Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Knightmare

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 08:

ARGUS Headquarters

Gateway City

Amanda Waller was not having a good day.

The rest of the United States’ Intelligence Services had been transferred to a new, interconnective and extremely secure network, linking all their databases together. Her agency should soon be transferred to the network but ARGUS’s data would stay off these databases as Amanda had no intention of integrating her information into it. This would give her complete access to all sensitive data across the other intelligence services, including other black ops agencies, while they had none of hers. She would have ultimate access while still keeping her own secrets.

It should have been a victory and given her more power than any other intelligence agency director, but Amanda’s organization was still on the outside looking in. There were currently no plans being discussed to bring her agency online and she wasn’t being told why.

She had been calling contacts and old friends in the Defense Department and Intelligence Service committees all week but to her great frustration, no one would take her calls.

Finally, her assistant told her a bit of good news. She would be receiving an update in five minutes in the secure conference room on level three. She was not happy with the short notice, nor that the meeting hadn’t been scheduled well in advance, but she was hungry for answers.

Waller wasn’t certain who she expected to meet in the conference room, but it wasn’t NSA Agent Emilia Harcourt.

Amanda did not like the woman, but she did respect her. Harcourt may have used her body and sex appeal to get to the top but her sharp mind told her who to manipulate and how. As such, she rose at a meteoric rate at the NSA, and many thought Harcourt would be a major player before she turned forty.

Waller had also risen at a meteoric rate through the ranks, but where Harcourt used physical manipulation, Amanda used blackmail and intimidation. She had learned quickly where all the bodies were buried and who was responsible for putting them in the holes.

“Agent Harcourt.”

“Miss Waller.”

“It’s Director Waller… or have you forgotten whose building this is?” Her tone was biting, anger growing. “I understand you have information about the timetable for my organization to be brought into the intelligence superstructure.”

“Have a seat.”

Amanda’s eyes narrowed as she stood with her arms crossed. Something was off with Harcourt’s demeanor.

“That wasn’t a request.” Harcourt told her coolly.

Waller slowly sat, keeping her eyes on the already seated woman across from her.

“ARGUS has a problem. That problem would be you.” Harcourt said bluntly. “You made quite an impression on Diana Wayne when you met her. She told Congressman Milton that she would provide no services to ARGUS as long as you were director.”

Waller scowled. “Wayne Enterprises signed a contract. She has no choice.”

“Actually, to a point, she does and that’s the U.S. Government’s fault.” Harcourt sighed. “You see in the contract they failed to specify a time period for Wayne Enterprises to institute the new system. While the company has moved rapidly with all other departments, it has been made clear that they are in no hurry to send their cyber team to your lovely community here in Gateway City. They could wait nineteen years and fifty one weeks and not be in breach. Miss Wayne’s legal team knows how to play with loopholes and frankly this snafu made our lawyers look like idiots.”

Waller clenched her fists. Her hate for Diana Wayne was growing daily. Unlike Harcourt, Waller was unable to feel grudging respect. Wayne was targeting her because she was protecting her organization from a nosey billionaire who was looking into places she shouldn’t have been.

“I am sure there are ways to encourage Diana Wayne.”

Harcourt stared at the woman, eyebrows raised. “What would you suggest? Investigate the woman and try to blackmail her? Her life is an open book that has been investigated by the government numerous times. Her father was a decorated war hero, her mother a beloved humanitarian, her fiancé is a decorated pilot in the military. She and her sister are highly respected and more popular with the public than ever before.

“Are you suggesting we physically threaten her? What threat could possibly be given? By whom? Wayne Tower and Wayne Manor are five mile no-fly zones, protected by our military and her own highly‑trained security forces. She has powerful friends everywhere. No one nears her sister without Wayne security present in force. You would only upset her more.

“That kind of thinking is your problem and what got you into the mess you are in, Amanda. Your ego got the better of you and you forgot your place in the overall scheme of things. The United States keeping Diana Wayne happy is more important than Amanda Waller and her strong-arm tactics.”

Waller closed her eyes, breathing rapidly to hold back her anger. She thought back to Diana’s words those few months ago. ‘Directors of black ops agencies change but the owners of Wayne Enterprises do not .’

“Am I supposed to beg for her forgiveness?” She asked through gritted teeth.

Harcourt sadly shook her head. “I’m afraid it is too late for that, Amanda. You made a simple mistake but a costly one. You attempted to touch someone who is untouchable. We both know what that means.”

Amanda snarled, her anger finally bleeding through. “The politicians can tell her whatever they want, they can lie about my status, but they will not take my position away from me.”

“They already have, Amanda.” Harcourt could no longer keep the smile from her face. “I’m the new Director. I’ll be meeting with Miss Wayne tomorrow and scheduling our system upgrades along with other needs for equipment. Unlike you, I can be quite charming.”

Waller’s blood boiled but she wrangled her rage back under control as best she could. Her jaw was clenched but she took several deep breaths to try and calm herself.

