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Wayne Manor

By Sasha Zarya Nexus

Episode 4 ~ Egg-Sighting

 

How are Robin the Girl Wonder and Batgirl getting along?

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This fan fiction piece is based on the original works, “All New Super Friends Hour" by Hannah Barbera, copyright 1977 and "Extreme Justice #9" by DC Comics, Copyright 1995 and "Batman" by  20th Century Fox TV, Copyright  1965..Cosmeg originated in "The Gods Themselves" by Arthur C Clarke .Copyright 1972  All original characters and plot lines are the property of the owners, and any resemblance to individuals either living or dead is coincidental. This piece is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a copyright infringement.

I'd like to thank Randalynn for her suggestion that the lives of Batman with Robin the Girl Wonder should be examined carefully since the new dynamic in their relationship would make good storytelling. She even suggested the title Wayne Manor that I used for the story. Thanks so much Randalynn.

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Wayne Manor

Episode 4 ~ Egg-Sighting

By Sasha Zarya Nexus

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We stopped the Batmobile in front of police headquarters.  Both Batman and I got out and raced up the stairs into the building and around to the commissioner's office where doors were immediately flung open. We walked right in where Batman walked right up to his friend, James Gordon's desk.  I on the other hand observed Batgirl reclined seductively in a corner as our eyes met she spoke, "Nice of you to join us, Batman and Robin.  Batman, if I could borrow Robin for a moment, I feel that you will find what the Commish has to say very interesting."

Batman with reluctance after being shown up by Batgirl responded with the courtesy he always accorded to ladies , "Of course, Batgirl.  Does that meet with your approval as well, Robin?"

I responded, "Yes Batman.  Lead on Batgirl!"

She invited me, "Step into my office, Robin!"  She led me into a very well appointed foyer within the Ladies Room which was exquisitely and regally decorated and furnished.  She motioned me towards a very plush sofa which I sat down and she did as well leaning in with anticipation to what she had to say.  She put a single outstretched finger to her lips and drew out a device on her utility belt.   After some whirring and beeping and purring she seemed satisfied with the results and began to speak. 

"It's nice, isn't it Robin?  I would imagine that its your first time being in here.  I am jamming every kind of electronic surveillance now.  I wouldn't do to let the guys in on our girl talk." She grinned at me.

"Well, Yes and No. I take it that the commissioner's daughter had a hand in designing this little oasis.  It's very comfortable and impressive."

"Robin, I'm a full member of the Super Friends just like you.  I've been on monitor duty recently so I know the basics about who you really are, just like I know that you know about me..  That yes and no answer puzzles me."

"I hold the memories of the first Robin because I was created as a female counterpart to him.  Of course those memories are useless because he would never have been in here.  On the other hand, my body is a twin of Spoiler's and I also possess her memories.  She was here a lot in the last couple of years and she particularly enjoyed this space.  Its nice for me to experience this first hand instead of thru her memories."    

"How is your twin doing?" I heard that Spoiler, oh I imagine she's going by Flamebird now accompanied Night wing to NYC.  Have you heard from her yet?"

"Not yet but I hope to soon." I really was at ease chatting with Batgirl so far.

"You really have a tremendously handsome father.  How are you coping with that?" Batgirl had cut to the crux of the matter.

 "Yes, Bats can sweep a girl off her feet and his appeal is apparent.  But he is my Father and I can't and don't have designs on him.  Is it the same for you and your father, Batgirl?"

"When I was as young as you caught up in the newness of becoming a woman, It was like that for me.  Very soon  a boy my age came along and I was too busy with my life.   I feel like every Father is a daughter's first love but it's something that can't be acted on so it preserves the ideal.  After that each new boy is compared to him to see how the boy measures up."

"Batgirl, you are so wise.  I'm not sure I am ready for the trials and tribulations for super heroine dating."

"It's a part of growing up and its not that uncommon to girls in famous families all over the world.   I'll coach you thru it. and don't worry.  I won't set you up with Aqualad for your first date but his father is very nice and I feel like he could grow on you.".

"Thank you, I think" I broke out into a great big grin

"Do you trust me Robin?"

"With my life and more than that to accept dating advice.  What's up?"

"We girls ought to cooperate.  I'm going to transfer from my BatPDA the conversation that I had with the Commish to yours.  Let's agree to keep each other updated.  We can't let the guys have a monopoly on saving the  world"

"Of course Batgirl.  Deal!" And we sealed it with a hug and I realized that I had a new big sister.

After we broke the hug I asked, "How was it that you were able to get here so quickly?"

"Professional secret.  When you have something as interesting then we will swap.  It's more fun that way.  See if you can come up with it yourself, you are a bright girl."

"Okay.  Can you give me short and sweet what they are talking about?"

"Commish has tracked the theft of the Grace Diamond but the thief defeated it before the destination was determined.  The Grace Diamond is huge and cut as an ovoid."

