Ririko jumped down from the aircraft, with Steve following behind her. Cyborg was the last to leave the cabin, his metal feet landing on the ground with a dull thud.
Dressed in dark gray casual clothes, Bruce came to meet them at the hangar entrance.
His gaze swept over everyone's faces, taking in their condition, equipment, and injuries.
Finally, his eyes settled on Ririko, and he asked urgently:
"What happened? I couldn't reach you after we last parted."
He hadn't expected her to turn up in a military helicopter.
Not wanting to relive the embarrassment of being fished out of the water, Ririko tilted her chin toward Steve. "You're the leader. You explain."
She turned lightly and headed toward the elevator to the side, knowing the way well. "I'm going to take a shower."
The dining room in the Basement grew lively, and even the air seemed to come alive.
Back from his vacation, Alfred had procured five sets of silver dinnerware. The long table was laden with food-
Fragrant honey-glazed chicken legs, butter-roasted potatoes, crisp-seared Brussels sprouts, and seafood butter soup.
Alfred emerged from the kitchen carrying the last platter of roast beef. Juices slowly trickled down its fragrant, browned surface, mingling with the scent of rosemary and black pepper.
Barry already had his fork raised, waiting for Alfred to place a thick-cut slice of beef on his plate.
"Master Bruce, the food in storage was flooded earlier. Shall I arrange an express shipment of ingredients from Australia?"
Alfred hadn't expected so many extra people at dinner, and it looked as though they would be staying for quite some time.
Bruce glanced at Barry, who was wolfing down his food. "Make it express, then. Order extra oysters, salmon, and caviar."
He smiled at Ririko. Her home had been