“I would suggest you remind those who think they can sweep me under the rug and demote me to some meaningless position, that I know where all the bodies are buried.” She said, her tone heated.

“There’s a problem with knowing where the bodies are buried… you can eventually become one yourself.” Harcourt stood from the table, her face impassive, the gun she was holding clearly visible to the ousted director. Waller noted the blonde had even attached a silencer to her weapon.

“You aren’t being demoted, Amanda.” Harcourt informed her. “You are the type of person who would go after Diana Wayne for some form of childish revenge. You are that vindictive and we can’t risk you angering her. Kara Wayne’s mind is critical for U.S. security and world superiority. She is this country’s greatest weapon. Diana controls Kara Wayne meaning she controls this country’s greatest weapon. That makes Diana Wayne’s happiness invaluable.”

Before Waller could argue she felt a pressure in her chest and heard a small poof of air. She looked at the gun in Harcourt’s hand noting the barrel was only four feet away and aimed directly at her chest.

She found it hard to breathe. Amanda looked down at her hand on her chest, pulling it back and seeing blood on her palm along with a small hole in her sweater that was smoking.

She met Harcourt’s piercing blue eyes.

“This will be you one day.” Waller tried to say but it came out as more of a wheeze.

“I thought I would give you a moment to ask for forgiveness. We all need forgiveness for something at the end, don’t we?” Harcourt asked rhetorically. “This is nothing personal, Amanda. You may well be the devil’s bride and one of the most amoral and psychotic people I have ever known but I had a professional respect for you. You were a necessary evil, but you overplayed your hand.”

Harcourt fired once more between Waller’s eyes and was satisfied when the life drained from them.

She unscrewed the silencer and placed the handgun in the holster under her jacket. The door opened and the Director of the National Security Agency walked inside.

“Well done.” The man said, obviously pleased. “When I suggested you for the job, some didn’t think you were cold-blooded enough to live up to the expectations this position requires. You just proved that you are.

“Congratulations, Director Harcourt.”

“Thank you, sir.” She told him, smiling at the title and ignoring Waller’s now slumped form as it lay half on the table.

“You fly for Gotham tonight. I have set up a meeting with Diana in the morning. She is a charming woman, a realist and a patriot. Remember what you must do.”

“Kiss her ass, sir.”

“And that attitude is why you will succeed where Waller failed.” He said approvingly. “No need to call me ‘sir’ any longer. We are equal in rank, Emilia. Have a good trip.”

---

Wayne Tower, the next morning

Bruce relaxed in the comfortable office chair across from Diana’s desk. He had popped in unannounced with coffee and she was in a bright mood.

“You seem very relaxed.” He noted. “Did Dig take the news of your new hire well?”

Diana shrugged. “I haven’t spoken to him about it. I planned to last night and then I was going to tonight, but perhaps I will just wait and see if he even notices her. Perhaps it won’t be a big thing.

“Tatsu is looking for a residence this week and I am setting Violet up with a tutor for homeschooling. She has an excellent grasp on English but hasn’t been in a school setting since she was a very small child and I gather that class was held in a barn. She is mostly self-taught and wouldn’t fit in with a high school crowd.”

Bruce smirked. “You think Dig won’t notice a Japanese mercenary carrying that particular sword? Really? He is not going to be happy knowing she is going to be around Kara.”

Diana waved it off. “He knows I would never let anyone around Kara who I perceived as dangerous. I’ll invite her to dinner and give the two a chance to bond. It’s not like Tatsu will be living in the manor. I’ll smooth it over.

“Now tell me how you did it.”

“Did what?” he asked innocently.

Diana was not impressed with his pretend ignorance. “Harvey called last night and said Rachel must have dropped a bug in Crane’s office. Rachel wouldn’t have done that. All the bugs were in one place and had a strong magnetic pull. They would not just drop out of the case.

“So how did you get it from her and into his office?”

Bruce grinned. “You did tell Gordon I could become practically invisible.”

“I said practically.” She replied, not amused. “You met with her yesterday.”

“How do you know that?” Bruce asked suspiciously.

Diana closed her eyes. “You told me the night before you were going to talk to her. I assumed you meant face to face. Am I wrong?”

Bruce thought about it and supposed that did make sense. “I spoke to her in my… in a car before she entered Arkham.”

“And you took it from her purse without noticing in close quarters. Not bad.” Diana admitted.

Bruce laughed, wishing it had been that easy. “Good guess, but no. I had hoped Harvey would have given them to her the night before and he did. I entered her apartment and took one as she slept.

“Then, I suited up, went to Arkham and used the sonar attachment Kara made for the suit and brought up a layout of the entire area. I saw an air vent that led straight to an underground area that ended at an office. I slid down, planted the bug, and climbed back up, then left. I suppose when Harvey turned the recorder on after Rachel’s visit, he assumed she did it. There was no way she was going to be able to plant a bug in that office and it was necessary.”

