United Heroes MUSH - User contributions [en]

12315/Backyard dinner

2020-10-09T02:49:30Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/10/09
|Location=Backyard - Xavier's School
|Synopsis=Emma and James reinforce their bonds as family.
|Cast of Characters=1385,113
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses={{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' The two passed each other in the halls early this morning and decided to meet for dinner tonight. Jimmy makes his way to the back yard, not really sure what to expect, well except food. He's not much of a cook and that sort of thing wasn't exactly settled on earlier, so he is prepared to take her to dinner too. He's flexible like that. 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' Emma doesn't often cook for herself. When she's living in the apartment near Frost Industries, she employs a housekeeper who leaves her meals in the freezer to be warmed as she sees fit in the evenings. Or eats out. But occasionally, she's in the mood to treat herself or to do something nice for the people she genuinely cares for -- it's an intimacy she offers few people. So when James arrives to the back patio for dinner, it's a casual meal overlooking the garden. Nothing fancy, but there is clear effort involved for her favorite former student. Two good-sized quail stuffed with savory greens and stuffing along with several vegetables. It looks like a ton of food, but then James is a large young man. And really, roasting a bird takes nothing but a little prep time -- the rest is just the bird sitting in the oven. When he arrives, she looks up with a smile. She's already sitting in one of the wicker chairs around the tbale where their dinner is laid out on a tablecloth -- some aspects of her upper-class upbringing have never disappeared. Linen tablecloths are definitely one of them. She moves to set her cup of coffee down. "Right on time. I was hoping nothing would delay you." She gestures to the table. "Not that it couldn't be saved and eaten, but..." 

:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' There is a pause as he notes the food on the table. His attention moves from it to her then back to the food. Once more to Emma and he smiles at her,"I remember someone telling me a long time ago to never be late, particularly not when a lady is waiting." he opts lightly and moves to take a seat. He studies the food again and then looks back at her,"You've been busy." He shifts a little and the harness that holds his two vibranium knives is removed and then hung over the back of the chair,"Somehow I don't think this could have been saved and eaten with quite the same flavor." 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' The shrug is a gentle one. "Perhaps," she agrees. "But it could still have been done. I thought perhaps a taste of the Plains might be something you'd enjoy." She leans forward, scooting her chair further under the table to settle in with him. "Tell me how things are going," she invites. "You've been very busy." Not that she herself hasn't -- since Jean left the mansion, Emma has stepped into the role of headmistress. For now. 

:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' He settles a little bit,"Plains dinner does sound good. It looks even better." he agrees. Considering her words he smirks a little,"Classes are back in session hard. Students aren't too keen on testing me, but they never were. There is also some tension in regards to the new Headmistress and I enjoy letting them wonder. It's better for them." 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' Emma chuckles quietly, her blue eyes amused. "Well, I've heard interesting things about that woman," she teases. "She's quite harsh occasionally. And she apparently has some insane notion of taking some of them on a field trip to Atlantis." A theatrical roll of her eyes accompanies the statement. "Maybe she's taking them to be shark bait." 

:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' "Somebody needs to be shark bait." he offers back with a wink, almost conspiratorial like. There aren't many he gets this comfortable with so there is something to be said for her. He takes up the fork and cuts a piece of the food, pausing momentarily. Not known as being overtly religious, he still pauses a moment in reflection to the great spirit. After that he looks back to her and comments,"A trip to Atlantis does sound like a good thing though. Let them see there are other mutants in the world, if not in the same sense as we are. It would be hard to say Atlanteans are much else really." 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' "Well.... I suppose there is something to that thought," Emma acknowledges as she picks up her fork and begins eating. "Although I sincerely doubt they think of themselves that way. Still... they don't seem to have issues with mutants." She grimaces slightly. "Only, apparently, those born with magic. And it's quite an odd situation that I'm a *touch* leery of taking the students into." She glances up at him. "There seems a significant ideological schism going on -- they tried to kill him at that gathering. I expected *our* people to be the ones to look out for, given what he was announcing." She's less than pleased at the outcome of that night. It was not at all what she'd expected, and she doesn't like that kind of surprise. 

:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' After a bite of the bird and an approving nod, a light in his eyes that says she did well, he fianlly comments,"If you are having doubts I'd suggest you either step back from it or make sure I go with you or Logan does. Someone for the extra heavy hitting if it comes to that." he advises. Advising the advisor. It's a new thing he's trying,"I should have been with you that night as well, but things don't always go the way we want them to." A little hint of regret in his voice for sure, not there to watch her back. 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' Emma is a little surprised that he feels that way. "Don't feel responsible for that," she offers, putting her free hand on his arm. "James, it was a society event that should have garnered a whole lot of shipping magnates shouting at one another, if it even got that far. It certainly was not something even apparently the Embassy guard was able to foresee." She squeezes lightly in reassurance and settles back to her meal, speaking thoughtfully between bites. "My uneasiness stems only from the fact that our students are... trouble-magnets." The glacier-blue of her eyes has a warmer tint of amusement. "Much as you and your cohort were, if I am remembering correctly. Teenagers have impulse control issues -- I don't think anyone in Atlantis is a threat to *them*. I just hope we don't start an international incident." 

:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' Her words bring him little comfort, but he does seem to ease a little at her touch. It's funny the level of loyalty Jimmy lends himself to. Regardless he has another bite or two before he finally nods. A different sort of smile touches his features and he comments,"If trouble magnet is in the mix you must me taking my shik'isn with you." Poor Shannon. Trouble really does follow her around. 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' Laughing, Emma nods. "Yes, she's on that list." That she knows the term -- at least enough to know exactly who he's speaking of -- is due to the fact that she considers him the closest thing she has to family. Of all of the students she ever had, he and Rahne are the ones who got under her skin. "Do you work much with the young technopath?" she asks curiously. "He could use a little of the discipline, I think, that your meditation might offer him." 

:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' He smirks a little as he hears Shannon is on the list. He's not surprised at all,"I love her to no end, but trouble finds her. If you are both going I'd like to go with you." he comments finally,"If only to watch out for both of mine." She is family too after all. He shakes his head and admits,"I haven't spent much time around him no. When I first returned he seemed to be more withdrawn and private than me." Another bite and then after,"I will try to spend some time with him though. If you think it might help." 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' "I don't honestly know," Emma responds thoughtfully. "But I think there's no harm in trying it out with him, either. I would... very much like to see most of these students *not* become the next X-Men." She pauses and then admits, "If only because I really would like it if such teams were no longer necessary." She picks up the glass of water near her plate, and as she sips from it, she eyes him with a pensive expression. She doesn't hold her 'game face' for him these days, allowing him to see the expressions that cross her face much more easily than when he was a student. "I find myself in a place I have never been before, James. Wondering if having you along will feel... awkward." She offers him a somewhat abashed grin. 

:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' Taking a deep breath he exhales a slow sigh,"I'd rather none of them had to be X-Men and even fewer had to be X-Force." Fewer than none. He really doesn't want to have to see those kids go into the potential paramilitary division of Xavier's school,"Maybe peace will find a way before this permutation of X-Force has to give way to the next." Her change in demeanor surprises him a little. Studying her expression he raises a brow a little bit,"I am used to my presence causing awkward for most everyone else, but I am a little surprised it would be for us? Is be because the student is a teacher in the headmistress's school now?" 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' Emma hesitates and then says, "No... it's because the Prince appears to be.... courting me." There's a subtle rise of color in her pale skin -- not *quite* a blush but definitely a sense of being on uncertain ground. "Given that we are... ad much family as either of us have, I ... don't quite know how you might feel about that." 

:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' He smirks a little bit and tells you,"I understand the man's fascination. Most men are attracted to you, just for the presence you have when you enter a room." The rise of pink does surprise him a little bit,"As for how I feel? I want to see you happy. It's been too long since you were happy. If being courted by a Prince might make you happy...try it out. See what happens." It's as close to permission as he is able to give sinec he isn't real sure how he feels, his own affections split on the best of days. 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' Emma nods her head, acknowledging not that he's really giving *permission* so much as he's... offering that he hopes it makes her happy. "He is an interesting man," she tells him lightly. "Probably carries around nearly as much baggage as I do." And that's saying something. "He... doesn't quite know who or what I was for a long time, but... he knows I'm a mutant and that I'm teaching at a school that has some special kids. So..." Her smile is easier now. "He'll certainly be a lot of fun to walk on a beach with, I think." 

:'''{{#var:1385|Warpath(1385)}} has posed:''' "Baggage comes with everyone. Some of us have more and others less. Some is more colorful than others." he tells her finally,"Run with it. Who knows..." he pauses for another bite and after that,"...he might appreciate this as much as me." There is a brief pause and he shakes his head,"No. Not even close. I hear long walks on the beach are nice. Enjoy this, just see where it goes." 

:'''{{#var:113|Emma Frost (113)}} has posed:''' "You're terribly wise for a little brother," Emma teases lightly. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's been a long time since I cooked for anyone, honestly. And it makes me happy that we're both in the same place now." The rest? Well.... "Now that the lawyers have settled all the business end of things, I suppose it's no longer really a conflict of interest," she observes, vaguely tongue-in-cheek. It wasn't really one before. But now it's definitely not. Emma Frost grins and gives him some of the details of the things she's been up to both at the school and at the business this week, besides the gala event happenings. And all in all, she seems to just thoroughly enjoy a quiet dinner on the back porch in his company. 
}}
}}

12315/Backyard dinner

2020-10-09T02:15:54Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2020/10/09 |Location=Backyard - Xavier's School |Synopsis=A quiet dinner between a former student and mentor turned family. |Cast of Characters=Emm..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/10/09
|Location=Backyard - Xavier's School
|Synopsis=A quiet dinner between a former student and mentor turned family.
|Cast of Characters=Emma,Warpath
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses============================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

The two passed each other in the halls early this morning and decided to meet for dinner tonight. Jimmy makes his way to the back yard, not really sure what to expect, well except food. He's not much of a cook and that sort of thing wasn't exactly settled on earlier, so he is prepared to take her to dinner too. He's flexible like that.

--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
Emma doesn't often cook for herself. When she's living in the apartment near Frost Industries, she employs a housekeeper who leaves her meals in the freezer to be warmed as she sees fit in the evenings. Or eats out. But occasionally, she's in the mood to treat herself or to do something nice for the people she genuinely cares for -- it's an intimacy she offers few people. So when James arrives to the back patio for dinner, it's a casual meal overlooking the garden. Nothing fancy, but there is clear effort involved for her favorite former student. Two good-sized quail stuffed with savory greens and stuffing along with several vegetables. It looks like a ton of food, but then James is a large young man. And really, roasting a bird takes nothing but a little prep time -- the rest is just the bird sitting in the oven.

When he arrives, she looks up with a smile. She's already sitting in one of the wicker chairs around the tbale where their dinner is laid out on a tablecloth -- some aspects of her upper-class upbringing have never disappeared. Linen tablecloths are definitely one of them. She moves to set her cup of coffee down. "Right on time. I was hoping nothing would delay you." She gestures to the table. "Not that it couldn't be saved and eaten, but..."
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
===========================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

There is a pause as he notes the food on the table. His attention moves from it to her then back to the food. Once more to Emma and he smiles at her,"I remember someone telling me a long time ago to never be late, particularly not when a lady is waiting." he opts lightly and moves to take a seat.

He studies the food again and then looks back at her,"You've been busy." He shifts a little and the harness that holds his two vibranium knives is removed and then hung over the back of the chair,"Somehow I don't think this could have been saved and eaten with quite the same flavor."

--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
The shrug is a gentle one. "Perhaps," she agrees. "But it could still have been done. I thought perhaps a taste of the Plains might be something you'd enjoy." She leans forward, scooting her chair further under the table to settle in with him. "Tell me how things are going," she invites. "You've been very busy." Not that she herself hasn't -- since Jean left the mansion, Emma has stepped into the role of headmistress. For now.
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
===========================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

He settles a little bit,"Plains dinner does sound good. It looks even better." he agrees. Considering her words he smirks a little,"Classes are back in session hard. Students aren't too keen on testing me, but they never were. There is also some tension in regards to the new Headmistress and I enjoy letting them wonder. It's better for them."

--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
Emma chuckles quietly, her blue eyes amused. "Well, I've heard interesting things about that woman," she teases. "She's quite harsh occasionally. And she apparently has some insane notion of taking some of them on a field trip to Atlantis." A theatrical roll of her eyes accompanies the statement. "Maybe she's taking them to be shark bait."
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
===========================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

"Somebody needs to be shark bait." he offers back with a wink, almost conspiratorial like. There aren't many he gets this comfortable with so there is something to be said for her. He takes up the fork and cuts a piece of the food, pausing momentarily. Not known as being overtly religious, he still pauses a moment in reflection to the great spirit.

After that he looks back to her and comments,"A trip to Atlantis does sound like a good thing though. Let them see there are other mutants in the world, if not in the same sense as we are. It would be hard to say Atlanteans are much else really."

--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
"Well.... I suppose there is something to that thought," Emma acknowledges as she picks up her fork and begins eating. "Although I sincerely doubt they think of themselves that way. Still... they don't seem to have issues with mutants." She grimaces slightly. "Only, apparently, those born with magic. And it's quite an odd situation that I'm a *touch* leery of taking the students into." She glances up at him. "There seems a significant ideological schism going on -- they tried to kill him at that gathering. I expected *our* people to be the ones to look out for, given what he was announcing."

She's less than pleased at the outcome of that night. It was not at all what she'd expected, and she doesn't like that kind of surprise.
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
===========================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

After a bite of the bird and an approving nod, a light in his eyes that says she did well, he fianlly comments,"If you are having doubts I'd suggest you either step back from it or make sure I go with you or Logan does. Someone for the extra heavy hitting if it comes to that." he advises. Advising the advisor. It's a new thing he's trying,"I should have been with you that night as well, but things don't always go the way we want them to." A little hint of regret in his voice for sure, not there to watch her back.

--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
Emma is a little surprised that he feels that way. "Don't feel responsible for that," she offers, putting her free hand on his arm. "James, it was a society event that should have garnered a whole lot of shipping magnates shouting at one another, if it even got that far. It certainly was not something even apparently the Embassy guard was able to foresee." She squeezes lightly in reassurance and settles back to her meal, speaking thoughtfully between bites.

"My uneasiness stems only from the fact that our students are... trouble-magnets." The glacier-blue of her eyes has a warmer tint of amusement. "Much as you and your cohort were, if I am remembering correctly. Teenagers have impulse control issues -- I don't think anyone in Atlantis is a threat to *them*. I just hope we don't start an international incident."
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
===========================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

Her words bring him little comfort, but he does seem to ease a little at her touch. It's funny the level of loyalty Jimmy lends himself to. Regardless he has another bite or two before he finally nods. A different sort of smile touches his features and he comments,"If trouble magnet is in the mix you must me taking my shik'isn with you." Poor Shannon. Trouble really does follow her around.

--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
Laughing, Emma nods. "Yes, she's on that list." That she knows the term -- at least enough to know exactly who he's speaking of -- is due to the fact that she considers him the closest thing she has to family. Of all of the students she ever had, he and Rahne are the ones who got under her skin.

"Do you work much with the young technopath?" she asks curiously. "He could use a little of the discipline, I think, that your meditation might offer him."
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
===========================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

He smirks a little as he hears Shannon is on the list. He's not surprised at all,"I love her to no end, but trouble finds her. If you are both going I'd like to go with you." he comments finally,"If only to watch out for both of mine." She is family too after all.

He shakes his head and admits,"I haven't spent much time around him no. When I first returned he seemed to be more withdrawn and private than me." Another bite and then after,"I will try to spend some time with him though. If you think it might help."
--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
"I don't honestly know," Emma responds thoughtfully. "But I think there's no harm in trying it out with him, either. I would... very much like to see most of these students *not* become the next X-Men." She pauses and then admits, "If only because I really would like it if such teams were no longer necessary."

She picks up the glass of water near her plate, and as she sips from it, she eyes him with a pensive expression. She doesn't hold her 'game face' for him these days, allowing him to see the expressions that cross her face much more easily than when he was a student. "I find myself in a place I have never been before, James. Wondering if having you along will feel... awkward." She offers him a somewhat abashed grin.
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
===========================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

Taking a deep breath he exhales a slow sigh,"I'd rather none of them had to be X-Men and even fewer had to be X-Force." Fewer than none. He really doesn't want to have to see those kids go into the potential paramilitary division of Xavier's school,"Maybe peace will find a way before this permutation of X-Force has to give way to the next."
Her change in demeanor suprises him a little. Studying her expression he raises a brow a little bit,"I am used to my presence causing awkward for most everyone else, but I am a little surprised it would be for us? Is it because the student is a teacher in the headmistress's school now?"

--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
Emma hesitates and then says, "No... it's because the Prince appears to be.... courting me." There's a subtle rise of color in her pale skin -- not *quite* a blush but definitely a sense of being on uncertain ground. "Given that we are... ad much family as either of us have, I ... don't quite know how you might feel about that."
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
===========================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

He smirks a little bit and tells you,"I understand the man's fascination. Most men are attracted to you, just for the presence you have when you enter a room." The rise of pink does surprise him a little bit,"As for how I feel? I want to see you happy. It's been too long since you were happy. If being courted by a Prince might make you happy...try it out. See what happens." It's as close to permission as he is able to give sinec he isn't real sure how he feels, his own affections split on the best of days.

--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
Emma nods her head, acknowledging not that he's really giving *permission* so much as he's... offering that he hopes it makes her happy. "He is an interesting man," she tells him lightly. "Probably carries around nearly as much baggage as I do." And that's saying something. "He... doesn't quite know who or what I was for a long time, but... he knows I'm a mutant and that I'm teaching at a school that has some special kids. So..." Her smile is easier now. "He'll certainly be a lot of fun to walk on a beach with, I think."
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
===========================<* Warpath has posed *>===========================

"Baggage comes with everyone. Some of us have more and others less. Some is more colorful than others." he tells her finally,"Run with it. Who knows..." he pauses for another bite and after that,"...he might appreciate this as much as me." There is a brief pause and he shakes his head,"No. Not even close. I hear long walks on the beach are nice. Enjoy this, just see where it goes."

--------------------------< End of Warpath's pose >--------------------------
=========================<* Emma Frost has posed *>==========================
"You're terribly wise for a little brother," Emma teases lightly. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's been a long time since I cooked for anyone, honestly. And it makes me happy that we're both in the same place now." The rest? Well.... "Now that the lawyers have settled all the business end of things, I suppose it's no longer really a conflict of interest," she observes, vaguely tongue-in-cheek. It wasn't really one before. But now it's definitely not.

Emma Frost grins and gives him some of the details of the things she's been up to both at the school and at the business this week, besides the gala event happenings. And all in all, she seems to just thoroughly enjoy a quiet dinner on the back porch in his company.
------------------------< End of Emma Frost's pose >-------------------------
}}

3316/Circus People Unite!

2017-12-06T14:27:58Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/12/06 |Location=Gotham Rooftops |Synopsis=Nightcrawler meets the last remaining Flying Grayson. It's sweet! |Cast of Characters=169, 49, 58 |p..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/12/06
|Location=Gotham Rooftops
|Synopsis=Nightcrawler meets the last remaining Flying Grayson. It's sweet!
|Cast of Characters=169, 49, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''      To operate in Gotham, you have to have certain attributes. The first attribute is a good snarl. The second, is you have to be stealthy. The X-man in question is so stealthy, that it is really hard to see his snarl. Kurt Wagner, Nightcrawler, is in Gotham tonight, perched next to a gargoyle. His affinity for the darkness is so great that he is cloaked in it, almost impossible to be seen. His lamp-like, golden Amber eyes are muted to the point where they do not glow. He looms over the edge staring downwards at a trio of young men clustered around a fairly new Camaro.      He confirms the number as the three loud college-age men engage in crude banter and load the car with a few heavy blunt objects. One of the objects is a poorly washed aluminum baseball bat that still has a little bit of blood on it. He cannot let this one go, this one just went a little too far, and Kurt has decided that somebody needs to pay. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' What's the best way to follow up a Wayne Holiday Party, for the likes of Nightwing and Batgirl? You go out on patrol. After some of the shenanigans that happened before, during, and after the party the night out is very welcome to work out some excess energy. Their patrol takes them through the part of Gotham that has been connected with some of the riots. Batgirl and Nightwing have also worked with some of the snitches in the area to track down known anti-mutant gangs to see what kind of trouble they are up to tonight. From rooftop to rooftop the silhouettes of two common vigilantes can be seen flying through the air with the greatest of ease. As Nightwing moves from one point to the next he flips, curls, twists, and smiles as this is where he is most comfortable. "Ok, last one said that we might see a couple groups in this neighborhood..." he calls over to Babs "...lets see if the information is worth it." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' As she lands on the rooftop just behind him, Batgirl's boots make hardly a sound. She's pretty agile. Firing off the next grappling line, she pauses on the edge of the rooftop. "If I hit the freakin' ground and die trying to flip like that, I'm going to haunt you," she informs her partner in crime-fighting. Then off the building she launches, swinging toward the line that he's holding just as he departs it. The goal is to catch his line, 15 feet lower than her current altitude, using a series of flips for the momentum to make the catch. It's a risky maneuver and one might think the two are positively insane to be doing this... until her glove captures the line and slips. And then suddenly the acrobat in the lead moves almost faster than can be tracked, back onto her line, and Batgirl's grip is secured by Nightwing's hand around her wrist while he dangles by nothing more than an ankle wrapped through the jump line. "Damn it!" carries quite clearly to the unseen watcher on the next rooftop, where they're planning to land. A swing backward and then another forward swing, Batgirl fires off her own line and lands on the rooftop where the watcher sits. "I couldn't make that third rotation!" she scowls back toward her partner. "What am I missing?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     The elf takes notice of the soft voices and the graceful figures running over the rooftops. Normally, the woman would have his attention. Tonight though, it is the young man. Not many people move like that. Game recognizes game, or so Kurt heard growing up. He's reminded of a trapeze act from once upon a time, and the circus memory makes him smile. The impetuous mutant makes no motion and takes no action to impede them. In fact, he leaps now, when they are near. If only because his targets below are about to get into the car.     Kurt leaps off the roof, light playing over him once. his dark fur glistens. Strapped to his back, two swords rest. The hilts glint once in the light. After falling about 10 feet, the mutant spreads his feet, and there is a flash of light and a puff of purple brimstone. #BAMF!# can be heard as air rushes in fill the sudden vacuum. Almost instantly below, about two feet above the head of the young man with a bat, there is an identical puff of brimstone and flash of red light as the dimensional barrier gets ripped again. #BAMF!# It is followed with a grunt, groan, and crunch as two collarbones break. Under the weight of a falling mutant.     Bedlam.     Lifting back up into the air, rebounding off the fall, knees bending as the broken bones absorb the force, the mutant springs over the head of another young man to land behind the back of another of the men. Before the first man even falls to the ground, Nighcrawler has a fist in the second one's kidney. The college aged fellow, this one a ginger, howls in pain.     "Alice from Mutant Town sends her best wishes." His voice carries, accented as it is, and pitched low to carry. "Oh shit!" Ginger swears. The other remaining one is a blond. He pulls a snub-nose .38 caliber pistol from his pocket. "It's a fuck'n demon!" He sounds near panicked. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' The grab on Babs is done as if it has been practiced thousands of times, the confidence on Nightwing's face shows there was no chance he'd miss, and before he releases her, he says "No falling, no dying, and definitely no haunting..." he shivers while hanging upside down, "...that's just plain freaky." Reaching up with his other hand, Nightwing says to her from his own backswing, "You keep your head in place, helping keep your center. Use your arms and legs for the momentum. Tuck is incredibly important to help you spin, but also minimizes your profile..." as he snaps his legs forward, he adds "...and remember how you want to finish..." Just as Kurt leaps from the roof, Nightwing spins through the air.. once... twice.. three.. and then an incredible four times before he lands next to Babs. However, his focus is quickly turned back towards the falling and DISAPPEARING figure that left the roof he just landed on. "Guess we got work to do..." Nightwing says to Batgirl, and dives backwards and head first off the roof in the direction of the group down below. As the gun is drawn, Nightwing pulls one of his escrima sticks, and fires it off to knock the gun out of the youth's hands, "I'm betting you don't have a permit for that..." His voice can be heard from above, a grappling line snapping out to slow his decent just enough that when he lands the flex in his knees allow him to take no damage from the fall. "...now what's a bunch of bad boys like you doing in a nice..." his eyes glance around, "...not-so-nice place like this?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl is off the roof a split second behind Nightwing, batarangs flying, attached to wires that fling themselves around the guy who took the kidney punch. The gun is just a non-issue, as far as the woman seems supremely unconcerned about it. She lands on the far side of the group, taking a flanking position. They are clearly practiced at these maneuvers. But it's Nightcrawler who has Batgirl's attention. "You're... just a little out of your territory, yeah?" she asks him. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     The cavalry is welcome, and noticed. In particular all four of those somersaults. On a generous day, with the right conditions, maybe ten people can do a quadruple somersault.     Maybe.     Fewer still can do it here, in the dark, on a rooftop. It's an impressive feat.     The Cavalry takes out the remaining two. Nightcrawler stands there for a moment, looking at both of them. "Hallo, Liebchen." His warm voice says to Batgirl, giving the slightest of courtly little bows to her, his tail curling as he does so in a little accent to the bow. A circus bow. A broad finger points at Nightwing as the odd-looking mutant stands. "I remember reading about you. I felt bad for you." The white gloved hand lowers, and as Ginger starts to struggle, delivers a painful, but not damaging punch to the side of the head. Ginger cringes, whimpering. "I lit candles."     As if remembering the witnesses, he switches languages and puts Batgirl in a weird spot, she almost certainly does not speak the language. In Romani, he says very plainly. <Do you still remember this language? It is hard to practice with. Did they even teach it to you? We mourned the death of some of the greatest artists of their day. You should not show off so much in front of her. Very few of us can do four.> The fuzzy elf gives the fellow acrobat a little nod of respect. In Romani, he continues,     He lectures the other men, "Normally, I let this stuff go. Stupid is, as stupid does, mein foster mother would tell me." Kurt snarls, "But you beat Alice after she already gave you all her money." His amber eyes glow yellow with an almost evil light. He makes sure to show his teeth as he speaks, his tail lashing in restrained rage as he speaks. "You called her ugly. You took her dignity, along with her money. I should break your faces, so you know what it is like--" He cuts himself off. "Be glad I leave you in better shape than you left her. No more of this." He looks to the Gotham vigilantes. "Sorry to intrude. They hurt one of mein people though. Normally, I am nicht the sort. Vengeance is mein, sayeth the Lord. But they broke her face. She is seventeen. Some things, even I can nicht forgive." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Nightwing gives a nod in greeting to Nightcrawler as well, his eyes are focused on the thugs strewn about the alley, "Huh?" Is his eloquent response to the elf's comments on lighting candles. Nightwing simply nods in response to the Romani language, <Some. It's been awhile.> The rest he tilts his head, obviously out of practice with the language. As he processes what he just heard from Kurt, he listens to the crimes laid at their feet and frowns slightly as it all starts to make sense on why he is out here in Gotham. When he's done speaking, Nightwing nods his head, "No, we understand better than most. Do you have any evidence about what they did? We can turn it over, and make sure the pay for their crimes." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The charm is not lost on Batgirl -- the X-Men are not unknown to her. She smiles faintly. "Nightcrawler. Very nice to meet you," she says mildly. Her manners are impeccable, even standing here with three jerks incapacitated. The litany of WHY Nightcrawler is in Gotham has the redhead in the mask scowling ferociously. "Is that right?" she asks, with a certain amount of menace in her tone. "I'm quite sure the Bat will like to deal with *them* personally." Because even if we don't have evidence to stand up in court, the men's reactions to Kurt's recitation pretty much damns them in her eyes. Which means they will definitely be in trouble. She *is*, however, hoping that there's evidence. Sending them to jail is so much fun. She totally ignores the whimpers at the mention of the Bat. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     <It is a pity when your heritage is taken from you.> Nightcrawler looks at the redhead. "I do adore it when mein reputation precedes me." Nightcrawler removes a zip drive from his belt. "Not many security cameras there. They did what they did in front of two though. Do what you want with them. I got what I came for." He tosses the zip drive towards Batgirl. "Liebling?" He warns her. With a nod, #BAMF!# there is a coughing, retching reek of brimstone left in his wake. To the observant though, there is another flash of light up on a ledge.#BAMF!#     He settles there in invisibility, watching the other two as they work, but remaining. He likely has much to go over with them, and it would be rude to do otherwise. He is many things, but only rarely rude. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Nightwing goes about the process of securing the criminals, checking on their injuries (as his standard procedure), and finally removing any additional weapons that they may have on them. For the more seriously injuries he heard, then found on examination, he performs some quick field medicine to make sure the injury will not get any worse. He then uses his mask to call up the authorities so that they can find the illegal weapons, making a copy of the drive, and leaving that copy in easy sight. "Can never be too careful..." He adds to Nightcrawler, and pockets the original drive given to them. <Yes. Or you don't get a chance to learn all of it...> Nightwing adds in response as Nightcrawler disappears. He looks over to Batgirl, "Well, this night got way more interesting..." glancing around he asks her, "...have time for a talk with our new friend?" a small grin shown on his features, and a grappling hook fired up to the nearest roof to take the conversation to a more private venue. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl catches the tossed drive, not apparently concerned about what they're conversing about.... though she looks curious. She's never heard Dick actually speak Romani before. And she recognize that Romani is what the language must be -- Germanic roots, but definitely not German. More lyrical. She hands him the drive, helps secure the scene, and then shakes her head. "The PD will be thrilled with their new guests," she comments mildly. Blowing out a slow breath, she grins. "Do let's have that conversation. I have a notion it'll be way more interesting than anything else we might find this evening." She moves in concert with him, their actions practically choreographed. They've worked together too long for it to be otherwise. As they make it to the rooftops, Batgirl points Nightwing toward the ledge where she saw the flash of light, and they join Nightcrawler up in the shadows among the gargoyles of the town. "I'd say welcome to Gotham, but... seems like that's not exactly a welcome reason to come," she observes as she and Nightwing land easily. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     The elf waits for them. He fades into view, but only barely. "Forgive me?" His odd hands gesture at his mostly obscured form. "Is simply easier to be... discrete." Amber eyes blaze to life for a moment. "I like this city. So many places to hide or vanish in. Very easy to teleport in, as well. Nice lines of movement. Maybe I should move mein family to Gotham?" He sniffs, "The Jersey smell almost drowns out the brimstone." He quips.     He only faintly becomes more visible, offering first Nightwing his hand in a strong clasp, then seeking out Batgirl's so he can leave a kiss against her knuckles. "Do nicht tell mein wife, but I am a little jealous that you have someone you can do this with. Shadowcat und I can do this, but she keeps very busy these days. We are busy hunting down Raven Darkholme, if you see her, or run her down, please let us know? She is the sort of person who gets disappeared by governments once captured. Also, if mutants brought her in, well, maybe things would improve."     Taking a step back, he crouches, tail tip casually flicking as he all but vanishes once more in the darkness. "She knows who und what you are, ja?" He asks Nightwing. "I would nicht want to reveal your secrets. I am so sorry about what happened. I will see to it that you get instruction, if you want it, in your people's language. I am a foundling, it is nicht so gut that I know more of your own people than you do. I am happy to help as much, or as little as you might like. I must admit, I have mein fingers in a few pies at the moment." He gives a soft laugh, "Und maybe not as many fingers as I might need, but I also haff a tail, so I can juggle a few language lessons." His respectful tone hastily adds, "Only if you want them, mein herr."     "Danke shoen for all your help tonight. I try to stay out of Gotham, we understand territory, but the world is changing. Might be gut for all involved to have better communication, even if only through back channels, ja?"     He has beaten around the bush enough. "Are there questions you need answered, Erm, Nightwing?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Chuckling as he nods in agreement, Nightwing follows in the direction that Batgirl points out, and lands on the ledge near Nightcrawler. He walks over to the X-man, giving a nod in greeting that is followed by the friendly handshake, "We've not had a chance to meet before. I'm Nightwing..." Obviously the other parts of their Romani conversation lets Nightwing know that Nightcrawler is familiar with is 'other name' as well. "If we come across her we will make sure to let you know." Nightwing agrees on the search for Mystique, "She's a pretty high commodity right now." His mask scans the surrounding area, looking for heat signatures of any more unfriendlies that may be in the area that can listen. "I think I'd like that quite a bit if you've got the time to help..." Nightwing adds, a bit hesitantly at first, but gaining in confidence as he continues the conversation. "...and thank you for the respect to the Family." again ambiguous, but it's obvious he's talking about his Mother and Father to the Elf. Nightwing glances back to Batgirl before he answers, but will add "I think any help we get in tracking down people like these we will appreciate. Not /all/ the folks in Gotham share the same view, so be careful if you run into someone else..." he adds with a grin. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Seriously hot commodity," Batgirl replies mildly about Mystique. "Even if she were here, we'd likely never know." She'd shove a hand through her hair, except that it's covered. She contents herself with crossing her arms, her stance comfortable as she watches over the Gotham skyline while they talk. When she looks back at Nightcrawler, her smile is very faint as she tells Nightwing, "I'm pretty sure he knows exactly what kind of scum we're dealing with over here -- they just don't usually cross the river to make trouble." Shaking her head, she says thoughtfully, "Back channels can sometimes be very helpful." Pulling a small device from her utility belt that looks almost like the SmartWatches that people have now, she presses several things on the face and holds it out to Kurt. "Attach it to any cell phone. It will scramble the signal and give you two options -- Nightwing's direct line or Oracle's. She's a dispatcher, for if you need help." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "What? People nicht appreciating a blue demonic-looking mutant bounding up the sides of apartment buildings in the dark und periodically teleporting in a haze of brimstone with a laser light show?" Kurt teases. "I am shocked." He gives a playful wink."I appreciate you looking out for me. I assure you, I am always careful. Except when I am nicht."     His eyes can be hard to read, especially with the 'lights out' as they are now. Regardless, the elf's tone seems to be content enough.     His tail tip taps the concrete. "I will make arrangements about your lessons, if ther eis a way to contact you?" He fishes in his belt, and provides them with a scrap of paper. It's a twitter account '@Original_BAMF.'     He takes the device, looking at it. "Guess you did nicht need mein twitter." He quips. "Surprisingly easy to hide out in the open, if you are careful about it."     The mutant regards them both. "It is gut to see you still using your skills. You got too tall, though, mein herr. I am surprised you can still do that, at your height. The speeds for the rotations are harder to achieve." His grin is quiet, but he adds, "I can give you lessons there. See if we can push you to the more exclusive 5 or 6 rotations club, but might nicht be possible even for you. Unless you can sprout the tail? It helps." He slowly stands. "You should be proud of yourselves. Nicht once did you make me self-conscious. You are a credit to your families." His tone makes it obvious how important the meaning of that 'family' word is. "I will be in communication after we hunt down Mystique. Maybe sooner, but resolving this crisis is the X-Men's first priority. We need to defuse it before Genosha und America come to further blows." His eyes darken. "Mein herr, liebchen." He gives that circus bow again. "Contact me if you need us for anything. I am nicht in charge, but I get to do what I want." He mock dusts off his shirt as it he is just that important, his smile parting his lips. His eyes linger on Nightwing. "Anything. You haff family who has nicht forgotten you. We can look und see if there are any still out there, if if you want, mein herr." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "Well, even around Gotham that might draw a few curious glances..." Nightwing responds to Kurt's description of him moving around the City. "But, you'd be surprised what this place can get used to." After a moment's pause, he adds "You're likely to catch me in Bludhaven more often than Gotham these days..." Taking the offered paper with the Twitter account, Nightwing gives Batgirl a grin when she hands over the communication devices, "No way, now we can totally troll each other on Twitter like any good social media friends." Then he offers Nightcrawler a wink, "Once I'm allowed to /have/ a Twitter account!" Even under the mask it is easy to tell that Nightwing is taken aback by Nightcrawler's praise, "Lots of training, every day, every night, and a lot of bruises... skin and bone." He tells him honestly, "I was working with Batgirl to help her learn some of the finer points. I think we'd both like a chance to work with you, and improve on our techniques." The smile is genuine that Kurt sees from the young man, "It's been a pleasure, and really good to find Family again. Same for me, contact me any time you need help, or just want to talk about travels." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl has remained mostly quiet, letting Nightwing have the lead here -- after all, there's clearly a conversation happening within the conversation, and Kurt's own words have given away that he knows Dick's civilian identity. Which, considering what he's given away about himself, is not exactly a surprise. It causes her some worry, though, and she makes a mental note to go back one more time and make dead certain that his booty is covered digitally. "You are NOT allowed to have a Twitter account," she tells him with a roll of her blue eyes. Tilting her head at Nightcrawler, Batgirl wants to be amused at his compliment that they're a credit to their families for not making him uncomfortable. But honestly, it didn't occur to her to worry about what he LOOKED like when what she was actually worried about was whether he might actually slice those bad guys -- who are now being picked up by black-and-whites half a block away, if the red lights are an indicator -- in half. The swords looked pretty lethal. "He tried to teach me the quad," she admits ruefully. "Unfortunately, I have body parts that get in the way." Hips, curves, you know. They all cause DRAG. "I'm never averse to learning new things. All the better to keep my family safe." She smiles slightly at Kurt. "I hope we hear from you soon, Nightcrawler. Be safe on the rooftops out here." 
}}

