Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Knightmare

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 20:

Wayne Manor

Diana took a moment, letting her biological mother’s words sink in. She must have misunderstood, so she turned them over and around in her head once more and found no other explanation.

“Did you say you gave up your crown and immortality and plan on living out your life… here? In the modern world… here, as in the manor? With us?” Diana asked, stunned.

Hippolyta smiled. “The gods granted you many gifts. I am glad your hearing has served you well.”

“You gave up your immortality.” Diana restated, still not sure she understood.

Hippolyta shrugged. “So did you.”

“For someone I love with my entire being!” Diana exclaimed.

“And I cannot do the same?” the former queen asked. “I have what I need to survive here. It has been awhile since I set foot in man’s world, but I have studied it as it is now and can justify my presence around you and your family.”

Waving toward several paintings on the walls and pointing to several busts and vases, Hippolyta explained, “Judging by the works of art in your home, it appears you could use a curator to organize the works here and procure additional items. It would not be strange for someone like myself to move in given the elevated status of your family name.

“As far as the outside world that watches a queen’s every move, there is no need to worry. Thanks to the Muses, I have lived a successful life in this world and have a lengthy resumé. I hold a PhD in ancient antiquities and my teachers were very fond of me… so were my former employers. Ask any of them and they will confirm this.”

Diana raised an eyebrow, greatly impressed.

People like Kara and Barbara could create a new background and life for a person, but they could not place a person in the memories of another. That wasn’t possible.

“The Muses?” She asked, wanting some clarity to see if Hippolyta’s backstory would hold given the scrutiny the Wayne family was always under.

“Yes. They, like the Fates and the Old Gods, do not become involved in this world but they still have some sway. I have been placed in the memories of those who are necessary for my identity.” Hippolyta informed her. “I am quite accomplished. You were very lucky to get me away from the Louvre.”

The cheeky reply from the smirking former queen eased Diana’s concerns. She walked to the counter and poured a drink, handing Hippolyta the glass. She then took the bottle and a seat, Hippolyta sitting across from her.

The woman sipped her drink as Diana raised her bottle, the two locking eyes.

“Don’t do that.” Hippolyta said. “I realize that a simple glass won’t give you the slightest amount of intoxication but drinking from the bottle is savage. It’s something your father would do and trust me, he is not someone you wish to emulate.”

Diana raised an eyebrow, immediately taking offense, her tone not hiding her displeasure. “I try to emulate my father everyday as I do my mother. My father was the type of man who wouldn’t be afraid to drink straight from a bottle in private. He despised pretenses among family and most pretenses in public.”

Hippolyta cringed, realizing her mistake. “I apologize. I meant… Diana, I cursed the Fates every day for three decades. I had to send you away or you would have been killed. You know this. I cursed them for not telling me of Cronus’s attack, only minutes after you were born. They claimed no prior knowledge…”

Hippolyta paused in her excuse, seeing the thunderous look on Diana’s face, backtracking quickly. “That isn’t the point I wish to make. I am not here to try to replace the wonderful parents you had, the ones that turned you into the fierce, beautiful, loving woman before me. I know I can never do that.”

The woman took a deep breath, quiet for a moment, then decided to just speak from her heart. “I have lived for over three thousand years, placed my sisters above all else, fought countless wars for gods and mankind and all I ever wanted for myself was you.

“I am not trying to replace your parents… I can’t, and I know that. I simply want to be in your life. I want to know you, I want you to know me. If I had known the attack was coming, I would have run before you were born. I have never run from a battle in my existence, but I would have taken you to safety and raised you myself… I never had that chance.

“If you truly wish for me to go, I will find a place to dwell in this dirty city and watch you from afar. I won’t bother you.

“I want to be here though. I want to be a part of your life in any way you will let me. You owe me nothing. I have nothing I can barter with. I am just asking you to please, let me be near you.”

Diana sat completely still, studying the woman intently, weighing out Hippolyta’s words in light of the turmoil she was feeling at her birth mother’s arrival and stated intentions.

Diana felt the woman was being truthful, that she had given up everything on the hope she could be part of Diana’s life in any small way. Hippolyta’s actions spoke to her feelings for Diana without knowing anything about her, or if she would even be accepted by her daughter.

As she often did, Diana went with her instinct, feeling the weight of the moment ease as she made her decision.

She leaned forward and set the bottle on the table between them. “I drink from bottles.”

“A wretched habit reserved for Vikings, Atlanteans and other scum, but your choice. I hope you at least use utensils when eating.” Hippolyta responded lightly.

“I make the decisions for the household.” Diana told her.

“As you should.”

“I’m not going to call you Mother.”

“Never?” Hippolyta asked, obviously a bit dismayed.

Diana sighed, feeling the need to explain at the woman’s stricken expression. “I was five when I found out how I arrived here. My parents told me after I had exhibited some… unnatural abilities. It crushed me that I wasn’t a child of my parents by blood. They assured me it didn’t matter, that I was, and always would be, their daughter, but it was never enough for me. It made me work harder to be the perfect daughter, the perfect Wayne. I lived to bask in my mother and father’s love and pride.

“After they were taken from us… as I grew older, stronger, faster, as I mastered the lasso and tested the sword and shield, I wondered more and more about where I came from. It caused me to question their promises about who I was, who I am… and they weren’t here to reassure me the less human I became.

“Sometimes, things happen that cause me to doubt, and I have to remind myself that Martha Wayne is my mother and Thomas Wayne is my father. If I don’t, I question everything… and that is something I can never allow myself to do.”

