, so please pay attention. And try not to get bored. Please.:sweat:

So, with no further introductory garbage, we now kick off with my latest Teen Titans fan-fic. Let the curtains rise...




The Policeman: A Tale Of Jump City


“I’m not ashamed. I’ve known love. I’ve known rejection. I’m not afraid to declare my feelings. Take trust for instance, or friendship. These are the important things in life. These are the things that matter, that help you on your way. If you can’t trust your friends, well what then? What then?

This could’ve been any city. They’re all the same.”-David Stephens, “Shallow Grave”
“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”-Sherlock Holmes, “The Sign Of Four”
Chapter One.
December 24th, 10:07pm.

There was one thing William Miller always wondered. As he looked out of the window, watching all the people crowding the sidewalks, the drivers of other cars sharing the road, everyone with business on this night, as he watched, he would think, what kind of life do they have? What stories do they have to tell? Is the man walking with his son in trouble with his wife, and is frightened his children can hear the yelling? Has the suit hailing a cab just failed a crucial job interview, the door to a world he’s desperate to join closed forever? When the woman in the Cadillac Escalade bought her million-dollar mink-fur coat, was she just trying to find something to fill the gaping hole in her world? All these other people, going to and fro, just what was going on in their heads?

And, maybe, did these other people wonder about him?

Maybe. Maybe not.

William gently spun the steering wheel left, the car turning almost silently into the next street, with only a slight change in the engine’s low purr signifying it had done anything at all. That was partly why he liked this car so much: it had a job to do, and it did it without fuss.

At this rate, he would be at the cathedral in six-seven minutes. This would’ve struck most people as unusually quick, going from Lincoln Park to Gregorian Avenue, but William knew otherwise. During the day, it would take at least twenty minutes, but there was far less traffic at night, and on Christmas Eve, people only went out for last-minute shopping, and most stores closed several hours ago. It was still busy, of course, because this was Jump City, and Downtown Jump City at that, but relatively speaking, the place was sleepy. So, there was six minutes left.

William glanced in the rear-view mirror. Jordan was on the seat behind him, quietly looking out the window, more to keep herself occupied than to actually find something. She was thirteen years old, though he got the feeling she was desperate to be thirty, and considering her age, surprisingly tall and bony. She also seemed to lack a teenager’s need for style, dressed simply in a white hoodie, dark jeans and black trainers, her waist-length black hair without any curls, ties or other modifications. William was the same, as he well knew, though in his case, his hair was shorter and messier, he wasn’t as thin, and instead of a hoodie, he had a green cardigan hand-kitted by his mother-in-law.

“You okay back there?” William asked, without turning round.

Jordan glanced at him, smiling briefly. “Yeah, sure. Just getting psyched up.”

“Cool. Have you got everything ready? This is a big night for you, I know.”

“Don’t remind me.”

William turned the car right, heading off Lincoln Circle and onto Forest Drive. Lincoln Circle, surrounding the five square-mile Lincoln Park (obviously), was the single busiest part of the city, so driving would get even easier from here. Should be another five minutes, maybe a little more.

“I just wanted to make sure you were sorted. Have you got everything you need?”

Jordan patted the rucksack resting on the seat next to her. It was black, with a small Umbro logo near the top.

“Yup. Robes, lyric sheet, phone, purse. That’s all I need.”

William smiled. “Good. Just checking.”

“I know.”

Jordan turned back to the window. As the car sped down Forest Drive, William had a quick glance round the interior. It was just one of those random habits he had: he didn’t need to do it, ‘cause he knew every single inch of the thing, but he did it anyway. Most people knew their cars in such detail, but for him, it wasn’t just that he spent so much time in here. He knew this car because it was, quite literally, how he lived.

He’d been a cab driver for years. It wasn’t the occupation he’d dreamed of as a child, but he enjoyed it, and he felt no need to change a life that was ticking along nicely. Remarkably, he’d been using the same cab for the entire time, between him and Charlie, the day-shift guy. It was a nice little thing: quiet, efficient, comfortable. There wasn’t much to say about the interior, just standard grey and black, though the plastic dashboard was fairly well made. It had lasted the years, at any rate.

William had another quick look at Jordan. She was still looking out the window, staring at the inside of her own head. One thing that had repeatedly struck him over the years, despite the oddness of the thought, was that neither he or his daughter had any hang-ups about being black. He knew, on some level, that being an African-American was an issue that he should care about, but he never had. Same as Jordan, from what he could tell. At his best guess, growing up in such a middle-of-the-road place as Finchley Village made it hard to have hang-ups about anything. It was still an odd thing, to think so often that race was a trivial issue. Which it was.

The turning for Gregorian Avenue was almost coming up. It was only two minutes now, maybe two-and-a-half. The Downtown cathedral was holding a midnight mass, same as it did every year, and this time Jordan was going to be in the choir. Seeing as she’d joined the Salisbury choir only six months ago, being invited to such a prestigious service was even bigger news than you’d expect. William wasn’t overly big on Jordan catching the religious bug, but if she was happy, which she was, then he was happy too.

William turned left, into Gregorian Avenue. This area of Downtown was towards the south-west, away from the prestigious Lincoln Park, and the Bow and Slough financial districts. It was rich, as all of Downtown was, but they’d left skyscraper-land behind them with Lincoln Circle and Forest Drive. The buildings here were usually two-dozen stories, rather than two-hundred.

The problem with all this, of course, was that Jordan knew of this mass for over a month, yet was too nervous about it to tell William until last week. If he’d known about it at the time, then things would be great, but at this short notice, it would’ve been easier to move mountains than to get time off to attend. And double went for Rachel: City Hall seemed to believe that she enjoyed having night shifts thrown at her without warning. Personally, William loved them, and wouldn’t work anything else, but not everyone felt the same way. But still, the upshot was that he had to drop off Jordan at the cathedral, put in a night’s work, then pick her up when she was done. Not the arrangement he wanted, but he had a feeling that Jordan actually preferred it this way: having her parents hanging around on her big night would just put her off.

The cathedral was now just ahead, to the right. It was huge, even taller than the surrounding buildings, and had Gothic stamped across every inch of its ornate structure. Standing at the head of Muspel Drive, the cathedral was imposing enough to make you want to bow before you even entered. Though, oddly, the stained-glass windows covering the front façade were done in pink, aqua and lime green.

Despite deliberately getting Jordan here early – she needed time to practise – the sidewalk outside already had its share of cars parked up. There was six of them, Cadillacs and Mercedes and other such luxury models. Luckily, there was a space to be found in front of the building next door, just after the cathedral.

William slowed the cab down and swung into the space, the kind of parallel park he’d done so many times, he barely even noticed himself doing it. He switched off the ignition, the engine running so quietly anyway that he barely even noticed the silence.

From Lincoln Park to here in seven minutes, so from West Argos to Gregorian Avenue in twenty. Not only great timing, but also exactly what he estimated.

He turned his head round to face Jordan. “You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

“Good luck.”

“Thanks, dad.”

Jordan reached her arms round William’s seat, giving him a hug and a quick peck on the cheek.

“So you’ll pick me up when I’m done, yeah?”

“Yup. 1am, you said?”

“Yes.”

“Well, good luck.”

Jordan nodded and smiled. She picked up her rucksack and shifted over to the right-hand door, opening it and stepping out on the sidewalk. She closed the door and waved through the window, William waving back. He watched quietly as she fast-walked to the cathedral steps, climbing them and entering the doors. She’d get on okay.

With a small sigh, he turned back to the dashboard and flicked a switch just below the radio. The “available for business” sign lit up on the roof, letting the world know that his night had just started.

Not many people hailed cabs this late on Christmas Eve, so he’d have to start tracking down fares soon, but he could afford to sit a few minutes. He wasn’t in any rush.

It was only a few seconds before something caught his eye. The building he’d parked in front of was a sub-office of the Jump City Times, often regarded as the dumping ground for journalists in the dog-house. Well, so the many journalists he’d driven around had told him. Two-three hundred yards ahead, on the other side of the main doors, was a young woman. She looked about twenty, twenty-five at the most, and was leaning against the wall, being sick by her feet.

William’s first instinct was that she was a junkie. At first, he’d dismissed the idea as fatherly paranoia, but he’d recently come to the conclusion that, despite what the officials said, drug culture was really starting to take hold in this city. He didn’t mind it on a personal level, people were free to stick whatever they wanted into themselves, but he did worry that Jordan would get caught up in it all somehow. Which was probably the real reason why he didn’t like her going off on her own. In the case of this young woman, his first instinct was complicated by the fact that she was wearing a suit, a smart-looking black trouser number, with an accompanying silver briefcase tucked between her feet. But that didn’t necessarily mean anything.

After about ten-fifteen seconds, the woman stopped throwing up. She dug two white handkerchiefs out of an inside pocket, using one to wipe her mouth, and the other to wipe her eyes. The one with sick on it was dropped on the floor, and the one without was put back in the pocket. She slowly pushed herself off the wall, bent down and picked up her briefcase.

The woman turned round, and though her carefully blank expression didn’t change, it was clear she’d spotted the cab. William didn’t really want someone who’d just been sick getting into his car, but a fare was a fare.

The woman walked over and tapped on the front-passenger window. William pressed the button to wind it down. The first thing he noticed was that, as well as not smelling of vomit, she’d also just been heavily crying. Probably not a junkie.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

The woman nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Are you free?”

“Sure. Hop in.”

[Atoragon]

I am really liking this so far, being a fan of the Collateral film, although I have not seen it recently. I am fine with waiting for the chapters, because good things are worth waiting for. The map really helps, for me anyways. I just got done reading Dwr Budr and Dwr Budr 2, and to keep the new stuff on the first page, I'll keep my rather long list of compliments to myself.

[TeenTitansGO!]

Well, well. Something i can understand without reading back-story for 2 months! All in all, things are enjoyable, in that only-because-the-chapter-was-necessary way. Not being black, though, I find it disturbingly difficult to imagine black characters. I'm not racist or anything of the sort, but it does strike me as difficult to conjure an image in the brain of a fictional African-American person. That's just a personal flaw, however.

I do like the detail. Used to be, I wouldn't say that, as the descriptive chapters in DB2 bothered me. All that stuff about horses and Rae's house and such. But this new perspective of Jump City was interesting, and oddly comforting. I felt you could sit back and enjoy the town, you know. Like maybe I lived there. Maybe I could be there if i traveled a few hundred miles and set up shop.

You've announced that Raven will join us, but I'd like to know who else. I assume Robin, but my hopes are very high for Cyborg. I've wanted to see a real Cyborg fic for a while. Maybe I should write it.

Anyway, interesting, to repeat myself.

TTG~Matt H.

[Matt A]

I am really liking this so far, being a fan of the Collateral film, although I have not seen it recently.

Oddly enough, I haven't either. I'll have to dig out the DVD again. Still, it is a great film...though it's kinda obvious that I should think that, on account of how I'm writing this story an' all.;)

I am fine with waiting for the chapters, because good things are worth waiting for.

Why, thankyou.:D

I just hope I don't dissapoint...:sweat:

The map really helps, for me anyways.

Like I said, it'll come in handy. And I'm glad my map-making skills are still what they used to be.:)

Oh yes, and whilst I'm on the subject, I might as well mention this. Every single place name in this story, whether district, street or building, will be a reference to something. 99% of these will be of no relevance to the narrative, but it's just something that should be interesting to keep track of.

I just got done reading Dwr Budr and Dwr Budr 2, and to keep the new stuff on the first page, I'll keep my rather long list of compliments to myself.

Personally, I think both stories are excreable...but, then again, I think that of nearly everything I do, so I suppose it doesn't matter. Still, despite your delusions, it gives me quite a happy that you like them. Thankyou.:D

Well, well. Something i can understand without reading back-story for 2 months!

That, I have to say, was part of the appeal for me. You know, starting on something completely new.:)

And yes, back-story is a pain in the arse.;)

All in all, things are enjoyable, in that only-because-the-chapter-was-necessary way.

Like I said, this was just introductory gubbins. I know it's terribly bad practise to kick of a story on such a slow note, but everything I wrote here is necessary to know at the start, and I just couldn't think of a better way to do it.:sad:

Not being black, though, I find it disturbingly difficult to imagine black characters. I'm not racist or anything of the sort, but it does strike me as difficult to conjure an image in the brain of a fictional African-American person. That's just a personal flaw, however.

Actually, there's a theory on this one. Because you're a white person raised in a predominantly white society, your brain first learnt about different facial profiles by studying other white people. Ergo, because you don't meet as many black people as you do white people, your brain finds it harder to distinguish between them. If you were a black person raised in a predominantly black society, or even a white person raised in same, then it would be the other way round. Just one of those funny things that our brains do.:shrug:

But in terms of the story, this doesn't matter a great deal. The only reason William Miller is black is because Max, the cabbie in Collateral, is black, and I wanted to continue that. Also, I find it interesting to have a black character who doesn't care about being black: one thing I've noted is that, in real life, most people don't, but fiction has kinda yet to catch up.

I do like the detail. Used to be, I wouldn't say that, as the descriptive chapters in DB2 bothered me. All that stuff about horses and Rae's house and such. But this new perspective of Jump City was interesting, and oddly comforting. I felt you could sit back and enjoy the town, you know. Like maybe I lived there. Maybe I could be there if i traveled a few hundred miles and set up shop.

I have to agree, the detail in DB2 was pretty absurd.:sad: But the descriptions do serve a purpose here: this is "a tale of Jump City", so it's important that we feel as distinct a sense of place as possible. Which, according to you, has worked already, so I'm very happy about that.:D

On a slightly deeper level...one thing I've always felt was a missed oppourtunity in Teen Titans was that, despite having at least 3/4 of its episodes set there, you never really learned anything about Jump City. I've always felt that locations should be characters in their own right, but in the show, Jump was never more than just a backdrop. So, in a very literal sense, The Policeman is my attempt at seeing what kinds of stories this place has to tell.

You've announced that Raven will join us, but I'd like to know who else. I assume Robin, but my hopes are very high for Cyborg. I've wanted to see a real Cyborg fic for a while. Maybe I should write it.

Maybe you should. I've come up with a good idea for one, or at least what I hope is a good idea. You could have a crack at it if you like.

But still, just because I can, I'll give you a hint: the second character isn't another Titan. And they'll only be appearing for two chapters.;)

-Matt A-

[JazzyChick]

I loved Collateral, though when you first mentioned it, it took me a few seconds to remember what it was. Its been a long time since I've seen it too.

