Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Knightmare

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 04:

Wayne Manor

Bruce poured himself and Diana a drink in the sitting room, then hesitated. He placed Diana’s drink on the shelf and brought her the whole bottle. “I honestly have no idea how this conversation is going to go but I see no point in either of us being sober for it.”

Diana took the bottle with an evil glare at her brother and retrieved her glass, then took her seat. “We have guests. Neither of us is going to get drunk. Why do you assume the conversation has to be unpleasant?”

Bruce leaned back and closed his eyes, a fond smile on his lips. “Let me remember the highlights of some of our old conversations concerning dear Selina.

“I believe the last time I came home after a night with her, you threw a pack of condoms at my face and told me to ensure there were no paternity tests in my future. Other highlights include you calling in an anonymous tip to her location reporting stolen merchandise in her possession. She nearly didn’t make it out of that one. Let’s see… what else? Oh yes, the time you found the two of us on the third-floor library balcony and you walked her to the edge, nearly causing her to fall over the railing, before I stepped between you two. She never could figure out why she couldn’t push you aside. Oh, a personal favorite was when you refused to allow her in the manor, reminding me that the house must be sanitized at all times.”

Diana smiled fondly at those memories. “I’m not interested in replaying your biggest mistake before you left. I’m sure you have made equally bad mistakes since you have been gone.

“Selina is making her way back to Gotham. Kara made a program for Jim that tracks her crimes all over the nation and she is coming either here or Metropolis. After what happened last time, I doubt she would come back to Gotham, but considering you are here, the temptation may be too great. Jim will mention this too you soon if he hasn’t already. City, state and federal authorities have had no luck catching her.”

Bruce nodded and drained his drink. “He mentioned it last night. He said it was my choice whether I wanted to go after her and offered no opinion one way or another. I doubt that is the case here. You are never without an opinion, Diana. The police don’t have the skill to catch someone of her caliber. No matter what you thought of Selina, she was a genius thief and escape artist.

“You want me to catch her.”

Diana shook her head, frowning. “I know better than to tell you what to do. You would do the opposite, just to spite me.”

“Me?” Bruce asked, feigning innocence. “You think I live to purposely antagonize you?”

Diana thought for a moment. “Yes, at times, I believe you do live to purposely antagonize me. That is why I will offer my opinion and we shall not speak of it again.

“I don’t want you to catch her. I want your masked persona to stay far away from her and so do you if you value this so-called mission of yours.”

Bruce raised an eyebrow and poured himself another drink, setting the bottle on the table by them so Diana could refill her glass if she wished. “Sister, you are still full of surprises. May I ask why you would ask me to not stop a criminal you just admitted no law enforcement agency could catch?”

Diana’s devilish grin and twinkling eyes would have unsettled anyone else. “The last time she was in Gotham, she stole three very precious diamonds from three very secure locations. I knew she would never fall for a fake, so I paid for all three. Kara coated them with an isotope spray that gave out a unique, harmless radioactive signature.

“I knew she wouldn’t be able to pawn them off at the nearest store, so we used a satellite to track that specific signature and discovered where her ill‑gotten gains were kept. The FBI raided her lair. They missed her but managed to retrieve over eleven million dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise including my diamonds. I doubt she knows to this day how she was tracked but I’m sure she knows we had something to do with it.”

Bruce smiled, not surprised his little sister had come up with such an ingenious method of tracking stolen merchandise.

“You are afraid if I stop her, she will tell someone who I am.” Bruce realized.

Diana nodded. “Whether you catch her in your colorless costume or a three-piece suit, she is going to notice your skill. If you are in your costume, she only has to say your name to Harvey Dent. Jim knowing is one thing. Harvey has to remain ignorant of your existence and especially your identity.”

“You think anyone would believe her?”

“Before your actions at the docks with the Russians, I wouldn’t have believed her. Since that time though, there have been rumors of you. If even the slightest hint of association is found between Batman and Bruce Wayne one day when you’re theatrical alter ego is inevitably discovered by the larger public, everyone will be looking for leads on who Batman is and a Selina Kyle in custody after you played a part in her capture would shout it to the world.” Diana replied.

Bruce took a deep breath. “I don’t think Selina would do that to me.”

Diana chuckled, shaking her head at his ignorance. “Bruce, we weren’t he only ones you left without a word for six years. If Kara has stayed angry, how do you think Selina feels?

“Do as you wish, but if you genuinely want to work with Jim for years to come, taking out Selina Kyle is not worth it. Her name is associated and known as a criminal. High end jewelry fences who have worked with her have been rounded up thanks to our tracking program. We are squeezing her out and giving her nowhere to hide and no one to go to. Let it go, Bruce.”

Bruce nodded. “I’ll take your opinion seriously. If it helps, I agree with you.”

“Really?!” Diana asked, failing to hide the astonishment in her voice.

