Avoiding Past And Future

(105) 1A. Insecurity-Intermediate

December 5th

Danny sat giddily watching the Batcomputer, medicated smoothie in hand and feeling like he was unstoppable.

Right about now they were supposed to be on a mission, some issue with Sportsmaster again. But Bruce had handed the responsibility over to Oliver to handle, assuring not only them but also the archer himself that the team would do just fine without Bat involvement for once. The man was so worked up over the rogue and everything that came with sending out the team, it really wasn't worth the effort anyway. Especially when, in exchange, Bruce could spend more time with his kids.

Well, physically spent time with one while the other yapped in their ears about everything around.

Gotham Academy and Gotham University were holding a combined science fair. One where students could present their work for extra credits but also give an opportunity for people like Bruce to run around and scout business prospects. It was a win-win for all involved.

Except poor Danny couldn't go. Not being out in the public yet while they waited for all the forms to clear in the legal side of things was absolute torture when he couldn't go look at the shiny new things. So his poor victims, sorry family, had to play the part for him. With a camera hidden on their persons and a comm in their ears, Danny was able to look around as well and point out some interesting stuff.

Frankly, he couldn't wait until next year where he would be able to go as well. Maybe even participate if they allowed it. Just for fun, naturally. Dick would have, but chose not to with all the private stuff going on. His teachers understood, even better now that some of them were already aware of a certain new student enrolling.

As it stood, Danny had already gotten excited about some of the more technical side of the projects presented. Dick, too, had found a few he saw potential in. Bruce, as versed in the subjects as he was, let them take the lead for once. They were proving more than capable to do so. With the way things were going, Bruce may not have brought enough business cards with him to hand out.

He might have Lucius bring over a new stack just in case. Having spotted a certain shiny dome waltzing around as if he owned the place, Bruce put a hand on Dick's shoulder to stop the boy from wandering too far out of reach. Keeping nothing but a charming smile on his face, Bruce watched as Lex and two white suited men started walking their way.

With practiced care, Bruce's smile didn't falter as he heard a scared whisper in his ear. "Bruce." Danny's heart sank as he saw the overly white fabric from miles away. With a racing heart and a stomach trying to summersault it's way out of his body, he stood powerless as GIW agents roamed freely in Gotham. "The white suits." His voice quivered, "keep a close eye on those men. Any weapons they carry likely has the safety off." Danny wasn't able to warn them any more as the potential threats closed in.

"Bruce!" Lex called out warmly. "How nice to see you here, and your ward, too." As he reached out a hand to shake, the white suited men hovered their hands over their hip. A warning, but not in the way they indented. Their failed intimidation only proving more worth to Danny's caution. Lex caught his gaze, waving it off nonchalantly. "Oh, don't mind them. They're just here for security."

A dangerous glint sparkled in the bald man's eye, matching the gleam of the light on his overly polished appearance. "One can never be too cautious these days." He feigned nervousness, scoffing as he held a hand close to where his supposed hart was meant to be. "Can you believe there's a ghost haunting your city now? Honestly, the mayor is a fool not to take my offer and get rid of him." His equally bald headed entourage did little to hide their displeasure at the mention of Gotham's newest hero.