Chapter 2094: The Knight's Shocking Soul Night (36)_2

A female voice came through the microphone, imbued with an air of authority, but the moment Batman set his eyes on the legislator, she lost her words.

A sudden bout of intense coughing brought the female legislator back to reality. She feigned ease as she smoothed down her coiled blonde hair, then turned to look towards another, older male legislator.

On the legislators' seats, politicians quietly exchanged their views. They could tell at a glance who they were up against, someone like Bruce Wayne. But no one knew exactly what that meant.

"I am here." Wayne said, immutably, yet compassionately, much like the most forgiving priest, as though his presence was a blessing to all those in attendance.

Perhaps it was, the astute among them considered. Wayne could have chosen not to attend, which might potentially make him a global pariah. But hadn't it always been the case?

How could a family that had set up its headquarters in Gotham for decades, an enterprise with the widest global reach, the largest operational span, the deepest industrial excavation, and the highest level of advanced technology, not be considered at odds with the world?

Sometimes they really wondered who was Superman. They all sighed, if only Bruce Wayne hadn't come to give us, mere mortals, a chance to survive.

Congress clearly didn't want to deal with this matter, but for the sake of balancing the military, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other powers, they had to act responsibly, hence, the female legislator dutifully asked.

"Mr. Wayne, we are delighted that you could join us. Following, I will represent all members of Congress, jointly discussing a number of issues related to the disastrous incident that struck Gotham City in New Jersey State."

"All statements made in this consultation will be recorded, some will be released to the media and the public, the United States Congress will ensure everyone here can fully account for their words, given their abilities and standpoints."

"Now, Mr. Wayne, please answer me: were you forewarned of the disaster in Gotham?"

Batman shook his head, but he added, "Disasters happen in this city every day, I'm not surprised by this."

An almost perfect explanation; even if further investigation discovered any prior countermeasures taken by Wayne Enterprises, the frequency of disasters in the city and the company's safety awareness could serve as reasonable excuses.

The female legislator then asked a few more inconsequential questions, mainly about whether there had been any contact with the perpetrator, whether there were any suspicious people being monitored, and the measures taken after the disaster.

Of course, the so-called exchanges of interests couldn't possibly be brought up for open discussion, but winning the endorsement of the Congress was still an important piece in the game. So, after Bruce answered each question, he took the initiative to speak.

"I deeply regret the disaster, yet I feel even more regret over the calm and rational manner in which you are questioning me about the disaster."

He licked his lips lightly, and took a deep breath before saying, "If you can attribute the cause of the disaster solely to the sins of the Gotham citizens, then the responses of each department during and after the disaster will be the biggest joke of this free and democratic country with regard to its concern for citizen safety and national interest protection."

That was harsh indeed, as expected, it caused a buzz in the room. Batman propped his hands on the table, scanned the room, and said, "To begin with, I would like you to explain the military weapons possessed by these terrorists."

"The majority of the property losses suffered by Wayne Enterprises in this disaster originated from the military's weaponry. Our taxpayers provide a huge amount of funds to the military each year. Has our money ended up raining bombs on our heads? Do you plan to say that no one is accountable for this?"

The room fell dead silent.

When Wayne talked about the suffering of the people, they had points of rebuttal, when Wayne talked about his own suffering, should you say we are not responsible, then Wayne, due to his property loss, if incapable of operating profitably the next year, or simply recalling his funds due to urgent need to cover losses, would ruthlessly slap everyone with the financial report next year.

Too sharp, they all thought, they also realized, Wayne must have premeditated this, no one could react so promptly and firmly to such sudden accidents.

The military's arrogance diminished, the military budget was their lifeblood, each year 80% of their wrangling with the Congress revolved around this. If Wayne Enterprises reduced its tax contribution next year, the tax bureau would surely strangle them during their next round of military funding request to Congress.

But they still struggled desperately.

"We were just about to address this." A brigadier general stood up, nodded at his colleagues and said, "The military base in New Jersey was unfortunately robbed, we've found that some individuals were involved in black market transactions with unknown entities in Gotham."

"We initially suspected that a military officer in charge of the troops, under threat, was forced to sell military supplies. All the equipment has specific defensive purposes, it wasn't intended for terrorists. Records and data can verify this."

"Moreover, the force trading with the delinquent personnel has concealed themselves well, and he was unable to discern that they were, in fact, terrorists. Yet, we do not know, who would have a reason to do so?"

Although the words were vague, what they were hinting at was clear to all in the room. To defame someone else for fanning the flames and harbouring an enemy wasn't a fresh tactic, though shameless, it was adequately effective.

Only hope brings disappointment, when the missiles on the horizon rushed unerringly towards the city, Batman had already lost hope in every person present.

And now, their attempt to hit back had finally dislodged the last piece of small rock blocking the boulder at the top of the mountain.

If they knew, they would be even more terrified — what now resided in Batman's heart was not disappointment, but a sense of relief.

Destroying Gotham is no longer the best revenge for these people, and Batman had the power to turn it into a blessing.

He scanned the room, silent for a long while.

Everyone awaited his explanation, but Batman never excelled at explaining. He judged, then pronounced.

"In this disaster, your collective effort has led to my loss of hope in your disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction capabilities. Wayne Enterprises can no longer accept such losses."

"From today onward, Wayne Enterprises will no longer provide operating funds for Blackgate Prison, Gotham Police Department's Extraordinary Prison, Arkham Mental Hospital, and other public facilities in Gotham that can house criminals. We will no longer provide humanitarian aid for any legal system and proceedings, nor guarantee that municipal investments can provide all public services required by Gotham Court."

"Regardless of the number of terrorists remaining in this city, leave them to the state courts to handle. Be it Mulek Prison or the Florence ADX Supermax Prison…"

"I believe, whether in the trial process or the incarceration process, they will handle it far better than Gotham."