Shadowcat

2017-12-01T22:18:06Z

Gabby73:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Kitty Pryde
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=296
|Img=http://jonvilma.com/images/zoey-deutch-5.jpg
|FullName=Katherine Anne Pryde
|Gender=Female
|Species=Mutant
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Active
|Occupation=Programmer/Hacker & Hero
|Groups=[[Justice League]] [[X-Men]] [[Xavier's School]]
|Quote=.
|PAge=19
|AAge=19
|DOB=25 July 2006
|Height=5'6"
|Weight=120 lbs.
|Hair=Brown
|Eyes=Brown
|Actor=Zoey Deutsch
|Profile=Kitty's spent the past 3 years earning her college degrees at Oxford University in England. During that time, she's volunteered her time with Excalibur as well as creating an online acker presence that some might frown upon. She's a little on the nosy side when it comes to what the American government's been doing about mutants and such, so in those years abroad, hacking into certain computers for reports and news was really the best way to find out what she wanted to know, right?! She's quite good at it, and she keeps a low profile. Now that she's come back to New York, she's feeling that taking up the mantle of an X-Man once more is what she'd like to be doing -- that and reestablishing her ties to Home.
|Description=The poised young woman before you could pass for Every College Student. She stands 5'6" tall and around 120 lbs with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes. She wears the ubiquitous uniform of jeans and a cute blouse, along with a pair of cute heeled boots. She moves like a dancer, graceful and lithe, and there's both a sparkle of amusement and just a hint of watchfulness to those eyes -- as if she's got the potential to be far more than what you see.
|History=Born to Carmen and Theresa Pryde in Deerfield, Illinois, Kitty was just your average supersmart Jewish pre-teen. And then one day, she wasn't. Her mutant power activated and sent her phasing right through her bed and into the first floor of her home -- luckily still in her pajamas instead of naked. Her parents were pretty upset, but they were soon approached by a group of people who represented a very special school in Westchester County, New York. This school would not only give her a stellar mundane educational opportunity but it was also a school for young mutants such as herself, who needed training in the use of an ability that she would have to deal with all her life. Her parents were not informed of the whole heroing in costume aspect of this training regime, but they were thrilled at the educational opportunities for her... and to be brutal, though the love their daughter very much, the idea that she would go away to a boarding school where they didn't have to deal with her mutant status was extremely appealing. The first few months at Xavier's School were rough for her, but Kitty made friends. She excelled in school despite the news that her parents were divorcing now that she was out of the picture. She enjoyed the training offered, and she was eager to prove that she could be an X-Man. Her relationships with the elder students (or most of them, at least) was one of kid sister, and she particularly gravitated toward Logan's rough affection because it offered a no-strings kind of love. She didn't have to *be* anyone for him, he just accepted all the parts of her for exactly what they were. Her first best friend, Illyana, was much the same way -- she had a darkness to her that was horrifying, but Kitty didn't find it to be a reason to treat the other young woman any differently. That situation was enhanced by things that happened to Kitty herself in her mid-teens... a trip to Japan with an evil lunatic inhabiting her brain gave her enhanced martial arts skills, so she had her own darknesses to deal with. At the age of 16, Kitty was already taking college-level courses at Xavier's and she determined that perhaps she needed a bit of a break from all of the X-craziness. She applied for and was accepted to Oxford University for computer science and wound up with a degree in both computer science and English literature. While she pursued her education there, she also helped out the local British team Excalibur. It was here she obtained not only a dragon companion but also -- when Illyana basically was killed -- inherited the Soulsword and ties to Limbo. But dealing with the evil lunatic in Japan had given her the mental fortitude to manage herself in light of these events. And the Soulsword returned (thank goodness) to its rightful owner when Illyana was... reborn? reconstituted? Whatever we're calling that. Upon receiving her degrees, Kitty determined that it was high time she went home and took her place among her family again.
|Personality=Katherine Pryde retains the lighthearted smile and enthusiasm that has always characterized her. She enjoys a good time, shopping, dancing, playing around with her dragon, kicking supervillain butts... all of that with a quick wit and a twinkle in her eyes. But like everyone, she has darker places in her soul. And she has a couple of places that are darker than most -- there is a reason her codename is Shadowcat. She is a beautiful, deadly mix of darkness and light. She could have become a villain -- the Japan mind-whammy and her tie to Limbo and the Soulsword could have made her quite evil. But she chooses the Light. Part of that is simply a testament to her very core sense of Self. Part of that is testament to the people around her, like Logan and Illyana and even Jean, who struggle with their own darkness and even when they fall down, they still strive for the Light. They are her inspiration.
|Abilities='''PHASING''' Kitty's mutant ability is to pull her body out of phase with the world around her, effectively rendering her intangible. How it works and the source of her power have not been studied in-depth, but she has always known that what she does is not merely a shifting of her density; her power works very differently than the Vision or others who manipulate density that way. Kitty's recent associations with the Martian Manhunter -- whose power was similar -- gave rise to experimentation. Through these experiments, it's been learned that the source of her power is the astral plane. So far as can be determined at this time, when Kitty phases, she is literally stepping between dimensions. She is partially in Earth's plane, where she can be seen but not touched when she phases; partially in the astral, where other astral beings can actually see and sense her but also not touch her; and partially somewhere else. Her mass is not being shunted anywhere, and the only explanation so far appears to be that it's just "between." This situation seems to explain her vulnerabilities to telepathy and magic (see Weaknesses), but it doesn't explain such things as why she still needs to breathe when phasing through solid or liquid matter or why gases affect her MORE powerfully than other people. The current theory on that is that it's because when she rematerializes, she's incorporating the air in that spot into her body (as opposed to displacing it). In addition, it has been discovered that Kitty has literal astral and magical ties to not just Limbo (which she already knew about) but also to the Bamf Dimension (which is a real place that she thought she made up) and possibly to undiscovered others as well. '''PHASE STUNTS''' Air Walking: This is a basic use of Kitty's phasing talent where she phases and simply uses the air itself as her floor. Due to recent experimentation, it is being theorized that her ability is actually a bit more complex -- more along the lines of living in The Matrix. She walks on air because she believes she can. Phase Extension: The ability to phase is not limited to just her own body, but it *is* limited to what she's in contact with. Thus far, she has not hit an upper limit of how much mass she can take into phase with her -- there may not be one, if mass is actually not part of the equation. She does know that she can phase and move objects/people at least the size of an armored-up Colossus. Electrical Disruption: Although it is not clear exactly why this occurs, AND it doesn't occur all the time, there are many times where Kitty walks through an electrical device and shorts it out. This can be a positive thing, such as when she needs to short-circuit the lights in a room where hostages are being kept so she can grab a gunman by an ankle and drag him into the floor. However, it can also be a negative, such as when she shorts out her cell phone or laptop for the eighth time because she's frustrated about something. Telepathically Slippery: Although she is highly vulnerable to psionics, when she is phased, it is just slightly harder for a telepath in the Earth plane to get a handle on her mind. That being said, once they do grab her mind, she's just as susceptible to anyone else. In addition, she has a vulnerability to astral creatures (see Weaknesses).
|Skills='''COMPUTER EXPERT''' Kitty's abilities with computers extend to both hardware and software. She could build you a state-of-the-art machine... and she could program it for you too. In her spare time, she actually does a decent bit of hacking around, just because she enjoys the challenge. It could be something that gets in her trouble someday. '''DANCE''' From preschool age until age 13, when she went to Xavier's School, Kitty took dance classes -- everything from ballet to modern jazz to tap to ballroom. You name it, she can probably put on her dancing shoes and at least do it passably. It is not a skill she has particularly kept up, but muscle memory is a wonderful thing. This classical training is still evident in the way she moves -- walking, running, even swordplay. She moves with a lithe speed and grace that might make one think of a cat. Apt, considering her codename. '''GENIUS''' Although it is not something she's ever played up or made an issue of, Katherine Pryde has a genius-level IQ. Her coursework was always well above grade level, and she picked up subjects quickly. Her degrees in college are for Computer Engineering and Programming, as well as English literature. She also has enough courses to technically constitute having a minor in both Psychology and Anatomy. Even now, if anyone mentions her grades or asks her what her degree is in, she keeps it simple -- Computer programming is her go-to answer. She is very modest about these things. '''MARTIAL ARTS AND SWORDFIGHTING''' Kitty learned martial arts in extremely unorthodox fashion. Having one's mind taken over by a Japanese martial arts master and being sent off to kill people you love is *NOT* what anyone should consider a vacation. Once freed of his hold, Kitty unexpectedly retained a great deal of the skill that had been implanted on her. She continued to train -- at times rather rabidly -- with both hand-to-hand and sword skills with the help of her friends and the Mansion's training programs. She might not be one of the best in the world or anything, but she does have a remarkable set of skills. '''MULTI-LINGUAL''' Kitty obviously speaks English fluently, as well as Hebrew. However, during her teen years (and with the extra help of having been mentally possessed by a Japanese Evil Overlord) she took up and studied Japanese to the point of passable fluency. She also speaks some moderate amount of Russian (thanks, Piotr and Illyana) and some moderate amount of German (thanks, Kurt).
|Resources='''LOCKHEED''' This small dragon found his way into Kitty's possession on an adventure in England and when the time came for her to leave he apparently decided that she belonged to him. Although Kitty treats him much as a cat, Lockheed is a sentient, highly intelligent being. She still isn't quite sure how intelligent, but he sticks to her like glue and seems to act as both friend and guardian. She loves him unconditionally and his companionship has been very welcome. '''PARENTS''' Although she has not lived with either of her parents in years now, they are still her parents. They do still love her and should she need anything from them, they would give it without question. She will go if they ever need her as well. They just don't have a lot in common these days, their relationship more of a once-a-month call or cards on holidays and birthdays and what have you kind of thing. '''SOULSWORD''' Through the course of their friendship, Illyana and Kitty have been many things -- some might call them Soulsisters. When Illyana 'died,' Kitty inherited full dominion over the Soulsword and Limbo. Though Yana now lives, Kitty's ties to the Sword and to the realm remain, though muted a great deal. She cannot merely summon the Sword to her at a whim, nor can she travel to Limbo just because. But should she have need to do so, should her need be great enough, she *could* conceivably pull the Sword to her despite the fact that Illyana is alive, and with that Sword, she could also conceivably open a gateway to Limbo with it. The need would have to be extremely great, and Kitty might have to give in to that Darkness that hides in the heart of her to do so. '''XAVIER'S SCHOOL''' Kitty has spent years at the boarding school learning all there is to know about being an X-Man. The people within the school are considered family -- certain people even moreso than others. This is Home.
|Weaknesses='''GAS ATTACKS''' This is the one area where Kitty's phasing ability could actually be a detriment. She is phasing herself just slightly out of sync with reality around her. But that means her molecules are slightly dispersed. A gas attack will actually render far MORE damage on her in phased form than it would on her solid form, because once she phases back *into* sync, that gas has permeated her molecules all throughout her body (as opposed to having been breathed in). '''LIMBO STARES BACK''' If Kitty has one major flaw that she will fight her whole life, it is this one. Her experiences in Japan gave her this shard of Darkness at her core. This shard coupled with her inheritance of the Soulsword when Illyana 'died' has fundamentally changed the way that Kitty experiences the world. She has a great deal of Light in her heart, and it is what keeps this shard contained -- she doesn't call upon the Soulsword, she doesn't phase herself into Limbo (can she DO that??? Even she's not sure) and she doesn't do things like ... phase her hand into someone's head or chest and come back out with a chunk of their innards in her fist. She *could*. Whether anyone else realizes it or not, Kitty knows that she *could* if push came to shove. It is one of the strongest links between herself and Logan -- they both know what she *could* be capable of, and she *chooses* every single day to *not* be that. However, it is a vunerability that could potentially be exploited. '''MAGIC AND PSI VULNERABILITIES''' Although being out of phase offers Kitty a great deal of personal protection from attack, it only offers a limited amount of resistance to psi powers or to magical attack. These methods might take just a short time longer to enact on her, but they do get through and at that point she takes the same amount of damage as any other human. '''PHASING LIMITATIONS''' Like all powers, there are down sides to Kitty's phasing. It turns out that being out-of-phase is just as natural a state of being for her as being in-phase. So, if she's using her power and is knocked unconscious, there is an even chance that she could wind up phased-out instead of phased-in. She has been known to phase in her sleep, finding herself on different floors or even in different dorm rooms at college. Sometimes with her clothes, sometimes without. It's quite embarrassing! In addition to this, Kitty could potentially be forced by technological or magical means to phase out of this reality. At present time, so far, she has remained here in this world when she phases -- but does she have the ability to literally molecularly shift herself between planes of existance? She honestly has NO idea. She does not currently know how much mass she can phase with her when she goes. An average-sized human, she has actually taken with her -- to phsae them through the ground, as an example, requires that they hold their breath, though. It is possible that she herself could run out of air in that phased state and be rendered unconscious. Even she doesn't know what could happen if that were to occur. HOWEVER, she does know the very real dangers of the possibility of phasing back into phase with this reality inside a solid or liquid substance -- it is a very real possibility that she could be killed should such a thing happen.
}}
[[Category:Justice League]]
[[Category:X-Men]]
[[Category:Xavier's School]]

Invisible Woman

2017-12-01T22:11:27Z

Gabby73:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Susan Storm-Richards
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Img=https://media.glamour.com/photos/5696cb9b240e5f0356bc505f/master/w_1280,c_limit/beauty-2012-12-maggie-grace-bun-hairstyle-main.jpg
|Char_id=25
|FullName=Susan Victoria "Sue" Storm-Richards
|Gender=Female
|Species=Metahuman
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Approved
|Occupation=Scientist
|Citizenship=United States of America
|Residence=Manhattan, New York
|Education=Empire State University (Dbiochem, DBiophys)
|Groups=[[Avengers]] [[Fantastic Four]] [[Justice League]] [[SHIELD]]
|Quote="I know that, darling. But... But I know a lot of other things now. Things I think I've been trying to put aside, to postpone... Something a lot like growing up, perhaps. The Psycho-Man did more than twist my emotions. He forced me to look into the deepest corners of my soul, forced me to confront who I am, what have I become. When we rocketed into the cosmic ray belt, when we gained our powers, we lost something. An innocence. A child-like naivety. For a long time I've tried to go on as if we're still the same people we used to be, As if I was still the same. But I'm not. Not after all that's happened to us. Not after what the Psycho-Man did to me. There is no Invisible-Girl anymore, Reed. She died when the Psycho-Man twisted her soul. From now on, I am the Invisible Woman!"
|PAge=29
|AAge=29
|DOB=29 April 1996
|Height=163 cm
|Weight=54 kg
|Hair=Blonde
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Jessica Alba
|Profile=An Actress that had a promising career, Susan Storm-Richards is part of the Fantastic Four. The Protector and de-facto 'leader' of the Foursome, Susan tends to play mother to not only her two children, Franklin and Valeria, but to Johnny, Ben, and Reed. She is known as the Invisible Woman and maintains herself as a public face, as well as a Public Relations 'darling' for the Fantastic Four, especially since Johnny's mouth tends to get them into trouble, and Reed usually locks himself away in his lab for days on end. She also keeps ties with the Avengers, Justice League, S.H.I.E.L.D., the X-Men and various other groups in case she needs information, or they need help. However, her main loyalty, as always, is to her Family: The Fantastic Four.
|Description=She is young and striking, somewhere in her late-twenties. Her face is soft and elegant, with smooth features and a gentle chin. Her cheekbones are high, melded in well and frame a delicate, petite nose. Above that are her pair of large, striking blue eyes, which are surmounted by graceful arches of her eyebrows. Her hair is straight and a rich golden-blonde colour, cut a little above the shoulder and framing her face, coming down in a smooth curve with a little bit of a curl towards her face at the bottom. It is a simple hairstyle, well-suited for both the lab and an active lifestyle. On her face she has on a pair of simple, silver glasses with oval frames. They are small and delicate and rest gently on the bridge of her nose. Her clothing is at once simple, timeless, and very distinctive. From her neck down to her feet she is clad in a skin tight, medium blue jumpsuit that clings to every curve of her feminine frame and displays them well. There is a very subtle pattern to the fabric, appearing to be composed of tiny scales or an exaggerated skin pattern in just the right light. There are a network of seams running over it as well, curving down her sides and over her hips down to her legs and up over her back and shoulder blades before running to her shoulders. A single one also runs down the front of the uniform, concealing a zipper. On her chest is a prominent, raised circular silver symbol with a large, blue numeral '4' in the centre of it. It is nearly entirely blue except for a matching collar that covers the collarbones in a wide semi-circle and then extends up over her neck. There is also a matching, built-in narrow black belt that wraps around her waist, giving her a place to carry things if need be. The costume covers her almost completely. The bottoms cling to her toned, shapely legs and disappear into black, lace less boots that extend to the middle of her calves. Like the rest of her suit, it has the same skin or scale-like texture and seams running over it and a flat, well-shaped sole suitable for most terrains. Her arms are completely concealed by the sleeves of her outfit until meeting with a pair of black gloves that almost reach her elbow. They are comprised of the same, high-tech-looking fabric as her boots.
|History=Susan Storm was born to a normal family in Huntington, Suffolk County. Her parents were both scientists and she was raised in an environment geared towards science and education. Unfortunately, when she was a little girl her mother left, forcing her father to raise her and her younger brother, Johnny, by himself. He proved a loving, though busy father and Sue rose to the challenge, acting almost as a mother to both of them. This drove her to excel and she pushed herself academically, graduating several years early from high school. College was an area to excel for Susan and she attended Empire State University, one of the top science universities in the northeast, eventually graduating early with doctorates in both biochemistry and biophysics. Despite receiving offers from many prestigious organisations, Susan turned to a childhood dream that she had shared with her brother, going into space. He had never been scientifically-inclined like the rest of his family, so Johnny had turned to daredevil, adrenaline-filled exploits and managed to join N.A.S.A. as a pilot. Susan soon joined him in astronaut training and was assigned as a mission specialist to an Orion capsule flight, along with her brother, scientist Reed Richards, and pilot Ben Grimm. Disaster struck in the middle of the mission and the entire crew was exposed to cosmic radiation. Everything seemed fine when they first returned to Earth, but within a few days problems started to crop up. Eventually the four realised that the radiation had given them super powers. In Susan's case, she gained the power of invisibility and the ability to project force fields. Fairly quickly they became involved in several high profile incidents in New York, their home base, and became one of the most well-known groups of super heroes and celebrities in their own right, with their real names publically known. Susan didn't want the spotlight, but she put up with it, preferring to concentrate on her research and her friendships with the other three members of her team. As one of the top minds in the country in various biosciences, she has found herself frequently advising various groups from the American government to the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D.
|Personality=At her very core, Sue is a very maternal person. She protects her friends and loved ones as best as she can. This means with her force fields, or helping them emotionally through tough times in their lives. She's also very affectionate towards those she cares for, this includes friends. It can be misconstrued as something more, but Sue also remains loyal to her established friends, that being Ben Grimm, Johnny Storm, and especially Reed Richards. Others that earn her trust will find she is very protective of them as well, but not to the point of smothering. Sue is also a somewhat outgoing personality. She has to be to counteract Johnny Storm, with his rather blustery personality and Reed, who is usually in his lab. Since she is also a trained actress, she has a 'persona' for the public, so they see the Fantastic Four in a favorable light, which is a good thing since Ben can get into a depressive state every now and then. Despite all of these positive traits, Sue will defend her friends, violently, if they're in danger. The phrase 'don't poke the momma bear with the cubs' fits Sue Storm-Richards. Those force fields she has can be used offensively as well. So, angering the maternal one is rarely a good thing.
|Abilities='''INVISIBILITY''' Sue can warp and manipulate light, allowing her to make herself or another subject invisible both visually and to electronic detection. This does not eliminate sounds, smells, or other ways of detection. With heavy concentration, she can expand the effect's size dramatically, selectively make parts of herself invisible, or detect and interfere with similar invisibility manifestations in others. '''PSIONIC FORCE FIELDS''' Sue can project fields of psionic force around herself and others. These can take various forms from relatively simple shapes like spheres and planes to much more complex and detailed ones, limited, as with the size and strength of the force fields, only by her imagination, concentration, and fatigue. She can also use them as a means of attack, firing them off at a target, and to enable her to slowly fly for a short time. They also block telekinesis, telepathy, and many other psionic abilities.
|Skills='''FIT''' Though a superhero, Sue is no stronger or more durable then an athletic, fit woman her age. She exercises and trains regularly and is in peak condition. '''SELF-DEFENSE''' It is important for heroes to be able to defend themselves and Sue has studied several martial arts to accomplish just that, ending up reasonably skilled in Karate and Judo.'''MOTHER TO MANY''' It takes an intelligent, strong-willed woman to raise a couple of kids, keep a team in line, and build a thriving business. But that's exactly what Sue has done. Over the past couple of years, she's become not just the mother of the FF team but also in many ways the Mother to Heroes - many people seem to value her advice and help, and she readily turns her maternal instincts to assisting whoever needs it. If you're one of Hers, there is nothing she won't do for you if you ask.'''PUBLIC RELATIONS''' She figured out early on that public relations were going to be very important to the Fantastic Four. Sue took on this role, and she has made a point of keeping the public face of the Fantastic Four very clean. They are heroes, and they are expected at all times to hold to the highest standards. She regularly gives interviews, can often be found giving tours, and in general she handles all the press releases for the team.'''SCIENCE DEGREES''' Although it's really not something that most pay attention to, Sue has two degrees in hard sciences. She's brutally intelligent and driven when it comes to her research, but that has taken somethinng of a back seat to parenthood and being the public face of the Fantastic Four.
|Resources='''FANTASTIC COSTUME''' Sue's Fantastic Four uniform is made of unstable molecules and can turn invisible with her. It also insulates against cold and heat well, is self-cleaning and repairing, can adapt to both high and partial pressures, and has a built-in communicator tied into her teammates and their allies. '''FANTASTIC FOUR''' Sue has access to all resources of the Fantastic Four including, but not limited to Four Freedoms Plaza, Pier Four, the various vehicles designed and built by her teammates, and incredible amounts of scientific equipment and research.
|Weaknesses='''EMOTIONAL''' Sue is a lover, not a fighter. She is not a warrior by nature and is not good at burying or suppressing her emotions. This can cause hesitation in battle or make her vulnerable when her friends or family are threatened, but it can also be an avenue of impressive and overwhelming strength in the right circumstances. '''FAMILY''' Family is Sue's greatest strength, but it is also her greatest weakness. She has two small children (Franklin, born 8 November 2019, and Valeria, born 10 March 2021) who could be held against her despite all the security precautions and nannies she and Reed have put in place around them. She loves her brother, her husband, her teammate Ben. The extended group of people that she deems Hers are also potential leverage - she cannot stand for someone to be hurt because of her, and it can create significant problems.'''HUMAN''' Despite her abilities, Sue is not superhumanly durable, speedy, or strong. She can only do what normal humans can do when it comes to most things. She's in great shape and works hard to stay that way, but caught by surprise, she is just as squishy as a civilian in the streets.'''PUBLIC IDENTITY''' Having your name and face emblazoned across the world as a "powered hero" can be a good thing... but it can also bring with it some down sides. Sue and the rest of the team are known to the general public. When things are good in the world, this means simple things like going shopping or doing errands might be a little more fraught with people who want signatures or what have you -- it's a minor kind of celebrity status. But when things are BAD, it means there is nowhere to hide. Occasionally Sue requires a bodyguard to accompany her out into the city -- and she is especially cautious with her children's safety.
}}
<gallery>
InvisibleWoman.jpg
</gallery>
[[Category:Fantastic Four]][[Category:Avengers]][[Category:Justice League]][[Category:SHIELD]]

