January 31, 1989. Around 10 PM.
No one fully understood the meaning of everything that happened today. For some, it was a sign that soon the entire balance of power in Gotham would change beyond recognition. For others, it was an omen of a new stage in the war against crime and corruption. There were also those for whom all of this carried no weight at all. Naturally, throughout the entire day, all the news was filled with broadcasts about the giant bat, the police commissioner's death, and the massive fire at the Gotham City Renewal building. A strange sense of uncertainty began to spread throughout the city.
Alfred Pennyworth: "Read today's paper yet? The things they write. For example, here, 'Commissioner Loeb Died a Hero, Fighting Alongside Police Unit Against Bat Creature.' And here's another, 'Gotham Crime Boss Carmine Falcone Places $1,500,000 Bounty on Head of So-Called Bat-Man.'" He said, deliberately needling Bruce.
Bruce Wayne, adjusting his tie and jacket collar in the mirror: "Alfred, you asked me the same question two days ago. Surprise, but nothing's changed in that time," he said, slightly irritated.
Alfred Pennyworth, still lightly teasing Bruce: "Oh, my apologies. Forgot that the rich don't read newspapers these days. They attend lavish events, drink the most expensive wines, stay up all night, and preen in front of the public. While we, their butlers, make their beds, serve their drinks, read them the papers, and say 'dinner is served.'"
Bruce Wayne, unimpressed by Alfred's sarcasm: "Don't play the pauper. Any butler would envy your conditions," he says, finishing adjusting his collar.
Alfred Pennyworth, continuing to tease Bruce lightly: "The same could be said about you. Every day you go out on your nocturnal adventures. Some need a reason for it; for you, it's routine. Isn't that wonderful, Master Bruce? Though, your choice of attire today is intriguing. Decided to try a new intimidation style? I presume."
Bruce Wayne, still unimpressed: "Don't talk nonsense, Alfred, please. I gave it to Lucius for work on it."
Alfred Pennyworth: "Hmm, you should hire Mr. Fox as your personal stylist. His style suits you much better."
**About half an hour later.** Bruce was already pulling into the Wayne Tower parking lot. Alfred, of course, wanted to drive him, but the hour was late, so Bruce took the initiative. The workday had ended three hours ago—why would anyone come to Wayne Tower at such a time? But today was a very important day. The results of the election for the new CEO of Wayne Enterprises would be announced soon, and since the re-election of the current CEO, William Earle, was almost a foregone conclusion, it was decided to hold a celebration of his victory in advance. Bruce, of course, was not invited to the party—but would that stop someone like him?
Just like on his visits to Lucius, Bruce similarly passes by the receptionist and enters the elevator, this time pressing the button for the top floor where the event was actually taking place. The party hadn't officially started yet, which meant many guests hadn't arrived, even Earle himself wasn't there yet, and it would have been a sin for Bruce not to take advantage of the situation. It didn't take ten minutes before Bruce was mingling in the hall surrounded by a crowd of women, catching envious glances from other men. Every phrase, joke, or gesture only amplified the effect of his charisma on everything around him. After another couple of minutes, the guest of honor appeared at his own celebration. When Earle entered the hall, the crowd around Bruce was obviously the first thing to catch his attention. What irritated him even more wasn't the fact that the self-obsessed rich kid showed up uninvited, but that Bruce, who had clearly noticed Earle's entrance, deliberately ignored his presence.
William Earle: "It's uncultured to show up to someone's party uninvited, Wayne."
Bruce Wayne, feigning surprise at Earle's arrival: "Oh, William. Sorry, didn't notice you come in. So, can we start congratulating you on your election victory yet? Which term in a row is this? The fourth? To William Earle, the current and future head of Wayne Enterprises." He says, taking a sip of his champagne.
William Earle, slightly irritated: "I'm flattered that Gotham's number one golden boy is so happy about the security of my position. But don't try to sidestep the issue, Wayne. It's not right to come to a company CEO's party without his permission."
Bruce Wayne: "You're right, can't argue. But that doesn't apply to the owner of the company. Don't forget, it still has my name on it."
William Earle, more irritated now: "Not your name, your family's name. And besides, what kind of owner is it who isn't even interested in the state of his holdings? What's the point of being king if you let dukes rule your country and you don't even visit the castle?"
