Lucius began to explain to me how Bethany's AI works. Thanks to my enhanced memory and intelligence, I was able to grasp the basics. The main issue, however, was that recreating the artificial intelligence was impossible without the original operating system. After all, it was made with the Mind Stone.
In other words, I cannot create an AI without the necessary code components. But I need an AI! I have a vast amount of information in my head regarding this universe. I know the critical moments in future history, and I won't be able to keep track of everything by myself.
Artificial intelligence would be a great asset in this matter. In the end, I decided to strike a deal with Batman. We returned to his office, and I began our negotiations.
"Bruce, give me Bethany's operating system, and all the connecting codes."
"We've already discussed this—no!" he remained resolute.
"Okay, let's do it this way. I will give you some extremely important information that you aren't even aware of. You've already seen that my knowledge is quite vast, and significant."
"Yes, that's what worries me…"
"Hey, we've already discussed this topic, let's not replay the same argument. My previous words about your son turned out to be true, after all. Have you talked to Talia about this yet?"
"I'm not here to judge, but eventually, we will need to decide something about this. Listen, what I want to tell you could be a huge shock, perhaps even more so than the news about your son. This news is both good and bad. Again, you would have found out about it in the future, but under dire circumstances. So, what do you think?"
"Last time, your information was worth only a million dollars."
"Don't forget that I've already returned it!" I corrected him.
"And now you're asking for technology worth $5 billion?"
"Yes, that's right! But trust me, it's worth it."
"If this information is so important, why didn't you tell me sooner? I remember you said you were going to be my friend, and now it seems you were hiding something important from me? What should I think about that?"
"You simply didn't ask. Bruce, the things in my head, you can't even imagine their quantity or significance. The thing I wanted to tell you today, you wouldn't have known for another two or three years. That's why I didn't rush to share it. I saved it for a moment . Otherwise, we wouldn't have reached an agreement! I'm not hiding my knowledge from you; I just share it when I see fit. If you ever need my help, just ask. I'll assist however I can and tell you everything I know. Just ask... But I'll still keep a few trump cards for our future talks," I added, trying to defuse the tension. "I've always been honest with you and treated you like a friend. You, however, have always seen me as a threat, as something unknown. Maybe it's time to change that?"
Bruce was silent, but his eyes showed some uncertainty. He didn't know what to make of it all. This entire time, Batman didn't understand me, didn't know where I came from, or what to expect. He kept searching for a hidden agenda in all my actions. But I don't blame him; he's always been like that.
Let him continue to doubt and be wary, as long as he doesn't show disdain for someone who truly has his back! "Okay, Alex, I'll trust you. From now on, you'll have my support, both as a mentor and as a friend. But I'll still have doubts. After all, as you said, doubt is natural, even with a friend, lover, parent, or child. People doubt because they want to understand each other better. To stop doubting means you stop being interested. You've earned my trust, but you've also earned my doubts," said the Dark Knight, nodding with resolve.
"Ha-ha, yes, doubts should always accompany trust. They're like yin and yang, complementing each other. I'm glad you finally get it... So, about the AI?"
"Oh, you really know how to pick your moments for such questions," Bruce sighed resignedly. "You ruined the atmosphere we worked so hard to build. It's almost like your whole speech was just to get the AI."
"Damn, where did I go wrong?!"
"Stop joking around. When you get your AI, spill the beans already. I'm eager to hear what you've got."
"It's going to be quite a shock, so you better brace yourself."
"I'm ready," Batman said, his expression unflinching.
"Okay then, let's start with a simple question. Bruce, what do you regret the most?"
"I have a lot of regrets…"
"I'm sure you do, but let's focus on just two: the Joker and Robin. What do you think about that?"
"Alex, why are you asking these questions?"
"They're directly relevant to what I want to say."
"The Joker, one of my biggest failures. I practically created a monster, and I still blame myself for it. And Robin... You're talking about Jason, right?"
"Yes, about the second Robin, the one who died…"
"My fault! I didn't keep an eye on him, I was late, I was weak! He died because of me! I wanted to save him, give him a better life, and I ended up taking it away," Wayne said, gritting his teeth. The weight of that night still haunted him.
"How much time has passed since his death? More than two years now?"
"Yes, two years and eight months, to be exact. Reath, what is this all about?"
"Just this: Jason Todd is... Alive!"
The final word exploded in the air. Batman's eyes went wide with shock and disbelief. But he quickly regained his composure.
"Alex, are you kidding me right now? I held Jason's dead body in my arms. And you're telling me he's been alive all this time, and I should believe you?"
"My words are very easy to verify. Dig up his grave and see what's in the coffin instead of the body."
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