“I don’t live to disagree with you on everything, Diana.” Bruce replied, smug he could get one over on her. “Is there anything else you wish to speak about before we rejoin your guests?”

Diana stood up and pressed her silk blouse to smooth out the wrinkles. “If she does return to Gotham, make sure there are no paternity tests in your future.”

Bruce thought for a moment of Talia’s last threat but dismissed it before his expression could give anything away to his very observant sister.

“Diana,” he said as they walked back to the dining room, “one day soon, I want to tell you everything about where I was, who I was with and what I learned… if you are willing to listen.”

Diana had thought the same thing. “I think I’m ready to listen. Kara still isn’t.”

Bruce was not surprised. He considered being in the same room with Kara and having uncomfortable small talk a major step. She certainly didn’t need to know about his actions over the last six years.

“I’m not sure I will ever be ready to tell her. But you need to know.”

Diana agreed. Too much was at stake. Her past had come back to bite her, and she didn’t want Bruce’s past doing the same without fair warning.

“Next week, after I have gotten Sam under contract and settled into the penthouse, we can talk.”

“She hasn’t agreed to anything.” Bruce pointed out, knowing better though. Diana always got what she wanted… except where he was concerned. “I also want to talk about Arkham.”

“Outstanding. That is a subject we can both agree on.”

“Not as far as who is involved.” Bruce pointed out.

Diana looked at him harshly. “Don’t ruin my good mood tonight, Bruce.”

“Sam is very attractive.” He teased, pushing his sister a bit farther while prudently changing the subject.

Instead of angering her, Diana smiled, obviously in high spirits tonight. “Bruce, if you flirt with her, I will rip off a certain part of your anatomy that has never done you much good. Behave and I may let you stay for dessert. Besides, she is an intelligent, single mom who would never fall for your bullshit. What would be your opening line anyway? ‘Hey baby, want to see me dress like a bat?’ ”

Bruce grimaced. “You don’t think that would work?”

Diana laughed all the way back to the dining room.

---

Wayne Tower

The next morning ushered in a Monday unlike Sam had ever experienced.

Dinner the night before had been fun. Despite the formal setting, it truly felt like friends and family hanging out.

Kara was especially talkative, speaking with glee of her trip to Iceland. Sam watched the young blonde closely as well as her relationships with the group.

What she gathered from the interactions was intriguing. Everyone in the world had read some rumor or another about the Wayne family, from conspiracy theories in regard to Bruce disappearing, to Kara Wayne staying behind the walls of the manor, only emerging as she grew older with an army of bodyguards surrounding her. Some theories claimed that Diana Wayne secretly ran the world and set policy not only for the United States, but foreign countries as well.

Sam learned more about everyone at dinner, but Kara was the one who interested her the most.

The vaunted brains behind Wayne Enterprises’ historical breakthroughs and cutting edge products in nearly every field, Kara Wayne was humanity’s best hope for continuous clean energy, environmental restoration and protection products while also being the greatest weapon designer the world had ever known.

Steve Trevor looked at Kara when she spoke with great fondness. She suspected the two were close, Steve obviously felt protective of her while Kara’s glances at Steve showed warmth and affection.

The older man, Alfred, gazed at her with pride but remained quiet most of the night, content to listen but she also noted a hint of sadness in his eyes.

Bruce looked on with longing and sadness behind a smile. Sam couldn’t determine Bruce and Diana’s relationship, but it was obvious to a close observer there was a rift between Kara and Bruce. She noted that Kara went out of her way to avoid eye contact with her brother all night. The strain of the long separation was likely the cause.

Even in the dining room, Dig was constantly keeping an eye on Kara, as if he couldn’t help himself. The man was always on alert, even in his own home. It was something that was probably drilled into him from war. Diana had given her a brief rundown of the man and knew he was former special forces but not much more. Sam already knew he would fall on a grenade for Kara just by his body language.

Tommy Merlyn was infatuated by her every word and Kara was preening at the undivided attention he gave her. His presence was a mystery to her. Why was he here? Why had he moved to Gotham City? And why had he bought a grocery store and deli of all things? Her intuition was telling her he was in love with Kara, Sam guessed that much by his eyes. He had made a huge change in his life just to be near her but a part of her was still suspicious, based on her one encounter with him.

She had gone on a business trip once and met Malcolm Merlyn at a conference. She barely spoke to Malcolm, could hardly remember the man, but she did remember Tommy drinking heavily at the free bar and chatting up every woman who neared him, leaving with two of them. She was glad she had made it a point to steer clear of him at that particular gathering.

But it was Diana and Kara’s relationship she found the most fascinating. Diana may be the older sister, but she also played the role of mother. As best Sam could work out, Diana was twelve when her parents were killed, and she suspected the girl became a mother figure to Kara then. When Diana spoke, Kara stopped whatever she was doing and looked at her immediately. She never disagreed with her sister and paid close attention to every word out of Diana’s mouth.

