Family Reunion #312

Whitlock Industries

The top floor

I raised an eyebrow as I noticed Dick Grayson walking out of Barbara's office. "Well, if it isn't the boy wonder... I trust you've kept my words close at heart?" I said with a smile, causing him to wince.

"Of course..." Dick replied as he sheepishly scratched his head. "But I am in a hurry, so do excuse me..." He added, increasing his pace as he walked past me and entered the elevator.

Dick and Barbara were in a relationship, and although I don't know the details due to my lack of interest, I knew the former was somewhat of a man-slut from the comics.

Ultimately, I couldn't resist the urge to sit him down and give him the good old "Break her heart, and I'll break your legs" speech. I went out of my way to plant images of how I'd do it directly into his mind, and it seemed to work, considering he got slapped by Starfire in public.

I knew I was meddling, but Barbara was my most valuable employee, and I couldn't have her lose focus because of boys. No sir. I got a business to run, and I wasn't about to let Dick Grayson ruin it.

In any case, I quickly reached the door to Barbara's office and entered after giving it a few knocks. "Hello, Barbara... I see you're working hard as usual..." I said, smiling as I sat down and saw the redhead pry her head away from the paperwork mountain on her desk.

"Well, someone has to..." Barbara jokingly said as she gave a meaningful look, to which I could only chuckle. "What can I do for you today?" She asked as she resumed working.

"You already do enough..." I said with a shrug, maintaining my smile. "I'm here to check on you and see if you need anything urgently..." I added with a sigh, causing Barbara to pause and turn to me.

"I might have to leave the planet soon..." I explained to the confused redhead. "I'll likely be away for some time... and when I come back..." I added, trailing at the end of my sentence. "Rather, if I come back, everything will be different..."

"If?" Barabar said, her frown deepening. "Is there anything out there even capable of hurting you?" She asked, sounding and looking genuinely confused as she gave me a once over.

"There's plenty... they just can't reach me..." I said with a smile as I shook my head. "But this time... I'll be the one picking a fight with them for a change..." I explained with a chuckle.

"I'm not sure I understand..." Barbara said with a sigh. "But at the very least, you can count on me to keep the company and Gotham as they are now..." She confidently added in a reassuring tone.

"I already know that... It's why I'm asking you what you need rather than giving you a long-winded speech about what I want you to do in my absence..." I replied with a chuckle.

"Well, now that you put it like that..."Barbara said, putting on a thoughtful expression as she paused. "You've pledged most of the company's profit into bettering Gotham... but there's not much we can do for the city anymore..." She added, sounding both proud and at a loss.

"Gotham is already at a point where it's almost perfect..." The redhead said as she shook her head. "But the rest of the world is still suffering... I want your permission to branch out into other countries and cities..." She concluded with a determined expression.

"If you think it's the right move, then by all means... go for it..." I replied with a careless wave. "I put you in charge of the company and rarely meddled in its management because I trust your judgment..." I went on as I stood up.

"With the resources I leave at your disposal, I'm sure you'll change the world for the better, not just Gotham..." I calmly concluded as I turned to the exit and started walking.

...

The Diamond District

The theatre

Like the rest of Gotham, the Diamond District changed radically. Instead of the gloomy concrete jungle of intertwining bridges and railroads, it was now a bright beacon of change.

The Diamond District's transformation was not only limited to its physical appearance but also extended to its cultural scene. One of the most notable changes was the emergence of a state-of-the-art theatre, which quickly became a hotspot for art enthusiasts and theatre-goers alike.

The theatre was located in the heart of the Diamond District, in a once abandoned, now renovated building. The theatre's exterior was a striking contrast to the surrounding buildings, with its sleek and modern design.

The theatre featured diverse performances, including plays, musicals, and operas. It quickly gained a reputation for its bold and daring productions that pushed the boundaries of traditional theatre. The performances were entertaining and thought-provoking, often addressing social and political issues relevant to the city.

The theatre also served as a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent to a broader audience. Many of the productions staged at the theatre were written and directed by local artists, further contributing to the cultural renaissance of the Diamond District.

As a result, the theatre became a cultural landmark, attracting visitors from across the city and beyond. It symbolized the Diamond District's transformation, a shining example of how the area had reinvented itself and became a hub for creativity and innovation.

Once, it served as a shelter for a group of homeless people, and now it was their workplace, with every one of them working as ushers, technicians, and even actors in theatre productions. The theatre's management believed in giving back to the community and providing opportunities for those who needed them the most.

The Diamond District's theatre had become a cultural and social melting pot where people from different backgrounds and walks of life could come together and experience the magic of the performing arts.

