Inside one of the offices in the police station, Commissioner Gordon sat behind his desk, looking at the young man across from him.
“Cheer up,” he said.
“We’re done.” Sebastian let out a small breath.
“It’s evening,” he replied flatly.
“This was my free day.
And now it’s gone.” Gordon gave a faint, apologetic smile.
“I’m sorry about that.” He paused briefly, then leaned forward.
“There is one thing I would like to ask.
What kind of training did you have?
Your file shows mixed martial arts in Central City.
But that alone doesn’t explain the way you acted in the bank.” Sebastian tilted his head.
“I don’t think I did anything strange there.” Gordon stared at him.
“You managed to shoot Bane, take him hostage, force him to leave the bank, and stop whatever he was planning and you don’t think that’s strange?” “Well,” Sebastian said, “he didn’t exactly know I had a gun.
Nor did he expect me to react that fast.
If he knew, he probably wouldn’t have let me take him so easily.” Gordon’s eyes narrowed.
“A normal person cannot do what you did.
Not surrounded by armed men.
Not in front of Bane.” “No,” Sebastian replied evenly.
“I’m pretty sure anyone in my position would have reacted the same way.
Who would allow some bear-like man to strangle them without resistance?” Gordon said.
“Why do you think Bane was going to strangle you?” Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
“He literally said I don’t deserve to live.
He declared he would kill me.
Then extended his hand toward my neck casually.
What exactly should I have understood from that?” “right…” Gordon said slowly.
“You know,” Sebastian said, “if you focused more on hunting and catching the bear-man instead of putting me through all of these procedures, he might be in prison by now.” Gordon shook his head.
“It’s not that simple.
We’re dealing with Bane.
He’s not a normal person you can handle like a common thug.” “Funny you say that,” Sebastian replied.
“Honestly, he seemed quite approachable.
Outside of his hatred for cowardice.” He paused briefly.
“And he has enough common sense to rob a bank with a prepared group instead of mugging people in daylight… or robbing a library.
That’s a normal person in my book.” Gordon shook his head, a faint trace of amusement slipping through.
“Knowing Bane, he won’t actively hunt you down,” he said.
“But he will remember you.” He tapped the desk lightly.
“I’ve already ordered increased patrols in your area.
Just in case.
And if you notice anything unusual, call the police immediately.” Sebastian gave a small nod.
“Take better care of yourself,” Gordon continued.
“And try to avoid situations like this in the future.” “Of course,” Sebastian replied.
“I’ll make sure to check what the weirdos of the city are up to before I go anywhere.” He stood up.
Then paused.
“And since you’ve been such a nice, decent man,” he added, “I would advise you to assign some of your officers to monitor your daughter day and night.” Gordon blinked.
“I’ve seen her twice,” Sebastian continued, “and she has been involved in three criminal incidents.
If she isn’t cursed to attract crime, I’m not sure what to call it.” Gordon stared at him for a second, then nodded slowly.
“I’ll… keep that in mind.” Sebastian gave a small nod and left the office.
Sebastian walked down the corridor, when he was stopped by a policeman.
“Hey.
I remember you,” he said.
“You’re the guy who stopped the library robbery.” Sebastian glanced at him.
“Yes, the one who punched that idiot.” “Lunatic” the officer corrected then shook his head.
“He was going on about how Gotham has a demon god under it, and claimed it’s the reason for all the shit happening in the city.” Sebastian paused.
“Sounds about right, and how does robbing a public library fit into this?” The officer answered.
“He said the library was built back when the city was founded.
That it contains hidden occult books, something about summoning or banishing it.” Sebastian considered that for a brief moment.
Then nodded.
“I see,” he said.
“That does sound like something that would sell well as a comic book.” The policeman “I don’t think so, we live in Gotham, we don’t need a weird dark story, we have plenty of those here.” —————— The next morning, Alfred returned to the Iceberg Lounge and headed straight to his employer’s office.
The moment he entered, he noticed immediately that the Penguin’s serious expression turned into a pleasant smile, if it be called that.
“Good morning, Master Cobblepot,” Alfred said.
“I apologize for the delay.
I am ready to resume my duties.” The Penguin waved a hand dismissively, a faint smile on his face.
“No need to apologize,” he said.
“I gave you permission to go and do what you needed.” He leaned back.
“That being said, in the heat of the moment, I forgot to ask, what exactly did you make?
I don’t see you carry anything new.” “Of course,” Alfred replied.
“As a butler, I cannot go around carrying a visible weapon.
That would reflect poorly on you, Master.” He paused briefly.
“Therefore, I opted for a concealed solution.” The Penguin nodded slowly.