Anyway, I am very intrigued by this story (I already have some theories as to how everything in this chapter could relate to the plot of the movie). I agree that we don't know enough about Jump City. In the Batman universe, Gotham IS a character in itself (best portrayed in the movie Batman Begins) so I am very interested to see your take on the city.

Can't wait to see where this goes!

-JazzyC

[Matt A]

(I already have some theories as to how everything in this chapter could relate to the plot of the movie)

I enjoy seeing people come up with theories, so that's cool.:D

I won't ask you what you've come up with, but for now, I'll give you a hint: the only thing I'm not copying, or at least echoing, in this story is the Fanning scenes. Once you've figured out who Jordan is designed to represent, and a little logical thought should make it easy, then you're there.;)

I agree that we don't know enough about Jump City. In the Batman universe, Gotham IS a character in itself (best portrayed in the movie Batman Begins) so I am very interested to see your take on the city.

My vision of Jump? Well, it's fairly integral to the plot, so I'll save the details for later, but expect somewhere a little different to what we've seen on the show. The best way to explain it is that, as Los Angeles is to New York, so Jump is to Gotham.;)

-Matt A-

[Pun-3x]

Not a bad start. While I know this is based on Collateral, I'm also left wondering exactly how much of it you plan to use in driving your story. And I fully expect the story to simply take off on its own once it has enough speed.

So now it's a matter of watching where this thing drives off to.

*hops in the cab* :D

[No Idea]

I can't say I've ever seen the film. Little bits here and there maybe, but never the whole thing I'm afraid. But that's besides the point, because I wanna read this :p

And I have to agree with the whole map thing, it doesn't help the story along, but it certainly makes reading a lot easier and perhaps a little more invloved. (Also Little Russia made me laugh. I don't know why, it just did. Now I have hopes of the whole place being full of people with Russian accents :D)

~AJJ~

[Matt A]

While I know this is based on Collateral, I'm also left wondering exactly how much of it you plan to use in driving your story. And I fully expect the story to simply take off on its own once it has enough speed.

It kinda will, it kinda won't. Every event and character in this story is, if only on a basic level, a reflection of a event and character in the film. However, details have been changed around a fair bit, sometimes to the point of non-recognition, and I'm very much putting my own spin on the plot.

This has nothing to do with anything, but I just though I'd respond to your thoughts.

So now it's a matter of watching where this thing drives off to.

*hops in the cab* :D

You'll just have to tag along for the ride, won't you?;)

Oh yes, and kudos for getting so many motoring puns into one post.:p

I can't say I've ever seen the film. Little bits here and there maybe, but never the whole thing I'm afraid.

Well, you should. One, it'll give you a better understanding of this story, and Two, it's bloody brilliant.:D

(Also Little Russia made me laugh. I don't know why, it just did. Now I have hopes of the whole place being full of people with Russian accents :D)

I don't have plans to show you the district, but yes, you can expect the people with Russian accents. The idea was that the district is home to Russian and Eastern European emigres, similar to "Little Odessa" in New York. It's the same kind of idea as the "Little Italy" and "Chinatown" districts that can be found in most big cities.

-Matt A-

[Oh look I'm...]

So, we're back to past tense, are we? Very nice.;)

With his careful questioning and overprotective thoughts, William strikes me as a man who geniunely cares for his daughter. Hey, he wouldn't much of a father if he didn't, right? He's also not your typical "distant dad" who isn't involved in Jordan's life. I don't know too many dads who respect the job of a cab driver, even if they're the ones driving the cabs, and a daughter that supports her father in such an occupation: if I'm not making any sense, just know that I find this very interesting.;) ;) ;)

We'll have to see how it goes. The one thing that "tickled me pink" was the fact that Salisbury (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury) was listed as one of the locations on the map. Salisbury!?!:D I won't go too far in saying what's obviously being said (yeah, that confused me too :sweat: ). Dude, I feel the same way you do about Salibury, and I'll leave it at that. Okay, if you have absolutely no idea what I'm taking about, consider this: Matt might live in Salisbury.:p That's right. I think.:sweat: :sweat: Don't get me wrong; I totally support Matt's use of that location. I just find it very amusing, that's all.:D

All in all, it was an enticing beginning, by my standards. We'll just have to see what kind of a night we're in for.:raven:

[Anima]

well, like some other people, I also haven't seen the movie Collateral, but someone told me it was good. I read the wikipedia entry and now I'm totally hooked. I'm interested to see how you're going to work Raven in the Vincent role. It's always interesting seeing a normally "good guy" character put into a situation when they are quite obviously a "bad guy."

William seems like the all around likeable character. I noticed and really liked the fact that William is a black man who never really cared about being black. Too often in fiction I've noticed that authors think of this as a obstacle to be overcame and not often enough is it the reality of most of (my experience in)America: a fact, just like the color of your hair. So, Kudos.

so, I'm gonna sit here and wait for another chapther. *sits cross legged on the floor and begins to twiddle thumbs*

[Matt A]

So, we're back to past tense, are we? Very nice.;)

The traditional way seemed better here. That, and I haven't used it for a while.;)

With his careful questioning and overprotective thoughts, William strikes me as a man who geniunely cares for his daughter. Hey, he wouldn't much of a father if he didn't, right? He's also not your typical "distant dad" who isn't involved in Jordan's life. I don't know too many dads who respect the job of a cab driver, even if they're the ones driving the cabs, and a daughter that supports her father in such an occupation: if I'm not making any sense, just know that I find this very interesting.;) ;) ;)

No, I get what you mean. My plan here was simply to do something different from the usual domestic cliches: a father who looks out for his kids, a teenage daughter who isn't stroppy and rebellious, a family that actually get on well with each other, that kind of thing. I'm not aiming for a picture of domestic harmony, 'cause that's just vomit-inducing, but adding the usual hysterics into this kind of story would only pitch it into melodrama. And yes, it is kinda interesting.:)

The one thing that "tickled me pink" was the fact that Salisbury (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury) was listed as one of the locations on the map. Salisbury!?!:D I won't go too far in saying what's obviously being said (yeah, that confused me too :sweat: ). Dude, I feel the same way you do about Salibury, and I'll leave it at that. Okay, if you have absolutely no idea what I'm taking about, consider this: Matt might live in Salisbury.:p That's right. I think.:sweat: :sweat: Don't get me wrong; I totally support Matt's use of that location. I just find it very amusing, that's all.:D

I actually drew up this map about a year ago, so if using Salisbury is a deliberate nod or just a subconscious thing, I really don't remember. Considering it is where I currently live, yes, it was probably deliberate: it'd certainly be a very me thing to do.;) Either way, the "Salisbury" district is intend to be a sleepy, semi-wealthy suburb, and even if you don't know the real town, the name kinda fits.

well, like some other people, I also haven't seen the movie Collateral, but someone told me it was good. I read the wikipedia entry and now I'm totally hooked.

Good-o. It's nice to know I have good taste.:D

I'm interested to see how you're going to work Raven in the Vincent role. It's always interesting seeing a normally "good guy" character put into a situation when they are quite obviously a "bad guy."

Besides the fact that I love the original film, this was actually my main attraction to the story. As you've probably worked out by now, playing twisted games with traditional morals is my favourite trick.:evil:

One that I'll say for now is that, in regards to her Vincent role, Raven will be on a slightly different tack. She'll be fitting the nihilistic part, 'cause that's what Raven is anyway, but...you'll just have to read on and find out, won't you?;)

William seems like the all around likeable character.

Absolutely. As with Max in Collateral, the idea with William is to see what happens when an Everyman gets landed in a situation this extraordinary.;)

I noticed and really liked the fact that William is a black man who never really cared about being black. Too often in fiction I've noticed that authors think of this as a obstacle to be overcame and not often enough is it the reality of most of (my experience in)America: a fact, just like the color of your hair. So, Kudos.

That's pretty much my opinion, too. Like all the dysfunctional family stuff, it's always dramatic, and always hits the right notes, but sometimes it's more interesting to deal with characters who don't have those kinds of problems. Okay, so racism isn't dead, even in America, and sadly, it won't even be on its last legs for a long time yet, but I like to thing we're all mature enough to just leave the issue be for a little while.

All in all, it was an enticing beginning, by my standards. We'll just have to see what kind of a night we're in for.:raven:

With luck, and a decent following wind, it certainly won't be a dull one.;):D

And on that note...

so, I'm gonna sit here and wait for another chapther. *sits cross legged on the floor and begins to twiddle thumbs*

I actually wrote the first few paragraphs of chapter two last night. I'll try and get it finished this afternoon, but I ain't promising nowt.:sweat:

-Matt A-

[Oh look I'm...]

...a father who looks out for his kids, a teenage daughter who isn't stroppy and rebellious, a family that actually get on well with each other, that kind of thing. I'm not aiming for a picture of domestic harmony, 'cause that's just vomit-inducing, but adding the usual hysterics into this kind of story would only pitch it into melodrama.Considering that such families do exist in the real world (some of you look shocked to hear that, but it's true), your use of the characters makes it all the more relatable, as relatable as a respite from the chaotic world most fiction writers use can be.:sweat: I know: I'm not making sense again. I need a pill or something.:sweat: She'll be fitting the nihilistic part, 'cause that's what Raven is anyway...Well, I wouldn't say that. Your interpretation of Raven might be that she considers morality a relative term, but that isn't true for everyone else (the writers of the TV show might back me up here).;) However, interpretations aside, it will prove to be quite an exciting experience to see Raven in that light.:D She, besides Robin, is probably the darkest of the Titans, making her an ideal candidate for the role--which, I think, was what you were getting at from the start.:)

[Matt A]

Considering that such families do exist in the real world (some of you look shocked to hear that, but it's true), your use of the characters makes it all the more relatable, as relatable as a respite from the chaotic world most fiction writers use can be.:sweat: I know: I'm not making sense again. I need a pill or something.:sweat:
If you want a pill, then help yourself, but I get what you mean.;) Okay, so families have their arguments, they always have and they always will, but the kind of dysfunctional mayhem we see on TV is rarer than we like to think. It's just one of those things.;)

Well, I wouldn't say that. Your interpretation of Raven might be that she considers morality a relative term, but that isn't true for everyone else (the writers of the TV show might back me up here).;) However, interpretations aside, it will prove to be quite an exciting experience to see Raven in that light.:D She, besides Robin, is probably the darkest of the Titans, making her an ideal candidate for the role--which, I think, was what you were getting at from the start.:)
Pretty much, yes. Robin is a very sombre, complicated and, at times, vicious person, but despite this, he's a little too black-and-white in outlook: if he started killing people, you'd automatically suspect that he was being forced, Apprentice-style. Raven isn't amoral, not by any stretch of the imagination (and I'm well aware of that), but she has enough of the "all the world sucks" attitude for it seem credible that she's gone over the edge.

And on that note, here is the next chapter. For once, it's on time.:D I won't say anything about what's in it, 'cause either I'll spoil it, or it'll be stuff you've already anticipated. But it's all interesting content, and for me to be happy with it...;)

There's one thing I will say, though. As this story is set within such a concentrated period of time, most of the chapters are set directly after each other. Ergo, it may be necessary to re-read the ending of one chapter before starting on the next, just in case things suddenly don't make sense. Or I'm just being patronising. We'll see.:sweat:

But anyway, here's the chapter. Have fun...


Chapter Two.
December 24th, 10:16pm.

The woman moved round to the rear door, opening it and sliding onto the back seat. She closed the door again and placed the briefcase in the other footwell.

William flicked the switch on his fare-meter. It started at $3, and would go up from there. “Where are we headed?”

“28 Westchester Drive, Alighieri. You know it?”

“Yeah, I know it.” The northern end of Finchley Village. He knew it alright.

William turned the ignition, pulling out of the parking space and turning a 180 in the road, heading back the way he came. Not the most ethical of manoeuvres, but right now, the only other cars on Gregorian Avenue were parked. He already knew the route he’d take to Alighieri: the reverse of his previous route until he got to Lincoln Park, then take Roland Dagget Boulevard through Slough. Should be easy.

The woman looked up. “How long do you think this will take?”

“Seventeen minutes.”

“Seventeen minutes. Not sixteen, not eighteen?”

“Seven to Lincoln Circle, two across the park, another seven along Roland Dagget, then a final minute to Westchester. That’s if we’re lucky with the lights. If not, then add in an extra minute, maybe two if you broke some mirrors beforehand.”

The woman raised an eyebrow. “You superstitious?”

“No. Just trying to be funny.”

“Hmm.”

William shrugged. She obviously wasn’t in the mood for laughter, though he could’ve spotted that before she even got in.

He briefly glanced at the woman in the rear-view mirror. She was definitely no older than twenty-five, though quite tall, and obviously knew of regular exercise. And also quite pretty, he had to admit, even if being pale to the point of looking dead wasn’t his favourite look. Her blue eyes, even when swollen with previous tears, were curiously large, and her black hair was also much shorter than he’d expect of a girl her age. She seemed like the kind of person who was very careful about her appearance, but only so she could make it look like what she needed it to. Practical, rather than vain.

William made the right-hander onto Forest Drive. So far, the timings were going his way.

“So, what brings you outside on Christmas Eve?” he asked. Though he was interested, for his part, he only asked these kinds of questions out of habit.

The woman shrugged. “There’s business to take care of. Same as you.”

She obviously didn’t want to specify what business. He wouldn’t pry.

“Yeah, I know how it is. Bills need to be paid, and all the rest of it.”

“Something like that.”

The woman went silent. Not the small-talk type, then. William carried on driving, eyeing the scenery as he went. Forest Drive was expensive and popular, home to jewellers and boutiques and department stores and a billion other ways to waste your bountiful money. The tourists always flocked to Avido Way or 42nd Avenue, but if you were after purchases rather than souvenirs, then Forest Drive was where you went.

“How’s being a cabbie working for you? Just a way to pay the bills?”

Okay, so maybe she did want to chat.

“Not really. It’s a good job. Pays well, keeps me busy. I get to travel around a lot too, in a way.”

“And the night shift? I’ve never seen the fun side of that myself.”

“It’s better than the day shift. There’s less traffic, and people are less stressed. It’s better driving, better conversation and better tips.”

The woman smiled, though it was there and gone in a second. “There’s always that, I suppose.”

