It was night in Gotham, the weather forecast predicted a clear night however tonight was anything but as rain hailed down through out the city. The prince of Gotham, Bruce Wayne was glancing out the window as the streets sped on by as he raced to reach his destination in time,.

"Batman, come in Batman... its Lantern here please respond" called out Lantern in his usual military voice

Why now, does the intergalactic GI JOE decide to contact me? Lets see I have 15 minutes before I reach my destination better make this quick.

"Batman here, report" commands the deep dark voice of the Bat as it sweeps over Bruce Wayne

"Finally, I thought you would never answer, here is the thing, Superman is receiving an award tonight in Rome, we are all invited an we were wondering if you would like to attend? We can have the Javelin pick you up in 30 minutes" Johns voice softening slightly as if talking to a friend rather than a comrade

"No" Bruces voice is stern and clear

"No! What do you mean no?"

"I mean no lantern, I have other commitments here in Gotham that require my attention more pressingly than attending Supermans award ceremony"

"So there is nothing I can say to change you mind?"

The Dark Knight didn't even have to respond to the lanterns question as he simply choose to switch the frequency on his league communicator to his own private channel. He looked around the spacious back of his limousine, opening a bottle of chilled mineral water before looking up at Alfred who was sitting in the driver seat looking back questioningly at him.

"Whats on your mind Alfred?" asked Bruce his voice softer than that of the Bat

"Are you sure this is wise Master Bruce? I am sure everyone would understand if you had to attend to some other pressing matters."

"I am sure Alfred, besides being photographed really isn't Batmans style, let the Boy Scout have his time, tonight is more important" he finished before taking another drink of his water.

Moments later he arrived at his destination, stepping out of the Limo in typical Bruce Wayne fashion, impeccably dressed in a tailored pin stripe suit, dark leather brogues. He momentarily paused to fix his tie as he walked up towards to the towering building infront of him.

The building in its design stays true to the traditional architecture of Gotham but with a few modern influences. It was a building knew well for he was the one who paid for the construction as well as being present for the grand opening.

The building itself was none other than Gotham Academy, in Bruces mind it was just a school, however it was one that allowed him to fulfil two key roles. The first as the majority shareholder of Wayne Enterprises as well as all of its subsidiary companies to mingle with the all of the power and influential of Gotham an beyond in one night when their guard would be down and the second, well a father should be present when a son earns an award.

As he walked into the expansive foyer which had the reception area just to the left and the auditorium to the right. He took note of the various photographs and awards which the school had amassed in the short time that it had been running, his thoughts were promptly interrupted by the arrival of the school principal.

His name was Desmond, stood a little shorter than Bruce his hairline has receded slightly an was greying at the temples. The man was of poor colouring with pale skin, the last distinguishing feature was his yellow teeth, a clear sign that the man smoked. He was a little too friendly, most people referred to him as Mr Wayne or Bruce if he wants things to be informal however Desmond somehow took it upon himself to refer to him as 'Brucie' a name that irritated Bruces nerves but two can play at this game. Desmond is probably thinking that all of this friendly façade will encourage Bruce to make another donation to the school.

"Ah Brucie, I am so glad you could make it. To be honest I thought that you would be swamped in the office all day an would not be able to make it this evening"

"Well Desy, what can I say? I always make time for my kids, now if you will excuse me I had better find a seat"

What he said was true.. but not always, in the past he was too stubborn and selfish to see that the children need him. It first started when he lost contact with Dick and then following the death of Jason. He swore no more, an from then he took a more active role in their lives.

Bruce walked in to the auditorium an was instantly greeted by the entourage of fake friends that seemed to follow him wherever he went before finally finding a seat in the third row 5 seats in from the left.

Upon sitting Bruce made a quick mental note of all the exits including the windows, a force of habit from being Batman for so long was that you alway expected trouble.