The meadow grasses rustled softly in the fresh spring breeze. Tamera laid back on the cushion of sun-warmed blades, arms covering her eyes from the bright light shining down from the cloudless blue skies. She breathed in deeply of the scented air and smiled.
The wonder of this perfect moment filled her with such contentment that she wanted to cry for joy. But she wouldn't let that happen. Tears were a release for her pain, not happiness. And she had shed plenty in the last months. Her sanity was fragile enough without confusing it more by categorizing her reason for tears.
Letting her mind drift into a trancelike state she could sense, without effort, the overall bliss of her fellow human beings in the great city beyond this small hill. Gotham's people were relishing, to some degree, the beauty of this day. She could feel their momentary peace and it buoyed her weary spirit. Memories of a blissfull, ignorant childhood came to mind. Her smile widened even through the longing to see her parents again. To see them safe from Ras threats. There was little else she cared about.
She feared for them just like she feared for all the inhabitants of Gotham. That machine Ras had made was killing them. Sucking the energy from every living thing within its reach. She could not understand his purpose for creating the machine, but she knew he was gathering the energy for some great plan.
Nor did Talia know what her father's ultimate goal was. The subliminal communication Tamera was able to establish with the tortured woman revealed few clear details. Was it because of Tamera's lack of ability to understand her or that Talia truly did not know enough? It didn't matter. Either way the mystery remained.
Tamera's happy mood began to wane until a rough, slimy tongue dragged across her bare arm. She smiled and slowly moved arms from her face, not wanting to frighten the friendly bovine standing over her. Laying in the animal's pasture was a clear invitation to this sort of encounter. It had become routine since the warmer weather had triggered growth of the meadow grasses and the neighboring farmer had let his animals out to graze. Tamera always managed to sneak away from the house for a few minutes every day to come here. After many days of sitting and watching, the cows had gotten over their fear of her and allowed her to approach. Now she was able to pet a few of the bolder ones as they picked away, contented, on the tender grasses.
The huge black and white head drooled and snuffled against her shoulder. She wasn't sure if it was looking to be petted or wanted her to move so it could eat the long grass beneath her body. She had named this one, Panda because it's coloring and long winter hair reminded her of a stuffed panda bear she owned once. Panda's winter fur was gone now, but she let Tamera cuddle against her like the stuffed animal of her past.
At the cow's insistence, Tamera stood and began to lovingly stroke the huge animal while it grazed. She smiled wide in happiness as her hands caressed the soft coat. Lost in her innocent world, she did not notice company approaching until Panda raised her head in alarm and began to move away. Tamera's puzzlement ended quickly at the slow drawl of a hated voice.
"Here you are child. I was becoming worried when I could not find you inside."
She faced him slowly. He had that false amusement on his face. Feeling the emotion in him that triggered it usually made her want to vomit. The four mindless ones flanked him as always. They were physically unattached appendages that Ras controlled with a softly spoken word or minor gesture. The times when she wept with hopelessness, she also cried for them. They were as trapped by Ras as she and Talia were.
"I approve of your friends." Ras nodded regally towards the retreating herd. "They will never lead you to betray me."
"You won't hurt them?" Her voice trembled with new fear. It had never occurred to her that he might harm the animals. Oh why hadn't she thought of that?
"No child. They are innocent beasts. Incapable of the devastation and deviousness that humans inflict on this earth. They will have a place in my new world."
He spoke with a compassion that Tamera sensed was real. It was when he talked about the future, about the world he wanted to create that he was most sane. Those were the only times she could relax around him. She murmured an appropriate and sincere response.
"Thank you."
This time his smile was real and benevolent. "Come child. We have much work to do."
He beckoned her to follow. Eager to maintain his good mood, she hurried to fall in step beside him.
********************
Every time Terry got a glimpse of Eric Manti's long blond hair he had to invoke a calming mantra to keep his short fuse from lighting up. It wasn't the man's looks that annoyed him, it was the personality under the hair. And the fact that Manti had made it clear he held zero respect for Terry and his position beside the reknowned head of WayneTech.
Business degree firmly in hand at a young age, Manti had been scooped up eagerly by WayneTech and worked his way rapidly up through the ranks of the company. He had developed a solid reputation for professionalism and the ability to come up with fresh, workable ideas when a solution was being sought.
