Travel Arrangements
9thDecember 1993
Wayne Manor
Gotham City
As Alfred rose before the sun, after cleaning himself, he started in the kitchen, preparing a hearty breakfast for himself. He took care to make sure everything was just right: the eggs were cooked to perfection, the bacon and toast was crispy but not burnt, and the tea was hot and fresh.
After breakfast was prepared and set out, he turned his attention to the rest of the manor. After he checked the security system to make sure everything was in order, he focused on all the tasks that lay ahead of him.
Atop his list of priorities, stood the meticulous task of cleaning, a duty that demanded his unwavering attention. Within the sprawling expanse of the ancestral manor, no nook or cranny would escape his discerning gaze. Every crevice would be subjected to a diligent regimen of dusting, sweeping, and polishing, until the entire estate exuded an aura of unrivaled grandeur.
He had to make sure that no spot was left untouched, no piece of furniture left unattended. The gardens had to be tended to, the plumbing had to be checked, and the heating had to be adjusted.
And then, there were more... unusual tasks.
As he traversed the expanse of the stately manor, memories of "tumultuous" events reverberated through his mind. Recollections of dire moments, such as the unfortunate incident when the Batcave had succumbed to flooding*, forced him to wade through waist-deep water to rectify the predicament, deftly tackling the challenges that threatened to undermine the sanctity of Wayne Manor's secret sanctuary.
Similarly, his thoughts turned to the occasion when a nefarious band of miscreants had audaciously attempted to breach the manor's fortified walls against Master Wayne's public persona.
He had shown them what for with his wits and a broomstick.
They weren't worth wasting the ammunition on.
Now, the final task was at hand.
Nourishment for his "former" ward.
In return to the solemn solitude of the manor's well-appointed kitchen, Alfred's hands moved with a practiced grace.
Breakfast for Master Bruce was served at 6am, and traditionally consisted of an egg-white omelet, toast, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, a pot of black coffee, and a pair of mild painkillers served on a small silver dish to the side of the tray. Usually in his underground sanctuary for the solitude one would hope most adolescents would grow out of.
Today was no exception, Alfred noted, stepping out of his employer's bedroom, tray in hand. Despite his early morning surliness, Bruce Wayne would force down bloody slabs of meat even when sick rather than risk loss of muscle mass.
Alfred found Bruce in the Batcave, of course. Already suited, sending revised specifications to Lucius for the new Batmobile.
Alfred set down the tray and watched as Bruce typed furiously on the computer. He couldn't help but notice the tension in his shoulders. It had been over a week since the new arms dealer case had emerged, and Bruce had been obsessed with it ever since. He seemed to think it was somehow related to a case that had been thought cold for years.
"Sir," Alfred ventured. "Given that we have no pressing leads this evening and sundown is not for another forty-five minutes, I thought I might tempt you with what remains of your breakfast."
"Forty-two minutes." Bruce kept his eyes on the Batcomputer screen.
Alfred paused for a moment. As Alfred turned to leave the Batcave, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
"Very good, sir," Alfred said, before leaving the room.
Suddenly, he was back in a desolated building, a hospital. He could smell the smoke and feel the heat of the flames as he frantically dug through the rubble, searching for survivors. His gloved hands scrabbled at the debris, tearing away chunks of concrete and twisted metal. He could hear the sound of his own breathing, ragged and uneven, as his heart thudded in his chest. He ignored the pain in his hands and the blood trickling down his arms as he searched for something - anything - that could offer a glimmer of hope.
He dug deeper, tearing through the wreckage with a frenzy born of fear and desperation.
He had to find someone.
He needed to find someone
They couldn't be dead.
Finally, he reached the small, charred body of the child he had been searching for. Batman's vision blurred as tears filled his eyes. He wanted to scream, to rage against the injustice of it all, but he was frozen in place, overwhelmed by grief and guilt.
Suddenly, he was interrupted by the sound of a familiar voice. "Batman, we've got to go!" Robin called urgently.
HE NEEDED TO-
He stopped and took a deep breath, taking the time to let his body naturally cough up of the dust as his hands tightly gripped into fists.
He knew all too well the consequences of illegal weapons falling into the wrong hands, and the devastation they could cause. The lives that had been destroyed by the weapons that passed through the hands of these dealers. The innocent victims caught in the crossfire, the families torn apart by violence, the communities left in ruins. It was a never-ending cycle of destruction that seemed impossible to break.