Invisible Woman

2017-12-01T15:40:37Z

Gabby73:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Susan Richards
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=25
|Img=
|FullName=Susan Victoria "Sue" Storm-Richards
|Gender=Female
|Species=Metahuman
|Theme=Marvel
|Chartype=FC
|Active=Approved
|Occupation=Scientist
|Citizenship=United States of America
|Residence=Manhattan, New York
|Education=Empire State University (Dbiochem, DBiophys)
|Groups=[[Avengers]] [[Fantastic Four]] [[Justice League]] [[SHIELD]]
|Quote="I know that, darling. But... But I know a lot of other things now. Things I think I've been trying to put aside, to postpone... Something a lot like growing up, perhaps. The Psycho-Man did more than twist my emotions. He forced me to look into the deepest corners of my soul, forced me to confront who I am, what have I become. When we rocketed into the cosmic ray belt, when we gained our powers, we lost something. An innocence. A child-like naivety. For a long time I've tried to go on as if we're still the same people we used to be, As if I was still the same. But I'm not. Not after all that's happened to us. Not after what the Psycho-Man did to me. There is no Invisible-Girl anymore, Reed. She died when the Psycho-Man twisted her soul. From now on, I am the Invisible Woman!"
|PAge=29
|AAge=29
|DOB=29 April 1996
|Height=163 cm
|Weight=54 kg
|Hair=Blonde
|Eyes=Blue
|Actor=Maggie Grace
|Profile=An Actress that had a promising career, Susan Storm-Richards is part of the Fantastic Four. The Protector and de-facto 'leader' of the Foursome, Susan tends to play mother to not only her two children, Franklin and Valeria, but to Johnny, Ben, and Reed. She is known as the Invisible Woman and maintains herself as a public face, as well as a Public Relations 'darling' for the Fantastic Four, especially since Johnny's mouth tends to get them into trouble, and Reed usually locks himself away in his lab for days on end. She also keeps ties with the Avengers, Justice League, S.H.I.E.L.D., the X-Men and various other groups in case she needs information, or they need help. However, her main loyalty, as always, is to her Family: The Fantastic Four.
|Description=She is young and striking, somewhere in her late-twenties. Her face is soft and elegant, with smooth features and a gentle chin. Her cheekbones are high, melded in well and frame a delicate, petite nose. Above that are her pair of large, striking blue eyes, which are surmounted by graceful arches of her eyebrows. Her hair is straight and a rich golden-blonde colour, cut a little above the shoulder and framing her face, coming down in a smooth curve with a little bit of a curl towards her face at the bottom. It is a simple hairstyle, well-suited for both the lab and an active lifestyle. On her face she has on a pair of simple, silver glasses with oval frames. They are small and delicate and rest gently on the bridge of her nose. Her clothing is at once simple, timeless, and very distinctive. From her neck down to her feet she is clad in a skin tight, medium blue jumpsuit that clings to every curve of her feminine frame and displays them well. There is a very subtle pattern to the fabric, appearing to be composed of tiny scales or an exaggerated skin pattern in just the right light. There are a network of seams running over it as well, curving down her sides and over her hips down to her legs and up over her back and shoulder blades before running to her shoulders. A single one also runs down the front of the uniform, concealing a zipper. On her chest is a prominent, raised circular silver symbol with a large, blue numeral '4' in the centre of it. It is nearly entirely blue except for a matching collar that covers the collarbones in a wide semi-circle and then extends up over her neck. There is also a matching, built-in narrow black belt that wraps around her waist, giving her a place to carry things if need be. The costume covers her almost completely. The bottoms cling to her toned, shapely legs and disappear into black, lace less boots that extend to the middle of her calves. Like the rest of her suit, it has the same skin or scale-like texture and seams running over it and a flat, well-shaped sole suitable for most terrains. Her arms are completely concealed by the sleeves of her outfit until meeting with a pair of black gloves that almost reach her elbow. They are comprised of the same, high-tech-looking fabric as her boots.
|History=Susan Storm was born to a normal family in Huntington, Suffolk County. Her parents were both scientists and she was raised in an environment geared towards science and education. Unfortunately, when she was a little girl her mother left, forcing her father to raise her and her younger brother, Johnny, by himself. He proved a loving, though busy father and Sue rose to the challenge, acting almost as a mother to both of them. This drove her to excel and she pushed herself academically, graduating several years early from high school. College was an area to excel for Susan and she attended Empire State University, one of the top science universities in the northeast, eventually graduating early with doctorates in both biochemistry and biophysics. Despite receiving offers from many prestigious organisations, Susan turned to a childhood dream that she had shared with her brother, going into space. He had never been scientifically-inclined like the rest of his family, so Johnny had turned to daredevil, adrenaline-filled exploits and managed to join N.A.S.A. as a pilot. Susan soon joined him in astronaut training and was assigned as a mission specialist to an Orion capsule flight, along with her brother, scientist Reed Richards, and pilot Ben Grimm. Disaster struck in the middle of the mission and the entire crew was exposed to cosmic radiation. Everything seemed fine when they first returned to Earth, but within a few days problems started to crop up. Eventually the four realised that the radiation had given them super powers. In Susan's case, she gained the power of invisibility and the ability to project force fields. Fairly quickly they became involved in several high profile incidents in New York, their home base, and became one of the most well-known groups of super heroes and celebrities in their own right, with their real names publically known. Susan didn't want the spotlight, but she put up with it, preferring to concentrate on her research and her friendships with the other three members of her team. As one of the top minds in the country in various biosciences, she has found herself frequently advising various groups from the American government to the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D.
|Personality=At her very core, Sue is a very maternal person. She protects her friends and loved ones as best as she can. This means with her force fields, or helping them emotionally through tough times in their lives. She's also very affectionate towards those she cares for, this includes friends. It can be misconstrued as something more, but Sue also remains loyal to her established friends, that being Ben Grimm, Johnny Storm, and especially Reed Richards. Others that earn her trust will find she is very protective of them as well, but not to the point of smothering. Sue is also a somewhat outgoing personality. She has to be to counteract Johnny Storm, with his rather blustery personality and Reed, who is usually in his lab. Since she is also a trained actress, she has a 'persona' for the public, so they see the Fantastic Four in a favourable light, which is a good thing since Ben can get into a depressive state every now and then. Despite all of these positive traits, Sue will defend her friends, violently, if they're in danger. The phrase 'don't poke the momma bear with the cubs' fits Sue Storm-Richards. Those force fields she has can be used offensively as well. So, angering the maternal one is rarely a good thing.
|Abilities='''INVISIBILITY''' Sue can warp and manipulate light, allowing her to make herself or another subject invisible both visually and to electronic detection. This does not eliminate sounds, smells, or other ways of detection. With heavy concentration, she can expand the effect's size dramatically, selectively make parts of herself invisible, or detect and interfere with similar invisibility manifestations in others. '''PSIONIC FORCE FIELDS''' Sue can project fields of psionic force around herself and others. These can take various forms from relatively simple shapes like spheres and planes to much more complex and detailed ones, limited, as with the size and strength of the force fields, only by her imagination, concentration, and fatigue. She can also use them as a means of attack, firing them off at a target, and to enable her to slowly fly for a short time. They also block telekinesis, telepathy, and many other psionic abilities.
|Skills='''FIT''' Though a superhero, Sue is no stronger or more durable then an athletic, fit woman her age. She exercises and trains regularly and is in peak condition. '''SELF-DEFENSE''' It is important for heroes to be able to defend themselves and Sue has studied several martial arts to accomplish just that, ending up reasonably skilled in Karate and Judo.'''MOTHER TO MANY''' It takes an intelligent, strong-willed woman to raise a couple of kids, keep a team in line, and build a thriving business. But that's exactly what Sue has done. Over the past couple of years, she's become not just the mother of the FF team but also in many ways the Mother to Heroes - many people seem to value her advice and help, and she readily turns her maternal instincts to assisting whoever needs it. If you're one of Hers, there is nothing she won't do for you if you ask.'''PUBLIC RELATIONS''' She figured out early on that public relations were going to be very important to the Fantastic Four. Sue took on this role, and she has made a point of keeping the public face of the Fantastic Four very clean. They are heroes, and they are expected at all times to hold to the highest standards. She regularly gives interviews, can often be found giving tours, and in general she handles all the press releases for the team.'''SCIENCE DEGREES''' Although it's really not something that most pay attention to, Sue has two degrees in hard sciences. She's brutally intelligent and driven when it comes to her research, but that has taken somethingn of a back seat to parenthood and being the public face of the Fantastic Four.
|Resources='''FANTASTIC COSTUME''' Sue's Fantastic Four uniform is made of unstable molecules and can turn invisible with her. It also insulates against cold and heat well, is self-cleaning and repairing, can adapt to both high and partial pressures, and has a built-in communicator tied into her teammates and their allies. '''FANTASTIC FOUR''' Sue has access to all resources of the Fantastic Four including, but not limited to Four Freedoms Plaza, Pier Four, the various vehicles designed and built by her teammates, and incredible amounts of scientific equipment and research.
|Weaknesses='''EMOTIONAL''' Sue is a lover, not a fighter. She is not a warrior by nature and is not good at burying or suppressing her emotions. This can cause hesitation in battle or make her vulnerable when her friends or family are threatened, but it can also be an avenue of impressive and overwhelming strength in the right circumstances. '''FAMILY''' Family is Sue's greatest strength, but it is also her greatest weakness. She has two small children (Franklin, born 8 November 2019, and Valeria, born 10 March 2021) who could be held against her despite all the security precautions and nannies she and Reed have put in place around them. She loves her brother, her husband, her teammate Ben. The extended group of people that she deems Hers are also potential leverage - she cannot stand for someone to be hurt because of her, and it can create significant problems.'''HUMAN''' Despite her abilities, Sue is not superhumanly durable, speedy, or strong. She can only do what normal humans can do when it comes to most things. She's in great shape and works hard to stay that way, but caught by surprise, she is just as squishy as a civilian in the streets.'''PUBLIC IDENTITY''' Having your name and face emblazoned across the world as a "powered hero" can be a good thing... but it can also bring with it some down sides. Sue and the rest of the team are known to the general public. When things are good in the world, this means simple things like going shopping or doing errands might be a little more fraught with people who want signatures or what have you -- it's a minor kind of celebrity status. But when things are BAD, it means there is nowhere to hide. Occasionally Sue requires a bodyguard to accompany her out into the city -- and she is especially cautious with her children's safety.
}}
[[Category:Fantastic Four]]
[[Category:Avengers]]
[[Category:Justice League]]
[[Category:SHIELD]]

3028/Barbara Gordon, Geek Squad

2017-11-27T01:40:37Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/11/02
|Location=Batcave, Gotham City
|Synopsis=Babs is working on an upgrade in the Cave and Bruce chats for a few minutes.
|Cast of Characters=58, 104
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She blew it. Well, okay. Not really. Batgirl has been doing as he asked and keeping close tabs on Chinatown. But hey -- even she can't be everywhere in Chinatown at once. So ... if a jade figurine was stolen from a Tong crime lord while she was off dealing with drug dealers who lace their product with drain cleaner and bleach? Wellllll.... it's a small price to pay. A stolen item doesn't honestly stack up against saving a bunch of lives from laced drugs. Unless, of course, you knew that Catwoman was playing in the sandbox and you kinda let her. So last night, as penance for her 'screw-up,' Barbara took to the Cave for heavy-duty training. Hours and hours of it. And then in the midst of it, a stray thought passed through that rather brilliant mind and derailed all training sessions. She raced for the main computer array, gave Batman only the briefest of warnings, and then took the whole shebang offline. After climbing around the guts of the Beast, she is finally booting it back up. Bruce has known her long enough to know when he walks in and finds her talking to herself, there's some kind of a breakthrough going on. "I have no idea why Tim didn't think of this before -- he's the app guy!! I mean, really." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "There are some schools of thought that the habit of speaking to one's self is an indicator of madness." That rough voice is heard as he emerges from the elevator, his arrival heralded by the faint whisper of those doors, depositing the man on the main level. He's pulling on his gloves one at a time, is cowl still cast back and so his manner, his tone of voice are a touch warmer than when he fully subsumes himself into the role of Batman.     A few strides bring him forth, and as she works under the computer she might see those black boots. He tilts his head slightly to look down on her, "That or genius." He offers with the ghost of a smile.     That said he steps to the side and waits for the system to come back on and for the woman to emerge, his eyebrow quirking as he considers what she may have been working on. It's back to her that he asks, "Is something the matter?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' When he peers underneath, Barbara shoots him a wicked grin. "I definitely subscribe to the genius. It's only madness if you're answering yourself!" she retorts on a chuckle. Were this a car, she'd look like a grease monkey climbing out from beneath there. Because it's a computer instead, she merely looks ruffled, her copper ponytail a little bit straggled where she's caught strands on the cables and cords beneath the table. "Nothing's wrong, exactly, but I had a Eureka moment," she admits as she slides out and gains her feet in front of the bank of monitors. "You know how scammers hack credit cards or sometimes phones can be cloned, right? Proximity and wifi are a dangerous combination. And it hit me that our comm gear was still susceptible to similar problems. Even though it's encrypted, we're still broadcasting." Barbara never underestimates Batman's intelligence, so when she glances at him, it's not to verify that he's following so much as to share the elation of the moment. "So I took a look at one of the NSA satellites last night to check the code for a way around it. Had to tweak it a little for what *I* want, and voila -- our comms have better range, can't be tracked, *and* the encryption is better than SHIELD or the NSA." She pauses and considers. "Which... I should probably share, but..." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "No," The tall man seems to subtly slip into the mindset of the cowl, his arms folding over his chest s he considers what she's said. His brow furrows and he gives a small nod, head turning to the side slightly. "Either of those agencies can be compromised, our security is better and more concise if only due to the nature of our size." He steps forwards then looks at her sidelong.     "You made sure everyone in the field knew you were going comms quiet for the upgrade?" Of course his first concern is to the well being of his people, but a cursory check of a data feed from one of the monitors that first come online shows the operatives in the field are standing down, all checked in as safe and not in conflict.     Towards her he nods, "Share this with Tim when you get a chance. He might have some added insight." That said he looks back at the display and starts to run some diagnostics. Then, almost grudgingly, he adds. "Good job." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Of *course* she alerted everyone on the street that the comms would be down briefly. "Be still my heart," Barbara teases him, looking over his shoulder at the feed with a grin. Pleased with herself, and flushing lightly with the praise because his opinion is important (it's his gear, after all), she rocks on her heels and studies the array of data scrolling across the feeds as they boot back up and start showing the broad variety of maps, reports, and assorted intel on the screens above them. "One of the WayneTech satellites needs maintenance, by the way. When I used it to bounce the signal I wanted, its response was sluggish. I think it's physical damage. There was a micrometeor shower a few days ago, so I'm thinking it got plinked by a few pieces at the same time the space station did." Why Barbara knows what's going on at the space station is perhaps a more interesting question to some, but maybe not to him. "It would probably be a good idea to let the techs over there know to run a full diagnostic of the whole network of them. The one I was using may not be the only one that got hit." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     For a time he's silent, reading the displays, focusing. But he then proves he's paying attention by telling her sidelong, "I'll take one of the Javelins from the watch tower, make a sweep. Or create a situation where it becomes obvious to a more mundane observation group." Ever trying to keep things on the down low. Batman frowns at one of the displays and keys in to focus on it further, but then he pushes the monitor away as it gathers the data.     Back to her, Bruce nods. "Have you been keeping up with the new training regimen?" She has, to be fair. At least the part that requires repetition and exercise. The added stipulation of rotating between training partners might be a little more difficult to fulfill.     He steps away from the monitor and then sets foot on the gantryway that leads to the myriad of training areas, the elaborate rooms locked off in one of the many tertiary caves in the underground system. "I've been receiving reports from the others." He adds, but doesn't include the silent 'other than you.' 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She keeps pace with him, her reply perhaps a little less enthused. "I haven't kept up as well with the in-person rotations," Barbara admits. "Simulations, mostly." Which she knows full well for most things is fine, but in this case perhaps not as good. It's the unpredictability of the human factor that is needed at times. As they walk, though, she debates mentally. Then finally she simply asks, "Does she really kill all the people she challenges?" 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     The tall man strides along, falling into step with her as he moves. To the side he murmurs, "No." And let's that sit there. For a time it'll have to serve until he reaches the door that leads into the gym he's been using of late. He presses a gauntlet against the control panel, making it light up into the shape of his hands and fingerprints and then the door slides open.     "Only Shiva knows her motives, or what criteria she has for deciding to take a life. I've seen her end a man with almost negligible ease. Then I've seen her leave a man who pulled a knife on her alive, if only because she was amused that he was able to actually draw her blood." The tall man shakes his head, "She is as fickle as her namesake, but there is a method to her madness."     He folds his arms over his chest and he frowns, standing there in the doorway. "In her encounter with Nightwing he may have assumed she intended to kill him when she challenged him, though she did not say as much. Perhaps she just wanted to see how he had improved. We'll never know."     He steps into that gym, but then pauses as he looks back to her, "But I do not fault what decisions he made. I would likely have done the same. Or something similar. Lives were in the balance." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara's smile is faint as she looks down. Of course he would have. She would have too. It was the right thing, regardless of cost to self. When she looks back up at him, though, her green eyes are serious. "She came to see me. You know that your intervention hasn't actually stopped anything -- she challenged him before you spoke to her. And he's not going to back down." Blowing out a slow breath, she comments, "You sent them to train with her. Why, if you don't think this is a fight to the death, are you against this challenge?" 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     A shake of his head is given, "I've never sent anyone to train with her. It has come about, and I have let others make their decision." He frowns as he looks into the room, then tells her levelly. "I don't think it was initially to the death. But Nightwing stated that it was to her, and I believe that escalated matters. She never backs down from a challenge."     That said he looks back at her, "And so I had to step forwards and shift her attention ideally to me. But we'll see. There's time. Something may happen."     He moves into the room, and it's an austere place. The floor is a light blue with fabric of a certain level of firmness to it, the computer display on one of the walls awaiting input. Normally it can offer a variety of training options, but for now it simply flashes at the ready. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara leans a shoulder against the doorway, studying him and the room around them. Tilting her head, she considers what he said. "That actually makes a lot more sense to me... I wondered why, if you were sending the guys to her, that you didn't send me," she admits. "You do inscrutable really well, but it never seemed like the right time to ask about it -- I didn't have a huge desire to train with her anyway." She shoots him a smile. "I'm looking forward to seeing Dragon again, though. There were things I wanted to learn from him when you sent me there that I didn't have time to do." When she pushes off the door frame to step into the empty room, she seems to still be thinking hard about things in her own mind. And then she finally asks, "Why do you always spar with the simulations? I used to think it was because you thought none of us were good enough to challenge you." Which, just based on that phrasing, is not what she thinks now. But she's studying his face, looking for something while she waits for his answer. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     Looking at her curiously, Bruce furrows his brow slightly. "No. I never sent any of our people to her. She likes to think I do, or I did. But I... in some ways feel like I can't get in the way of them growing further." There's a pause, then his brow knits as he looks distantly, as if to some place beyond those walls. "Surpassing me."     He waves a hand to the side slightly, "But this, with Dick. A deadline and such intent." Shaking his head Bruce frowns and then slowly pulls the cowl up and over his features, settling into the comfort of his true self, his voice subtly changing. "I realized I couldn't stand still."     A moment and then he says, "I realize that's selfish. But no point in worrying about it now. Things are already afoot."     But then she asks him about why he spars with the others so rarely, then he looks to her and says. "I don't always only spar with simulations. Just of late I need to be pushed hard, in case I do have to match myself against Shiva. I train with the others at times..." Though rarely. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "I don't think it's selfish," Barbara tells him quietly. She doesn't treat him differently even in the mask -- not when they're standing in the safety of this Cave. "I think it's just the opposite. You've never let one of us fall, Bruce. You're doing what you've always done. You're getting ready. Creating the safety net for him in case he's too far out on that ledge and it breaks under him." Perhaps it's just because she's a girl, but her faith in him is bedrock-solid. "Go push," she tells him with a quiet smile. "I'll hit the streets in a little while, after I make sure the upgrade isn't going to mess with anything." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     For a time he looks at her, listening to her words. Those irisless eyes giving no insight into the man beyond the fact that he's watching her. But then he nods and steps further into the room. Over his shoulder he tells her simply, "Good hunting."     And then he gets down to work. 
}}

3058/After the Incarceration of Bobby Haines by the Coward Batman

2017-11-27T01:32:00Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/11/01
|Location=Batcave, Gotham City
|Synopsis=Bruce and Barbara spar in the cave. Honest communication is usually done this way.
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     The sounds of hand-to-hand combat have been wafting through the Cave for nearly 20 minutes. It's not often Barbara gets to pull Bruce into a spar, but given last night's mess, she had been glad to find him in here when she arrived. Now... maybe she's not so glad. Throwing up an arm to block his next strike and feeling her entire forearm go numb, Barbara steps in closer, pivoting on that foot in an attempt to throw him over her hip. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     The various gymnasiums that are used in the Bat Cave are each separated from the others, giving different areas for multiple combatants to focus. Three of them are locked off, quiet chambers, three more have a fully automated suite of electronic and robotic equipment to create a variety of simulations and dangerous obstacles, while the last three are more formal for something akin to martial arts practice as well as introspection. It is in one of those last three that the two vigilantes face each other, and it's there that they've been for...     Has it only been twenty minutes? It's seem like much longer.     The tension and frustration from the lack of answers yesterday boils over in part during such training sessions. Each of them match against the other with an intensity that is impressive. Perhaps the Batman is of the mind to push Barbara, for the matter with Shiva and the Dragon is still very much in play. Perhaps it's due to that rather wicked looking shiner she's sporting under her eye that might want him to focus on improving her technique.     Whatever it is, right now, they're both matched fully against each other, so much so... that the rest oft he world has drifted away. Between them there is nothing more than their opponent. Features shiny from exertion, the scent of sweat and effort thick in the room. And as she stepped in closer, his white sleeveless t-shirt clung close to his powerfully muscled form.     It was a quick twist, a thrust of her hip to try and throw him over. The mats whispered with the shift of pressure when she moved, and he seemed to move cleanly with her. His body slipped forwards in a smooth flip, his feet slamming down upon the mats as he holds onto the arm she had been trying to flip him with, reversing the grip and in turn trying to take her down heavily in front of him upon the mats.     One fist lifts sharply, readying to strike downwards as his blue eyes meet hers and then it crashes down, perhaps not for her jaw but more subtly to the side. If only to make a point. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Her focus on him is absolute -- it has to be, for her to keep up. The one thing Barbara has never been lacking is the desire to do better, always. Momentarily elated because throwing him is always a challenge despite her height and strength, the redhead finds herself caught as he flips. Landing *hard* on her back on the mat, her breath is knocked out of her and the next moment she has his fist those bare millimeters in front of her.     Point made. He can see it in her green eyes -- the frustration, the determination to do better. To *be* better.     Kicking out and up, she manages to catch him in the thigh with a good kick, but her angle is bad and ultimately she stops moving and taps out of the fight, conceding. When she can finally suck in a breath, she wheezes a little at him. "You've been watching Dick again," she accuses. The flip he used to capture her was classic Grayson. "Again?" 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     Rising to his feet he wipes a forearm over his brow and turns away from her. Always a curious melange of both Bruce and the Batman when they're there and he is without his cowl. He gives her his back as he walks towards the edge of the gym, and picks up one of the water bottles that had been set down there on the edge.     Lifting it up he takes a few swallows, then tosses her the other one so she can hydrate as he turns back to face her. "Again." He says simply, even as he steps to the side, settling into a defensive ready stance with his hip turned towards her and his hands open but held low before him, as if he had that cowl upon his shoulders to hide the shift of his body.     "Unless you're too tired. Getting old. Losing a step." He tosses those casual gauntlets down there almost dismissively, but the very smallest smirk takes up residence on the corner of his mouth as he awaits her. And once she finishes drinking and moves to re-engage he tells her, "Give me your thoughts on Bobby Haines." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Reaching up to catch the water bottle, the redhead stands up straight and casually takes a couple of swallows. Padding to the edge of the mat, she sets the bottle down, picking up her towel to make a quick wipe at her face and neck. His little digs are ignored -- she knows he's just bear-baiting.     Back in position on the mat, she takes a moment to shake off the last of the landing. Grounding herself firmly in stance, she considers the question. "He's an arrogant little prick. His code is passable but he's nowhere near as good as he thinks he is," she tells him. Then she launches into a series of punches and strikes. At a pause moment, just before he starts reciprocating instead of fending off, she adds, "But I want to know what he wanted with a parademon sidearm. It's not the kind of thing you just collect -- he has a reason." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "Exactly," He says as he make the needed blocks, the flats of his hands pushing her strikes away, his leg lifting to accept a low kick from her, then his elbow /stabs/ into the top of her thigh as she tries to bring in a knee. It's just a brief moment, a single glimmer of pain that might serve as a distraction as he then steps in, shoulder towards her chest as he tries to break her balance and then swirl to the side smoothly, the back of his foot trying to catch her ankle and steal her balance from her.     "Yet he treated it like a novelty. It did have a spare generator. Perhaps he needed it to power something?" He bounces slightly between one foot and the other, keeping himself ready as she regains her focus from his strikes, his eyes holding hers levelly.     When she comes at him again his hands will be open, accepting each punch and pushing it out of line at the end of each strike, staying back and away just enough that she chases him back. Not striking her for now, but perhaps giving some measure of frustration. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Each time she connects, he can read the calculation. Not of the moves themselves -- muscle memory takes care of that -- but of the angles and possibilities. In truth, it's the one place that Barbara struggles in the fighting. She sometimes OVERthinks strategy, slowing her reaction times just that minuscule amount. Several punches, two knife hand strikes, and a roundhouse kick drive him backward to the edge of the mat. She has her frustration leashed, but it's definitely there.     "I don't know enough about the weapon's power source to tell you -- yet -- what it could be used for. There are several places studying them, though, and I'm working on getting into some of the research that's... behind closed doors, let's call it." She hasn't tweaked onto his tactic yet of getting her to talk about something else to make her brain come off of the focus on fighting -- to get her out of her own way. Barbara backs off slightly when he hits the edge of the mat; that's out of bounds. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     For a moment his brow furrows and she can tell that his own thoughts drift for that split second. But he never loses focus on that fight, she's seen it before, when he slips to autopilot and continues at one task even as he focuses upon another. It's in the way he steps forwards and uncurls in a fluid series of movements, long muscular body twisting into the air as he spins to the side with a sharp kick slashing through the air, heel slicing past her features as she's able to dodge back in time.     There's a short step and the snap of fabric as he continues to push her. A sharp elbow thrust forwards towards her side that snaps out with a backfist the moment she blocks, followed in turn by a turning strike as he tries to press a foot towards her in step.     It's all a rapid blur of movement, that ends as he moves in and she'll feel the pressure of one hand upon her shoulder, twisting her forearm just enough to bring her around and to /thump/ her hard upon the mats but not too hard. It ends that round with his forearm against her throat even as his eyes are on hers, but still somewhat distant.     For a time it's just him above her, and his frown marking his features slightly, the air warm and the exercise taking its toll on them. He gives a single nod then, "Hm, closed doors." As if that gave him some insight. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She wonders what he's thinking about -- for a moment. Then there's no time to wonder anything as she's busy blocking and dodging. One second, she *thinks* she's fighting back; the next, she's flat on her back looking up at him again, holding with his forearm across her throat. Sweat trickles for those seconds as she sucks in breaths, and then when he finally lets up, she takes the hand he offers and comes to her feet again.     "What are you thinking?" she asks him, accepting that once again she has lost the sparring battle. It's a regular thing, but winning isn't the point -- getting *better* is. She bends over to rest her hands on her knees for a minute. "That sounded like a possible ah-ha moment." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "Mmm," He says to her as he steps back and to the side, moving back towards the edge of the gymnasium. "I'll tell you later if it bears fruit." He drops down and takes a seat with his back to the wall, his arms resting upon his kneecaps as he frowns distantly. But then he meets Barbara's eyes and gives her a nod, "We should call it here, I'll need to get ready for the press conference and then the opera."     But for now he takes up his bottle of water and spritzes some more into his mouth, washing it around and then swallowing as he looks to the side. He lifts a hand to the side of his jaw and murmurs, "You landed a good right cross," He smirks slightly and then adds, "If you focused you'd be able to overtake some of the others."     A nod is given towards her, "With your reach you have a natural advantage over most of them." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Pushing off her knees, Barbara walks to the wall, swipes up her water bottle, and then moves to sit next to him and catch her breath. "You have a jaw like iron," she comments. "That one hurt." Taking a swallow of her water, she glances at him. "What's wrong with my focus this time?" she asks. If it were anyone else, she might be taking offense, but this is the reason she asks him to fight with her sometimes. To see where she's lacking. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "Mm," The man says at first. She'll never know it, never realize it. But when he looks at her sidelong, when he looks at the woman who is Barbara Gordon, he does not see a soldier in this war. Does not see one who is destined to spend their life fighting. He sees her as one who can have... and /should/ have a life. A life beyond all of the obsession and the wild abandon that he has taken for himself and his own lot in life...     So perhaps that is in part why he is reluctant to answer at first. But he dislikes lying. To them. To the others who share this quest. So he gives her a nod and murmurs as he looks away. "Focused your time. Shifted your priorities to this."     He tilts the bottle back again, a few more swallows. But then he sets it down between them, almost as if creating a physical barrier between them as he murmurs, "Moreso than you already do." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The redhead leans her head back against the wall, her brow furrowed slightly as she considers his words. There's a pause, as if she is searching for the right words to give him. When she looks back at him, her green eyes are shuttered a little more than usual. "If that's the only problem you have with me, I think I'm doing pretty well, then," she tells him finally. "I've already figured out that I'm never going to measure up in the ways that would make me that much better." She doesn't want to become him. And it hurts her to say it; Batgirl is all she *ever* wanted. Back when she started, at least. "We both know I won't always be on the streets." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "There's nothing wrong with that, Barbara." He tells her, and perhaps for the first time she hears his approval with that course of action. "There is no weakness in not wanting to pursue things as I do. There's no lack of character to make the decision to do what good you can from where you can."     He looks at her, an eyebrow lifting slightly, "I do this, because it is what I'm best at. It's not for everyone." For a moment he looks away and his brow furrows, the space between his eyes beetling slightly. He lifts a hand, "I would not be surprised if in five years, ten? I was the only one still doing this."     But then there's a pause and he adds, "Except perhaps Cassandra. She... is driven." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Phew... Cassandra. That's a whole other kettle of fish. Barbara meets his gaze and smiles faintly. "I don't know if you're right about that... Dick is pretty driven as well. But... you're probably right about the fact that some of us won't be on the streets unless it's a necessity. Why do you think I've had Tim helping me down here?" She sips from her water bottle. "I'll still have your back." Because that won't ever change. "There are enough of us out there now that I'm starting to see a significant need for a centralized dispatcher." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "You might be right," He folds his arms over his chest and leans back a little, the top of his head touching the wall as his eyes lift upwards. Those words he offers could work for all of the things she said, yet he doesn't clarify which part he is answering. Instead he presses on, one hand lifting slightly, fingertips flaring as if brushing away the words between them. "In any case, I'll manage along. One way or the other."     Those words hang there for a time, silence. Just a touch of silence between them before he tells her, "I've considered having a version of artificial intelligence to handle the role of resource allocation," Dispatching. "But in the current state of the technology that would be too risky." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' In the long silence between them, Barbara leans sideways and lays her head on his shoulder. It's very rare that she offers such physical affection in this way, but something about that silence bothers her. He will NEVER manage alone. No matter what he thinks. "Way too risky," Barbara agrees immediately about the AI resource allocation idea. "With the kind of organizations and techie metahumans we have running about, there is no way that an AI can adapt fast enough to keep up with whoever might attempt to hack us." It amuses her that they're sitting here having this conversation. It's not one she thought she'd ever have with him, that's for certain. Moving to grab her towel again, she sits upright and wipes her face again then drapes it around her neck. Now that they're cooling down some, she can feel the coolness of the Cave. "I want to run background on Hong and his businesses. I'm interested to find out if he's stockpiling additional alien weaponry. And whether he's just selling it or if there's a bigger problem happening." Barbara sips her water. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     When she had rested her head on his shoulder he had lightly touched the side of her head. Just a faint pet, as if to offer some level of approval, even though he otherwise holds himself so entirely in check. Then he nods in answer to her agreement about the risk, entirely too much risk to attempt to embrace artificial intelligence at such a time.     She rises, then he does as well, standing only a few inches taller than her, eyes meeting her gaze. "Alright, let me know what you find." He answers her with a nod, even as he scoops up his own towel and tosses it over his shoulders. He turns his back on her once again, touching the flat of his palm to the door and causing it to whisper open with a faint beep.     Just before stepping out into the hall he'll pause and tell her over his shoulder, "I'm going to go get ready. If I don't see you before I leave, good luck and good hunting." 
}}