Hippolyta was grief-stricken, wishing Diana hadn’t found out about her past in the manner she had.

“There will be rules.” Diana told her after several quiet moments, her demeanor relaxed now in her resolve.

“It is your domain, and I shall follow them.” The woman assured her, hope blooming in her heart.

Diana nodded. “Kara does not know my life is tied to hers. She must never know. I want her to live her life without fear for mine. Do you understand?”

“I would do the same in your place.” Hippolyta agreed.

“Kara can be tenderhearted and is sensitive. Keep that in mind in your interactions with her. I cannot have her upset. When she is upset, I am upset, and no one likes when I am upset.”

Hippolyta smiled, recognizing Diana’s love and sacrifice for her sister was absolute. She couldn’t wait to meet the young woman who was literally her daughter’s heart. “Any other rules?”

Diana nodded. “No Amazons camped near the manor or following me or Kara. I appreciate the concern, but she is well protected, and I cannot risk them being discovered. I don’t need anyone asking questions.

“Don’t borrow my clothes without asking and no ogling my man. Do not leave dishes in the sink. They are rinsed off, then they go into the dishwasher. There are only servants during the weekdays.”

“I am to clean up after myself?”

“Yes, we all do. Will that be a problem?”

“I’m not the one who drinks straight from the bottle.” Hippolyta retorted.

The response caught Diana by surprised and she smiled widely, laughing. “It seems you will fit in fine. You will have a room on the second floor West wing. The rest of the family resides in the East wing. The rooms on the first are reserved for guests and the East and West wings of the third are used for guests during gatherings. We shall talk more of this in the morning. I am incredibly tired and need sleep.

“I also need to talk to Steve, Dig, Alfred and Kara about this. This is their home as well and they must be a part of the decision making process. I am sure it won’t be an issue. Kara will bombard you with endless questions and Alfred will criticize the manner you prepare tea. Dig will appreciate having another warrior of your caliber around and Steve is affable to most people.”

“And your brother, the one who dresses like a Wraith?”

“He is lucky he has a room. Long story, too late to get into now. I suppose I will ask his opinion as well, not that it will figure in the final decision. Come with me and I will show you to your room and bring you down a nightgown.”

“That’s not necessary, I sleep in the nude.”

Diana closed her eyes, her face flushed. “There is also something called ‘Too Much Information’ or TMI for short.”

Hippolyta snorted and began laughing. Diana took a quick look at her and knew she had been played, making her cheeks even redder.

Still, Diana couldn’t help but laugh too. “I am glad you have a sense of humor. You will need it around the manor. Things can get… strange quite often. No worries though. I often sleep wearing nothing but Steve.”

Hippolyta’s eyes narrowed, glinting in mirth. “Would this be a good time to say TMI?”

Diana smiled widely. “Absolutely. You are fitting in already.”

While Alfred showed Hippolyta to her new room, Diana made sure an overly excited but exhausted Kara had taken her sedative and watched her fall asleep while softly talking to her about the things they had experienced the past couple days.

Diana promised her they would talk about Hippolyta in the morning. After ten minutes of telling Diana about her ideas for future naval weapons, Kara drifted off to sleep in the middle of a sentence.

Diana kissed her forehead and stepped into the hall to find Bruce waiting.

“I thought you would be out all night.”

“I found out my priority target was away on business and Alfred informed me of our guest.” Bruce replied. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Diana smiled softly and hugged her brother. “I think I am okay for now but thank you for being here to ask. I love you, Brother. When you wake, come to the basement. We all need to have a discussion.”

Despite her exhaustion, Diana could not sleep. She lay in bed talking to Steve about her birth mother, what Hippolyta had done and given up in her desire to be a part of Diana’s life. It was beyond what she would have imagined.

“You expected a few visits and instead she wants to become a part of your everyday life. I can understand why she would want that.” Steve told her.

“You can? She barely knows me. Yes, she gave birth to me, but she knows nothing about me, my family or my world.” Diana replied.

Steve ran his hand through Diana’s hair as it fell on his chest. “I know you. If you had a child you were forced to give up within minutes of her birth to save her life, nothing would stop you from going after that child from the moment you could. Once you did, you would do anything in the world to be a part of the child’s life, no matter how much time had passed. That’s who you are. It sounds to me as if she isn’t much different.

“Consider this, she didn’t come right away. She planned this, learned about this world, got everything in order and then acted on it. This wasn’t spur of the moment decision on her part.”

Diana let those points soak in as she lay still, keeping her eyes closed and listening to Steve’s steady breathing as he slept, matching hers with his. Though she couldn’t sleep, it kept her relaxed. She and Kara would not be returning to work until Thursday so she could rest later.

After a long night that really only consisted of around six hours, she and Steve made their way from the bedroom to the second floor. She listened and determined that Hippolyta was still asleep, but the others were waking, even Bruce. On further thought, it was unlikely Bruce had gone to sleep.

Kara was up two hours before her full eight hours, but Diana let it go, knowing her sister was excited about Hippolyta being there and wouldn’t have slept anyway.

Alfred had already given instructions to the cook to prepare breakfast in an hour accounting for a new guest and another servant would be bringing a dress of Diana’s from the laundry to the former queen’s room.

“Hippolyta possibly sleeps nude. The servant should be prepared.” Diana told Alfred, who looked amused at the comment.

Thirty minutes later, the household was in the basement and Diana filled the group in on her and Hippolyta’s discussion the night before.