Ruby had told her Kara was excitable and talkative when they had been in Ruby’s room. Yet the minute she was around Diana, she seemed to diminish a bit. She did not talk as often and looked to Diana before and after she spoke, as if constantly seeking approval or permission.

Diana was obviously the alpha though Steve and Bruce were not afraid to disagree with her. She couldn’t tell much about John’s relationship to Diana other than they had great mutual respect for each other.

When it came to Kara, Diana was the boss and Kara fell in line. But did she fall in line because Diana required it or was it a natural part of the sisters’ relationship that evolved after the death of their parents?

Sam also suspected that though she was twenty-one and brilliant, Kara possibly had social adeptness of a sixteen-year-old, perhaps even younger. Even in college, at such a young age, she missed out on many life experiences and never got to make many mistakes to learn from.

Kara knew how to survive, how to fight through illness. In that way, she had been hardened but she had never been hardened in other ways.

Kara had never been picked on to her face. She had never dealt with mean girls or difficult fellow students. She doubted Kara had ever seriously had her heart broken.

Yet Kara had stood tall and proud at the press conference Sam saw not long ago. She had spoken with confidence and conviction.

So which was the real Kara? The one who diminished and fell in line behind Diana? Or the passionate one who stood on her own, captivating the nation with her words?

Adding to her social problems, Kara had an intellect that kept her apart from others. No one could understand her or the way her mind worked. Sam looked at a pieces of metal and tools and saw nothing more than that. Kara would look at the same items and dreamed of some amazing machine to build.

Diana protected Kara from the harshness of the world. It was sweet… but it was a disservice to the girl in Sam’s opinion.

From her observations, Sam had realized she wouldn’t just be taking a job. She would be a third party in an intense, established relationship between two sisters, one who was the leader and one who seemed to be a willing, blind follower.

As much as they obviously drew strength from one another, Diana and Kara Wayne were each other’s greatest weakness.

What would happen the first time Sam challenged Diana on a bad business decision she made to appease Kara? What would she do when Sam stood up to her for the first time? Sam wanted to learn under Diana, but she also wanted to be a leader herself. Sam had never been much of a follower and, while deferring to Diana as CEO, she fully intended to voice her mind if it went against what Diana wanted.

She knew she would have to find the answers quickly. Too much was at stake for her not to consider all angles. This was a decision that affected the rest of her life and her daughter’s, and she only had a few days to make a decision. Diana could show her the sights of Gotham and penthouses, giant towers, amazing schools, a huge salary and a gorgeous office with what was no doubt a great view.

They were nice things that Sam would love to have, not only for herself but for Ruby as well. Still, at the end of the day, none of that mattered. What did matter to Sam came down to one thing Diana had promised her: she would have a chance to change the world… to do real, tangible, good every day.

Sam had woken up that morning feeling amazingly refreshed. Despite everything on her mind, she had slept well. She couldn’t guess the thread count on the sheets, but she could stay wrapped up in them for days. The excitement of the past two days must have worn her down but after that rest, she was reenergized.

Kara, Steve and Dig had taken off early for the office, leaving Diana, Sam and Ruby to ride in together.

Diana was now driving them to Wayne Tower in a very fancy Mercedes. Sam had a feeling if it were just the two of them, Diana would have taken Sam in one of the exotic sports cars lining one of the walls of the cavernous garage that felt more like an airport hangar. The helicopters and planes Kara worked on for relaxation added to that feeling.

“Why do you not have security?” Sam asked, noting that no one was following them.

“I’ve never been one for security. I can take care of myself. You are safe with me, I promise but if it would make you feel better, I could call security in.”

Sam shook her head. “I’m just surprised. Your personal net worth blows my mind not to mention Wayne Enterprises’ profits that could fund several countries. I would think you would be a target for ransom, or have your life threatened by those who want to see you fail.”

Diana grinned. “Dig has been telling me the same thing. Protecting Kara has always been my number one priority, but he made a good argument so I’ve agreed to put up with a few security guards, though he hasn’t hired anyone yet. Of course, it’s just Monday and today is the first time he’s had a chance to look into it. As much as he’s bugged me about it, I would guess he will be working on it.”

Diana pulled into the secure parking garage and the three began their entrance into the building. Sam noticed Diana placing a small device in her ear, barely noticeable before they walked into the building.

As they walked through the lobby, those inside stopped what they were doing and stared at their CEO. Diana gave each a little wave, putting smiles on the faces of those she took notice of.

It was immediately apparent to Sam that this was not an office building. It was a kingdom, and Diana was the revered and worshipped Queen. The others in this building strived for her approval.

Diana took her personal elevator and stopped at several floors, showing executives at work, financial analysts, computer software designers and engineers, research and development labs and other scientific areas.

She was surprised by how many people Diana knew by name. In fact, Diana not only knew the names of each person that crossed her path, but details of their lives, family members, hobbies and current projects they were working on.