She paused for a second, as if not sure how to say what she wanted to say next.

“Listen, about what happened before I got in.” she eventually said. “I’ve just been having a stomach bug for the last few days. But I’m feeling better now. You don’t need to worry about me vomiting all over your upholstery.”

William shrugged. “I wasn’t going to ask. Your business is your business.”

Which was true. Whatever it was she was doing previously, a stomach bug sure as hell didn’t factor into things. He was more than happy to talk about his own business, but if she didn’t want to return the favour, then that was fine by him as well. This was all just small-talk to fill up the seventeen minutes.

They were at Lincoln Circle. William turned left, then a few hundred yards later, turned right onto Mornington Lane. This would take him across the park to the start of Roland Dagget. During the day, this one-mile lane would take ten minutes by itself, but at twenty-past-ten on Christmas Eve, it was deserted.

Since he first saw her, a quiet suspicion had been building in William’s mind about this woman. Now, suddenly, what was previously a thought had become fact in his mind. There wasn’t a specific reason for this change, more that all the little details had now come together to form a conclusion. And though he said he wouldn’t pry, he’d kick himself for days if he didn’t ask her about this.

They reached the end of Mornington Lane. Roland Dagget was just opposite on the junction. Annoying, the lights were red. Best add on that extra minute.

Now they were stopped, William turned his head round to face the woman.

“So, what about you? How’s being Raven working out?”

The woman stared at him. “Excuse me?”

Before William could answer, the lights turned orange, then green. He turned back to the road, pulling out from the junction and onto Roland Dagget.

“I’ve been a cabbie for fourteen years.” he said. “I know how to read people. You’re twenty, twenty-five at the oldest. People your age don’t wear suits, and even if they do, they don’t carry around top-drawer briefcases like yours. Which instantly makes me think, your outfit is a disguise. It’s a good one, I admit, ‘cause the people you’d pass on the street wouldn’t pay attention the way I have. But still, if this is a disguise, then the obvious question is, why are you hiding? There could be a million and one reasons for that, but if you’re a Teen Titan sitting in a cab, then the need to hide makes sense. Why you’re suddenly going incognito, I have no idea, and I guess you aren’t going to tell me.

“Besides, my teenage daughter has a poster of you guys that’s bigger than she is. You might have dyed your hair and changed your clothes, but yours is a face I’d know from a mile off.”

Raven sighed deeply. “I knew this was a bad idea.”

William shrugged. “I wouldn’t say that. Like I said, I’ve just had practise at this sort of thing.”

“In that case, you get your ten points.”

“Thankyou.” William paused for a second. He might as well ask the question. “So, why are you sat in my cab?”

“If I wanted you to know that, would I have seriously picked this method of transport?”

“I guess not.”

William went silent. He didn’t mind the sarcasm, because Raven was infamous for it anyway, but he knew an invitation to shut up when he heard it.

Roland Dagget Boulevard was one of the biggest roads in Jump City, only a central reservation and few stilts short of being a full-blown freeway. But as it currently stood, it was still thriving with traffic, even now. Slough tended to attract that: this was the financial zone, where everyone always had Places To Go and People To See. This was true skyscraper territory, even more so than Downtown, a sanctuary for millions of tonnes of faceless steel and glass. William seldom had business here, with most of Slough’s inhabitants being either too rich or too proud to use a mere taxicab.

Raven was leaning against the window, staring out at the uniform scenery. “You’ve already figured out the big bit,” she suddenly said, “so I might as well tell you the rest.

“The man who lives in 28 Westchester Drive is my boyfriend. I met him at a charity event I had to go a while ago. We’ve been seeing each other on and off for about two months now. I get free time when I can, change into civilian clothes, and then go off and meet him in various places. I’m going to his house now so I can spend Christmas Day with him. That’s all I’m telling you, and I’d appreciate it if you kept this to yourself. I want the press to keep their collective nose out of my personal life.”

William raised an eyebrow. He knew full well that was a lie: she wouldn’t tell him something that personal if it were true. Whatever she was really going to 28 Westchester Drive for, it was something bigger than that, something that made her prefer offering herself to the gossip columns. But it wasn’t his business.

There was still another four minutes until Raven’s destination. Perhaps he ought to keep the conversation going.

“What do you think of Jump City?” he asked. It was as good as anything.

Raven shrugged. “Honestly? I hate this place. I know I grew up in another city…somewhere else, the urban environment isn’t new to me, but here? This city just has no soul.”

She pointed to car just ahead, in the lane to the right. It was a Land Rover Freelander, a grey one.

“You see that car?” she said. “Do you know who’s driving it? Do you know where they’ve come from, where they’re going to? Do you know anything about their life, their hopes, dreams, fears, successes, heartbreaks? I doubt it. Eight million people live in this city, and if you died right now, I guarantee not even one percent would hear about it.”

That didn’t sound so bad to William. Strictly speaking, one percent of eight million was still quite a lot.

“But that’s just me. What about you?”

“It’s my home.” William said after a second.

Raven smiled briefly. “Is that ‘home’ as in “it’s where I lay my hat”, or is that ‘home’ as in “it’s where my heart belongs”?”

“Both. I was born here, and I grew up here. I knew this city like the back of my hand even before I became a cabbie. I understand what you said, though. I guess you just need time to get to know this place.”

“How about four years of crime-fighting?”

William laughed. “That might do it.”

They were just leaving Slough. Roland Dagget continued through Finchley Village and on into Jamestown, but William needed to turn off here. Starting with Angel Grove just coming up on the right, there were half-a-dozen roads to take before Westchester Drive. But it shouldn’t be any longer a minute.

“You know,” William said as he turned onto Angel, “I grew up only a few miles from where we’re going. Gravesend, just to the south. Not quite as nice as this, but still, it ain’t the ‘hood.”

Raven smiled. “It is a small world, isn’t it?”

“You know the place?”

“Not especially. I just didn’t expect this to be a homecoming for you.”

“It isn’t really. I live out in Jamestown these days. Slightly safer for Jordan.”

That much was true. Jamestown was right on the eastern edge of the city, just before you got to the forests. Along with Salisbury, Jamestown was Jump’s leafy suburbia. Finchley wasn’t too bad, though: the same kind of ambience, but the houses were older and smaller. 19th-century red-brick terraces, mostly, well-built but not exactly prestigious. Alighieri was pretty sought after, though. Whoever Raven was going to see, they’d have money.

“Jordan’s your daughter, right?” Raven asked. “The one with the poster?”

William laughed. “Yeah, that’s her.”

“A fan of mine?”

“That’s an understatement. She practically worships you guys.”

“A lot of kids seem to.” Raven glanced down towards her briefcase. “Would she like an autograph?”

“No, that’s alright. You said you didn’t want anyone to know you were here. I’ll just have to make sure she never finds out.”

Raven smiled, genuinely this time. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

William already found himself making the left turn into Westchester Drive. He’d spent so much time in Finchley over the years, he could (and did) drive round this place on instinct. Most of the time, that wasn’t a bright idea, but he could get away with it on Christmas Eve.

They’d arrived at Westchester about half-way along its length, so number 23 was just up ahead, on the left. This street was typical Finchley, a red-brick terrace with steps up the doors and little trees lining the sidewalk. If there was snow tonight, you could take a photo and stick it on a Christmas card. William parked up on the right, opposite 23, and switched off the engine.

“I guess this is my stop.” Raven said, picking up her briefcase. “How much is the fare?”

William looked down at the meter. He’d damn near forgotten about it.

“Twenty-one dollars.”

“Good deal.” Raven pulled a brown leather wallet out of an inside jacket pocket, one that looked as if it was worth more than the money it contained. She pulled out two tens and a one, put them in William’s outstretched hand and replaced her wallet.

“Have a good Christmas.” William said with a smile.

Raven opened the door. “You too.”

[dreyga2000]

Well... I gotta admit I'm hooked. I like the way you the dialogue felt in this can exactly put my finger on but it I was taken back by, I must say the idea of this story is very original and refreshing.. though I must admit I haven't seen Collateral but I hope that excperience that much. Looking forward to the next chapter:D

[TeenTitansGO!]

I've decided to take on an experiment. I'm going to read this story, and THEN watch Collateral. We'll see what comes of it.

You shocked me when you said that that was Raven. I enjoy the way you "treat" her. You've always been able to grasp this nearly defiant yet sensibly tactful personality with her. No doubt, she and William have are a very good combination for dialogue, but that could be because of your skill as well. Man, what I'd give to sit down with you and discuss writing techniques. Anyway, enough of my eternal praise of anything remotely related to the word "welsh." (ha)

Are your chapters shorter this time around? You're paragraphs are much shorter I know, but it seems I'm not reading as much. That's OK, it's just noticeable.

I was kind of wondering. One of your streets is named Angel Grove, and seeing as I quit watching Power Rangers only five years ago at the age of twelve, I'm going to reminisce of the old days. In the original Power Rangers, Angel Grove was the name of the city they operated out of.

This is me wishing I could write dialogue like you. I said this already, but seriously. Heck, I'm working on a chapter right now, and maybe I'll send it to you or something, and you can help me with it. (I know what you're thinking. Yeah, I'm not exactly abundant with free time either.):D

You know what, thanks for writing here. I love this stuff.:p

Anyway, continue with the next masterpiece.

TTG~Matt H. yeah, at least that's what they call me

[Matt A]

Well... I gotta admit I'm hooked.

After only two chapters? Hmm, I call that a plus.:D

I like the way you the dialogue felt in this can exactly put my finger on but it I was taken back by

No doubt, she and William have are a very good combination for dialogue, but that could be because of your skill as well.

This too gives me a happy.:D:D

To answer Matt H's point first, I'd say William and Raven are a pretty good combination. As with Max and Vincent in Collateral, I'm essentially pairing an Everyman with someone who can't be ordinary even when they try.;)

To answer the general praise for you both...I wouldn't say it's any innate skill I possess, or least not any I'm aware of.;) Truth be told, what I mostly do is try to follow my Screenwriting lecturer's advice: make sure that what you write resembles what people really say. If a line doesn't feel "right", I'll repeat it a few times, and then tweak it if I need to. It's not rocket science.:p

I must say the idea of this story is very original and refreshing..

Considering this is a remake (strictly speaking), I'm not 100% sure if that compliment applies, but nonetheless, thankyou.:)

though I must admit I haven't seen Collateral

Do so, now. If only because it's ace.:)

I've decided to take on an experiment. I'm going to read this story, and THEN watch Collateral. We'll see what comes of it.

That could be interesting. 'Course, it also means you'll be waiting a very long time.;)

You shocked me when you said that that was Raven. I enjoy the way you "treat" her. You've always been able to grasp this nearly defiant yet sensibly tactful personality with her.

I'm not sure if I should be glad that I shocked you. I mean, William's line was supposed to be a suprise, but then again, I thought I'd made it kinda obvious who she was. Again, I wanted it to be a suprise, but when "the woman" appeared in the first chapter...well, how many people could it have been?:p Still, now we know that "the woman" is Raven, and thus the antagonist of this story, I suggest you go re-read her introduction in the first chapter. It gives away some fairly crucial information.;)

Are your chapters shorter this time around? You're paragraphs are much shorter I know, but it seems I'm not reading as much. That's OK, it's just noticeable.

This chapter was mostly dialogue, so the paragraphs would seem shorter...but yes, I am planning on writing briefer chapters this time round. Part of the reason why I gave up on STT3 was that I wound up writing 4-5,000-word chapters on nothing, or chapters that took that long to get anywhere, and I want to be more to-the-point this time round. That, and the very compact setting, in both time and space, means there's less room to waffle.:)

I was kind of wondering. One of your streets is named Angel Grove, and seeing as I quit watching Power Rangers only five years ago at the age of twelve, I'm going to reminisce of the old days. In the original Power Rangers, Angel Grove was the name of the city they operated out of.

Actually, that's a complete coincidence. I simply wanted the kind of name you give when trying to make a place sound idyllic, and thus probably not be such in reality. Like the "City of God" in Rio de Janeiro.;)

Still, that's very weird.:eek:

Man, what I'd give to sit down with you and discuss writing techniques.

This is me wishing I could write dialogue like you. I said this already, but seriously. Heck, I'm working on a chapter right now, and maybe I'll send it to you or something, and you can help me with it.

That's very flattering. Thankyou.:D

But still, being completely serious, I don't think you need the help. If you want me to look at your next chapter, then by all means, but I imagine it'll be good enough. You ain't exactly a newbie.;)

-Matt A-

[Oh look I'm...]

You shocked me when you said that that was Raven.I would've been shocked, if Matt A didn't say: Basically, this is a Teen Titans-based reworking of the 2004 Michael Mann film Collateral, with Raven taking on Vincent's role.

By the way, Roland Daggett called: he wants his street back.;)

[Pun-3x]

Well, we have a good start-up to these two characters getting together. Considering this won't be the first meeting, it's rather important. We're shown that Roland is pretty good with figuring people out (though even he admits that a face like Raven's is hard to miss, what with a huge poster in his daughters room featuring the team). I have a feeling this will come in rather handy later down the line, and probably be featured as a major role in the plotline at some point.

It's too soon to comment on Raven, I think. Though I like the handling of her so far. I just have this feeling we're going to be taking Raven down a different direction than we might be used to, so I'm curious to see exactly how.

Very nice so far. :)

[Matt A]

I would've been shocked, if Matt A didn't say: Basically, this is a Teen Titans-based reworking of the 2004 Michael Mann film Collateral, with Raven taking on Vincent's role.

Well, that's true. But, then again, just because a pale-skinned young woman gets into his cab, it doesn't necessarily mean it's Raven.;)

By the way, Roland Daggett called: he wants his street back.;)

I thought you might catch that. I just thought it funny that a major street through a major financial district (oh yes, and there's a joke with that name as well) should be named after one of Gotham's most notorious criminals. Has a certain dramatic irony to it, don't you think?:evil:

Well, we have a good start-up to these two characters getting together. Considering this won't be the first meeting, it's rather important.

Indeed. As I've said before, the tent-pole of this story is the relationship between William and Raven. The fact that they get on so well here serves to greater contrast their falling-out later on.;)

We're shown that Roland is pretty good with figuring people out (though even he admits that a face like Raven's is hard to miss, what with a huge poster in his daughters room featuring the team). I have a feeling this will come in rather handy later down the line, and probably be featured as a major role in the plotline at some point.

