**Chapter 1: A New Face in the Department**

The sun had barely risen over the Gotham City skyline as Mia Moran walked into the GCPD headquarters, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of nervousness. She had just graduated from college with a degree in criminology and was eager to start her career in law enforcement. The internship she had applied for in the detective's department was her dream opportunity, and she was determined to make a good impression. As she entered the bustling office, she was immediately struck by the chaotic atmosphere. Detectives and officers were rushing to and fro, discussing cases and gathering evidence. Mia spotted the reception desk and made her way towards it, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of her contact. "Hi, can I help you?" a friendly voice asked, snapping Mia out of her observation. "Hi, I'm Mia Moran. I'm here for the internship interview," she replied, extending her hand. The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, nodded and picked up the phone. "Let me just let Detective Gordon know you're here. Can you have a seat?" Mia took a seat in the waiting area, flipping through a worn copy of a Gotham City newspaper. A few minutes later, a tall, imposing figure emerged from the elevator, flanked by two other men. Jim Gordon, the commissioner of the GCPD, was easy to recognize, even from a distance. His rugged features and piercing blue eyes seemed chiseled from granite. As he approached, Mia noticed the two men with him: Harvey Bullock, a gruff, no-nonsense detective with a thick beard, and a peculiar-looking man with an unruly mop of hair and an expression that seemed to be constantly calculating. He was dressed in a crumpled suit, and his eyes seemed to be taking in every detail of the room. "Commissioner Gordon," Mia said, standing up and extending her hand. Gordon shook her hand firmly. "Mia Moran. Great to meet you. I trust you're here for the internship?" Mia nodded. "Yes, I am. I'm excited about the opportunity to work with the detective's department." Gordon smiled. "Well, let's get down to business then. Harvey, Ed, this is Mia Moran, our newest intern." Bullock grunted a greeting, while the peculiar-looking man, Ed Nygma, offered a polite smile and a nod. Mia couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity about him. There was something unusual about Ed, something that made her want to know more. As Gordon led her to his office, Mia caught Ed's eye, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. She felt a shiver run down her spine, and she couldn't help but wonder what lay behind those piercing, calculating eyes. "So, Mia," Gordon said, breaking the silence, "tell me about yourself. What makes you think you're a good fit for our department?" Mia launched into her well-rehearsed speech, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Ed Nygma was watching her, analyzing her every word and gesture. She wondered what he thought of her, and what role he would play in her life as a member of the GCPD.