A Batgirl in Academy City: Book 1, Return.

True Strength.

One year earlier.

"Mr. Wayne.. there's another call for you. It seems urgent."

Dressed in a neat suit and skirt, like a secretary, Mikoto  walked up to the main front desk of Bruce Wayne, as he overlooked a stack of paperwork. 

It had been one week, since Mikoto  had started working as an intern at Wayne Enterprises.

The requirements were intense. Not only did she need to assist as an intern, but she was required to study various university level courses as well, while at the same time learning the inner workings of the company.

It was exhausting and stressful. However, it kept Mikoto's mind busy and off the life she left behind, which was all she wished for.

"Thank you Mikoto." Bruce said with a smile. "I'll get it later. In the meantime, I wanted to ask you.. Are you okay?"

"Okay Mr. Wayne?" Mikoto asked. "I don't get your meaning."

"Powers like yours.. you could really speed up your work." said Bruce. "That situation with the paper machine for example, or Fox's situation with Wayne Tech's monitors, your electro powers would've been perfect to speed things along.. yet.. you don't use them."

"I prefer not to use my powers for mundane purposes anymore."

"Anymore?"

Mikoto blushed slightly. "I a-admit,  I used to do stuff.. like hack soda machines to get a free drink.. or.. I don't know.. use my powers for some pretty cheap stuff.. but I wish to move past my old life."

"I see." said Bruce. "Then might I ask.. what are you running from?"

"What?"

"You said.. you're trying to move past.." said Bruce. "But it sounds and looks more like you're trying to erase all trace of yourself.. but it's not so easy creating a completely new person.. sometimes, the real you.. is the best you."

Mikoto froze, she had never received in depth advice from Bruce Wayne before.. and she would never have expected the eccentric irresponsible billionaire to actually give advice.

She had lived in that man's manor for one week, eating silently at the large dining table, as Tim Drake, Bruce's adopted son, discussed life at school, and not given so much a peep at asking where Bruce and Tim went at night.

All in all, she had been a distant presence. She wasn't around to make friends, or find new family. Her family was gone.. her life was gone.. she was just forging a new purpose from the remains.

"Sir.." Mikoto said. "M-might I ask.. what is your position on scientific ethics?"

"That's a tough one." said Bruce. "Many philosophers have tried again and again to answer you question. I suppose the best answer, or laws that we have now, are that there are certain instances that we must draw the line where science is concerned. It is a great power, that allows us to accomplish great things.. but it's how we use that power that defines the ethics of science.. for science in itself isn't ethical.. it's just a power with no defining values. It's values.. are what we make of it.."

"Then.. if .. there is a world defining value for science.. a world wide ethical definition." said Mikoto. "Shouldn't people pay for breaking these ethics?"

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "Mikoto.. did somebody in Academy City.. do something to you? Scientifically so to speak?"

"I.. shouldn't talk about it.." Mikoto said. "I should return to work.. sorry for bringing this up Mr. Wayne."