Terry would not deny the man had more experience than he did, but the guy was a couple of years older. Give him those years to catch up and he'd be just as good. Especially now that the time he used to spend as Batman was being channeled into the job. And as for a college degree--well, he was working on that too.
Too bad Manti didn't share his optimism. At every opportunity he would undermine Terry's authority, ideas and even his very presence in the company. This was all done quite subtly of course. Bruce was aware, like he was of everything. When Terry complained once, Bruce simply told him to keep personalities out of it, deal objectively with whatever Manti tossed his way and learn from the man because he was damn good at what he did.
So, for the last few weeks that's what he had been doing. Ignoring the digs and veiled putdowns, keeping his temper in check and seeking the lesson to be learned at each 'episode'.
Today Terry knew exactly when and where Manti would subject him to a lesson. At the monthly board meeting. Sometime between the afternoon hours of one and three. At this particular meeting each department head was supposed to recite their suggestions to meet the challenge brought forth at last month's meeting.
And every board member was to volunteer their thoughts on the suggestion if they were so inclined. Terry's turn came and as usual Manti began reaming on the ideas presented. Terry knew the ideas were good ones. (Even Max said so.) And the ideas weren't just his. Every member of the department had some input into it. (Thanks again to Max. She had a way of bringing the best out in people.)
Sooo--when Terry felt his control begin to slip, he felt a certain justification in voicing some objection. Manti wasn't just attacking him. He was attacking the entire department. And as the head of that department it was his duty to defend their hard work.
"I don't think you understand the concept we're trying to present here Mr. Manti. Our department is--"
"No. It's you who doesn't understand Mr. McGinnis. I agree it's a good idea, but the cost of bringing it into existence goes way beyond reasonable. Unless--" Eric tilted his body slightly in Terry's direction, mocking curiosity in his voice. "You're about to inform us of the discovery of some vital new technology to make this work as easily as you suggest."
Terry took in a slow breath to control his rising ire. "I never said it would be easy."
"What are you saying then?" Eric combined an attitude of indulgence and boredom skillfully. "That we should consider this just because it's you who's presenting it?"
Terry forced a smile as he stared at the other man sitting directly across the table. Manti's smug look and self-assured words were painfully reminiscent of Ras/Talia and triggered a surprising surge of anger inside him. He remained in control of it, speaking carefully,
"You said yourself it was a good idea. That's reason enough to consider it some more before tossing it aside just because it wasn't yours."
"Well said," Eric's grin was stiff. "Especially coming from someone whose own business acuity leaves me wondering how he could have so easily become a part of this company, much less have a place at this table."
Other personnel around the table began to shift uncomfortably in their seats, some peering at Eric or Terry, the more bold sending a furtive glance in Bruce's direction. Bruce maintained his in-charge calm demeanor, though Eric had to shy away from the cold glance the elder sent his way.
Terry noted none of it. He was staring at Manti without seeing him, his mind flashing memories of Ras and his words. Words that were meant to wound and demean. Words Ras had recited over and over with every beating that had made him doubt himself as Batman. And now Manti was trying to finish the process by openly discrediting Terrry's place beside Bruce in this company.
He felt the anger moving him. Anger that wasn't directed at Ras or Manti. It was anger at himself for letting others feed on his self-doubt. Realizing that helped nothing. He needed to release it and the obvious available target was sitting conveniently close enough to.....
It wasn't really a conscious thought that lifted him from his chair and made him lean over the expanse of table with arm raised and fist cocked at Manti's gaping face. It was definitely a conscious decision to not follow through, though he did feel great satisfaction in keeping the threat looming for a few seconds.
"Terry." The sharp edge to Bruce's softly spoken word easily sliced through the emotionally charged air between the two men. Eric's fear faded and he felt immediate vindication as he eased back in his seat. Terry slid down into his chair, his anger shifting in a new direction after hearing Bruce's final words.
"You're excused from the remainder of this meeting. Wait for me in my office."
He sat stone still for a long moment, staring blindly at the table top, his mind seething with a final sense of betrayal. So, even Bruce was against him now. All eyes in the deadly quiet room seemed to be pointed at him, watching for his response. If they were waiting for him to make a scene, they were going to be disappointed.