“Wow.” Kara finally said, her eyes wide. She was clearly excited. “Last Christmas, only the two of us and Alfred lived here. This year, we have added Steve, Bruce, Dig and now a Queen of the Amazons. How cool is this?”

Diana shook her head. “I told her it would be contingent on the family’s opinions.”

“I’m all for it… I mean if you are cool with it, Didi.” Kara said quickly. “If you’re not then I’m not, but if you are then, yes, I want her here.”

Diana smiled at her little sister’s exuberance. She wasn’t surprised in the least by Kara’s response.

After a lifetime of limited contact with others, Kara loved meeting new people. Alex and Babs had been her first regular exposure to the outside world due to the frequency of their visits. Then her swim team, college classmates and professors to a lesser extent and eventually all those who worked for her at the company. Kara would never tire of meeting new people.

“Dig?”

“How the hell did she get past security if there wasn’t a lightning bolt?” he asked, a question that had obviously been plaguing him all night.

“She’s lived thousands of years, Dig.” Bruce comforted the man. “I’m sure she has her ways.”

“Is she as powerful as you, Diana?” Dig asked.

Diana shook her head. “She has no gifts from the gods but as Bruce said, being a three-thousand-year-old woman who has fought for much of that time would make her very dangerous indeed.”

Dig nodded. “It isn’t really my place to say.”

“Dig!” Diana exclaimed, exasperated. “You are a part of this family and have every right to offer an opinion on who lives under this roof. If one of us doesn’t want her here, I can find her a place nearby to live. Wayne Manor is the home of everyone in this room.”

“I appreciate that, Diana.” Dig told her quietly. No one said a word for a few moments, waiting for him to continue.

“I think it’s a good idea.” He said eventually. “If her cover story is solid and won’t bring attention to us, having her in the house can only be a benefit on many levels. If we were to ever come under attack, she would be another capable line of defense. She is also going to need our help to ensure she can fit into this world. She may have studied it and some mystical muses have given her an identity but simple things like operating a cell phone have to be done perfectly or questions can still be asked.

“Tatsu being around the Tower has caused many questions, but it was chalked up to you being rich and having slightly flamboyant tastes.”

“My tastes are flamboyant?” Diana asked, surprised and confused at the same time.

“In fairness, you hired a Japanese mercenary as a bodyguard who carries a katana and no handguns.” Bruce pointed out.

Diana nodded after a moment, admitting they had a point. While she really liked the image of Tatsu following her around, katana in easy reach under her coat, she could understand how others might see it as strange.

“Having someone move into the manor is going to raise many red flags to people who watch your every move.” Dig continued. “But those flags will be raised regardless from her being around. We can control the situation better if she is here.

“The excuse for you needing someone of her expertise to live here could be that Kara has nearly reached her twenty-second birthday and you have deemed it safe to finally bring the antiques out of the vault without fear of her breaking them.”

Kara gave Dig a sharp look. She hadn’t broken anything expensive in five… two years. It depended on one’s definition of expensive.

“Bruce?” Diana asked.

“Yes. I believe she should stay here.” He said without offering any other explanation, much to her surprise.

Diana looked towards Alfred, wanting his opinion the most. If Kara had said no, it would have been an easy decision. If Alfred said no, it would also be an easy decision.

“Yes. Your mother and father would have welcomed her into their home without question.”

Diana was surprised by the conviction in his voice and Alfred could see her hesitation.

“Diana, you were their daughter in every way, they never questioned that you belonged to them. They considered you their blood, and Thomas would have spilled blood to protect you. They would not be insecure about a woman arriving one day, claiming to be your mother. They would know who your parents were.” Alfred told her definitively. “They would also open their hearts and home to the woman who gave you to them, especially at such a great loss to herself for your protection. You know this is true.

“Hippolyta may never be your mother in your heart but that doesn’t mean you won’t come to love her in a different manner. She has given up everything to be in your life, to get a chance to know you. She deserves the chance, Diana.”

Diana wiped a tear from her eye. “Thank you, Alfred.”

The group took turns on the elevator and met in the kitchen gathering around the table for breakfast.

Hippolyta joined them shortly after.

She took a seat, taking everyone in, studying them, similar to how Diana studied new people.

“Uh, Queen Hippolyta?” Kara asked, finally breaking the silence.

“Please, call me Lyta. I am no longer a queen, and I should become accustomed to my new name. Starting in the manor walls, around servants, is as good a place to start as any.” She said with a warm smile for the blonde.

Kara smiled brightly. “I realize you haven’t been introduced to everyone. You met Alfred and of course, Diana. I’m Kara and this is Steve, Diana’s fiancé. I’m sure you remember Dig and Bruce from Themyscira.”

Hippolyta nodded, giving a slight bow of her head to both in thanks. “They fought brilliantly. Neither Achilles nor Hector showed as much bravery as they did fighting through that monster horde to release us. Their names are known in the halls of Olympus and on the tongues of all Amazon warriors.”

Kara held up a hand. “Let’s stop right there if you wouldn’t mind. Achilles and Hector, they were real?”

Hippolyta smiled once again at Kara’s exuberance. “Yes, I visited the shores of the war out of curiosity during its two decades of fighting. I called myself Pentheselia. The war was horrible. Disease killed more soldiers than swords and bows did. I quickly became bored and returned to Themyscira, making appearances every couple years to measure the progress.”

“Great! Let’s talk about Achilles. Did he look like Brad Pitt?” Kara asked enthusiastically.