The root of the problem lay not just in the arms dealers themselves, but in the demand for weapons. As long as there were people willing to buy and use them, there would always be those willing to sell and profit from them.
Most armies dealing involved the wholesale of firearms, explosives and tactical equipment.
This wasn't the case for this one.
The list of supplies included cleaning supplies, oils, lubricants and replacement parts.
Most of these could be bought secretly and cheaply.
Not so much so for Calico and Walther WA2000.
The impracticality almost made him think it was a trick if not for the fact that matched past events. Never mind the extra weight and change in center of gravity while firing…
Emyia Kiritsugu.
A brutal mercenary who made his debut two decades ago, presumed dead nearly a decade ago.
Known for his extreme methods, the most heinous one being that of demolishing a hospital worth of children to stop a man-made pathogen.
Despite his outward stoniness, the thought of such a horrific act made his blood boil.
Natalia Kaminski - a former associate, ages line up to that of mentor, possibly a parental figure.
As he continued to review the case, his thoughts were pulled back to Natalia Kaminski's last known location - a plane that he had shot down to take down his target. It was clear that Kaminski had been involved in this operation, and he couldn't help but wonder what her role had been as he shot down the plane in the end...
He began to dig through his old case files, pulling out every piece of information he had.
Gathering and meticulously combing through old surveillance footage, looking to find any clues. Every frame was scrutinized, and even the smallest detail could potentially reveal a pattern or a connection.
Simultaneously, he delved into old leads and information from interrogated potential witnesses who might have had encounters with Emiya. His reputation as a relentless interrogator helped broaden the search, then using the available data on the illegal weapon trade and tracked the shipments of weapons throughout Europe. By analyzing the routes, buyers, and sellers, he would uncover any links that could connect Emiya to these activities.
It was a painstaking process, but he knew that in the murky world of crime, even the smallest clue could lead to a breakthrough.
He studied surveillance footage, examined old leads, and tracked down any potential witnesses.
It was a long and grueling process, but he was nothing if not tenacious. And finally, he had a lead.
It seemed that Emiya had resurfaced in the most unexpected of places: Fuyuki, Japan. Batman had no idea how he had managed to get there, or what he was planning, but he knew he had to find out.
Kiritsugu would be staying secluded on the outskirts of Fuyuki City, under a false name until whatever was needed came to pass.
He had to act fast, before the terrorist could slip through his fingers again.
After scarfing down his plate, he donned his 3 piece suit; he ran multiple scenarios through his head for the possible confrontation. One never knew what could happen.
Lucius Fox sluggishly awoke with a groan, his arm automatically shifted to the side to shut off the beeping alarm, sliding his feet down onto the ground in the process. He glanced to the side and felt a trickle of familiar pain before he pushed it away, forcing his mind to other things.
His thoughts buzzed with plans for the day ahead.
After getting up from the King-sized bed, he then began his day with a cup of black coffee and as Lucius sat down, he took the packet from the table next to his plate, with the Wayne Enterprises logo on it.
He opened it and read through some documents that needed his approval, quickly signed off on them before returning his attention to his breakfast.
The company was involved in a vast array of industries, from technology to healthcare to energy, and Lucius had to oversee them all. He had spent his entire career at Wayne Enterprises, starting as an intern right out of college and working his way up to the top.
The company had grown tremendously since he had joined, and he took great pride in its success and reputation. He quickly dressed in a well-tailored sharp suit and tie, enjoying the feeling of the fine fabric against his skin. He saw the family picture of him, his son and daughter, Luke and Tina. Lucius reflexively smiled, realizing how much they had grown up.
It felt like just yesterday when they were running around the house and causing mischief. Now, with only a year until college for both, they've become adults carving their own paths in life.
As he finished his breakfast, he wrote a quick note. "Hope you have a great day at school today. I'm so proud of you and can't wait to see what amazing things you'll accomplish. Love, Dad." With that done he straightened his tie and adjusted his cufflinks as he prepared for the day.
Being Co-CEO of Wayne Enterprises, he oversaw the company's finances and ensured that all departments were running smoothly.
Be it reviewing financial reports, strategizing, and checking in with Mr. Wayne.
He held plenty of responsibilities on his plate, but he would rise the challenge for both him and his family.