"Egghead?"

"Just released from Arkham and a safe bet that he's behind the theft.  So it's Standard Operating Procedure.  Figure out where he will strike next and catch him at it."

"So is shopping still on for this afternoon?"

"Would not miss it, Girl Wonder.  I have some errands to run then I will be over to pick you up."

"Thank you Batgirl.   I am so looking forward to it." I gave her a hug and kissed her on the cheek which she returned to me.

"Let's see if the guys are thru gossiping.  After you my dear."

I left the powder room foyer and Batgirl followed in a moment after shutting down her bat jammer .  We both made a stunning entrance.  Both Batgirl and I were immediately noticed as their conversation came to a halt momentarily.

"Commissioner, Thank you for your information.  Robin and I will do our best to catch this fiend." Batman continued "Batgirl, a pleasure to see you as always.  I trust you had an interesting conversation with Robin."

Batgirl answered, "Of course, Batman.  I will take my leave of all of you." She vanished out the window.

Batman directed at me, "Robin, To the Batmobile!" I knew what that meant so I ran out thru the opened doors at Batman's side.  Running down the stairs we separated only to enter the Batmobile and were side by side again. The trip back to the Batcave went by in a blur.  The sensations on first traveling in it were so heady as I got used to my new body but I had adjusted and even though it was still extraordinary the Batmobile was basically transportation. We arrived in the Batcave safe and sound and as the turntable was spinning the Batmobile back around for another trip out, I made a quick trip to the brand new little heroine's room that Bats had installed in the Batcave. Batman and I gathered by the Bat computer to see if it could help us find out Egghead's next move.

"Robin, Lets see what the Bat computer can come up with as to possible targets for Egghead in Gotham City.  Computer, display first target!"

The screen displayed information on the Trevor Howard Artifact.   This was an egg composed of costly metals with writing in a language that had not been translated.  It had a legend attached that the holder was to be guaranteed happiness.

"Batman, that thing makes me really uneasy.   On top of that even though I can't translate the writing.  The designs on the egg seem very familiar.  Computer, What is the origin of the Artifact?"

"Origin indeterminate except that it is extraterrestrial."

"Does that pinpoint it for you, Robin?"

"Not yet, Batman.  I'm missing something but it will come back to me."

"Let me know when you remember.  Computer display next target.

The screen displayed information about the Cosmeg that was being studied by Gotham University.  It was called the Cosmeg because it was short for cosmic egg.  It was theorized that it was either a piece of another alternate universe or else a portal to an alternate universe.  If it were a portal it would be too small to transport a person thru to the other side but what one could get was energy which poured out of the Cosmeg.  They had encased it in a pool of water.  The ambient energy which came thru unbidden was enough to run the campus's power station which had ceased having to use fuel to run their generators and the output was so great that they were selling their excess to Gotham Power which was sufficient to meet the power requirements for the entire state.  A large portion of their research seed money came from Gotham power which salivated at the prospect of perhaps having another Cosmeg or at least learning how to tap the full potential of the one that existed.  Clean power at no cost, it boggled the mind.    

"A choice between greed and power, Batman!  What do you suppose Egghead will go for first?" My Bat PDA had captured the Bat computer session and I had sent a copy to Batgirl.  After all, we girls should stick together.

"I'm not sure, Robin. A stake out is in order.  I'll inform Commissioner Gordon of our findings and of course the police can aid as they usually do.  They are not equipped to apprehend Egghead and his bad eggs.  With there being two equally likely targets, I'll want to call in some expert help.  What do you think of Selina Kyle's progress? "

"I believe that she is reformed, she is highly motivated to the cause of good these days.  She has her own little eccentricities but she hasn't crossed the line, yet.  The Catwoman knows Egghead and she could handle him effectively as a villainess and I would expect no less from her as a heroine.  I imagine I will be able to tell more with my intuition once I get to meet her in person instead of thru other's memories.  I favor taking a chance on her but not taking her completely into our confidence yet."

"What do you think of teaming Sasha Bordeaux up with her to watch her?  After Lucius Fox , the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, saddled me as Bruce Wayne with her as a bodyguard,  I had to train her to handle the real job of guarding me.    She's good and she's loyal as she proved by keeping my secret after she uncovered my secret identity.  I couldn't fire her after that and I am glad that Lucius hired her because she can act in the mundane situations to protect me as Bruce Wayne without forcing me to defend myself and weakening my secret identity.   She could go out with Catwoman in her costume that she used when training with me as Batman.  She came up with the codename "Umbra Woman" because as a bodyguard she sometimes hides in the darkest shadows.  She could adopt that as her costumed identity.  She didn't need to have one while she was just learning from me on night patrol."

"Batman I think its a wonderful idea to team up Selina with Sasha.  Selina can make up for what Sasha lacks in skill and Sasha can make up for what Selina lacks in trustworthiness."  I thought that it would be a good test of both of them to see if they would be able to work together since they are both in love with my father."

