The sun rises over the gleaming steel roof of the Academy's main hall, while the ring of a century-old bell echoes loudly over the crowded school grounds. Bruce Wayne, AKA the Batman, strokes his salt and pepper beard while gazing at his new students through his office window. [i] "After last year's fiasco, I'm glad the Academy is operational once again. I can only hope that the new recruits won't turn out like the last ones."[/i] A knock at his door interrupt's Wayne's train of thought. He quietly says, "Come in, Mr. Brock." 

Johnathon, the son of Eddie Brock, strolls confidently into the room before dropping into the seat across from his principal's desk. "You wanted to see me, Mr. Vengeance?" he asks with a slightly smug grin on his face.

"Did I tell you to sit down, Mr. Brock?"

The smirk slides off of John's face, only to be replaced with a more fearful look as he slowly stands up. "I'm sorry for the disrespect Mr. Wayne. Did you need me?"

Wayne nods as he stands up and turns to look at all of the new faces once again. "As one of the only returning students, I expect you to step up and be an example for your new class mates. I'm not asking you to be their friend, but I do expect you to make sure they know their way around campus and what's expected of them. Understood?"

John sighs, "Oh this is just great. I go here for four years, and how am I greeted on the first day of school? By being ordered to welcome a bunch of snot nosed punks." With a frown, he continues, "I guess I don't have a choice though. This isn't a democracy, it's a dictatorship, and you're in charge. That's how it's always been."

"And that's how it'll always be, Brock. Now go and let Ms. Gordon know we're open for business." Wayne walks through a side door into another part of his office, leaving John to see himself out.

John grumbles angrily as he makes his way out of the principal's office. As he passes Barbara Gordon, head of security, he mutters, "Bats says it's showtime." He makes his way to the front of the school and waits for the rush of the students as the glass doors open automatically.