First on the agenda was the bi-annual departmental heads' meeting at Wayne Tech. As he made his way to the conference room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the sight of the bustling company.
He pushed those thoughts aside as he walked into the conference room, greeting the other department heads with a smile and a nod.
As he took his seat, he watched as Bruce greet the other department heads with a smile and a handshake (with an almost unnoticeable limp probably from a lucky punk), he watched as Bruce worked the room, smiling and shaking the hands of senior technicians, biochemists, engineers, software-security experts, making just enough informed conversation with Lucius' chief systems engineer to impress yet not shock her. Lucius couldn't help but be impressed by the ease with which Bruce navigated.
It wasn't always this way, Lucius reflected.
When they first started working together, Bruce would often put on a shallow, vapid persona to protect his alter ego, Batman. Lucius had been in the dark about why until Bruce finally revealed it to him, trusting him with the secret.
He had been both honored and terrified by the revelation.
As he watched Bruce network effortlessly with the other department heads, he only regretted that it had taken a wake-up call in the form of Powers for Bruce to realize that his cavalier attitude was jeopardizing the company he loved.
But that was all in the past now.
As the meeting began, he listened to presentations from his colleagues about the latest projects and innovations in their respective departments. While he takes notes and nods along, his mind is elsewhere.
As the meeting got underway, Lucius focused on the discussions at hand.
As Bruce stood up at the head of the conference table, the murmurs of conversation died down as he cleared his throat.
"Thank you all for coming today. I have some important news to share."
"I wanted to inform you all that I'll be personally visiting our Fuyuki branch company next week," he said.
"Japan's tech base has been growing stronger and we need to keep a close eye on the competition. Plus, it's always good to check on our investments in person."
Right in the middle of it, Bruce outlined his plan to visit a branch company in Fuyuki, Japan. Lucius listened intently, his mind already racing with the implications of the trip.
Lucius Fox raised an eyebrow, his mind immediately looking for the real reason Bruce wanted to go to Fuyuki.
He knew Bruce well enough to suspect that there was more to the visit than he was letting on. Batman was always on the lookout for potential threats, and Lucius couldn't help but wonder if this was one of those cases.
As the meeting progressed, Lucius found himself distracted by the specifications for Batman's equipment upgrades and new Batmobile designs that Bruce had shown him. He knew he shouldn't be thinking about them now, but he couldn't resist. The sheer ingenuity and creativity of the designs never failed to impress him, and he found himself lost in thought as he went over the intricate details.
Lucius knew that Bruce had a singular focus when it came to his alter ego, and that meant he was always pushing for bigger, better, and more advanced technology. It was Lucius' self-appointed job to make sure that Wayne Enterprises could keep up with Bruce's demands.
The upgrades to the Batman equipment and the new Batmobile designs ... Lucius couldn't help but wonder what Bruce needed them for now.
"What's your opinion on this Mr. Fox ?"
He was brought back to reality by a question directed at him from one of the department heads, and he quickly composed himself and answered with ease. He was pretty decent at multitasking, after all.
As he made his way back to his office, mentally going over his to-do list for the day. He had a meeting with a potential investor, a lunch with the board of directors, and several other tasks to attend to. But the Batman designs he had seen... He would start working on bringing them to life.
As the day wore on, Lucius was in his element, seamlessly transitioning between his duties as an executive for Wayne Enterprises and business partner of Bruce Wayne to his role as Batman's armorer and tech specialist.
When the rest of them had left, Bruce was still in his seat looking over some documents.
"Lucius," Bruce greeted him bluntly, removing the facade. All the easy charm from the meeting room was gone. It would seem like unfriendliness to a casual observer, Lucius thought. But it was the opposite. Bruce disses his friends, the people he trusted, the honor of not pretending.
"How's everything going?"
"Good, Bruce," Lucius replied. "Just gone over the financial reports. We're in good shape. Better than normal even."
"Excellent."
After a moment of silence, Lucius pointedly looked at Bruce until he spoke up.
"I'm heading to Fuyuki, Japan due to a lead. Someone who thought they could get away due to some suspicious activity in the area," Bruce looked across from Lucius, as he calmly explained his plans.
"I shouldn't need to take too long in Fuyuki," he said, his voice steady. "I have everything planned out. I'll arrive, assess and solve the situation, and be back in Gotham in a matter of days."