Diana looked at him, her face expressionless, not saying a word.

“Say it. Criticize me. Get it over with.” Bruce demanded.

To his surprise, Diana merely smiled.

“Well?”

“Well what?” she asked playfully.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?”

Diana clapped her hands together softly and slowly. “Bravo, Bruce. Daring, but you pulled it off. Well done, brother.”

Bruce was stunned. “That’s… it?”

“What do you want? I could have a cookie brought up from the cafeteria if you like. You still like peanut butter with chocolate chip, right?” Diana asked. “I would pat your back, but I am extremely comfortable at my desk. You should get a chair like this for your desk… oh, wait, you don’t have a desk… never mind.”

Bruce ignored the jibe. “You aren’t going to tell me I was reckless, or I shouldn’t have acted on my own, or I should have cleared this with Gordon, or it was dangerous to enter Rachel’s apartment?”

“Nope.” Diana said as her eyes seemed to lose focus and she looked towards her door.

She smiled fondly, one Bruce knew she usually reserved for Kara.

“Kara just entered her office.” She said, confirming he was right. “She has been talking to Sam. The two are getting along splendidly. You should go have a word with her. She has plans for tomorrow I think she will want you involved in… at least I am hopeful she will want you with us.”

Bruce stiffened at the reminder of tomorrow. Tomorrow was the sixteenth anniversary of their parents’ murder.

Standing, she made her way around her desk, walking towards the door. “I must leave you now. Steve and I have a meeting with a new agency head. Apparently, Amanda Waller has been fired. Such a shame.”

Her sarcastic tone let him know she felt it was anything but a shame.

“Can I come?” he asked jokingly.

Diana smirked. “I’m sorry but this is a meeting for adults. I had a wonderful idea though. I was thinking you could apply to be Sam’s Executive Assistant. It would give you a foot in the door and some real-world business experience. I could write you a letter of recommendation.”

“Go to hell, Diana.”

“Been there, have no desire to go back.” Diana replied flippantly. “Talk to Kara. I’ll see you later.”

Diana left the office and Bruce followed her until they reached Terrence’s desk where he and John Diggle were making small talk.

“Good morning, Dig and you as well…”

“Terry.”

Bruce snapped his fingers. “Terry, right, I knew that. Is Kara on a call or doing something equally important?”

“How should I know?” the man asked.

“Aren’t you her secretary?”

Dig groaned and rolled his eyes. “Bruce… you really shouldn’t have…”

“Bruce Wayne. I am her Executive Assistant… the man who tries to keep her to a schedule, who manages the paperwork she doesn’t want to deal with, reminds her of meetings she constantly misses, and basically handles every other area of her work life that doesn’t involve research and development.” Terry stated, obviously greatly offended. “I field her calls, organize her clothing during public events, book her hairdressers and make-up artists, make sure every event she attends is sanitized and the food meets her health standards. I even create her daily lunch menu.

“I am not a secretary. I am indispensable. She would be a hot, chaotic mess without me. It would do you well to remember I’m the difference between seeing Kara now or being put on her schedule three months from now.

“Do we understand each other?”

Bruce took a drink of his coffee, his wide eyes meeting Dig’s knowing ones.

Bruce nodded. “Sorry. Won’t happen again.”

Terry smiled brightly. “Excellent. Kara is probably surfing the internet for some location she wants to visit. I’ll let her know you are out here.”

Bruce pointed at his little sister, sitting behind her desk. “Her door is open. I can see her. She is right there.”

“I would suggest you not enter her office without permission. Mr. Diggle does not approve.” Terry informed him.

Dig held a hand to his mouth, holding back a laugh at the incredulity on Bruce’s face.

Terry called Kara and they watched her press her speaker phone.

“Bruce Wayne is here to see you, Kara. Are you available?” Terry asked.

Bruce saw Kara look up from whatever was on the screen in front of her, easily seeing all three men outside her door.

Then, with a straight face, she said, “Tell him I’m not in the office, Terry.”

Terry hung up. “I’m sorry but I was mistaken. She isn’t in the office. I’ll mention you stopped by. If you would like, I could make an appointment.”

Bruce looked at Dig, perplexed, then aggravated as he saw the man’s eyes were watering as he couldn’t hold his laughter in any longer.

“I see her right there!” Bruce exclaimed.

“I can’t comment on that, sir.” Terry replied. “I was just informed she isn’t in her office. I am only a secretary.”

Frustrated, Bruce walked into Kara’s office. She adjusted her glasses and sat back in her chair. “Bruce, I didn’t realize you were here. This is a surprise.”

Bruce looked back and forth between his sister and the secretary… Executive Assistant, wondering if they both had lost their minds.

“Is this because I called him a secretary?” he guessed.

Kara nodded, finally grinning. “He really hates that.”

Bruce asked if he could close the door. Kara agreed and he walked to the door, waved to Terry and pressed a button on the wall, sliding it closed.