If one didn’t know better, it would seem Diana Wayne had perfect recall and knew everyone in the building personally. She put everyone at ease, made everyone feel special.

Based on what she had observed earlier, Sam had a suspicion this wasn’t the case.

Once they were in the elevator, Sam asked, “So, what do you call it?”

“I’m sorry?” Diana’s look was one of confusion.

“The program that runs this building, probably runs the security at your manor as well.” Sam replied. “The one speaking into your ear and telling you the names and personal information of every employee you greet.”

“Your observational skills continue to impress me, Sam.” Diana said, her radiant smile reaching her eyes. “Say hello, Athena.”

“Good morning Diana. Good morning to you as well, Ruby and Sam. ” A female voice said softly in the elevator.

“Good morning, Athena.” Sam rolled her eyes and smirked at the grinning brunette. “Goddess of Wisdom, huh? You have a thing for Greek mythology?”

Diana’s smile disappeared as she sighed. “I once did. Not so much anymore.”

Ruby wide-eyed expression was amplified in her excitement. “You have an AI that runs this building?!”

Diana shook her head. “Athena is not an AI. Kara and Barbara Gordon, our head of all things computer related, built her. Kara and Barbara hate the idea of AIs. They prefer human intelligence to artificial intelligence. Athena is more like a very powerful Siri. She keeps this building and Wayne Manor connected and runs baseline programs similar to a computer operating system but is unable to act on her own like a true AI might. She is simply a very powerful servant who observes everything in the building and can follow tasks given by users.

“Of all the people that work in the tower, only Kara, Barbara and I have access to use her. Your mother will soon have access as well.”

Rather than stopping on the top floor, the elevator continued to the roof.

“Are either of you scared of heights?” Diana asked as the doors opened.

Both mother and daughter shook their heads and they walked out onto the enormous roof of Wayne Tower. Two helicopters sat parked, along with security guards in a booth and a few watching the sky carrying assault rifles. Sam would bet a couple had sniper rifles in that booth.

They followed Diana past the choppers closer the edge. Despite not being afraid of heights and that they were separated from the edge by a security fence, Sam’s knees began to wobble, and her stomach dropped the closer they got.

Diana looked at home though, surveying her kingdom. “Beautiful, isn’t it? Some say Metropolis is the most beautiful city in the United States. To me, it is testament to shiny new architecture with no personality. Gotham City is older and grander. It has held onto its personality. We are a blend of the modern and the old, building towards the future but not forgetting our past. No place in the world is like Gotham.”

Sam couldn’t argue with the view. She could see Metropolis’s skyline in the distance. She saw past Gotham Harbor all the way out to the great Atlantic ocean. She couldn’t hear traffic up here. Despite the swirling wind, it was the most amazing view she had ever seen.

“Impressed?” Diana asked, her voice carrying over the wind.

“It’s not bad.” Sam said, downplaying the awesome sight.

Diana smiled, knowing better. “If you aren’t impressed don’t worry. You haven’t seen anything yet. Let’s go to your office. After I make sure my business executives haven’t held a closing sale while I was gone, we can continue with our day. Ruby, have you ever flown in a helicopter?”

“No, but I really want to!” The excited look hadn’t left the teen’s face all day.

“It will be a great way to get home at the end of the day.” Diana told her.

The three took the short elevator drop to the top floor of Wayne Tower, Diana greeted her assistant, Cathy, and a man named Terry who was Kara’s assistant. She introduced the mother and daughter to the two and then had them follow her into a cavernous office. The entire wall was one-way glass looking out over Gotham Harbor.

“Wow.” Sam whispered. “Is this… I mean this would be…”

“Yours.” Diana confirmed. “As you can see, there are finishing touches that need to be made. Furniture would need to be added. I’m sure Ruby will want to hang out here if you decide on a late night.

“Ruby, I will see if Terry can provide some gaming options for you in Kara’s office while your mom and I talk.”

The three exited the empty office, walking over to the executive assistant. Once Diana explained what she needed, the man happily agreed to keep Ruby entertained.

The two adults walked into Diana’s office. To Sam’s surprise, Diana offered her a seat at her desk chair.

Sam was hesitant but at a reassuring look from Diana, she took the seat. Sam took in the desk, a large structure, mostly wood but with a glass section in front of her. A pen set was to the right and the only other three items on the desk were three photos.

The first was of a young Bruce, Kara, and Diana, along with their parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne. The obviously close knit family were standing in front of Wayne Manor, smiling widely.

Another was a photo of Steve Trevor in a flight suit, standing next to a fighter jet with Diana in his arms.

The third was a framed photo of Kara and Diana on what looked like a beach. Kara was a young teen, perhaps Ruby’s age. They were both in swimsuits, dirt and saltwater in their hair and their arms were wrapped around each other, sticking their tongues out towards the photographer. It was obvious by the joy on their faces they were having a wonderful time. It was a spontaneous moment captured on film, a candid testament to two sisters’ love for each other.