After a moment of silence, Lucius studied Bruce's face and sighed again. "I won't ask any more questions, Bruce. Just remember to keep your personal affairs separate from the company's business. We can't afford to tarnish our reputation." Bruce nodded, knowing full well the risk he was taking.
"Thank you, Lucius. I appreciate your understanding."
Lucius continued. "That's not just it…. Bruce, you know I can't condone you using company resources for your own … personal use. It would be unethical for business."
"I know, Lucius. But this is important."
Lucius shook his head before breathing out an explosive sigh.
"Fine. I'll try to cover for you but be careful, Bruce. And don't let your nightlife get in the way of your responsibilities as CEO too much. This is also part of your family's legacy."
As he said this, and ignoring the silence, he accessed a terminal there, he logged onto a separate, offline, private and secure server and pulled up the specifications for the new Batmobile. He studied the designs, marveling at the technology that Bruce had come up with.
"Understood," Bruce finally replied.
He slightly smiled before his brow furrowed in concentration. He knew Bruce needed to be prepared for anything, but this felt different. This felt like a level of preparation beyond what was necessary for "suspicious activity".
"More weapons, Mister Wayne?", said Lucius, eying the proposed specifications for the new Batmobile and Batsuit.
"Can you do it?" Bruce asked.
Lucius smiled. It wouldn't be easy. Wayne had been out of the arms industry for a while, when Thomas took the helm. Could claim the guns and explosives for testing materials when he made the order, he reasoned, and do all the prototyping alone.
"Why the change of heart, Mister Wayne?"
Lucius, always the pragmatist, had long campaigned for much more … offensively equipped Batmobile. Just in case of course, Bruce had resisted him until now.
Bruce stood there quietly.
"Just… a feeling," Bruce said, as he left the room.
Lucius could hear the wariness in Bruce's voice. That made him pull up his sleeves.
He simply got to work.
From the short time in being Robin, he learned that it required a constant commitment to training and self-improvement. Focusing all attention on perfecting skills taught by the Dark Knight himself. The Batcave, with its vast array of equipment and training facilities, serves as a sanctuary to push one's limits and become the best version of oneself.
At least, in Tim's opinion in order to not curse Bruce Wayne's name everyday.
While Bruce went away, he understood the rationale behind his decision not to take me along.
He's not ready. He's barely been out training. He probably still doesn't trust for basically demanding to be Robin.
It's a logical choice, as his presence is needed in Gotham City to support Barbara and maintain peace in their city...
The twinge of disappointment still lingers.
He knows, intellectually, it's not about trust.
(How can you worry about something you don't have ?)
He knows that his decision to embark on this mission alone is not a reflection of his abilities, but it still... it stings.
He … would just like for the opportunity to prove himself, to show that he is capable of handling the challenges that Bruce could be facing. To be his partner after all the training. However, he knows that the time will come, and in the meantime, he will focus on honing his skills and get back to practicing his sets.
As Tim finally gets over his festering thoughts, Batman sits at the main console, his intense gaze fixed on the array of monitors displaying feeds from wiretaps and surveillance cameras across the city.
As he works, Alfred enters the Batcave. "Master Bruce, I hope you don't mind me interrupting. I've been meaning to speak about our travel arrangements," Alfred says with a sly smile on his wised visage. "It seems that a vacation is in order."
The joke was only met with silence.
"I take it then we are not visiting our overseas plants," Alfred fought back a grimace, before he released a sigh "In that case, I will make sure to pack the extra special equipment, explosives and medical supplies."
Bruce just glanced at Alfred and his frank assessment of the situation, before giving his oldest friend a rare smile. "Why Alfred, I never took you for an optimist…We are going to need all the specialized equipment, a lot of explosives and a cargo container of medical supplies."
"Of course Master Bruce, what was I thinking," Alfred returned the smile as he shook his head and made to start the calls before he was interrupted.
Bruce, without looking up from his monitors, responded. "You're not going with me Alfred. You're staying and watching over everything."
The ensuing silence was somehow loud enough to make Tim take a pause in his routine.
"I ... understand your reasoning, sir," Alfred responds after a moment, "But my assistance has always been in need, invaluable and-"
"I need you here, Alfred," Bruce-Batman counters swiftly but gently. "You're my eyes and ears in Gotham. I rely on you to keep an eye on things while I'm out in the field."