Kara had taken a seat on the couch, so he joined her on the one across from her.

“How are you?”

Kara shrugged. “I’m good. How are you?”

“I am good.”

The two sat in silence for a moment before Bruce broke it. “It wasn’t always awkward between us, was it? Is it me, still? Is it because of my nighttime habits? Is that why this is so awkward?”

Kara shook her head slightly. “I guess I’m not as accepting as Diana has become. It isn’t easy for me to think about you as just you and not your other half. I hope it will get better. Has everything been working fine? No… I don’t want to know.”

“Okay…”

“It’s just that I gave it to you to be safe and it needs maintenance every now and then. I should probably check it over, but I in no way support what you are doing. I’m trying to make sure you stay alive while you are being an idiot. This is not me supporting you, understand?”

“Perfectly.” Bruce assured her.

“As long as we understand that.” She stated with some finality. “Uh, tomorrow… I want you to come over to the manor. Diana and I both take off work every year. We visit the cemetery in the morning and spend the afternoon at home, looking through old picture albums… Diana and Alfred tell stories about them. No matter how many times I have heard the stories, I never grow tired of them. We also plant a tree in the afternoon ourselves. You will be there, right?”

Bruce nodded. “I planned to lay flowers at the alley where they were killed and then I will…”

Kara looked as if he had slapped her. “You plan to do what?!”

Bruce was taken back by the vehemence in her voice. “I was going to visit the spot they were killed and place flowers.”

“No, you will not. How dare you!?” She yelled at him.

Stunned at her reaction, Bruce sat up a bit straighter. “Why is that a problem?”

“Because that alley is the site of something horrible that happened. It’s a reminder of the worst night in our family’s life! It is not what Mom and Dad would have wanted. They would want to be celebrated, remembered, but they would not want us anywhere near the reminder of that night. You won’t go there, Bruce!

“That place is not sacred, it is horrid. It is where our lives were forever changed, and I will not let you honor it like some sick memorial.”

Bruce was shocked by the determination and outright anger in Kara’s voice. She rarely spoke this passionately, but she was usually around Diana when he was near. Kara was always quieter in Diana’s presence.

“I won’t go there, Kara.” He said sincerely.

Kara sat back, studying him closely. “You promise?”

Bruce nodded. “I swear. I won’t go near it, if it will make you happy.”

“Mom and Dad wouldn’t want us in that alley for the rest of our lives, Bruce. They wouldn’t want that for you, especially. I refuse to look at it when I am driven by the place.” She told him pointedly. “The city wanted to put up a memorial of some kind in that damn alley and Diana refused. Don’t lie to me, Bruce. I don’t want you to go there ever again.”

“Ok, I won’t even go near the street, Kara, I promise, and I’ll stay with you all day tomorrow if you will have me.” He was so totally thrown by her reaction, he would have promised her the moon at that moment.

Kara nodded and took a calming breath. “Good. I want you at the manor by eight and bring something terribly unhealthy for breakfast. Diana is on this health kick again. Apparently, I have been ‘abusing my new health with garbage ‘ according to her. I’ve been threatened with naturally caught salmon and organically grown broccoli again.”

Bruce thought of reminding her that it was her health, that she was twenty-one and could do as she wished but he knew better than to open that box.

Down below, in the sublevel conference room, Diana and Steve were meeting with Emilia Harcourt.

Diana studied the woman closely and Harcourt allowed her to, knowing she was being sized up by the CEO.

“So, you are Amanda Waller’s replacement?” Diana finally asked.

“I am.” The bright blonde-haired woman smiled congenially. “I understand my predecessor was most rude and disrespectful towards you and your company. I sincerely apologize on behalf of ARGUS. I cannot make up for this, but I hope the two of us, along with my organization, can begin anew.”

Diana nodded slightly. The woman gave off a strange aura, but not one she was unfamiliar with.

Most people leaned to what she considered a “good” aura while others leaned towards a darker one. Black ops agents, though, were mostly a chaotic mixture of the two that she had a hard time reading. They gave her different vibes that could change like storm winds. It was no doubt due to the nature of their jobs.

While Waller had given off nothing but darkness and evil, sociopathy and hubris, Diana was not getting any of these feelings from Harcourt. She was getting a mixture, but true evil was not present. This was a woman who only committed horrible acts if she had to. Considering the pleasure Diana took in killing her parents’ murderer, she was hardly one to judge.

As usual, she went with her gut and nothing about this woman was giving her any feelings that weren’t expected. That she had been chosen as the new director spoke to her ability to play the game and Harcourt could easily be a tool for Diana to wield in the future.

“Were you an ARGUS agent before your promotion?” Diana asked.

Harcourt shook her head. “I was an NSA agent in the Washington branch where I served in the Agency for ten years. I was recruited from Cal Tech after my bachelor’s degree and decided to begin a career rather than continue on with further studies. At one time, I wished to be a professor specializing in Foreign Policy, but I am satisfied I made the right choice.”

