Chapter 96

A few days later, the Joker's first trial began.

Even with limited direct evidence, his crimes were obvious to all. Nearly every news station in the United States was broadcasting the event live, and global media had also tuned in.

As Gotham City's current Chief Justice, Jennifer presided over the trial, though she would have preferred not to be in the spotlight under such circumstances. The trial's scale only served as a reminder of the devastating impact Joker had inflicted on the city, leaving many harmed or dead.

Before the proceedings started, Jennifer led everyone in the courtroom in a three-minute moment of silence to honor the victims. The Joker, however, remained indifferent, his apathetic demeanor only angering the crowd. A man in the gallery shouted out, demanding the Joker's execution, which prompted Jennifer to have him swiftly removed from the courtroom.

After the uproar settled, Jennifer banged her gavel, calling for order. "First of all," she addressed the room firmly, "let me remind you all that Gotham City is a modern, enlightened place with no death penalty. We do not hang people in public squares."

She then pointed at the Joker. "Everyone here has seen this man's madness and cruelty firsthand. I was also targeted, as were Chief Prosecutor Harvey Dent, Prosecutor Rachel Dawes, and Commissioner Gordon. Even the Director of Gotham Police lost his life to this man's actions."

"But we are not intimidated by him, and justice will never yield to evil," Jennifer said passionately, her words met with a round of applause from the gallery.

As the crowd looked back to the Joker, he began to lazily pick his ears, as though the cheers were just an annoying buzz around him. His nonchalance further infuriated the onlookers, but Jennifer remained composed. With her opening statement complete, she nodded to Harvey, who was seated on the prosecution's side, giving him the signal to proceed.

Harvey, the lead prosecutor, was determined to hold Joker accountable. The trial moved along smoothly due to Joker's own self-incriminating arrogance and the mountain of evidence against him. In the end, Joker was sentenced to life in prison, with a clause barring parole or bail for fifty years.

Under Gotham law, "bail" was strictly for those pending trial, not a tool to avoid justice after a sentence had been passed. However, Joker's life sentence ensured he would be incarcerated without the possibility of parole. Even after fifty years, he wouldn't be released outright but could only seek parole under highly restricted conditions.

That afternoon, the Joker was transferred to Gotham's maximum-security prison. Some argued he should be sent to Arkham Asylum, which had nearly recovered from its last major incident. But before he was formally processed, someone requested a private meeting with him. The request came with absolute confidentiality: Kara Zor-El.

Entering Joker's solitary confinement cell, Kara was not "Supergirl" here; she was herself. Joker, who had anticipated her visit, merely grinned. "You're here, my lovely visitor," he said, unfazed by her arrival.

Kara took a seat in the sparse room. There was only a single welded bed, and the chair she sat on had been specially brought in. The sparse furnishings were a necessity for housing such a dangerous prisoner.

Arms crossed, Kara stared at the Joker, unperturbed by his words. The two locked eyes, sharing a strangely calm silence.

"Are you afraid I'm here to kill you?" Kara finally asked, her voice low. "Because I could kill you in a hundred ways, and no one would bat an eye. They'd applaud."

The Joker's grin widened. "You won't kill me," he replied without hesitation.

"Oh?" Kara's eyebrows lifted slightly. "And what makes you so sure?"

"Because we're the same, you and I," he said, grinning his wild, maddening grin.

Kara's mouth twitched, though she resisted the urge to react. She leaned back in her chair, uncrossing her legs. "I'm nothing like you."

Joker laughed, unfazed. "Is that what you really believe? Even if you do, I know you won't kill me. You know, if I'm gone, they'll eventually come for you and him next."

"What are you talking about?" Kara asked, her voice cold.

Joker chuckled. "You think you're a hero? You're just as different as I am. The only difference is that you let them use you. But one day, when you've dealt with every criminal, they'll come for you next. Justice will no longer matter to them. You think you'll be able to retire peacefully? They'll demand accountability."

Kara sat silent, her steely gaze unwavering.

"You know I'm right," Joker went on, his tone softer yet somehow darker. "Once Gotham no longer has a need for 'heroes' like you, who will be their next target? You'll be cast aside as soon as the threat is gone. They'll settle the score. And you know better than anyone that people only want control."

Kara took a deep breath, but said nothing, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a response.

In a city like Gotham, his words were a reminder of the tenuous balance she and others like Bruce fought so hard to maintain.