The execution schedule was almost complete.
On one screen, legal documentation finalized the transfer of The Joker to a federal black-site detention facility.
On another, my system interface displayed the remaining procedures.
Execution authorization.
Security clearance verification.
Transport logistics.
The process was surprisingly simple once the correct people were persuaded.
Gotham had suffered from the Joker for far too long.
Removing him permanently would statistically prevent hundreds—possibly thousands—of future casualties.
Which meant the decision was obvious.
I continued working while monitoring Gotham's police network when a new notification appeared on my screen.
Incoming encrypted video call.
Caller ID: Amanda Waller
I sighed slightly.
"…Troublesome."
Waller was not someone I particularly liked.
But I did respect her.
Unlike most politicians, she actually understood the threat posed by the entities that existed in this world.
Godlike aliens.
Metahumans.
Monsters capable of leveling cities.
People like Superman.
Or worse.
Darkseid.
Waller's entire philosophy revolved around one idea:
Putting chains on gods.
An admirable objective.
Unfortunately, her methods were often… inefficient.
Still, she remained one of the most powerful figures within my information network.
Which meant ignoring her would be unwise.
I activated the call.
As always, the screen displayed only a shadowed silhouette.
My face remained completely hidden behind several layers of digital distortion.
Waller's image appeared on the screen.
Her expression was exactly what I expected.
Serious.
Annoyed.
And slightly irritated.
"L," she said.
"Director Waller," I replied calmly.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"You've been busy."
"Correct."
"Capturing The Joker certainly made an impression."
"That was the objective."
Waller leaned forward slightly.
"You're planning to execute him."
It wasn't a question.
"Yes."
Her expression didn't change.
"I figured."
There was a brief silence.
Then Waller continued.
"You're causing problems."
"Explain."
"Batman."
Ah.
Of course.
Batman would inevitably object to the Joker's execution.
"That is irrelevant," I replied.
"Maybe to you," Waller said, "but the Bat tends to complicate things."
"I am aware."
She studied the screen carefully.
As if trying to determine my location.
Or my identity.
Unfortunately for her, that was impossible.
Finally she leaned back.
"Anyway, I didn't call to argue."
"Then why did you call?"
Waller folded her hands.
"I need your help."
That was… interesting.
"You have the entire United States intelligence community at your disposal," I said.
"And the Justice League."
"Correct," Waller replied.
"But I want a detective."
One who didn't wear a cape.
One who wasn't bound by superhero morality.
One who could analyze a problem without emotional bias.
In other words—
Me.
"What kind of problem?" I asked.
"A complicated one."
She paused.
"And potentially catastrophic."
That description covered approximately half the problems in this universe.
"I will need additional details."
"You'll get them."
"But first we establish terms."
Of course.
Waller always tried to control negotiations.
Unfortunately for her, I had no intention of allowing that.
"You require my assistance," I said calmly.
"Which means the negotiation begins in my favor."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"…You're confident."
"Yes."
"Fine," she said.
"What do you want?"
I considered the possibilities.
Then answered.
"Three conditions."
Waller waited.
"First," I said, "full access to Task Force X intelligence files."
The program known as the Suicide Squad.
Operated by Amanda Waller.
A collection of dangerous criminals used for covert operations.
Her expression tightened slightly.
"Second," I continued, "priority access to federal metahuman research data."
Information on superpowers would be extremely valuable.
"And third?"
I tilted my head slightly.
"Operational autonomy."
"In other words," Waller said slowly, "you do whatever you want."
"Correct."
She stared at the screen for several seconds.
Evaluating.
Calculating.
Then finally she sighed.
"…Fine."
That answer was faster than expected.
Which meant the situation she was dealing with was likely serious.
"Good," I said.
"Send the case file."
Waller nodded.
"You'll have it in thirty seconds."
Then she added one final comment.
"And L?"
"Yes."
"If you screw this up…"
Her voice hardened.
"…a lot of people die."
The call ended.
I immediately received the data file.
At the same time, I continued scheduling the execution of The Joker.
Multitasking was trivial with my current intellect.
Within seconds I began analyzing the information Waller had sent.
Thousands of documents.
Satellite images.
Psychological reports.
Military intelligence.
My mind processed the entire file rapidly.
Then I paused.
"…Interesting."
Very interesting.
Because the case Waller had just given me involved individuals connected to:
The Justice League.
And if my initial calculations were correct…
Solving this investigation might place me directly in conflict with some of the most powerful beings on Earth.
Which meant this case would likely earn a very large number of System Points.
I glanced briefly at the system interface.
Then back to the data.
"…Acceptable."
Meanwhile, across the country, Batman was still investigating me.
And somewhere in a high-security cell…
The Joker was still laughing.
But that wouldn't last much longer.
Because in approximately 18 hours…
The Joker would be executed.