“Impressive.” Diana looked towards Steve who nodded slightly. He had done his homework, asked around and found nothing inherently dangerous in the woman. Harcourt had risen through the ranks quickly and there were rumors to her success, but Diana paid those no mind. She simply didn’t care if Harcourt would play ball.

“What has become of Amanda Waller?” Diana asked, greatly interested in knowing this answer. “I am afraid she strikes me as someone who might do something foolish and retaliate against me for her… demotion. That would be a poor decision, but desperate, angry people can make foolish decisions. Am I going to need to deal with her? I would prefer forewarning if she may be a problem.”

Emilia kept her best poker face on, not easy under Diana’s intense gaze. She was beginning to understand what her colleagues had told her about the woman. It was if she could look into your soul, if you were inclined to have one.

“Miss Wayne, you have been given clearance at the highest level.” Emilia told her truthfully as she worked to remain calm in the CEO’s powerful presence. “Should you wish, I have authorization to tell you every secret the Government has, the things that must be done and have been done to protect this nation. If that is your desire, let me know. I want us to have a fruitful partnership so it would help to know where your line is. How much do you want to know?”

Diana smiled knowingly. “I have no desire to know every dirty little secret nor become involved in the unsavory business that is carried out.

“Besides, you just answered my question. Just out of curiosity, did you do it yourself?”

“Diana.” Steve called her name softly. She looked his way and could read his expression. She was pushing too far, backing this woman into a corner.

She took a deep breath. “That was inappropriate. Please ignore the question. I find you quite agreeable, Director.”

“Please, call me Emilia.” The blonde said, seeming to have taken no offense.

“Then you must call me Diana.” She replied, smiling easily now. “I believe we could be friends and I have been told I am a good friend to have.”

“I would like that, Diana.” Emilia agreed, returning the smile.

“As the situation at your agency is much more agreeable for a working partnership now, I will have our cyber services teams in Gateway, Missouri tomorrow. I have had them on notice for weeks, awaiting my word to begin.” Diana told her. “Tell me about your agency headquarters. How can we make it better? Your work is of a much more sensitive nature than other intelligence branches so you must have special needs to carry out your missions. Since we are friends now, tell me how I can make your life easier and ensure you retain your position successfully for years to come.”

Emilia smiled, having accomplished what she hoped. It wasn’t easy, but she had passed Diana Wayne’s scrutiny. Her former colleagues and superiors had told her Diana Wayne was an easy person to deal with if she liked you. It was getting her approval that was key and Harcourt had passed with flying colors.

---

Wayne Manor

The next morning, Bruce arrived early to Wayne Manor having kept his promise to Kara by not going to the alley as he originally planned. The more thought he gave it, he realized that doing so would only torture himself. From the bright smile on her face, his little sister was pleased to see him.

The manor was quiet. Dig had been given the day off by Diana, Steve was at the construction site on Stryker’s Island for the special projects division and the staff had all been given the day off as well. Only the security guards roaming the grounds and Alfred, Diana and Kara remained.

For the first time in six years, nearly seven now, the three siblings and Alfred all had breakfast together.

“So, has a wedding date been set?” Bruce asked Diana though it was Kara who answered.

“December 1st.” The blonde proudly told him. “Silver and I have been working hard on it.”

The pointed look she shot at her older sister spoke volumes as to her opinion of Diana’s involvement or lack thereof.

“I told you, Kara, when I am needed for dress fittings, cake tasting, choosing of floral arrangements, place settings and guest lists, I will be available but all other details I leave in your and Silver’s very capable hands.” Diana said, an amused smile on her face.

“I need a list of bridesmaids.” Kara reminded her.

“You will be my maid of honor, of course, along with Silver, Cathy, Barbara, Alex… how many do I need?”

“Seven.” Kara said. “You can think of two more, right?”

“Sam. She is part of the family now.” Diana said proudly as if the idea had just occurred to her.

“One more?” Kara pushed.

Diana finally opened her mouth only to be cut off by Bruce.

“Not Tatsu. The katana would clash with the bouquets the others will be carrying.” He reminded Diana, a sly grin on his face.

Diana closed her mouth.

“Who is Tatsu?” Kara asked.

Diana looked a bit sheepish. “Don’t tell Dig, but I hired her as my bodyguard. You know he has been pushing me to have one. This woman, Tatsu, tried to kill Bruce the other night and I absolutely fell in love with her. You will be very impressed. I know the two of you will be great friends.”

Bruce smirked while Kara and Alfred looked at Diana with blank faces then shook it off, pretending she hadn’t said anything.

“Moving on.” Kara said, “I need one more bridesmaid.”

“I’ll think about it.” Diana promised. “Alfred will walk me down the aisle. You may need to exercise, Alfred. All Saints Cathedral has an impossibly long aisle.”

