Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Knightmare

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 16:

Wayne Manor

Emily Parlow could not believe her good fortune, never truly believed this would happen.

She thought she may see the inside of Wayne Manor during a ball or similar gathering of some sort as Harvey’s plus one. The idea of being mostly alone with Kara in Wayne Manor and spending the day with her was not something she had expected.

Alfred was asleep, Diana and her fiancé were at the office, and Bruce, who she understood now lived here much of his time, was out doing who knew what. The servants had been given the day off so only John Diggle was around, Kara’s loyal and intimidating shadow.

He was currently in some sort of basement, running all of Wayne Enterprises security remotely after receiving a promise from Kara that she would not step outside of the house.

It had started that morning, when Emily arrived at work. The plaza surrounding the tower was empty of citizens. The plain clothes security guards that normally blended in were not there. Instead, Wayne Security circled the building armed with assault rifles. They did not bother with suits today. Each was wearing black combat fatigues and were on high alert. Police cars were parked on the street between the Executive Suites and the Tower while other units patrolled in circles around both.

Inside, the guards wore their normal attire however there were many more than usual.

As Emily arrived on her floor, she went to the small area where baristas gave out free coffee and listened to others and put together what had happened.

Some ADA had been investigating a Dr. Crane at Arkham Asylum for murder and Crane either stabbed her or killed her. Emily heard both.

Diana Wayne had declared a code red for the company to be safe. She knew the Wayne Enterprises threat level was similar to Homeland Security’s terrorist threat warning system so red meant everything went on lockdown. Visitors to the Executive Suites underwent intense scrutiny. Employees were encouraged not to invite guests over and to stay home, if possible, rather than come into the Tower. If this had been during the school year, employees would be asked to consider keeping their children at home.

All this heightened security was because Crane was on the loose. Emily wondered if Diana had a reason to suspect Crane would be after her and Kara, or attack the tower, or was just being cautious.

Despite Emily’s appreciation of the safety protocols, she considered just going home. All this lockdown meant to her was that Kara would not be at work today.

Many days, Kara devoted more time to other areas than the solar fusion department, but she always made time to stop by Emily’s lab, even if it were for a few minutes. Those moments made her day worth it.

Then Kara had called her, inviting her out to Wayne Manor so they could work all day since she was ‘cooped up’, in her words.

Within minutes of Emily agreeing, a security guard came up to escort her and, after a too slow car ride, she was inside the home her daughter had grown up in.

“Want the tour before we get started?” Kara asked, greeting her at the door.

“I’m not sure a day would be sufficient for a tour.” She admitted, in admiration of the sheer size of the place.

Kara recognized the look on her face. “I realize it can be intimidating to someone not used to the manor. To me, it’s just home. Follow me and I can show you the important rooms.”

Emily followed Kara around, being shown the parlor, the sitting room, the family room, formal dining room and ballroom on the first floor. Kara showed her the kitchen and the more intimate table where the family normally ate. There was also a large library and bedrooms on the floor.

They bypassed the second floor for the third. Kara showed her the bedrooms, each decorated in a different color or theme. Two doors she didn’t open, explaining the rooms belonged to Diana and Steve. Also on the third floor was a reading room and doors in the hallway that led to large balconies looking out over the massive land of the manor, the manicured gardens, the large areas of forest and the beautiful grass of the golf course. A pond off in the distance completed the country estate look.

“Why is there a dirt track leading from that building on the southside?” Emily asked, enthralled by what she was seeing.

Kara smirked. “That is my garage.”

“It looks more like a nicely decorated airplane hangar.”

Kara nodded happily. “It is. The dirt track leads to our private runway where I can take off and land my smaller planes.”

“Planes?” Emily asked. She knew Kara loved to restore old planes but never thought Diana would allow her to fly them.

“Diana and I both have our pilot’s license, so as long as she is with me, she is cool with me flying. Let’s go to the second floor.”

Emily followed Kara to the mid-level of the manor where Kara showed her the children’s library, a small room with robotic parts, and a doll room that was a bit creepy, but Kara seemed to love. There was also an art room Kara used as a child to draw and paint and an empty dark room that showed 3D constellations on the ceiling.

“So what is this basement John is in?” Emily asked.

Kara said nothing for a moment and Emily wondered if she overstepped.

“It was an underground cavern.” Kara finally replied. “Dad improved it and made it an actual room when he moved back into the manor. Initially, it was a small medical room, mostly for first aid. Then it was expanded and modified, and a medical clean room was installed where I am treated when I become ill.

“After Dad died, Diana really expanded it, brightened the place and upgraded it. She added a gym, a communications system, giant monitors, a small workshop and a pool… all for me.

