Ch 5-No Time to Die Twice
Gotham News Network
"Breaking news today from London, where Gotham's very own billionaire playboy and actor Bruce Wayne has done it again—this time not in a film, but in real life. While filming an action-packed scene for his latest James Bond movie, "No Time to Die Twice". Wayne reportedly foiled a robbery in the heart of the city.
Eyewitnesses say that during a break between shots, masked men armed with automatic weapons attempted to rob a nearby jewelry store. Wayne, still in costume as the suave secret agent James Bond, intervened, disarming one of the robbers with a series of 'stunts' that looked straight out of a Hollywood script. Though the suspects managed to flee the scene, authorities credit Wayne with preventing what could have been a dangerous situation.
Police Commissioner James Gordon had this to say: ''It's not every day a billionaire stops a crime, but I'm not surprised. Wayne always seems to have a knack for getting into trouble.''
The world is abuzz with admiration for Wayne, and social media is ablaze with #RealLifeBond trending worldwide. Whether as Bruce Wayne or 007, it seems Gotham's favorite son is always ready for action."
Xxxx
The Watchtower - Justice League Meeting Room
The Watchtower was abuzz with its usual sense of quiet urgency. The Justice League's regular meeting had adjourned, and the roster slowly filtered out—except for Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter, who stayed behind, unwinding around the massive circular table.
"Did you guys hear about Bruce Wayne today?" Flash asked, his voice crackling with excitement as he waved his tablet. "He stopped a robbery while shooting a Bond movie! This guy's nuts. Billionaire, actor, and apparently, action hero. What can't this guy do?"
John Stewart, the Green Lantern, chuckled. "I mean, he's an actor playing the world's most famous spy. It's probably just muscle memory for those fight scenes."
J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter, raised an eyebrow, intrigued but skeptical. "It is curious, though, that a non-combatant like Wayne would have the reflexes to disarm armed robbers. Not exactly a typical skill set for someone in his profession."
Superman, seated nearby, gave a knowing grin but kept quiet. From his years of working with Bruce as Batman, he knew better than anyone that there was nothing typical about the man behind the mask.
Wonder Woman, standing with her arms crossed, gave Clark a pointed look.
"What are you hiding, Kal?" she asked, her tone curious but firm.
Superman cleared his throat, trying to play it cool.
"Hiding? Nothing. It's just... Well, let's just say Bruce Wayne's always been full of surprises."
Diana's eyes narrowed slightly, the edges of her lips curling into a subtle smile.
"So it's Bruce Wayne now, is it? Not Mr. Wayne? You seem rather familiar with him, Kal."
"Well, he did invite me to be Q in the movie," Clark said, teasing. "A guy doesn't cast you in a major film without becoming a little... acquainted."
Superman's private identity was know by the League especially after J'onn spent Christmas with his family during the first year of the League.
Flash, who had been scrolling through news articles, looked up with wide eyes.
"Wait a second you played Q? How did I not know this?"
Superman shrugged.
"Glasses"
"Man, I could've been in a movie!" Flash said, slumping in his seat.
Diana chuckled softly, but her attention remained on Superman, the suspicion in her voice growing.
"Tell me, Kal. Do you think it's just coincidence that Bruce is able to do this sort of thing? You've been awfully quiet about his... extracurricular activities."
"Come on, Diana, what are you suggesting?" Clark replied, his smile widening slightly.
"Only that Bruce has a tendency to be where the action is, and perhaps he's more than just the sum of his wealth and charm," she mused, her tone teasing but sharp, her instincts as sharp as ever.
Superman chuckled. "He does tend to get into more danger than most billionaires. But who knows? Maybe he's just a natural."
"Right," Diana replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. She wasn't convinced, but she didn't push further. Not yet.
Meanwhile, Green Lantern folded his arms.
"So what's the verdict, Supes? Is Wayne secretly running his own little vigilante operation or something?"
Superman shook his head, though the grin on his face was hard to miss.
"Wayne? A vigilante? You know, with the amount of press he gets, I don't think he could sneak around Gotham at night even if he tried."
Diana arched an eyebrow, her curiosity only deepening. She knew Superman well enough to pick up on his evasiveness. "You're deflecting again, Kal. One of these days, you'll have to share what you know."
"Maybe I will," Clark replied with a twinkle in his eye. "But today's not that day."
As the playful exchange went on, Flash leaned forward, eager to change the subject. "Seriously, though—do you think I could get a cameo in the next Bond movie? I mean, Bruce Wayne knows me, right? I could be the new M or something. You think he'd hook me up?"
"Barry, if Bruce Wayne sees you coming, he's more likely to cast you as an extra running away from an explosion," John joked.
As laughter filled the room, Superman leaned back in his chair, his mind wandering. He had to hand it to Bruce—stopping a robbery in the middle of a film set, all while keeping his true identity hidden? That was classic Batman. Bruce was playing a dangerous game, both as Gotham's masked vigilante and as the world's most recognizable celebrity. But if anyone could handle it, it was him.
Diana, still watching Superman with a knowing smile, caught his gaze. For now, she let the matter rest, but she wasn't done with her suspicions. She would unravel the mystery of Bruce Wayne eventually.
After all they saw each other often enough as her driving instructor. She smiled at the thought of their next session.