“That’s where Mom and Dad were married.” Bruce remembered. The Waynes were never much of a churchgoing family. When they did visit, they would change church venues ever year on Christmas and Easter. They never prescribed to one religion or stressed one to their children, though they all prayed more than once over Kara and her health, especially during sickness. Prayer was something Martha taught Kara as well, to bring her comfort when she was ill and frightened.

Alfred was silent, looking a little shocked at Diana.

“You want me to walk you down the aisle?” he asked quietly.

Diana looked at him and was surprised by the emotion she saw on his face.

“Of course, Alfred. Who else would I want?” she asked, reaching over and laying her hand over his. “Is that okay?”

Alfred gave her a watery smile. “Of course. I just… I know we haven’t always agreed on many things. I didn’t want to assume…”

Diana carefully squeezed his hand, then took it in both of hers, smiling gently. “You are my Alfred. Despite our disagreements, I will always love you. When I have been lost, terrified, despaired, you were the rock I held onto. In many ways, you still are. Never forget that, Alfred.”

Alfred cleared his throat and kissed her on the cheek then cleared his plate and went to the sink.

“What about Steve?” Kara asked to cut the quiet. “Does he even have seven friends?”

Kara knew Steve was an affable guy. People liked him, he had a magnetic personality, but he had also been a loner most of his life. Moving from base to base in his childhood and adult life made it difficult to put down any kind of roots or form meaningful attachments. He had friends in various flight groups but those changed over the years.

Since he and Diana became an item, he spent all his free time with her. He was eventually taken from the cockpit and given more administrative duties, probably in preparation for his present position.

Diana looked thoughtful. “I know he has mentioned a few. He keeps in contact with one of his old flying buddies. The man works for Ferris Air as a test pilot now. I think his name is Hal Jordan. He told me he wants Dig as his best man and Terrance and Bruce will be Groomsmen but has mentioned no one else. I’m sure he will find some others. Perhaps you should be pushing him rather than me.”

Bruce stopped eating eggs and wondered if he heard that right. “Steve wants me?”

Diana nodded. “He believes you should be there. You are my brother and his opinion of you has greatly changed since we returned from Themyscira. He still disapproves of what you do at night and thinks that leaving us for six years was a horrible thing to do, but he no longer sees you as a selfish brat and has grudging respect that you are trying to improve the city, even if your methods are precipitous and poorly thought out.”

“Steve said precipitous?” Kara asked, eyebrow raised.

Diana shook her head, laughing. “I admit, I added that part. I saw it on Cathy’s word of the day calendar, and it made me think of Bruce immediately.”

Kara giggled then stood up, ready to begin the day. “By the way, my birthday falls on Independence Day in Jamaica so I would like to be there to celebrate. Let’s make that happen… okay, Didi?”

Diana threw a napkin at Kara, not at all happy with that idea. Jamaica would be a security nightmare.

“If I promise to take you to Mardi Gras next year, can we say away from Jamaica?” Diana reasoned. Jamaica was another country and one with known drug and gang violence. New Orleans could be controlled, Kara kept on a balcony, watching the party below, with snipers covering all possible vantage points. Diana had already walked through this with Dig. Diana had promised her the Carnival in Venezuela one day which was also a security nightmare, but she would cross that bridge when she came to it.

“On Fat Tuesday?” Kara asked to be sure.

“If that’s what you want. Let’s just celebrate your birthday locally this year. Or I could rent out Disney Land.”

Kara waved that idea away. “I’m a healthy adult who plans to get smashed. Disney is not in my plans. What about Paris?”

Diana had always wanted to take Kara to Paris, so she accepted that option quickly. “Paris sounds wonderful. As soon as you decide your itinerary, Dig can begin working out the security arrangements.”

Paris could be as easily controlled as Iceland. Like many countries, it was in France’s best interest to keep Diana happy.

The foursome made their way to an SUV which Diana drove to the cemetery, preceded and followed by two security vehicles. Diana had arranged for flower wreaths to be placed around the Wayne Family Mausoleum, but each of the four placed their own arrangements at the door, spending some time quietly before returning to their SUV.

Upon returning to the manor, they walked to the parlor where they settled down to listen to Alfred as he shared stories of Thomas when he was young, how they had met in the military during a joint operation of the infantry squad Thomas supported and Alfred’s British SAS unit. After Alfred had been saved on the battlefield by Thomas, the two regularly shared drinks with another man Thomas had treated, the commanding officer of the infantry unit, Samuel Lane. The three became fast friends that kept up with each other no matter where their careers took them.

Alfred remembered coming to America to visit Thomas and meeting Martha for the first time. He described the difference he saw in his friend, like a light had been turned on inside him. Thomas looked like a man at complete peace with himself.

Alfred was at a crossroads in his life, no longer wishing to fight but not knowing what to do. He had been a soldier since he was eighteen and had no other skills in life. Thomas offered him command of a different type of unit, the general running of Wayne Manor itself, including all staff and security. He offered him a home and a job he enjoyed and took pride in.