“It is basically a luxurious safe room and fallout shelter. Once I am inside, nothing on Earth is breaking in. Not even a nuclear bomb could penetrate it.”

“It sounds fascinating.” Emily admitted.

“It is impressive.” Kara said dismissively, moving down the hall. “Until recently, this room was Diana’s. The room across belongs to Dig and next to him is Bruce. That room is mine, the one on the southside of it belongs to Mom and Dad and the room at the end of the hall belongs to Alfred.”

Emily flinched at the use of the words ‘Mom and Dad’ . It made sense, though, that the room had remained absent and would always be considered their parents’ room by the siblings.

“Let me show you my room.” Kara finally invited Emily into her room and the woman saw what she had only imagined for nearly twenty-two years… the inside her daughter’s room.

Unlike the more formal bedrooms she had seen, Kara’s room, while large, was obviously a space someone with Kara’s personality would live in… the whole area was lived in.

Multiple sets of sneakers were by her bed. Her closet was open, and clothes were hung messily. The remote to her TV sat on the arm of her couch. There was an X-Files poster along with a Britney Spears poster on one wall, while Rhianna and Justin Timberlake posters adorned another.

There were also many framed photos that hung from the walls and filled every table and stand in the room.

There were candid photos of Kara on her father’s shoulders, in her mother’s arms, a young toddler hanging on to an amused Alfred’s leg.

There were a few family portraits, but the majority of photos were of her and Diana.

There were pictures of the two of them in formal dresses, pictures of them on some tropical island, the two of them smiling widely as Kara held a trophy while wearing a racing swimsuit and swim cap.

Other photos showed Kara and Diana holding each other while Diana stood in a cap and gown, a diploma in her hand.

The themes continued and it hit home even more how important the two were to each other. Since the death of the Waynes, Diana was Kara’s sister, best friend and mother. She was obviously the single most important person in Kara’s life.

It was even clearer that Diana could make Kara hate her simply by telling her to do so. She suspected Diana had this power over Kara in regard to anyone. If Diana didn’t like you, there was no access to Kara.

Emily felt like crying as she looked at the photos. It should have been her in those pictures with Kara. It should have been her who experienced those moments depicted in the frames all around the room.

Her breathing was unsteady as she struggled to hold it together.

“Emily, are you okay?” Kara asked, a hint of concern in her tone.

Emily shook her head, realizing she had been staring at one photo of the two sisters for a moment too long.

“Sorry… I was just thinking. It seems you have had a wonderful life.” She said, pushing down the jealousy she was feeling as well as the usual guilt that ate at her.

Kara smiled fondly, staring over some of the pictures of her and her family. “There were bad moments, scary moments and sad moments but I’ve always had Diana. She protected me and kept me safe. For many years, it was just me, Alfred and Diana in this huge house but I never felt lonely. They made sure I always felt loved. It’s nice to live with people you know would die for you. It helps you sleep soundly, feeling that safe.”

Emily nodded, the jealousy still eating at her gut, no matter how she tried to hide it.

“Are you close to your parents?” Kara asked seemingly out of nowhere.

“I wish they were dead.” Emily said at once, unable to fight off the anger she felt at her parents after looking at the photos, then panicking when she realized she had spoken out loud.

She turned to her right and Kara’s expression was exactly what she thought it would be. “I apologize. That was out of line.”

“But honest.” Kara said sadly. “I’m sorry.”

Emily shrugged and smiled, desperate to move off this subject. “Show me this new workroom you are so proud of.”

Emily walked through the door to the adjoining room and gasped. Computer monitors covered the walls, a workbench held electrical tools and another small desk in the middle had a holographic screen projected above it.

“Wow.”

Kara laughed and walked to the holographic screen. “Athena, bring up our notes on element thirty-two. Run each scenario as we adjust equations.”

The blonde looked at Emily with confidence in her eyes. “We are going to find element thirty-two today. I have a good feeling.”

The two sat next to each other on Kara’s sofa, staring at the math equations projected above the table. Occasionally, Kara would order Athena to change an equation, run simulations of a sun’s core, and break down different reactions and possible results, leading to possible new elements.

Ironically, Kara was not looking for new elements, but rather how to avoid them. Elements were a dead end of a star. Kara wanted continuous output from an artificial solar reaction. By identifying the elements, she knew the pathways to stay away from.

Despite her optimistic attitude, the two did not find the new element but did discover multiple possible pathways that could theoretically work, as well as found another possible shape and metal for the containment barrier Kara had already developed and was constantly looking to improve.

At the end of what would have been Kara’s normal workday, she begged off to the bathroom. Kara chose to use the bathroom in the workshop, Diana’s old room, while Emily excused herself to the one in Kara’s bedroom.