3129/Web-Browsing

2017-11-27T01:29:40Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/11/11
|Location=Barbara's Clocktower, Gotham
|Synopsis=Power Boy wants to trade information for a new identity.
|Cast of Characters=1373, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     The internet is for far more than just pron, despite what the song says. There are places, a seedy underbelly to the internet, where professional pornographers seem like model citizens. Criminals use the internet. So to do heroes. Oracle is building a reputation as an information broker.     This is a rarity though. Someone new has managed to leave her multiple messages on different sites. In fact, there is a chat screen waiting on her as she finishes her security check. '4thWorlder' is waiting on her. The greeting is, in and of itself innocuous- "I need help. Willing to trade for it." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara takes her online security just as seriously as she takes the security of her identity as Batgirl. Oracle is very carefully sequestered from that life behind many layers. It's the one place where she's doing something that really is solely *hers*. And she's got her tentacles spread throughout the DarkWeb, subtle lures in place. The message left by 4thWorlder captures her interest, though. "Let's talk. What kind of help? And what kind of trade?" she sends back. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     Her security protocols are up and running. How the guy is able to spoof an IP that in binary is 'LoL' is just not funny. Well, it is kind of funny, a little, but not in a funny way. the response comes uncertainly. "I am an alien from another dimension. Part of the initial invasion. I pass for human, and I turned on my companions. I realize this sounds utterly implausible. I want to get information to your SHIELD organization in exchange for an identity, maybe a place to stay. I am willing to perform services for the consideration. I like it here. I want to make this place my home. I wield some power. Seems to me that having a friend that can clear the globe in a few minutes and is fiercely protective of the people who help him might be the sort of thing that you could put in your back pocket." There is a pause. "Smile Emoji". Then it actually sends a smile emoji. He is not typing. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She'd have to admit to being really intrigued. There would have been a time that she'd have said 'Aliens??? C'mon!' And there was Superman. And then there was a freakin' invasion. Nothing shocks her anymore. "Okay...." Barbara considers what's being said. "So... you want me to do what? Facilitate a meeting?" If the person on the other end has done any homework, they'd know she's newer to the scene than some others and maybe doesn't have the contacts he needs... but she wonders why he chose her. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     It is raining outside. A cold November rain, with thunder and lightning. it is rare to have a thunderstorm, even a mild one this late in the season, but not unknown. It's kind of crappy outside. Roofs are going to be wet and cold. It would suck to be out in it.     He's homeless. He's out in it. Power Boy is about a mile up and a mile or two North of the clocktower. He hates to be so close, but he might need to make a dramatic entrance. He hopes not. "Yes." he dictates into his Father Box. "I would like you to facilitate that meeting. I could do it, but I am uncertain of the right way to do it. Me appearing on board a SHIELD Helicarrier would almost certainly go poorly for me. I am wanting this meeting to be low key." He pushes a hand through his hair. "I just want to help people. It's hard to do that living in bushes and shrubs. Obviously, I could just be committing a variety of online fraudulent activities and handle this below board. I am really trying to do this right." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The redhead studies her screen and huffs out a bit of a chuckle. She types back, "Well... I'd say the fact that you WANT to approach SHIELD almost guarantees that whoever you are and whatever you're doing, you're going to quite an effort. You could be a spy or what have you... but I figure you'd go another route than trying to get help from a low-key hacker if you were up to no good." The contact 'feels' to her like someone who basically just has no clue how to even locate proper channels for such things. "Tell you what... I'm willing to make contact with SHIELD for you and make your offer to them. They're going to want to see you in person, I'm reasonably sure. Are you prepared for an in-person meet with their representatives?" She pauses and then adds to the message, "Are you seriously living outdoors? In November?" She glances automatically toward the window, not liking THAT idea at all. She always was a bleeding heart. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "I am okay with it. If you were from the slave pits of Apokolips, a cold November rain would not bother you much. I am..." There is a long pause. "The language is lacking. This sound ridiculous to say. A space God from another dimension?" He makes a face from his distance off. "I am not perfect, and I am flawed, but I am trying to be better. I have access to certain technology that allows me to get by. I can survive space, so Earth is a picnic. I would kill for some dry underwear though. Oh fuck, don't send that bit about underear. Shit!" He slaps his forehead. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara can't help it. As the words fly across her screen, she has to laugh just a little. "I see you're picking up the Earth slang and profanity quite accurately there, my friend," she types back with a smiley face. But how the hell to help this person? Barbara considers. Typing out quickly, "Hey... where in the country are you located? You don't have to give me specifics -- but I might be able to have some clothing and things courier'd to you, if you need that kind of help." It's not something she would offer just anyone, but this contact strikes her as... strange. And 'young.' Inexperienced, at the least. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "I live in the Metropolis area. Currently I am about 2 miles south of your clocktower. A mile up in the air, getting soaked." He shakes a bit of water out of his hair. "This isn't that bad." Power Boy closes his eyes. "Honestly? I saved a puppy from some debris after the invasion." There is another pause. "Look. This is stupid to you, I am sure. I don't have a name. I mean, Darkseid called me Power Boy, but I spend the first 18 years of my life a nameless slave warrior in training. I was promoted to take advantage of my gifts. Beatings were severe. I." He squeezes his eyes shut. "That dog loved me when I pulled him away from his dead mother. He loved me when I helped him. Nothing ever loved me before. He is living with a friend It's going to be too cold for little dogs to be living outside. I miss him."     Wait. All of this is over a dog? 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Alarm sends a frisson down her spine at the words on her screen. He's *where*???? Shoving back from her desk, Barbara bolts for the south bay of windows, though in this weather she certainly isn't going to see squat. When she comes back to the screen and reads the rest of what's sent, there's a long pause before she sends anything back. When she does, it's simple. "The balcony door is open. Come in." Because if he's already identified where she lives... well, he'll know exactly where to go. If he's bluffing, he won't. 'Clocktower' is pretty specific, however. And given that he said something about 'appearing' on the helicarrier, she stands just inside the glass doors of the balcony, her arms crossed while she waits to see if a soaking alien shows up. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     he descends at speed, and alights on the balcony. He's soaked to the bone. He's also backlit by the occasional lightning bolt. Tall, board shouldered. Young. Maybe 20? Maybe. He has a nice, pleasant baritone. He looks her over. There is nothing sexual about it.     In fact, it is almost insulting how he looks her over. He's not human. "I was expecting a 300 pound shut in." He admits. "Good for you." he considers. "What can I do to make you less uncomfortable with my presence?" He slowly offers his soaking hand. "Power Boy." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The statuesque redhead quirks up one eyebrow at his 300-lb-shut-in comment. When he offers to shake her hand, she reaches out one hand warily, and says, "Oh... it might be a while before I'm 'comfortable'," she informs him. "The answer to how you tracked down Oracle's location might be a start." When she releases his hand, she walks to the couch and picks up a bundle. Returning to him, she holds them out -- there's a heavy towel and a set of sweatpants, a package of unopened boxer-briefs, a T-shirt, and a hoodie. "Why don't you go get dried off," she instructs him quietly, pointing the way down the hall. "The bathroom is through there. And I'll have something hot for you to drink when you get out." Whatever else the woman is... she's clearly got a significant amount of empathy. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:''' "I do not have to use the bathroom." Off comes the shirt. Slave pens. He has no nudity taboo. He bends over and pulls a large, but one hand portable piece of vaguely glowing super technology. "I cheat." Power Boy assures her. "That is an Apokoliptian Father Bow. Interstellar teleportation. Matter alteration. Portable super computer. he gives her a look. "It is centuries, maybe even thousands of years ahead of your technology."     His very clear blue eyes regard her. "Miss Oracle. If I wanted to hurt you, or demolish your home, it would have happened. I am not threatening you. I would never threaten you. You are trying to help me out. I am not at all going to hurt you, or reveal your location. I..."     Power Boy regards her seriously. "I have one friend. I would love to have more. And... not to be a jerk, or arrogant? I'm a good friend to have." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Well, she's damn sure not turning her back to him. But Barbara does blush vividly as he starts to strip off. The box he holds out to her though? He can see the intense interest and scrutiny that it's getting. "Holy shit," she breathes. Her green eyes come back up to his, shocked. ANd for a moment, she's kind of amused to realize his eyes are just as beautiful a blue as a certain vigilante's. Shaking that off, she mrmurs, "You.... you can't let ANYONE know that thing exists. Oh God..." Her hands come up to shove her red hair back. With wide eyes, she blows out a breath. "We need to first thing find you someplace that *that* can safely reside. Change clothes," she orders, pivoting on a heel to get that hot drink for him. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "I do not mind being wet." He complains. When she gets back though, he is wearing the sweatpants. He agrees. "I do not normally tell anyone. If you were smart, you would have run. You showed trust though.Your intelligence is in all the security you have. That is how I knew where you were. Even then, I took over a week to case the position and make for certain you were not some sort of crook." he has no idea about her other activities though. His eyes betray that. "I have a cell phone. You should put a number into it with an alias. If ever you need... assistance here? I can be very handy to have on call." He keeps guarding his words, like he wants to stress that he is valuable and has worth without being a braggart. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Tilting her head as she comes back with a mug full of coffee -- because her coffee pot is on an unending cycle -- Barbara smiles faintly. "Well.. I showed a little trust because it was clear you already knew my location. If you were going to be a threat, logically you would have done it without giving me prior warning that you knew who and where I was," she points out, holding out the mug. "I will save your phone number, yes. In the meantime... sit. Tell me what information you want to exchange with SHIELD and what you want in return. I cannot promise that I'll be able to fully broker anything -- my contacts are perhaps not as wide-ranging and influential as you might need for this -- but I'll do what I can and at least get you into contact with someone who can help if I cannot." 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     His nose wrinkles. "Coffee." He makes a little face. "I don't feel discomfort from the Earth Environment. His tone is quiet. "I do not need to Eat, drink, or any of that." His hands are gentle. "Your kindness is genuine. It makes my heart smile." His tone is quite gentle. 'Save the effort. I'm not meaning to be a bad guest. I'm not human." He accepts the coffee, although he is very unlikely to drink the bitter stuff.     "I will give Shield every bit of information on the military capabilities of Apokolips." he moves to sit as directed. "I will also offer them my assistance when they request it. I will live outside of Metropolis on a small bit of land that they provide. They will provide me a legal identity. They will not surveill me, so superhuman friends may come and go as as needed. But if they want to meet with me periodically, well, i will reside where they put me" he says it quietly and gently. "I will help, and I recognize that I am a possible asset. I want some privacy. it' not like they cannot get a hold of me through other means. i will be living where they let me, after all. I operate with Supergirl fairly often. I am more worried about her identity than mine."     he is quiet. "Or can you do all of this without them?" he asks her. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Pulling in a long, slow breath Barbara moves to sit on the edge of the chair across from his position. Before answering whether she COULD do it without them, she asks with sincere curiosity, "Why turn to SHIELD instead of asking Supergirl or Superman for help?" There's no judgment in the query. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "Well. I was thinking that something official might be better. Someone objective and separate." Power Boy pauses. "Superman has a reputation for being a stickler, and I don't want to involve Supergirl in anything that might be shadowy." He wrinkles his nose again and tastes the coffee. Way too bitter. He puts it down. "Alien taste buds. Sorry. I prefer sweet to bitter." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara smiles slightly. "I'll remember that," she tells him quietly. "All right.... well... yes, I *could* probably get you the identity, if you want to live quietly and not have them know who you are. It sounds to me like you're willing to put your powers at their disposal, however... and if that's the case, then having an open identity with SHIELD seems a much better course of action for you." The redhead shrugs a little. "There are more rules to follow when you do things that way -- they will definitely watch you and keep tabs on your activities. But sometimes that's not a bad thing either." 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "Supergirl keeps a secret identity." Power Boy replies. "Sometimes we are out in civilian clothes. It might be best if she was not being watched." Power Boy answers. "Look. I am going to help this planet out. This is my home. I just..." he considers his words.     "I have wants now. I want to have a little place for me, and my dog, and to see my friends." He regards her. "I will do what it take to defend the planet. I will help my friends. I just need to have just enough to sort of get by." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Superman and Supergirl both keep their civilian identities quiet. Barbara has to think about this for a moment. "I don't think you're asking for anything untoward. And the offer seems more than fair. I honestly think they'd be fools to turn it down... but it's possible they'll ask for other concessions. And I have no idea what those might be. So. Let me think on who best to contact about it and put out a few feelers, okay? I don't want to make you any promises that I can't keep." 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "I can have the Fatherbox manipulate bank records." Power Boy says it quietly. "I want to have a baseline identity, and a home. A little modest thing. Someplace of comfort where I can live and be alone if I want while I am out and about helping protect Metropolis." he looks at Barbara. "Is there a way to do that that does not leave me beholden to a spy agency with a reputation for being a bit underhanded?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Now she does blow out a breath, looking at the inside of the clock face. "Yes," Barbara tells him simply. "There are ways I can set it up for you." She looks back to him. "Does your Fatherbox manipulate records by stealing money from other places, or just wholesale creating false records?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "Whatever is expedient." Power Boy answers. "I can limit it. I would prefer to create it whole cloth, but even then as it is spent, well, it is coming from a bank. It will diminish the bank." His shoulders work in a small little shrug. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara purses her lips. "Okay. Let me .... " Her brain is clearly working at high speed. "Can you give me 24 hours to look into a couple of things? I want to get you off the streets as quickly as possible -- no one deserves that." She grimaces. "But I need to sort out the best way to backstop an identity for you and a way to finance this that isn't going to draw attention." 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "Unclaimed bank accounts." Power Boy says. He reaches into his bag and presents her with a piece of paper. "Supergirl named me Beau Telle. I am 19." He pauses. "Today!" He says, doing the math in his head very quickly. that makes him blink a couple of times. He starts to stand. "Take the time you need. My vitals are here." he adds a thumb drive. 'Here are photographs of me. Finger prints." He gives her a little look. "So, umm. I think that is all you might need?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Standing up when he does, Barbara can't help but laugh softly. "You are... going to be an interesting ally, aren't you?" Tipping her head at him, the redhead says, "Happy birthday, then." When she reaches out to take all the stuff he's handing her, she looks thoughtful. "With all this, I should be able to backstop the identity you need and find some small piece of property somewhere that will suit you." There's a long pause as she studies the young man. And then she says quietly, "I'm flattered that you decided I could be trusted with this, and I'm giving you my trust in return." Unspoken is the warning /don't betray it./ She has no need to issue threats. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "There is a small parcel for sale. A guy could fabricate a little house on that little stand of timber, live of the grid, and be a quiet recluse." He taps the side of his nose. "Information is on the thumb drive." he adds quietly.     "Prior planning prevents poor performance." Standing at his full height, he walks back on over to put his wet clothes back on. "As to my use as an ally, I am about as useful as a kryptonian. They have far superior senses. I can feel emotions and use them for other stuff, but the guy who owes you a few favors." he looks at her for a moment. Then he is dressed in his wet clothes. He had avoided using his powers. He superspeed put his clothes on. "I can be useful." 'Beau' promises. "And heaven forbid anyone who messes with my friends." it is both a threat, and a quiet, gentle warning. he'd rather have a friend. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Tilting her head, Barbara merely smiles quietly. The young man has already shown her his mettle. "I'll have it backstopped quickly. I do highly recommend that you keep that little piece of high tech fun completely on the down-low, though. People in this world ... will abuse it." She'd love to get her hands on it herself, but even she wouldn't necessarily be above using it in ways that are not appropriate. "I look forward to hearing from you now and again, Beau." And although she figures he already knows it, based on his very presence here, she tells him, "You can call me Barbara." 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "I didn't look that up." Beau says. "But absolutely, Barbara. You have a friend in Power Boy." he makes a face at something. He shoulders his bag. "Take your time. Umm, I do not need to be rich, just enough to keep me in dog food and pay taxes, and not worry if I want to eat food, or have an Earth social life? Just a quiet life, by my own life. That is all I want. In exchange. Well. Should your home be compromised..." he just makes a very unsavory look. "Or you need someone to confirm or back you up at meetings?" he just shrugs. "I remember the people who help me." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' There's a moment when the redhead really looks like she wants to take him up on that offer of securing her home better .... because OH MY the things she could do with access to Apokalyptian tech! But Barbara doesn't ask. "I'll remember. I promise," she tells him. "If you need anything else, before I get back with you, ... well, you know where to find me." She smiles a bit. 
}}

3157/The Genesis of Oracle

2017-11-27T01:28:11Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/11/15
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=The road from hacker to HACKER is made one step at a time.
|Cast of Characters=58, 1373, 49
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Sitting on her floor in the middle of the apartment, Barbara has boxes of equipment open and scattered around her. As she inspects the lens of digital camera in her hand, she also checks the screen of the laptop sitting on one side of her to verify that the feed is good. The redhead has been gathering all the parts required to get Bludhaven wired - although it'll take months to do it right. Still, it's task that needs doing if Nightwing's going to insist on staying up there. As she pieces together exactly what she wants, she glances at the secure feeds up on the wall of monitors over her desk. Batman's out tonight, but the night is just beginning and it's quiet thus far, so she turns off those feeds. The message she left for Power Boy was for him to meet her at 7:00 sharp, well after dark when she's less likely to have a Bat drop in on her unexpectedly (because she's got her headset in and can monitor locations!) 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     It's sort of sad, really, how eager he is to help. There is an almost child-like glee in responding to the summons. She got the answering text 'Incoming via tube.'. There is no Boom. No Boom. There is noise. There is a faint wind. But it's stealthy. A boom tube and no boom. The aperture closes behind him whisper-quiet. The young fourth-worlder plucks his glasses off his face. He is otherwise in uniform. He mutters a swear word in a harsh alien dialect. Sounds like a good language to swear in. With a little shrug, he dangles the glasses on his cut out in his uniform. That must be what it is for? His left brow tilts. "Lots and lots of stuff in here. How can I help you out?" He has a little in his possession. "Um. I had custody you mind watching him?" Kirby is a pug puppy, wearing a little black sweater, with a Supergirl collar.     The little dog is wagging his tail, happy to meet the statuesque redhead. Beau walks on over, adjusting the strap of his pack. "Everything he needs is in here. Even puppy pads, but he will let you know when he needs out. He likes to nibble on fingers to tell you he needs out. This is Kirby." The little dog desperately wants to meet the woman, and yet keeps licking Power Boy as some sort of surrogate for licking her. "I am happy to help. Someone need an attitude adjusted? Capture of alien technology?" His eyes moves about the place. He narrows them. "Installing a private network of communications equipment to keep in contact with vigilantes?" He asks her. "I don't know the town. Um, how much of the Tristate Area you want me to cover?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara wasn't expecting a teleport in! When he speaks, she kind of jumps just a bit -- you'd think she'd be used to voices coming out of nowhere. Batman *loves* to see if he can make her jump -- she's quite sure he does it on purpose. Turning to look over her shoulder, IT'S A PUPPY!!! There are some things that all women will coo over. Baby animals are definitely on that list. Moving to stand up while he's speaking, Barbara grins at the boy. "I didn't ask you to come for work... I wanted to give you the drive that has your documents on them," she tells him with a smile. She reaches out to take the tiny little ball of energy from him, laughing softly. "He's so cute." Pug babies are ADORABLE!! Barbara scritches the puppy and babytalks him a little. But her eyes come up to him when his tone gets a little more serious and he twigs onto *exactly* what she was doing. "I'm utterly terrified to think of how archaic our tech must seem to you," she informs him while keeping gentle control of the handful of boundless licking that keeps trying to jump up and nibble on her face. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     The puppy is transferred. "Control of technology is important in Darkseid's plans. A lot of my people. His people? A lot of the people on the planet are little more than subsistence serfs. Control technology and information, and you have control over society. Other areas are incredibly developed. I have a the means to teleport with relative stealth across the universe." He narrows his brows, "Long story short, it is a nice middle ground." His blue eyes wander over her maps. She can see his jaw work. His eyes blur for a moment. "I have it memorized if you want to destroy the map for security purposes. I can do this for you in less than an hour. Call it two, in case I have to fly in a few spots. Is that an unreasonable amount of time, or do you want me to really rush, at which point a half an hour? But, the coverage might be a little gappy."     The alien turns his gaze to her and reaches over to toss the puppy's ears. His smile is soft and he relaxes. "Dogs are proof of the goodness in humans. They serve a singular purpose. Oh, they work, sure. But they exist to love. I am proud to call this planet my home." There might be some troubling consequences to his thinking about what makes people worth putting up with. Regardless, he seems content as he waits for Barbara's permission to begin. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' There's a long, slow blink from Barbara while he talks. Her brain is parsing everything he says. "Wait... you're telling me that you could wire these up -- ALL the ones that I want in place -- in an hour?" Honestly.... it never really occured to her to ask the Flash or someone to do that for Nightwing. It should have -- the Titans are his friends. But now here's another person volunteering to help. It's not in the Bat-nature to take people up on that kind of offer... but Barbara *really* wants eyes in Bludhaven, especially now with a human trafficking ring working out of there. Pursing her lips, the redhead tells him, "Tell you what... you wire of Bludhaven for me and never tell anyone what you've done, and we'll be even steven on the identity backstopping. Deal?" 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "Absolutely no deal." Power Boy counters. "I have a chance at a life here. I mean--" Power Boy has to stop and think. The fact that it takes him any noticeable time at all do so reveals the complexity of the dilemna. "I believe that this is a high priority for you. I can read your emotions, and they are complicated." His blue eyes look over her. Is that a little pink he sees in her aura? His lips quirk ever so slightly to himself. "I will do this for you. And it can remove the debt. But, well, maybe it also makes us friends? Friends contact friends. They help explain Earth customs to aliens. They help idiots who have no idea what women really want, well, figure it out. I mean I can see emotions, but me playing a game trying to keep her happy like she is a game of..." Ah. "Simon? Push the button, get a beep?" He pantomimes the gesture. "That is not good for her." He works his jaw. "We can consider the debt cleared, but... if that means we cannot talk anymore, I am just going to come up with more favors for you to do for me so I can actually have a friend. Or friends." He performs calculations. His eyes linger on her emotions. He isn't sure how this will go, so he just admits it. "I'm lonely sometimes. A lot. Almost all the time. I try not to burden Supergirl with it, because I walked away from my world. She watched hers explode." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara scritches the puppy's ears, gentling it and getting it to settle down a little. She studies the young man in front of her. "You know.... friends don't have debts between them. They just help one another because it's the right thing to do," she tells him quietly. "I don't make friends that easily, but... I would like to be yours, sure. Although I don't exactly know that I'll be able to explain Earthlings to you -- sometimes things about our society are kind of arbitrary when it comes to morality." The redhead considers and says quietly, "I would really appreciate the help with the cameras, if you're willing to do it." 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "I don't have friends at all." he concludes. "Kinda cool." he checks her face to see if he use the word properly. Power Boy nods. "Cool to have a friend." his lips quirk in the slightest of smiles. It is brief. 'Friends can have secrets though." He says it quietly. "I will respect yours. But." He clear his throat. 'I want to meet this guy? Gal? Who you want these devices up for." His grin returns and he plucks his father box out. There is a vague malevolence as it kicks in, and projects a layout. Gotham. Bludhaven. New York. Metropolis. "Are you just worried about Bludhaven and Gotham?" The holograms spins to orient itself to be seen by both. "Or do you have the resources to get the entirety of the Tri-State Megalopolis?"     Power Boy looks at her. "What is your goal, and as your... friend." His smile is soft, as she shakes his head. "How can I help you meet it?" He leans against the wall, the device still in his hand.     "You remind me of my one friend I had home. She was quite tall. A little less sophisticated.;' 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Pausing at his question, Barbara's brain immediately starts running the possibilities with *that* offer.... she has an insatiable desire to Know Things. It's kind of one of the things that she and Batman share. Does she dare even think about wiring up places like Metropolis and Manhattan? She's only one person. She really can't cover all that. And her priorties are here. "I don't have the resources to manage more than Gotham and Bludhaven," she says slowly. "Although perhaps someday that time will come." She eyes the fatherbox, not liking the sense of it that she gets. "I monitor Gotham already for Batman... I'm expanding into Bludhaven for Nightwing. Why do you want to meet?" She can't help the faint smile that accompanies her query, kind of amused at the mental image that it brings up of Batman glowering. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "Because there is this little tinge of pink to your aura." Power Boy answers. "It is art of what is motivating you. A small part. I admire your restraint." He gives the Fatherbox a look, then looks back to Barbara. "You sense it?" His tone is quiet. "You are perceptive. Now you know why I really need to have a home."     "It doesn't like much about this place. Primitive. Teeming with life. It would like to see some of that snuffed." He flicks his gaze back to the redheaded amazonian woman. "We must not listen to that." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara frowns a little. "Pink? My restraint?" What? She's clearly a little puzzled. But she does nod at his query about the fatherbox. "Yeah... that doesn't... it feels kind of mean," she admits. And then when he tells her the last part, the redhead looks a little alarmed. "How much influence over you does that thing have?" And holy hell, she *so* doesn't want that thing touching her electronics AT ALL now! "Don't use it on my gear," she tells him warily. When the puppy in her hands yipes a little, she gentles her tense hold on him and lifts him for kissies on his cute, puppy-smelling little head. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "My ego says none." Power Boy answers. "My realism says more than I acknowledge." His smile is soft. "Its protests indicate less than it needs or wants, and far, far less than it once had. I'm winning that fight." He looks at her. The box doesn't like that announcement. His smile turns sad. "I see emotions. Pink is a particularly caring emotion. So, you are motivated to this project out of affection for someone. A small part of a greater sort of curiosity and a sense of responsibility and general caring." He quietly says, "The best way to drown out the little voice that urges violence is to use it only at need, and to surround myself with good people. I also find that researching human religions very much seems to piss it off." he gives her a look. Did he say that right? He clears his voice. "The Bible. Genesis 4:19. and the Lord said unto Cain, where is Abel, thy brother? And he said, 'I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?'" She can almost feel it retreat. His smile is still sad, but resolute. "I find I like me more when I answer that question with a yes." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "In a great many ways, those who have power *must* be their brother's keeper," Barbara agrees quietly. "And not merely those with actual strength of psionic or whatever powers but those with the power of influence and wealth and ability. Because if we don't take care of those who cannot care for themselves, we become the monster." Pulling in a breath, Barbara says, "Now.... I cannot promise when you might meet the people I care about and upon whom I keep my eyes and ears. But I'm sure it will happen eventually. Batman will glower at you and Nightwing... Not entirely sure. The Robins and Batgirl, I can't even begin to guess." She smiles faintly. "I appreciate that you will keep my secrets. I will keep yours as well." 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "Are Bat's truly fearsome creatures?" he asks with a frown. "I mean, I hear that they are terrifying if they get in your hair." He puts the Fatherbox back into his bag.     Like that, it is gone. "I am winning. It is my servant. I just am careful with it. I need to keep him out of the wrong hands. He could do great harm. He has the ability to make a hushtube. A quiet boomtube. Very handy for insertion into places in a quiet sort of way." he looks at her gear. "Show me how it needs to sit? Is there anything I need to know about it? It should just be installing this on the 'top' of the surface?" he asks, indicating the equipment. "I was a monster. Not anymore." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara laughs quietly. "Bats -- the small rodent variety -- are not too fearsome. BatMAN on the other hand? Well.... you'll just have to decide that matter for yourself," she tells him in an amused tone. Tilting her head, she also tells him, "If you need a safe sanctuary for it... my recommendation would be the Justice League. Several of them are alien or have alien ties. They understand the dangers and can help." Stroking the cute puppy in her hands, she hands him back to Power Boy and moves to pick up the computer that was on the floor next to her. Within moments, the massive screens up on her wall have a 3D schematic of Bludhaven with the locations she wants for her cameras and the angles that she wants them placed at so as to give her the best field of view. This is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, to do this -- she's clearly been in the design and planning stages of this project for months. "Each of these locations are strategic placements for my purposes. They need to be essentially invisible so that no one messes with them, and I need you to verify that each one is broadcasting properly once they're up and aligned." She pauses to look at him. "With your experience in tech, I cannot imagine how archaic you must think this is. But it *is* important to me." 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "My home civilization is locked in perpetual war with a bunch of self-sancti--." Oooh. Power Boy stops himself. He considers himself again. "Huh. I'm going to need to work on that." He says softly.     Shaking his head clear, like the squirming happy little dog does now and then, Power Boy remarks. "I come extra-dimensional spacefaring immortals who steal possibilities from other worlds. Yes. we're advanced. FOr all our power, DarkSeid fears this world, and what it could become. Don't dwell on your perceived shortcomings. Technological superiority is well and good. Are you speaking Apokoliptian or interlac?" Pauses. "Those are space languages." He says, clearing his throat. "No? Well then you must have done something right." His grins is small and slight. "Stop apologizing. I live in a bunch of shrubs. I have someone else take care of my dog because it gets cold. You are just fine." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Quirking a brow, Barbara simply smiles. He may have seen a lot of things... but he strikes her, still, as very young. "Well.... after today, that is no longer the case. You have a small piece of land to call your own, a fully backstopped identity that -- at the risk of sounding arrogant -- will take an NSA-level hacker at least three years to break, *if* they put all the supercomputers they own on it, and a reasonable bank account that should allow you to easily purchase the materials you need to build a modest home on that land." If the woman ever turned her brain to actually theft, she could probably rob most of the world's governments blind... and maybe even make them think it was all their own fault. "All right, then... do the notations I have on here make sense to you?" She gestures to the schematic. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "I'll have to transmute materials of a suitable hardness. If I sneeze in my sleep, I want the bed to not break. Your world has a very large amount of pollen." He glances a the notes. "Yes. I can do this. Are you good with Kirby?" he leans over and he gently rubs the puppy's ears. "You be a good boy for Auntie Barbara? yes. Whose a good--." His eyes slide over, remembering she is here. He shrugs. "Whose a good boy? You are!"     The alien clears his throat. "I am under the impression dogs like to be asked who is the good boy, or girl, and then be assured that they are, indeed and in fact the good one." He clears his throat again. "Your planet is weird." Power boy pushes a hand through his hair, adjusting his pale locks as he considers things. He fishes out a water dish and puppy pads. then a ziplock baggy with treats for the dogs. "Why is it that dogs can eat food designated for people, but people cannot eat food designated for dogs?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Giving him a skeptical look, Barbara asks in a rather incredulous tone, "Pollen? Seriously?" She reaches over and takes the puppy back from him, babytalking the itty bitty pug puppy, "Of course I'm okay with Kirby, cuz he's just the cutest little thing ever! Aren't you the cutest thing ever? Oh yes you are!" She chuckles at Power Boy and says, "We talk to most babies that way. Even human babies. It has to do with brain development, which I'll explain another time if you really are interested in such things. And people wouldn't WANT to eat food designated for dogs. It's gross." She sounds very matter-of-fact. There's a moment where her eyes slide sideways to one of the screens where an icon flashes. She uses her free hand to remove the part of her Bludhaven schematic off that screen, checking to see who or what is setting off her tower proximity alarms. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "Whats the icon mean?" He absently produces a little rubber chew toy. "Do not let him gnaw on you. I made that mistake." He wrinkles his nose. "He cannot hurt me, and really he cannot hurt you, but he needs to learn to use his words." Kirby gives a couple of little barks at that. Just tiny spazzy little puppy barks.     "Brain development, huh? I'll have to read on that. I've limited myself to human science, history, philosophy, and classic literature thus far. I have not gotten too far into human biology."     "A little human cinema. I like 'The Scarlet Pimpernel', both the book and the film." His tone remains quiet. His fingers tease under the puppy's chin. "If he tugs on your right hand, that means he needs to go out." he reiterates. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' It had been a long and eventful night, and unfortunately too short of a morning for Nightwing. News this morning would have been talking about how the vigilante was interfering with the Bludhaven Police again. There were a group of criminals, thugs in all honest, that had been trafficking in some elicit drug that the police force 'had been tracking for days', but the untimely interference of Nightwing had thrown a wrench in their case... Anyone that actually looks into it will find that two of the thugs had access to Bane Venom, and that there was a second Hero there. One that moves insanely fast in a red and yellow suit. However, #FakeNews is the way of the world for Nightwing while in Bludhaven, and so he decides to swing by Bab's place to vent. On the way he had sent a message via his Mask, letting her know he was on his way, but given how busy she can be you never if she'll see it. All said, though, Nightwing takes his favorite route, over the rooftops, and that leaves him entering from the top of the Clocktower. He pauses, considering that there might be some changes, and hopes that none of them will set him on fire, electrify him, or blow him across to another building. Coming through the standard entrance from the roof, Nightwing drops down, taking a moment to listen to see if she's by herself or not since he hasn't received a message back. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Oh!" The icon is one of the familiar ones. And she smiles faintly, looking just a little ... perhaps nervous? "Well, you did ask to meet them. Looks like you'll get your chance." She pings Nightwing back with, "It's open. Come on down. There's someone you'll need to meet." This has never happened before. Barbara in her civvies with a cape in her apartment... introducing a vigilante. Batman might just have a stroke. Maybe. When the dark-haired one drops through the ceiling in his acrobatic way, Babs is holding a darling pug puppy under her chin. "Nightwing... I'd like you to meet Power Boy. Power Boy, this is the vigilante known as Nightwing." Batman Junior. 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "I have heard the name." Power Boy admits. The joke about Nightwing being taller does not follow. The fact that every vigilante is freakishly tall is not the perfectly average sized man's fault. Power Boy tilts his head as he regards the trim man. "The amount of effort it must take for you to get about in this environment is impressive." He offers his right hand. "I am Barbara's friend. I am just here to sort out some business, and help her with some projects."     His tone there is carefully modulated, as if he is trying to make it clear there is nothing weird about this. "I live in Metropolis. Barbara and I met online, and she has been helping me adjust to this new world. I am her friend."     The young man absently pets the puppy. "She is going to puppysit for me while I handle a bit of business for her." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Nightwing realizes about half a second too late, dropping from the ceiling, that he really should figure out how to be invisible some days. Hearing her introduction as his feet hit the floor, Nightwing's posture takes on a sense of readiness but non-agression, obviously if someone is here and there aren't things flying around and breaking it is /probably/ someone she has invited in. Still, Bat-Family, you never reeeaalllyyy know. The same thoughts run through Nightwing's mind as he sees Babs looking like Babs, an unfamiliar costumed type, and then him here as Nightwing. The main difference between him and Bruce, though, is that it will bring a small smile to his lips instead of a familiar scowl. Nightwing walks up, a genuine smile on his face, and he takes Power Boy's hand in a friendly shake, "Hey. Nice to meet you..." There is a split second of hesitance, but he accepts Bab's assessment of the man before him. He takes off his mask, blue eyes showing a bit of mirth, "...call me Dick. Any friend of, uhm, Barbara's is a friend of mine." He stores the mask in one of his pouches, glancing up at the roof entrance, "Eh, let's say it beats the traffic on the streets." Dick nods his head, "Metropolis, nice place, got a few friends the..." All Stop. Processing the last bit. "...new World? Uhm, Welcome to Earth?" casting a side-long glance to Babs. "Yeah, she's good with all kinds of animals. Human or otherwise..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara is..... shocked is way beyond what she is. She would never have given away his identity. There is actually a flash of fear for him, an aborted movement to stop him (far too late), and a hard swallow before the redhead can breathe again. The redhead apparently has no idea how to react to what Nightwing just did, and it shows in her wide-eyed expression. Pulling in a sudden breath as she remembers to actually expand her lungs, she murmurs, "I'm usually pretty good with Bats, but occasionally birds evade all attempts at prediction of behavior." 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "There is nothing I can say to convince you I am harmless. Because I am not harmless. Also, given how my kind treated your world, your suspicion and concern is well-founded." Power Boy regards the shorter man for a moment.     "But then, trust is earned, not given. I will try to be worthy of yours." He gives a firm, even friendly handshake. "Call me Beau, then Dick." He looks to Barbara. She did make sure his name was Beau? He opens the package, real quick,. and then hands Dick his Metropolis Driver's License. "See? Beau."     "I need to learn how to drive now. Thank you, Barbara." he looks between the two of them, and his features subtly soften, as if he is happy. "I am trying to surround myself in good people." he says quietly, as if explaining why he is here. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Glancing towards Babs, Dick gives her a quick wink, reading her expression and body language he quips back, "Not everything, or everyone, ends up being the same..." Since his time at Bludhaven Dick has changed, more so than probably Babs realizes, but that discussion is for another time. Looking back to Beau, Dick seems a bit taken a back at first on the man's words, a slight furrowing of his brow as he considers what is said. After the friendly shake, Dick eventually nods his head, "Good to meet you, Beau. Gotta say I couldn't agree with you more on trust..." his eyes moving to Babs, conveying with that quick gaze his trust is absolute with her, before adding back to Beau, "...some times you got to take a leap of faith. Otherwise you end up living in a world where you don't trust anyone... even those closest to you." He glances at the drivers license, nods once with his brows raised, "Yep. That's you." and hands back the driver license. "Well, if you want some help I've driven a car or two in my time. Maybe a motorcycle if you want?" Dick walks over to Babs, a quick hug to not squish the pug, and a scratch on the little puppy's head. He whispers to her during the hug, "Breath. It's fine." before turning back to the two of them, "So what's the project you're workin' on?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Nuzzling the puppy in her hands, Barbara smiles just a bit. She'll explain the basics of the situation to Dick while she puppysits. Dropping her forehead against his jaw for just a moment as he hugs her, she clears her throat. "Oh... that. Well.... Beau offered to help me out when he saw all the gear I was working with." She gestures sideways with her chin to the massive quantity of electronics on her floor. "He's.... going to set up Bludhaven's net to my specs." The schematic -- or part of it, at least -- is up on several of her monitors on the wall, now that Dick is paying attention. "So... you don't have to hang off the side of walls while you're patrolling!" Her bright tone is all but saying 'see? good things! I'm totally not spying!' 

