“Why do I have to do it?” Tonya asked with a frown.

            “Because you’re great with people,” Alec replied.

            “But, you know them better than I do,” she said looking at Techno.

            He shrugged.  “The sooner you call, the sooner we can make our plans,” he replied.

            “I hate talking on the phone,” she whined.  “It always tries to eat my ears.”

            Techno handed her the phone.  “Ask for Wally.”

            Tonya rolled her eyes as she pressed the device to her ear and heard the ringing on the other end.

            “Hello?” she heard someone say.

            “Is Wally there?”

            “This is he,” Wally replied.

            “Uh…hey Wally.  This is Tonya from Tequila Heights.  We met at Pacific C.  Techno needs a favor.”

            Techno glared at her and she stuck out her tongue.

            “Oh, yeah.  Hi Tonya.  How’s it going in…Kansas, right?”

            “Yeah, it’s pretty good.”

            “So, what’s the favor?”

            “Well…we have this thing…to do in Amsterdam… and we…uh…need someone to just keep an eye on our city for a couple days.”

            “Actually,” he replied.  “I’m on my way to Amsterdam too.  They’re having a showcase of beers of the world, boasting over 850 different types.  Is that where you’re headed?”

            “Well…uh...yeah,” Tonya finally gave in and let out a giggle.  “So I guess we’ll just call someone else.  Maybe we’ll see you there?”

            “Yeah, actually a whole group of us Liberty 5’s are going.  We plan to get a get together together.”

            “Woa,” Tonya said.  “Say that ten times fast.”

            Wally proceeded to do so, perfectly.

            Tonya let out an impressed whistle.  “See you there, then,” she said as they said goodbye.

            Tonya told the eager listeners the story.

            “Well, then, we need the designated duo of Liberty 5 members,” Techno said.

            “Who?” Alec asked.

            “Batman and Robin,” Techno clarified.  “Robin’s underage, and Batman doesn’t drink beer.”

            “What if he’s going to just hang out?” Tonya asked.

            “Batman does not ‘Hang out’,” Techno replied shortly.  “He only attends important Liberty 5 functions.  He prefers the solitude of his cave where he can work on his projects far away from noisy interruptions and annoying people.”

            “Sounds like someone I know,” Tonya replied dryly.

            Techno took the phone from her and dialed another number.  “This should go directly to the Bat Cave,” he said handing it back.

            “Hello?” a male voice with a British accent asked from the other end.

            Tonya blinked, startled.  “Uh hello.  Is…ah…Batman there?”

            “I AM Batman,” the man answered.

            “Batman’s British?” she said stunned.  Techno raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

            “How may I help you miss?” “Batman” asked.

            “Are you sure you’re Batman?”

            “Yes.  And you are?”

            “Tonya from Tequila Heights.”

            Techno, tried of the game, took the phone.  “Alfred, this is Techno.  We really need to speak with Batman.  Is he around?”

            “One moment, sir,” Alfred replied.

            Techno handed the phone back to Tonya, and sat back down.

            “You have so much in common.  Maybe you should talk to…” Tonya started.

            “Hello?”

            “Hello.  Is this really Batman this time?”

            The man on the phone chuckled.  “Yes, this is really Batman this time.  What do you need Tonya?”

            She decided to go with the direct approach this time.  “Our group was wanting to go to the gathering in Amsterdam, but we need someone to watch our city while we’re away.”

            “I see,” Batman replied.

            Silence crossed the phone lines.  Tonya had immediately seen the flaw in her request after she’d asked.  She was sure Batman had thought of it as well and that was why he wasn’t speaking.

            Finally, he spoke again.  “Gotham is much larger than Tequila Heights and the Joker recently escaped, making this city even more dangerous.”  He paused to see if she would protest, but she didn’t and he continued.  “I am afraid that I can not help you with this situation, but…”

            Batman had covered the receiver and was talking to someone.  Tonya closed her eyes and strained her ears, but all she could make out was that they were talking.  “Tonya, would you be opposed to the idea of letting Robin watch your city while you’re away?”

            She blinked.  “No, that would be fine.”

            “Then I’ll let you two figure out the details.  It was a pleasure to talk with you again.  Have a good trip, but try to stay low key, okay?”

            “Yes, sir.”

            She spoke with Robin for several minutes, then handed the phone to Techno so he could handle the travel arrangements. 

Tonya raced to the top of the stairs and screamed at the top of her lungs, “Everyone pack your bags: we’re going De Bierkoning!”