When she entered, she began searching the bathroom drawers and found what she was looking for. Kara had several ponytail holders, with strands of hair wrapped in them. She took a red one and stuffed it in her pocket. Harvey would no doubt tell her she was showing stalker tendencies once again, but she wanted something of her daughter and Harvey didn’t need to know. Short of asking to borrow a shirt from Kara, this would suffice and could fit in her scrapbook.

Once she was done, she wandered around Kara’s room a bit more until she heard the toilet flush from the next room.

Kara invited her to stay for dinner, but she turned it down, thinking Diana may be there. Alfred was also up and moving around and the man made Emily nervous as well. He was a huge part of Kara’s life, a substitute father to her.

When it was just her and Kara, she could focus on being close to her daughter. When Diana or Alfred were present, like the night of the party welcoming Samantha Arias, she focused on what she had lost and was jealous of what they had gained.

Her parents had money. If they had only supported her, she could have gotten Kara the care she needed. Perhaps she couldn’t have gotten the gene therapy treatment Kara was given, but she could have taken care of her.

“Dr. Parlow, will you be joining us for dinner?” Alfred asked, joining them in the front foyer.

“No, thank you, Alfred. I have a previous engagement tonight.”

Alfred smiled warmly and walked away, leaving the two alone.

“Previous engagement, huh? Maybe a handsome District Attorney?” Kara asked conspiratorially.

Emily shrugged coyly, greatly enjoying the banter.

Having devised a way to possibly spend more one-on-one time with Kara, she asked a question she’d carefully prepared in advance, hoping to make a further connection with her daughter. “You told me once that you run every day. Have you ever raced outdoors in a 5K or perhaps longer distance?”

Kara’s smile dimmed. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do but… it’s never happened. My health… anyway…”

“I’m running the 5K race benefiting the Children’s Free Medical Clinic in two weeks. I am hoping the Crane situation will be resolved by then. Would you like to run with me? We can keep pace with each other. I suppose I can force myself to run that slow.” Emily said jokingly, lightly laughing.

“I’m afraid that won’t be happening.” A new voice said.

Kara didn’t jump or react at all, simply turned toward the speaker but Emily was greatly startled.

Diana Wayne must have come from the back of the house and been listening in. She suddenly felt very cold, not liking the idea that this woman had been watching and jumped in the second Emily suggested an activity for her and Kara.

“Aw, c’mon, Diana.” Kara started to protest as Diana walked up to the two, taking Kara’s hand in hers, a mysterious smile on her face.

Emily noticed how Kara completely relaxed at Diana’s touch and fought to keep her anger at the CEO under control.

“Oh, don’t give me that look, sweetie.” Diana said lightly, seemingly amused. “I’ve been planning something special for you and was going to surprise you on your birthday. It would seem Dr. Parlow has unknowingly ruined those plans.”

“You planned a surprise for me?” Kara asked excitedly, visibly vibrating under her sister’s attention.

“Do you remember around the time Bruce came home, you were wanting to run a 5K, but we didn’t discuss it any further?” Diana asked, her eyes never leaving her sister’s face.

“Yeah, things got kinda crazy… you were so busy and I just… I didn’t bring it up again.” Kara replied, her eyes wide with hope.

“Well I never forgot it… and I’ve always hated telling you ‘no’… so amongst all the crazy, I tried to figure out a way to let you run in a real race where you would be safe and protected, but not compromise your health.

“When you and Sam were talking about your new SCID Foundation a few weeks ago, an idea occurred to me to raise awareness for it.

“I’ve contacted the Wayne Foundation to organize a 5K race, with an optional 10K route, starting at Wayne Tower Plaza and ending in Robinson Park. The race would be open to all, as would the carnival I’ve asked to be authorized and set up in the park that day. It’s an all-day event designed to appeal to all families in and around Gotham City whether they choose to run or not.

“I want the two of us to run your first race together. I want to share the moment with you.

“We can then enjoy the carnival together… despite all the security that will need to be around us. Since the Wayne Foundation is putting on the event, we will have control over the security arrangements. Dig is going to have a headache coordinating our security teams and working with Jim to organize an extra police presence, but that’s why he gets paid so much. Health wise, you should be fine, I’m not worried.

“I see this as a way to give you everything you wanted, but it gives me peace of mind as well.”

“You want to run with me?” Kara asked, the excitement obvious in her eyes.

“In every race you run, I want to be by your side.” Diana said with a smile, her expression mirroring Kara’s excitement.

Kara threw her arms around Diana and pulled her close, hugging her tightly. “Thank you! Can we run the 10K route?”

“Six miles? Are you sure you are up for it?” Diana asked fondly, rubbing Kara’s back with one hand and settling the other on the back of her sister’s head to keep her close.