“The picture of you and Kara, where was that taken?” Sam inquired, intrigued to know more about the sisters.

“When she was still quite young, I bought an island we could safely vacation on. It was important to have an area we had complete control over. I couldn’t risk her being around tourists and beachgoers from all around the world who may have been carrying who knew what kinds of viruses. By having our own island, I could send environmental teams there beforehand, secure the area and sanitize the house. It’s in the Bahamas. We named it Dolphin Cay, though Steve likes to call it Kangaroo Island.”

“This would be because of her health issues, right?” Sam asked. “She has an immune system disorder?”

Diana nodded, a small smile on her lips as she looked fondly at the photo.

“How much does an island go for nowadays?” Sam asked.

Diana thought about it. “It was only eighty-seven acres and undeveloped. I got it for twenty-five million. Taking in the house, runway, yacht slip, and the wi-fi tower, all together I would say I’ve invested around thirty-six million. I know it seems extreme, but Kara needed a place to go, and I needed to be sure of her absolute safety and security. This was the only solution where we could all relax.”

“That’s sweet that you did that for her. It looks like you both had fun.” Sam smiled, thinking it was sweet and trying to ignore that Diana Wayne spent thirty-six million dollars on what amounted to a vacation home, used once or twice a year at most.

“We are planning another trip before the summer ends, probably around her birthday. There is plenty of room in the house. My best friend, Silver, is coming, and I am sure if Tommy Merlyn is still around, Kara will want him to join us. John will be there, of course, as well as Alfred and I want to bring Cathy and Terrance this summer.

“You and Ruby must come too. It will be an end of summer, weeklong party. Kara might even be on good enough terms with Bruce that he could come. Their relationship is improving.” Diana said, watching Sam closely. “I am sure you noticed some awkwardness between the two at dinner.”

Sam cleared her throat. “I did notice a bit of tension between them last night.”

“Believe it or not, it has gotten much better than when he first dropped back into our lives.” Diana remarked before changing the subject.

“I want to show you a project we are working on.” Diana waved her hand over the glass section of the desk, and it rose to form a monitor. A keyboard and mouse slid out from under the monitor.

“Cool.” Sam whispered, eyes growing wide.

“You should see the hologram projectors we use in project meetings. We are also working on a holographic, two-way communication device.” Diana told her.

“Like the movies.” Sam realized.

“Exactly. Kara was never going to rest until she made that happen. It will be sold to the military first but the goal is to get the costs down so it can be offered to the public. For now, the price is still quite high, so it is impractical for everyday use.

“Athena, bring up secure file 264.”

“Unauthorized person in viewing range, Samantha Arias. ” The computer system’s voice responded.

“Nike override code 672398.” Diana replied.

A file popped up on the crystal clear monitor.

“I haven’t agreed to anything.” Sam said, seeing the number of security restrictions contained on the file. “Do you need me to sign a non-disclosure, or should I even been seeing this?”

“Whether you agree to work with me or not, you are a person of honor. If I didn’t trust you, you wouldn’t be here. Look it over and tell me what you think.” Diana said, walking over to the sofa. “Take your time. I’ll be catching up on these reports.”

Sam read for the next twenty minutes, her eyes widening at the implications of this project. Once she was done, she looked at Diana, wondering if this was truly possible.

“Kara discovered a way to change rocky ground into fertile soil by mixing fertilizer with a precise elemental mix, ground to microscopic levels that can change matter on a fundamental level at its atomic core. This works?” She asked in disbelief.

Diana nodded, setting aside her paperwork and walking back over to the desk. “A few years ago, one of our grounds keepers was tasked with creating a vegetable garden in the western area of the manor grounds so Kara could have a more readily available supply of fresh vegetables. He complained that the soil wasn’t fertile and never would be.

“Kara overheard the discussion and took it as a challenge. It took her a week and I had to take her to Lucius’s private workshop for the right tools but once she went to work, it happened. A vegetable garden was grown weeks later. Ten pounds spread out over an acre turned the soil fertile. I don’t think she realized the implications of what she had done at the time.

“I reminded her of it when she took over R&D and she began to see the potential for the world. She has assembled a team of botanists and soil health experts to adapt her process to every corner of the world. Next year, we are starting our first trials at refugee camps. We will test the crops before feeding them to people, but all tests have been successful so far. The food is as healthy as any food organically grown.”

Sam thought of the implications. “This could change everything for those camps. The people would have jobs, food, no longer relying on organized crime and living off scraps.”

“Yes, and the security guards the United Nations is going to allow me to place for crop protection will make short work of crime. Once the refugee camps are livable and the people fed, the product will have proven to be a success. At that point, every nation wanting to up its consumables will come to us, begging to buy the product.” Diana told her, laying out her plans for the remarkable commodity.

