"It's not a date," said Shayera.
"Please. Wayne is the ultimate bachelor, Gotham-style. Hey, when you're at the manor, check to see if he really does have a huge wine cellar with a fireplace—"
"Seven devils, Jordan, is every human male jealous of this man?"
Shayera was on a wireless headset with Jordan. It was her third day in Gotham. She was right about how Mavis would react to Wayne's invitation and gift. "Shayera," said Mavis a few hours earlier, "you will always be a close friend, but I will never speak to you unless you get some of those artifacts!" Mavis, always thinking, had managed to have a dress sent to Sarah Hall's hotel room. Shayera was opening the box as Mavis was talking. "Something sleeveless, nice low cut for complement a girl with your figure…Lord know Mr. Trent would love to see me in something red…"
"Mavis, what about the wings?"
"…He bought me a gorgeous gown last year…"
"MAVIS! WINGS!"
"Feathers, dear."
Shayera was getting frustrated. "With this dress, everyone can see my wings!"
"That's why I said 'feathers', dear. People find them very fashionable. In the box I sent, there should be a small box of some red gel. Put it on your feathers—they'll be as red as the dress!"
So now, a few hours later, Shayera's wings were bright red. "This is so strange…I always thought I had pretty-colored wings."
"Well," said Jordan, "They'll be back to their normal color sooner or later. Now remember—"
"Jordan, I am not going to 'borrow' any of the silverware. I will not sneaking into the mansion's bedroom to check on the drapes. I refuse to bring back wine as a 'souvenir'. I am going to the Wayne Manor just for business. I'm not even too fond of that Bruce Wayne!"
"Right, so let's change subjects and start talking about Batman!"
Shayera rolled her eyes. "There's someone else I'm not to fond of. Jordan, am I a nobody?"
"Pardon?"
"That's what the Penguin said. And that's how Batman's treating me! It's like I can't handle anything because I haven't saved the world like Superman or landed so many criminals like Batman." Shayera jumped onto the bed and hugged a pillow. "Back on Thanagar…"
Back in Midway, Jordan nodded. "You were more appreciated in Thanagar."
"Exactly."
"Shayera, you've got to prove yourself on this planet. And let me tell you something. The Bat is smart. He might not be as bad as you think." Shayera didn't say anything, so Jordan went on. "Maybe…maybe, he's testing you. Sometimes, Shayera, you can only prove yourself when you are way in over your head. We're all pulling for you back here. Don't you forget that, okay? Emmett, Mavis, me…we are all rooting for you to win this one."
Shayera smiled. "Look, I have to finish getting ready. Here's what I want you to tell Emmett as soon as possible. Tell him I made contact with Batman and his…friends. We found out from the Penguin that the drug works on humans, just like on the birds. And he's sold the narcotics to one of the mob lead."
"I copy. And have fun tonight."
***
"Master Bruce, Miss Hall is here to see you."
Bruce turned to see Sarah. She had abandoned the trench coat and was wearing something much more flattering. Her green eyes were lit up by the red dress. "Thanks Alfred. Well Miss Hall, welcome to Wayne Manor."
Wayne escorted her around the mansion. Sarah was impressed. She had never seen an example of wealthy human homes. Wayne Manor looked like the Midway Museum. Deep rich staircases with ornate woodwork that hasn't been seen in over fifty years. High ceilings with glass chandeliers and giant mirrors on the walls. Sarah treaded lightly on the dark carpet and decorated rugs.
Gotham's finest were mingling in the hallways, talking about the latest opera or a new promotion in a business. Sarah was puzzled by Wayne's nature as she followed him to the ballroom. He seemed comfortable in these surroundings, but didn't seem too concerned about them. There was a sort of…sadness…in him. Sadness with utter confidence…Sarah couldn't make him out.
Lucky for Sarah, Wayne did not ask to dance. Shayera was very sociable back on Thanagar, but Earth's culture was still foreign to her. Wayne introduced her to some of Gotham's elite. Sarah could see a bit of Emmett's personality in Commissioner Gordon. She was quite comfortable around a fellow officer. Reporters, actresses, and businessmen were all present, and Wayne introduced her to them as 'the charming Miss Hall, who's been kind enough to aid in finding some stolen items of mine.'
Sarah was glad to see the guests depart after a few hours. She definitely wasn't good at pretending to be human. Sarah listened to their talks of automobiles and stocks and men, and was getting bored. "Miss Hall—"
Shayera was getting tired of hearing that name. "Just call me Sarah."
"Alright," said Wayne. He led her to a smaller ballroom, where he kept the antiques. Alfred, his butler, followed. Shayera found talking to him was far more enjoyable than talking with the guests. She had spent a half-hour discussing engine motors and the manor's architecture. Alfred was very complimentary of his master, and Shayera was seeing him in a new life. It was as though Bruce Wayne had too sides to him—he acted snobby and rude around the people that expected him to act that way. But after the manor was empty of guests, Sarah found him to be calmer, more comfortable, and simply more enjoyable to be around.
"This is where everything is," said Wayne as he opened a crate.
Sarah pulled some of the shavings out of the box and examined the items. "This is a rare find…my goodness, that crossbow is in almost mint condition…I've never seen swords with such detail…the blade is perfectly balance…"
This went on for almost five minutes as Sarah laid each item on the floor. Back on Thanagar, Shayera had been knowledgeable in almost every type of weapon, and Mavis noticed that skill of hers. Mavis trained Shayera in archeology, so now Hawkgirl was an expert in human weapons as well as Thanagarian. She could date a weapon, tell you its location, and even figure out which social class used the weapon. "You're asking if these are museum quality? Well, I'd take them in an instant!"
Sarah picked up a small knife. It was from the Holy Roman Empire of Germany, with the black eagle design on it. "Wow…it's so beautiful…"
"Would Mrs. Trent like this collection then?"
"Yes. Otherwise she won't ever talk to me," said Sarah blankly, thinking of the conversation earlier.
"Well then, take it all. Just consider it as a 'Thank You' from Wayne Enterprises."
Sarah looked down at the knife. "Is it okay—I mean, is it okay if I keep this one out of the collection? I'm sort of fond of it…"
"What," he said, "want to use it on someone?" He winked.
Sarah laughed. "This? It would be a shame to stain an antique."
Bruce looked at her warmly. He was about to respond when he spotted the grandfather clock behind her. "Yes, of course," he grabbed Sarah around the waist and slowly escorted her out of the room.
"But what about the rest—"
"I'll have Alfred send it to your hotel room. Good night, Miss Hall—Sarah."
And before she could say another thing, Shayera found herself on the grounds, waiting for her taxi. "What nerve that Wayne has. He better pray I don't use this knife on him one day!"
***
"Should you have dismissed Miss Hall so quickly?" said Alfred to Bruce.
Batman emerged from the shadows. "I forgot that Hawkgirl and I were meeting tonight. The Penguin is going down tonight—assuming that little bird doesn't slow me down."
After the Batmobile was gone, Alfred picked up Master Bruce's tux from the evening. Something was puzzling to him. The sleeve—where Bruce had wrapped his arm around Sarah Hall—was stained with red dye and gray feathers!