Early Days Arc: First Sequence

Damian sits in Wayne Manor, looking out a window. Alfred approaches him

Alfred: Impatient for the new members of the household to arrive, Master Damian?

Damian: >TT< New members...Father was way too generous in hiring that wannabe hero and giving him false hope of being trained.

Alfred: Your father sees much potential in young Doctor Kane; he just wants the lad to prove himself another way first.

Damian: This past week this house has been swamped with boxes of their stuff, and they aren't even here yet.

Alfred: It's a good few hours by car from New York City to here; they should be here soon.

Damian: And why did Father let Kane bring his wimp of a brother?

Alfred: The two have a deep bond. Master Sam was without his brother in his life for so long, I think it's best the two continue being together.

Damian: It's a waste of space if you ask me.

Alfred: Come now, Master Damian; you might end up befriending the boy.

Alfred walks away.

Damian: Damn wimp needs to learn his place first....

Joseph and Sam are driving through Gotham on their way to Wayne Manor. Sam is sleeping in the front seat of the expensive car as Joseph drives; Barkley sleeps in the back seat. Joseph nudges Sam awake.

Joseph: Hey, kiddo….

Sam: (rubbing his eyes) Huh?

Joseph: Take your first look at Gotham.

Sam stares out the window at the buildings; and looks at them with horror. Joseph notices. So does Barkley, who crawls his way up front enough to nuzzle Sam.

Joseph: Something wrong, Sammy?

Sam: (narrating) The buildings are creepy; all spikey and gloomy and dark. There's no light; not like back home. Back home, or at least in Manhattan, all the big buildings shined. Here, they seem to absorb light. It's creepy; I don't like it. (speaks) Nothing.

Joseph: Sam; I know the move was going to be rough. I mean, Bruce had to really convince Dad for you to move with me; not to mention you have to get used to a new place, new people….

Sam: A psychopathic boy who's older than me, twice my size, and stronger than me who hates my guts…and who will be living down the hall from me….

Joseph: You can deal with him; and if he lays a finger on you….

Sam: (hopefully) You'll beat him up?

Joseph: No, I'll have his dad do it. Ah, here's our exit; I think the city will look better once we enter the Palisades and the Bristol Hills area.

Soon, Joseph's car is driving through the verdant area known as Bristol Hills.

Joseph: Doesn't Gotham look better from up here?

Sam: Yeah, not so scary.

Joseph shoots him a knowing look.

Sam: How much further to Wayne Manor?

Joseph: At the top of the hill; we're almost there.

Joseph starts driving up the driveway and Sam's mouth drops in awe.

Sam: Joey; it's a castle!

Joseph: I think they remodeled it from the original building; but yeah…cool huh? Bruce told me your room is going to be in one of the turrets.

Sam: What about you?

Joseph: I'll be in the room next to yours.

Sam: Okay.

Joseph and Sam drive up to the front door; where Bruce, Alfred and Damian are waiting. Joseph and Sam get out of the car; followed by Barkley who shakes himself to loosen himself up from the long ride.

Bruce: Joseph, Sam; welcome to your new home.

Joseph: Bruce, you didn't have to do this for us. The job at WayneTech alone....

Bruce: (turning serious) After what happened in New York; I want to keep an eye on you. Not just if your powers flare up again; but so I can see if I can eventually trust you enough to be trained.

Joseph: Ah.

Bruce: And you can start by handing over what is in the hidden panel in your trunk.

Joseph: You could tell?

Bruce: Your rear axle looked like it was working overtime.

Joseph nods; he goes and opens the trunk. He removes what luggage he and Sam have in the trunk and then opens up a hidden compartment. He takes out three sealed boxes.

Joseph: (pointing out the boxes) Armor, Gear, Gun.

Bruce: (eyes narrowing) I told you that you could not fight crime here until I gave permission.

Joseph: Excuse me for feeling sentimental. Now, I surrender them to your care. (grabs the suitcases) Now, where to?

Alfred: Follow me Master Joseph, Master Sam.

Sam is being stared at by Damian and is not feeling comfortable.

Joseph: (off panel) Sam!

Sam: Coming.