“I’ve been ready for a long time… and the carnival sounds wonderful! I’ve wanted to go to one for so long and… we’ll have a blast! Thank you for doing this!” Kara told her, pulling back.

“Always. I’m just sorry I couldn’t get it done sooner.” Diana told her little sister. “The event is planned for the end of September, and since you are now aware of it, I’ll have the Foundation begin releasing the promotional materials and advertisements. I was told we already have several sponsors lined up with more signing on each day.”

Emily saw the sparkle in Kara’s eyes when she looked at Diana and it made her feel ill. It should have been her. She wouldn’t have made Kara so reliant on her. She wouldn’t have kept her isolated from the world the way Diana had, only now letting Kara run a race, but only if she ran it with her.

From the moment Diana had entered the conversation, Kara’s entire focus had shifted to her older sister. Now she had stars in her eyes because Diana wanted to run with her and had evidently created an entire event that drew Kara to her like a moth to flame.

“I wasn’t aware you were a runner, Diana. I thought I had heard everything about you.” Emily said, annoyed that she had effectively been cut off by the woman but doing her best to disguise the fact.

“I have many skills, many talents… and I promise, you haven’t heard everything about me.” Diana told her, a sly smile on her face.

Emily was finding it harder not to scowl at Diana, but it was important she kept her face as neutral as possible. Diana could never suspect Emily of not liking her.

Yes, the Waynes had saved Kara when she failed, but when they died, Diana placed a leash around Kara and kept it short. In Emily’s opinion, Kara was practically brainwashed when it came to Diana.

“I should be leaving. I have an engagement this evening.” Emily said, needing to get away from Diana as fast as she could. “Kara, I hope you return to work tomorrow?”

“She will be there when Crane has been caught.” Diana made clear. “The Tower is safe, but no place is as safe as our home. No intruder crosses into our land who wishes to live.”

“I hope she isn’t a direct target of the man.” Emily said, wondering if Kara were really in danger or if Diana was once again being as overprotective as she suspected her to be.

She also noted Diana’s tone when she discussed intruders. She had no doubt Wayne Security were told to shoot first in the event of intruders.

“I spoke to ADA Dawes when she woke this afternoon.” Diana replied. “Crane told her Kara and I are both targets.”

“Whoa, you actually talked to Rachel?” Kara asked, her surprised tone hard to miss.

Diana raised an eyebrow.

“That is your takeaway from that?” she asked playfully, putting an arm around her sister, pulling her close and kissing her forehead.

Emily had seen enough. This was all her fault. She hated it. As good as being around Kara was, that was how much she was beginning to hate being around Diana.

She said her goodnights and was rewarded when Kara thanked her for coming over and hugged her at the door.

Diana watched the woman go warily.

Dr. Parlow was a brilliant woman, one Kara valued highly. Diana had spoken to Lucius about her, and he agreed, she was a fine takeaway from Silas Stone.

Kara obviously felt at ease with her.

Diana detected nothing evil from her. In fact, she had a difficult time getting a feel for the woman at all though that was nothing unusual.

But there was something off about her. It was almost like an annoying itch she couldn’t put her finger on. She didn’t miss the flash of anger in the woman’s eyes when she walked into the room nor the woman’s tense bearing when Diana put her foot down on Kara running a race with her.

All thoughts of Parlow went out the door with her when Bruce walked in the front door as Kara was about to close it. He and Diana met eyes then looked away from each other.

“Bunny,” Bruce started hesitantly, tensing up slightly, “I’m going to have to break our agreement. I’m going out every night until Crane is brought in.”

Kara put a hand on his cheek and Bruce closed his eyes and relaxed.

“I know, Bruce. It’s a special situation.” Kara told him. “I do have something for you. It’s on my workbench in the basement. Bring your suit down. I have a few tune ups to make. It won’t take long.”

Bruce nodded.

“Thank you.” He told her gratefully.

Bruce did not say a word to Diana, and she seemed to be in no mood to speak to him. He walked out to his car and brought in the black box containing his suit then continued to the basement to see Kara waiting for him. He gave her the suit then sat at a console, bringing Athena up to show him traffic cam and other street cam footage.

“Any idea where he might be?” Kara asked from her workbench.

Bruce turned and saw she was hard at work on his cowl.

“No. He could be in any sewer, old building, drug den in the Narrows… or nowhere in the city.”

“What do you suspect? What is your gut feeling?” she asked, never looking up from her work.

Bruce thought for a moment, but he really didn’t need a moment.

As much as he hated to admit it, he knew the truth. “He has left Gotham. He could be anywhere.”

Kara snorted.

“You have an idea of where he might be.” She said knowingly. “I’m not sure what you have exactly been doing these past six years and I’m not sure I want to know, but I suspect you have learned how crazy people think.”