Just to make the point clear, the cabbie's name is William. Roland is the name of a street.;)

But on a more serious note, yes, William is very intuitive. The way I see it, his job means that he meets people for the first time at least several dozen times a day, so he's very experienced at analysing first impressions. And yes, this facet of his character will come to be very important.:)

It's too soon to comment on Raven, I think. Though I like the handling of her so far. I just have this feeling we're going to be taking Raven down a different direction than we might be used to, so I'm curious to see exactly how.

Only a slightly different direction, I think. I won't say a great deal here though, because her current character is largely determined by her motive for this night's actions, and explaining her motive will give away a fairly crucial plot twist. But nevertheless, whilst Raven in The Policeman is a cold-blooded and highly capable killer, she's still the Raven we know and love.:)

-Matt A-

[DeathscytheVII]

Roland daggett, caught the BTAS reference :D nice one! And the financial district too, hehe. I guess ole roland's business didn't extend to just gotham. HAHA and angel grove! man this cab ride is like a stroll down memory lane.

Anyways Matt, its been awhile since ive had time to review and read fics, but you took the effort to read mine so I should at least return the favor, besides, i've missed your serious, brooding and unique writing. From the flavor of the descriptions and atmosphere, I'm really getting the ole 'sin city + collateral' vibe, which is quite refreshing considering all the times we've seen Jump city is in bright sun shine. Also, funny thing, as soon as you said the woman was crying and was around 25 years old, I knew you just stamped a big "RAVEN" sign on her haha. I've always liked your take on mature Raven, especially from DB.

And the real kicker, the dialogue between Raven and William is just extremely delicious to read. Many writers on the board are talented, but i think you're one of the best when it comes to dialogue. You really have a great grasp at how Raven communicates with other people, but the real genius of it was just how William plays her through the conversation, and even manages to get Raven into a conversation for once! Something i'd never expect but as you said, Cab drivers know how to read people. I've talked with a few myself, and they are quite interesting people! Still, i'm confused as to the title, The policeman? hehe, i guess we'll get more answers to that later on.

Once again matt, you're the master of shock ;) the unexpected. When i read this i expected something from the jump city police, but what we have here is something just as intriguing, a collateral-like story that provides us with what an ordinary citizen thinks of the titans, and a great look at what jump city really is like beneath all the sunshine and buildings hehe.

I have a feeling this won't end here, if this is anything like collateral (great movie id recommend btw!) then there's more to come!

I really have to read your bad seeds too matt. As i've always said, Villains intrigue me more than heroes. Its scary but i think its easier for all of us to identify with a villain than a hero. Heroes are who we aspire to be, villains are what happens when our flaws get the best of us. I mean, come on face it, if we all had super powers, would we be running off to police the world? hehe ;) or get rich super quick?

I've always though of writing a novel myself, but i could never commit to it, so props to you! it should be interesting to read.

[Matt A]

Roland daggett, caught the BTAS reference :D nice one! And the financial district too, hehe. I guess ole roland's business didn't extend to just gotham. HAHA and angel grove! man this cab ride is like a stroll down memory lane.

More or less, yeah. Like I said before, the latter was just one of those cool coincidences, whilst the former was a more deliberate reference. As in, I've never seen any of B:TAS, and trawled through the World's Finest database for about half-an-hour to find a name that fit the joke I was after. So the references are a cool thing, but not 100% intentional on my part.:shrug:

Anyways Matt, its been awhile since ive had time to review and read fics, but you took the effort to read mine so I should at least return the favor, besides, i've missed your serious, brooding and unique writing.

Well, I'm flattered. I like serious and brooding stuff, so it's cool my work has those characteristics, and, personally, I think there's no higher compliment than being called unique. So, thankyou.:D

And yes, I'm glad you decided to return the favour. It's a favoured policy of mine as well.;)

From the flavor of the descriptions and atmosphere, I'm really getting the ole 'sin city + collateral' vibe, which is quite refreshing considering all the times we've seen Jump city is in bright sun shine.

Which is pretty much my thinking too. I've always thought of Jump City as being a lot like LA, with its eternal contradiction of Hollywood glamour and Compton decay, plus a little bit of the San Francisco carnival spirit. In other words, a bit of an odd place, and though with its sunny moments, also very dark and unpleasant: Sin City + Collateral, as you said. A look that, to my mind, is idiosyncratic and interesting.:)

Also, funny thing, as soon as you said the woman was crying and was around 25 years old, I knew you just stamped a big "RAVEN" sign on her haha. I've always liked your take on mature Raven, especially from DB.

Truth be told, my only thoughts on Raven are to go beyond the uber-angsty, "woe-is-me" emo chick that most fan-fics show her as: my vision is of someone profound, vulnerable, heroic and cruel. I don't like her a great deal, but she's a very interesting person.;)

I've already said what I need to say on the obviousness/non-obviousness of Raven's first appearance, so I'll give a different thought here. Considering the role she'll come to have in this story, what does it mean that I introduced her as a woman leaning against a wall, crying and chucking her guts up? Think about it.;)

And the real kicker, the dialogue between Raven and William is just extremely delicious to read. Many writers on the board are talented, but i think you're one of the best when it comes to dialogue.

Though I've never really done anything deliberate about it, I've always thought dialogue to be one of my stronger points. So thankyou for the praise there.:D And as I've said before, my only real plan on it is just to keep it natural: if you read it aloud and you sound like you've just walked off a cheap fantasy movie, then it's no good.;)

You really have a great grasp at how Raven communicates with other people, but the real genius of it was just how William plays her through the conversation, and even manages to get Raven into a conversation for once! Something i'd never expect but as you said, Cab drivers know how to read people. I've talked with a few myself, and they are quite interesting people!

I have to agree with you there. Because they spend so much time ferrying around complete strangers, I guess they have to be good at kick-starting
conversations with just about anyone. After all, even Raven would want to pass the time.;)

Actually, here's an interesting point about the conversation. If you pay attention, you'll notice that it's actually completely banal: all the important informstion is contained in what William infers. Raven wants her every word to be her last, yet William keeps on drawing out stuff she hasn't even realised she said. He could be a very good interrogator, I think.;)

Still, i'm confused as to the title, The policeman? hehe, i guess we'll get more answers to that later on.

Probably not, or at least not in a concrete sense. If you want a hint, just look up where the word "policeman" comes from.;)

Once again matt, you're the master of shock ;) the unexpected.

Well, I try my best.:D:evil:

When i read this i expected something from the jump city police, but what we have here is something just as intriguing, a collateral-like story that provides us with what an ordinary citizen thinks of the titans, and a great look at what jump city really is like beneath all the sunshine and buildings hehe.

Precisely. As I've said a few times before, one thing I've always wished Teen Titans had done was to look at the relationship between the Titans and the city they protect. Or, to put it your way, what Jump City really thinks of its protectors. Well, seeing as the show never really did that - true, there was For Real, but that was more about Titans East - now's my chance to plug the gap.:D

And now you've brought up the idea, I might just have to write a JCPD-based story someday. Something in a COPS-type vein, I think.:)

I have a feeling this won't end here, if this is anything like collateral (great movie id recommend btw!) then there's more to come!

You know, I'm amazed how many of you know about Collateral. And, more to the point, think it's brilliant. I must have good taste.;):D

But anyway, your point. Yes, I can guarantee right now that this story has barely even begun...:D:evil:

I really have to read your bad seeds too matt. As i've always said, Villains intrigue me more than heroes. Its scary but i think its easier for all of us to identify with a villain than a hero. Heroes are who we aspire to be, villains are what happens when our flaws get the best of us. I mean, come on face it, if we all had super powers, would we be running off to police the world? hehe ;) or get rich super quick?

Exactly. I for one would be robbing the nearest bank before you could say "prime evildoer".:evil:

Yes, I'd like to know what you think of The Bad Seeds. I think you'll like it.:D But be set for a fair bit o' reading: thirty-seven chapters and climbing.:eek:

I've always though of writing a novel myself, but i could never commit to it, so props to you! it should be interesting to read.

Bear in mind that I've now been writing it for over a year. The trick is to not get so obsessed with it that you run out of energy after the first half-dozen chapters.;)

-Matt A-

[Oh look I'm...]

Yes, I'd like to know what you think of The Bad Seeds. I think you'll like it.:D But be set for a fair bit o' reading: thirty-seven chapters and climbing.:eek:And he says that he's only 2/3 finished!?!:eek: :eek: :eek:

[Matt A]

Closer to 3/4 now, actually. But yes, it's still something of a mountain.:sweat:

Well, life's full of small challenges.:p

-Matt A-

[Matt A]

And now, because I'm just so nice an' all, here is chapter numero three. It's getting late (or early, to be precise) over this side of the pond, so I'll be brief with my intro notes this time round.

This chapter takes a little while to get going, but please, stick through it, 'cause the preamble is there just to kill time until the main event. And said main event is easily the most important in this part of the story, so to avoid spoiling it for those who don't know the story, I'll just say this: I hope I've done it justice.:sweat:

Still, I'll wait and see what y'all think. Enjoy...


Chapter Three.
December 24th. 10:38pm.

William watched Raven walk across the road, then up the front steps of the house. She reached the front door, pressed the bell and stepped back a pace. She waited calmly, holding her briefcase behind her back with both hands. She didn’t do anything else, just stood there and waited.

It was another twenty-thirty seconds before the door opened. Raven hadn’t pressed the bell a second time, obviously confident the first ring had been heard. She was greeted by a white man in his early fifties, short and slightly overweight, with greying hair and stubble. Like the grey, he had the outfit of someone a good twenty years older: green jacket, white shirt and beige trousers. He quickly welcomed Raven in, all surprised smiles like an old friend, closing the door behind them both.

So this definitely wasn’t a boyfriend situation. The old man more than likely lived alone, and unless Raven was even weirder than her reputation suggested, he probably didn’t feature on her romantic radar. If she had one at all. ‘Course, this was some very big Ifs, but what else did he have to go on?

William wasn’t entirely sure why he watched any of that. He was curious about what Raven was up to, being entirely human that way, but he knew this was none of his business, and something she wouldn’t appreciate being monitored. Still, he was here anyway, and he’d done it now.

The night was still an infant, and William really ought to be out finding fares, but he knew he could stop here for a few minutes. Being Christmas Eve and all, there wasn’t likely to be a rush for cabs in the next ten seconds, and Dispatch knew this as well as he did. Besides, Lenny was the only one who hassled the drivers, and he wasn’t on tonight. He knew Raven and the old man would be suspicious, with him not moving on an’ all, but he’d cross that bridge if he ever came to it.

Besides, he needed breakfast.

William’s metabolism was always weird. For as long as he could remember, he couldn’t eat until at least an hour after getting up: if he was tired, his stomach couldn’t keep the food down. No one really knew why, but that’s just how it was. It had its advantages, though: he never took longer than half-an-hour to get ready for work, which meant that he could sleep for longer and eat on the road. Usually, breakfast was two hours into his shift, but seeing as he’d had to give Jordan a lift, it was now three. And he was getting kinda hungry.

Tonight’s breakfast was a 6” BLT sub, fresh from Clancy’s, a small deli opposite Kaufman Cabs. Unlike most people, he preferred getting his food from cafes and delis, rather than fast food joints: even before Super Size Me, he just didn’t trust those kinds of places. His theory was that you should only work in catering if you enjoyed food, and in McDonalds, even the overweight ones were miserable.

William popped open the glovebox and pulled out the Clancy’s bag. As he ate hi sub, he couldn’t help but think of Jordan. Breakfast and his daughter weren’t naturally associated, but that wasn’t the point. He wondered how she was getting on at the Cathedral: if his similar experiences were any judge, she was probably somewhere between euphoric and mortally terrified. Still, at least it would be memorable.

But that wasn’t just what he wondered about. He and his daughter got on very well, that much he knew and was grateful for, but how much did he really know abut her? Were they any activities, passions or addictions that she was keeping secret? Were there any troubles that would rear their heads in later years? A lot of parents had sat in the back of his cab, so he knew he wasn’t alone in these kinds of fears, but his situation was still very particular. With his working hours and everything else, he simply couldn’t spend as much time with Jordan as he needed to. There was only the hour each morning and evening between his work and her school, and most days he’d be lucky if they had that. But he had to pay the bills, so what else could he do?

He was half-way through his sub when he noticed it. On the back seat, by the passenger-side door, was a mobile phone. It was one of those lozenge-shaped ones, with a flip-up top. A Motorola, from the looks of things. Either way, it was black, and looked expensive. It wasn’t there before he’d picked up Jordan, that much he knew for certain, and he also know that she didn’t have a phone like that. Hers was a Nokia, which he’d bought as a present last Christmas. That could only mean the phone was Raven’s: it must’ve fallen out of her pocket when she left. Privacy or no privacy, she’d want it back.

With a small sigh, William put the remains of his sub back in the bag, reached over the seat and grabbed the phone. He got out of the cab, shutting the door behind him.

This was the first time he’d been outside in over two hours, and the fresh air felt good. He was in California, so it was still humid, but then again, he was a native Californian, so he didn’t care. It was just nice to be out of the cab for a few minutes.

Now he was outside, he had a quick look at the cab. It was amazing just how often he forgot what it looked like whilst he was driving: after fifteen years of using the same vehicle, it perhaps wasn’t surprising. The cab was a Ford Crown Victoria, like most cabs, and was painted in blocks of red and yellow, with the words “Kaufman Cabs” in black down the side. It wasn’t especially pretty, but it was eye-catching, and that was the more important thing in his case. Still, the look of the thing didn’t matter a great deal.

William walked across the street and up the front steps of the house. He pressed the doorbell, then waited. Ten-fifteen seconds later, nothing had happened, so he rang it again. He didn’t have Raven’s patience when it came to doorbells. He rang it a third time, and a few seconds later, the door opened.

Surprisingly, it was Raven who was stood on the other side. And she looked none too happy about being interrupted, whatever it was she was doing.

“What?” she snapped.

William held up the phone. “You left this in the cab. I though you might want it back.”

“Thanks.” she said, clearly annoyed at losing it rather than glad to have it back.

She took the phone out of William’s hand, almost snatching it. “That all?”

“Yes.”

Just as Raven started to close the door, William noticed something. Behind the front door, a white-painted reception hall continued for about twenty feet. The door at the end was open, and something was sticking out into the doorway to the left. It looked like a pair of brown shoes, being worn by someone lying down.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“What’s what?” Raven replied, a little testily.