“And what is this new weapon of yours?” Alfred lifted both hands.
White gloves.
Ordinary at a glance.
But at the back of each glove, near the wrist, sat a small black box, compact and almost unnoticeable.
The Penguin frowned.
“You’re referring to the gloves?” Alfred gave a small nod.
“As expected of you, Master Cobblepot.
Yes.
These gloves contain extremely fine wires, integrated within them.
They can be deployed for various tasks… including combat.” With an interested look on his face, the Penguin said.
“Care to demonstrate?” Alfred replied “Certainly.
However, I would request that you summon a few of your men.
It is more effective to demonstrate against individuals capable of resistance.” The Penguin pressed a button beneath his desk.
A brief pause.
Then the door burst open.
Three men rushed in, alert, hands already moving toward their weapons before they realized there was no immediate threat.
They froze.
Confused.
Alfred turned toward them.
“Good morning, gentlemen,” he said.
“I will require your assistance for a brief demonstration.” The three exchanged uncertain looks.
Before they could respond, Alfred began moving.
His hands lifted, making small, almost random motions in the air.
For two seconds, nothing happened.
Then, he clenched his fists and pulled.
Instantly, all three men were yanked off balance.
Their bodies jerked as something unseen tightened around them, binding their limbs.
They dropped to the ground almost simultaneously, struggling, unable to move properly.
Confusion spread across their faces as they tried to resist, to break free, but failed.
The Penguin stood up slowly, eyes narrowing as he focused on the scene.
Then he saw it.
Faint barely visible thin lines in the air, catching the light at just the right angle.
Alfred turned his head toward him.
“These wires are extremely thin,” he explained.
“Difficult to detect, especially under poor lighting conditions.” He took a step forward, looking down at the restrained men.
“A tool suited for capturing multiple individuals simultaneously,” he continued.
“Without creating unnecessary mess.” The Penguin was surprised by this and said “You made these for Batman?” “Yes,” Alfred replied simply.
“And for anyone who may intrude upon this establishment.” He paused briefly.
“Firearms and blades tend to be… inelegant.
I regret to say I allowed blood to stain the carpet the other night.” The Penguin’s expression shifted into a slow smile.
“Impressive work, Alfred, I can’t tell how you made these,” he said.
” But I’m looking forward to seeing it in action.” Alfred turned fully toward him.
“With all due respect, Master,” he said, “I am not.” A slight pause.
“If I am required to use them,” he continued, “it would mean an unsavory guest has arrived.
We don’t want that.” The Penguin chuckled softly, leaning back into his chair.
“Yes,” he said, “You are right” With a subtle jerk of his hands, Alfred released the tension in the wires.
The invisible lines loosened instantly, and the three restrained men found themselves free.
They staggered as control returned to their limbs, still processing what had just happened.
“Thank you, gentlemen,” Alfred said.
“For your assistance and your patience.” The three exchanged confused glances, clearly unsure of what exactly they had just participated in.
Still, they nodded, then turned and left the office without further question.
The door closed behind them.
Alfred turned back toward the Penguin.
“If there is nothing further, Master,” he said, “I will proceed to review what I may have missed yesterday and continue with my duties.” The Penguin raised a hand.
“Actually, there is one thing I wanted to discuss with you.” Alfred paused.
“What is it?” “Your days off,” the Penguin said.
“Since you started working here, you’ve been performing far beyond my expectations.
But one thing we haven’t discussed is your personal time, your days off, your vacations.” Alfred blinked once.
“what?” The Penguin smiled faintly.
“You deserve time for yourself,” he said.
“Some rest.
What kind of gentleman of crime would I be if I ignored the well-being of my employees?
Butlers included.” Alfred remained still for a moment, clearly caught off guard.
The Penguin raised his hand again.
“Don’t say anything,” he said.
“I won’t accept your current situation.
Starting this week, you will have Sundays off.
And if you feel tired or unwell, inform me.” A brief pause.
Alfred’s thoughts moved quickly.
[No one here has days off.
And I am the only butler.] Outwardly, however, he inclined his head.
“Thank you, Master,” he said.
“How considerate of you.” The Penguin nodded, satisfied.
“You may go.
Do what you think is best.” Alfred turned and walked toward the door.
[Weird… feels like I am going through a career path, should I negotiate working hours?] He thought.
Behind him, the Penguin watched quietly for a moment before leaning back in his chair.
This butler was the best subordinate he had ever had.
He was efficient, disciplined and uncompromising in standards.
He had no intention of losing him like that idiot clown, especially due to something as trivial as overwork.