Diana sighed.

Kara ignored her sister and slid her phone across the table to Hippolyta who took the phone, then passed it to Alfred who handed it back to Kara.

“He most certainly did not look like that. He was quite an ugly beast but a brilliant warrior. If he had looked like that, I might have spent more time watching the decades long stalemate. The Illiad was an entertaining read but so much was wrong.”

“But Helen was real?” Kara asked, eyes wide.

Hippolyta nodded. “She was a convenient excuse for King Agamemnon to attack Troy and destroy any opposition over trade routes and merchandise. She was not attractive by today’s definition or any age, I suppose, but a pleasant enough looking woman who was skilled in the erotic arts. Paris was a step up from her husband who resembled a toad.

“I promise you, no gods or goddesses became involved… there was no Trojan Horse, and the fighting was sporadic, mostly small skirmishes, over twenty years until the Greeks could find a way into the city. It was truly pathetic to watch. My guard could have sacked that city in days.”

“So you were never confined to the island?” Diana asked curiously. “I wondered when your Amazons showed up in my world.”

Hippolyta shook her head. “We have never been confined. This world was so ugly and Themyscira is a paradise on Earth. Is it any wonder we prefer to live there in secrecy, cloaked from outsiders?”

“Did you get rid of the big snakes on the beach with big horns and long teeth?” Dig asked with a slight shudder.

Hippolyta laughed and nodded, then began eating.

“Okay, have unicorns ever existed?” Kara wanted to know.

“Bunny, let her eat.” Diana said.

Hippolyta smiled in between bites. “They did.”

“Yes!” Kara fist pumped, a big grin on her face. “Are there any alive today? What happened to them?”

Hippolyta’s smile left her face. “They befell the same fate as all beautiful creatures on this planet. They were hunted to extinction by men.”

That quieted the table and they all began eating, no one asking her anymore questions though Kara was making a very long list in her head.

After breakfast, before the servants cleaned the table, Kara began her questions anew.

“Have you ever been to Scotland? Do you know anything about Loch Ness or any creatures that had resided there in the past, particularly creatures believed to be extinct? Did you ever visit the Mayan or Aztec culture, pre-European settlements? If you know so much about this world, what technology do you use on Themyscira? Do you know who built the Sphinx and what the point was? Who are these Muses and how do they work? Do you know much about pocket dimensions? I have a theory regarding the underworld and where Olympus might be… have you ever been to Olympus? Is It really a mountain or more like a giant city, similar to the underworld? If these places are other dimensions, how can they collect souls? What do you know of the nature of souls?”

“Kara!” Alfred said with a slightly raised voice. “She doesn’t even have any clothes yet. Perhaps she can be made comfortable and shown around her new home before you ask her for enough information to write a book?”

Kara nodded, looking contrite. “Sorry.”

Hippolyta smiled. “Never apologize for being curious, Kara. I can already see why Diana loves you so much. I will tell you all I know over time but perhaps I can rest for today.”

Diana shook her head. “I’m not sure how much resting there will be. You not only need a new wardrobe but also you need to be examined by Eliza so she can determine if there are any vaccines you will need.”

“Vaccines?” Hippolyta asked.

“You don’t have my strength and speed, so I am assuming you do not have my immunity. You have given up your immortality so you may be susceptible to illness now. That means you must be protected against certain diseases.”

“That sounds… lovely.” Hippolyta replied, frowning.

Diana smiled widely. “It will be fine. We have personal shoppers to help you prepare your wardrobe, but I think we should visit the shops of Gotham to get you started. Kara could come along as well. What do you think, Dig? Do you feel like shopping today?”

Dig rolled his eyes and groaned. “And here I was, thinking I could enjoy a day off. Kara, you would probably rather hang out here and recover from the excitement of the past two days, right?”

“Uh, no.” Kara looked at him as if he were crazy. “We are going to visit Eliza and Alex then help Queen Hippolyta shop for clothes, perhaps take her to a hair stylist if she wants, get pedicures and manicures, maybe choose décor for her room. We are going to have so much fun! How can you want to stay home?”

The big man sighed and pulled out his phone to begin organizing a day trip with his forces.

Kara and the others followed him out, leaving Diana and Hippolyta together.

“I understand now.” The former queen said with a fond smile. “It is impossible not to love her. I can see why you would trade your life for hers, do anything to keep her alive.”

Diana turned from having watched the others, mainly her sunshine, walk out of the room. Looking back to Lyta, she fully acknowledged the depths of the love she held for her sister. “She is the only thing that keeps me from succumbing to the darkness inside me. Kara is my light and the love of my life. There are no lengths I will not go to protect her and make her happy. She deserves no less.”

Hippolyta looked at Diana and felt the same love for her, though she wouldn’t say it… at least not yet. She had gotten much farther than she had hoped. She thought Diana would have pushed back on her moving into the manor. Instead, she put up little to no resistance, nor did any of the others that lived there.

“Thank you, Diana.” She said with as much sincerity as she could express.

Diana nodded in understanding. “I’ll have more comfortable shoes sent to your room. If Kara has her way, it will be a long day of shopping. I need to check in with my Vice President and make sure she is doing well.”

“Your Vice President?” Lyta asked, confused.

“My General.” Diana clarified.

Hippolyta nodded, easily comprehending the reference, and walked out of the room.

---

Wayne Tower, the next morning

Kara reached her office and collapsed on her desk. She had put up a brave face in front of Diana that morning, hiding how tired she actually was. After her time with the carrier group and yesterday, spending the day shopping with Dig, Diana and Hippolyta, she was exhausted. She knew Dig was as well.