Sam rushes past Damian, who smirks at him. Sam is then engulfed by the main hall. Titus runs over to Barkley; after a tentative "greeting", the two dogs seem to get along very well. He falls behind Joseph as Bruce and Alfred gives them the start of the grand tour.

Bruce: You made good time getting here.

Joseph: Well we did take bathroom breaks and stopped for lunch at that burger place in New Haven by Yale.

Sam: It was so good.

Damian: It will make you so fat.

Sam: Shut up.

Bruce and Joseph shoot the boys looks and continue. Damian follows after them; Barkley has to prod Sam with his head to keep him moving.

Bruce: Your bedrooms are in the same wing as Damian's, as well as Dick's and Tim's when they stay here. Sam; you have the room in the turret. Dick volunteered to paint it for you to help you feel comfortable. Joseph, you have the room….

Joseph: Next door; you told me this on the phone.

Joseph opens the door to his room and drops his stuff off before handing Sam his belongings; he then goes in to take a look around. A peek at the room shows a big bed, a desk with everything Joseph needs, bookshelves, a fireplace, etc. Sam enters his room. The walls are painted blue; with the cityscapes of New York City and Gotham painted on in gold and black respectively. The posters, etc, that hung in Sam's room in Brooklyn now hang here too. There is also a big bed, a desk the perfect size for Sam, and a fireplace as well. Several of Sam's stuffed animals sit on the bed. However, when he picks up one; the head falls off.

Alfred: Oh dear; this one must have been damaged when it was shipped up. I'll fix it for you, Master Sam.

Sam: Thank you, Mr. Pennyworth.

Alfred: Call me Alfred, young sir. I'll be back in a few minutes.

As Alfred leaves; Sam sees Damian in the doorway. Damian puts on an evil smile and makes a gesture at Sam before leaving. Sam sits on the bed and wraps his arms around his legs. Barkley joins him on the bed and nuzzles his younger master.

Bruce: (off panel) Scared?

Sam, startled, looks up. Bruce is standing in the doorway.

Sam: A little…okay, a lot.

Bruce: I understand from your brother that the move has been harder on you than expected.

Sam: (lying) I don't mind.

Bruce: I think you do; and I'll talk to Damian about what he did to your belongings. I promise you this, Sam; no harm will come to you or your brother while you two live under this roof.

Sam: Thanks, Mr. Wayne.

Bruce nods.

Bruce: (shouting out the door) Joseph; I need to show you your duties outside of WayneTech.

A few moments later….

Joseph: Wow; I've dreamed about this place for years. And here I am; the Batcave! Batmobile over there, Batwing over there…didn't picture the giant penny and the robot T-Rex though.

Bruce: Over here; and don't look at the next ledge.

Joseph: Why? (looks, beat) What is my stuff from my now SEALED lab doing down there?

Bruce: I had it brought here in case your parents decide to rent your house while you're gone for safety reasons. Also, while it is all in my possession; it will keep you focused on the task at hand instead of worrying about your equipment moldering in your base. It will be kept for you until….

Joseph: I earn training from you to your exacting standards, and from there become a hero that is allowed to operate in Gotham.

Bruce: Anywhere.

Joseph: Please tell me whoever brought you this sealed whatever exit they used.

Bruce: Yes; and I made them use the exit hidden in Prospect Park.

Joseph: Fine. Now what do you want me to do.

Bruce: Stand there.

Bruce activates the computer; Joseph reacts to the holographic system around him.

Bruce: I want you to gather intel for me, to hack into devices should I need you to. Alfred can assist you if need be; and I'd like you to help him in any medical emergency if he requires it. Also, to keep your mind sharp; I'd like you to design equipment every once in a while. Can you do all that?

Joseph: Yes, sir!

Bruce: Good. We'll have to figure out a codename for you eventually. Now, let's get you and your brother more settled in.

Later that night, the Waynes and Kanes are finishing dinner.

Joseph: Alfred, this was delicious.

Sam: Yeah! Thanks.

Alfred: I should hope so, Master Sam; I don't think I've ever seen a boy your size eat that much.

Damian: Yeah, but he'll be fat before long.

Sam: Shut up.

Damian: Make me, you little....

Bruce: Damian! These two are living here now, and you are to treat them with respect.

Damian: But....

Bruce: Apologize.

Damian: ...sorry, Sam.

