Part 4: Signal Detected

Bruce sat in the Cave, typing on the computer as he arranged some command changes over to the rest of the team.

One of the screens flashed: ATTENTION. DEEP SPACE SIGNAL DETECTED. ATTENTION. DEEP SPACE SIGNAL DETECTED.

Bruce typed a bit, deciphering the signal was a transmission being sent in real-time to the Cave. Having an idea who it was from, Bruce directed the transmission to the main screen and answered, not at all surprised to see the faces of John and Shayera on screen.

Bruce smiled and sat back, interlocking his fingers together, "Well. It's been a very long time."

"Uhh…" Shayera began, "H-hi… Bruce."

"A very long time." John studied Bruce. "Damn, you got old!"

Bruce just held his smile. "And Warhawk is extremely irritating."

"Touché."

"So, how…" Shayera stopped herself. "I almost asked 'how are you doing'. That would be a stupid question."

"Not at all," Bruce replied. "I'm feeling fine. Just a bit more tired than usual. But, as made clear, I'm old, so that's nothing new."

John and Shayera laughed a bit. "How's Terry?" Shayera asked.

"Strong as ever," Bruce answered. "He's holding everyone together."

"Rex goes out of his way to tell us how much Terry doesn't follow orders." John smiled. "I can tell he really likes him."

"They argue and fight whenever they team up."

"It's nice to know the next generation inherited a lot from us," Shayera giggled.

"Can't argue with that," Bruce replied.

"Rex and Superman talk about Terry in glowing terms," John added.

"He's earned it."

"But I guess congratulations go around for the whole Batman team."

"They've earned it. They do amazing work."

"I can't believe you let him have a team!" Shayera said in amazement.

"To be fair, I didn't think it would grow to the size it did," Bruce admitted. "Or last as long. Or… work anywhere near as well as it has."

"And… you have a daughter!"

"With that news, believe me: no one was more shocked than me."

"How's that been working out?" Shayera asked.

"Wonderfully," Bruce smiled. "Her and Terry get along like the family I hoped they'd be. It's… been a comfort, I can't lie. Them and Diana."

Shayera's eyes lowered then she looked back at Bruce, "You finally get a family… now this."

"Yes, I didn't miss the irony, either."

John and Shayera studied Bruce, concern all over their face. "Bruce…" John said, "there are… tons of medical advancements on Oa and throughout the galaxy the Lanterns have access to. Maybe we can…"

"Thank you, John," Bruce interrupted. "But, no. It's fine. If Earth-based medical advancements can't fix the problem, then it shouldn't be fixed."

"Somehow I knew you'd be at peace with this," Shayera admitted. "I just wish you weren't, so we could fix it!"

"It means a lot for you to say that."

"Bruce…" John exhaled. "Just… aren't you afraid?"

Bruce stared at John, considering how best to answer. "I didn't deserve to make it this far, John. We all know that. I certainly didn't deserve to see the end coming. And the last thing I deserve was to leave behind people who will miss me. The fear comes and goes. The life I have now… it may be ending. But… it wasn't one I deserved in the first place."

"You're such a cynical jerk even you're being sweet!" Shayera declared.

Bruce chuckled.

"You more than deserve this happiness, Bruce! Especially with Diana. By the way, what miracle made that happen?!"

"Two miracles named Terry and Max."

Shayera blinked. "Oh, my God, I love them!"

"They have their moments," Bruce joked.

"Bruce…" John said, solemnly. "…we… all said things… when we last saw each other."

"And for all of them, I'm sorry." Bruce exhaled. "I've had to make many amends over the past few years. To a lot of people." He stared at them. "I'm sorry it took me dying to finally apologize to you both. I pray you can forgive me someday."

"You forgave me for betraying everyone," Shayera replied, tears falling from her eyes. "I can't not do the same for you."

"Nothing to forgive, Bruce," John continued. "You went through a lot… and it got to you. We should've known better. After all… any of us were liable to do like you did if something like what happened to Tim happened to anyone we care about."

"Not an excuse," Bruce said. "I handled things wrong. And it took me a long time to realize it. Twice as long to admit to myself. Even longer to get it right."

"But you did."

Bruce smiled. "I like to think so."

Shayera smiled back. "It's… really great to talk to you, Bruce."

"Same here, Shayera."