"The independence of Gotham is a fact, the 26 agents who entered the country earlier will be extradited back to the Federation next Friday..."
Fiona was sitting on the sofa in Wayne Manor's living room reading the newspaper. She frowned and said to Batman, who was pouring tea behind her, "I still think we should use the term 'People's Republic,' which better reflects the power of democracy."
"Yes, but having the same name as a certain country in Asia might cause some unnecessary speculation." The pale knight came down the stairs, adjusted his tie, and said, "'Democratic Republic' isn't bad either. It sounds clear too."
"But that's still the same name as another country." Fiona shook her head but didn't argue any further, instead asking, "How many countries have established diplomatic relations with us so far?"
"Most European countries have sent congratulations via electronic communications."
Fiona widened her eyes in shock and said, "What? But how come those countries are so friendly?"
"Because they're afraid we'll float over there." The pale knight rolled his eyes slightly and said, "The Atlantic isn't that big. Although we're now closer to the Federation's land, who knows, one day we might drift along the ocean current and end up next to England. I guess no one in Europe wants to see us."
Fiona burst out laughing, somewhat wistfully saying, "Being notorious has its advantages. But the British have no right to laugh at us; I don't want fish and chips becoming popular on our island."
"Has the Federal Government replied yet?" the pale knight looked at Batman and asked.
"No. Word is the president insists on not responding. He's too eager for votes; with such a major event happening during his term, it's unlikely he'll be re-elected. He's probably complaining to his aides."
"I actually think this is a good chance for him to boost his support rate. After all, quite a few coastal cities want independence, and if he shows support or remains ambiguous, he might win their favor. Anyway, it's just verbal support; those cities wouldn't really secede."
"Alright, let's talk about you." Batman put the tea down and said, "How did you get out that day? Why did the police station catch fire?"
"My father's former comrade saved me, but he said he didn't start the fire. I saw the direction he came from wasn't where the fire started, but I don't know exactly what happened."
"Did you notice anything unusual?"
"Of course." Fiona said, "The fire broke out precisely at six in the afternoon, and before the fire, someone sent me a series of Morse code using the camera's indicator light, which read 'six in the afternoon.'"
The pale knight and Batman exchanged a glance.
"Natasha really called it." The pale knight said, "Wait a moment; we need to invite a lady over."
Fiona, not knowing what was going on, lowered her head and drank tea. After a short while, a dashing figure appeared in Wayne Manor's living room. Fiona looked up and, somewhat surprised, said, "It's you!"
"Is she one of ours?" Fiona asked again.
The pale knight nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Natasha sat at the edge of the sofa, body tense, looked at Fiona, and said, "Did someone contact you through electronic devices? Like sending an email or something."
Fiona slowly shook her head. The pale knight helped explain a bit. Natasha said, "I know this might sound absurd, but please listen carefully and do your best to understand. I came from another universe, where many incidents occurred, and we eventually found out it might be caused by an electronic life form..."
Natasha briefly introduced the situation and continued, "According to my investigation, all women involved have one common trait: red hair, including you."
"You were arrested because of the statements you made, and you made those statements because Congress suddenly brought up a referendum. But the fact that the referendum was brought up again is very peculiar. I've come from the Cold War era, and since the Soviet Union collapsed, Congressmen have never been so united. The two parties, donkey and elephant, argue over even the smallest bills; why did they suddenly pass such a strange bill collectively?"
"You think that..."
"Their fundamental interests are opposed, so it couldn't have been interests that bound them together. But they do have one thing in common: those endless scandals."
"You're saying they were threatened?!" Fiona furrowed her brow deeply and said in puzzlement, "But who could unearth so many scandals and dare to directly threaten them without fearing they'd be found out?"
"Certainly not humans, not even those across the ocean. The only explanation is that it doesn't truly exist in this world but is merely a ghost on the internet."
"That's outrageous." Fiona couldn't help but say, "Are you saying it gathered all the scandals of American Congressmen just to get them to pass a nitpicking bill and drag me into this? What do I have that's special enough for it to do so?"
"That's exactly what we need to study." Natasha waved a hand and said, "Clearly, I am also one of those dragged in, but there's nothing in common between the two of us..."
"Really?" Batman couldn't help but say, "Do you really think your only commonality is red hair?"
"What else?" Natasha looked at him and asked.
Batman slowly shook his head and said, "From my perspective, you two are very similar. You both once had a great goal you fought for, and you're both the kind of people willing to give everything, incredibly stubborn, to achieve your goals."