“Save the world, then turn a profit.” Sam realized.

“Not the entire world but it would give us added leverage overseas. The best thing though, is it gives hope to the displaced people stuck in those camps.

“That’s the genius of my sister. She could be playing with dirt and solve the world’s hunger problem without much thought.” Diana remarked, smiling in obvious pride at her sister’s accomplishments.

“Now combine that with what the two of us can do. We want to save the world, improve the quality of lives, not only in this city but the entire world. In two decades, more than seventy-five percent of the world will be using natural renewable energy. Coal mines will be a thing of the past. Oil drilling will be reduced to nothing. We own the largest oil and gas reserves in the world. We will slowly minimize use while increasing reliance on solar and wind power. We run one of our divisions slowly out of business with another of our divisions, all the while not throwing the economy into chaos and causing mass unemployment.”

“Health care will be available everywhere. With birth control methods given out to every nation, the world’s population could come under control. We have already saved large blocks of rainforest from deforestation.

“This world is beautiful, and it will remain beautiful. My sister and I are going to make this happen.”

Sam took a moment, letting Diana’s words sink in. Saving the world wasn’t just a catchphrase to Diana Wayne. She really could save it, or at least greatly improve it.

Diana waved her hand at the information sitting on the monitor in front of Sam. “I wanted you to see this. I want you to know this is only one of the things you would be a part of. This one single project changes so much. When I say we are changing the world, I am not exaggerating. I want you by my side as we do. If I am ever gone, it will be up to you to continue guiding this company.

“I admit many businesses we own are strictly for profit, but someone has to pay for my thirty-six million dollar island. If I take advantage of people’s love of fast food, fast entertainment and reliance on technology to do so, then so be it.”

Diana could tell Sam was becoming a little overwhelmed.

In a soothing voice, she said, “I don’t want you to worry about how much there is to learn. We will take it step-by-step.

“For the first several months, I will primarily be teaching you what you need to know about our hundreds of business markets. Eventually, when you are feeling more comfortable, you will become involved in the day-to-day operations of our vast military contracts.

“There is no part of Wayne Enterprises that will be off-limits to you.”

Sam took a deep breath, then stood up and walked slowly to the giant glass wall overlooking downtown.

“I need a drink.” She muttered. On top of the vast number of projects that served the world and Wayne Enterprises’ bottom-line, Diana Wayne had just shown her how to solve world hunger.

Kara Wayne had accepted a challenge from a gardener and figured out how to turn useless rocks and dust into fertile soil… and nobody knew. The world wouldn’t know until Wayne Enterprises was ready to give it to the people who needed it most.

This train of thought led her to another big concern she had, one she was about to test.

Diana appeared by her side with a drink and Sam smiled gratefully.

“Kara really is special.” Sam said, slowly preparing her argument. “Can you imagine how much more she could accomplish if she had six hundred million dollars to play with?”

Diana snorted. “She has more than enough. I have to keep her on a budget or she would be spending trillions of dollars building spaceships complete with laser cannons and cloaking devices.”

Sam chuckled, imagining Ruby freaking out over a spaceship. “True, but you are about to spend six hundred million dollars to buy her a professional football team that will never make money. That’s not a business decision. That’s a personal decision. You are essentially buying her a very expensive toy. I get that she hasn’t had the easiest life and you would do anything to make her happy but buying the Gotham Knights is a huge mistake and an extravagant gift, even for you… unless the rumors aren’t true?”

Diana was looking at her with a raised eyebrow. “In this case, there may be some fire behind the smoke.”

Sam steadied herself. She had always loved sports and paid attention to the news. It was a widely spread rumor that Kara Wayne was interested in buying the Gotham Knights. Diana admitted Kara did not care for business, meaning she wanted the team like a child would want a toy. Sam had wondered how Diana would react if she disagreed with her. Now was the time to find out before she got any farther in the job process.

Diana had gone quiet, studying Sam intently, but there was no hostility in the look… she seemed more curious than anything.

“Would you mind if I called Kara in?” Diana finally asked. “I want her to hear your opinion.”

Sam nodded and walked to the sofa. Diana informed Terrance to ring Kara and have her come to her office immediately.

Diana sat on the other end of the sofa and began talking about the Tower and the Suites across the street.

“There is a gym on the first floor of the Tower that any employee can use. Over at the apartments, the entire second floor is a recreational area for the residents to have a place to get together for parties and what not. The floor also has a high tech gaming area for those who like that sort of thing. Kara and Barbara take advantage of the gaming enthusiasts in the building to do a lot of beta testing on upcoming releases.

“I can show you the penthouse a little later, but we can also look at some excellent properties you may be interested in if you decide the high rise life isn’t for you.”

Diana stopped talking when Kara walked in.

Sam swore she had seen Kara in a pretty, pale blue dress this morning with her long blonde hair hanging in waves around her shoulders. Now she was now wearing worn blue jeans, a short sleeve, bright blue t-shirt and sneakers that looked as if they were years old. Her hair was in a messy ponytail and Sam could see a grease smudge on her cheek.