He entertained them with stories that reminded Diana of a time she had forgotten, a time when Diana wasn’t always practically invincible. Kara particularly loved the stories of toddler Diana crying over booboos and her mother having to kiss her grievous wounds to appease her. Alfred spoke of the times when a thunder storm would strike and Diana and Bruce would both run down the hall at the same time, jumping into bed between their parents and burrowing under the covers.

Then he began talking about Kara, but only the good times. He spoke of how Thomas laughed whenever young Kara ran through the house making race car noises and stumbled into every pedestal, knocking over vases while Alfred ran behind her, trying to catch the priceless items before they hit the ground and failing to keep up. By Alfred’s estimation, Kara had easily committed over five hundred thousand dollars in destruction in the first year she could walk. That was when the larger vault had been put in the manor’s basement.

Diana shared a story of every time Kara would go to her secret spot and how she thought she was so sneaky. Whenever they saw Kara with her dolls and small towels, Martha and Diana knew that she was taking her dolls to their swimming hole. They would follow her and stay behind trees to watch her play.

“She knew everywhere I was at all times? How? I was so sneaky.” Kara complained but was secretly warmed at the thought of her mother and sister watching over her.

“I’ve always had the ability to know where you were and what you were feeling from the moment I saw you, Kara.” Diana admitted. “But that day I was in school, and you disappeared to the garage, it took them hours to find you under the car. Mom and Dad were hysterical. You were given that Minnie Mouse watch the next day, remember?”

Kara smiled. She had a vague memory of that day. “I still have it in my jewelry box. I wore it every day.”

“Yeah, Lucius had put a tracker inside it, and Mom had a small device that let her know where you were at all times.” Diana told her.

Kara frowned at that. “Way to ruin a precious childhood memory, Didi. Next you are going to tell me Santa Claus isn’t real.”

Bruce and Diana were silent for a moment before Kara finally smiled and laughed at the look on their faces. “I’m joking.”

The twins let out breaths of relief causing Kara to laugh even harder.

Kara shared her memories of her parents, the ones that were clear to her as if they happened yesterday. She shared that she had always loved the smell of her mother’s perfume and had a bottle hidden in her closet that she would sometimes spray on her pillow. She also had one of her father’s shirts, as did Diana, the flannel ones he wore in the fall.

Bruce talked about the camping trips he and his father took, the baseball games they attended, the sporting events where their mother cheered louder than their father, embarrassing them both at the time.

When the time for lunch arrived, Bruce had an idea. “I know you have a tradition to plant a tree in the afternoon, but can we put that off until this evening? I’d like to pick something up for lunch and go fishing.”

The two girls and Alfred looked at him strangely.

“We usually give the captain a few days to arrange a crew for the yacht and generally don’t take it out for evening rides.” Kara explained. Their five-hundred and fifty million dollar superyacht had always been more of a vehicle for longer trips, such as a cruise to their private island.

“True, but we have Dad’s sailboat, right?” Bruce asked, looking between the three. “I know it hasn’t been sold. I mean, I’m assuming it hasn’t, right?”

Diana was surprised he would mention that. The sailboat was much smaller than the yacht and something their Dad used to take the family out on often, especially when the weather was right and Kara’s blood counts were strong.

The boat was a 1966 forty-four foot Pearson Countess that Thomas had bought used and restored to its former glory. He had named it the Hermia, a testament to his love for Kara.

It was easily sailed by two people, and Thomas had taught the twins how to sail. Diana kept it at the dock, and it was maintained monthly, but she had not been on it in years. In fact, she could not remember the last time she had been on it.

“It’s still there.” She told her brother. “It is maintained and taken out once a month by the same crew that maintains the yacht. My God, Bruce, when was the last time we were on it?”

“None of you have been on it since they were taken from us.” Alfred said sadly. “I drive over every so often and sit in the galley, remembering better times, have a drink to the memory of my friend but I have never had it in my heart to take it to sea. It just never felt right. Perhaps now, that we are all together… perhaps it’s the right time.”

Once again, Diana called ahead for armed escorts, and she drove her family to the docks near Fox Gardens in Crest Hill. This particular marina was a popular place for yachts and other boats to be stored as it was much safer than the Gotham Docks. It also had the advantage of being close to Wayne Manor… a short trip across the Robert Kane Memorial Bridge and they were there.

The crew assigned to maintain the sailboats of not only the Waynes, but other wealthy families, were surprised to see the trio of siblings and Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred came around occasionally, but the siblings never did.

When the dock master asked if they would like a captain, Diana declined, promising they could handle it themselves. It had been a long time, but she supposed it was like riding a bike.

That was what she and Bruce hoped at least.

Two hours later, the sailboat had traveled past Bludhaven, around Blackgate Isle and into Gotham Harbor, not stopping until they hit the southern tip of Somerset where the Gotham River met the Atlantic Ocean.

Five miles off the coast, they set anchor. Alfred grabbed beers from the galley and pulled out poles and fresh bait he had bought on the dock before they left.