“Ouch.” Bruce said, then answered her question. “He comes from a small town in upstate New York. I believe he suffered abuse there, or at least was hassled by bullies and his parents weren’t exactly saints. They are dead now and the farmhouse he was raised in is abandoned. The FBI have been over it, but I am guessing he knows that area very well, enough to hide from them until they were gone. He won’t be able to hide from me though.”

“No, he will not.” Kara agreed. “At least, he won’t be able to hide from me. Come here.”

Bruce stood and walked over to her. Kara showed him the helmet cowl. This one appeared almost new with thicker armor under his chin.

“Small button on right side jaw.” She said, pressing the button. The bottom portion of the jaw raised immediately and covered his mouth all the way to his nose. “Gas mask. This will filter out any toxin. I checked Eliza’s record of the toxin ingredients recovered from Arkham. This will handle every one of them. If you are near, put this up. It won’t affect your breathing.”

Kara pulled out his belt and opened one of the clips. She had a small metal black box with small holes resembling speakers.

“High frequency sonar weapon. Press it and anyone within half a mile is going to scream. Your cowl will filter the sound out. If he is hiding above ground, you will hear him cry.”

She showed him a bad-shaped weapon that resembled his blades only this was much larger.

“I call it a ‘Batarang’ . Cool name, right?” She asked, giggling. “Do you remember the ball technology I made when I was nine? Same principle. You have two.

“This one is just a straight up hunk of metal, cut to perfection with a gyroscope, GPS and unique magnetic signature inside. Throw it and it will hurt someone then come back to you.

“The other is an advanced radar with ground penetrating radio waves. Toss it like a regular boomerang. It will fly quite a ways in a loop, while sending the visuals to your wrist computer.

“I’ve packed you a few grenades and added a shock function to your gloves. It’s a low shock but gives a bit of oomph to your punches and, if you wish, Alfred, or whoever is watching you, can up the amps. Just make sure you don’t hit yourself. I also tightened the wires so we shouldn’t lose visual of you.”

“We?” he asked, humored.

“Oh, shut up, and just get the son of a bitch. You can take the ’84 Cessna.” Kara told him. “One special thing I added to the bottom of your boot.”

Kara pulled out a small black square from between the sole of his boot. “Bat caller. You press this button and every bat within five miles is going to come straight towards you. If you ever run out of smoke bombs and flash grenades this will make one hell of a distraction.”

Bruce shook his head. “When have you had time to make all this?”

Kara shrugged guiltily. “I set aside thirty minutes before bed for arts and crafts. As much as I hate what you are doing, I admit, this stuff is fun to make. Just be careful. Are you going alone?”

Bruce nodded. “Blake is staying in Gotham searching.”

“Take Diana with you.” Kara told him.

Bruce shook his head. “Judging by what happened when you went to Georgia, I doubt either of you would be any good. It’s probably something to do with… it doesn’t matter. Diana and I… aren’t on the best terms right now.”

Kara closed her eyes. “What did you do?”

“What makes you think I did anything?” Bruce asked, annoyed.

“Bruce!”

Bruce looked away for a moment. Sheepishly, he admitted, “After Rachel was… I may have insinuated that Diana wasn’t human and the only person who wasn’t a pawn for her to use was you.”

Kara sighed and shook her head. “She loves Steve, Alfred, Silver, Cathy, Dig and others I can’t think of right now. She loves you too. You know she is sensitive about being different and finding out about the whole god thing has made it worse. You can’t say things like that, Bruce, especially because they aren’t true.

“Yeah, it sucks what happened to Rachel but that wasn’t her fault.”

“She put Rachel there.” Bruce weakly argued.

“Didn’t you say you spoke to Rachel before she started? Did she say Diana was making her do it?”

Bruce said nothing.

Kara nodded, saying, “You can apologize when you get back. I’ll have a talk with her too. We have to let things go. I mean, you left us for over six years, and you really, really suck for that but it’s in the past. We aren’t going to bring it up every time you do something we don’t like, and you aren’t going to attack her with falsehoods every time she does something you don’t like.”

Kara handed him another short plastic device. “For Robin. Just in case Crane is still in the city. Tell him to place it to his nose and push that button. It will cover his mouth and nose and wrap around his head. Make a point to see him before you leave Gotham.”

Bruce nodded. “Anything else?”

Kara patted him on the shoulder. “Get this son of a bitch. I want to go back to work.”

Kara watched Bruce leave with the box containing his suit, trying to decide if she would monitor him here or in her room. Wherever she worked, she would be going to sleep at her normal time and either Steve, Dig or Diana would take over watching him. He may think he is alone, but Kara would make sure he wasn’t.

Then, when this was over, it appeared she would have some work to do mending things between her siblings.