Sam and Diana were both dressed in business casual dresses and Sam had notice a casual atmosphere throughout the Tower, but Kara was taking comfort to a whole new level. Sam liked it.

“Sorry, I was down in theoretical aeronautics on the fifth floor working on a new type of engine for a weaponized armored hovercraft for use in a desert landscape.” Kara told them. “So, what’s up? Sam ready to have the rest of her belongings brought to Gotham City?” Kara asked, her eyes twinkling.

“Have a seat please.” Diana told her.

Kara did as she was asked, taking a seat on the sofa across from theirs.

“So…” Kara started.

“Sam wants to know why you want to waste six hundred million dollars on the Gotham Knights when it could be put to better use in your R&D budget?” Diana stated without hesitation.

Sam nearly cringed, wishing Diana wouldn’t have put it so bluntly.

Kara looked at Sam and blushed. “You… you don’t think it’s a good investment? I have a lot of plans. I’m going to approach the city for a bond to build a new stadium. I have plans to hire a great general manager from Chicago once the sale goes through. I think in two years, the team will turn around. We are getting Victor Stone. You probably don’t know who he is.”

Sam held up her hand and shook her head. “I know who he is. I’m a bit of a sports fan myself… go Eagles. I like your enthusiasm, but your plan has serious flaws. Do you have a plan or more of a general vision?”

Kara cleared her throat and straightened her glasses. “I guess I would have to see if the sale is going through. I checked this morning and purchasing is telling me the owner wants two hundred million more than he initially asked for. We are holding out for a better price.”

“He wants six hundred million.” Sam clarified, having kept up with the story. “Charles Sionis has nearly bankrupted Janus Cosmetics and has run that team into the ground. He bought it for one hundred million and has lost four hundred million in the ten years he has owned it. He probably knows you want it badly and will take everything he can get, just to save face over the investment. Otherwise, he wouldn’t ask for a price increase considering you are the only interested party.”

Kara thought for a moment. “Others aren’t interested because they don’t see the potential. Sionis never got the city to vote for a new stadium.”

“And you haven’t either.” Sam countered gently. “A campaign like that will cost… what do you think, Diana?”

Diana shrugged her shoulders. “Fifteen million, give or take.”

“And if you lose the vote, what would construction of a new stadium cost?” Sam asked.

“I don’t even want to think about it.” Diana admitted with a groan. “Corporate sponsors would be needed. Even if we kept the stadium in full use every week of the year, which is impossible, it would take at least a decade before it turned a profit.”

Sam nodded. As she suspected, Diana knew this was a bad investment. She was only buying it because Kara wanted it.

“Let’s say the best happens and the citizens vote in favor of a bond to build a stadium.” Sam continued. “The city will either make you pay a lease to use it, or you will have to be a partner. I’m going to guess the best case scenario is you invest three hundred million into the stadium, probably closer to four. Now you have invested close to a billion dollars into this team, and we haven’t gotten to player and employee salaries.”

Kara was visibly paling. “That is a lot of money.”

Sam nodded. “It definitely is. You also assume you could get Victor Stone and the Chicago GM. There is no guarantee on the GM.”

“We would be able to draft Stone.” Kara pointed out.

“Yes.” Sam agreed. “Stone has played every down for Gotham University since he walked onto the campus.”

“He is very good.” Kara said.

Sam nodded, moving on to her next point. “He is… but that means he has played around fifty college games and taken hundreds of hits. He is one bad hit away from a career ending injury and you are left with the same below average players. He could have a career that lasts ten years or ten minutes. Getting free agents to come to Gotham would also be a challenge, even with a new stadium. The team has a history of losing, not just recently but since they entered the League.”

Kara was silent, looking to Diana for help, but quickly realized she would get none. She took in everything Sam was saying and turned it over and over, hoping to find a counterargument.

Over one billion dollars.

Sam saw the conflict in the younger woman’s expression, so she moved to redirect the discussion to something positive. “Diana showed me your soil project, Kara. It’s going to change the world. You could do so much more with that money.”

“My budget is set in regard to the soil project. It is on schedule and doesn’t need more money, it needs trials.” Kara argued, obviously not willing to easily relinquish her desire to own the team. “All my projects are on schedule, having the expected results and are only in need of completed trials. We have manufacturing facilities being established. The government contracts are set, and we have budgets for the other plants. Investing a billion dollars more in any department would do no good as far as productivity.”

Sam couldn’t argue with that logic, but a different idea occurred to her based on the humanitarian benefits the soil project would provide to the world.

“Does the Wayne Foundation have a budget set in stone?” She asked. “Think about what one billion dollars can do. How many homeless shelters, food shelters, or youth centers could that money be used for? Runaway outreach centers, domestic abuse safe houses, free medical clinics, those would only be a few of the ways you could spend that money.