Sam: Apology accepted, Damian.

Bruce: Joseph, I want you to start your duties tonight.

Joseph: Bruce, I have that meeting with....

Bruce: Not for the entire night; just to get used to your duties.

Damian: I'll get ready, Father.

Bruce: No, you will remain here and get to know Sam.

Damian/Sam: WHAT?!

Bruce: Final orders. Alfred, watch them.

Alfred: Will do, sir; with Master Joseph taking part of my duties down in the Cave, it frees me up a little to make sure they get along.

Sam: *scared* I think it will be fun.

Damian: Oh, it will be....

Later that night, Batman drives through the city. He activates the car's comm.

Batman: Contact Cave.

In the Batcave, Joseph is getting used to the interface while also reading files. He's wearing glasses to rest his eyes, his suit jacket is draped over the chair.

Joseph: So there IS a Freudian implication about Penguin's umbrellas. *sees the incoming communication* Operator here, how can I help you?

In the car, Batman smirks a bit

Batman: You know you've basically chosen your codename, right?

Joseph: *over comm* Damn it, I wanted a clever name! Anyways, what do you need?

Batman: I need you to scan for crimes.

Joseph: *on comm* One sec, still not totally used to this interface; I might need to make it more efficient.

Batman: It is quite efficient....

Joseph: *on comm* Just be glad I'm not changing the desktop setting to "Coral". Ah...there seems to be a robbery at the Jewelery Exchange on Third and Kane....

Batman: Any relation?

Joseph: Doubt it; my family's name was Anglicized from Kahn when they immigrated here.

Batman: On my way. You get some rest; you can learn more tomorrow.

Joseph: Yes sir. ...Operator, out.

Batman cuts the connection.

Batman: *narrating* This might actually work out better than I thought.

Batman arrives at the Jewelery Exchange and hides in the shadows to observe.

Batman: *narrating* Scarface...don't know how he and the Ventriloquist got out of Arkham, or how they get a gang together so quickly. But they are starting off quite boldly.

Scarface: Move it, you dummies. I'm too fresh out of the clink to ge stopped gy Gatman.

Thug 1: Heh, he can't say the letter B.

The thug is riddled with bullets by Scarface's tiny tommy gun.

Ventriloquist: Mr. Scarface, we shouldn't hurt the help.

Scarface: Dummy made fun of my speech impediment. No one does that.

Ventriloquist: Of course not, Mr. Scarface.

Scarface: Help me out then, Dummy! I want that necklace with the diamonds, opals and geryls.

Ventriloquist: That's a really nice piece, Mr. Scarface.

Scarface: Yes it is. I heard this place was showing it on display and I had to have it along with the other stuff, get it. Use the crowbar.

The Ventriloquist grabs the crowbar, only to have it knocked out of his hand by a Batarang. Batman leaps down and starts fighting the thugs.

Scarface: Gatman!? Get him you dummies!

Batman proceeds to dash out of the way as Scarface opens fire. His men soon follow suit. Batman throws out a few batarangs to knock the guns out of the thugs' hands and proceeds to fight them.

Batman: *narrating* I have to finish them off quickly before Wesker runs off with his "boss".

Batman delivers a right hook to one goon, an uppercut to another, a kick to the solar plexus to a third and so on.

Scarface: Let's go, Dummy!

Ventriloquist: Yes sir, Mr. Scarface.

The pudgy old man starts to run, but Batman wraps him up in a bola; making him drop Scarface who crashes through a window.

Scarface: I hate that Gatman so much!

He lands on the sidewalk, all askew. Batman sees this and activates his comm.

Batman: Alfred?

Alfred: Yes sir?

Batman: I'm moving on with the patrol.

Alfred: *over comm* Very good sir. I should note that Master Damian is not playing fair with Master Sam. Master Joseph is calming his brother down, but you should have a talk with Damian later.

Batman: I will. Batman, out.

The next morning, Sam wakes up with Barkley on his bed.

Sam: Hey, Barks, wake up.

Barkley: *sleepily* Woof...

Sam: Yeah, I'm hungry too. Barkley...I don't know if I like this place.

Barkley nuzzles him

Sam: Damian scares me...a lot. But I'll be brave, for Joey if not for me. Come on, let's get food.