It was a place where artists and audiences could connect and inspire each other, a true reflection of the diversity and inclusivity of Gotham City.

As the theatre's popularity grew, so did the Diamond District's reputation as a cultural destination. Soon, other art galleries, museums, and performance venues opened their doors, creating a vibrant and dynamic arts scene that attracted even more visitors to the district.

The Diamond District's transformation from a gang-infected dark corner to a cultural and creative center was nothing, if not remarkable. And the theatre played a pivotal role in this transformation, providing a platform for artistic expression and serving as a catalyst for change.

"Hello, John," Grayson said in greeting as he calmly approached the man standing guard over the theatre's entrance and smiled. "Is Crush inside?" he asked once the man turned his attention to him.

"Oh... hey, boss," The man said as he turned to Grayson and returned the smile. "She's hanging out with Cass inside," He added as he stepped aside and gestured for the young man to walk past him.

"Thanks, bud," Grayson replied with a nod as he walked past the man and entered the theatre's reception hall. Once there, he noticed dozens of people running around, each heading in a different direction as they practiced their lines or shouted about their costumes.

There were many familiar faces and even more unfamiliar ones, but he didn't pay the actors and theatre workers any mind, and they didn't bother him in turn, as they grew used to seeing him in the theatre.

Grayson made his way through the crowd and into the waiting room at the back of the theatre, where he found Crush and Cassandra idly hanging out with a punch the theatre's workers who were on break.

"Morning," The young man said in greeting to get everyone's attention, and he couldn't help but smile as he watched Cassandra's expression brighten once she saw him.

He spent several minutes to the over-energetic girl and greeting the others in the waiting room before turning to Crush. "Are you ready?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked at the pale-skinned alien.

"As ready as I'll ever be..." Crush said as she emptied the beer can in her hand and stood up. "Come on, let's get this over with..." She added as she stood up and approached Grayson.

"Good, then let's not waste any time..." Grayson said as he nodded at Crush and stood up. "We better not leave your old man waiting..." He added with a chuckle as he extended his hand toward her.

"That guy is not my old man. My old man died in a fire years ago," Crush said with a scowl but still took Grayson's hand into her own. "Come on. Let's go!" She added, and the young man merely rolled his eyes as he teleported them away.

...

Lobo sat in a dimly lit corner of the alien bar, twirling a knife between his fingers. His crimson eyes scanned the room, taking in the various alien species scattered throughout the joint. He had been waiting for hours for his potential customer from Earth to arrive, and he was growing impatient.

The bar was a seedy joint located on the outskirts of the galaxy, far from any jurisdiction. It was a place where alien scum gathered to drink, gamble, and conduct shady business. Lobo was no stranger to such establishments but had grown tired of waiting.

He glanced at his wrist com, checking the time once more. His contact was already an hour late, and Lobo was beginning to wonder if the job was worth the wait. He was about to leave when two people approached him, one man and one woman.

The alien mercenary couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he looked at the woman and realized the striking resemblance they shared. It didn't take him long to recognize her.

"As I live and breathe... if it isn't my own flesh and blood..." Lobo said with a grin as he looked at Crush. "And how big ya grew up to be... looking at you is enough to tear up an old Czarnian's eye..." He mockingly added with a chuckle.

"Well, don't get used to it, old man," Crush said as she sat beside him on a bar stool, snatching one of Lobo's beers. "I just came here to get it out of my system... it's this guy you need to talk to..." She added as she gestured toward Grayson, who had already helped himself to a chair beside her.

"A chip of the old bastich, I see..." Lobo remarked, merely chuckling in amusement as he watched Crush drink his beer. "Normally, I'd stitch the eyes of whoever keeps me waiting and push them into traffic, and sometimes I do it for no reason..." He added as he turned to Grayson with narrowed eyes.

"But I'll make an exception this time since yer riding with my daughter..." The mercenary went on with a shrug. "Lay it out on the main man, kiddo..." He concluded, pausing as he waited for a reply.

"I'll get straight to the point then..." Grayson said, giving a deaf ear to Lobo's threats. "I'm gathering a team to go after the Guardians..." He added, causing the intergalactic mercenary to raise an eyebrow in confusion.

"You know the Guardians, don't you? Short, blue, oversized heads, holier than thou attitude..." Grayson jokingly explained.

"I know who the guardians are, kiddo... what I don't understand is why you'd go after them and why you thought it was a good idea in the first place..." He added with a chuckle.

"My reasons are my own... they are not imprtant," Grayson blankly replied. "What's importan is that I have a job for you, and I'm willing to pay for your services..." He added, shaking his head.

"So... are you willing to accept it?"