Without looking at anyone, Terry slowly gathered his tabletop information and returned it to his briefcase. He rose smoothly from his chair and walked unhurridly from the room.
*****
The wonder of this perfect moment filled her with such contentment that she wanted to cry for joy. But she wouldn't let that happen. Tears were a release for her pain, not happiness. And she had shed plenty in the last months. Her sanity was fragile enough without confusing it more by categorizing her reason for tears.
Letting her mind drift into a trancelike state she could sense, without effort, the overall bliss of her fellow human beings in the great city beyond this small hill. Gotham's people were relishing, to some degree, the beauty of this day. She could feel their momentary peace and it buoyed her weary spirit. Memories of a blissfull, ignorant childhood came to mind. Her smile widened even through the longing to see her parents again. To see them safe from Ras threats. There was little else she cared about.
She feared for them just like she feared for all the inhabitants of Gotham. That machine Ras had made was killing them. Sucking the energy from every living thing within its reach. She could not understand his purpose for creating the machine, but she knew he was gathering the energy for some great plan.
Nor did Talia know what her father's ultimate goal was. The subliminal communication Tamera was able to establish with the tortured woman revealed few clear details. Was it because of Tamera's lack of ability to understand her or that Talia truly did not know enough? It didn't matter. Either way the mystery remained.
Tamera's happy mood began to wane until a rough, slimy tongue dragged across her bare arm. She smiled and slowly moved arms from her face, not wanting to frighten the friendly bovine standing over her. Laying in the animal's pasture was a clear invitation to this sort of encounter. It had become routine since the warmer weather had triggered growth of the meadow grasses and the neighboring farmer had let his animals out to graze. Tamera always managed to sneak away from the house for a few minutes every day to come here. After many days of sitting and watching, the cows had gotten over their fear of her and allowed her to approach. Now she was able to pet a few of the bolder ones as they picked away, contented, on the tender grasses.
The huge black and white head drooled and snuffled against her shoulder. She wasn't sure if it was looking to be petted or wanted her to move so it could eat the long grass beneath her body. She had named this one, Panda because it's coloring and long winter hair reminded her of a stuffed panda bear she owned once. Panda's winter fur was gone now, but she let Tamera cuddle against her like the stuffed animal of her past.
At the cow's insistence, Tamera stood and began to lovingly stroke the huge animal while it grazed. She smiled wide in happiness as her hands caressed the soft coat. Lost in her innocent world, she did not notice company approaching until Panda raised her head in alarm and began to move away. Tamera's puzzlement ended quickly at the slow drawl of a hated voice.
"Here you are child. I was becoming worried when I could not find you inside."
She faced him slowly. He had that false amusement on his face. Feeling the emotion in him that triggered it usually made her want to vomit. The four mindless ones flanked him as always. They were physically unattached appendages that Ras controlled with a softly spoken word or minor gesture. The times when she wept with hopelessness, she also cried for them. They were as trapped by Ras as she and Talia were.
"I approve of your friends." Ras nodded regally towards the retreating herd. "They will never lead you to betray me."
"You won't hurt them?" Her voice trembled with new fear. It had never occurred to her that he might harm the animals. Oh why hadn't she thought of that?
"No child. They are innocent beasts. Incapable of the devastation and deviousness that humans inflict on this earth. They will have a place in my new world."
He spoke with a compassion that Tamera sensed was real. It was when he talked about the future, about the world he wanted to create that he was most sane. Those were the only times she could relax around him. She murmured an appropriate and sincere response.
"Thank you."
This time his smile was real and benevolent. "Come child. We have much work to do."
He beckoned her to follow. Eager to maintain his good mood, she hurried to fall in step beside him.
********************
Every time Terry got a glimpse of Eric Manti's long blond hair he had to invoke a calming mantra to keep his short fuse from lighting up. It wasn't the man's looks that annoyed him, it was the personality under the hair. And the fact that Manti had made it clear he held zero respect for Terry and his position beside the reknowned head of WayneTech.
Business degree firmly in hand at a young age, Manti had been scooped up eagerly by WayneTech and worked his way rapidly up through the ranks of the company. He had developed a solid reputation for professionalism and the ability to come up with fresh, workable ideas when a solution was being sought.
