Chapter 78 (edited)

When Kara came downstairs to the hospital with Jennifer in her arms, a sleek black armored combat vehicle was parked outside on the street. It resembled the Batmobile, which had been used previously against the Shadow Warrior Alliance. However, Bruce had recently been developing a new type of tank. Perhaps this was it. Rumors suggested it housed a motorcycle within, allowing for quick escapes when the tank sustained critical damage. 

Kara also had her own combat vehicle, but hers was silver-gray. It was no coincidence that her battle suit and equipment had also been changed to match this color—an unsolicited decision made by a certain stubborn man. Though Kara hadn't minded the change, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of annoyance at the presumptuousness. 

The vehicle's doors opened automatically as Kara and Jennifer approached. One opened for the co-pilot seat, the other for the rear. Jennifer, however, wasted no time grabbing the co-pilot's door, slamming it shut, and following Kara to the back seat. Kara simply shrugged; it made it easier for her to protect Jennifer this way.

Bruce's voice came through the modified communicator, gruff and altered by the voice changer. "Has the bomb been defused?"

Kara tossed the package onto the co-pilot seat. "See for yourself."

Bruce hesitated, not expecting her to bring the entire set of bombs out, much less throw them at him. Opening the package, he was relieved to see the explosives frozen solid. Though he had no idea how she managed to freeze them, at least they weren't an immediate threat.

"Are you sure Wayne Manor is safe?" Bruce asked, maintaining the guise that he wasn't himself but merely a concerned ally.

Jennifer, arms crossed and unimpressed, scoffed. "Drop the act. I know everything, Bruce."

Bruce turned to Kara, silently questioning her. 

Kara, removing her hood, answered before he could speak. "Even Rachel knows. And Joker—that lunatic—figured out who we are because of your history. What did you even do before this? Take her dancing?"

Though partially jesting, Kara's tone betrayed her frustration. She had trusted Bruce to protect their shared secret, and now it had been exposed.

Bruce faltered, his voice softening. "Joker threatened Rachel's life. He almost threw her off a building. I may have slipped up then. But how did he figure you out?"

"Bruce, Joker isn't stupid. Sure, he's a lunatic, but his IQ is likely higher than both of ours combined," Kara replied, her voice steady but annoyed. "Once he figured you out, Rachel was obviously not Oracle, which meant the person aiding you had to be someone strong enough to hold their own. With a bit of digging, he realized it was me. It wasn't exactly a secret that I've traveled the world, though I didn't think it'd matter."

Kara recounted Joker's reasoning with begrudging respect for his intellect. He was dangerous, not because of brute strength, but because of his capacity to connect even the most obscure details.

Despite her powers, Kara wasn't invulnerable. She feared for her friends and family—those who weren't invincible like her. 

Bruce, sensing her unease, started the vehicle without another word, heading toward Wayne Manor. The atmosphere inside the car was tense. Jennifer sat silently, Kara brooded, and Bruce struggled to break the ice but failed each time he tried to speak. For perhaps the first time, Bruce Wayne felt utterly tongue-tied.

When they arrived at Wayne Manor, dawn was breaking. Kara asked Bruce about the bombs, to which he replied, "Alfred can handle them." 

Only then did Kara remember just how capable Alfred was. The man wasn't just a butler—he was a strategist, technician, and confidant. 

The bombs, still frozen, weren't an immediate concern. Alfred, however, was more focused on Jennifer. He hovered around her with concern. "Miss Jennifer, were you frightened? Should I call the family doctor? Is the child—"

"Alfred," Bruce interrupted, exasperated, "the fetus isn't even fully developed yet. Relax." He began removing his equipment, leaving Alfred to redirect his focus.

Jennifer blushed slightly, uncomfortable with such attention being given to her and her unborn child. Meanwhile, Alfred took note of her discomfort but continued fussing over her welfare. 

Bruce rolled his eyes. "Alfred, maybe move the Batmobile to the Batcave before someone gets suspicious? Parking it outside isn't exactly subtle. Also, Jennifer, is there anything you'd like to eat?"

Alfred's concern amused Kara. In the past, Alfred had subtly tried to play matchmaker between her and Bruce. But now, seeing Jennifer, he had seemingly abandoned that idea entirely. Instead, he seemed to view Jennifer as the future of the Wayne family.

Jennifer, however, wasn't so sure. She had initially planned to leave after being discharged from the hospital, considering ending her pregnancy altogether. Learning Bruce's identity had complicated those plans. Her emotions were in turmoil, her glances at Bruce tinged with a mix of resentment and doubt.

During breakfast, Alfred prepared an elaborate spread for Jennifer, while Bruce was served a humble plate of toast, eggs, and bacon. Kara, noticing the difference, took a seat beside Jennifer and began sharing from her plate. Jennifer sighed, overwhelmed by Alfred's enthusiasm. She hadn't come here to play the role of hostess, and she had already let go of her feelings for Bruce—or so she thought.

Jennifer glanced at Bruce, quickly looking away before he could notice. Her attention shifted to Kara. "So, what now? Do you really think that lunatic will keep his word?"

Kara sighed. "We can only hope." 

Bruce finally seized the opportunity to join the conversation. "Kara, you don't really think Joker's game is just about our identities, do you? It's not that simple."

Kara's expression darkened. "No, it's never that simple with him."