William pointed to the shoes. “That.”

He wasn’t sure what made him feel so uncharacteristically curious. Perhaps the oddity of it. Perhaps not. Either way, he’d asked the question.

Either way, the answer caught him by surprise. Raven suddenly grabbed him by the collar, pulling him into the house so fast that he stumbled over the ledge and almost fell over. She hauled him upright, slamming the door so hard that it shook, and with a hand on the back of his jumper, frogmarched him down the hallway. He tried to process a little more information, get some baring on his surroundings or Raven’s actions, but everything just moved too quickly for him to keep up.

Within seconds, William was at the end of the hallway, and face-to-face with what he’d seen beyond it. The old man was lying face-up on the white carpet, limbs spread out uncomfortably in the manner of someone knocked down. And he was clearly dead, an expression of shock matched by a bullet hole in his forehead and two more in the chest, each gently leaking blood onto his face and shirt.

Raven held William up by his collar, leaning closer to his ear before speaking.

“You wanted to know what this was, huh? You were so desperate to know? Well, here it is. This is a dead body. This is the man who you saw greeting me only five minutes ago, and I’ve just killed him, not five seconds before you rang the doorbell. Yes, this is me, Raven, a Teen Titan, and I’ve just shot a man in the chest and head, and I’ve killed him. That’s what I came here to do, and that’s what I’ve just done. Are you happy now, huh?”

Raven let go of his collar and stepped back a few paces. The doorframe was just to William’s left, so he instinctively grabbed hold of it to stop himself falling over. He’d seen dead bodies before, two of his grandparents and a few crime scenes whilst on the job, but this was a whole new experience for him. This was someone who’d just been shot to death, by a woman he’d been talking to just a few minutes before, and was now in the same room as he was. This was an experience he couldn’t even put words to, let alone emotions.

And then he heard the click, the sound of Raven cocking a gun behind him. He was a cab driver, so having guns pointed at him wasn’t new either, but it was an experience that never ceased to terrify. Death was a very serious possibility here, and he very seriously did not want to die, especially not like the old man by his feet.

“What’s your name?” Raven suddenly asked.

It is often said that, in times of danger, your life flashes before your eyes. But William’s life didn’t flash before his eyes, because he was too frightened to think. Nevertheless, his life depended on providing an answer, so his mouth stammered one out.

“Uhh…uhh…William…uhh…William…uhh…Miller.”

“In that case, William Uhh Miller,” Raven said, ”you are going to do exactly as I say. You are not to speak, you are not to raise your hands, you are not to do anything except what I instruct. If you do not do this, I will kill you, and as Mr Owen Milton here would testify if he could, I’m not above doing that. Now, William, turn around.”

Despite the confusion and fear fogging his brain, William couldn’t help but notice something. Raven’s voice had never moved beyond an icy monotone, and even when first ranting at him, had not raised her voice in any way. But her monotone had so much intensity behind it, a force that could not be measured on any usual scale, that it dug right into the roots of your brain and smacked it about until you started listening. If it wasn’t for the gun and the murder and the death threats, the effect would’ve been mesmerizing.

Taking care not to raise his hands, William slowly turned round until he was facing Raven. She was stood a few feet into the hall, holding her gun with both hands like a trained soldier. He wasn’t an expert on guns – and even if he was, he couldn’t think anyway – so he couldn’t tell the make, but it was a silver pistol with a silencer.

Truth be told, William wasn’t sure what he was feeling right now. This was the fourth time he’d been held at gunpoint, so that was hardly new to him, but this situation was so far out his normal experience that he didn’t have a clue how to react. He was confused and terrified, obviously, but he knew that his survival here depended on doing what he was told quickly and quietly, and he also knew that he couldn’t do this if mind-numbing terror kept him glued to the spot. As if to show how hard this would be, even his usually excellent powers of observation had failed him: all he could say was that the hall was white and had a dark wooden table, and the room he was stood at the entrance of was a study decorated like same. He couldn’t even say where other doors were. The only things in the universe right now were the dead body behind him, and the supposed superhero with a gun in front.

Still, at least he hadn’t thrown up yet. Despite his odd metabolism, he had a strong stomach.

“Well done, William.” Raven said. “I know you must be scared, but you have to get over that and carry on co-operating, or else things will get even more complicated than they already are.

“Now, I shall be honest with you. I have four more places I need to visit tonight, and so there are four more people who will die. I was expecting to just carry on getting cabs around the city, and no one would be any the wiser about what I was doing, but your nosiness has just put a nice little kibosh on that. So, we’re now into Plan B.

“William, go outside and get in your cab. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”

[Atoragon]

Cool.:D this is really interesting, but just one thing is bothering me. Raven doesnt seem like the kind to use a gun, let alone be expertly trained with it. But you are the author, and I am now shutting up.

[TeenTitansGO!]

Well, I don't know if my criticism here is about you or the writer of Collateral's screenplay. This twist was...expected? Not so much expected as standard. I'm way way sorry if that offends you or ticks you off, it's just that my thought are "huh..." rather than "HOLY CRAP!". Like I said, this might be critiquing the screenplay rather than your work.

Very well written however, but I'm missing some of that poetic sense from the Dwr Budr series. I guess, though, that this story doesn't really qualify for that.

I've also a feeling that Will's daughter has a bit more to do with this story than we think. If I'm wrong, then she will, at the end, simply be the producer of a scene of relief that you have in these type of tales.

TTG~Matt H. trying to avoid watching collateral

[Matt A]

Cool.:D this is really interesting,

Thankyou.:D It's always nice to grab people's interest...and, more to the point, this story interests me as much as anyone else. Frankly, I wouldn't write it if it didn't.;):D

but just one thing is bothering me. Raven doesnt seem like the kind to use a gun, let alone be expertly trained with it. But you are the author, and I am now shutting up.

No, that's cool. It's a good point. And, truth be told, it's something that's already occurred to me. However, seeing as the answer is fairly simple, and I'll be providing it later on in the story anyway, I won't say anything here. Try to bear with me on that one.:sweat:

Well, I don't know if my criticism here is about you or the writer of Collateral's screenplay. This twist was...expected? Not so much expected as standard. I'm way way sorry if that offends you or ticks you off, it's just that my thought are "huh..." rather than "HOLY CRAP!". Like I said, this might be critiquing the screenplay rather than your work.

Why would it offend me? I like honesty from people, and besides, you're right.

For what it's worth, Raven going around Jump City killing people is what this story is about. Even if you hadn't seen Collateral before (which you haven't), I was at least expecting you to have read the Wikipedia and/or IMDB entries I provided: either way, you'd come into this story knowing what the "twist" would be, and what kinds of things would follow it. You have to bear in mind that this story is, in its own way, a remake.

And besides, the "twist" has been referred to, both subtly and directly, throughout most of the feedback thus far. Bear that in mind too.;)

So, either way, I'm not surprised that you weren't...well, suprised. The important thing, of course, is that the plot twists that are supposed to be plot twists - which will not be discussed now - do take you unawares. With luck.:sweat:

Very well written however, but I'm missing some of that poetic sense from the Dwr Budr series. I guess, though, that this story doesn't really qualify for that.

Again, that's the point exactly. I'm aiming for "diverting thriller" with this story, much like the film that inspired it, rather than any kind of heart-stopping genius. But I like diverting thrillers, so that's fine with me.:)

I've also a feeling that Will's daughter has a bit more to do with this story than we think. If I'm wrong, then she will, at the end, simply be the producer of a scene of relief that you have in these type of tales.

To put it simply, both alternatives are wrong. Once you figure out why they're wrong, then you'll be at the correct answer.;)

-Matt A-

[Oh look I'm...]

...with the words “Kaufman Cabs” in black down the side.Nice reference to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, mate.;) :anime:

Now, that was a neat chapter, especially since the story is picking up.:D Raven follows Vincent's character pretty much to the letter.;) And despite the fact that the chapter moved along primarily through talk of breakfast, food, and metabolism, I enjoyed the pace. Nothing was really rushed, and even if it was (in some people's opinion), it only added to the hectic schedule of a cab driver. If someone leaves a phone in the cab, the driver better return it... fast.:eek: Of course, now William walked into a situation where he might regret getting up this morning, but that, of course, is what motivates the rest of the night.;)

Probably the biggest thing I'm curious about is why a Teen Titan is knocking off powerless people, but I'm sure you'll explain that in due time, so all I must do is wait. I can do that.

...are we there yet?

[Pun-3x]

Well, it's started. :D

I guess I'm curious as to what we're going to see from Raven besides Gun-toting. Anything too outlandish (standard Raven anyway) may not work in the story, though I suppose it depends on the approach. The other question is if she won't be making use of her standard abilities, what would be the reason? (besides stealth...though I guess that'd be a decent reason)

Well, questions will be answered, one way or another. ;)

[DeathscytheVII]

Interesting matt, when you said this was going to be 'collateral-like' i didnt expect it to be sticking right to the story. The moment didn't surprise me, but I'm still curious where you're gonna take this. I mean, if you're following it completely, then raven is a paid assassin? Hmm, im wondering if it will be any different. And just who was that man...could it be another character on the show? or a completely new guy? hmm....well ill see where this goes. Still great writing, even with the not-so-shocking revelation. The atmosphere is top notch, and i love the GTA reference, really puts ya in the mood for a killing spree anyway haha.

Although we never see Raven use a gun, and it doesn't fit her. When you're a super powered former-hero going on a killing spree, you might as well use it to cover your tracks.

[Matt A]

Now, that was a neat chapter, especially since the story is picking up.:DWell, it's started. :D

Indeed it has. The introductory gubbins are over, and this is where things start getting crazy. At least, the will if I get them right.:sweat:

Nice reference to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, mate.;) :anime:i love the GTA reference, really puts ya in the mood for a killing spree anyway haha.

Truth be told, I don't like Vice City very much, or indeed any of the GTA games. I just wanted the name of the cab company to be a reference, and this was the first thing that sprung to mind.:shrug:

Raven follows Vincent's character pretty much to the letter.;)Interesting matt, when you said this was going to be 'collateral-like' i didnt expect it to be sticking right to the story. The moment didn't surprise me, but I'm still curious where you're gonna take this. I mean, if you're following it completely, then raven is a paid assassin? Hmm, im wondering if it will be any different.

You know, this is an interesting one. The next chapter, when I get around to writing it, will answer most of your questions, so I'm not sure what ought be said here. Still, there is one thing I know I can say: Raven and Vincent are very similar, except for one crucial aspect. This aspect is something I've already hinted at twice.;)

And despite the fact that the chapter moved along primarily through talk of breakfast, food, and metabolism, I enjoyed the pace. Nothing was really rushed, and even if it was (in some people's opinion), it only added to the hectic schedule of a cab driver.The slow opener was fairly deliberate. Because of the nature of such things, the reveal of Raven's "mission" needed to be quick and chaotic, and despite its importance, it wouldn't stretch to a whole chapter. There also needed to be a few minutes between Raven entering the house and William finding the phone, so this wait seemed like the perfect thing to use as filler. Specifically, William having breakfast was just to give him something to do whilst waiting, and the discussion of his metabolism was just an ad-hoc way of explaining why he wasn't eating until several hours into his shift.

Yes, I am that pedantic. I even spent about half an hour deciding what flavour sandwich he should have. I eventually gave him the BLT because, like William, it isn't particularly original or outlandish, yet there's a lot more to it than you think.;)

If someone leaves a phone in the cab, the driver better return it... fast.:eek: Of course, now William walked into a situation where he might regret getting up this morning, but that, of course, is what motivates the rest of the night.;) If you leave your phone in a cab, it usually stays there.:p But that's not my point: the phone was simply a way to get William into the house, and thus to discover Owen Milton's body. The irony is, of course, that if William hadn't been so polite and immediately returned it, then he wouldn't be in the situation he is now.:evil:

I guess I'm curious as to what we're going to see from Raven besides Gun-toting. Anything too outlandish (standard Raven anyway) may not work in the story, though I suppose it depends on the approach. The other question is if she won't be making use of her standard abilities, what would be the reason? (besides stealth...though I guess that'd be a decent reason)

Although we never see Raven use a gun, and it doesn't fit her. When you're a super powered former-hero going on a killing spree, you might as well use it to cover your tracks.

You know, I'm amazed how many people have mentioned this. I didn't even think about it...:eek::sweat:

Still, though I said before that I wouldn't give an answer until later, I suppose I can say something here. Simply put, you've both got it absolutely right.;)

And just who was that man...could it be another character on the show? or a completely new guy? hmm....well ill see where this goes.

Yes, he's a new character. And you won't be finding out who he is until much later on.;)

Still great writing, even with the not-so-shocking revelation. The atmosphere is top notch,

Thankyou. Though I said I wasn't going for a poetic masterpiece here, it's still good to know I can create something with an "air" to it.:D

Probably the biggest thing I'm curious about is why a Teen Titan is knocking off powerless people, but I'm sure you'll explain that in due time, so all I must do is wait. I can do that.Well, questions will be answered, one way or another. ;)

Indeed they will. And most of them won't be for a while, so you'll just have to put up with it. In particular, Raven's motivation is something I intend to leave a little ambiguous, at least until near the end: it should be interesting to see how that one pans out.:D

-Matt A-

[Matt A]

Right then. Here I am, back with a new chapter. Sorry for taking so long over it: I'm back at university now, and the last four weeks have been pretty much non-stop work. Still, I eventually managed to find a gap in my schedule, and here's the result.:D

There's not a lot to say for this one. I've only just realised that a good two-thirds of the stuff I meant to include...well, I kinda totally forgot about, so what is here doesn't really amount to as much as it should. Still, all the other stuff can be mentioned at a later date, so that's fine. And on the plus side, this chapter is nice and short, and was pretty easy for me to write. Which is good.:D

So, that's all for me for introductory stuff. Let's get to the main event...


Chapter Four.
December 24th. 10:49pm.

It was another minute or so before Raven left the house. William hadn’t even considered just driving off and leaving her there, partly because she was a Teen Titan and would thus have the resources to track him, but mostly because his predicament was so huge that such an obvious solution simply hadn’t presented itself.