:'''{{#var:1373|Power Boy (1373)}} has posed:'''     "Actually." Beau remarks, smiling at the two of them. Their happiness seems to make him happy. He actually watches for a moment. "You make my heart smile." he admits quietly. "I have to go wire your city? I presume? I need to wire it so she can stay in contact with you. In order to meet her new specifics? I have to revise my initial tie estimate upwards." He clears his throat. 'Two. Maybe three hours." He carefully doesn't look at barbara. "I will call before I return." he adds. He moves to heft the gear. "Dick. It was good to meet you, and I will take you up on that offer. No motorcycle. I think I have enough strikes against me as it is in the eyes of Supergirl's cousin." He gives a little nod. "Uh." He pauses. "Bye." Zip! A gust of wind. He's gone. Kirby whines. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Taking a quick look at the monitors, the gear, and the schematics as he gives a nonverbal (and noncommittal) response. He seems to consider it all for a moment, and eventually says "Okay..." When he glances back to Babs, an eyebrow raised with an 'Oh Really?!' look, but a smile that shows he is not upset. "...and I /like/ hanging off the side of buildings." He tilts his head to the side at Beau's comment on their happiness, his eyes moving to Babs again, and decides he will need to figure out /how/ he does that. Once Beau gives his assessment, Dick will give a low whistle of approval, "Uhm, ok. Wow. Thanks, Beau. Anything I can do to help, let me know..." and then he's gone, kind of like Barry or Wally, and Dick shakes his head "Bye." Letting out a long sigh, he looks back to Babs, "Bludhaven huh?" He grins, and flops down on the nearest piece of furniture, "Don't sweat the identity. He sees what you've got. Obviously he has some powers. He knows Kara, which means he knows Clark, and unlike /some/ folks we hang out with I like them both..." He lays his head back, adding in a tired voice, "...just kind of... tired.. of all the secrets some days, Babs." Glancing to the pug, he asks, "What was the little guys name again?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Yes, I know you do," Barbara replies to the hanging off buildings comment. She watches him and then walks over, itty bitty puppy in hand, and settles down onto the couch with him. She lets the tiny critter go so he can climb across the vigilante and lick (and snortle too). "Kirby," she tells him, her smile amused. "It wasn't exactly something I planned on. He doesn't know I'm Batgirl. He only knows my online handle -- he escaped here during the invasion. And he contacted me about backstopping an identity for him. Which I did... and I'll be keeping an eye on him. I rather thought better me than perhaps some of the other entities out there." The redhead leans her elbow on the back of the couch and props her head on her hand, watching him. "You're not upset that I'm going to let him wire the place for sound?" she asks. "I ... expected it to take months. But, honestly, with all that's going on... it would make me feel better to have it sooner rather than later," she admits. There's a moment as she watches him, when she sees the weariness, and she nods slowly. "Believe me, I understand that. But I still wouldn't have compromised you like that." The identities of the Bat-Family are sacrosanct as far as she's concerned. "I caught the news earlier. Nicely done," she compliments. "Was that Barry or Wally with you?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' The grin starts small, but as Kirby runs up to provide lethal levels of cute puppy love it becomes a full fledged smile. Dick scratches the little guy behind his ears, "Kirby. Cool name." and the little puppy seems to lighten his mood considerably. He looks over to her, nodding his agreement with the identities of the Family, "Good to know. I won't let on then." He replies in comment to PB not knowing her identity as Batgirl. "Oh? He was from that planet with the parademons and the New God crazies?" A small frown replacing the previous smile, "Well, from what I've seen I'm glad he made it here. He seems like a nice guy, and I doubt Clark would let anyone hang around Kara if they were trouble." Dick has built a closer relationship with Superman since the previous falling out with Bruce, maybe something Babs knows maybe not, but it wouldn't be hard for her to figure it out now. "I'm glad he can help out. You could use it, and Bludhaven is like Gotham before the Bat..." Shaking his head, Dick tells her, "Nah. It's fine. Honestly, I hadn't planned on stayin' there long, but the more I see the more I think they need the help." He pauses, thinking about his next answer, "And I feel like I'm doing something, on my own, and it feels good." He rolls his head on the back of the couch to look over at her, "Seriously, if he needs somethin', or you need something, let me know. I'll do whatever I can." There is a grin at the news from last night, "Yeah. It was Barry. He ran into, literally, a shipment of Bane Venom to the syndicate in Bludhaven. Afterwards we chatted for a bit, 'cause it'd been too long since we chatted..." He grins some more thinking on the conversation, "...some times I feel like I miss half of what he says, and most of what he means." At the comment on the identities, he smiles at her, "I know, Babs. I promise, I really know. Honestly, felt good to do it for once. It's been sooo long since I met someone like this.. I don't want to end up where Dick is the Mask." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara smiles at the information that he's liking it in Bludhaven. "It's close enough to be here when we need you and far enough away to get out from under your father's eagle eye... I kind of figured you'd stay," she admits quietly. Swinging one foot casually against the floor while she faces him, she can't help the smile. "Yeah... Barry's funny. I get to talk with him online a decent bit. PD stuff, you know? But I met him in person on a crime scene earlier this week. And he really wants to see Bruce about some kind of donation. So I told him I'd use some back doors and get him in." She's quiet for a long moment, taking in his expression and his body language. "I'm pretty sure that you've already passed the point where that's a true danger for you," she finally tells him in a soft tone. Unless, of course, people die. She wouldn't put odds on *what* he might do then. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "Yeah..." Dick nods his head in agreement on her comments about Bludhaven. "Making friends about as easy I did here too..." A cloud coming over his features, frowning when he remembers the headlines from earlier, "This must be what Bruce felt like when he first started in Gotham. Whole place is corrupt, I'm pretty sure, and so they make me out to be a scapegoat to take the heat off them." Kirby runs off, and heads back to Babs with a few choice yips, "Hmmm, food or bathroom? I don't mind takin' him out if he needs it." Dick asks, his eyes following the little pug moving to take up residence on Babs' lap, "Uhm, I didn't think to bring anything to change into. I've had to have left some sweats or hoodie here at least once, right?" He pauses, blushes, adding "..uhm, ya know, cause I've been here before and needed to change in an emergency.." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Laughing, her blue eyes crinkling up at the corners as the giggles break loose, Barbara can't help the faint blush. "Well, at the risk of sounding like a stalker... I actually liberated several pairs of your sweats from the Cave -- along with some of Bruce's and Tim's, just in case of exactly this scenario. Tim and I do occasionally find ourselves hanging here working on computer stuff in the wee hours." She looks a little abashed. "Not that I expect you'll necessarily need it often or anything. But last time you did, regardless of the fact that you looked pretty decent in my sweats, they were ... you know... a little TIGHT." She blushes just a bit. "Uhm... yeah. So you have clothes, and I'll let you go take himself for a pee run. And I'll make some tea! Alfred sent the good stuff when I raided the Cave. And you can tell me what's what up there." She's always been his sounding board, when he lets her. So settling back into that role is actually sort of like coming home. 
}}

3185/Bludhaven Rooftops

2017-11-27T01:23:57Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/11/18
|Location=Bludhaven
|Synopsis=Motorcycles and sweatpants with Nightwing's name on them. Oh my.
|Cast of Characters=49, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' This afternoon is like any other in Sunnydale, the sun is out, people are moving about the city streets to do what they need before sundown, and Dick is sitting up on a rooftop getting some work done. Oddly enough, he's not actually wearing his Nightwing suit, but dressed in a bit of torn up sweats as well as a ratty and oil stained t-shirt. There is a tarp spread out on the roof, a tool-box next to him, and on the tarp seems to be an assortment of engine parts. Upon closer inspection, it looks like the engine parts are to a motorcycle, something fairly new, and likely a sport instead of a cruiser. Dick has oil all over his hands, a bit on his forearm, and a smudge on his nose (probably from scratching an itch when he was thinking too much). It looks like he has just finished cleaning, lubing, and replacing parts... as some of the pieces are definitely newer than others... now he begins the process of putting it all back together again. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Daytime is not when the Bats fly. When she steps out on the rooftop in broad daylight, Barbara would have to admit she feels ... awkward! It's a strange sensation, to be more at home in a place when it's dark. "Hey," she greets as she steps out onto the flat area. "I brought that set of tools you asked for -- what are ... Are you working on the bike on the ROOF? Are we installing rockets on them now?" The skeptical tone would definitely convey that if the answer is yes, she might call the men in white coats on him. As she approaches, she squats next to him and hands him the small canvas bag. "The last time you tore a bike apart to this degree, putting it back together took a week, as I recall," she teases with a smile. "How long have you been tinkering this time?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "Babs!" Dick calls out as he hears her voice, a smile spread on his features, and waves her over to his 'workshop'. He looks... tired... which is not something that is normal. It's obvious he's been busy at night, but it seems as if he's also burning the candle at both ends. "Come on over, and have a seat. I'm about to start putting..." and then she asks about rockets, he pauses giving the thought some serious consideration, "...well, that's a great idea." He smirks, adding, "But I doubt she'd appreciate it. Someone bashed it up, and I told her I'd help fix it." He tilts his head, "Have you met Rose? Rose /Wilson/..." Yes, he emphasizes the last name, as in that Wilson, "...been helping her train, and trying to keep her on the straight and narrow." He snorts once about the last time he worked on a motorcycle, "Week... whatever..." then he casts her a sidelong glance, "3 days to take it a part, and clean it..." his brow furrows at what's laid out in front of him, "...gotta be quicker to put back together, right?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' A single copper brow quirks upward at the information that he's training someone related to Slade Wilson. "That's... kinda awkward, isn't it?" she asks, moving to park herself on the other side of him where she can reach bits and pieces to help him reassemble them. She doesn't mind getting her hands dirty -- she's dressed in a pair of slightly ragged jeans and a faded sweatshirt anyway. "It's faster with two sets of hands," she replies with a wink. "This is why Bruce always made you take it apart and rebuild it, you know -- so it *didn't* take that long." She studies his face while she absently checks a couple of pieces near her and works on putting them together. "You look rough. What's got you not catching some sleep?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "Yeah..." Dick responds, nodding his head in agreement with her, "...he, uhm, he came to me. Asked me to watch out for her, and to make sure she doesn't become like him." Dick continues, his hands working while his mind is elsewhere, "Told me that he trusted me, and that he wanted her to turn out like me..." He let's out a long sigh, "...not like other people we know." When she sits down, though, he comes back to the present, and smiles at her across the tarp, "No kidding... Sometimes he would have me take apart something that wasn't broken so he could tell me it wasn't broken." he grins, the years between him and Bruce long, but from Dick's side almost entirely remembered with fondness. "Speaking of Bruce, we talked a few nights ago...." Her question brings him up short, though, she was always able to see through him, "Training. Bludhaven needs Nightwing, so work is still work, but I've got to work harder to be ready." He's obviously taking this duel more seriously recently, "I haven't talked to Richard Dragon yet, but I will. He's next on the list to give me an ass whooping" He continues putting together what he's got, but his eyes move to Babs', asking her "How are /you/ doing?" concern evident given the last conversation they had on the topic. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She chuckles at him, looking both surprised and amused at the situation with Rose Wilson. "I see." Well... at least it's a compliment of some sort... right? Barbara glances at him while he's talking about Bruce and grins to see the look on his face. FINALLY things are starting to be right in the world again. "I'm glad," she tells him softly. "He needs you. The others are good... but you're the one he *chose*. You balance him." She looks down to the parts in her hands, reaching for another that connects to what she's working on. "It's not me we have to worry about. Dragon's been in contact?" She slants him a glance from the corner of her eye. "Shiva said she'd locate him." She didn't tell him about that part. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "I think he knows there's something not quite right about himself," Dick begins to explain as he nods his agreement with her, "and I think he's not comfortable with Bruce. I guess he sees me as somewhere in the middle." A thoughtful look as he pauses what he's doing, before he adds "Yeah, in his own way, it's the best compliment he could give." There is that wry grin again, Dick adds "Well, I'm sure Damian would have a word with you on that one..." the little psycho he loves like a brother, "...but it was a good talk. Bruce told me some things I didn't know. Angles I hadn't thought about. Makes this fight even more important than I realized before." He puts down the pieces in his hands, looking to Babs, "This isn't about me. It's about what Bruce would be forced to do, what it would mean to the Family..." a longer pause "...what it would mean to you. I've got to be ready to win, and do whatever it takes." He shakes his head about Dragon, "No, Bruce mentioned it, and said I'd need to talk to him not just about training but learning about Shiva. Knowing your enemy..." He tilts his head at the Shiva comment, "...Bruce told me that even Shiva would train me if I asked. I'm not surprised to hear she tracked Dragon down for me." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara's eyes shift back to his face while he talks, and she is quiet for a long time after. Perhaps digesting all that he's said. When she finally does speak, it's with a serious tone. "I'm glad that he's finally getting through to you. I know you didn't really have time to think it through, but... Bruce commented to me that it didn't HAVE to have been a death duel. I think that's the part that bothers me most -- that what's going to happen doesn't have to." Sighing, she sets her hands in her lap, seeking a lighter tone. He doesn't need her worries on top of his own. "I think you're just dueling Shiva so you can get out of that date you asked me on," she tells him in a deliberately provoking tease. "That way you don't have to backpedal on it and look like a douche. You can in all honesty say 'oh, c'mon, Babs, you know that I only have ten months left to get ready so that maybe I won't die!'" 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "I know..." His voice soft, almost hard to hear up on the roof, but the winds do snatch his words from Babs' ears, "...I was too confident. I didn't think about what I'd said, how I'd said it, and what it would mean to her." He shakes his head, obviously disappointed in his lack of foresight, "But it is what it is, now. So, got to get ready, and make sure that I stick around..." He offers his own lighter tone, "...You guys would be lost without me." At her comment, he raises his hands with palms towards her, "Whoah there! I never back out on a promise, or a date." His voice serious, but a twinkle in his eye that shows the humor, "Rumors there may be about Barbara Gordon, and how she sends dates home crying..." He smirks again, "...but that doesn't strike fear into the likes of Dick Grayson. So, question is, what do you like to do when you go out?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' There's a faint smile when he comments about how they'd be lost without him. "I don't think you know how true that really is," she murmurs. But moving on! "I do send dates home crying to their mommies," she agrees, pursing her lips thoughtfully. "Usually it's because they mansplain to me about computers. Clearly I attract the wrong kind of guy." The glance she shoots from beneath her lashes is coy. "Of course... the *right* guy might know that pizza and a movie would be very satisfying." As in, a night IN?? Because Bat-folks don't exactly take them! 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Dick starts to say something... stops... opens his mouth again... decides to just shakes his head, "I've got nothin' for telling /you/ about computers. So, like my Mentor told me, don't engage unless you're sure you can win." He quickly goes back to assembling the pieces nearest him, and slowly starts to work his way towards where Babs is sitting. "Well, just so happens there's a great pizza place not too far from here. They don't deliver, but it's an easy walk for pick up." His eyebrows raise as he continues quickly putting the parts together, perhaps he has learned something, "As far as movies... If only I knew someone that could get us access to any of the movies that are out right now for a screening..." he pauses placing an oiled hand on his forehead, leaving another streak across his head, "Wait! I bet Bruce Wayne can get /any/ screening he wants! Good thing I have Alfred's number..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Chuckling at him, Barbara adds another piece to the lump in her hand and then holds the assembly out to him. "Here. This part's done. And wow.... who would have thought you'd be able to figure out exactly what would appeal to me the most? You're such a smart guy, Grayson!" Tongue firmly lodged in her cheek! Snark! "But you better not order little fishies on that pizza. Or it's all over but the crying." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Dick reaches over to take the assembly, placing it next to what he's already put together, "I've been told that not only am I good listener, but I tend to show common sense from time to time." He sits down next to her, and begins fitting the pieces together, "Ok, no kitty food. I'm thinking Hawaiian and a Pepperroni with Mushroom and Tomato Slices. They've got some great cheesy bread too. So, as far as movies, any preferences? I'm thinking either an Eastern Martial Arts flick, or Sci-Fi Thriller of some sort..." He glances over to Babs, barely concealing the smile, "...we could get one of the new Supers movie, but I think we see enough of those in real life, hey?" He stops with the small talk for a moment, and gives her a genuine smile, "Thanks Babs, for being here, and pretty much every time I've needed it." A bit of the tension leaves his shoulders, like a weight has been lifted, "Just... wanted to tell you thanks, and it means alot." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' How many times have they sat like this, doing one thing or another, dismantling something? When he ran off, it was like part of her was missing -- he always had her back, always challenged her when she thought she couldn't do more, always offered laughter and teasing so that the job never got her so far down that either of them turned into Bruce. It was a strange feeling, to have her best friend back and at the same time feel rather like she didn't know him. Nudging him with her shoulder, Barbara grins back. "I think we see a ton of unbelievable things all the time lately. Including sci-fi thrillers," she retorts in a derisive snort. "Pepperoni, mushroom and tomato sounds great. And you only get me to stay if you put in Die Hard. Cuz Bruce Willis is a badass." She laughs. "Or something." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' As usual, Dick turns to humor when he realizes he is being too serious, "Die Hard?!" He grunts once, shaking his head, "If we're going to do a Willis movie why not Pulp Fiction!" In a horrible Samual L Jackson Impression he says "That's a damn tasty burger!" He starts gathering up the tools and the tarp, "I'll have to finish this up later. Might rain here tonight..." Once it is all collected up, he gets his phone, and checks "Looks busy tonight. We'll need to order about an hour out from when we want to eat..." She can tell he is thinking about a night not as Nightwing, and it is a struggle for him. He gives her a wink, though, masking the need to stand on the rooftops at night, "So, figure I'll take a quick shower, order it up, and we can thumb wrestle over Die Hard it Pulp Fiction?" Then, he pulls out of a bag near the toolbox a pair of her sweats, slightly modified, with a 'Nightwing Rocks' logo stitched in the backside "aaaannndd. Loser wears these!!!" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Because Pulp Fiction annoys me," Barbara retorts. She watches him thinking about losing the time on the rooftops and offers mildly, "I did bring my gear, you know." Because hey... she DOES know her guys. When he pulls out the sweats, though, she laughs. And she laughs hard. "I can't wear those! You put your name on the butt!" Although... she supposes that it's better than "juicy" or some of those other pants-logos. Moving to help him get the tools and the bits and parts all gathered up, the redhead just shakes her head. "You are such a brat." There's a wealth of amusement in her tone. "I've missed you." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Placing his hand of his heart, Dick feigns a heart attack, "By the gods... one of the greatest films ever made..." a few unsteady steps, and he seems to right himself. He takes a few steadying breaths, "Well, I guess I can concede to Die Hard..." he waves the sweats, holding them up, "...but that doesn't mean I give up on these!" Taking a look at the butt, he seems genuinely shocked (thank you Bruce and Alfred for acting class), "Why, look at that... It DOES have Nightwing's name. Well, must mean you're a fan, because these /are/ your sweats." Once all the pieces are gathered, he walks over to her, and is about to hug her when he seems how dirty he is.. "Hmm, well that won't work.." instead he gives her a kiss on the cheek, and when he steps back he sees a small smudge left behind, "Oops. Didn't know I had it on my face too." A small smile this time, meant for her, "I am..." to the brat comment, "..and I've missed you too, Babs." He nods for her to follow him in. 
}}

3191/B&E Is Gotham For Hello

2017-11-27T01:20:42Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/11/18
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Caroline decides that Jim Gordon's daughter is the best way to get a message to the Commissioner.
|Cast of Characters=49, 58, 1429
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' After a quick shower to get rid of all the oil he'd collected working on the motorcycle engine, Dick switched to some more relaxed clothing, and met Babs in his living room. He waves those sweat pants at her one more time, adding "Look, just because I'm broke and don't have something to watch a movie on.. /doesn't/ mean you get away from these later..." He tosses the sweats down, adding "Called Alfred, he's got Die Hard on blu-ray, of course, and he said we can stop by to pick it up. So, I assume you drove here... I'll ride with you, grab some pizzas, the movie, and go to your place?" Of course the option would be her place, because it has been a LONG time since Dick stayed at Wayne Mansion, and despite their current bridge crossing it still needs a bit of time before /that/ happens again. They head over, grab the movie, grab some pizzas, and start driving to Babs apartment. "I mean, this is a great Willis flick..." Dick says, opening a pizza box and taking a LONG smell of the wondrousness inside, "...but I /still/ can't believe you are not a Pulp Fiction fan." He lets out an exagerrated sigh, shaking his head, "This is a serious issue we will need to resolve. Is it a Quentin Tarantino issue? PLEASE tell me that you can at least appreciate a Guy Ritchie movie?!!?" They aren't too far from Babs place when she gets the first of the alerts for her apartment. Of course the alarms are silent, sent to her phone as well as her smart watch, and Dick does catch the screen flash once on the watch. He raises an eyebrow in her direction, not quite sure what it's about, "No texting and driving..." he replies with a crooked grin. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' After a quick shower to get rid of all the oil he'd collected working on the motorcycle engine, Dick switched to some more relaxed clothing, and met Babs in his living room. He waves those sweat pants at her one more time, adding "Look, just because I'm broke and don't have something to watch a movie on.. /doesn't/ mean you get away from these later..." He tosses the sweats down, adding "Called Alfred, he's got Die Hard on blu-ray, of course, and he said we can stop by to pick it up. So, I assume you drove here... I'll ride with you, grab some pizzas, the movie, and go to your place?" Of course the option would be her place, because it has been a LONG time since Dick stayed at Wayne Mansion, and despite their current bridge crossing it still needs a bit of time before /that/ happens again. They head over, grab the movie, grab some pizzas, and start driving to Babs apartment. "I mean, this is a great Willis flick..." Dick says, opening a pizza box and taking a LONG smell of the wondrousness inside, "...but I /still/ can't believe you are not a Pulp Fiction fan." He lets out an exagerrated sigh, shaking his head, "This is a serious issue we will need to resolve. Is it a Quentin Tarantino issue? PLEASE tell me that you can at least appreciate a Guy Ritchie movie?!!?" They aren't too far from Babs place when she gets the first of the alerts for her apartment. Of course the alarms are silent, sent to her phone as well as her smart watch, and Dick does catch the screen flash once on the watch. He raises an eyebrow in her direction, not quite sure what it's about, "No texting and driving..." he replies with a crooked grin. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara is adamant that she is *not* wearing sweatpants that Dick has sewn Nightwing's name onto the butt of. Ain't happening! As she drives, she laughs at him. "Pulp Fiction was okay the first time. It has a kind of appeal. But seriously, the jumping back and forth in the story was just not a method of storytelling that I'm fond of," she admits. "You can't put the timeline together until the end, and we do enough of that on the night jobs." The flash of her watch catches her attention too, and when she glances at it, her expression lights up. "I got him!" she crows. "I finally set an alarm he didn't freakin' *find*. Woohoo!" The advantage to having the whole building is that there is parking beneath the structure and Barbara is the only one who uses it. So as she parks the car and they get out with the pizza and the movie in hand, she's kind of bouncy. Getting the best of the Bat is, by definition, badass. "Let's see what Pointy-Ears is up to -- but don't let him guilt you out of a night off!" she tells Dick, slanting him a skeptical look. Cuz he'll bail. She's sure of it. If Batman calls, he'll totally bail. Just before she unlocks and opens the door, she murmurs, "Let's let him think he wins again. I don't want to have to move that alarm! It's my new favorite alarm." And then she swings the door open, pretending not to have a clue someone's inside the place as she precedes Dick into the living room. "You load up the movie, I'll grab drinks!" 