---

Pentagon, Washington D.C.

The National Security Advisor, General Swanwick, was not happy about being called to this meeting.

Lex Luthor had contacted the Vice President with a promise of a game-changing, scientific breakthrough that would change the world. The Joint Chiefs were at various bases around the world, the Secretary of State was in Israel and the President didn’t owe Lex any favors, in fact, he absolutely hated the man, so he had no interest in listening. It fell to Swanwick as the last man. He felt like the kid who had called out ‘not it’ last in the room.

Luthor was waiting for him in a secure situation room. The man oozed arrogance and had his trademark smirk as if he were in on a joke the rest of the world didn’t know about.

“General, thank you for seeing me on such short notice.” Luthor’s smarmy demeanor only further irritated the already irritated man.

“I hope this is important, Mr. Luthor.” Swanwick replied as cordially as he was able.

“It is important for national defense. It will change warfare and eventually the entire planet’s way of life.” Luthor replied confidently.

Swanwick shook his head. “As I am sure you know, the U.S. Government has signed several contracts with Wayne Enterprises recently. They are contracted to provide many services and warfare is one of them. We have no intention of breaking that contract.”

Lex smirked. “My sources say that if you are offered something Kara Wayne can’t build, you would be able to buy that product. I am here with something she never dreamed of.

“How would you like to be anywhere in the world in a simple step? I am talking about bending time and space, cutting though dimensions and folding space time. It would, for example, allow you to drive a tank out of the parking lot and into Tiananmen Square. Interested in hearing more?”

Swanwick shook his head, frustrated. This had been a waste of time. “Kara Wayne, along with several other scientists, already figured out how to do that. If you had allowed your sister to join the group conference that occurred three years ago with the brightest minds in the world, loyal to the United States, you would already know this.”

Lex looked at him blankly for a moment. “Three years ago? The United States Government invited my sister to volunteer for a thinktank that the nation would benefit from. LuthorCorp is not in the business of volunteering.”

Swanwick sighed. “Perhaps if you were more amiable to helping your nation, you would not be so ill‑informed. The brightest minds on Earth gathered for a single weekend. Kara Wayne was present and the possibility of Interdimensional travel as a means of transportation on our planet was discussed and almost immediately discarded. Several scientists had theories, but Miss Wayne already knew how to do it. One thing they all agreed on, even without seeing her data, was that it was a bad idea.”

“It’s revolutionary!” Lex said, trying to remain calm.

“Kara Wayne, Martin Stein, Ray Palmer, Ted Kord, Silas Stone, William Magnus and Michael Holt all agreed that, while it is possible, it is not worth the risk.” The general said sternly. “Opening a doorway through dimensions is dangerous and could lead to untold, catastrophic results for the entire planet. There is simply no way to test it without exposing this world to another dimension and anything could be let loose on our planet.”

Lex was quiet for a moment, taking this in and trying to push his argument. He remembered that invitation well. He was not only wary of speaking about his company’s ideas to competitors, especially the golden brainchild Kara Wayne, but was also irritated that his sister had been asked to participate in the roundtable and he had not.

“Why did you bring those people together if they were afraid of challenges?” Lex asked, slowly losing control of his temper.

Swanwick smiled. “Many reasons. I cannot tell you the results, but they developed protocols for a number of possible scenarios the country could possibly face. They worked together well, put egos aside and volunteered their time for the greater good of this nation. During the discussions, Miss Wayne not only agreed that interdimensional travel was possible, but she explained how it could be done and why it shouldn’t be. Once the others considered her argument, they agreed with her.

“I will tell you now, Mr. Luthor, if this is something you are considering and believe you can accomplish, stop now. I am going to have the Justice Department file an injunction by the end of the day to ensure you don’t proceed in this foolhardy experiment. Should you violate the injunction, you will not only open yourself up to criminal charges, you will expose this world to untold dangers.”

Lex felt himself warming as he became angrier. “You brought scientists together who are afraid of progress, afraid of cutting edge physics and you listen to them? Wars are not won by those who are ruled by fear.”

Swanwick raised an eyebrow. “I’m well aware how wars are won, Mr. Luthor. They are won by those with common sense, strategic minds, superior soldiers and weapons. If this is all you have come with today, then this meeting is over. As I said, an injunction will be filed. You are not to attempt any interdimensional travel.

“I have much to do, and you’ve wasted enough of my time.”

Lex was left sitting alone in the room in fury. The man was sick of listening to the government’s love affair with Kara Wayne. He had considered so many times in his life, just sending someone with a virus to touch her or even be near her but held off, confident he could beat her on his own. He would not be out thought by some child. Lex was a scientist himself, though it was often forgotten, and he was a brilliant weapons designer.

