[NPC] More than just a butler. (Alfred Pennyworth)

[Todd Ingram]

It has been three weeks since Batman's first appearance in Coruscant. News about the high speed chase started to linger. Every now and then a message appears on the dataverse of some random citizen that witnessed the Batman beating the crap out of some local scum. It seems the word started to get out slowly that a new player had entered the board. Bruce sat comfortable on a couch watching the news. He rented a penthouse apartment at the upper tier of Coruscant, it was no Wayne manor but while he was here he still needed a proper place to stay. His dual identity was a project that required constant work. As long as Bruce Wayne was in Coruscant doing what he does best, Batman was able to roam the verses with a safe hideout to fall back to. If there's anything he's learned over the past few years it's that you always need a place to fall back to in order to catch your breath.

The apartment symbolized his prosperity, pieces of art he has never seen before decorated his halls. This world was fascinating to say the least. Creating his own piece of the mansion made him feel like home just a bit more. With several bedrooms, two bathrooms, an enormous kitchen and a few 'hobby' rooms he'd be able to play the part of millionaire playboy for the outside world. Even though it was a mask of who he really was, it was a comfortable mask.

Bruce continued to watch the news as a familiar voice, laminated with a British accent, interrupted the newsreader,
"Master Wayne, didn't I ask you to stop putting your feet on the table? Must we do this in every universe you drag me out to?"

From behind the couch Alfred Pennyworth stood with a stern frown upon his face. Alfred has been Bruce's butler and family for as long as Bruce could remember. Being a pillar of support throughout his life this man was the closest thing he has had as a father, brother, preacher and life coach. The slightly older man was wearing a traditional butlers outfit, the spotless black jacket, white shirt and black tie on top of a ironed black pair of pants, all suited him perfectly. "You brought me here to assist you in this lunacy, not to be your maid, master Wayne. You might want to remember that." Bruce listened and placed his feet back on the ground. Alfred wasn't your traditional butler, he has been aiding Batman from the moment Bruce decided to wear the cowl. Never did his loyalty waver, not even when he met his end by one of the dictator Kent's cowardly plan.

The TV suddenly got a tad louder as Karl Jak's face got a nice close up on the screen, "Geeeeeeeeeeeeeet ready for another Dante's Abyss! It's coming soon! Don't miss it! We have it all, primes, action, babes, betrayal and of course a new champion at the end! Signups for primes are soon at a local hub nearby!" Bruce muted the annoying voice coming from the TV and returned his attention to Alfred.

"I never intended to bring you here in the first place. This whole thing is new to me as well. My research showed it was possible for primes to summon allies, and when I tried you actually showed up, I mean, it's actually you." Alfred's passing was clearly hard for the millionaire, he was never the one to properly show emotions but Alfred was with him long enough to notice the tiny details.

"That's quite alright master Wayne, though would it have killed you to shave a few years off?"

[Todd Ingram]

Bruce enjoyed the snappy remarks of his old friend again. From the moment Alfred arrived to the Omniverse, things started to look a whole lot better. Still, a whole lot of questions remained unanswered. Both he and Alfred have been keeping tabs on the news both imperial as Dataverse, hoping to figure out just how many of his friends or foes were brought here by Lex's machine. So far, neither had any luck in their investigation.

"What's on your mind master Wayne?" Alfred saw straight through him, like an open book the older man was able to pick up any sign when it came to the thoughts and simple read through his master.

"It's been a few weeks since my arrival to this dimension, and so far still no word or sign of the others. Either the others are laying low or I'm the only one that got send here."

"From what I've seen it's a pretty large world Master Wayne, I'm pretty sure you won't find them overnight. In the meantime, how are your 'evening walks' going?"

Bruce walked to a small table and poured himself a drink. As the water calmly flowed out of the bottle into the clear and spotless glass, "Subtle as always Alfred. A necessary exercise to maintain my sanity, you of all people should know." With a glass half filled he drank from the glass, leaning nonchalant against the table.

"Of course, sir. So what is the next step?"

Bruce remained quiet for a while, thinking long and hard about the very good question that just presented itself, the next step. "I'm unsure,  the way we are currently investigating the situation is not really working for us. I need time to think this through." Bruce walked to a grey coat that was hanging over one of the dining room chairs.

"Going for a walk again Master Bruce? You sure you took the right jacket for the occasion?"

Bruce continued to put on his jacket and straightened it, like anyone from the upper class, he'd make sure he would look the part. "Don't worry Alfred, I'm going to the hospital. That woman that I brought to the hospital a few weeks back get's released today, I wanted to be there as she did."

"Are you sure that is your only intention?"