Raven locked the front door behind her, walked across the street and got in the back of the cab. She put her briefcase in the footwell behind William’s seat, and her right hand, still holding the gun, was rested on her leg. The intent here was obvious: to let him know that, if he made it necessary, she could kill him within a second.

“Abbey Park Police Department.” she said. “How long do you think it’ll take?”

Luckily for William, he could do these kinds of calculations in his sleep. His current mental condition wasn’t far off that anyway. The route would be simple: take the second right onto Arlington Road, head down that until he reached the Asylum nightclub on Spartan Drive, then go right again for three blocks.

“Seventeen, eighteen minutes.” he said after a few seconds.

“Good. Start moving.”

William turned the ignition, the car kicking into life on the first go, and started driving.

He forced himself to start thinking clearer, if only so that he focus on the road. Raven had already told him, if not directly, why he was now going to Abbey Park, and he couldn’t say he liked the thought. Everyone knew that cops took it personally when one of their own was killed, and though he didn’t want to be an accessory to that, or even to any murder, he had to accept he wasn’t the one holding the gun. Again, he wasn’t a stranger to having firearms in his face, but this situation here was so extraordinary, so far outside anything he’d ever even prepared for, that the only response he could conceive of was to just keep driving.

The big puzzler, of course, was why Raven, a Teen Titan, was the one directing this insane enterprise. But he wouldn’t ask, if her only because her response might be to blow his brains out.

He turned onto Arlington Road. The Asylum was deep in the heart of Abbey Park, so this one stretch would take up a good 80% of the trip. Their car was one of only half-a-dozen that he could see, which would further help make this easier.

The next few minutes were spent in silence. Raven was lost in her own thoughts, whatever they were, and William didn’t feel up to coaxing them out of her.

He’d always been good at ordering his thoughts. His job, despite the many people he met each day, was a fairly solitary one, and taking long drives by himself was the perfect environment for analysing his own brain. So, despite everything, he knew full well what he was thinking right now.

Was he scared? Absolutely. In this kind of situation, only an idiot wouldn’t be. His comfort zone was fairly narrow even at the best of times, he and everyone who knew him could tell you that, and in this situation, here and now, he was so far beyond it that he couldn’t even see the borderland any more. But as he’d already noted, he was hostage to someone who could kill him in a hundred different ways, all in the blink of an eye, and wouldn’t even hesitate to do so. He didn’t have the luxury of choice here.

Actually, the thing that scared him most was Jordan. He knew a few people who’d grown up without a father, and it didn’t seem fun at all. He didn’t want her to go through that too, and God forbid she’d have to hear that bit of news on Christmas Day. It was a very real possibility that, even if he didn’t screw this up, he’d never see his daughter again, and visa versa. That thought, if anything, was what kept his brain under control and his body at the wheel.

“When someone has a gun pointed at them, you can guarantee they’ll have one of two reactions.”

Raven’s voice, spoken without provocation, startled him a little.

“They’ll either panic,” she continued, “scream, cry, beg for mercy, all that stuff, or they’ll go numb, go silent and follow your every word like an automaton. Of course, there’s the tiny minority that go crazy and try to fight back instead, but they usually just wind up dead fairly quickly.

“I can see you’re firmly in the second camp. Which is good, because I really can’t deal with people when they get hysterical. I imagine I’d just have to kill you if you did that, and I’m only getting paid for the other four on my list.”

William didn’t say anything. There wasn’t anything to say, and even if there was, he couldn’t quite get his tongue to form the words.

“My point has been proven.” Raven said after a few seconds, as if his silence was a response by itself.

The cab went silent again.

They passed under a wide bridge, Highway 88 to be precise. It was one of three that trisected the city, linking all the different parts of it with each other and the outside world. The bridge was also a partition round these parts: they were still in Finchley Village, but at this point, it turned from the smartness of Alighieri and Gravesend to something altogether different. Abbey Park, Turnmills and The Barn, though on the outskirts of Jump City, were a black hole of poverty, crime and most other social ills, and their influence spread out beyond their own borders. Jackson Harbour, though still with the redbrick terraces of Alighieri, was dirty and run-down, the streets littered and ill-serviced: not gangland, not by any means, but still represented something of a glass ceiling for its inhabitants.

“I can understand the problem you have.” Raven eventually said. “I mean, it must be rough for you, being held hostage by a woman. All that machismo, all that phallicism, a whole lifetime of being the unquestioned top of the pile…and now, it counts for nothing, just because of one little gun. I imagine it’s a bit of a shock, the situation being so suddenly reversed.”

William could tell that, this time, a response was required. He knew he could make the words this time, but he wasn’t sure what to say.

“Well…you’re also white.” he said after a few seconds, though he wasn’t sure why. “So this isn’t a reversal.”

Raven rolled her eyes, almost theatrically so. “Please tell me you aren’t one of those guys who keeps on playing the race card.”

“You just tried to play the gender card.”

“That’s not the same thing at all. The differences between men and women are more than just skin deep. There’s a genuine power imbalance there.”

Despite the passion in her words, Raven didn’t move beyond a monotone. This only made it even more alarming when, a few seconds later, she grinned. To William, it felt entirely wrong, like the grin on a crazy person just before they haul off and beat you to death.

“Ahh, I’m just messing with you.” she said. “Thought I’d see if there was still a brain ticking away inside that head of yours. I don’t want to shock you into complete inaction.”

Which seemed fair enough. He wouldn’t be much use to her as a zombie. Still, he decided to not respond.

“At least, that was the theory…” Raven mumbled to herself.

“I wouldn’t really say I’m a feminist.” she continued. “For one thing, I’ve always got on better with guys than I have with girls. I’m not sure what that would make me instead, but never mind. I don’t know, really…a lot of men are pigs, let’s just be honest, but saying they’re all bad? Seems a little like hating coffee because you had one bad mug.”

The road started curving to the right. They were now finally in Abbey Park, home of the Grove Street Gang and the Acuna Boys. The names were ridiculous, but their daily attempts to murder each other and everyone in the way sure weren’t. Anyone who ever talked about “brotherly solidarity” obviously hadn’t spent a night here.

One thing that confused William was that, for someone he and everyone in the city knew to be a recluse, Raven was suddenly talking a hell of a lot. Then again, considering what his night had suddenly turned into, this was the simplest of the mysteries in his way.

“It’s not far now.” he said. “Three-four minutes.”

“Good. It’s nice to keep on schedule.”

Silence again.

William knew he’d been a bit hard on Abbey Park. Okay, so it was filthy and crumbling and tearing itself apart with stupid gang wars, but the place had a soul and spirit that was almost palpable. The citizens of, say, Slough or North Beach probably didn’t even know who their neighbour was, much less care about their safety as much as your own. Maybe that was because, round here, you’d probably die if you didn’t, but that was only half the point. The value of a community life shouldn’t be ignored.

The Asylum was just up ahead, on the corner of Arlington and Spartan. It was situated in a small warehouse, just one of several dozen on this and the surrounding blocks. The large neon sign on its front was the only illumination near here, the streetlamps having burnt out decades ago, its multi-coloured glow making the many puddles shine like oil slicks. Even on Christmas Eve, the most overground of underground nightclubs, the only reason outsiders ever came to this part of town, had a queue outside of at least thirty.

William slowed down, flicking the indicator before he made the right turn onto Spartan. The police station was visible now, a blue sign hanging from the front of a squat brick building. There were three warehouses between them, each one large and derelict.

This was it.

“Turn left into the alley.” Raven suddenly said. “I’ll walk the rest of the way.”

[Oh look I'm...]

I find it doubly amazing that those two can have such a, for lack of a better term, casual conversation, given the circumstances. I'm also surprised that William didn't outright refuse to talk to her, purely on principle, "You just killed a bloke. I have nothing to say to you, murderer." Which brings up a very interesting point.

I have a strong feeling that what's ever motivation Raven has to knock off people left and right is probably fueled by, in some way, that the ends justify the means. I'll wager that the bloke--Owen Milton was his name, I think:sweat:--was not entirely innocent and probably, on some level, got what was coming to him, as we all will eventually. Perhaps he simply looked at her the wrong way.:p So, which basically means, that William better tread lightly when snapping at Raven and making feminist accusations. Of course Raven will no doubtedly understand why he's saying those things, which is probably the one difference that'll end up saving him versus someone, say, like Owen Milton.;)

Sidenote-wise, Raven's little schpeal about the reactions of people when faced with a gun's barrel reminded me of the last scene of Pulp Fiction, mainly Jules attitude "Sorry to rain on your ego, but this isn't the first time I've had a gun pointed in my face" (which is something that I don't think Raven altogether considered). Sure, he might've done what the British robber was saying, but I think his level of calm was significantly different from the way William responded. Just a thought.;)

Anyhooz, I'm thoroughly enjoying where this story's going, as you can no doubt guess.:D

[TeenTitansGO!]

This was definitely a chapter to enjoy. When William delves into his own thoughts, I start seeing bits of myself. He's quite an introspective person, as, I would assume, most taxi drivers would be, and if I were writing him, he'd be just as thoughtful in regards to himself as he is now, if not more.

His situation definitely amps things up a bit. It definitely adds to the confusion/thoughts that are always going through his head. I have to admit, I don't know how I'd handle his situation, but I sure do like his/your approach. This reminds me of your latest post on your blog. Mind you, I never finished it, but you wrote with the same...aura.

This could almost be noire. I could definitely see that.

[Atoragon]

I'd say that this chapter was definately worth the wait you put us through. Pretty much all my other comments wer covered by Jack and TTGo.

[Matt A]

I find it doubly amazing that those two can have such a, for lack of a better term, casual conversation, given the circumstances. I'm also surprised that William didn't outright refuse to talk to her, purely on principle, "You just killed a bloke. I have nothing to say to you, murderer."You know, I never thought of that. Having William use the Silent Treatment would've been an interesting spin on things. Then again, I don't think that would've worked out in his favour, and William strikes me as having more common sense than that. Still, wish I'd thought of it.:sad:

I have a strong feeling that what's ever motivation Raven has to knock off people left and right is probably fueled by, in some way, that the ends justify the means. I'll wager that the bloke--Owen Milton was his name, I think:sweat:--was not entirely innocent and probably, on some level, got what was coming to him, as we all will eventually. Perhaps he simply looked at her the wrong way.:p You've actually managed to touch on quite a key plot point, so all I'll say here is...

...Yes and no.;)

So, which basically means, that William better tread lightly when snapping at Raven and making feminist accusations. Of course Raven will no doubtedly understand why he's saying those things, which is probably the one difference that'll end up saving him versus someone, say, like Owen Milton.;)True, true.

On the other hand, it was Raven who started the race/gender skit. And as she stated fairly outright, she just wanted to get William thinking, so a snappish response was probably acceptable to her. Still, as you said, that might not be the same way next time.;)

Sidenote-wise, Raven's little schpeal about the reactions of people when faced with a gun's barrel reminded me of the last scene of Pulp Fiction, mainly Jules attitude "Sorry to rain on your ego, but this isn't the first time I've had a gun pointed in my face" (which is something that I don't think Raven altogether considered). Sure, he might've done what the British robber was saying, but I think his level of calm was significantly different from the way William responded. Just a thought.;)That was another thing I didn't think of. I suppose you could lump it in with "people who try and fight back and most likely die", but then again, it's also something kinda different. Either way, I just didn't think of it.:sweat:

When William delves into his own thoughts, I start seeing bits of myself. He's quite an introspective person, as, I would assume, most taxi drivers would be, and if I were writing him, he'd be just as thoughtful in regards to himself as he is now, if not more.

Well, I'll take that as a compliment.:D

As the story has already established, William is a fairly introspective person, or at least a person who has lots of time to think. So his self-digging kinda works, as you said.:) But there was also another thing at work here, which I tried to be more subtle with (this point will apply equally well with the very first point in this post, but I'm saying it here). Basically, William acts as calm as he does, not just because he's a calm guy, but because he's in shock: he thinks he's acting rationally, but actually, what he saw in the Milton house, and what he's going through now, have brought on a state of emotional numbness that he mistakes for reason. Like Raven said, he's the kind of person who doesn't panic in these situations, but only because his response is to just shut down.

Why I mentioned this now, I don't know. I suppose I should've just let you all figure this out for yourselves. Oh well.

His situation definitely amps things up a bit. It definitely adds to the confusion/thoughts that are always going through his head. I have to admit, I don't know how I'd handle his situation, but I sure do like his/your approach. This reminds me of your latest post on your blog. Mind you, I never finished it, but you wrote with the same...aura.

I have to admit, it took me a few seconds to figure out what story you were referring to. Shows how long it's been since I've had anything to do with my blog.:sad: Still, I get your point: "Man On The Street" does have that kind of sombre, reflective atmosphere, yet still with some kind of charge to it. Well, that's my assessment, at any rate.:shrug:

Either way, I'm glad you liked my approach to the situation. Despite all my deeper comments above, I only really did it this way because I didn't know how to write William freaking out, at least in a way that would make it seem realistic. After all, this isn't the kind of situation I face every day.;)

This could almost be noire. I could definitely see that.

I'm kinda into my noir myself, so thankyou. I've always wanted to write something in that vein.:D

I'd say that this chapter was definately worth the wait you put us through.

As the people who stuck around for STT3 last year can tell you, four-week waits are kinda typical for me as of late. Especially now I have so much university work to deal with. I don't like it either, but there's only so much I can do.:sad:

-Matt A-

[TeenTitansGO!]

I know exactly how it feels to not be able to get out a chapter.;)

So I can deal with it.

[Pun-3x]

Well, a lot of people here have already touched on some of the points I was going to make. I totally agree with Jack's point about that group of people who are used to the gun in the face. I guess it could be lumped into the category of people who do what they're told as WELL as the ones that try and fight back--the difference is that they aren't stunned into shock. Their cool still exists.

Still, I'll go ahead and say I liked the little dialogue they had about role reversals and if there truly were any. Just the fact that He's still fighting back on the verbal level shows he isn't all 'smile and nod,' which is another thing I like about this character. It's also a sign of the kind of fight he might be building up as the night goes on. (becoming the minority that fight back) And that is probably going to be needed.

[Oh look I'm...]

I have a strong feeling that what's ever motivation Raven has to knock off people left and right is probably fueled by, in some way, that the ends justify the means. I'll wager that the bloke--Owen Milton was his name, I think:sweat:--was not entirely innocent and probably, on some level, got what was coming to him, as we all will eventually. Perhaps he simply looked at her the wrong way.:pYou've actually managed to touch on quite a key plot point, so all I'll say here is...

