The next morning, Bruce woke to the sharp, insistent ringing of his smart bracelet, the sound cutting cleanly through the haze of sleep. For a brief moment his mind drifted, instincts still submerged, before training took over. He reached out without opening his eyes and tapped the accept rune.
A soft hum followed, light spilling into the dim room as a holographic figure flickered into existence above his wrist. Bale's familiar outline formed cleanly, posture straight, expression alert, already fully dressed, someone who had clearly been awake and working long before the sun rose.
"Morning," Bale said, his voice steady and clear. "I've already discussed it with them."
Bruce sat up at once, sleep evaporating as if it had never existed. His expression sharpened, focus locking in. "And?"
"Everything's been settled," Bale replied. "The leadership agreed to your proposal. No objections. The meeting's been scheduled for today, three o'clock."
