Two days had passed since the assault on Mark's hideout. Batman 47-X had wasted no time establishing himself as this Gotham's new protector, and his methods were already making an impact. Crime rates had plummeted in the sectors he'd cimed, word spreading through the criminal underground that a new kind of enforcer had arrived—one who didn't leave survivors to tell tales.

  Ultimate Bruce Wayne had been monitoring the situation from the hotel suite, watching feeds from BC's surveilnce network as 47-X systematically dismantled the city's criminal infrastructure. Selina had proven surprisingly useful, helping with logistics and identifying people who needed help that this broken Gotham couldn't provide. She'd coordinate with Bruce to get them transported to Batman 47-X's universe, where proper resources existed for rehabilitation and support.

  Now the three of them sat around a room service spread in the hotel suite, the conversation turning toward the future.

  Batman 47-X—currently in his civilian clothing—looked across the table at Selina. "Okay, Selina, I appreciate you helping me out. I've pretty much got the hang of things now." He took a sip of coffee. "I'm gonna make sure you get to my universe where my people can take care of you properly."

  Selina looked up from her pte, fork halfway to her mouth. "I'm not doing that."

  47-X paused. "What do you mean you're not doing that?"

  She set down her fork and met his gaze directly. "I spent several days helping you, and I think I can be more helpful than just what I've done so far."

  "Yeah, but you're only fifteen."

  "So? Don't you think I'm capable and able?"

  47-X considered this. "Yeah, you are. But I don't want a kid seeing the things that I've done and what I'm gonna do."

  "Mr. Scary," Selina said, using the nickname she'd adopted for him, "I've seen your Gotham, and it's much better than mine. But I've seen you too, and I know you're not that dumb." She leaned forward. "You know that all circumstances aren't the same, depending on who you are and where you come from. You've seen my world, you've seen the kind of people here. Do you think it's smart for you to try to put me in the same category as kids from your world?"

  Batman 47-X was quiet for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "You're absolutely right, kid. I shouldn't."

  "And stop calling me 'kid,'" she added.

  He smirked slightly. "What do you want me to call you then?"

  "I don't know. How about assistant? Or partner? Something like that."

  The smirk widened into something that almost resembled a genuine smile. "Alright. Sounds like we've got a deal."

  He reached across the table and held his hand out. Selina shook it firmly, her grip strong and confident.

  Ultimate Bruce Wayne had been watching this exchange with quiet interest. Now he stood, brushing crumbs from his bck jacket. "Okay, guys. I'm about to continue my journey. You have my contact information if you need anything."

  Batman 47-X looked at him. "Yes. And Bruce? Thanks for bringing me here. This pce... It's exactly what I needed."

  Bruce nodded. "Take care of each other. Both of you."

  And with that, he opened a portal and stepped through, leaving Batman 47-X and his new partner to begin their work in earnest.