Bane charged with a roar, swinging a fist powerful enough to punch through concrete at the robot's head. But the robot raised a hand and caught the punch with effortless ease.
Its metal fingers tightened.
Bane heard the bones in his hand crack.
"Lesson one," the robot said, placing its other hand on Bane's shoulder. "No hitting. Hitting is not a good way to communicate."
It pinned Bane to the ground with the practiced ease of a kindergarten teacher restraining a child throwing a tantrum. Bane struggled, but the robot completely outmatched him in both strength and technique.
"Let me go! You fucking-"
"Lesson two," the robot interrupted. "No swearing."
It drew a plastic pointer from behind its back and began briskly spanking Bane in rapid succession. As it struck, it demanded loudly:
"Are you going to do it again?"
Batman braced himself against the Batmobile and stood, watching the surreal scene. This type of Nanny Toy Robot had an interactive educational module originally intended to correct behavioral issues in children with special needs. But this prototype should not have had combat capabilities, much less been here.
Unless...
The robot turned toward Batman, tilting its head slightly.
"Master Bruce, Mr. Alfred and Master Dick are in the basement Safehouse. Their vital signs are stable. Would you like me to call for medical assistance?"
"You..." Batman wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "Who activated you?"
"Protocol trigger conditions: unauthorized life signs and a high-intensity violent altercation detected in the Batcave's main area," the robot replied. "Mr. Winslow Short upgraded the firmware of all display models last week. He said the Sheriff was concerned about users encountering violent crimes. Mr. Alfred agreed."
"I'm the master of this house."
"Yes, you're absolutely right," the robot replied cheerfully as it continued