Flipping Through the Pages
Copyright© 2026 by Dragonpig
Chapter 16
Later that evening, Batman and Ultimate Bruce Wayne made their way back to Wayne Manor and descended into the Batcave. As they sat near the massive Batcomputer, Ultimate Bruce Wayne broke the comfortable silence.
“So, that last guy was different,” Ultimate Bruce Wayne observed.
“Yes,” Batman replied thoughtfully, removing his cowl and running his fingers through his graying hair. “Of all the candidates we interviewed, I think he would be the perfect replacement for me. He has the right attitude, the proper heroic demeanor, and traditional crime-fighting values. I feel like he would be the ideal candidate.”
“Yeah, but...” Ultimate Bruce Wayne hesitated. “Didn’t he look sort of ... cartoonish? And a little flat?”
Batman waved dismissively. “Well, you know, nobody can be perfect, old chum. His demeanor was excellent—I’d just have to brush him up a little bit, but he’s pretty much what Gotham needs!”
“Batman,” Ultimate Bruce Wayne said carefully, “he actually was a cartoon.”
Batman blinked. “Well, everyone can’t be perfect, but—”
“No, I mean he was literally two-dimensional. Do you think Gotham can really have a cartoon hero? I mean, don’t you think that might be a liability? What if he meets somebody, I don’t know, named the eraser or something? Maybe we should reconsider.”
Batman thought about this for a long moment, his expression growing more troubled. “You probably have a point there, chum. It could present some rather unique challenges for effective crime-fighting in our three-dimensional city.”
He sighed deeply. “Well, back to the job board, I suppose...”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne asked with a thoughtful expression, “I’ve got a question about Stevie.”
“What about him?”
“He’s a fine young man,” Batman replied earnestly. “Why do you ask?”
“Yeah, all that’s great. But you said he’s always dependable, always able to deliver your food on time, no matter where you are, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct. His timing is absolutely impeccable!”
“Well, isn’t that pretty much what a hero is? Someone who’s there to save the day and always arrives on time?”
Batman blinked thoughtfully. “Of course! But what are you getting at, chum?”
“So why can’t Stevie be your replacement?”
Batman looked surprised. “Well, he’s a fine young man and all that, but he doesn’t have the training—”
“Yeah, but he could learn! How about this—let’s put him to the test. How about you call him up, tell him you’d like supper, and hang up before you give him the address? Let’s see if he can make it here anyway.”
Batman considered this. “Sure thing, old chum. This should be quite interesting!”
Batman picked up the Bat-phone and dialed. “Hello, Stevie? Batman here. I’d like to order supper for myself and my friend—” Before he could give the address, he hung up deliberately.
They sat there and waited. “I wonder what he’ll do,” Batman mused.
Suddenly, they heard a noise from above, and the next thing they knew, Stevie came sliding down the Bat-poles with a delivery bag in hand!
“Hi Batman! Hi Batman’s friend! I have your food! Mom threw in her favorite pie because she wants to thank you for everything you’ve done for Gotham. There’s enough for both of you!”
Batman looked absolutely astonished. “Stevie, my boy ... how did you find us?”
Ultimate Bruce Wayne walked up and took the bag. “Thank you, young man.”
Stevie looked around at everything in wonder. “Wow, Batman! This is so cool! So this is where you live?”
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