Terry came in once she had settled.

“Tell me about the hot sailors.” He said, waggling his eyebrows.

“I got a lot of phone numbers. You can try your luck.” Kara responded without even attempting to raise her head.

Terry rolled his eyes. “If you got the numbers, I doubt I would have a shot. How was it? Was it all you ever dreamed of? Being on the high seas, close to a reenactment of Top Gun, sailing under the surface of the ocean has always been one of your big dreams. Did you take lots of pictures?”

“No pictures allowed.” Kara grunted. “Do I have anything important to do today?”

Terry sighed, not surprised Kara had no idea what her itinerary was. “This morning you have a meeting with Dr. Pamela Isley. It’s been on the books for two weeks.”

Kara finally lifted her head from her desk and nodded. “Right, she recently graduated with a PhD in botanical chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle. She grew up in Gotham and moved back a month ago to work at the Gotham Botanical Gardens.”

Terry looked at her for a moment and sighed. “I don’t need her history, Kara, I just need you to speak to her for no longer than an hour if possible. You said you wanted three hours of playtime this morning, then lunch. This afternoon, you have a meeting with your department heads in space and aeronautic travel about the new plant. After that your personal shopper, make-up artist and hair stylist will be here, to discuss colors and styles for Friday.”

“Sounds fun.” Kara groaned. “Wait… why do I need those people for Friday?”

Terry stared at her, internally sighing this time at her purposeful forgetfulness. “The opening of the new Egyptian Exhibit at Gotham City Natural History Museum. It’s a big charity event with many A-listers and you haven’t been to a gathering since you picked up Tommy in Star City. You also need to decide if you are taking him along. I understand Steve couldn’t get out of this one.”

Kara rubbed her forehead. “Why me? Why can’t Diana just do this stuff herself? I’m the geek in the garage, she is the leader of this company and the one photographers love.”

“The world loves you too, sweetie, and despite your misgivings and constant assaults on your self‑esteem, you are beautiful as well. You always shine, Kara.” He told her, smiling.

Terry’s phone beeped, announcing Dr. Isley’s arrival. “Remember, every minute over an hour cuts into your play time.”

Kara stood and walked next door to Diana’s office.

Her sister looked up immediately with the smile she always had for Kara. “Yes?”

“I have a meeting with Dr. Pamela Isley. She is on her way up. Would you like to sit in? She will most likely want money or a research grant.”

Diana looked thoughtful, then shook her head. “I’ll be busy returning emails I have let slip the past couple days, then Sam and I will be teleconferencing with the heads of our agriculture division.”

“So don’t give her any money.” Kara decided, disappointed but not surprised. She should have known Diana would be playing catch up after three days off.

“I never said that. I said I didn’t have time for a meeting.” Diana told her. “You scheduled a meeting with a researcher. If you feel something is worth investing in, then you make the decision.”

Kara stilled, not liking the sound of that. “I don’t do that.”

“You do now.” Diana replied.

“But…”

“Kara… you can do this. You are the Head of Research and Development. This is your call. If it isn’t worth our time, then pass on it. If it is worth our time, decide how much of our time and money it is worth.” Diana recognized her sister’s nervousness, so she sought to reassure her. “I have faith in you to make the right decision, sweetie.”

Kara smiled slightly, enjoying and slightly exhilarated by Diana’s trust in her.

“Just don’t spend over ten million without talking to me first.” Diana added.

Kara nodded and moved back to her office. She waited by the door for Terry to bring Dr. Isley to her.

Kara was not surprised by what she saw when the woman stepped off the elevator.

Dr. Isley was a young woman, with hair the shade of Barbara’s, wearing glasses similar to Kara’s, pretty and a bit shy, not meeting her eyes for long. She was dressed in a conservative green dress and held a slim briefcase. She reminded Kara of many academics, including herself. People like her weren’t exactly known for their social skills.

Silas Stone, for instance, had difficulty connecting with others. To those who didn’t know better, he was brusque, straight forward and dismissive.

Someone like Ted Kord often got by in social situations by telling bad jokes, then chuckling, hoping someone would join in.

Kara had gotten along with Ryan Choi so well in college because he was so similar to her. He didn’t have her health problems, but his high intellect made it difficult to interact with every day, normal people and he placed himself in isolation behind a lab or his home’s door.

She wasn’t sure what Pamela would be like but couldn’t wait to find out. Meeting other scientists was always a treat for Kara.

“Hello, Miss Wayne. Thank you for seeing me.” The red head said so quietly, it was almost a whisper.

“Please, my friends call me Kara and I can already tell we are going to be great friends. May I call you Pamela?”

“Of course. I like Pam but you can call me whatever you want.” The botanist told her, finally meeting her eyes.

“Let’s use the couch. I really hate speaking to people across a desk. I find it impersonal.” Kara offered her a seat and the woman sat slowly, as if she were afraid of taking the wrong space.

“Can I get you anything? Tea, coffee, water, something stronger?” Kara asked the woman, wanting to put her at ease.

Pam smiled slightly and shook her head.

Kara sat down next to her, angling her body to give the woman her full attention. “Pam, first of all, there is no need to be nervous.”

“I’m… I’m sorry.”

“Never apologize for being nervous. I would be apologizing my whole life if that were necessary.” Kara told her, smiling. “I have read all of your published works. I have my own botanists who work in this building and other agriculture facilities, and I am interested in the subject.”