He and Barkley head down into the kitchen for breakfast. Alfred is washing the dishes, but has a plate already on the table for Sam; it's the only one on the table. Barkley heads to his food and water bowls, which is on a platform with his name on it. Sam sits down and starts eating, Alfred turns.

Alfred: Morning, Master Sam.

Sam: (yawning) Morning, Mr. Pennyworth.

Alfred: Do call me Alfred, sir.

Sam: Sorry, Mister…Alfred.

Alfred: No need, Master Sam. Did you sleep well?

Sam: Kinda…I'm still getting used to living far from home.

Alfred: I hope your room was comfortable.

Sam: It is. Thanks, Alfred.

Bruce enters.

Sam: Morning Mister…Bruce. Do you know where my brother is?

Bruce: He had to go to Wayne Enterprises to fill out some paperwork before he can start working officially there in a few days. He'll be back in the afternoon.

Sam: And Damian?

Bruce: He's in the gym training; you're the last one to get up.

Sam: (breathing a sigh of relief) Good.

Bruce: Good?

Sam: (catching himself) I mean good that he's training; Robin should be in peak condition right?

Bruce sits down next to Sam.

Bruce: Look, I know Damian can be…intense; but when you earn his trust he'll be a good friend.

Sam: How can I do that?

Bruce: Honestly, I don't know. I'll try to think of something you two can do to build up a friendship, with your brother's permission of course.

Sam still looks a little uncertain. Alfred and Bruce both see this, but Alfred speaks first.

Alfred: I understand, Master Sam, that you are somewhat of a bibliophile.

Sam: Huh?

Bruce: He means you like to read.

Sam: Yeah, I guess.

Bruce: Why don't you check the library out and find a book you'll want to read?

Sam: Sure. (shovels down the last of his breakfast) Come on, Barkley.

Sam and Barkley leave after Sam hands his dishes to Alfred.

Alfred: Are you sure you want to put Damian and our younger guest into a mutual activity?

Bruce: No, but it might be for the best, for both of them.

They don't see that Damian has been overhearing this. We cut to Sam and Barkley in the library.

Sam: Look at all these books; this could be two branches of the Brooklyn Public Library. Now, let's see…Scarlet Pimpernel?

Barkley growls.

Sam: Yeah; kinda stupid reading a book about someone with a secret identity now isn't it? King Solomon's Mines?

Barkley gives a non-committal bark

Sam: Yeah, kinda a heavy book to start the summer off with…Oh look, Treasure Island! Haven't read that in a while. And it's a first edition! How about this one?

Barkley woofs and wags his tail.

Sam: Okay, I saw a window-seat in the main hall that's a perfect spot to read.

Meanwhile, Joseph is in his meeting with Lucius Fox.

Lucius: You do come with glowing reviews from Bruce, and your track record in research and development, not to mention your reputation, is stellar. For a young man your age, you are quite accomplished.

Joseph: Thank you, Mr. Fox.

Lucius: Please, call me Lucius; we're going to be working together enough for us to at least be on a first name basis. Though I must ask, why move from your family's company to WayneTech. I know Bruce is being extremely generous, but I want your rational.

Joseph: *narrating* Bruce told me that Lucius has probably put 2 and 2 together and knows his secret. Doesn't mean I can say it overtly. Plus the truth is kinda complex. *speaks* My family's company has become too...stifling. It's hard to get a fair opinion when your superiors are family; they either love it or hate it immensely. Not to mention WayneTech is on the cutting edge of almost everything, and I'd prefer to be part of the next new thing. Not to mention, being stuck in a family company is stifling; I just want to spread my wings and become my own man. With Bruce as a mentor, and you as well, I think I can do that. *narrating* Wow, that was easier to do than I thought.

Lucius: Of course, I think your skills will be of great use

Joseph: *narrating* Damn it, he got the subtext

Lucius: I want you to start in a couple days.

Joseph: I can start now.

Lucius: Don't be over eager; you're young and should relax a bit. And you need time to settle in. Now, shall we start with the grand tour? I think the items we're making for Batman Inc will prove interesting to you.

Joseph: *narrating* I like this guy already.

Meanwhile, in Wayne Manor, Sam is reading the book on the windowseat, Barkley's head in his lap. They don't notice Damian standing nearby until he makes a noise that startles them.