Bruce Wayne: "Or maybe that's exactly it? To get attention from others, walk the red carpets, and argue with 'dukes' like you."
William Earle, trying to pressure Bruce: "You're a self-obsessed rich kid, Wayne, nothing more. I doubt your father is looking down on you with pride right now."
Bruce Wayne, this time in a more serious tone: "At least he loved me while he was alive. Unlike one of us here."
This elicited gasps from guests around the hall. Earle was clearly losing the argument. He wasn't a stupid man and perfectly understood that continuing a verbal battle was pointless.
William Earle, final words before retreating: "If you love and respect your father so much, you're doing far too much to bury his respect for you."
**The next hour of the party passed surprisingly smoothly.** Women continued to flock around Bruce. People only approached Earle to discuss salaries, promotions, and bonuses. The two didn't engage in verbal sparring during this entire time—after all, neither of them were little children. An hour into the party, Bruce decides to excuse himself to the restroom after a decent amount of champagne and Bacardi. Obviously, he left the hall for another reason. Getting into the elevator, he presses the button for the basement level, taking the rather long elevator ride from the very top to the very bottom floor of the entire tower.
Bruce Wayne, entering the warehouse under the building: "Why aren't you at the party?"
Lucius Fox: "Didn't go."
Bruce Wayne: "Didn't go, or wasn't invited?"
Lucius Fox, slightly annoyed: "Both didn't go and wasn't invited."
Bruce Wayne: "So even if you were invited, you wouldn't have gone?"
Lucius Fox, shifting away from the desk: "I've already told you I'm not on good terms with Earle. My self-respect is greater than my vanity."
Bruce Wayne, sitting on a chair next to Lucius's workstation: "If you say so," he says, sipping his champagne. "Want me to get you a drink?"
Lucius Fox, throwing a brief glance at Bruce: "No, thank you. I'm already afraid to imagine how much you've had."
Bruce Wayne: "Why do you care?"
Lucius Fox: "Oh, just. Thought you'd have some kind of diet or something. You know, I have little desire to take new measurements from you after every party like this."
Bruce Wayne: "Bat-Man has the night off, Lucius. Bruce deserves a break," he says, finishing the contents of his glass. "You know. I've been thinking about becoming the new ruler of the company."
Lucius Fox, throwing another brief glance at him: "Congratulations."
Bruce Wayne, slightly surprised: "And? That's all you have to say? Where' are your favorite digs and jabs?"
Lucius Fox: "Well, I was going to say 'Congratulations on your first reasonable decision,' but I changed my mind. But seriously, I don't like talking about the power structure in the company this much."
Bruce Wayne: "Don't worry, I'm sure your opinion on that will change."
Lucius Fox: "No doubt. The thing worries me more is that you haven't found a better way to spend your youth than on all this corporate nonsense."
Bruce Wayne: "Yeah, you're such an expert on that. Like, you remember yours twenty-five?"
Lucius Fox: "Oooooh yes. Ah, good times. I had just started my internship at Wayne Enterprises then. That was fifty-seventh. The company was still run by your grandfather, Patrick. He didn't even intend to take Thomas on as an assistant back then, thought he was a lousy businessman. I miss those times," he says, then looks at Bruce's disinterested face and decides to change the subject. "Alright, down to business," he said, getting up from his chair.
Bruce Wayne, following him: "Hope you don't disappoint."
Lucius Fox: "Didn't think you had such a low opinion of me."
Lucius opens a large case near the warehouse, revealing the updated suit for Bruce.
Lucius Fox: "As requested. Worked on the durability. Under the Kevlar are titanium-fiber underlays. Mostly on the muscle groups. Didn't put them on the joints to avoid hindering mobility. You owe me for those now."
Bruce Wayne: "What about firearm protection?"
Lucius Fox: "Small caliber is no problem. From a shotgun, only at point-blank range. Seems your nighttime adventures have reached a new level."
Bruce Wayne: "They are. I take that."
Lucius Fox: "Of course you're. I'll mail it to you. Will mark it as a diving suit."
Bruce Wayne: "No need," Bruce says, picking up the large case with the suit, and leaving the warehouse.