Pam met her eyes, obviously surprised. “You’ve read my works?”

“Of course. I don’t have meetings with those who are not serious academics, especially if their work doesn’t impress me. Yours does, so there is no need to prove yourself to me. I know what you are capable of.” Kara assured her. “Something tells me you are not here to discuss donations to the Botanical Gardens, so what can I do for you, Pam?”

Pam took a deep breath, relaxing slightly. “Wayne Enterprises owns large blocks of the Amazon Rainforest. You are the largest private landowners in Brazil, yet you do nothing with the land. May I ask why?”

Kara nodded. “We support many nonprofit groups who work to save the rainforest from deforestation. The easiest way to protect as much as we can, is to simply buy it. This has become much easier under Brazil’s new regime.

“There are large swaths of land that holds indigenous tribes, and potential ranchers would rather not become involved in a violent showdown with them. This means the land is cheaper and we can buy it for pennies on the dollars, protect what we can of the rainforest and protect the tribes who have lived there for hundreds and perhaps thousands of years.”

Pam’s eyes widened. “So you truly have no plans to use the land for more profitable ventures?”

Kara shrugged and said, “Saving those people’s homes, keeping the land natural, protecting the wide variety of species that inhabit it is its own profit.”

Pam adjusted her glasses nervously. “I admit that surprises me. I heard it was true, but Wayne Enterprises is such a large corporate entity, I didn’t truly believe it.”

Kara understood. “Wayne Enterprises is a large corporation owned and operated by people who still have their souls. When we say we want to save the world, it isn’t just a catchphrase to generate good press.”

Pamela took another deep breath and nodded. She opened her briefcase with shaking hands then handed Kara a folder inside.

“I’m not here on behalf of the botanical gardens. I am honestly relieved you didn’t call the gardens to confirm my meeting. I would most likely be fired.” She admitted. “This is an overview of a project I have been working on. Would you read through it, please?”

Kara took the papers Pam handed her and began reading. She then went back and reread them. What she read truly stunned her.

Kara wasted no time getting straight to the point. “Quickly growing plants and trees that can continuously grow, build back destroyed acreage in months instead of years, plants that are more resilient than any other, hybrids that could produce healing herbs that would revolutionize medication… you can do this?”

Seeing Pam’s hesitant nod, Kara continued. “Your theory is sound, but you would need different samples from a wide range of plant life… essentially, you would need a lab in the largest biodome in the world.”

Pam was sweating now, watching Kara’s face closely. “I can do it. I just need the opportunity. I can do so much more than take care of plants at the botanical gardens. I have tried private donors and other corporate groups, but no one will give me what I need. All they are concerned about is how quickly they can turn a profit.

“I can’t promise results in a few months. It could take years in fact, but if… when I am successful, these plants can change the world. They would not only benefit the human race but give the natural treasures of this world a fighting chance. We can make trees that would be too strong to cut, the roots too deep to pull out. The flora would have a chance to thrive even in parts that have already been slashed and burned.”

“You could create a garden of paradise.” Kara added softly, enjoying the passion in Pam’s voice as well as the ideas she saw on paper.

Pam smiled at Kara’s grasp of the potential of her work, but was quick to add, “Any healing herbs would go to Wayne Enterprises as well as any other commercial products that come about as a result of my experiments.

“One thing I would like is… you see… I want…”

“You want credit for your work?” Kara guessed.

Pam nodded shyly.

Kara understood perfectly. “Did you, by chance, ever read about Dr. Emil Hamilton’s breakthrough in gravitational anomalies under the Indian Ocean?”

“I have, actually.” Pam said. “He used a device he made called the Gravitron. It intrigued me because of how it connected with my own theories concerning growth of the world’s plant life.”

“Who do you think paid for and made that device?” Kara asked with a grin. “Emil is brilliant. His theories regarding gravitational fields are revolutionary. He still needed someone to pay the bills. He works for Wayne Enterprises, but we have stayed out of the spotlight. He did the work and deserved the credit. I am not in the business of stealing others ideas and claiming them for myself.”

Pam was fascinated. “My work has the potential to give Wayne Enterprises a source of herbs and healing plants unlike any the world has ever seen. What did Dr. Hamilton’s research give you?”

It was a hard truth of science. Most scientists needed grants or funding of some kind and that nearly always came from a corporation who wanted credit for the work as well as commercializing it.

Kara smirked. “Right now, Emil’s research brings nothing to the table. Five years from now, when my plans for antigravity engines begin to take shape, his work will be invaluable, and Wayne Enterprises will be the only one with access to his research. He will help me build a new class of machines based off his work. We will be a team, and a very successful one, because not only do we have a contract, but we also treat each other as friends. Friends look out for one another. They help each other, not just because of contracts but because of mutual respect and consideration.”

Pam smiled, finally relaxing . “What I heard from colleagues about Wayne Enterprises made it too good to be true.”

“That’s because most corporations who fund research projects are run by business executives who have never stepped inside a lab.” Kara acknowledged. “I’m sold on your ideas, Pam. What is it you want and need to make the words on these papers come to life?”

Pam began talking more confidently now. She no longer felt the need to prove or sell herself. Kara Wayne was really what she had heard she was. Every scientist Kara had met, those who knew her, had said the same thing… that despite her vast intellect, she respected other scientists.

“I would need a lab, in the Amazon, on land owned by Wayne Enterprises. I would need a small security team to guard it.”