...Yes and no.;) So, that's a yes to the "they got what was coming to them, as we all will eventually" but a no to the "he simply looked at her the wrong way"?:sweat: ;)

[Matt A]

I totally agree with Jack's point about that group of people who are used to the gun in the face. I guess it could be lumped into the category of people who do what they're told as WELL as the ones that try and fight back--the difference is that they aren't stunned into shock. Their cool still exists.

That's true. But, the way I see it, that kind of person is as used to pointing guns as they are having guns pointed at them: if they aren't scared by being held hostage, then that's because they know how to fight back and win. 'Course, that's just my opinion, and it's not like I'm an expert on this sort of thing...and more to the point, William very clearly isn't a member of this group, so I'm not sure how relevant it is.;)

Still, I'll go ahead and say I liked the little dialogue they had about role reversals and if there truly were any.

Yeah, I kinda liked it myself. Commenting on the power balances in this situation seems like a very Raven thing to do, not to mention a very cold-blooded thing (which ain't necessarily different).;)

Just the fact that He's still fighting back on the verbal level shows he isn't all 'smile and nod,' which is another thing I like about this character. It's also a sign of the kind of fight he might be building up as the night goes on. (becoming the minority that fight back) And that is probably going to be needed.

Well, I think it's fair to say you're onto something. That kind of character arc is fairly crucial (if not central) to Collateral, and whilst I'm taking many liberties with the story here, I need to stay faithful to that if I'm to claim any kind of "remake" status. In other words, it's fairly obvious that William will start fighting back later in the story, but when and how he does this, not to mention what pushes him into this role, are things I intend to keep hidden for the time being. That's all I can say for now.:)

So, that's a yes to the "they got what was coming to them, as we all will eventually" but a no to the "he simply looked at her the wrong way"?:sweat: ;) That's a "yes and no to both" and a "yes and no to neither". At this stage, you can do what you will with that.:p

I know exactly how it feels to not be able to get out a chapter.;)

So I can deal with it.

Well, that's something. But it's not so much that I'm not able to write, more that I just don't have the time: as of this second, I have just over two weeks in which to write two 2,500-word essays and a 5,000-word short story, and that's only the big stuff. Still, one must do what one can with what one has.:sad:

-Matt A-

[DeathscytheVII]

First off, sorry for my long absence, life has been getting even more frantic, what with summer almost here and all hehe, but at least i catch this little update.

A very great chapter once again matt, even if no action has happened, we delve deep into the thoughts of William. And your trademark genius dialogue is shining once again, I love how Raven just analyzes the whole situation, if not to provoke a response, but just to show william how much in control she was of the whole thing, but what really makes me love william's character at this moment is his utter calm (sure, he's scared for his children never seeing him again, but thats a different kind of fear), and his usual smugness that resembled the tone of their first conversation. He acknowledges that she at least is in control for now, but he ain't taking it lying down.

I have a feeling though, that Raven's motives, however un-heroic the means are, must be somewhat good, and we are dealing with an anti-heroine situation here, at least, thats my theory. We've seen a lot of situations like this in the Heroes universe, but who knows, you're the master of shock ;).

to me Raven's not the type to just kill a cop or a stranger for no good reason, perhaps this is one of those bad cop syndicates hehe. i'll keep my eye out anyways.

I also wonder where the rest of the team fits into all this.


Keep it up matt! Great quality work as usual.

[Matt A]

First off, sorry for my long absence, life has been getting even more frantic, what with summer almost here and all hehe, but at least i catch this little update.

I have to admit, I was beginning to wonder where you'd got to. But I can forgive you: as I've said often enough, I know what it's like to be busy.:sad:

A very great chapter once again matt, even if no action has happened, we delve deep into the thoughts of William. And your trademark genius dialogue is shining once again, I love how Raven just analyzes the whole situation, if not to provoke a response, but just to show william how much in control she was of the whole thing, but what really makes me love william's character at this moment is his utter calm (sure, he's scared for his children never seeing him again, but thats a different kind of fear), and his usual smugness that resembled the tone of their first conversation. He acknowledges that she at least is in control for now, but he ain't taking it lying down.

A few other people have touched on this already, but I think I can say something new here.

Strictly speaking, I wouldn't say William "ain't taking it lying down". It's an interesting interpretation, and I'm glad you raised the point, but that wasn't entirely what I had in mind. As I said before, the time will come when William will start fighting back, but this is only the initial moments: indeed, this chapter is the first twenty minutes of his hostage crisis. The way I see it, William's varied responses here are his way of "sounding things out", testing how extreme the situation could get. Maybe you could call that a resistance, I suppose.

I have a feeling though, that Raven's motives, however un-heroic the means are, must be somewhat good, and we are dealing with an anti-heroine situation here, at least, thats my theory. We've seen a lot of situations like this in the Heroes universe, but who knows, you're the master of shock ;).

to me Raven's not the type to just kill a cop or a stranger for no good reason, perhaps this is one of those bad cop syndicates hehe. i'll keep my eye out anyways.

Again, this is kinda the same point that Jack raised, so I'll say the same thing to you that I did to him. Well, kinda.

Raven's motivation for these killings, obvious though this may sound, is a fairly critical part of the plot. Not necessarily for the emotional arc, 'cause that's William's territory, but for the actual story, I'd say it's even the key component. So, I don't wish to say anything about it at this stage, on account of chapter four being a little too early. However, 'cause I can't just say nothing, I suppose I could give you this hint: it's even more complicated than your theory.;)

I also wonder where the rest of the team fits into all this.

For once, this is something I can be upfront about. As I said right at the very beginning of this story, Raven is one of only two pre-existing Teen Titans characters who will feature...and the second isn't another Titan. I mean, Raven's colleagues are a key part of the plot - 'cause, hey, this is a TT fan-fic - but when they get mentioned, it won't be in a particularly obvious way.

If doubt that's a problem for you, but if it is...well, you'd be better off reading something else.;)

-Matt A-

[rrarbecy]

I love stories in which the writer takes an already existing character and makes them do things that they would usually never do. Usually, they perform these actions for a means that serves their usual purpose, such as a hero committing crimes in order to infiltrate some criminal organization, or a villain pretending to turn over a new leaf only to reveal that they are still evil in the end.

However, the nature of the Raven character is somewhat shady, her being the daughter of a bad-ass demon. Because of this, it becomes hard for the reader to tell if she is killing for the reasons I mentioned in the first paragraph, or because her evil side has finally taken over and enveloped her in a cloak of evil.

This is really very good, however whenever I think of Raven now, I picture her with Tom Cruise's head because of the Collateral parallel, and that just scares the hell out of me. :eek: In spite of that, however, I'm glad I had the urge to look at my old ToonZone stomping grounds and find an exceptional story to read.


The Long Lost Rrarbecy

[Matt A]

It's nice to hear from you again, DJ. In fact, I'd never really expected you to come back, so this is a double surprise.:D What have you been up to, if I might ask?

Anyway, as much as I'd like to gas on, this thread is a business thing. To the comments:

I love stories in which the writer takes an already existing character and makes them do things that they would usually never do. Usually, they perform these actions for a means that serves their usual purpose, such as a hero committing crimes in order to infiltrate some criminal organization, or a villain pretending to turn over a new leaf only to reveal that they are still evil in the end.

However, the nature of the Raven character is somewhat shady, her being the daughter of a bad-ass demon. Because of this, it becomes hard for the reader to tell if she is killing for the reasons I mentioned in the first paragraph, or because her evil side has finally taken over and enveloped her in a cloak of evil.

Obviously, 'cause of plot spoilers and whatnot, I can't really say anything about Raven's moral status here. But yes, there is a motive...whether for good or evil.;)

But that's not entirely what you were getting at. As you're probably well aware, I sure like my moral ambiguities, and actually, one of the things I like about this story is that I get to play around with Raven's character. I've always felt that she'd make a very interesting villain, and whilst that's been addressed in fan-fiction quite regularly (Pun's Preparation springs to mind here), it wasn't something the show itself ever looked at. So, much like my more detailed look at Jump City here, I consider this story to be a way of filling in that blank.

And besides, it seemed like a cool idea.:D:evil:

This is really very good, however whenever I think of Raven now, I picture her with Tom Cruise's head because of the Collateral parallel, and that just scares the hell out of me. :eek:

You know, I'd never thought of that. But now you've mentioned it, I can picture it pretty well...and it scares me too.:eek:

Thanks very much.:p

In spite of that, however, I'm glad I had the urge to look at my old ToonZone stomping grounds and find an exceptional story to read.

I wouldn't have called this "exceptional", but nonetheless, thankyou. It's always nice to be valued.:D

And like I said before, I'm glad you decided to give into your urges.:p:D

-Matt A-

[r/s4ever]

Very interresting...you should definately write more! :cool:

[Matt A]

Thank you, r/s. I'm glad you like my story thus far.:D

And yes, I do intend to write more. The trouble is, of course, that I've been even more insanely busy than usual as of late, and it's been a while since I've even had time to think about writing something. Sadly, I reckon it'll be at least another three weeks before I get any free time, so y'all are gonna have to wait quite a bit longer.

Sucks, don't it?:sad:

-Matt A-

[r/s4ever]

:crying:

[Magick]

Hey, Matt! *waves* Remember me? :anime:

I'm really enjoying this story so far - you've got me hooked, mister! The writing style is very nice, the characters are as human as human can be, and I'm absolutely lurving Raven's role in the whole shebang. Bravo! I'll be waiting with baited breath for the next installment.

:raven: Magick :raven:

[TorchLighter]

And So I'm Back! I guess I kinda Lost track of Time out in the 'Real World'. So many things to do... anyway!

Matt A, its good to see you, and the story is going great. Looking Forward to the Next installment.

[Matt A]

:crying:

Quite.

Hey, Matt! *waves* Remember me? :anime:

Yup, I do indeed. And I must say, it's a pleasure to hear from you again.:D

I'm really enjoying this story so far - you've got me hooked, mister! The writing style is very nice, the characters are as human as human can be, and I'm absolutely lurving Raven's role in the whole shebang. Bravo!

I'm flattered. No, really, I am.:D

In particular, I've always felt that I suck at characterisation: the whole "making them read like real humans" thing is definitely my biggest weakness. But you obviously disagree, and whilst I'm a pretty stubborn guy, I'm not going to contradict you.;):D

And So I'm Back! I guess I kinda Lost track of Time out in the 'Real World'. So many things to do... anyway!

Matt A, its good to see you, and the story is going great.

Thankyou very much.:D

And it's nice to see you too. I know what you mean about the Real World: it tends to suck up your attention, don't it?:sad:

I'll be waiting with baited breath for the next installment.

Looking Forward to the Next installment.

And on that note, I finally have some good news for y'all. As of yesterday, my second year at university is officially over: so, aside from trying to find a fill-in job, the next three months of summer are pretty much empty. In other words, expect a new chapter within the next few days.:D

Keeping on the same note, I also have an apology to make. The last month has been brain-fryingly hectic, even by my standards - I know I always say it, but it's true - so I'm truly, humbly sorry for not being around recently. But I promise - promise - that I'll start catching up on everyone else's stuff ASAP. Once I've got Chapter Five done, and maybe a new update for The Bad Seeds as well, I'll do all my reviews. Promise.:D

-Matt A-

[paranoidguy103]

This story is fantastic. The mystery shrouding Raven's motives for these murders has me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see how the story develops, and finding out who else Raven is after.

Paranoidguy103

[Raven13]

Gah, I love your stories. I'm glad I caught this one in its beginning stages! I love it! Raven killing people? Wow, thats a different side. Very anxious to read the next chapter!

[Anima]

lalala, waiting for update... I MISS THIS FIC!! I hope you get less busy soon...

[paranoidguy103]

lalala, waiting for update... I MISS THIS FIC!! I hope you get less busy soon...

Totally agree. Enough said:cool: .
Peace,
Paranoidguy103

[Matt A]

Well, I’m glad you all like this story. These days, I write stuff not just because I enjoy it (which I do, though), but also because I enjoy finding out what other people think of it all. I don’t object to criticisms – far from it – but this kind of enthusiasm is far more encouraging. It’s always good to know your audience wants more.

And on that front, I finally have some good news. You know when I said three weeks ago that I’d have a new chapter ready soon? Well, I kinda lied: it’s taken me longer to get back into the writing groove than I expected.

But the good news is this: three weeks late, I have a new chapter for you.

[throws party]

There’s quite a few reasons why it’s taken me this long to write a new chapter, of which most are just the usual: uni work, writer’s block, etc. However, one fairly key reason is that, having gone four months with no new material, I’d decided to return with not one chapter, but two. But, as I’ve just noted, I’m more out of practise than I thought, and squeezing two whole chapters out of my brain has been...well, like banging my head against a brick wall. So, I’ve abandoned that plan, and seeing as I’ve somehow managed to crank out Chapter Five anyway, I thought I’d save everyone’s patience and offer it up now.

Yes, because I’m just that nice.;)

Just this once, I’ll hold the actual chapter intro. Okay, so I don’t say much in these things anyway, but this time, I’ll let you guys dive in by yourselves. Though I will say this: William’s ringtone is this song (http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.php?cat=audio&file=Orbital_Dwr_Budr.wma). You probably won’t recognise the tune, but I bet the title is familiar.;)

(NB #1: The site I'm using for the file-hosting comes with a few ads best described as "child-unfriendly". If that kind of thing bothers you, then please rest assured that it isn't personal: I'd remove them if I knew how, but I don't, so I can't. Nonetheless, if the mods consider it a problem, then I'll remove the link.)

(NB #2: The song I've linked to is just shy of ten minutes long. If you don't have a broadband connection - like me - then I wouldn't reccomend trying to play it.)

Well, that’s all from me. To the chapter, at long bloody last…



Chapter Five.
December 24th. 11:07pm.

The alley was on the left, between two warehouses just after the Asylum. Like alleyways in most other toxic-waste districts, it was pretty appalling, full of dirty puddles, piles of rotting trash and scavenging vermin best left unseen. William didn’t relish the thought of driving his cab through here, but he had his orders.

He turned the wheel, the car splashing through a large puddle as it entered the alley. He stopped a few hundreds yards inside, where the lights from surrounding buildings, dim though they already were, couldn’t reveal his presence. Considering why he, or rather his “fare”, was here, that was all for the good.