"With all due respect, sir," Alfred dryly retorts, "without me, how would you be able to tie your shoelaces, let alone come back to keep Gotham safe?"
As the weight of their unspoken words hangs in the air, the silence drags on deeper.
"I am well aware of the significance of my role, sir," Alfred replies, his voice carrying a hint of wistfulness. "And while I understand the need for your presence abroad, I cannot help but feel a pang of unease at the thought of being away from your side."
Batman finally tears his gaze away from the monitors, meeting Alfred's eyes with his own and simply says, "I'll be alright Alfred.".
A fleeting smile dances across Alfred's lips, though sadness still lingers in his eyes. "Rest assured, Master Bruce, I shall ensure that Gotham remains secure in your absence. The city's safety has always been our shared responsibility, and I shall uphold our legacy with utmost dedication."
The Batman reaches out a gloved hand, his gesture carrying unspoken appreciation.
"Thank you, Alfred. I know I can always rely on you."
"Do try to avoid any unnecessary injuries while you're away, sir. I'm afraid the medical bills would put a significant dent even in our budget."
A brief chuckle escapes Batman's lips, and he squeezes Alfred's hand lightly. "I'll do my best, Alfred. But I have no doubt that Gotham will be in capable hands with you."
As Alfred turns to leave, his voice carries a trace of emotion that he quickly hides behind his characteristic dry humor. "Remember, sir, the world may need Batman, maybe even the world with your return to globetrotting...but I need Bruce Wayne more."
Batman watches Alfred's retreating figure. "He'll be back," Batman says softly to himself.
With that, the Batcave falls into a reverent silence once more. Batman returns to his monitors, his focus reignited.
Bruce Wayne sat in the comfortable leather seat of his Wayne Enterprises Company Jet, watching the clouds drift by outside the window. He couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension as the plane descended towards Fuyuki, Japan.
As he looked out at the sprawling city below, he couldn't help but compare it to his hometown of Gotham. From high in the air, both cities looked so clean and fantastic, with their towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. But Bruce knew that looks could be deceiving, and that both cities held their own secrets and dangers.
For Gotham, it was the pervasive corruption that infected every level of society. The city was a breeding ground for crime, with a web of underworld bosses and corrupt officials pulling the strings behind the scenes. Bruce had dedicated his life to fighting against this corruption, donning the mantle of the Dark Knight to bring justice to those who needed it most.
But as the plane descended towards Fuyuki, Bruce knew that the danger here would be of a different sort. This city held a man named Emiya Kiritsugu, as was the Japanese arrangement, a killer who had once targeted innocent people in the name of his twisted idea utilitarianism. Bruce knew that he had to tread carefully in this place, to be on the lookout for any sign of his return.
As the plane touched down on the runway, Bruce let a sense of determination wash over him. He had come here for a reason, and he wouldn't leave until he had accomplished what he set out to do. The people of Fuyuki, like those of Gotham, deserved to live without fear and oppression.
And Bruce Wayne, whether in the guise of the Dark Knight or simply as himself, was determined to make that happen.
Alfred Pennyworth sat at his desk in Wayne Manor, staring at the phone in front of him. He knew that the call he was about to make would not be an easy one. He had kept in touch with Master Bruce's former ward Dick Grayson over the years, but their relationship had been ... strained as of late since he had left their side.
He picked up the receiver and dialed Dick's number. It rang a few times before he heard the familiar voice on the other end instantly ask. "Alfred, is everything alright?"
"I have some news for you, Master Dick," Alfred said, trying to keep his tone neutral despite the joy he felt at the question and the melancholy he felt at the unsettling information he had to give. "Master Bruce has received a lead on the Wayne Plaza Case, the unsolved bombing that has haunted him for 9 years."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "I see," Dick said, his voice tight. "And what does he need me for?"
"He believes that with your knowledge and skills, you would be a valuable asset in keeping Gotham safe as he is bringing the case to a close," Alfred said. "He needs you back for the meantime."
Another pause. "I'll think about it," Dick said, before hanging up the phone.
Alfred sat there for a moment, staring at the phone. He knew that it would not be easy to repair the damage that had been done between Bruce and Dick, but he also knew that they were still a team, and that they needed each other.
Hopefully, Master Bruce won't be too crossed with him when he returns.