Kinetic

Chapter One

“Mrs. Chapman would like a word with the new kid.” A voice transmitted through the elevator speakers as they ascended.

“Look who’s awake.” Burns commented.

“Had I been notified, I would’ve been able to provide assistance.” The voice countered

“Plane crashes don’t give notifications.” Liam reminded.

“Who is that?” Wyatt asked.

“That is Kate, our resident AI.” Damian explained as the elevator doors parted.

“Where is Mrs. Chapman’s office?” Wyatt asked.

“That door at the end of the hall.” Burns pointed toward the hallway opposite of the reception desk. “No need to knock.”

Liam, Damian and Burns broke off and walked toward the armory, presumably to take off their weapons. Wyatt turned and proceeded down the hallway. The office door had the name Stacy Chapman on it, along with the title of CEO. Although Burns told him not to knock, he believed that such a title deserved that courtesy, so he rapped on the door before opening it.

An elderly woman sat behind an antique oak desk, tying away on an old computer. Again, almost against his will, the woman was immediately named Barbra Gordon. Not when she was batgirl, but when she was commissioner. It was just an on day for batman today.

There was a small blue woman sitting on the edge desk with her legs crossed, leaning back on her elbows. He guessed that it was Kate, the AI he was told about, although she was going to be associated with Jarvis for the however long he knew her. She gave a wave as Wyatt entered and closed the door behind her.

“Call me old fashioned, but I think computers are much more efficient than the holographics that are becoming more and more predominant.” Mrs. Chapman spoke without looking away from the screen.

“You realize that I’m holographic, right?” The little AI asked in a playful tone.

“And far more efficient, my dear.” Mrs. Chapman looked up from the computer, revealing blue eyes that were still vibrant with life. “have a seat, Mr. Hollingsworth.”

Wyatt smiled nervously before taking a seat across from her. The AI stood up on the desk and walked to the center of it. “Kate.” She introduced. “I’m the voice in your ear and the system in your gear.”

“Charmed.” He smiled. “And you’re Stacy Chapman. I grew up hearing stories about you.”

“Most of them untrue.” Mrs. Chapman dismissed with a wave. “How was your interview?”

“Surprising.” He chuckled dryly.

“Andrew give you the ‘worth a thousand reams’ line?” Kate asked with a smile. “He loves that one; even used it on Damian when he decided to join our mighty band of thieves.”

“How did I fare?” He asked.

“Kate?”

The AI held out her hand and a holographic display hovered over it. “knowledgeable when asked; catches on fast and acts accordingly on the fly with ease; combat skills…eh.”

“Eh?” Wyatt raised an eyebrow.

“With Damian on the payroll, Andrew’s bar has been set kind of high in the fighting department.” Kate shrugged as she closed her fist, closing the hologram with it.

“Was I good enough to make the cut?”

“That’s why you’re here.” Mrs. Chapman closed the computer and leaned on the desk. “I’m sure Mr. Burns told you what we do.”