:'''{{#var:1429|Caroline Ramsey (1429)}} has posed:'''     Caroline is not entirely used to modern technology, but she's getting the hang of it. A lot of security tech is based off of old bank-tech from when she was a detective, and so a lot of things, she understands. It's not the window that catches her, or the pressure plates, or the thermals- the latter of which she actually hasn't been introduced to, but seeing as she's rather invisible to them anyways, it's not necessarily a concern.     Had she thought to inhale and exhale at all, she would have caught the lasers sweeping the apartment, but it doesn't necessarily matter. This 'exercise' has demonstrated to Caroline a couple of things. First, that you can never assume that anyone is a normal person. Clearly, the woman that Caroline is here to speak to is some level of paranoid that Caroline doesn't know the reasoning for.     Normal people do not have anywhere near the level of security that she -found-, let alone the amount that Babs almost certainly actually -has.- Caroline doesn't necessarily like to make assumptions, but the most plausible thing she can think of is simply that this level of security is for the Commissioner's Daughter.     However, entering the apartment is another thing entirely. Caroline's been here for a few minutes, and that first few steps into the environs are certain to be a little... Tasking. First and foremost, it's a hair above freezing. The temperature outside nearing winter helps, but inside the apartment, it's like walking into an ice factory.     Next, there's the darkness- it helps Caroline, admittedly, because she can see in it. Astute observers, however, will note the eyes. Glowing, blue. Maybe lost among the lights of computers or clocks or devices, maybe not.     Eyes in the dark. Watching. Definitely not his. Were this actually just Jim's Normal Daughter and her Theoretical Beau, Caroline would be able to react and speak before they did anything about her being present.     In all likelihood, that's not going to be the case. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' "That's fair..." Dick nods about the story jumping around, "...Guy Ritchie does that way better. His lead-ins for the time changes are obvious, and makes it clear when it is going to happen. Tarantino is a bit heavy handed with it..." His hand deftly slips into a box, pulls out a pepperoni, and pops it into his mouth. "Ow.. hot..." and sucks in air with his mouth open. He chews, eventually swallowing the sizzling pepperoni, and grins at her excitement. "Hmmm, this will be perfect..." Dick nods in agreement, "...it's been awhile since he's had someone get the drop on him. Maybe it'll put him in a better mood." After a moment's pause, he adds "Hmm, I'll have to make sure I remember this when /I/ come by..." a conspiratorial glance passed her way, "If I'm going to be sneaking up on you, I've got to make sure it /actually/ works." He nods once, a small quirk of his mouth at her admonishment, and he answers honestly, "If it's Richard Dragon, I may have to go long enough to meet him, but I won't be gone all night..." He stops short of promising, because he really means it, but with the last conversation with Bruce he /needs/ to be ready for Shiva. Dick chuckles, nodding once to her in agreement, "Unless he's someone tapped into your cameras, and is watching us. Wouldn't surprise me one bit..." As he moves towards the living room, Dick responds, "Got it. I'll try not to mess up your system /again/..." She can hear him chuckle, since he most definitely knows how to work the system, but as he makes his way further in he notices the temp change, and his senses go on high alert "Hey Babs, your thermostat broke?" His voice doesn't sound different, but there is something there that Babs will notice. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The open floor plan of the main space leaves relatively few places for anyone to hide -- the paranoid daughter of the commissioner of police likes it that way. And she pauses to look over her shoulder when Dick asks her that, her blue eyes wary as they flit about the room. She backs slowly toward the kitchen's island, her feet sure even in the dark of the apartment. She moves as if she knows every inch of her space, acutely aware. "You know where it is," she replies, her voice holding a hint of tension. "Maybe I forgot to turn it up before I left." Because that ever happens.... "Hit the lights when you get to the wall," she invites him. It will bring on all the recessed overheads instead of just the nightlights that currently illumate her space. 

:'''{{#var:1429|Caroline Ramsey (1429)}} has posed:'''     Caroline hesitates for a few moments. The two that enter are a little too... Practiced. It's not outside the realm of possibility for people who need to be paranoid, but she's starting to get a feel for how people... Well, deal with the level of crime in Gotham. It's gotten, perhaps, worse than she remembers. As they move around the apartment, Caroline stops hesitating. She's here to speak, and speak she will. Dick will recognize it instantly- because there's only one person with such a horrible "voice" to them that he's ever met.     "Barbara Gordon." It lingers and hitches on certain syllables, dragging the name out longer than it needs to on the trailing A and N. It's this... Harsh rasp that, in the darkness, seems to come from everywhere. Truth be told, that effect is a surprise even to Caroline, but she's not going to argue with it.     "I have been... Advised to speak to your father, the Commissioner. He is... Difficult to pin down." It's like a woman's dying noise, this death rattle twisted into words.     "I am... Here in Gotham, to help." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Just as Dick reaches the walls to hit the lights that voice echoes out through the room. Dropping the pizza boxes as he jumps from the shock, and turning to find where the voice originates, "What the hell?!?" He shouts out, His back to the wall, his eyes perform a practiced scan until they fall on Caroline's figure in the newly lit apartment. Thanks to years and years of work with Bruce and Alfred, Dick is more than capable of pulling off the WTF is going on look, and when Caroline says she's looking for Babs he glances in her direction. Instead of moving to where Babs is standing, though, Dick moves so that Caroline will have to swivel her sight between one of the two of them at all times. "Uhm, you know breaking into someone's apartment is illegal, right?" Dick says, his voice betraying a little shake at the shock of her intrusion. He reaches into his hoodie pocket, pulling out his phone, "Look, don't cause any trouble, or I'll call the cops..." His eyes narrow at looking for Babs father, and here to help Gotham, "...right, lots of people help by stalking the Gordons'." Then he calls out just to make sure, "Babs, you ok?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The rasping voice brings up the hairs on the back of Barbara's neck and her adrenaline skyrockets. The up side of being a known quantity is that it's known she works with the police and the in-home gym would give away that she also studies martial arts. So the redhead doesn't have to find excuses for her reactions. But she's also well-trained by Batman to hide the full extent of her abilities when she's not masked. So her response to the surge of fear is at least in line with her public face. The instinct of most people to being startled is to scream, and Barbara lets the scream fly. At the same time, she backpedals *behind* the kitchen island counter as the lights come up. Her eyes are locked on the intruder as soon as she locates the owner of the voice. And she's not half bad at the shaken look herself. "I'm okay," she calls back, a subtle wobble in her voice. Then she visibly shakes herself just a bit and demands, "You can't just come barging into a person's home and demand the commissioner of police! But you *can* use a PHONE and make an appointment! Who the hell are you?? And don't try anything funny -- my father's a good friend of Batman, and don't even think he won't use that if something bad happens!" Usually that in and of itself is enough to keep people from bothering Babs, after all. 

:'''{{#var:1429|Caroline Ramsey (1429)}} has posed:'''     Caroline's eyes narrow. Nobody as of yet has actually been this startled when dealing with her. It's a... Gotham symptom, she supposes. Softer people react softly, and she hasn't dealt with any of those yet. In a literal sense, too, because the two are acting- but for now, she believes it. She's a suspicious sort, and were it anyone else but the two eldest accomplices to the Bat, she wouldn't have believed the ruse. They know enough to keep some secrets from Batman- so Caroline isn't quite on the level enough to sniff them out, even if she did have actual -reason- to doubt them.     "The legality of it doesn't stop most." she notes, and it may be difficult for the pair not to get annoyed over the whole ordeal, because as much as she doesn't have his level of skill or style... This is how -he- does things. Just -showing up- whenever he likes.     Visually, however, she is much less striking. Standing next to the back wall and looking like a monotone painting in greyscale, with the exception of those -eyes,- Caroline only cuts an imposing figure if you find a woman of average height particularly imposing. Still, there's that voice. It's creepy and wrong.     "I doubt I would be granted an appointment. I don't have a spotlight that he can turn on." There is a short pause, "The apprehensive man in the red mask informed me that I should speak to Gordon. This is the only route that I can see."     Someone in this room, perhaps two people, are likely going to be making plans to re-kill Jason Todd. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:''' Dick continues to follow Caroline intently as he keeps the distance between them, much like anyone in Gotham would given the regularity of psychos with powers or suits running around causing havoc. Since Caroline hasn't actually moved, or threatened them in any way, some of the standard Gotham kicks in, his voice steadying, "Yeah, and /most/ of those people go to jail, or worse around Gotham." Dick responds about people B&E activities. Dick passes a quick glance to Babs, not stepping in on the conversation about meeting up with Jim, but he does tell Caroline "You can't trust most people wearing a mask around here. You ever think this guy may have set you up to get in trouble? Might even be some sick joke or something..." Oh, he plans on playing his own joke on Jason when he sees him again. Probably something along the lines of 'Little Drummer Boy' on his thick skull. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Jason telling the woman to seek out Gordon means at least Barbara won't be killing the boy. After all, *he* told her to find Jim, not Babs. And now she lets annoyance crackle through her voice. "Well, the fact that you think you couldn't get an appointment tells me you're very new to Gotham. My *father* is friends with the *Batman*, lady. If someone called his number and asked for a meeting on top of the police building, I'm reasonably certain he'd show. It's not like it would be the first time, or the tenth time." She rolls her eyes. "Friggin' capes in this town. I am *not* a conduit into my father's good graces. In point of fact, using *this* avenue to approach him usually results in either an officer of the law getting nasty or the Batman paying you a nasty visit." Shoving a hand through her copper hair, she pulls in a breath. "You want to meet my father. I'll give him the message. Now let yourself out the same way you came in," she orders firmly. "And if you ever break into my home again, you should be aware that I will *not* play nicely. My father's a cop, and he taught me how to shoot intruders. Be on top of police headquarters tomorrow at 9pm." 

:'''{{#var:1429|Caroline Ramsey (1429)}} has posed:'''     The insinuation that she's new to Gotham irks Caroline just a tiny bit, but not enough for her to react. I just reiterates to her how much has changed since she's been gone. Fifty years will make a city turn all weird- or, in her case, will make a city that is gravely in need.     "Batman never mentioned that. I will have to speak with him before I go." she notes, out loud. It's not really her name-dropping, necessarily, but more that fifty years of silence results in some amount of thinking out loud. She's going to need to speak to the Bat- who, probably, needs to speak to her at this point.     Dick knows -who- Caroline is, of course. Mask facial-rec is a hell of a drug, and even if that's not one of the gadgets he had present when they met earlier, Barbara almost certainly studies history enough to know the face, even if Caroline Ramsey is only really a footnote.     Will all of that said, Caroline makes her way over to the breach she'd used to get in, and leans up against the opening. It's late enough that nobody will see her hit the ground- and the two in the apartment are likely going to be looking for vectors of exit that someone can actually -survive-, so as such... It's entirely possible that she will effectively disappear, once she's out of the window. 
}}

3238/Lucy, You Got Some 'Splainin' To Do

2017-11-26T01:52:09Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/11/25 |Location=Clocktower, Gotham |Synopsis=Who knew Babs was a babbler?! Nightwing thinks being a billionaire playboy might be the way to go..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/11/25
|Location=Clocktower, Gotham
|Synopsis=Who knew Babs was a babbler?! Nightwing thinks being a billionaire playboy might be the way to go.
|Cast of Characters=49, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:49|Dick (49)}} has posed:''' Now that Caroline has gone, Dick looks to Babs, asking "Does everything look clear?" You can never, ever, be too cautious when it comes to protecting the identities of the Bat Family. He picks up the pizza boxes, expertly dropped so that they landed flat, and moves to the kitchen as he waits for Babs' response. Dick starts taking out a couple of plates, setting them by the pizza boxes, and asks "Preference for slices?" He opens the two boxes to make sure the pizzas are still fine, and what he sees is still very edible. First pizza is perfectly fine, the second is a little smooshed into the side of the box but still completely salvagable. He takes two of each for his plate, and grumbles "Can't have just a normal night... ever... next one will probably want a piece of pizza too." He finishes up by taking two bottles of water out of the fridge, and adds "Pizzas are saved, thank God, otherwise who knows what'll happen if we leave and come back again." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She moves through the room immediately, heading directly for the computer array that is tied in to her security. Barbara is not nearly as paranoid as Bruce about things, but... since she moved in here, on her own, she's actually taken a great many security measures that Bruce recommended and some that are even slightly more than he recommended. Her hands fly across two keyboards, and as schematics come up across all three screens, the extent of her system becomes fully visible to him for the first time. "She got around the ones I would expect of any halfway decent burglar and managed to evade the first of the higher-level pressure plates." A frown creases her brow. "Going to have to adjust its positioning, I think. But she hit the second tier just as I'd expected. So ... aside from some basic brushing up on that one pressure plate, it pretty much went as planned." She stands fully upright and breathes a soft sigh of relief. Turning off the monitors, she comes back down the steps as she shoves a hand through her copper locks. "If she hadn't run across decent security, she'd have been more suspicious. As it was, I'm not entirely sure she bought the act. Pepperoni," she tells him, and then smirks faintly. "Us and normal don't exactly have more than a nodding acquaintance, you realize," she retorts, paraphrasing from the space western series. She pauses at the kitchen doorway to take the bottles of water while he loads their plates. 

:'''{{#var:49|Dick (49)}} has posed:''' "Well, maybe you should think about those fire and electricity traps..." Dicks replies after Babs gives her rundown of how Caroline got in. It's obvious he's not a fan of people being able to get into Babs apartment, even if she is aware of it ahead of time, but he also is smart enough not to make a comment on it to Babs! "Pepperoni it is..." and he puts two slices of pepperoni pizza on the other plate, and walks out to the couch in front of the T.V. "I'm going to table it for now... but I still want you to give a few Guy Ritchie movies a shot. I'm thinking Lock Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels or RocknRolla." Yes, persistent as always, he is still trying to convince her she is missing out on some high class cinema. Plopping down on the couch, Dick places Babs' plate to his left, and looks over to her "...and I know that you can stream whatever you want, and that it makes me sound old asking Alfred for Blu-Rays... whatever." He gives her a wink, waiting for her to start her copy of Diehard from her Media Server. "I don't even have a T.V. yet at my place, so I think the fact I don't do streaming can be accepted as part of 'overworked'." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She joins him, fully aware that he's less than thrilled. In truth, *she* is less than thrilled. "I'm not sure how much more security I can layer in here without drawing a different kind of bad attention," Barbara admits. "Although... asking Power Boy to let the Fatherbox enhance the place is crossing my mind." She shudders a little, even as she sits, sets his bottle of water in front of him, and takes her plate. "But that thing really gives me the willies." And she merely rolls her eyes at his opinion on movies. Cuz... yeah, so not taking his word for that. She picks up her phone and starts the media server up, "You're just lucky I'm not making you watch Pitch Perfect. So shush, you." 

:'''{{#var:49|Dick (49)}} has posed:''' "Hey... there's nothing wrong with acapella version of Since U Been Gone!" Dick smirks back, before taking a large bite of his pizza. After he swallows it, see Alfred those etiquette lessons stuck, he adds "And Anna Kendrick..." he lets out a long whistle, and shakes his head. He scoots a little farther away for a moment, expecting to get something sent in his direction, but ventures another bite of pizza anyways. He does nod his head in agreement with Babs, "I know, I know. Caroline made a valid argument about the level of security already. It's not people like Caroline that I worry about, though." then the mention of the Fatherbox. "Sooo.. mind giving me a bit more info on Beau, how you guys met up, and where he's from and what he's about? He seems like a nice enough guy, and I /will/ talk to Superman about him. Just seems a bit out on a ledge for you, ya know?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara pauses and stares at him. He knows the movie. Okay, the rather boggled expression on her face is PROBABLY worth it. And then he says Anna Kendrick, and the blue eyes rolls expressively. "Well, I *almost* had a good thought about you," she informs him in an amused tone. Blowing out a slow breath, not really paying attention to the movie -- it's not like they haven't watched it together about 100 times -- Barbara takes a moment to savor and chew a bite of her pizza before answering. Her words, when they come, are chosen carefully. "He found me," she admits a little reluctantly. "I told you I was laying the groundwork to eventually come off the streets... what I didn't really elaborate on to you or Bruce was the HOW." She takes another bite, because he might be really annoyed really soon and she might lose her appetite. After she swallows again, she adds some of the details. "I've done a few ... let's call them under-the-table jobs lately. Beau came seeking me out for help establishing an identity. Or rather... he came to ORACLE for that help. He's... Apokaliptian." 

:'''{{#var:49|Dick (49)}} has posed:''' Dick's grin gets even wider at her response to Anna Kendrick, and he adds "Well, she'd look /way/ better as a Red head..." a moments pause "...or maybe a Blond? Hmm, tough one there." This time he /actually/ ducks as if he's about to be hit. "Anywhere but the face! Bad guys ALWAYS want to smash the face..." He raises his hands up in supplication as part of his begging for mercy. Well, it's a good thing there is some levity to the discussion, because the things she's just told Dick has got him very serious very quickly. He stops as he reaches for his pizza, and now he figures he understands what Babs was saying with the whole Shiva Debacle. He takes a drink, longer than necessary, from his water bottle as he thinks through all the questions he has and how to ask them without coming across as an asshole. "Ok, soooo... where to start... First thing, you know me, you know I care about you, and please don't take anything here more than me trying to figure out what's going on..." Good Job, Dick, great way to start a conversation, "So, let's talk about ORACLE first. I know a little bit about your handle, but this sounds.. way way more than just that. It sounds like you're taking this more serious, more... involved?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Yeah... she was kind of afraid this would go over like a lead balloon. Barbara is watching him thoughtfully. Because when she came and confronted him about Shiva, she figures he's probably feeling about the same way just now. And hey! She did really good at not yelling at him! So she appreciates that he isn't just flying off the handle here. "Oracle is still a hacker. She's just..." Aw hell, how to tell him this much. He can see the debate raging in her face -- tell him some or tell him all? She's the one who raised the topic. And he's always had her back -- he can't do that if she's keeping too many secrets. "I've been doing some work for the Feds. And some freelance work... removing some of the bank balances of those jack-offs who are making noise in the Corridor. Their money is doing great things in Starling and in Gotham." Wait for it.... 

:'''{{#var:49|Dick (49)}} has posed:''' Dick isn't exactly upset, concerned is definitely a fair reading of his features, curious would be something that could be seen in his eyes, and she can guess that he understands the entire concept of keeping some things secret. Their whole existence is a secret, one that they all live with every day, and it isn't something he is going to hold against her in any way. Alfred and Bruce would be proud of the neutral expression that Dick adopts as Babs tells him about her extracurricular activities. Dick has developed his own look, lacking the scowl or glare that Bruce applies, and the cultured indifference that Alfred is so very good at. Dick has as the look of someone that is listening, but from a thousand miles away. His voice is calm, measured, as he asks "What do the government agencies and 'freelancers' know about Oracle? I've got no doubt in your ability to hide your identity, Babs. I also know that /you/ know these types of people are doing everything they can to track you down. What do you know about their efforts so far?" This is where all that time with Bruce has rubbed off on him, both good and bad, and the persona that's in place is half Dick and half Nightwing. He cares enough to not go completely into Nightwing persona, but he has been in this game so long that he doesn't always choose when the mask has slipped on when dealing with Family. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "They don't have a handle on Oracle at all," Barbara replies evenly. Her pizza sits on the plate in her lap, and she turns to face him on the couch. "No gender, even. They've poked around some. But the couple of agencies I've worked with have made a point of actually helping obscure any trace of Oracle on their end, which is double-coverage of my identity. And without trying to sound arrogant... they don't have anyone nearly as good as I am on their payroll anyway. I checked into it before I ever volunteered any information in their direction." Because her identity leads FAR FAR too close to other identities. "There are layers upon layers of security involved here. And I was toying with a request to Superman for help encrypting a good bit of it with Kryptonian tech as well, when I move forward from here. I don't think I'm at that level. Not yet." But she's planning ahead, clearly. Biting her lip as she watches him sort through the facts at light speed, she finally asks, "What are you thinking?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Dick (49)}} has posed:''' Dick nods his head slowly as he begins taking in all that she knows, and applying it to how he would try to track her down. He has no doubt in her abilities, or thoroughness, or the technology that she has access to when it comes to implementing her own security measures. His mask fades as he works his way through it, there's concern there again, but he doesn't appear to be upset with what Babs has told him. "Well," Dick starts in response to her question, "As always I'm thinking of the worst case scenario. Some metahumans or aliens in place that could be working with them that do the same thing you do. Then I'm thinking about how most Law Enforcement is wrapped up in their laws, and if they find it useful to burn an 'off the books' asset then you know they will..." Turning his gaze back to hers, his blue eyed gaze serious now, "I'm worried about you, of course. Personal interactions are so much easier to control what is shared. Electronic transmissions can be analyzed from all kinds of angles. You know this, I know this, and I'm thinking Bruce doesn't know this... so I'm sure when /you/ tell him he'll have some choice thoughts." Of course he would never mention it Bruce, the worst case scenario is Bruce asks him directly, and he has to tell him to talk to Babs about it. "So, this takes me back to Beau, and makes me want to call Supes right now. How long were you working with these freelancers before he started looking for Oracle?" Yep, Dick Grayson, doing Bruce Wayne proud with the paranoia. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Yep. Her appetite goes away. Barbara puts her plate onto the coffee table and pulls her knee up onto the couch, considering how to answer this. "A long time. And if he wanted to take me out or hurt me in any way... he could have done it. That Fatherbox of his is an Apokaliptian supercomputer -- way, way advanced. And, according to Beau, it took every bit of that tech and some serious supersmarts to locate me personally. Superman, I'm assuming, already knows about him. He's keeping company with Kara on a regular basis. I think I'm in the clear here." She hesitates and then grins at him. "This is payback for me telling you that you had to tell Bruce about Shiva, isn't it?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Dick (49)}} has posed:''' Letting out a long sigh, Dick shakes his had, "Babs..." he frowns, feeling as if he's doing a horrible job explaining what's running through his mind, "...I've got every confidence in you. I'm not trying to second guess anything. It's just..." he shakes his head, biting his lip as he tries to relate what's in his head, "...After this attack by Aliens as strong as Supes, you never know what's out there, and I'm thinking Bruce's paranoia is not such a bad thing." He leans back on the couch, his head tilted against the back as Bruce Willis says 'Yippee Ki Yay, Mother' ... "No, I'm not upset about that, and I"m glad you did it." He brings the palm of his hands up to rub at his eyes, "I'm trying to understand so that when you want it, I'll be able to do everything I can to help you, Babs. The more I know, the better I understand, the better I can plan." He tilts his head to the side to look at her, "That's the difference between us and people with power. We make up our strength with better tactics and multiple plans. All I want is a plan that keeps you safe." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Now she relaxes. This, Barbara understands. She can deal with his worry. He really has changed -- in days past, he would have been up pacing the apartment or climbing the rigging in the gym by now, trying to work off his mad-on. "I have plans. I have have back-up plans. I have back-up plans to the back-up plans. Who do you think you're dealing with here, Boy Blunder?" she teases gently. "Of the two of us, I'm pretty darn sure he taught me to be far more paranoid than you'll ever be." And as he slouches in the couch that way, with his head turned toward her, the redhead's expression shifts slightly, as if she just realized something profound. Keeping her tone light, she pulls her other leg up so that she's curled facing him, where she can prop her elbow up on the back of the couch near his head and talk to him. "I wasn't going to tell you just yet... same as you weren't going to tell me about Shiva. But I ..." She hesitates, uncertain of her phrasing. And then when she does finally find the words, they're kind of fast. He hasn't seen her do this in a long, long time, but ... well, she kinda babbles. Not under stress on the streets or in front of Bruce; he seems to be the only person who makes her do it. But it's happened a couple of times before. "You asked me out on a real date, and I don't know if that has to mean anything, and it probably really doesn't or anything because we always hang out together and talk and tease and flirt, but when you asked me out I figured maybe it was time someone else knew what I was doing in case it went sideways, and you're always the person that I trust to make sure I'm okay, and so whether we're dating or just hanging out or even if it turns into something more you're still the person that I trust the most, and now I'm not really sure I should have told you because between the intrusion tonight and the one when Beau came by I knew you were going to be a little alarmed and all I really wanted to do was reassure you, and even if we do date a while and things don't work out, we're still going to be friends and have each other's backs, so why wouldn't I trust you with it? Right?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Dick (49)}} has posed:''' "It's not /your/ plans I'm worried about, Babs." Dick replies to the teasing, "Just like Bruce, I'm sure you've got evil mastermind levels of planning going on, and I'm sure they'd give Gotham's worst a run for their money." A smirk crosses his face at the thought of one of Gotham's crossing mad schemes with her, "But /I/ am still working on how to be ready if something goes south..." he does quirk an eyebrow, "...and since Bruce doesn't know yet, I've got to be ready for his piece too, and when he finds out what I'm going to tell him." It's hard to tell which Dick is more worried about, bad guys or Bruce. Then Barbara is off to the races with her verbal onslaught, and Dick's eyes widen just a bit... the longer she goes, the wider his eyes get. "Babs," there's a pause, it's easy for her to read the reaction on his face, he is totally overwhelmed in how he should respond, "I asked you out because I know how we both feel..." he runs his hand through his hair, "...and you're right. We'll always be there for each other. We'll always be there no matter what happens." His face blushes a little, "I know I'll never have a real relationship, how can anyone with what I do every night..." He shakes head, a bit of sadness creeping into his eyes, "Bruce has shown me that, it's more than just commitment that we can't give, but how could we be so selfish to put someone we care about in danger if someone found us out?" Things are not coming out quite the way he'd thought they would, frustration evident in the frown that moves like a storm cloud over his features, "Babs, I care about you... more than I've cared about anyone else. I cherish our friendship more than anything in this world. I'm worried that I'm more like Bruce than even I know. I figured if anyone could understand that, and accept it that it would be you..." He looks over to her, he's not sure how to make the next steps, "Lets take it as it goes, ok? I want to be here. I want to spend time with you. Is that enough for now?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Now it's Barbara's turn to blink somewhat owlishly at him. "Well..." Her brow furrows a little as she works on parsing what he just said. Usually she would enumerate her answers to him in list form, because he did just throw a bunch of strange words out there that don't quite go together. 'Never have a real relationship' and the two of them. Does that mean he doesn't think that there's any chance of a real relationship here too? Does that mean they're friends? Friends with benefits? Maybe they'll just be fuck-buddies. None of that quite parses for her, and it's really funny -- for all that both of them are pretty capable of the Neutral Face, there's a moment where every thought in her head is emblazoned across her expression as those thoughts run through her head. He's confused her. But that's nothing new. And in some ways, *that* at least is solid ground. She understands being confused by whatever this is between them. It's been there for so long that she's been in a little bit of a tizzy about it since the night he asked her out! Finally, she pulls in a breath, holds it, and then replies. "Yes?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Dick (49)}} has posed:''' He has been taught by some of the best to read faces, read body signals, understanding what those tells me, and then reacting appropriately. However, today all that has failed Dick, and he can tell that his words has done everything OTHER than make things clear to her. "Oh Damnit..." Dick replies as he processes what he said, how he said, and begins second guessing his own idiot brain for making things so much more complicated. WHy didn't Bruce tell him how to deal with these kinds of situations?!? Oh wait, because Bruce doesn't GET himself into these types of situations!! So, maybe Billionaire Playboy isn't such a bad cover story after all. "Ok, simple answer." Dick scoots over, and pulls Babs into his lap so he can hug her tightly. "I like spending time with you." He leans his cheek against her head, "I want to spend more time with you." There's a pause, a long breath is let out, "I don't know what else I want." Honesty. Best way to be at this point. "I know I want you to be a part of whatever it is that comes next." He'll squeeze her closer, perhaps afraid she won't be ok with that answer, "I hope that it's enough..." Yep, she can hear the faint trace of concern in his voice, the man who'll jump off a skyscraper without a second thought. As always, Dick turns to humor when all else fails, "It's way easier to kick the hell out of the psychos from Gotham than have a conversation about feelings with you..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Oh, hey! Laps! Barbara squeaks a little as he tugs her into his lap, and then settles there like it's the most normal thing in the world. Body language -- and familiarity -- are helpful in situations like this, and the immediate lessening of tension through her shoulders and down her back as he wraps his arms around her like that is telling. Her trust in him is absolute. She's flown off skyscrapers with his arm around her like this, more than once, as he taught her to fly. Now, it appears they're going to teach one another yet another new thing -- talking about what you want or need from someone. "It's enough," she tells him quietly, resting her forehead against his cheek. And then she grins a little. "But if we fall asleep watching the movie and you snore, I'm still gonna poke you." Because he DOES snore sometimes and she DOES poke him from the cot on the other side when they've crashed in the Cave on a busy night. 
}}

3113/Patrol Rendezvous

2017-11-12T02:45:11Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/11/09
|Location=Rooftops, Gotham
|Synopsis=Green Lantern makes a Gotham fly-by and catches Batgirl on a roof.
|Cast of Characters=29, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:29|Hal Jordan (29)}} has posed:'''     It was twilight. The darkness has engulfed the city, and the people of the night were starting their nightly happenings. The city never slept, however, and this time, there was a noticeable green light moving across the skyline. The green light of a Green Lantern. A rare sight in Gotham.     Moving above the city of Gotham was one Hal Jordan. Having just finished a great last few days "on vacation" in the vicinity, Hal was heading out of the city, towards the southern part of the eastern sea board. Home. Moving at a leisurely pace, his thoughts were of the Wayne party the other ngith, and the happenings there. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:'''     It looks like her evening patrol is going to be a bit more unusual than most nights. A jump line carries her past the gothic structure of the old train station and for anyone who has never seen one of the Bat-people fly, it might actually be an utterly terrifying sight as she reaches the apex of her swing and fires off a second line. She doesn't transfer from one to the next QUITE as easily as Spider-Man... or Nightwing... but there's a grace of motion to her release-and-catch. The second line brings her to the top of one of the city's banks.     The Green Flash at Sunset is a phenomenon only seen in the South Pacific, so far as Batgirl is aware. So the sight of him streaking across the sky of Gotham is something of a surprise. Plus, this makes twice in one week that he's been to Gotham. And given that she swung straight through his line of sight, she figures he can't miss her. So if he's looking for a Bat to speak to, well... she's given him a good spot to land up on this bank. 