Immediately Bruce knew he was referring to Sarah, the nurse who took care of the woman he saved. It was a mistake to tell Alfred about his encounter with her. And an even bigger mistake to inform him that he has had regular contact with Sarah. It didn't matter, he did what he had to do to make sure Bruce was seen around Coruscant regularly, and if it was with a woman, all the better. "Yes, Alfred, that’s my only intention. I can trust you will resume our research on the dataverse?" He said as he finished closing his coat.

"Of course master Wayne, stay out of trouble will you?"

Bruce nodded as he stepped out.

[Todd Ingram]

The sun started to set and Bruce made it just in time to the hospital. From a distance he watched the fruits of his labor unfold, both mother and son leaving the hospital. Even though he wasn't able to save the father as well, it was still a beautiful sight to behold. This is the reason why he picked up the cape and cowl, even here in this strange new dimension.
"You know, you could go over there and talk to them. I'm pretty sure they will be more than grateful." A familiar soft female voice said. Bruce turned around and noticed Sarah from the hospital stood mere feet away from him, offering him a kind smile. So far he managed to avoid both the nurse as the victim, unfortunately, he wasn't able to hide this time. "I haven’t seen you around much after that night, you looked rather upset when you left."


The incognito millionaire turned towards her, and put on his best 'Bruce' face, "Oh hello Sarah, I just wanted to check up on them. It's probably for the best if I stay away from them. How have you been?"


"Well you know how it is, treating sick people, rushing home, living life, all the exciting moments that make my life worthwhile. But, erm, Bruce, perhaps we could get a drink and talk?"
Even though Bruce didn't want to, he couldn't think of a good excuse to get out of it. The awkward silence that followed was painful, he had to say something, quick.
"I'm actually quite tired, and was hoping to get an early night sleep."

"This early? If I didn’t know any better I'd say you are trying to actively avoid me. I just wanted to talk to you about something important, it won't take long. There is a nice place just around the corner. " Bruce sighed, there was nothing he could think of to get out of it, "Very well, I will accompany you."
The blonde smiled as she grabbed his arm, "Great! Follow me." Sarah guided him to the establishment nearby.

****

Bruce sat down across the somewhat confident eying woman. The unusual smile she presented intrigued Bruce, it provided her with a certain level of mystery. The waitress came by to take their order, Sarah decided to go with one of the establishment's more exclusive cocktails. Bruce however went for a much safer drink, a combination of exotic fruits but without the added alcohol. The duo did not have to wait long before their beverages arrived, Sarah was the first to taste. There was something enchanting about the scene, Bruce watched as her seemingly soft lips touched the glass, allowing the liquid to enter her mouth, never breaking eye contact with her 'date'. The glass finds its way back to the table, the attractive blonde adjusts her posture and leans in with both elbows on the table. Almost as if she was preparing to show a winning poker hand.

"Well Mr. Wayne it seems you are just full of surprises aren't you? I didn't take you for the aggressive type."

Bruce did not expect something this forward, it was actually quite surprising that she sprung something like this onto him out of the blue.
"Whatever gave you that idea?"

Sarah leaned back into her chair, appearing quite casual, "For someone that dresses up in black armor and beats criminals to a pulp you're actually quite the good actor."

Bruce maintained his calm stature and played the same old game he has played so many times before. He's been so used to lying that it has become second nature to him, " I have read about this masked vigilante on the dataverse, but I can assure you Ms. Parov, it isn't me."

The femme fatale's voice switched in an instant, the formally soft seductive voice suddenly sounded a lot more cold, "Don't take me for a fool Mr. Wayne. I don't know what world you came from, or how gullible the people are there, but here people tend to notice these kind of things. You left my hospital angry, devoted, fearless..." He could feel her eyes penetrate his soul. It was obvious to Bruce this woman was intelligent, dedicated to finding the truth. The woman continued her unannounced interrogation, "After you left there were reports of an unknown masked prime, creating havoc in one of the lower tiers, leaving a trail of destruction and wounded criminals. These criminals just happened to be the same ones that kidnapped that woman's son. And you're telling me that is all just a coincidence?" Bruce attempted to get a word in, but the attempt was futile. the lioness was released from her cage, "And don't get me started about my analyses on the primes physique. Do you want me to explain how identical you are?"

Sarah's logic was solid, he was careless and now someone already figured out his identity. The question now was, what was her goal? Bruce leaned in and lowered his voice slightly, his tone became more serious, "And what if I am this vigilante? What's your game Sarah? Blackmail?"

The blonde scoffed, "Please, there is no reason for me to blackmail you. I hoped you thought better of me. It's like I said back in the hospital, this world could use more men like you. I don't intend to blackmail you Mr. Wayne, just to offer my help. As someone being around this world for some time, I can provide valuable insights. Who knows, you might even find more uses for me." Her former sweet tone of voice returned. She was either a brilliant con woman or she meant every single word she said. Bruce was at an impasse, having serious doubts whether she was telling the truth and how to deal with it.