Damian: What are you doing, Kane?

Sam: Reading.

Damian: What?

Sam: Treasure Island, your dad let me borrow it from his library.

Damian: Give it to me.

Sam: No, I'm reading it.

Damian: I don't like you, Kane. Your brother has a skill my father can use, and my father, for some sentimental reason, allowed you to come along. Give me the book.

Sam: Go away, Damian. Besides, your dad said to make myself feel at home here. I'm allowed to read this book.

Damian: I wasn't asking, (takes out a katana that was hidden behind his back) I was telling.

Sam: (nervous) Your dad said that we'd come to no harm while we were here….

Damian: He said it, I didn't. You and your brother are living here out of my father's generosity. You are nothing but a coward, a weakling. Look at how scared you are. You can't even defend yourself. You're prey.

Damian lunges at the book and a tug of war ensues. Barkley even pulls on Damian's shirt in an effort to make him let go. In the end, Damian, being stronger, manages to grab the book from the hands of the much smaller boy. He then punches Sam in the face. Sam falls to the ground; when he stands up, he and Damian see he has a nasty gash on his forehead from the fall and a possible black eye. Sam stares in shock at the blood on his fingers. Damian goes pale.

Damian: I…I was only trying to scare you, not hurt you. I'm….

Sam: (rushing Damian) you bullying son of a bitch!

Sam attacks Damian, and the two begin fighting. Barkley begins barking for help. Eventually, the two are pulled apart by a very angry Bruce. Sam is crying due to pain and fear, Damian just looks sullen. Alfred comes up behind Bruce.

Bruce: Alfred, take Sam and get him cleaned up. Damian, you and I need a talk.

Alfred: Very well. (Taking Sam) Come along, Master Sam; I'll see to your cut.

Alfred helps a still crying Sam out of the hallway. Bruce in the meanwhile turns his attention to Damian.

Bruce: That boy and his brother are guests of this house. You know better than to terrify or harm them.

Damian: I understand why you need Kane's help; I don't understand why you let him bring his sniveling twerp of a brother.

Bruce: I let him bring Sam for your sake.

Damian: Mine?

Bruce: You could use someone you can talk to that knows the big secret; someone you can teach, someone you can hang around with. Instead you bully and harm a boy who did nothing to you.

Damian: He was insulting to me in New York.

Bruce: That was after you first insulted him and his brother. I am very disappointed in your behavior right now, Damian.

Damian: I'm sorry, Father.

Bruce: I am not the one you should be apologizing to. You should first apologize to Sam, and then to his brother.

Damian: Why should I apologize to this weakling who can barely fight?

Bruce: You instigated the fight. (thinks) I think I know what you could do to make amends. You are to teach Sam how to fight, help him get strong.

Damian: What?

Bruce: You'll do it or else. Besides, it might help you two find common ground.

Damian: I'd rather have him shed his naivety.

Cut to later in the Cave

Joseph: YOU ARE HAVING HIM DO WHAT?!

Batman: I'm having him train your brother in a way for them to bond.

Joseph: Bruce, right now it's taking all of my considerable self control to not strangle your son for what he did! And you want him to teach my baby brother how to fight?

Batman: Think about it like this, Joseph. Perhaps some of your brother's good manners will rub off onto Damian. Plus you were saying that Sam was shy; this might help boost his confidence. And didn't you accept Damian's apology?

Joseph: I did, but….

Batman: Then it's settled.

Joseph: At least oversee the training or have Dick do so; just for his safety.

Robin walks up to him

Robin: I just wanted to scare your brother, not hurt him. I'll try not to break his bones when I train him.

Joseph: Thanks…I think.

Batman and Robin head to the Batmobile as Joseph sits at the Bat-Computer. Sam comes up to him.

Sam: You're not mad, are you Joey?

Joseph: I am, but I'll get over it. Now let me take a look.

Joseph examines Sam.

Joseph: Alfred did a wonderful stitches job; and you are going to have a beauty of a shiner tomorrow.

Sam: So, it's okay if Damian trains me?

Joseph: I'd prefer if Bruce, Dick or myself was there to supervise or train you; but its fine with me. Now, let's see if we can help the Dynamic Duo take down some bad guys.