ORCA (Earth-7)

Biography 

Origin

 The chief biologist at the Gotham Zoo was originally hired for her expertise in marine biology and biomedicine, as the opening of the new aquatic section for marine life required staff capable of handling the arrival of animals from abroad.

 The attraction’s star was Orca, a massive killer whale brought in from the North Pacific, with whom Dr. Balin took an instant liking, thanks to the animal’s majestic stature.

 Orca, in turn, found herself equally fascinated by the doctor, who was one of the few people in her entire life to approach her without fear, making frequent visits to her tank and even stroking her when no one was watching—a far cry from how she had been treated in the captivity where she grew up.

The Connection

 While Grace spent her afternoons in the company of her animal companion, the Gotham Zoo was facing budget cuts and difficulties in maintaining the newly arrived attraction, which led to constant pressure from the finance department on the chief biologist.

 Seeking sponsorship, she approached Gotham millionaires who might be able to help. Bruce Wayne was hard to reach, as always; Sofia Gigante showed no interest in the proposal; Selina Kyle began making regular donations to the pet adoption program; but no one seemed as interested in philanthropy as Oswald Cobblepott.

 His financial assistance was desperately needed to pay off the institution’s debts—enough for them to honor him as the founder of “Arctic World,” a new attraction at the zoo. But it was obvious that his involvement came with certain ulterior motives, beyond the benevolent publicity the donation brought to his image—something strictly necessary since he had launched his election campaign. He convinced Grace to donate two or three sharks to his private aquarium in a mansion on the outskirts of the city, which she did without batting an eye, even without valid documentation.

The Orca

 When the constant scramble to secure sponsors finally ended, Grace found herself confronted by an issue she had long denied: her health.

 Having altered her medical records to meet the requirements of her position, she hid from others—and from herself—an autoimmune disease that was gradually robbing her of mobility and paralyzing parts of her body.

At the same time, Orca was facing issues with the zoo’s medical team, who believed the animal had contracted a bacterial disease that was directly affecting her neurological behavior. What was once the park’s biggest attraction had to be closed off with thick curtains that hid the animal’s new daily routine—spending her afternoons tirelessly thrashing against the edge of the tank in a tragic act of self-destruction.

 Finding herself at what she considered rock bottom, Grace saw her own misfortune reflected in the animal. A majestic body, but without a mind, and a brilliant mind whose body would soon waste away. Perhaps things could be different, and perhaps she is the catalyst for change.

Becoming One

 The decision seemed clear, but the means were difficult to achieve; the orca must indeed be euthanized, but its body should be donated for the sake of science. A final farewell took place in the very same tank where they had first met; as human and animal came face to face, they both recognized one another, before becoming one.

 It was Oswald Cobblepott who assisted her with the operation, using the Penguin’s army to intercept the transport of the animal’s carcass to a laboratory in S.T.A.R. City, orchestrating a large-scale heist in a controlled manner, without Batman being able to intervene.

 With the animal in their possession, it was decided that part of it would be sold on the black market, while Dr. Balin would have access to the rest for her own research. It was only a matter of time before she found the most effective way to create grafts using the animal’s shell and combine its cells with the body’s invigorating regenerative capacity.

 Before long, Grace, too, found herself majestic—a complete hybrid of human and beast. Between her perfect mind and unshakable body, she and Orca were now one.