Yet, year after year, she beat him.

In the past few months, Diana Wayne had used her sister to outmaneuver him and take over the American military complex. This meant he would be forced to sell his weapons to those overseas under the table and legitimize the revenue stream while hiding his actions from the IRS and Justice Department.

But he had one ace in the hole. Kara Wayne may have figured out how to use interdimensional travel, but she was too frightened to use it. Once Lex proved it was safe, the government would be begging him for it. Every nation would beg him for it.

Swanwick could use his injunction for toilet paper for all he cared. No one told Lex Luthor what to do.

---

Gotham City

Diana had left Steve with Kara and drove to the racetrack fourteen miles away, isolated in the countryside but near enough to the manor that she could be there in thirty seconds if needed.

Once she arrived, she took her Bugatti Bolide out of the garage where it was maintained and stored and drove over to the road course.

Diana never thought of herself as the kind of billionaire, closer to trillionaire, who wasted money on trivial things. Compared to others, even those who were only millionaires, she believed she was even frugal.

Sure she may have bought an island but that was for Kara, not her. She bought several classic cars and aeronautical vehicles but those were also for Kara. Yes, the Superyacht was a bit larger than a family would need but Kara needed the room.

One thing Kara did not need but Diana did was a three million dollar car with a 1479 horsepower W16 engine that could reach zero to sixty-two miles an hour in two point two three seconds and had a top speed of three hundred eleven miles per hour.

It was also blue, her favorite color.

Diana loved to run but, because it was not in her best interest to be seen, she barely had time to break out at full speed. This car came the closest to running at her top speed and it felt wonderful to drive. Steve absolutely loved it, but she considered it her secret indulgence. When the world became too much and there weren’t enough bottles to even begin to affect her, she always had an armada of fast cars.

The cars at Wayne Manor were fast but the cars at her racetrack took speed to a whole another level.

She smirked as she took a highspeed turn, imaging Sam’s face if she knew Diana had spent three million on a car. Sam had grown up fighting for everything she had and was much more frugal than Diana could ever hope to be. Her parents had taught her the value of a dollar, but she had taught herself the fun of having many dollars.

After twenty minutes, she turned back into the garage for a fuel refill and groaned. Usually getting lost in speed was soothing, relaxing, made her feel alive.

Today, her mind would not forget the words Bruce had said to her the night before.

She told the attendants she was done and took off in her white Lamborghini Countach, driving towards Gotham City. She passed a police car on the side of the road who no doubt clocked her going over a hundred and twenty miles an hour.

The cop predictably came after her with lights on as she slowed down and prepared to pull over.

Then the lights went off and the car turned around, no doubt having called in her plates and realizing who it was in the car.

Being rich definitely had its benefits.

Driving at a more reasonable speed, she arrived at Silver’s home and found her security team where they should be. There were two in the front of her town home, six feet apart.

“Men, has everything been quiet?”

“Yes, Miss Wayne. She has canceled all visitors, and no one has approached the house. Per Oracle, there are no deliveries scheduled for today and she has been told to not call for delivery.” The senior man told her.

“Excellent. You both have your gas masks?”

The men nodded and opened their coats, showing masks next to shoulder holsters.

“If anyone approaches, spread out. He needs six feet minimum to spray a gas in this wind. If you see someone approaching, mask up and order him to stop. The minutes he steps foot on her grass, one in the head and one in the chest. Also, be aware he has had psychos working for him in the past and we aren’t sure how many. He could send a female.”

“We understand there has been a direct threat on your life, Miss Wayne. Where is your… bodyguard with the sword? If she isn’t available, I can call other units in.”

“I have given her the day off and have no need for a bodyguard. I have a mask and if he approaches me, I will kill him myself. Thank you for your concern, gentlemen. I do appreciate it.”

“Of course, Miss Wayne.”

Diana knocked on the door and Silver answered, wearing a very small slip of a black dress. Diana’s eyebrows rose as she pushed her friend back, entered her home, closing the door behind her quickly.

“Why are you dressed like that? Are you going out or is someone coming over?” Diana asked. “I would appreciate it if you could reschedule play dates.”

“I was just coming out to invite the blonde one inside.” Silver replied, amused at Diana’s antics. “If he is going to be my bodyguard, I thought he would appreciate a closer inspection of what he is guarding. Seriously, he is hot. If I knew they all looked like him, I would have asked you for babysitters a long time ago.”

“The men are professional and have their duties. I doubt your black dress would sway them.” Diana told her annoyed, but not really surprised. “They can certainly protect you without inspecting your body. You need to get laid that badly, perhaps I can hire someone for you. Until this has passed, try to remain calm and wear actual clothes.”