“If you want a team, what about a disaster relief team? No nonprofit has ever had the resources you could have available simply by walking away from a bad deal.”

Kara was silent. She folded her hands and squeezed them, her head down.

Eventually, she looked up at Sam and nodded. “You’re right. I could pay for other kids and their families with SCID to come to Gotham and receive the best treatment. Wayne Memorial Hospital is the leading facility for treating immune disorders but many families can’t afford to stay in Gotham. The city could use more shelters of every kind. Our Foundation does a lot but when you put it that way… it would be a waste to spend money on a football team.

“What do you think, Diana?”

Sam raised a hand, catching her attention. “No, Kara. I want to know what you think… tell me what you want to do. What can you live with?”

Kara stopped squeezing her hands and looked at Diana, hoping for an answer. This time, Diana said nothing. The truth was, Kara already knew Diana’s opinion on the team, but she had talked her sister into it.

But had she really talked Diana into it? Or had Diana given in so Kara could have what she wanted, just like she had done her whole life?

Kara’s mind began racing as it often did, taking in, not only Sam’s words, but her ideas.

“You are right, Sam. I guess I never really thought about it that way and I should have. I know Mom would have. Buying the Gotham Zoo for me as a child was one thing but this… Mom and Dad wouldn’t like it.

“I need to call purchasing and legal… tell them to let Charles Sionis keep his damn team.” Kara said, her voice more solid, strong and determined.

Kara stood and walked out, leaving the two women alone.

Sam fought to keep her breathing steady, not showing the nervousness she had felt during that discussion even as Diana’s gaze was beginning to break down her ability to remain still.

“I know what you are thinking.” Diana told Sam after a few moments of silence.

“What would that be?” Sam asked, voice steady though she felt an abundance of butterflies trying to escape her stomach.

“That Kara is my biggest weakness.” Diana told her. “And you would be right. I have always had a hard time telling her no, even when I had to for her health. It pained me every time. I have always wanted to give her the world. When there is something I can give her, I jump on the opportunity.”

Diana leaned forward, her expression determined. “I’m not letting you out of this building without you agreeing to be my VP, Samantha Arias. You just talked her out of something I couldn’t… I just gave into her like always. Your conversation with her saved this company over a billion dollars and made a huge difference in countless people’s lives… people who need help.

“So how did it feel? How did it feel to change that many people’s lives with one ten minute conversation?”

Sam stayed quiet, giving her heart a chance to slow down, building her courage. Once she felt her stomach settle, she met Diana’s eyes. “I’m not always going to tell you things you want to hear.”

“I’m counting on it.”

“I’m going to argue with you.”

“I look forward to it.”

“You’ll take my opinion seriously?”

“I didn’t bring you here to tell me what I want to hear, Sam. I need someone who isn’t afraid to debate me on matters I may not have thought through or have all the necessary information on. I need a business partner I can trust, someone who is a leader not a follower.

“I need you, Sam.”

The sincerity in Diana’s eyes was unmistakable and the final piece she needed fell into place.

Sam nodded and stood, Diana doing the same. The two shook hands.

“You’ve got yourself a Vice President, Diana Wayne.”

Apparently having noticed Kara leaving the office, Ruby cheered loudly and burst into the room. “Yes! Can we go see the penthouse?! I love this place! Can we check out the school? Kara said I could go to the robotics laboratory with her this afternoon! Do we have to go back to Philly, or can someone pick up our things and ship them here? This is so exciting! Can we get a sports car? Can I go meet a guy named Winn while I’m waiting for Kara? He made Dark Asylum! They did the motion capture for Dark Asylum in this building!”

Sam shook her head and smiled at her daughter’s exuberance. Looking at Diana, she asked, “I never had a chance, did I?”

The pleased grin Diana sported told her she didn’t. “Kara said it would take me two days to convince you and Steve said three. I said eight hours. I just have this strong feeling about you… about what drives you.

“This isn’t just a job. I didn’t build Wayne Enterprises from a large company into an empire just to make profits. This company is a testament to the values our parents instilled in us. They cared about this world, about improving lives and giving back. Kara and I are doing the same in their honor, but we are doing it on a greater scale than has ever been done.

“I promise you, Sam, you will never regret this.”

Sam’s smile reached her eyes. “Then I suppose we should check out our new living quarters before Ruby rushes through the building searching for Kara.”

Ruby groaned in embarrassment and the two older women laughed.

“Of course.” Diana replied, her smile lighting her face. “You can stay the week at the manor while your office and residence are designed to your specifications. You two can enjoy exploring your new home.

“You should go ahead and call your old employer as well. In two days, I’m going to announce you as the new Vice President of Wayne Enterprises. How are you at press conferences?”

“I think I just changed my mind.” Sam told her, the butterflies erupting once again.

“A press release it is then. Welcome to the family.”