Unbiased #55

Listening to Bruce's words, I struggled to contain the grin threatening to split my face in half. It was like watching a master chess player reveal his moves one by one. 

Sure, I knew about his detective skills from reading the comics, but witnessing it in person was a whole new level of awe-inspiring.

Since my first encounter with Superman in this world, I'd managed to keep my inner fanboy in check. But right now, as Bruce laid out his deductions, it took all my acting skills to maintain a facade of calm. 

What self-respecting comics fan wouldn't geek out over being analyzed by the one and only Dark Knight?

I had to hand it to him. The resources it must have taken to keep tabs on me was one thing. However, Bruce's ability to connect the dots, from the trivial detail of me arriving without shoes to my banter with Hal Jordan, was both impressive and downright terrifying. 

This was Batman we were talking about – the world's greatest detective and one of the sharpest minds around.

"And it doesn't bother you?" I asked, my intrigue bubbling over. "The fact that we might just be characters in someone else's story?" I added, unable to resist poking the bear of existentialism.

"Not in the slightest," Bruce replied, his voice steady as ever. "In a universe as vast as ours, it wouldn't be surprising if there were worlds where we all exist as nothing more than literary creations," he mused, his tone thoughtful.

"Even if that were the case, it wouldn't change a thing for me. My purpose remains unchanged – to uphold justice and do what's right," Bruce concluded, his conviction unwavering.

I couldn't help but nod in agreement. Those words resonated with me deeply. The notion had crossed my mind once or twice since landing in this topsy-turvy world. 

What if I was just a figment of someone's imagination? What if my entire existence was nothing more than ink on a page or pixels on a screen? But dwelling on such thoughts was as pointless as trying to herd cats.

The truth was, it didn't matter. Whether real or fictional, my purpose remained the same: to make the most of every moment, to seize every opportunity, and to enjoy the wild ride that life – or fiction – threw my way.

As long as I was having fun, the rest was just background noise.

My laughter echoed through the Batcave, drawing quizzical glances from both Alfred and Bruce. "Sorry, guys, but this is just too surreal," I managed between chuckles. "It's like stepping into a dream, but one that's a perfect match for reality."

The genuine joy bubbling inside me refused to be contained as I continued, "I mean, come on, it's like I'm a kid all over!" I grinned, feeling the thrill of the moment coursing through me.

Alfred's amusement was evident in the crinkle of his eyes as he quipped, "So, I gather you were quite the fan of Master Bruce in your previous world?"

I couldn't help but nod enthusiastically. "Absolutely, a huge fan of both of you," I admitted, not bothering to keep up the act. 

"Oh? Could it be that I was also included in these works of fiction from your world?" Alfred asked, sounding genuinely intrigued. 

"Not only were you just included, but you were a fan favorite! Some folks even preferred you over your employer and all the Robins—no offense, Bruce," I added with a playful wink in his direction.

Alfred's chuckle resonated through the Batcave, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, it seems the people of your world have quite the refined taste," he remarked, nodding with satisfaction. His curiosity was evident, but Bruce's timely interruption shifted the focus back to the matter at hand.

"Now that that's settled, let's get to the crux of why you're here," Bruce announced, his tone sobering, and I mirrored his serious expression, eager to hear his proposal. "To put it simply, I want to assist you in your endeavors," he stated calmly, his gaze steady.

Perplexed, I raised an eyebrow. "And what, pray tell, are my endeavors?" I inquired, genuinely intrigued by his offer.

Bruce remained composed. "The rehabilitation of criminals like Livewire and Mr. Freeze," he replied matter-of-factly.

I let out a sigh at his assumption. "Is that what you think I'm up to?" I questioned, meeting his gaze head-on, and he merely crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Wel... I can't say it didn't cross my mind. But it's easier said than done, you know?" I admitted with a sigh.

"Livewire's case was a case of the stars aligning, and Mr. Freeze could easily redeem himself in society's eyes with his medical expertise. But not everyone is as receptive as them or eager to change their ways," I explained, voicing my reservations.

Bruce's smile widened at my candor. "Are you saying it's an impossible task?" he inquired, the challenge clear in his tone.

I shook my head. "Not impossible, but nearly so. The resources and time needed to expand these efforts beyond two cases is not something I have," I confessed.

Bruce's smile remained unwavering. "And what if I were to provide the necessary resources and facilities?" he proposed, his offer hanging in the air.

I furrowed my brow at Bruce's proposal. "What exactly are you getting at?" I inquired, a hint of skepticism creeping into my voice.

"A fully functional rehab center, complete with all the necessary licenses and legal requirements," he explained calmly. "Under your guidance, you'll have the freedom to handpick the psychologists if you want."

I couldn't help but let out a chuckle at his suggestion. "So, another nuthouse?" I quipped, shaking my head at the thought. "You know as well as I do that mere shrinks can't cure the kind of crazy some of these folks have..."

"But you can, can't you? Most super-criminals are driven by obsession," Bruce countered. "You've cracked the codes of Livewire and Mr. Freeze, offering alternatives that don't involve breaking the law."

"Just keep doing what you've been doing... and as for me, I'll grease the wheels to ensure any reformed baddies get a second chance," he concluded, his resolve shining through in his words.

"I'll set it up so individuals like Mr. Freeze can work even while they're behind bars, giving them a chance to earn their freedom. You know what that means, right?" Bruce's confidence rang through his words, his eyes piercing.

Once again, I found myself taken aback. "You do realize I've gone through all this trouble to reform Mr. Freeze and Livewire just to capitalize on their talents and line my pockets?" I blurted out, my frustration clear.

Bruce remained composed. "Even so, if they're out of the criminal game and living honest lives, it's more than anyone else, including the League and myself, could do for them," he reasoned.

"At the end of the day, people rely on each other. It's not necessarily a bad thing. If you lend a hand and receive assistance in return, who's to say it's wrong?" he mused.

"I suppose that's just how society rolls," I admitted with a nod. "But why come to me with this? Why not take on the task yourself?" I questioned, genuinely curious.

"While I might have a deep understanding of Gotham's criminals, I could never reach them as effectively as you could," Bruce expressed, a hint of frustration coloring his tone. "It's theoretically possible, but practically unfeasible. I've been locked in battle with them for too long. They'd never accept my help, no matter how many times I offer it," he lamented.

"I've made attempts to reform them before, but over time, I've developed a sort of bias against them that would hinder any genuine connection," Bruce continued. "But you... you possess a deep understanding of their motives and personalities with none of the prejudice..."

"I can see it in the way you handled Harley Quinn and the Riddler," Bruce stated, his voice unwavering. "You didn't show an ounce of fear, disgust, or judment toward them toward them. You simplu showed interest in them and they reciprocated... they sensed your sincerity," he explained.

"You, an outsider with no biases against these criminals, are the ideal candidate for the job," he concluded, his gaze steady and resolute.

"Do you even realize the amount of trust you're putting in me?" I questioned, torn between amusement and concern. "Have you thought about the consequences if I decide I no longer want to cooperate?" I pressed further.

"I have," Bruce responded firmly. "But ultimately, this is the only path I see to break the ceaseless cycle of conflict between heroes and villains," he declared. "If you prove to be untrustworthy, then I'll have to shoulder the responsibility and stop you myself," he concluded, his resolve unwavering.