Silver scowled at her, hands on hips. “I remember the days when you were once fun. Oh, how I miss those days. I can only imagine how much worse it is going to get after you are married.”

Diana shook her head and grinned. “I was never fun, Silver. You were fun enough for both of us.”

Silver shrugged and skipped over to the bar. “Seriously though, I can’t have fun with just one of them?”

Diana rolled her eyes, pulling out a bottle of tequila and a lime from the refrigerator. She shook salt on the lime, sucked it, then proceeded to drink the entire bottle.

“I will never understand how you do that.” Silver mumbled. “I just spoke to Miss Gertrude. Rachel is doing well.”

“She was stabbed twice in the gut by a mad scientist in an underground lair. I don’t believe she will be doing well for a very long time, if ever.” Diana responded sullenly.

Silver sighed and took Diana’s hand, pulling her to the sofa. “I recognize that tone of voice. You are feeling guilty. You think it’s your fault.”

“Don’t you?”

Silver shook her head. “She had a job. You promised her things and despite everything that happened between you, she knows you always keep your promises. She took the offer for the rush. She wanted to make a difference again and she did. There was always a risk. She knew that.”

Diana blinked and felt a tear in her eye, finally getting to the reason she had come to her best friend now when she had so much going on. “Bruce said I wasn’t human. He said I only love Kara and everyone else are pawns to me.”

Silver moved closer and wrapped her arms around Diana. “You know that isn’t true.”

“Do I?”

Silver nodded. “I know you love me. You love Steve and Alfred. You saved Cathy’s life when you had her abusive boyfriend put in the hospital and then you put her through school. I can only imagine what kind of life she would have had without you.

“What about Myndi? She would still be slaving away at the bottom of the food chain in a boys’ marketing club if it weren’t for you. You made her career, and it wasn’t because she was a pawn. You could have gotten anybody for that position, but you saw something in her and gave her life meaning.

“Damn Diana, do you not realize how many people’s lives you have made better for no other reason than you just being a good person?”

Diana shrugged, tilting her head over onto Silver’s shoulder. “Do you have any more tequila?”

Silver raised an eyebrow and snorted. “Diana you just drank enough to kill a horse. This is one of those strange things I have noticed about you over the years but never asked about because I’m not sure I want to know… but if you drink another bottle in two gulps, I am going to have to ask.”

Diana sighed. “Point taken.”

“Where is your tiny mean bodyguard with a sword? Shouldn’t she be protecting you?” Silver asked.

“Tatsu has been given the day off. I have no need of her. Should I see Crane, I will handle him myself. Rachel said he threatened me and Kara. He could be coming after any of my friends. Barbara, Eliza and Alex all have details as well until he is caught, not just you.”

“And if he isn’t caught soon? How long is this going to go on?”

Diana hadn’t thought about it. “I’ll worry about that later. One problem at a time.”

Silver hugged her friend tightly. “Diana, it wasn’t your fault. Did Miss Gertrude blame you?”

Diana shook her head.

“When you spoke to Rachel, did she blame you?”

“No.”

“So basically, just you and your asshole brother blame you. Your asshole brother has no right to say anything, and you are just torturing yourself. You want me to come to the manor tonight and feed you ice cream?”

Diana thought for a moment, tempted, then let it go. “I’ll be fine. I just needed to hear someone say I’m not a monster.”

“Steve wasn’t available?”

“Steve would never tell me the truth. He only sees the best in me. You have always taken joy in pointing out my worst flaws.” Diana replied with a small smile.

“So you know I am not lying when I say you are not a monster and you do love many people. I realize it was a shock at the hospital. No matter what happened, Rachel was our friend growing up and to know she came close to dying shook you. I bet seeing Miss Gertrude for the first time in years in her condition shook you.” Silver said knowingly. “It’s going to be okay, Diana. Constantly repeat out loud, ‘my brother is an asshole, and I am a good person’ . Want me to say it with you?”

Diana snorted and shook her head. She kissed Silver on the cheek and left, making her way home, taking her time and not destroying the speed limit this time.

After dinner, Alfred informed her that Bruce had reached the area, having taken one of Kara’s planes to a small, nearby airport and renting a car.

Kara was speaking to Bruce in her workroom when Diana entered with Steve by her side. Diana motioned for Kara to go to her bedroom to rest and took her seat. Steve pulled a chair up next to her.

“Kara, how far away am I from the target area?”

“Good evening, Bruce. I’ve sent Kara to bed. She worked hard today and doesn’t need to worry about this tonight.”

“Could you ask Alfred to take her spot?” he asked, exasperated.

“That won’t be necessary. Get your game face on, Batman. Another two miles and it’s time to get to work. The two of us working together, me telling you what to do all night long.” Diana responded, ignoring his tone. “Won’t this be fun?”