:'''{{#var:29|Hal Jordan (29)}} has posed:'''     Hal Jordan does, indeed, see the figure silouetted against the blackness of the night, and the lights of the city which were slowly waking up. Willing the ring to move closer to check out the feminine figure, Hal nods, noting the "Batsuit" <trademark>.     Hovering nearby as Barbara lands on the top of the Bank, Hal moves slowly forward, knowing better than to move towards one of these "Batpeople" quickly. AFter all, those "Batarang" things hurt.     The darkness still hid her identity from him, but Hal decides to press forward with a grin, and a quick comment. "Wonderful night for a stroll."      

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Indeed," Batgirl replies. She clearly won't be chucking batarangs at him. "Are you simply out enjoying the moonlight this evening?" She doesn't skimp on the words -- the Bat himself is occasionally monosyllabic even. But clearly the feminine version doesn't feel that need. "It's getting more common to see powered folks drop on by, but still not quite the norm for me." Oh God, did she actually even SMILE?? Do Bats *do* that??     "You can put your feet on the rooftop, if you like," Batgirl invites him. "I'm not going to wait for you to land and then pounce or anything." 

:'''{{#var:29|Hal Jordan (29)}} has posed:'''     Hovering there, the green light from the energy shield around his body giving them both an eerie glow, Hal crosses his arms across his chest, and looks down at Batgirl. Noticing that that was making him a target, and this was Gotham, Hal decides to land nearby, and turns off the energy nimbus with a flick of his will.     "Thanks. I will do just that." Hal says with a quip, "Thanks for the suggestion. I'd hate to get fired upon by Two Face, or the Squirrel, or whatever villain is Bats "villain-of-the-week"." Hal says, with a non-chalant attitude. "I am heading home actually. Had enough of Gotham for this year." Hal smiles, and says, "You?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl nods sagely when he comments on the villain of the week. "You definitely should not make a target of yourself up here." Looking around at the rooftop, she quips lightly, "Well... given that it's my city and my rooftop... you know. I'm just doing my thing." There's a faint shrug. "Got a few gang problems between the Ukrainians and the Russians in the north corridor, so making sure the Tong are staying out of it."     There's a long pause, and then she smiles faintly. "Well, actually, that's why I was wondering what you were doing here... this makes twice in a week, with the Wayne gala." Batgirl moves toward the side of the building to look downward at something, and for a moment it looks like she might be readying for a launch off the building. Then she pivots on her heels, shaking a lock of copper hair back over her shoulder absently. "I couldn't help but be amused at the arrival of such an august personage as yourself among the guest list. I expected Ms. Prince, of course, but... you, that didn't seem like your scene." 

:'''{{#var:29|Hal Jordan (29)}} has posed:'''     Looking around at the city, Hal takes it all in, and then returns his attention back to the masked woman in front of him. "Yeah. A big green glowing ball of me is too tempting around here." Hal grins. "Gang problems huh? Must be tough with all the crime, drugs, and organized...crime, in the city." Hal shrugs. "Makes it tough for you guys up here in Gotham."     Hal walks a few paces forward, and sits down on the ledge. Leaning back towards Babs, Hal says, "Ah yes! The Wayne Gala! I still think Bats was using me to be a distraction, while you all took care of that...issue. I would be offended, but I know better. It's Batman."     A pause. "Ha!" Hal smiles, and nods, "Yeah. It usually isn't. Diana asked me to help out. She has a...special way to get you to do just what she wants. And it was to help a friend out. He usually doesn't ask for help, he tells." Hal shrugs and says, "What were you doing there? Backup?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Something like that, yes," Batgirl replies, amused. The grin she flashes him also flashes a dimple in her cheek, and she walks the line of the roof, her stance casual even in heels up here. It doesn't occur to her that her stance or her voice or even that dimpled grin might give her away -- she rarely has reason to interact in the mask with the same people she interacts with outside of it. "He always tells people. It's the way he is," she agrees. "But there are reasons for it. Are you following up on the weapon that was recovered?" 

:'''{{#var:29|Hal Jordan (29)}} has posed:'''     "I see, I see. Interesting. Huh. Not really. Weapons were recovered?" Hal takes a long look at Batgirl, admiring her and her strength of will. Doing this, every day, without any real backup or defenses. Just herself, her tools, her body, and her will. Impressive.     Hal watches her, the way she moves, and the way she talks. The way she looks, and the way she...ah. Recognition? "It is a little below my paygrade."     Hal laughs and says, "I'm more worried about the big fish, not the little fish. I am sure you and your team will be able to handle it. If you get in over your head, feel free to give me a call." Hal winks at her, which, because of his mask, didn't have exactly the same effect he was going for. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl makes a sound that is distinctly disgusted. "Parademon weapon," she tells him. It's something that really should worry all of them. "The black market for them is getting more and more lucrative." She frowns for a long moment, following something in her own train of thought. And then her eyes flicker up to his face again. "I don't ever get in over my head," she informs him with that hint of a dimple again. It's a *huge* lie -- even he has to know that. 

:'''{{#var:29|Hal Jordan (29)}} has posed:'''     Hal Jordan blinks, and pauses for a moment. "Parademon weapon. That is serious." Hal stands up, and places his hands on his hips. "Glad you guys took care of it..." Hal pauses, and regards her thoughtfully. "...you did take care of it right? I haven't seen any fall out from someone getting their hands on that advanced tech. Yet."     A short pause. A nod. Then back to his charming, disarming smile. "Of course you don't Batgirl. I am sure you NEVER get in over your head." Hal's voice was a tinge sarcastic. And amused. "Look kid, even I have gotten in over my head too many times. I was lucky to have teammates that helped me out of the jams I got myself in...and vice versa. Including Batman."     Hal isn't very specific about who got whom out of trouble. It was implied. "Anyway. If you ever need my help, I can be there. Anytime. Anywhere. Especially for a red head." Hal grins. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Yeah, Batgirl rather thought *that* might get his attention. And she tilts her head slightly, narrowing her eyes. "You know.... I take his assessments of people with a grain of salt. 'Below your pay grade' and 'kid,' however.... if you weren't *trying* to be offensive, let me be the first to inform you that cocky doesn't fly with those of us who kick people's butts *without* the benefit of powered rings." There's a bit of an arctic chill to that tone; she has given it to test pilots as well. "But I'm sure if we ever come across something that's *up to* your pay grade, we'll call on you." Or not, her tone says. 

:'''{{#var:29|Hal Jordan (29)}} has posed:'''     "A grain of salt? I can appreciate that." Hal's hands remain on his hips. His eyes watch her, his smile growing wider, and wider as she continues her little "rant". Nodding respectfully, Hal says, "Good. You have a healthy set of brass..." Hal pauses, deciding to be more "PC" for a change, "...a back bone. I respect that. A lot."     Hal begins to float above the roof once more. "It's good to know someone here is looking after these people, Batgirl. They need you. And if you need me, please, do not hesitate calling. I'll be there." His cocky, fighter pilot smile disappears, replaced by a serious expression. "I mean it. I hate to have to go, but perhaps we can touch base again? You can fill me in on your investigation into these alien weapons finding their way into Gotham?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She's missing something. Barbara knows she is. As she watches him rise up off the roof, it's that smile that tells her she's definitely missing something. Nightwing gets that grin when he's trying to rile her up on purpose. But... to what end? Do all guys just like to see gingers get ticked off? Crossing her arms, she watches him with a skeptical gaze. And then he gets serious. It's a whole different tone.     "Sure," she replies, perhaps still a little wary of the change in attitude. "I'm sure that there will be a report filed with your lot up there. It's definitely a bigger problem than just Gotham." 
}}

3015/Cats and Bats, Living Together, Mass Hysteria... Not Really.

2017-11-12T02:42:07Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/11/02
|Location=Gotham City
|Synopsis=Batgirl and Catwoman meet on a rooftop... and hey, what's it to Batgirl if a criminal loses some jade?
|Cast of Characters=10, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:10|Selina Kyle (10)}} has posed:''' Catwoman has been somewhat busy lately. Not all of it was of the ill-gotten gain type. Some of the busy times were related to keeping the worst of the scum out of Gotham's East End. Who says cats have to be evil all the time? Cats are one thing all the time - fickle. The rest just gets pushed off the shelves when it suits them. Tonight Catwoman was in China Town. Not to play vigilante though. This time she got wind of a deliciously intriguing little jade figurine in the possession of one of the Dragon gang bosses. But he didn't need it anymore. No. Catwoman had decided it was now rightfully meant to belong to her. The shadow of a figure flashes across numerous rooftops as the catburglar makes her way toward her target's property. Only a block away now. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl has been pulling patrol in Chinatown for the past several nights, courtesy of Bat-rotations. Most of what she's doing is just watching. The flash of shadow across the corner of her eye brings her head around to study the night's rooftops. Was Batman checking up on her? Nightwing or Robin making a pass across the territory? When none of the guys shows up, Batgirl decides that a change of perspective is a good plan. A different angle. Launching a grappling hook with a near-silent hiss of compressed air, she is airborne off the corner of the tenement she's perched on and winging rapidly down the block high above street level. No one ever seems to look up. You'd think that in Gotham, they'd learn. But they don't, and she lands on the rooftop that was Catwoman's target, unbeknowst to the caped vigilante. She peers thoughtfully down into the street below as she retracts her line. 

:'''{{#var:10|Selina Kyle (10)}} has posed:''' Catwoman skids to a stop. Although skidding would suggest plenty of noise where there really isn't. She saw the shadow of Batgirl drop onto the roof if only because she was on the very same elevation as the female bat. Pausing for a moment Catwoman grinned and began slowly stalking up, down on all fours, her shoulders, spine and hips swaying as her namesake feline would. She moves with no more noise than a cat and sticks to the shadows as she creeps closer. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Though trained to listen for the smallest of sounds, Batgirl is not perfect. Nor is her hearing superhuman. Batman, for instance, *always* gets the drop on everyone. Shiva sneaks up on her. And now, apparently, so do the cat burglar. Or so it appears, when the statuesque form doesn't turn in the direction of Catwoman's approach. At the very last second, though, something alerts the redhead. A sound? Perhaps. Or perhaps just that sixth sense of not being alone anymore. Of being watched, stalked. The woman's figure tenses, and she seems to... wait. 

:'''{{#var:10|Selina Kyle (10)}} has posed:''' Catwoman has little doubt Batgirl is aware that she is here. Whether or not the female bat can see her in the shadows? Well that just depends on if the Big Bad Bat shares his cool toys with the kids or if they just get the hand-me-downs. She isn't scared of Batgirl. Mindful? Wary? Sure. But that's the default for cats. Always cautious. She methodically scouts out the area around her target, mind pouring over the entry points, escape routes. Where she can try to lure Batgirl and then disappear and make good her little side job. But then... cats like to stalk prey. And bats are really just winged mice. Right? A coy little purr as she slips up behind Batgirl, just beyond arm's reach. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Yeah.... that soft sound brings Batgirl around to face the new arrival. "Haven't you figured out yet which you want to be?" she asks in something of a wry tone. "Sometimes you're the good guy, sometimes you're the bad guy. It's like you're bipolar or something." She seems to be... teasing? At the very least, she's not attacking. 

:'''{{#var:10|Selina Kyle (10)}} has posed:''' Catwoman doesn't move from atop the rooftop A/C unit she is perched atop. Looking Batgirl in the eyes, she grins slowly, widely. "Oh come on now, Batgirl. I'm not Joker. I'm perfectly sane." She pauses and looks alarmed briefly, "I think." Then she grins again, "I'm just a modern day Robin Hood. What can I say? Sometimes a girl has to steal in order to help out those in need..." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Isn't that what all crazy people say?" Batgirl quips lightly. And then she just shakes her head, her lips quirking into a bit of a smile. "You're incorrigible," she informs the other woman. Leaning her hips back onto the raised edge of the building, she crosses her arms. "So... who's in need this time?" she asks, as if the question is casual and not a challenge. 

:'''{{#var:10|Selina Kyle (10)}} has posed:''' Catwoman laughs lazily. "Perhaps so." She idly trails a clawed finger along the metal housing of the cooling unit she is perched atop. "But to answer your question - even though I don't have to." She shrugs a shoulder, "Me. It's time I pampered myself. It isn't like I'm taking something from a fine, upstanding member of society. You /do/ know whose laundry service we're conversing atop.. right?" She's sure Batgirl knows. Or should know. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl sighs. "I'm quite well aware," she agrees. Rolling her eyes, she tells Catwoman, "No matter how much I might ... not think you need jail, I still can't let you run about stealing crap on my watch. Come back next week. Or next month. I'm gonna be in Chinatown for a while. We can't afford the Tong to join in that crap up there in the Bludhaven/Gotham corridor between the Russians and the Ukrainians. So I'm overwatch. No thieving while I'm watching. Pretty please?" 

:'''{{#var:10|Selina Kyle (10)}} has posed:''' Catwoman rolls her eyes. "If I don't separate Mr. Han from his already ill-gotten prize tonight, it'll be gone when it ships out in thirty six hours." She shakes her head, "If it's that difficult for you, go take a powder break. Get a mochaccino. A smoke break. Whatever it is that you scouts do when you're not being brow beaten by the Big Boss" she teases playfully. "Really. Run along." Her hand flicks off in some direction in a lazy gesture. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "No," Batgirl retorts. "You'll have to wait until I actually get a legit call away." She sighs. "And then I'll pretend I didn't see anything at all and let Batman deal with you. Cuz...." She sighs. "Because you're stealing from assholes, and I just can't find it in me to care." She can't help it, she starts to laugh. "If you ever repeat that, I'll deny it... I don't need Bats up in my grille." 

:'''{{#var:10|Selina Kyle (10)}} has posed:''' Catwoman gasps. "My. What language. Are you old enough that he doesn't have an auto soap dispensor to wash out your mouth? I thought all you Bat-kids could say was "Gee. Gosh! Darn!" She can't help it and says wickedly, "Fiddlesticks..." eyes sparkling behind her goggles, lips curled into a devilish grin. "Go on, Miss Bat. There are annoying insects a block over. They're pushing a new recipe of drugs laced with drain cleaner and bleach. I was going to go say hello myself, but.... I'm willing to share my catch sometimes. For a good cause. C'mon. Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, yeah. Fiddlesticks is my favorite one," Batgirl agrees. "Along with Holy Batsignals!" She grins at Catwoman and then she's informed about the drugs a block over. "Crap. Seriously?" She sighs. "Bas business plan," she points out. "And we definitely don't need kids getting their hands on drugs cut with that kind of stuff." She pivots on a heel and starts walking across the rooftop. "You better be in and out before I get back, Catty. And next time.... bring the mochaccino with you." She flashes a smile over her shoulder at the thief, even as she fires the grapple at the building the next block over. 

:'''{{#var:10|Selina Kyle (10)}} has posed:''' Catwoman is already disappearing into the HVAC ductwork by the time Batgirl is talking about next time. A smile on her lips, fingers waggling out the vent and slipping inside. Sometimes hunting isn't half as fun as it is to just play with a mouse. Let it know that someting could have happened, then let it go on its way. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She blew it. Well, okay. Not really. Batgirl has been doing as he asked and keeping close tabs on Chinatown. But hey -- even she can't be everywhere in Chinatown at once. So ... if a jade figurine was stolen from a Tong crime lord while she was off dealing with drug dealers who lace their product with drain cleaner and bleach? Wellllll.... it's a small price to pay. A stolen item doesn't honestly stack up against saving a bunch of lives from laced drugs. Unless, of course, you knew that Catwoman was playing in the sandbox and you kinda let her. So last night, as penance for her 'screw-up,' Barbara took to the Cave for heavy-duty training. Hours and hours of it. And then in the midst of it, a stray thought passed through that rather brilliant mind and derailed all training sessions. She raced for the main computer array, gave Batman only the briefest of warnings, and then took the whole shebang offline. After climbing around the guts of the Beast, she is finally booting it back up. Bruce has known her long enough to know when he walks in and finds her talking to herself, there's some kind of a breakthrough going on. "I have no idea why Tim didn't think of this before -- he's the app guy!! I mean, really." 
}}

Oracle

2017-10-30T01:33:20Z

Gabby73:

{{CharacterNew
|NameOnMUSH=Barbara Gordon
|Color=#333
|TextColor=#c1c1c1
|Char_id=58
|Img=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/46/e5/df/46e5df0d768bb0ff6eb220746a7d4974--molly-quinn-gorgeous-redhead.jpg
|FullName=Barbara Gordon
|Gender=Female
|Species=Human
|Theme=DC
|Chartype=DFC
|Active=Active
|Occupation=Freelance Computer Forensics Specialist
|Groups=[[Batman Family]]
|Quote=
|PAge=25
|AAge=25
|DOB=31 August 2000
|Height=180 cm
|Weight=61 kg
|Hair=Red
|Eyes=Green
|Actor=Molly Quinn
|Song=
|Profile=As the daughter of Gotham's police commissioner, Barbara grew up steeped in police culture and the law. Although she ultimately wound up taking her degrees in programming and forensic psychology, she also has a minor in business law. Because of her connections, it was pretty simple to get an 'in' as a freelance computer forensics consultant with GCPD. And it leaves her free to pursue her 'night job' on the streets as Batgirl or in the darker regions of the Internet locating criminals' money.

|Skills=BAT SKILLS

Climbing, zip lining across town, sneaking into places, picking locks, surveillance, combat driving. You name it, she's learned it since she began this gig as Batgirl. The sheer breadth of these skills is mind-boggling, and if one were to list all of them, it would probably take all day.

COMPUTERS

Barbara is, hands down, brilliant with computers. She can program and hack, hide herself in the dark Web, and she uses these powers for good. And... well, sometimes to spy on what information the alphabet soup agencies have on certain people that she might be considering exposing for crimes. But how could that be a bad thing?!

MARTIAL ARTS

Barbara has spent a number of years now learning things like judo and taekwondo on her own. When she became Batgirl, her training was escalated exponentially because Batman wasn't going to have her get hurt on his watch. She is a solid fighter -- though she'll never put Batman on the mat, she can hold her own and take down most other foes.

|Resources=BATMAN FAMILY

It's funny where you find family sometimes. In Barbara's case, what started out as something of a fangirl obsession has become the real deal. Training under Batman himself, along with all the other proteges who have come and gone, Barbara is one of the lynchpins of this group. She will give Bruce and the others everything she has to give when they need her, and they will do the same for her.

This also expands into access to the resources under the control of the family. Bruce's pockets seem bottomless, so whatever is needed, it is quickly obtained.

COMMISSIONER GORDON

Well, let's just call him Dad. Jim Gordon is a busy man, a cop, sometimes a tough man. But he is a good father. And he would do anything for his daughter. Barbara believes him at this time to be unaware of her nighttime activities and she takes great pains to keep him in the dark. If she ever needed anything at all, she knows she could call on her father and he would move heaven and earth for her.

GEAR

Barbara's Batgirl gear is an impressive collection of body armor and useful tools that she obtained and learned to use under the tutelage of Batman. There are a wide array of miniature gas pellets, flash-bangs, assorted other kinds of equipment like cuffs and grappling hooks. All the tricks of the Bat-trade, she has in her arsenal.

In addition to this, Barbara has begun to build herself a powerful computer array. Her day job helps with this activity, and Barbara finds herself not simply working this activity during the day anymore. Sometimes she's just the voice in Batman or Nightwing's ear when they need someone monitoring security cameras or following the money while they're on a stake-out. She's finding it both enjoyable *and* well worth her time. It actually has given her a glimpse of what she might be doing when she finally decides to hang up the cape.

|Weaknesses=LOYALTIES

Barbara's loyalties to the Bat-Family are certainly a strength, but they can also be a weakness. She will go to the aid of anyone in this group when called, so it can be turned against her by villains. She would go to the aid of her father without question -- and again, this link and loyalty could be turned against her. When you do a job as dangerous as the one she does at night, having people you love is a huge risk because they can be used to take you down. It doesn't mean she'll give them up, though.

SECRET IDENTITIES

Barbara sports two of them. Her street identity as Batgirl must be carefully kept -- she's a known entity to many on the Gotham police force, so she has to watch her step whenever they arrive on a situation. Luckily, however, most people see what they choose to see -- who would guess that the Commissioner's *daughter* is out here in a cape running around kicking people's butts?? Exposure risks not only Barbara herself but her father and his career too, so she doesn't mess around. And just the fact that she's doing these jobs also takes a toll on her daytime identity too -- how do you explain to someone that you're tired because you have been awake 36 hours cuz, well, Batgirl was needed last night. It can be tough.

The second is her online handle of Oracle. She is beginning to make a significant name for herself in the Internet underground as someone who blows the whistle on criminal enterprises and exposes the paper trails of bad people. She has gone to great lengths to make this identity unhackable and untraceable. Few in the world are quite as good at that as she, and she has Batman to back her up as well. Between them, the Oracle identity has been barricaded effectively. But there's always that chance...
}}
[[Category:Batman Family]]

2989/Returning to the Cave

2017-10-27T20:49:36Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/27 |Location=Batcave |Synopsis=Batman comes back from a night's work and finds company in the cave. |Cast of Characters=58, 104 |pretty=yes..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/27
|Location=Batcave
|Synopsis=Batman comes back from a night's work and finds company in the cave.
|Cast of Characters=58, 104
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She isn't pulling all-night patrols every night of the week anymore -- Barbara has been slowly settling into a more balanced kind of role. After patrolling until around 3am, she returned to the Cave to put in some time on the computers for another case. It's good that she works from home on her day job, too, because it's here in the cave that he finds her still late in the morning. The main screen has reams of data scrolling through -- an analysis of shipping schedules, perhaps? Much like Bruce, she's kind of a workaholic sometimes, and it appears it caught up with her before she made her escape back to the Clocktower. Barbara is sitting in Bruce's rather comfy chair in front of the main computer, her chin dropped to her chest and her glasses still perched on her nose, fast asleep. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     It's that hour in the night when the horizon threatens with the hint of orange and red. The time when the city's fallen quiet save for the faint and distant hum of traffic, when even the dwellers in the night and the vigilantes upon the rooftops have packed it in mostly and are awaiting the coming of dawn. And the Batman is no different.     The roaring whine of the batmobile's engine is heard as the vehicle pulls into the batcave, the car rolling to a stop and the canopy whispering back even as the turntable begins to rotate slowly, prepping the vehicle for relaunch even as the Batman plants a hand and vaults out. He lands light upon the gangway, starting to cover the distance towards the gantry that leads to the batcomputer and the main habitation area. At first his stride is steady, methodical, boots clanking faintly upon the metal... but then he'll espy Barbara.     Despite his manner, the gruffness, the severity, he is not a man without empathy nor emotion. He slows his pace a touch, footsteps quieter as he places a hand to the side of his cowl, pushing it back from his features and freeing the man from the mask. A faint half-wry smile touches his features as he closes the distance.     The first hint she might have of his presence is just the small touch of his hand upon her shoulder. Gentle pressure to perhaps draw her back from what dreams may grace her thoughts. Then his voice.     "Barbara. Barbara? It's late, you should go home. Or grab a blanket and take one of the cots." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The car's arrival started to rouse her, but she's too used to the sound for it to be the thing that draws her completely out of slumber -- she's too often slept on the cots down here. But the hand on her shoulder brings her to the land of wakefulness. Not startled awake, just a simple opening of her eyes. When she registers and actually comprehends the words of the man who woke her, she moves to sit up straighter and smile up at him, one hand coming up to shove the mass of coppery waves back off her face. "Yeah, probably," she agrees on a yawn. Shaking off her weariness a little, she turns the chair more fully to look up at him. "There were just a couple of things I wanted to verify for Nightwing before I headed out," she admits. "And I wanted to talk to you, too. I think we have yet another new player in town." She knows how he hates that. Smothering another yawn, she reaches under the desk to the floor by her feet and picks something up. When she holds it out to him, it's an arrow. Not a crossbow bolt -- an arrow from a longbow, one that appears to be equipped with a gas canister. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     That smile remains there even as he rises back to his full height, the cowl resting over the part of the cape that covers just between his shoulder blades, letting that mask peer at her upside down as he walks away. He begins to remove his equipment, starting with the gauntlets as he disengages them with a faint click and then begins to place them on the mannequin. "I can have Alfred make up a room for you upstairs if needs be," He says, looking slightly over his shoulder but not to her.     Then his belt clicks free and he places it around the waist of the mannequin, taking a moment to check the supplies in a few of the pouches. But then she mentions needing to check a few things for Nightwing and he gives a nod of agreement. But when the topic moves on to a new vigilante or operative in Gotham his brow furrows.     A few steps carry him back towards her, and without all of the equipment, without that mask, he seems just like Bruce and less so the Bat. "Not Oliver?" He asks as he extends a hand to take up the arror and examine it with a casual glance, knowing that she most likely has run her own exam on it.     "There is the other archer from the Avengers, Hawkeye." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Nope... pretty sure it's Oliver. Haven't actually spotted him, but... you know, green arrows pretty much give him away." Barbara smirks faintly, amused. Although now that he mentions that other archer, she gets a thoughtful expression. But no... she's pretty certain. "He just hasn't wandered out of Star too often lately, so I figured you might want to know he's lurking about." Removing her silver-rimmed glasses from her nose, she sets them on the table and studies him. "You look tired," she observes quietly. "Have you been getting any sleep at all since you found out about Shiva?" 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "Hm," He considers the arrow, running a fingertip over the fletching and tilting his head to the side. "If it's Oliver and we make contact, tell our people they should aid him if needs be." Bruce turns away, footsteps carrying him back towards the mannequin and the equipment storage as he begins to undo the clasp of his cloak, spinning it off and then around the neck where it's meant to hang as he tells her over his shoulder. "I trust Ollie..."     But then there's a beat...     "Mostly."     Once he's mostly clear of his equipment and the cape, it leaves him as little more than but a man in an armored suit with that bat emblem clear upon his broad chest. He looks back to her and gives a small nod. "Somewhat. I've been meditating, focusing myself. I'm going to need to find some downtime soon, but for now I can manage." He looks slightly to the side, then shakes his head. "Shiva, despite how troubling it is, is relegated to the long game. The Ukrainians and Russians fighting it out between here and Bludhaven is more pressing. That and the noise from the Yingtze Tong. Can't afford to leave any balls in the air." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Mostly. He only ever trusts people outside their immediate circle 'mostly.' Barbara pushes to her feet, which are clad only in the fleecy socks that she stores down here for nights like this one where she's on the computer a long time. It's a cave -- it's cold! Gray sweatpants and a black hoodie over a white tanktop keep the rest of her comfortable. She pads on silent feet to the small fridge, bringing out two bottles of water. She brings them over and holds one out to him. "The Ukrainian-Russian skirmishes look like they're going to level out pretty soon here," she opines. "They've got bigger problems if the Tong gets involved. Plus now there are all-new players in Bludhaven and it's starting to bleed over into Gotham." Opening her own bottle of water and taking a long swallow, she asks, "Where do you need my boots most over the next week?" 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     Accepting the water he holds it for a moment as his gaze distances. There's no way to clearly gauge his thoughts, the man holds them too close to the vest even when he's not wearing the mask. But he gives her a small nod as he twists off the top and tells her, "You're doing wonders with our data structure and cleaning up the network. If you get a chance work with Tim, I think we're on the edge of having a very robust system. More effective than we've been using it."     He turns and starts to walk away a little bit, tilting the bottle back and taking a few swallows of water. "But when you're feeling antsy, I could use your eyes and good judgement around Chinatown if the Tong kick anything off."     That said he shakes his head slightly, rolling it to the side until the neck gives a faint aerated crackle, a small controlled exhalation of breath the only glimpse of fatigue he has given of late. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara flushes slightly under the praise, and lifts her chin just a bit in acknowledgment of it. It means a great deal when he offers it; it always has. "Tim's pretty brilliant. I don't think I could have gotten nearly as far in this amount of time without him." Blowing out a slow breath, Barbara nods on the Chinatown request. "Sure. I'll angle my routes in that direction and keep an eye on them. Now... what can I do to help with your daytime plateful of tasks?" She offers him a faint smile. "I've seen the Gotham City social calendar this week -- are you planning to be at the hospital event, the mayor's Halloween shindig, *and* the benefit concert?" 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     At that she may gain a glimpse of insight into the man as she mentions each event and his eyes widen with clear reluctance to even entertain the idea. Shaking his head slightly he holds up a hand as if to stay her onslaught, then tells her. "I'll try to hit the needed beats, will try and arrange a few dates, and then make an appearance here and there but make an early exit or have people spread the word that I retired to an elite suite or something along those lines."     "Maybe I can offend someone early and storm off in some manner to give enough for the tattle rags to talk about but then be absent from the other events." He tells her this more as he rattles off his own thoughts. It's strange how he can make such clinically precise operations against deeply researched enemy elements, but the whole socialite thing still confounds him to a degree.     "In any case, I need to wind down. Going to train some, and then try and get a few hours of down time." He tells her this as he starts to move towards the edge of the gantry. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' It makes Barbara laugh. She can't help it. She loves it when he messes with the press. But she does take pity on him. "Tell you what... definitely avoid the Halloween thing. I have to be there anyway, and Dick can represent Wayne Manor," she tells him easily. Even as he starts walking, she is moving back toward the table to locate her shoes beneath it. Because she *does* need some sleep before her day job, even if it's only a couple hours. She turns briefly to watch him head for the training room. Her expression holds affection, but there's also genuine worry for him. He works harder than the rest of us combined, she sometimes thinks. She calls after him, only half joking, "If you don't get some sleep today, I'm tattling to Alfred. He'll roofie your hot chocolate or something." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "I'll try and keep that in mind," He tells her as he walks towards the gymnasium's door. He presses a hand onto the computer panel at the side of it, causing the display to come to life with a flicker of LEDs awakening. He holds his hand there and looks over his shoulder, "You should get some rest as well. The keyboard left an impression on your forehead." He tells her casually in that tone of voice that is such a perfect deadpan she can never be sure if he's making light or not.     Then it's to the door, "Computer, disengage safety protocols. Run scenario Shiva 16." Once he says that the door opens and within the gymnasium comes to life with its own defensive settings. A wave of his hand is given to her even as he disappears from view and the door closes behind him. 
}}

