A/N: Wow this took a lot longer to post then I thought. I blame it all on costumes and tests. Anyway, here it is, enjoy guys!
Only Human
Chapter 4
Later, aboard the orbiting Watch Tower, six of the most powerful beings on -or orbiting- the earth stood helpless at the bedside of one of their own number. J'honn had finally stabilized the Batman after two tenuous hours of battling for the vigilante's life. The cloak and armor kept at bay all but the worst of the burns, but some of the speeding debris had punctured the suit and the sheer crushing weight had caused multiple internal injuries. This day marked the first incident of serious wounds within the League. It was a somber awakening. They could be hurt.
"Superman," J'honn said carefully interrupting the hero's thoughts, "if there is anyone who needs contacting… I believe he would wish you to take care of it."
"Right, of course," Superman said, quietly excusing himself from the group. He was, after all, the only one that knew Bruce's secret identity. He would need to be the one to tell Alfred what happened, urge him not to give up hope,… and explain to him why he could not see his employer and son in everything but name. This was not a conversation he was looking forward to.
ONLYONLYONLYONLY
"Wayne Manor."
"Mister Pennyworth?"
"Speaking."
"Clark Kent of the Daily Planet, Bruce may have spoken of me."
"Ah, yes. You and he have spent some rather late nights tearing up the town. As it were." Wry amusement was clear in the older man's tone.
"The same, I'm afraid." He couldn't believe that it would be up to him to shatter the butler's mood with the worst, well, second worst news that could ever be given.
"Well sir, if you are calling for Master Bruce, I'm afraid that he has not yet returned from his previous emgagem-" Clark could not stand it any more, he had to interrupt:
"Mister Pennyworth… Alfred. Bruce is why I'm calling. I'm afraid that he's been-"
"Oh my lord…" It was evident that Bruce's one time guardian had jumped to the worst possible conclusion
"No! Alfred, he's okay, he's not de- well, he's stable."
"Will he be returning to Gotham for his treatment?"
"Our… resident physician thought that it would be best if he remained where he is. For the time being."
"Of course. Very sensible I'm sure. Will it be possible for him to receive visitors?"
"Well, yes. But I'm not sure that would be the wisest course. Questions would be raised, at least among the League and I… I don't think that that would be…what Bruce would want." 'Damn Bruce and his secrecy,' he thought fiercely, conveniently forgetting that if something ever happened to him, Bruce could very well be faced with the same situation.
"I… have no doubt that you are once again correct. Silly of me to think…"
"I'll send regular updates on his condition to the downstairs computer," assured Clark trying to imbue the sterile words with as much compassion as he could.
"Thank you sir."
"Well, I- Goodbye Alfred."
"Goodbye, sir."
Clark heard the faint click of the line disconnecting, then silence.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
A/N: And I'm sorry that the chapter is so short, but please review anyway! I think I got replies to all you guys who reviewed the last couple of chapters, well except those of you who didn't leave a reply address. So I'll just take this space to say thanks to Valandil, Manuel, Saibachick, and Batzi for reviewing last chapter. Till next time- Delia Ra'Nar