“You are going to need more than a small security team.” Kara responded. “From what I understand, the jungle is a vicious place. I hope to go there some day myself. Perhaps after you have your complex set up, I can visit you.”

“I don’t need a complex. A simple lab and large greenhouse, a few lab techs and enough room to live in would suffice. The main costs would be the equipment.” Pam rushed to say.

Kara shook her head. “Pam, what you want to do is world changing and it needs to be done right. You need a complex. You need houses for your team, interns, lab techs, and security guards. You’ll need food and water flown in, medical supplies and a doctor on site, a very talented doctor because the nearest decent hospital will be hours away by chopper.”

Kara paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. “I believe in your work and after meeting you, I believe in you as well, Pam. You have come to the right place, but we must start off right.

“Go home, take the weekend to plan what you need. We can meet again on Monday to discuss what is needed to give this project its best chance at succeeding. Think of your ideal world. How many employees you would need, what equipment, how large a biodome and how many greenhouses. Clean rooms, living quarters, food, medical needs and give me a list of equipment… anything and everything. It will give us an idea on where to start building and an operating budget.

“Can you do that for me, Pam?”

“Of course, Kara.” Pam nodded, an incredulous look on her face. “So… this is really going to happen?”

Kara smiled widely and patted her hand. “Yes, it is. That’s what I do here, Pam. I find the greatest minds on the planet and give them the ability to change the world for the better. From what you have shown me, you are one of those minds.”

Kara and Dig escorted an excited and animated Pam Isley to the lobby and watched her leave.

“She is special?” Dig asked.

Kara chuckled. “I don’t think even she realizes how special she is. Many scientists come to me with proposals for research projects and I turn down nine out of ten of them. What she just showed me was genius. She sees the world and life in a very different way than even the most brilliant botanists. She is going to make history, Dig. I just have a good feeling about her.”

Kara checked her watch and smiled. “I have two hours before lunch. Let’s visit the solar fusion lab and see if Emily has made any breakthroughs.”

“Oh good. I love watching you two write equations on the wall that I have no hope of ever understanding.” Dig commented sarcastically.

Kara chuckled and made for the elevator to Emily’s floor. Once she arrived, Dig decided he would rather stand in the hall, so Kara walked in alone.

“Kara! I was thinking about you. Did you have a good trip?” Emily asked, her face lighting up.

Kara hugged the woman and stepped back. “I had a wonderful time. It has been a wonderful week actually. Another person has moved into the manor, and I just reached a deal with a brilliant young scientist who is, as of now, undiscovered but she will do great things one day.”

“And this new member of the manor?” Emily asked, curiosity evident in her expression.

“Dr. Lyta Prince. She is an expert in antiquities and art. Diana hired her to take care of our collection and place the pieces where they have the most impact. She will be doing the same for Wayne Tower as well. She is a lovely woman.”

Kara quieted, thinking of the short time Hippolyta had been in her life. Kara had absolutely fallen in love with the woman. The former Amazonian Queen had so much firsthand knowledge and knowledge was the one thing Kara always wanted and would always crave.

Lyta was also surprisingly funny and gentle.

Kara knew Diana was holding herself back a good bit. Diana prided herself on being a Wayne. Having a reminder of her biological lineage so close could not have been easy but she was proud of her big sister for trying.

As a result of Hippolyta’s presence, Kara had been thinking about her biological mother more often.

“Kara?”

Kara shook her head and focused on Emily once again. “Yes?”

“I asked if you were okay. You spaced out for a moment.” The worried woman said.

Kara walked over to the flashing holographic board and began examining the equations glowing on it.

“I suppose I have been thinking of a few things lately that I hadn’t given much thought to in a while.” Kara admitted.

“Must be pretty important if you are losing your train of thought. Do you want to talk about it?” Emily asked.

Kara looked at Emily’s kind face. She usually only opened up to her close friends and Diana, but she had found herself trusting Emily more and more the longer they knew each other.

“I guess you know my story… about how I was adopted?” She asked.

Emily nodded.

“I have been thinking about my parents more often lately, specifically how much I wish they were still in our lives. I’ve also been thinking about my birth parents. Who were they? Did my mother even know my father? Why did she leave me the way she did?”

Kara noticed Emily still as if holding her breath. “I’m sorry if this makes you uncomfortable.”

“No! Please, you can tell me anything, Kara.” Emily seemed to plead. “I can imagine it’s not an easy topic. It’s hard to understand when there are so many sides to a story like that.”

Kara rolled her eyes and snorted in disgust. “What side is there? She left me in front of a fire station without even knocking on the door while I was running a fever. She couldn’t be bothered to take me to a hospital a half mile away. I suppose I should be grateful she didn’t throw me into the river.”

“Don’t say that!” Emily snapped then covered her mouth. “I’m sorry, Kara, but I couldn’t imagine anyone ever doing that to you.”

“Well, that’s exactly what happened so you don’t have to imagine it.” Kara replied. “I got lucky, or maybe it was fate like Diana says. I was found by my true family, but still… I wonder, what was going through her mind?”

Emily turned away from Kara and focused on the board once again, changing the display to a new power cell design.

“What would you do if you ever found her?” the woman asked after several quiet moments.

Kara had given this question a lot of thought in the past and every time she decided she would do something different.

“I would like to think I would be the bigger person, to hear her side of the story, believe that she must have loved me, that maybe she was taking me to a hospital and was kidnapped off the street before we got there. Maybe she had a cramp or arthritis in her wrist and couldn’t knock on the door or even ring a bell before running away. I would like to think I would be able to do that… to give her a chance to explain herself.” Kara paused, staring at the equations without really seeing them. “But I don’t think I’m that good of a person.”

