[video]

[cowled]

Well, that was... quite the event, now wasn't it? I'd like to extend my thanks to anyone that helped clear out the infestation of those little creatures.

[Bruce tosses the camera a disarming smile, pushes a fountain pen out of the view of the camera. There's a slight shift in his demeanor, the sort that few people would be able to recognize much less understand. Batman has just hung up his Bruce Wayne hat.]

I'd actually like to address a matter that concerns us all. I notice there've been considerable tensions lately between the metahuman or powered individuals and those who are more commonly considered 'baseline'. It's my understanding that we're all here to help this world inasmuch as we can regardless of our abilities or beliefs. As with all things, there is always the potential for those with power to abuse that power, but it's my belief that the majority of individuals here deserve our trust equally as much as our respect.

[You owe him for this one, Clark. He coughs, and then brightens.]

Also, it's my understanding that the first wave of Foreigners began arriving a year and four days ago. I know many of you are missing your friends, your families, and others may have those friends or families with you. For better or worse, this place has been a prison, a home, a second chance to a variety of people, many of which are no longer with us. The community we've created here has been strong and each obstacle we've encountered we've overcome, together. And together is the only way we can move forward.

[He folds his hands on the desk in front of him, gives the camera a firm nod.]

On that note, Wayne Enterprises is always hiring, and my pharmecutical branch is available for anyone missing medications from their respective homes, so if you've any interest in working for or speaking with the longest-standing foreigner-run business on Tu Vishan, my office is in the Metal Sector, and I'm available between six AM and noon on Mondays and Tuesdays. Thank you for your time, Keeliai.

Comments

[everylittlegirl]

You're so rich you don't even know how rich you are? Are you sure that's what you want to go with?

[cowled]

[His expression is a little bit sheepish.]

I did hire him for a reason.

[everylittlegirl]

So what do you do with your days then?

And how long have you been here anyway?

[cowled]

You wouldn't happen to be an aspiring journalist or something like that, would you? I swear I was grilled less by my last prospective father-in-law.

[An affable smile, and then he shrugs. Bruce makes no secret of the fact that he misses Gotham, and that... element of sadness isn't hidden.]

Almost a year. I arrived some time after the initial surge of newcomers.

[everylittlegirl]

I guess I never really took that whole 'curiosity killed the cat' thing to heart.

[She gives an exaggerated smile with that, then the amusement fades in favor of a pensive expression. A year is a long time.]

You're right, about people getting along. But so few people have gotten home that it seems like kind of a waste to spend time working together when it hasn't accomplished a whole lot.

[A beat.] Do you think maybe I could work in your pharmaceutical branch? I've always been into pharmacology, but I didn't realize there was anything like that here.

[cowled]

It would be more of a waste to spend time apart when it's accomplished even less. It's human nature to try and build or attain a sense of community. Even if it's ultimately futile, better that we're alone together than alone individually.

[He raises an eyebrow at her question, and sits back in his chair.]

How old are you, exactly?

[He sounds genuinely bewildered at the request.]

[everylittlegirl]

[Hayley lifts her hands to wrap around the back of her neck, thinking.]

But isn't it also human nature to form in groups and out groups so that we can exclude people and compete?

[To the latter, she drops her hands and gives a seemingly embarrassed frown. To the very trained eye, her expression might lack some sincerity.]

Sixteen. I know it's super young, but I really am a fast learner and where else could I learn something like that if we're stuck here for years with nothing to do?

[cowled]

Mm, I wouldn't know so much about that.

[Two can play that game. Although it's interesting, her little show. Who is that for, he wonders? But Bruce is no stranger to children who've grown used to hiding their intentions.]

The hope is that we won't be stuck here for that sort of duration, I think.

[everylittlegirl]

[Hayley resists rolling her eyes. He's certainly not an easy man to talk to.]

So.. no? You won't let me work there?

[cowled]

I would be willing to pair you with one of my employees on a probationary trial period in which they would have an opportunity to mentor you. We could reconvene in, say, a month, to decide whether or not you're interested in pursuing the venue further?

[everylittlegirl]

That would be amazing! I.. Well, okay, my schedule's a little busy because I'm also interning at Lois's radio station and in Tony's lab? But I could totally come by in the early mornings.

[cowled]

[He smiles brightly at her enthusiasm.]

All right. Show up on Thursday at this-- [and he sends her a location ping on the console's built-in maps.] location. I'll introduce you to your work partner and you can see how that works out for you.

[everylittlegirl]

Thank you! That's just.. awesome. Thanks!

[cowled]

[He laughs, ducks his head.]

You won't thank me when you see the sort of work you'll be doing. But I'll see you then, all right?

[everylittlegirl]

Okay!