The news about Sovereign's capture of Black Mask and his arms dealers hit the media the next morning.
Gotham Gazette: "New Vigilante 'Sovereign' Takes Down Major Arms Deal"
The article included quotes from GCPD. Commissioner Gordon was carefully neutral. "We appreciate assistance from concerned citizens, but vigilante activity remains illegal. That said, the apprehension of Roman Sionis is a significant victory for public safety."
The article also noted that Batman had been present at the scene. Speculation ran wild about whether the two vigilantes had worked together or confronted each other.
James read the coverage from his factory with satisfaction. His public identity as Sovereign was established. He was being discussed seriously, not dismissed as a copycat or amateur.
Over the next week, he continued operations. Stopped crimes. Saved lives. Built his reputation.
But he also focused on his other identity. James Carter the businessman needed development too.
He'd been invited to several high-society events after the Wayne Gala. Charity fundraisers. Business networking dinners. Gallery openings. The kind of events where Gotham's elite mingled and made deals.
James attended three of them over the next ten days. Each one was an opportunity to build connections. To establish himself as a legitimate member of Gotham's upper class.
At a fundraiser for Gotham Children's Hospital, he met Lucius Fox. Wayne Enterprises' technology division head was exactly as James remembered from the comics. Brilliant. Perceptive. Kind.
They talked about technology trends. James carefully demonstrated knowledge that was advanced but not suspiciously so. Showed he understood engineering and systems design.
"You have interesting insights," Lucius said. "Most investors only understand the business side. You actually understand the tech."
"I like to know what I'm investing in. Hard to evaluate a company if you don't understand what they're building."
"Wise approach. If you're ever looking for work, Wayne Enterprises is always interested in talented people."
James smiled. "I appreciate that. Right now I'm enjoying the independence. But I'll keep it in mind."
At a gallery opening, he encountered Barbara Gordon again. She'd grown since their first meeting over a year ago. Nineteen now. A sophomore at Gotham University studying library science and criminology.
"James! I haven't seen you in forever," she said, genuinely pleased.
"Been busy. Investing. Building businesses. You know how it is."
"I really don't," she laughed. "I'm still eating ramen and sharing a tiny apartment with two roommates."
They talked for twenty minutes. Barbara was bright, passionate about justice, frustrated by Gotham's corruption. James could see the future Batgirl forming in her. The drive. The intelligence. The moral conviction.
He was careful not to encourage her too directly. Barbara would find her own path to heroism. His job was just to be a connection. Someone she could talk to who understood her frustrations.
"You should visit my dad sometime," Barbara said as they parted. "He asks about you occasionally. Thinks you're 'one of the good ones' in Gotham's business community."
"I'd like that. Tell him I'll stop by the station when I can."
At a business dinner, James reconnected with Timothy Drake. They discussed shipping logistics and investment opportunities. Drake was considering expanding his company's operations. Needed capital.
James offered to invest. Two hundred thousand for fifteen percent equity in Drake Shipping.
"That's generous," Drake said, surprised. "Most investors would want twenty-five, thirty percent for that kind of money."
"I'm not most investors. I invest in people, not just companies. You're solid. Your company will grow. Fifteen percent is fair."
They shook on it. James had just bought into a company that would become crucial to Gotham's economy. More importantly, he'd solidified his relationship with the Drake family.
Young Tim Drake was only six years old right now. But in the coming years, he'd become Robin. Third in the line after Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. Having a connection to his family was strategically valuable.
James's wealth continued growing through smart investments. His portfolio had reached five point eight million dollars. More than enough to fund anything he needed.
His factory base had expanded. He'd purchased the adjacent building and connected them. Now he had over twenty-five thousand square feet. Enough space for training areas, multiple laboratories, computer server rooms, vehicle storage, and living quarters.
He'd also begun developing new equipment. Better grappling guns. More sophisticated sensors for his suit. Upgraded AEGIS with additional functionality.
The AI was learning continuously. Getting smarter. Better at threat assessment. More accurate in tactical predictions.
"AEGIS, current threat database status," James asked during a development session.
"Database contains profiles on eighty-seven known criminals, forty-three confirmed metahumans, and twelve suspected vigilantes in the Gotham area. Threat assessment algorithms operating at ninety-four percent accuracy based on field testing. Recommendation: expand database to include national-level threats for long-term strategic planning."
"Noted. Add Justice League founding members to database. Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter. Full capability profiles."
"Acknowledged. Initiating research protocols."
James knew that eventually, he'd need to operate at that level. Street-level crime in Gotham was one thing. But the real threats were global. Extraterrestrial. Interdimensional.
Darkseid would invade eventually. The Anti-Monitor would threaten reality. Entire worlds would hang in the balance.
If James wanted to matter in that context, he needed to be ready. Needed to understand the power levels involved. Needed to prepare for threats that made Gotham's crime families look like children playing cops and robbers.
But that was years away. For now, focus on the present. Build experience. Develop capabilities. Prove himself worthy of standing among heroes.
One step at a time.
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