Emily turned to her, shaking her head. “You are the best, purest person I have ever known. There is nothing but good inside of you.”

Kara sighed and pointed towards the board. “Do you know why I have such a hard time with this equation? Because it scares me. It could be the key to unlocking clean, unlimited, non-radioactive energy. But with a few modifications, I know it could be more.

“I was fifteen and the weather was bad. A speaker was coming to the University I wanted to meet but I had to stay home. After Diana had left for work, I begged Alfred to let me go. He refused, saying my health was too often at risk and going to school in damp conditions, then being crammed in a lecture hall, was not worth the risk.

“I was angry. Do you know what I did? I didn’t throw things, or scream. I didn’t even pout. I grabbed a drawing pad and a pencil and started writing formulas. When I was done, I realized I had written plans for a self-sustaining, radioactive device that could unleash fire on this planet in minutes, so hot it would scour the land, melt the Arctic and evaporate the oceans. All I needed was ten kilograms of plutonium, an empty paint can, a car battery and the electrical wires from a reading lamp and ten very small but very strong magnets.”

Kara paused and looked at the understanding on Emily’s face. “Does a good person think things like that when they are angry? Do you know that every time I make a weapon, I am thinking about using it on the man who killed my parents? Every time I fire a gun, I see his face. I want to destroy him as painfully as I can for what he took from me.

“I am not pure, Emily. I have to hold myself back. I have to put rules on myself that I can never break. This project is one example… I don’t trust myself to complete it. Too much can go wrong. That’s why I need you.”

Kara crossed her arms as if hugging herself.

“To answer your question, I’m not sure what I would do if I ever met her.” Kara said, staring at the floor. “It wouldn’t matter though. Diana once told me she would thank the woman for giving birth to me, then destroy her for leaving me in danger. When it comes to Diana, destroy can mean many things but none of them are good.”

Emily cleared her throat.

“Thank you for sharing that.” She shook her head and changed the subject. “So, speaking of your sister, I understand a wedding date has been set?”

“December first.” Kara said, happy to get away from their previous topic.

“Wow, that isn’t far off. And the honeymoon?”

“Two weeks in Hawaii.”

Seeing a prime opportunity to spend some time with Kara without the specter of Diana Wayne’s presence hovering in the background, Emily said, “You know I am horrible at shopping and have never had a boyfriend on Christmas to shop for. Perhaps we can help each other with shopping while she is away. I promise you won’t be lonely if you want female companionship with your sister gone.”

“It would be fun for us to spend more time together, but I will be in Hawaii when Diana is because she doesn’t like me far from her.” Kara explained. “I won’t be with them, but I will be on the same island. Dig is going to keep me company and I know Babs is down for a trip. If I have to, I’ll drag Alex away from her microscope.”

A strange look crossed Emily’s face. “She is taking you with her on her honeymoon? What do you mean she doesn’t like you far from her?”

Kara shrugged, sighing. “We both have bouts of separation anxiety when we are away from each other for any length of time. It’s why Diana is the least traveled billionaire in history. If I didn’t go with her, she would stay here, and I don’t want that. While there, If either of us start feeling anxious, the other is close by so we should be okay.

“We are working on it, but it’s a slow process. You have to understand, for a long time, we were all the other had. I honestly don’t mind though. Hawaii is on the list of places I have always wanted to visit and now I will have the chance.”

Emily’s face was cold for a moment, then she smiled warmly. “Of course, Kara. I am glad your health is improved so you have the opportunity. You deserve every good thing.

“Please don’t be afraid of the darkness inside you. It doesn’t make you less pure. It makes you human and you are one of the best people I have ever known.”

“Thanks, Emily.” Kara said with a small smile. “I know Harvey is coming to the Tower roof Saturday for the fireworks, so I hope you are coming as well?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” The older woman confirmed.

“Okay, I have hundreds of things I need to check on and appointments to make this afternoon.” Kara said, moving towards the door. “I will see you later.”

Kara walked out of the lab and Emily smiled until she was out of sight.

Then her face turned to stone. “Diana… Diana… does she think Kara is some sort of pet? She would destroy her mother after thanking her? That woman… Kara thinks so highly of her. How could she not? Diana Wayne has been brainwashing Kara her entire life!”

Emily looked at the equations on the board.

“This is all Kara. She did the groundwork and I finished it off. Diana had nothing to do with this.” The woman whispered. “Diana would be nothing without Kara’s mind.”

Emily had solved Kara’s equation a couple of weeks ago. It was true Kara was holding herself back.

Kara never needed Emily for the answer, but Emily had no plans on giving it to her yet.

Emily had to be around, she had to insert herself more into Kara’s life.

In the beginning, she had wanted to be near her daughter but that wasn’t enough now. The more she learned, the more obvious it was Diana had brainwashed Kara, controlled her entire life. A part of her wondered how long the breakthrough in Kara’s health had been known and Diana held it back as another way to control her.

No more.

She had failed Kara. She ran away when her daughter needed her but no more. Diana wanted to destroy Kara’s mother. Diana Wayne needed to learn she wasn’t the only one who could hurt people.

That was a major difference between Kara and Emily. They were both brilliant, but Emily wasn’t afraid of her darkness, not if it meant getting her daughter out of Diana’s control… by any means necessary.