01st Strike | Audio

[batwave]

[Ever since arriving, Bruce has spent the better part his time here trying to decide how best to handle this situation. He's long since shed his costume and put it away on the lower floor of his suite. Best not to put that on for a while. After, he combed through the suite (yes in his underwear) and tried his radio with no success.

That's when he spots the console.

When Bruce activates the voice function on his console, he's putting away the Batman voice, in order to sound as innocuous as possible. He has no civilian clothes and he would really rather not have the Batman associated with him. It's bad enough the kedan saw him in costume. He needed to put some distance between himself and the suit as quickly as possible.]

My name is Bruce and it seems I've lost my shorts in the water. [Embarrassed laugh.] Would someone mind letting me know where I could find some clothes?

Comments

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[batwave]

Dangerous? [Bruce sounds a little incredulous. Of course he was!] The most dangerous thing about my day is sorting through my inbox.

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[wholenewstory]

[She tries to mask her worry, and only mostly succeeds.]

That's good. Because...you can get here - by dying.

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[batwave]

[He's not sure why he's feeling compelled to reassure her.]

Don't worry, I'm not dead.

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[wholenewstory]

[He would say that, and it makes her smile, just a little.]

Good.

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[batwave]

[Who is this person, anyway?]

You know me, don't you?

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[wholenewstory]

I...yes.

[She considers, for a moment. He'll find out eventually; he's Batman. Better it comes from her.]

My last name...is Wayne.

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[batwave]

[Oh. Another one. He doesn't say anything for a minute. A long minute. And then:]

I'm sorry. This is. New for me.

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[wholenewstory]

[Cass waits, trying to keep her gaze neutral, though a little apprehension seeps through. Still, she smiles when he answers.]

I know. It's...okay.

Don't expect you to be - like him. [To be a father.] Just wanted you to - know you're not alone.

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[batwave]

[Bruce is grateful for that. Bruce doesn't know the first thing about how to be a father. His parents are dead don't you know.

But he smiles at her.]

Thank you.

[For all of that.]

If it's all right with you, I would like to get to know you. [Still feeling a sense of responsibility over here. Go figure.]

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[wholenewstory]

[Cass grins back, clearly delighted.]

I'd - like that, too.

[She raises a hand, small and tough and scarred.]

Nice...to meet you.

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[batwave]

[He notes her hand and he takes it in his own. He can't imagine how hard her life is. He doesn't want to.]

Nice to meet you too.

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[wholenewstory]

[Her smile softens, as she shakes his hand.]

My life...is a lot better. Since I met him.

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[batwave]

Is it really? [That sounds too good to be true.]

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[wholenewstory]

[Intently, immediately.] Yes.

[She raises another hand, curling her fingers as she presses it to her heart.] I - have a life now. A...family. A reason. I - am more than a weapon. [More, even, than a soldier.]

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[batwave]

[He hesitates only for a minute before he puts his hand on her shoulder.]

You would always be more than that.