Terry would not deny the man had more experience than he did, but the guy was a couple of years older. Give him those years to catch up and he'd be just as good. Especially now that the time he used to spend as Batman was being channeled into the job. And as for a college degree--well, he was working on that too.
Too bad Manti didn't share his optimism. At every opportunity he would undermine Terry's authority, ideas and even his very presence in the company. This was all done quite subtly of course. Bruce was aware, like he was of everything. When Terry complained once, Bruce simply told him to keep personalities out of it, deal objectively with whatever Manti tossed his way and learn from the man because he was damn good at what he did.
So, for the last few weeks that's what he had been doing. Ignoring the digs and veiled putdowns, keeping his temper in check and seeking the lesson to be learned at each 'episode'.
Today Terry knew exactly when and where Manti would subject him to a lesson. At the monthly board meeting. Sometime between the afternoon hours of one and three. At this particular meeting each department head was supposed to recite their suggestions to meet the challenge brought forth at last month's meeting.
And every board member was to volunteer their thoughts on the suggestion if they were so inclined. Terry's turn came and as usual Manti began reaming on the ideas presented. Terry knew the ideas were good ones. (Even Max said so.) And the ideas weren't just his. Every member of the department had some input into it. (Thanks again to Max. She had a way of bringing the best out in people.)
Sooo--when Terry felt his control begin to slip, he felt a certain justification in voicing some objection. Manti wasn't just attacking him. He was attacking the entire department. And as the head of that department it was his duty to defend their hard work.
"I don't think you understand the concept we're trying to present here Mr. Manti. Our department is--"
"No. It's you who doesn't understand Mr. McGinnis. I agree it's a good idea, but the cost of bringing it into existence goes way beyond reasonable. Unless--" Eric tilted his body slightly in Terry's direction, mocking curiosity in his voice. "You're about to inform us of the discovery of some vital new technology to make this work as easily as you suggest."
Terry took in a slow breath to control his rising ire. "I never said it would be easy."
"What are you saying then?" Eric combined an attitude of indulgence and boredom skillfully. "That we should consider this just because it's you who's presenting it?"
Terry forced a smile as he stared at the other man sitting directly across the table. Manti's smug look and self-assured words were painfully reminiscent of Ras/Talia and triggered a surprising surge of anger inside him. He remained in control of it, speaking carefully,
"You said yourself it was a good idea. That's reason enough to consider it some more before tossing it aside just because it wasn't yours."
"Well said," Eric's grin was stiff. "Especially coming from someone whose own business acuity leaves me wondering how he could have so easily become a part of this company, much less have a place at this table."
Other personnel around the table began to shift uncomfortably in their seats, some peering at Eric or Terry, the more bold sending a furtive glance in Bruce's direction. Bruce maintained his in-charge calm demeanor, though Eric had to shy away from the cold glance the elder sent his way.
Terry noted none of it. He was staring at Manti without seeing him, his mind flashing memories of Ras and his words. Words that were meant to wound and demean. Words Ras had recited over and over with every beating that had made him doubt himself as Batman. And now Manti was trying to finish the process by openly discrediting Terrry's place beside Bruce in this company.
He felt the anger moving him. Anger that wasn't directed at Ras or Manti. It was anger at himself for letting others feed on his self-doubt. Realizing that helped nothing. He needed to release it and the obvious available target was sitting conveniently close enough to.....
It wasn't really a conscious thought that lifted him from his chair and made him lean over the expanse of table with arm raised and fist cocked at Manti's gaping face. It was definitely a conscious decision to not follow through, though he did feel great satisfaction in keeping the threat looming for a few seconds.
"Terry." The sharp edge to Bruce's softly spoken word easily sliced through the emotionally charged air between the two men. Eric's fear faded and he felt immediate vindication as he eased back in his seat. Terry slid down into his chair, his anger shifting in a new direction after hearing Bruce's final words.
"You're excused from the remainder of this meeting. Wait for me in my office."
He sat stone still for a long moment, staring blindly at the table top, his mind seething with a final sense of betrayal. So, even Bruce was against him now. All eyes in the deadly quiet room seemed to be pointed at him, watching for his response. If they were waiting for him to make a scene, they were going to be disappointed.
Without looking at anyone, Terry slowly gathered his tabletop information and returned it to his briefcase. He rose smoothly from his chair and walked unhurridly from the room.
*****