"Good, Robin!  I'll call Nightwing and Flamebird to see if they can break free to lend us some aid as well.  I observed that you enjoyed your conversation with Batgirl and I feel that it would be good for you and Barbara to go shopping as planned.  I could team up with Alfred since stakeouts seem to be where his skills are strongest.  Your Aunt Harriett ( a live in maid)  will be back at Wayne Manor soon and she can watch after things. "

"I'm glad that Aunt Harriett will be back and I really do want to go shopping with Barbara.  I can team up with Batgirl.  If Selina and Sasha are available now they could start staking out one site while you stake out the other with Alfred.  Batgirl and I could be one relief team and Nightwing and Flamebird could be the other when they arrive from NYC.  12 hour shifts would cover them 24/7 till Egghead makes his move."

"Robin, I agree.  Could you coordinate with Batgirl to relieve Alfred and I watching the "Cosmeg" in about 13 hours while I check with Selina and Sasha to make sure they can help us with the stakeout?"

"Of course, Batman"  I activated my Super Friends communicator while Batman was contacting Catwoman and Umbra Woman.  "Robin to Batgirl"

"Yes Robin.  What can I do for you?"

"Might you be free to team up with me for some stakeout duty?  Batman and I suspect that Egghead's next target will be the Cosmeg at Gotham University's research facility.  He is taking the first 12 hour watch there starting in an hour and we would do a 12 hour shift in relief."

"Affirmative Robin! Count me in!  I'll contact you closer to time for our shift to start to arrange a rendezvous  and coordinate."

"Excellent, Batgirl! Robin out" 

"Batgirl, out"     

I noticed that Batman had concluded his calls and was waiting for me to finish with Batgirl.

"Robin, Selina and Sasha are both onboard.  They will be getting together and on site to watch the Trevor Howard Artifact in an hour.  Can Batgirl help?"

"Batgirl and I will get together to relieve you when your shift is up."

"That's great Robin!  Please go up and send Alfred down.  I need to brief him and get him outfitted so we can be on site in an hour.  Barbara should be by in a little while to take Rachel shopping. I'll contact Nightwing and Flamebird while I am waiting for Alfred."

"On my way, Batman!" I had noticed a new menu on my BatPDA which gave me a choice of outfits for the auto changer to dress me in and I had selected something casual for shopping already.   I jumped on the Batpole disc and triggered it to propel me upward thru the auto changer and deposited me out into Bruce's study.

I exited the study to find that Aunt Harriett was present talking with Alfred, dressed for work.  I rushed up to Aunt Harriett and gave her a big hug. "Its so good to have you home Aunt Harriett!" I gushed because I was glad to have her there to talk to about the things that Bruce and Alfred were clueless about.

"Miss Rachel, Alfred has told me the good news that Mr. Wayne adopted you as his daughter.  My condolences about the death of your parents.  It will be good having you around the house to help with Master Grayson departed."

"Thank you Aunt Harriett.  Alfred,  Bruce asked me for you to bring him his copy of "The Tempest" from his study." That was a code phrase telling Alfred that he was needed in the Batcave.

"I'll go at once, Miss Rachel." And Alfred left in the direction of where his special access to the Batcave was located.

"Miss Rachel, I have duties to attend to but I would love to catch up when we both have the time,"

"Count on it, Aunt Harriett.  Thank you!"  Aunt Harriet left in the direction of the kitchen.  I suppose that she was going to check on supper.  Having been left alone, I was satisfied with the outfit I had picked out so I retired to my room.  I checked email and found an encoded message that I knew was untraceable and would dissappear as mysteriously as it appeared when I read it.  The biometrics confirmed my identity then decoded the message.

***NIGHTWING AND FLAMEBIRD ARRIVING THIS EVENING VIA TRANSLOCATION CHAMBER  TO HALL OF JUSTICE AND GROUND TRANSPORT HERE ***      

The electronics did what electronics do and the message vanished as if it had never been there.  The transport between NYC and Metropolis would be instantaneous.  It would not take long to travel to Gotham City straight to the Batcave along the special underground roadway that connected the Hall of Justice and the Batcave.  I looked to the clock and noticed that Barbara would be arriving soon.  I checked the mirror and approved of what I found there.  I went downstairs to the foyer so I could meet Barbara there and we could begin our shopping trip.

Right to the second Barbara rung the door bell and I admitted her to the foyer.

"Are you ready to go shopping, Rachel?  I hope you have lots of money to spend so we can really update your wardrobe."

I held out a Wayne Enterprises charge card and said, "Ta ta ta TA ta TA! Charge! ..... It!" I giggled and Barbara joined in.

"I see you have everything you need,.  Let's go!" I signaled the staff that I was leaving and followed Barbara out to her car.   What more could a girl want?  "To the Mall!" I giggled as Barbara drove off in that direction.