**Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter**

I still remember the day I walked into the GCPD headquarters, my heart racing with excitement and a hint of nervousness. I had just submitted my application for an internship in the detective's department, and I couldn't wait to see if I got it. As a huge crime drama fan, I had always been fascinated by the work of detectives, and I was eager to learn from the best. I had heard that the GCPD was one of the toughest departments in the city, and I was ready for the challenge. As I walked through the bustling hallways, I couldn't help but notice the somber atmosphere. The officers seemed to be on edge, and the tension was palpable. I had heard rumors about the recent increase in crime in Gotham, and it seemed like the department was struggling to keep up. I stopped in front of the reception desk, where a friendly officer was typing away on her computer. "Hi there, can I help you?" she asked, looking up at me with a warm smile. "Hi! I'm Mia Moran, and I'm here for the internship interview," I replied, trying to sound confident. The officer nodded and checked her computer. "Ah, yes! You're right on time. Let me just check with Detective Bullock real quick." She picked up the phone and dialed a number, and after a brief conversation, she hung up and smiled at me. "He's expecting you. Take the elevator to the third floor, and you'll find him in the detective's office." I took a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and headed to the elevator. As I rode up to the third floor, I couldn't help but think about all the possibilities. What if I got the internship? What if I didn't? I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the present. The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out into the bustling detective's office. The room was filled with officers typing away on their computers, and the sound of phones ringing filled the air. I spotted Detective Bullock, a tall, imposing figure with a gruff demeanor, standing by the window. Just as I was about to approach him, I noticed a figure standing by the whiteboard, staring intently at a crime scene photo. He was dressed in a suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, and his eyes seemed to be fixed on the image in front of him. There was something about him that caught my attention, something that made me feel like he was staring right through me. As I watched, he turned around, and our eyes met. I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body, and I couldn't look away. He smiled to himself, and I could sense a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Ah, Mia Moran, right on time," Detective Bullock said, interrupting my gaze. "Welcome to the team." I turned to face him, trying to compose myself. "Thank you, Detective," I replied, extending my hand. As Bullock shook my hand, the mysterious figure from the whiteboard walked towards us, his eyes never leaving mine. "I think we have a new intern, Jim," he said, his voice low and smooth. Bullock nodded. "This is Mia Moran. She's here to work with us in the detective's department." The man's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Welcome to the GCPD, Mia," he said, his voice sending a thrill through me. "I'm Edward Nygma." I shook his hand, and a spark of electricity ran through me. I had no idea what the future held, but I knew that this chance encounter was going to change my life forever.