Sarah followed up, again with sincerity covering each word, "Look Bruce, I figured out who you truly are and I haven't called the authorities on you, i truly am on your side. Let me help you. Just, tell me what you are looking for in this world." Her hands reached out towards his, Bruce's face didn't show a single emotion, his mind was racing, going over every scenario before giving Sarah the benefit of the doubt.

"I come from a world that is ruled by a superhuman dictator, ruling the planet with an iron fist. My allies and myself were in a battle when we attempted to send the dictator and his regime to another dimension, using one of our machines. Somehow it brought me to this universe, and I'm not sure if it did so for any of the others. I've been active around here, hoping the others, friend or foe, would show themselves. That way I know where I stand and perhaps start looking for a way back."

Sarah listened intensely to Bruce's tale. This was the second time he was truly honest with her. The connection she felt with the vigilante was true, it was the reason she decided to help him in the first place. After seeing his devotion and passion that one night in the hospital she had a feeling in her stomach that has never been there before. This was her chance to be part of something bigger, something that could make a difference. Luckily she knew a way to help Bruce.
"The Omniverse is a large place with many powerful primes. Being active in a single tier in Coruscant won't do you any good. If you truly want the others to notice you, if they are here, is to show yourself to the entire Omniverse."

Bruce took a sip from his drink whilst contemplating on Sarah's words. Even though she had a point it would also provide some serious risk.

"How would you suggest I'd go about doing something so reckless?"

With yet another somewhat teasing smile she nudged towards the screen on the wall. Once again, Karl Jak's voice was heard, the screen showed images of last year's competition of Dante's abyss, giving instructions where to sign up and when it would be broadcast throughout the verses.

"That? That's your answer?" Bruce said skeptically

"It's a well known tradition here in the Omniverse, it's being broadcast through every verse and many primes will attend. If you truly want to find your people, this is the best way to let them know you are out there."

The millionaire finished his drink and placed the empty glass next to hers. He was unfamiliar with any of this. Before making any radical decisions he had to talk to Alfred.

"I will give it some thought and talk it over with my...butler" Bruce noticed how strange it must have sounded to Sarah, but she did not comment on it. Instead she looked more at ease then before. "Perhaps, you could accompany me and meet him, explain the plan to him as well. I find his insights rather useful." Sarah nodded, " I'd love that Bruce."

Shortly after he paid for the drinks they left towards his penthouse.

*****

"I'm pretty sure we had a little talk about bringing home strays master Wayne." The stern British accent that came with Alfred's voice was anything but subtle when Bruce entered the penthouse with his new found ally.

"Calm down Alfred, it's nothing like that. I would like you to meet Sarah Parov. She is the nurse that I met in the hospital."

" Ah, so she is the one. It's a pleasure Ms.Parov. My name is Alfred, I am master Wayne's personal caretaker." He said jokingly.

Bruce didn't respond to the joke, and walked up to his old friend, "We need to talk."

Bruce sat down with both Alfred and Sarah, explaining the entire situation to him. About the competition, Sarah's involvement and their future plans. After everything was said and done the older man sighed as he leaned back into his chair, "well Master Bruce, it seems you got quite the decision to make." The anything but helpful butler said to him. "Got any words of wisdom for me, old friend?"

Alfred got up from the chair, readjusted his attire and cleared his throat, "We know how this goes Master Wayne, i give you some brilliant piece of advice, you think it over, discard it and i get to say i told you so at the end." Bruce couldn't help but show the feintest of grins, a rare sight.

"I will have to think this over." The prime retreated to one of the rooms and closed the door behind him, leaving Alfred and Sarah with an uncomfortable situation. The woman didn't quite know where to look, eventually she attempted to break the silence with some small talk. Her lips opened up and got immediately interrupted by the butler's sass, "No need for pleasantries Ms. Parov, let's just wait in silence." So they did.

After a while the door reopened, from the room emerged the black armored vigilante known as Batman, it was quite obvious he made his decision.

"Very well master Wayne, I'll be sure to tape the whole thing. I might want to re-watch it later and tell you 'I told you so' ."

Sarah observed with her eyes wide open, this was the first time she actually saw what Batman looked like up close. Even though it was quite the intimidating look she felt safe, that there was nothing to worry about.

The altered voice of Batman was finally heard in the apartment, " I have to do this Alfred, this is the best way to find out if any of the others are out there. If that means putting myself in the spotlight, so be it. Sarah, you are welcome to stay here with Alfred." The blonde simply nodded.

"Yes, of course, Alfred will look after her. When you return Master Wayne, we will have that talk about strays again."

Batman nodded before exiting through the window, vanishing into the night.

" Will he be alright?"

"Miss, you have no idea how tenacious this man is, he will be fine."