William turned off the engine, killing both exterior and interior lights. The car was plunged into darkness and silence, both so complete that, to the more impressionable, it would be as if their eyes and ears had stopped working. But despite his steadily simmering panic, he was too familiar with nighttime to let temporary sensory deprivation bother him. He simply had to wait a few minutes for his subconscious to adjust: already, the chattering and low bass of the Asylum were becoming audible again.

“Thankyou, William. You’re being a great help.” Raven’s monotone, still disembodied in the darkness, sounded a little eerie. William had the brief feeling of listening to a visitation, rather than a real person: something called forth from his nightmares, given flesh only to plague him. But it was only a brief feeling. He’d never been particularly spiritual.

“I don’t have a choice. You’re holding me hostage, remember?”

He wasn’t sure where that came from. Probably just a cab driver’s instinct for working a conversation.

Though he couldn’t yet see it, a movement in his brain told him Raven had just smiled. “And don’t you forget it.” she said.

William didn’t question the comment. Despite the smile, he knew he was already pushing his luck with the banter. As they had both just agreed, she had a gun, and she wasn’t afraid to use it.

His nightvision was kicking in already. The cab’s interior was now visible, though his eyes couldn’t pick out the colours: not like it had some, anyway. Bits and pieces of the alley could be seen, out beyond the windows, hints of things obscured in shadows. The metal staircase just up ahead, visible when he arrived, wasn’t exactly clear, but was definitely there again.

Raven opened the door, her feet making a small splash as she stepped out the cab. To William’s surprise, she didn’t walk away: instead, she got in the front, sitting on the seat next to him.

“Hands on the wheel, ten-to-two.” she said.

“Why?”

“Because I say so.”

William didn’t question it again. He placed his hands on the steering wheel, each just either side of the top. Raven pulled out two strips of white plastic from her pocket, which she used to tie his wrists to the wheel. He’d been given the plasticuff treatment once before, so he knew full well that he wasn’t getting out of here by his own devices.

It was perhaps fitting, in a twisted sort of way, that this was when his phone went off. He couldn’t remember the model – an LG something or other – but it was one of those where you could use mp3s as ringtones. He’d spent hours deciding what song to use, eventually going for a bit of Orbital. It wasn’t an obvious ringtone, and it wasn’t exactly him either, but he liked it enough.

Raven sighed, obviously not welcoming this distraction. “Where’s the phone?”

“In my trouser pocket. The one closest to you.”

“Fine.”

She dug her hand into his jeans pocket, pulling out the phone after a few uncomfortable seconds. The display said “Rachel”.

“Who is she?” Raven asked.

“Jordan’s mother.”

“In that case,” Raven said with a shrug, “you’d better answer.”

“Why?”

It wasn’t talking to Rachel that he had an issue with. His gripe was talking to someone whilst a possibly-psychotic killer was sitting next to him.

“Because if you don’t, she’ll get suspicious. That draws attention to you, and so to us. To me. That’s not good.”

“Fine.”

“But remember, you tell her what’s going on, I blow your brains out.”

William took a deep breath. He’d already taken that comment for granted, but having it spoken out loud gave the situation a whole new urgency. Rachel wasn’t a suspicious person, or at least not these days, but all the same, he’d have to be very, very careful. Up until now, Raven had been giving him a little leeway, but that privilege wasn’t going to last.

Raven pressed the Answer button, then held the phone up to his ear. For one heart-stopping second, an instant that expanded into the whole of time, he wasn’t sure if he could speak.

“Hel…hello?”

“Hello William. It’s me.”

Rachel’s voice, like her daughter’s, was best described as “cut glass”: every word, every syllable, pronounced with exacting precision. It was a voice that commanded respect, even before you noted what it had to say.

“I know. I didn’t expect you to call.”

“I wanted to see how Jordan was getting on. It’s a big night for her.”

William found the world around him becoming noticeably more real. His nightvision had fully returned, but that didn’t explain how he saw the alley much more clearly, saw just how disgusting it was. There was a garbage dumpster just up ahead, opposite the fire escape, overflowing with rotting bags and their rotting contents. He could just about identify a dead dog amidst the pile, its flesh almost decomposed into soup, not enough substance even for the flies.

He didn’t want to die here. He didn’t want to die anywhere.

He noticed how close Raven felt. She was sat calmly in her seat, not leaning over to him or anything, but it was still as if she took up half his seat as well. She didn’t have a scent of anything: her presence was a different thing, that ineffable “proximity” sense.

“Isn’t it just?” William said, somehow forcing a laugh. He knew it sounded fake. “The last I checked, she was just fine. I dropped her off at the cathedral about an hour ago. She wanted some extra time to practise.”

“Oh, right.” Rachel paused for a second. “I really wish I could be there.”

“Me too. But we can’t. Anyway, we’d probably have just put more stress on her.”

“Yeah, I suppose so.”

Her disappointment was obvious. William shared it: but then again, how exactly would he change a Christmas Eve shift? All the other drivers had families too. Well, except for Danny, but he was just an ass.

Besides, he now had other reasons for not attending.

“Where are you now, then?” Rachel asked. She often did, when she called at these hours.

Raven gave him a Look, one whose meaning was clear. He’d have to be even more cautious.

“I’m in Ab- Daley City.”

For the second time in as many minutes, it felt like his heart had stopped. Raven’s right hand had moved under her jacket, obviously getting a tighter grip on her gun. The knowledge hit him like a truck: one slip of concentration, and he’d nearly died.

Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. That kind of dead.

“Lucky you.” Rachel said, drolly.

Which wasn’t entirely inaccurate. Daley City was to the south-west of Jump, between Docklands and Old Town. It was the newest district of the city, built during the 1970s to, as common knowledge had it, fill the gap between its neighbouring districts. It was actually quite upmarket, if not exactly North Beach, but had all the personality of a daytime talk-show host. That was the advantage of a night shift: William was always asleep when those things were on.

He noticed how warm he felt. He’d spent 98% of his life in California (the other 2% being childhood holidays in Nova Scotia), so he was usually oblivious to the heat. Not now, though. As his skin warmed, so his plasticuffs started to itch.

William took a second to bring his brain back under control. “It isn’t that bad. I could be in Turnmills, I suppose.”

Turnmills was just to the west of here, the next district across. It was, frankly, a hellhole of biblical proportions, even worse than this toxic-waste alleyway. Even William didn’t dare enter the place, lest he get held up and shot within the first minute.

“Yes, I suppose there’s always that.” Rachel laughed, a surprisingly soft sound. It was one of her best features. “What time is Jordan finishing?”

“Just before one, I think.”

“Okay. I’ll call her in a minute, see how she is.”

“She’d like that.”

Suddenly, the pile of trash outside moved. A fox dove out of the middle, something bloody hanging from its jaws. William jumped, his thoughts violently halted. The fox ran across the alley, vanishing into a patch of shadow beyond the stairs.

In the ensuing silence, Raven gently exhaled.

“Who’s with you?” Rachel asked.

Raven moved her gun out into view. William’s throat felt drier than the Atacama. He didn’t even know what to say, let alone how.

“Huh?” He couldn’t think of any words closer resembling the English language.

“I sounded like something was breathing. A girl.”

This was the one question William didn’t want to answer. First running on empty, his brain now leapt into hyperdrive.

“No one’s here. I didn’t hear anything.”

Rachel didn’t respond right away. William knew she didn’t believe him. As eternity stretched out before him, he was even more certain that he was about to die. Right here, in this miserable little hole, tied to the steering wheel of his own car.

“I don’t doubt you, William.” she eventually said. “It must’ve been my imagination.”

Raven slid her gun back in her jacket. William nearly considered following his daughter into religion.

“Oh yes, and before I forget totally,” Rachel said brightly, “I went for my appointment this morning.”

Finally, something easy to talk about.

“Oh, okay.” William said. “How did it go?”

“Fine. Dr Arzt said I’m all clear.”

“That’s good.”

Rachel had caught an ear infection a few months ago. Quite a nasty one, actually. She’d been having check-up every week, to see if it had finally gone down.

There was a funny story about this, actually. When Rachel first got the infection, she’d gone to her usual doctor, Dr Crick. When it didn’t get better after a month, she went back to find out why: it turned out that the anti-biotics she’d been given were fake, the real ones having been sold on as part of a medication racket Crick had been running. Nine times out of ten, placebos worked, but the one time they didn’t…well, that was why Dr Arzt had been clearing up the mess.

The punchline was, Dr Crick had always seemed like such a nice guy. It was amazing, what the smell of money could do.

“Yes, it is.”

Raven tapped her watch. The meaning was clear: get off the damn phone.

“Listen, I need to go.” William said. “It’s time for me to get back to work.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

“See you.”

“Bye.”

Rachel hung up. Raven pressed the End button, and tossed the phone on the dashboard.

“Thank Christ for that.” she said. “My arm was starting to get tired.”

William’s felt no better. The ‘cuffs were itching even more, and digging in a little too. They weren’t going to get more comfortable.

He breathed out. ‘Cuffs aside, this minor panic was now over. Now to return to his major panic, the unwanted fare sat next to him.

“William,” Raven said after a few seconds, “why didn’t you say you loved her?”

He paused, the question completely derailing him. He knew the answer, but he wasn’t expecting to give it.

“Huh?”

“She’s you wife. Or girlfriend. Whatever. Your partner, anyway. When you ring off, you say you love her.”

“Why? It never means anything. She already knows I love her.”

“But for all you know, you might never see her again. It would’ve been worth the extra mile. And besides, are you sure she knows?”

Truth be told, he wasn’t. But his home life was none of Raven’s business. “Yes. There’s always room for hope, anyway.”

“That’s good to know.” Raven paused for a second. “Anyway, if you get out of this alive, be sure to send her my best wishes.”

She opened the door, stepping back out into the alley. There was another splash from the puddle beneath her. “But now I have to go kill some more people. Don’t wait up, honey.”

[paranoidguy103]

:D Good to have you back on the forums. I misssed this story. Anyway, great chapter. Raven seems to get more homicidal as the story progresses, but its a good twist:evil: . The phone conversation scene was great. I feel sorry fr william though, thats a tough spot to be in. Can't wait to see how the story develops.
Peace,
Paranoidguy103

[Anima]

Huh, you know, it's really strange that Raven, as one of the very most mysterious of the Titans, never made me think she was crazy, and even now, as she is killing people off and holding others hostage she still doesn't seem crazy. More just really really... strange... and mysterious. Just like the Raven we all know and love!

[Atoragon]

*Does a back flip for joy because of the great, new chapter*

[Raven13]

Very nice. I enjoyed this chapter very much. It makes me wonder though if Raven had a bad relationship before this all happened. I think this because of when she asked why William didn't say, "I love you" at the end of the phone call. Just a thought. :D

[Matt A]

Good to have you back on the forums. I misssed this story.You know, so did I. It’s definitely good to be back in the game.:D

Raven seems to get more homicidal as the story progresses, but its a good twist:evil: .It is, isn’t it? I suppose you could view Raven’s increased craziness as “she was pretending to be normal when we first met her, but now we know her true plans (well, kinda), that cover is being steadily dropped”. Or, to put it in a less pretentious way, I just enjoy writing dialogue for homicidal maniacs.:p

Huh, you know, it's really strange that Raven, as one of the very most mysterious of the Titans, never made me think she was crazy, and even now, as she is killing people off and holding others hostage she still doesn't seem crazy. More just really really... strange... and mysterious. Just like the Raven we all know and love!Yep. And that, to my mind, is why Raven is the best Titan to use for this: she’s cynical, twisted, secretive, startlingly brutal…all the qualities you need to kill someone and not go nuts afterwards. Robin shares most of those qualities, admittedly, but he’s also a little too “holier than thou” for this kind of mission.

‘Course, I also said that Raven was a homicidal manic. But that’s just because I find the phrase was too amusing to resist.:p

The phone conversation scene was great. I feel sorry fr william though, thats a tough spot to be in.That’s what I thought, too. That conversation was actually a composite of two separate scenes in Collateral – the roadside interrogation scene, and the first Dispatch one – both designed to achieve the same effect: Max (William, in our case) could potentially call for help, but because he’s being held hostage, he has to make the newcomers go away instead. And in my case, what makes it even worse is that he’s talking to someone he loves, so if he screws up, he’ll be putting her in danger too.

Plus, on a more pragmatic level, I’m glad you liked it. Part of the reason this chapter took so long was that I gave it a fairly major re-write: the original conversation had William’s predicament as an underlying threat, and whilst you could feel it, the dialogue itself felt a little too…well, banal, I suppose. So I removed the dullest parts (which were so dull, I can’t even remember what they were), and added in what I now feel to be the best bits: William’s repeated reflections on how uncomfortable he is, physically as well as mentally. It wasn’t a particularly enjoyable process (re-writing never is), but it definitely helped.

It makes me wonder though if Raven had a bad relationship before this all happened. I think this because of when she asked why William didn't say, "I love you" at the end of the phone call. Just a thought.That’s quite a good idea, actually. I wish I’d thought of it myself.

Ergo, that wasn’t what I was thinking of with Raven’s comment. Truth be told, I just wanted her to be awkward. But I might have a think about that…

Oh yes, and that’s perhaps not the question you should be asking…;)

-Matt A-

[Faethie]

Miss me?

First off: I'm glad that your standards are being upheld =]] its nice that some things never change.

But to the story.
I think theres something a bit ironic in the fact that William drops his daughter off at a church and ends up chauffering a murdererer around on Christmas eve.
Well done.
His daughter's appearance seems to resemble Raven herself: plain, to the point, and not unnecessary. As a singer, when I go perform I'm always dressed really nicely. So either, she doesnt care (which she does) or she has a reason for dressing like that. Was she in a rush, or was it because she simply wanted to make a statement. Probably the latter.
William does not strike me as the type that would not take a side. I mean, hell if there's a gun to your head you're gunna do whatever is told. Right? That is questionable. It is, however, in his curiousity that I believe is the key to that answer. William likes problem solving. And that's whats done him in. And what's gunna keep doing him in.
Lastly, nice job with the phone call bit. I did find it interesting that he didn't say I love you. Raven pointing that out made it more important. Is it possible that he's used to lying to his wife? Or that he somehow knows that he won't die.
I love Raven being a villain. Absolutely love it.
Overall, good read. I missed you. =]