Diana, Bruce and Alfred cast lines, Kara refraining, claiming she had no idea what she was doing and would hook herself or someone else.

Bruce sat at the bow of the boat and called Kara over to him, asking her to sit in front of him. She did and he pulled her back into his body, telling her to take the pole in both hands while keeping a hand on it as well.

“I remember one time when we were on this boat, you were just like this. Dad kept a hand on the pole to steady it, but you had both hands on it, trying to strangle the poor pole.” Bruce told her with a fond chuckle. “You looked so intense, like you were waiting for a great white shark to take a bite at any moment.”

Kara smiled and leaned back into his chest. “How old was I?”

“You had just turned four. You were so proud. It was your first time holding the pole. Mom was rubbing sunscreen on your cheeks, but you kept squirming away because you had to concentrate.

“Diana caught a blue fish but wouldn’t take it off the line because she didn’t want her hands to smell like fish and I wouldn’t do it for her. You offered but she wouldn’t let you because she didn’t want you cutting yourself on a hook, much less in a fish’s mouth. Dad switched places with Mom to help Diana, and that’s when the line went tight. You and Mom wrestled with a six-foot, Atlantic Blue Marlin for over an hour. Dad had to help bring it in.”

Bruce smiled fondly at the memory of that day.

“Dad wanted to take a picture of you and Mom with the fish, but you noticed it wasn’t breathing well and freaked out. You started screaming that he had to put the fish back in the water before it died. You were panicking so badly, you had him panicking and he practically threw the fish back into the water. Mom held your waist while you hung over the side to make sure it was okay.”

“I had forgotten that.” Diana said quietly, a gentle smile on her face. “I can’t believe I had forgotten that.”

“I hadn’t.” Alfred said, a sparkle in his eye and a fond smile. “Thomas was afraid Kara would have nightmares about dying fish. Martha gave him such a talking to that night though she finally admitted it had been her idea as well. They made Kara sleep with them that night. I’m not sure why because after the fish was released, Kara wanted to continue to pull to all the bad sharks out of the ocean.”

The group sat quietly, Diana finally setting her pole aside and joining Bruce and Kara at the bow.

“I think it’s time you moved home.” Kara said quietly.

Bruce’s eyes widened. “Kara, you know I can’t.”

“Listen to me.” She said, turning to face him. “Keep your tacky house, build up your batshit cave but you can’t go out every night. Alfred isn’t as young as he once was, Bruce. He isn’t sleeping well. He is taking care of us during the days then leaving to go to your place to take care of you.

“Go out three nights a week… only go out to investigate. Stay in the manor the other four nights.”

Bruce was quiet for a moment and looked at Diana, who said nothing. The look on her face made it clear. It was his decision, and it didn’t matter what she thought because she knew he wouldn’t accept it.

But would it be so bad? He remembered Jim’s words about Alfred being torn in two. He had noticed the man was looking worn out more often.

Lately though, Bruce hadn’t been going out every night. He and Gordon had watched some hotbeds of possible abductions, and he had beaten drug dealers for information. For the most part, he had been watching, gathering intelligence and climbing the chain, hoping to get to the top men, rather than beating the enforcers.

Kara was quiet, surprised that he hadn’t turned her down right away.

“If you do, I’ll help you build more tools, things that can get you information Gordon might need, things that can keep you safer.” Kara told him. “Maybe some of us can take turns watching you at night and give Alfred a break. We can work something out.

“That’s the deal though. You live in the manor, in your own room and you only go to that creepy mansion when you go out at night then you come home in the morning.”

“Okay.” Bruce said. The word surprised himself as much as it did the two women and Alfred.

“Really?” Kara asked, unable to hide her surprise.

“Yeah.” Bruce replied with a genuine grin to back up his words. “With Diana moving to the third floor with her boy toy, someone needs to make sure you behave yourself and don’t get into any funny business with that Merlyn boy on the second.”

“I’m serious.” Kara said firmly.

“So am I.” Bruce promised. “I’ll only go out three nights a week… unless Gordon needs me for something special and I’ve already used those, in which case I’ll clear it through you. You can make sure your tech is doing well since I’m sure you are straining yourself not to ask me.”

“I’m more concerned about you doing well.” Kara said petulantly. “So, you promise, four nights a week, you are ours. No Batman… nothing but Bruce.”

Bruce nodded.

He wasn’t ready for what happened next. He expected Kara to be happy he was giving in. He didn’t expect to be crushed in Diana’s too strong grip and feel her hot tears on his neck.

“Thank you, Bruce.” She whispered, Kara wrapping her arms around both of them.

Bruce hadn’t felt this way since he returned. Maybe there was a way to have his mission and his family. Maybe he could have both. But that didn’t matter now. It didn’t matter that Diana was practically crushing him, or that Alfred was wiping his eyes behind them.

He simply basked in the feeling of love and for the first time in a very long time, felt hope for a future that wasn’t all violence.