2975/Get to Work

2017-10-26T15:32:25Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/26
|Location=Gotham Rooftops
|Synopsis=Huntress meets Batman; admires his Wheaties. Batgirl's just relieved he knows about Shiva.
|Cast of Characters=58, 166, 104
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The crunch of her boots on Helena's rooftop is deliberate, alerting the other woman to Batgirl's arrival so that the redhead doesn't get shot. "Sorry I'm late," she murmurs to the Huntress as she reels in her grappling line. "Got sidetracked by a wannabe a couple alleys over -- had to leave him hanging around for the PD." Shooting a wicked grin at Huntress, Batgirl joins her in the peering over the side of the rooftop. "Find anything useful down there?" The ping that said 'meet me <here>' didn't really say what the meet-up was for -- whether it was actually work-related or perhaps related to the calls Barbara asked her to make. So Batgirl is on alert without being in that coiled state of readiness that means immediate combat expectations. 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress is crouched down low near the rooftop ledge, crossbow in one hand and night vision binoculars in the other. She doesn't turn when she hears the crunching of boots on the roof, and continues looking through the optics when she replies. "Yeah, I sometimes wonder whether we're doing more harm than good by setting bad examples for Gotham's youth." she replies. Only then does she lower the glasses and turn towards Batgirl. "Slow night at my favorite Italian cafe, I'm afraid. A few minor figures have made an appearance, but nothing really noteworthy. Looks like this stakeout might be a bust." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     Of the two women, Batgirl might be the most used to it. To the subtle feeling of something else, the faint hint of being watched just moments before there's a voice that comes forth from the darkness. Huntress has not heard it before, though she has heard of the man himself. Not recognizable as anything beyond a dark silhouette in the heavy shadows of the tall water tower that takes up a portion of that rooftop.     "Batgirl." It's said with such finality, as if he were passing judgement. Then he'll step forwards, the light from the low hanging moon limning the dark figure, seeming at first as naught more than a tall man in a cowl with a cloak around his shoulders. "This is Huntress?" He'll ask, though most likely knowing the answer. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon says, "It's a valid question... after all, the only reason I started on the rooftops was because Batman was the coolest--" Batgirl's voice cuts off abruptly, hyperaware of that subtle sense that HE is nearby and observing. She pivots on one booted heel as his voice sounds. "Batman," she greets him easily -- apparently she's used to the judgemental tone and it doesn't faze her. "Huntress, meet Batman." They might as well be getting introduced in someone's living room, for all the formality Batgirl accords the introduction. But for a man who sees everything, her nerves are definitely showing 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress -does- start at Batman's arrival, easing into a ready-crouch at first. She relaxes when she recognizes him, then. Huntress has *seen* the Bat before, when he crashed a dinner with Mafia families. The woman lowers the crossbow and pulls the hood back, the mask still hiding her expression. "Nice to meet in person." she replies, simply. It's pretty unlikely that he'd even remember her from that meeting, after all. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     There's a moment of silence, just quiet where the only sound between them is the distant hum of traffic. The tall man turned slightly, white eyelets granting no insight into his thoughts, no window to the soul. His body language is staggeringly hard to read, and when he speaks it's in that steady and stern deep tone, "Do you vouch for her?" He says as his attention is still fully on the Huntress. She can't tell but he is measuring her, gauging her, taking in the way she had slipped into that ready stance, had turned and moved with that brief instant of adrenalin-rushed muscle memory.     And now he is judging her all the same.     Before Babs can answers, he'll step forwards to stand before the vigilante in purple, his gaze unwavering. "I have one rule. Do you know what that is?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl's chin goes up and she pulls in a slow breath. Yeah.... this is about to get ugly, she has a notion. /No killing./ And given that Barbara's already had that conversation with Helena, she lets the other woman speak for herself. 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress considers the tall, dark figure before her and she doesn't flinch. Not at his gaze, nor at his scrutiny. She knows that Gotham is HIS city, and that he reserves the right to sanction all vigilante activity here. Right or wrong. Her jaw sets, cheek muscles flexing a moment before she relaxes again. Exhale the rage. Thank you, Richard Dragon. "Yes I do." she replies, evenly. "No killing." Yeah, nevermind the very-lethal loaded crossbow she's holding. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     There's a brief moment when she might see the subtle tension in the tendons of that firm jawline, but then he'll give a single sharp nod. And as quick as that it's over, at least for now as he turns away and tells Batgirl, "If you vouch for her then I'll trust you to help her along." As if she needed to be brought to heel. But then the moment is past as he steps across that rooftop, the gravel barely making a sound at his passing.     He'll turn to face them both, arms appearing from underneath that cowl as he crosses them over his chest, "Anything to report?" Those irisless eyes level upon Batgirl, his manner sharp and severe as he asks. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl merely shrugs slightly. "All quiet on the western front," she replies mildly. "I'll help her along where I need to -- she's a big girl." The redhead's tone doesn't hold deference or intimidation, just a genuine respect for his position in the hierarchy. There's a subtle pause, as if she's deciding whether to mention something. "And we've put out some feelers for the last teacher you sent me to -- I'm asking him to pay a visit." His panties might get in a wad... and he might tear a strip off her in front of Huntress. But ah well. "I need the extra practice, and so does Nightwing." 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' So that's approval, right? At least provisionally. Regardless, it'll have to do for now. Huntress listens to Batgirl's report before she weighs in as well. "I've studied with this teacher as well, for what it's worth. He... was very helpful to me at a really low point." No, she doesn't get into controlling her rage or that Question introduced her to Dragon after she nearly got herself killed. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     It's curious, the ease of interaction between the two, there's history there. Years working together, and it's clear that despite Batman's curt words and tone, it's not there out of a dismissive attitude, more needing to be concise. He nods towards Babs and says levelly, "With the Shiva situation in play, I've changed the training roster to a rotation."     For a moment he looks askance towards Huntress, then back to Babs as he answers. "So yes, Nightwing does need the training." Of course he doesn't mention what has passed with Shiva for his part either.     But then he turns towards the vigilante in purple, "Huntress. Your style is a unique blend of techniques. Would you be willing to train with the others?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' There's a moment where Batgirl is very still, parsing what just got said on multiple levels. And a subtle tension that she's been carrying for days eases out of her neck and shoulders -- she's not usually the one keeping secrets from the Bat; it never sits well with her. But she was doing it anyway and is grateful now not to have to. She didn't tell, but he knows the whole situation -- there is relief in that. "I saw the roster," Batgirl replies with a small smile. "Huntress would be a great addition to the training as well," she agrees. 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress nods slowly to Batman's question. A unique blend indeed; Sicilian assassin brawling techniques tempered with Richard Dragon's kung fu. She relaxes further, keeping the crossbow pointed down. "My style isn't really suited for a martial arts ring, but I'd be glad to work with the others." Whether she'd be doing more learning or teaching remains to be seen. But she held her own with Batgirl when the two sparred, at least. So that counts for something. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     A nod is spared towards Batgirl, but Batman focuses fully upon Huntress and tells her. "They need to be confronted with someone good and someone who won't fight as they expect, who will brawl and strive to win at great cost." He glances towards Batgirl and then nods, "When you get a chance add her to the rotation."     He unfolds his arms, "With your teacher arriving, that will aid the training. I've told Shiva that she is to not challenge any of our people. And if she does then I'll be facing her." There's a pause, a ghost of a scowl. "If you see Nightwing, tell him that I need to speak with him." And that, assuredly, will not be a pleasant thing. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl's smile is gone when he says Shiva's not 'allowed' to challenge our people. "I'm sure she took that very well," she observes quietly. "I'll let him know." It's not her job to explain why Nightwing didn't want to tell Batman what was going on. Crossing her arms a bit, she considers whether it was Robin who was a tattletale or if Batman is just that darn good.... and as always, she kind of assumes he's just that good. "Anything else you want on my agenda while I'm at it?" she asks him. 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress tilts her head at the mention of Shiva, finding the conversation about Nightwing curious as well. She conceals her amusement, however, and just listens for the moment. "So will Shiva be doing any training, or will she only be observing? I was under the impression that she only fights those she considers worthy, by her standards." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "No, Shiva..." He shakes his head and frowns. "Is taking her own steps."     In response to Babs he says simply in that sharp tone of his, "Nothing else for now." But then he turns and begins to walk away, footsteps silent as he steps across the rooftop. The cloak billows behind him, catching the wind for a moment before curling back around his legs as he moves. Over his shoulder he'll tell them, "I may be out of contact for the next day. Check in with the others when you have time."     But then he'll turn slightly in Huntress' direction, before looking in turn to Batgirl. He gives them both a nod and says simply, "Good hunting." That said he takes the grapple line from his belt and brings it up, the line snapping forth and firing with the hiss of compressed air, the grapple catching and curling around the corner of a building nearby, then the line grows taut and snaps him forth into the air.     For a moment as he swings, his cape flares fully into the shape of a bat's wing, then his legs slice forwards and he swings around the building, disappearing from view. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl silently watches him fire off the line and take off. She waits until she's very sure he's out of range, despite the fact that he already obviously knows what's happening, before she turns to Huntress. The worry is clear in her body language and her tone. "Yeah.... well, apparently she considers Nightwing worthy," she informs Huntress tightly. "He has 11 months to prepare." That was why she needed Richard Dragon. Looking in the direction that Batman disappeared, Barbara confides quietly, "That challenge was issued without Batman's knowledge. I don't know what that means for what he'll do about it, but..." She looks at Huntress. "I don't want to take chances. It's either Nightwing's life on the line ... or it's Batman's. And I'm not okay with either option." 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' "Interesting." Huntress offers, watching the Bat swing out into the night. "So Shiva challenged Nightwing and is coming to Gotham." Yes, she picks things up quickly. "And all Batman wants to do in response is step the training rotation?" Not that it's hers to judge, of course. "Real charming guy, by the way. Does he have someone pee in his Wheaties every morning just to keep the mood rolling?" Smirking, she takes a deep breath and exhales again. "Let me know what I can do to help, of course. And keep in touch." 
}}

2975/Get to Work

2017-10-26T15:30:33Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/26 |Location=Gotham Rooftops |Synopsis=Huntress meets Batman; admires his Wheaties. |Cast of Characters=58, 166, 104 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/26
|Location=Gotham Rooftops
|Synopsis=Huntress meets Batman; admires his Wheaties.
|Cast of Characters=58, 166, 104
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The crunch of her boots on Helena's rooftop is deliberate, alerting the other woman to Batgirl's arrival so that the redhead doesn't get shot. "Sorry I'm late," she murmurs to the Huntress as she reels in her grappling line. "Got sidetracked by a wannabe a couple alleys over -- had to leave him hanging around for the PD." Shooting a wicked grin at Huntress, Batgirl joins her in the peering over the side of the rooftop. "Find anything useful down there?" The ping that said 'meet me <here>' didn't really say what the meet-up was for -- whether it was actually work-related or perhaps related to the calls Barbara asked her to make. So Batgirl is on alert without being in that coiled state of readiness that means immediate combat expectations. 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress is crouched down low near the rooftop ledge, crossbow in one hand and night vision binoculars in the other. She doesn't turn when she hears the crunching of boots on the roof, and continues looking through the optics when she replies. "Yeah, I sometimes wonder whether we're doing more harm than good by setting bad examples for Gotham's youth." she replies. Only then does she lower the glasses and turn towards Batgirl. "Slow night at my favorite Italian cafe, I'm afraid. A few minor figures have made an appearance, but nothing really noteworthy. Looks like this stakeout might be a bust." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     Of the two women, Batgirl might be the most used to it. To the subtle feeling of something else, the faint hint of being watched just moments before there's a voice that comes forth from the darkness. Huntress has not heard it before, though she has heard of the man himself. Not recognizable as anything beyond a dark silhouette in the heavy shadows of the tall water tower that takes up a portion of that rooftop.     "Batgirl." It's said with such finality, as if he were passing judgement. Then he'll step forwards, the light from the low hanging moon limning the dark figure, seeming at first as naught more than a tall man in a cowl with a cloak around his shoulders. "This is Huntress?" He'll ask, though most likely knowing the answer. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara Gordon says, "It's a valid question... after all, the only reason I started on the rooftops was because Batman was the coolest--" Batgirl's voice cuts off abruptly, hyperaware of that subtle sense that HE is nearby and observing. She pivots on one booted heel as his voice sounds. "Batman," she greets him easily -- apparently she's used to the judgemental tone and it doesn't faze her. "Huntress, meet Batman." They might as well be getting introduced in someone's living room, for all the formality Batgirl accords the introduction. But for a man who sees everything, her nerves are definitely showing 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress -does- start at Batman's arrival, easing into a ready-crouch at first. She relaxes when she recognizes him, then. Huntress has *seen* the Bat before, when he crashed a dinner with Mafia families. The woman lowers the crossbow and pulls the hood back, the mask still hiding her expression. "Nice to meet in person." she replies, simply. It's pretty unlikely that he'd even remember her from that meeting, after all. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     There's a moment of silence, just quiet where the only sound between them is the distant hum of traffic. The tall man turned slightly, white eyelets granting no insight into his thoughts, no window to the soul. His body language is staggeringly hard to read, and when he speaks it's in that steady and stern deep tone, "Do you vouch for her?" He says as his attention is still fully on the Huntress. She can't tell but he is measuring her, gauging her, taking in the way she had slipped into that ready stance, had turned and moved with that brief instant of adrenalin-rushed muscle memory.     And now he is judging her all the same.     Before Babs can answers, he'll step forwards to stand before the vigilante in purple, his gaze unwavering. "I have one rule. Do you know what that is?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl's chin goes up and she pulls in a slow breath. Yeah.... this is about to get ugly, she has a notion. /No killing./ And given that Barbara's already had that conversation with Helena, she lets the other woman speak for herself. 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress considers the tall, dark figure before her and she doesn't flinch. Not at his gaze, nor at his scrutiny. She knows that Gotham is HIS city, and that he reserves the right to sanction all vigilante activity here. Right or wrong. Her jaw sets, cheek muscles flexing a moment before she relaxes again. Exhale the rage. Thank you, Richard Dragon. "Yes I do." she replies, evenly. "No killing." Yeah, nevermind the very-lethal loaded crossbow she's holding. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     There's a brief moment when she might see the subtle tension in the tendons of that firm jawline, but then he'll give a single sharp nod. And as quick as that it's over, at least for now as he turns away and tells Batgirl, "If you vouch for her then I'll trust you to help her along." As if she needed to be brought to heel. But then the moment is past as he steps across that rooftop, the gravel barely making a sound at his passing.     He'll turn to face them both, arms appearing from underneath that cowl as he crosses them over his chest, "Anything to report?" Those irisless eyes level upon Batgirl, his manner sharp and severe as he asks. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl merely shrugs slightly. "All quiet on the western front," she replies mildly. "I'll help her along where I need to -- she's a big girl." The redhead's tone doesn't hold deference or intimidation, just a genuine respect for his position in the hierarchy. There's a subtle pause, as if she's deciding whether to mention something. "And we've put out some feelers for the last teacher you sent me to -- I'm asking him to pay a visit." His panties might get in a wad... and he might tear a strip off her in front of Huntress. But ah well. "I need the extra practice, and so does Nightwing." 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' So that's approval, right? At least provisionally. Regardless, it'll have to do for now. Huntress listens to Batgirl's report before she weighs in as well. "I've studied with this teacher as well, for what it's worth. He... was very helpful to me at a really low point." No, she doesn't get into controlling her rage or that Question introduced her to Dragon after she nearly got herself killed. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     It's curious, the ease of interaction between the two, there's history there. Years working together, and it's clear that despite Batman's curt words and tone, it's not there out of a dismissive attitude, more needing to be concise. He nods towards Babs and says levelly, "With the Shiva situation in play, I've changed the training roster to a rotation."     For a moment he looks askance towards Huntress, then back to Babs as he answers. "So yes, Nightwing does need the training." Of course he doesn't mention what has passed with Shiva for his part either.     But then he turns towards the vigilante in purple, "Huntress. Your style is a unique blend of techniques. Would you be willing to train with the others?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' There's a moment where Batgirl is very still, parsing what just got said on multiple levels. And a subtle tension that she's been carrying for days eases out of her neck and shoulders -- she's not usually the one keeping secrets from the Bat; it never sits well with her. But she was doing it anyway and is grateful now not to have to. She didn't tell, but he knows the whole situation -- there is relief in that. "I saw the roster," Batgirl replies with a small smile. "Huntress would be a great addition to the training as well," she agrees. 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress nods slowly to Batman's question. A unique blend indeed; Sicilian assassin brawling techniques tempered with Richard Dragon's kung fu. She relaxes further, keeping the crossbow pointed down. "My style isn't really suited for a martial arts ring, but I'd be glad to work with the others." Whether she'd be doing more learning or teaching remains to be seen. But she held her own with Batgirl when the two sparred, at least. So that counts for something. 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     A nod is spared towards Batgirl, but Batman focuses fully upon Huntress and tells her. "They need to be confronted with someone good and someone who won't fight as they expect, who will brawl and strive to win at great cost." He glances towards Batgirl and then nods, "When you get a chance add her to the rotation."     He unfolds his arms, "With your teacher arriving, that will aid the training. I've told Shiva that she is to not challenge any of our people. And if she does then I'll be facing her." There's a pause, a ghost of a scowl. "If you see Nightwing, tell him that I need to speak with him." And that, assuredly, will not be a pleasant thing. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl's smile is gone when he says Shiva's not 'allowed' to challenge our people. "I'm sure she took that very well," she observes quietly. "I'll let him know." It's not her job to explain why Nightwing didn't want to tell Batman what was going on. Crossing her arms a bit, she considers whether it was Robin who was a tattletale or if Batman is just that darn good.... and as always, she kind of assumes he's just that good. "Anything else you want on my agenda while I'm at it?" she asks him. 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Huntress tilts her head at the mention of Shiva, finding the conversation about Nightwing curious as well. She conceals her amusement, however, and just listens for the moment. "So will Shiva be doing any training, or will she only be observing? I was under the impression that she only fights those she considers worthy, by her standards." 

:'''{{#var:104|Batman (104)}} has posed:'''     "No, Shiva..." He shakes his head and frowns. "Is taking her own steps."     In response to Babs he says simply in that sharp tone of his, "Nothing else for now." But then he turns and begins to walk away, footsteps silent as he steps across the rooftop. The cloak billows behind him, catching the wind for a moment before curling back around his legs as he moves. Over his shoulder he'll tell them, "I may be out of contact for the next day. Check in with the others when you have time."     But then he'll turn slightly in Huntress' direction, before looking in turn to Batgirl. He gives them both a nod and says simply, "Good hunting." That said he takes the grapple line from his belt and brings it up, the line snapping forth and firing with the hiss of compressed air, the grapple catching and curling around the corner of a building nearby, then the line grows taut and snaps him forth into the air.     For a moment as he swings, his cape flares fully into the shape of a bat's wing, then his legs slice forwards and he swings around the building, disappearing from view. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Batgirl silently watches him fire off the line and take off. She waits until she's very sure he's out of range, despite the fact that he already obviously knows what's happening, before she turns to Huntress. The worry is clear in her body language and her tone. "Yeah.... well, apparently she considers Nightwing worthy," she informs Huntress tightly. "He has 11 months to prepare." That was why she needed Richard Dragon. Looking in the direction that Batman disappeared, Barbara confides quietly, "That challenge was issued without Batman's knowledge. I don't know what that means for what he'll do about it, but..." She looks at Huntress. "I don't want to take chances. It's either Nightwing's life on the line ... or it's Batman's. And I'm not okay with either option." 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' "Interesting." Huntress offers, watching the Bat swing out into the night. "So Shiva challenged Nightwing and is coming to Gotham." Yes, she picks things up quickly. "And all Batman wants to do in response is step the training rotation?" Not that it's hers to judge, of course. "Real charming guy, by the way. Does he have someone pee in his Wheaties every morning just to keep the mood rolling?" Smirking, she takes a deep breath and exhales again. "Let me know what I can do to help, of course. And keep in touch." 
}}

2892/Building Bridges Over Those Roofs

2017-10-23T21:17:24Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/21 |Location=Gotham, Gymnasium |Synopsis=Girl talk and a small twist -- a shared teacher. |Cast of Characters=58, 166 |pretty=yes }} {{Pose..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/21
|Location=Gotham, Gymnasium
|Synopsis=Girl talk and a small twist -- a shared teacher.
|Cast of Characters=58, 166
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' It's relatively rare that she has a partner for going to the gym, but after having met up and determined that they were pretty well on-level with one another for sparring, Barbara's been looking forward to having a workout partner -- and a female one, at that! And it's been pretty nice so far. Spotting for one another on the weights (and really making people stare a little with the weight levels they both use) was a very focused activity, so the chatting wasn't quite as much. But now, running on a treadmill and essentially being the only two in their corner of the gym opens up some possibilities for conversation. "Do you mind if I ask how long you've actually been doing the evening job?" she asks as their steps thud in unison on the machines. 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Helena is pretty bold in the gym, pushing herself physically without any pretense of being 'girly' for all the guys. She's certainly stronger than she looks, and every machine she hits is alternated by a trip to the situp board. As is evidenced by those washboard abs. Back on the treadmill, she sets a steady jog next to the younger redhead in the corner of the gym. "I started training when I was twelve." she replies. "Mostly to stop the nightmares. 'The only way to stop the fear is to become the hunter.' my cousin Sal used to tell me. But I didn't get the ...idea ...until I was in college." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara nods as she runs. The pace she's set for herself is no slow jog - endurance is pretty key out there along with the strength training. "Yeah. I didn't train that early," she admits. "I mean, I did judo and stuff as a teen, but the person I've been training with for the past few years far and away expanded it exponentially." She grins slightly. "He's a bit of a hardcase." She can't help the tongue-in-cheek tone or the cheeky grin that she shoots Helena. Cuz... wow. Talk about a way to describe the Batman. "I don't think I ever had the fear so much. Not until I got out there. There've definitely been a couple of fear-inducing moments. But... it's been worth it." 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Helena returns the grin with a knowing look of her own. She's -heard- that Batman is a hard case, alright, but it's only by reputation. "Well your parents weren't murdered in front of you when you were eight, either." she replies casually. "But I got the idea at a... family... dinner. The party was crashed by the Bat, and I saw how he really put the fear into everyone. That's where I got the idea." She continues puffing softly while running. "I can't say that I've ever really been -afraid- while on the job, though. My brain doesn't work that way. Or maybe I just push myself too hard. I've been told that I'm a bit too... rough." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' That Batman inspired Helena as well makes Barbara huff out a soft laugh as they run. But she glances at the other woman, one hand grabbing at the towel hanging off the treadmill in front of her and wiping her face with it. "I've heard rumors to that effect. It's the one thing that was drilled into all of us. We aren't judge, jury, and executioner. That's not the role we fulfill." 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Helena shakes her head at that, looking over at the redhead. "I am after a very specific group of individuals in Gotham. And I don't mind if I have to color outside the lines a bit in order to bring them down." she replies. And there's a shift in her voice, an edge of intensity added. "I think we also studied some with the same teacher, by the way. He's really into zen, and makes excellent tea." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Both her eyebrows shoot up. "Interesting," Barbara murmurs. That might be the best news she's heard all week. "Don't suppose you know of a way to get in touch with him, do you? I only did a solid beginning course with him -- I'd really really like to do a lot more. And I have a friend who would greatly benefit from being able to train under him for a while." Oh, say, the next 11 months. Barbara's feet never falter as the treadmill suddenly shifts from flat running to a higher incline. Her program is set for hills. As she adjusts for the new angles, she grins. "I do miss the tea, though." 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Oh, those competitive vigilantes! As Babs adjusts the angle of her treadmill Helena responds in kind. Both women are in ridiculous condition to begin with, of course. "I'm sure that I can find him, yeah." she replies. "I studied with him a while after... let's call it a 'really bad' night. He helped me to recover and also sort out some of my anger issues. For a long time I thought I was going to be bored out of my skull, honestly. But then I started -using- what he taught me, without even thinking about it. I feel a lot better now." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara immediately nods at that. "Yeah, I can see that. I didn't need as much help in that regard, but he did immensely help my focus." She glances at Helena, her ponytail jauntily wagging as they move. "I would be much obliged if you do have a way to get in touch with him. I don't really want my partner asking too many questions just now." She has no idea how Batman would react to being called her 'partner,' but it just seems the simplest way to describe things when speaking in the daylight hours. "I'm really glad that he was able to help you, Helena. I have to say, I came away from my time there incredibly impressed with him." 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Helena slows, then, lowering the angle on her treadmill. A towel is wrapped about the back of her neck to help with the cool-down, her breathing becoming slower and deeper. "I'm even more indebted to the friend who introduced us." Vic DID pull her out of the river after her beating, after all. "I'll make a couple of calls and set up a meeting for you." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Following the lead, Barbara hits the button to slow the treadmill into a cooldown cycle on the flat as well. She too is breathing deeply, but like Helena it's the kind of heavy breathing that comes from actively being in good shape instead of being out-of-breath from overdoing. "I'll owe you," Barbara tells her seriously. There's something in the way she says it that conveys relief -- as if the reason she might need to make contact is important. "I thought I recognized his style when we were sparring," she admits on a grin, reaching out for her water bottle to take a swig as they cool off. "It's funny how many of us he's actually trained." Tilting her head, she says, "You know, if you wanted any help with the particular targets you're going after, I can loan my hands to your cause." 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' "Careful with an offer like that." Helena replies, switching her own treadmill to cool-down to walk a while. "I know you're not a rookie, but I sometimes get into some rough situations." She pauses for a moment, using the towel to pat the back of her neck beneath the black ponytail. "I don't play nice, I don't pull punches, and sometimes I don't take prisoners. I know how these people think and I know what it takes to get their attention. If any of that makes you squeamish, here's your chance to say so. Because we won't argue about methods on the street." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She can respect that. Barbara's expression says that she is giving serious consideration to what's been said. "I'm no stranger to rough situations," she says as they walk on the belts. "I'm certainly willing to help, but there are lines I don't cross. So..." She smiles faintly. "The offer is there if you need it. Use best judgement on what you call me in on, that's all. Fair?" 

:'''{{#var:166|Huntress (166)}} has posed:''' Helena flashes a wide grin and extends her hand. "You got a deal, sister. I don't expect you to DO everything that I do, just no arguing in front of the thugs. Y'know? We can discuss crossing lines and our various interpretations of morality afterward." She pauses, then adds. "And the help is always appreciated." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara laughs and shakes the hand. "Definitely no arguing in front of the thugs," she agrees. "It just looks *so* unprofessional." She winks. "I'm looking forward to it, Helena." 
}}

2876/A Little Birdie Told Me...

2017-10-17T16:12:24Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/16
|Location=Bludhaven, Dick's Apartment
|Synopsis=Contracting Shivonic Plague is nothing to to joke about!
|Cast of Characters=49, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     The apartment under the one that's rented to Dick Grayson is officially vacant. No tenant has been signed up to it and most of the time it remains dimmed, no hints of lights or activity at all. The land lord might have some insight into the matter, but he was offered a rather fine deal for the building when young master Grayson had taken up residence, and for whatever reason the new owner felt it was alright for the tenant on the top floor to do some work on the lower apartment.     Work like getting it connected to the upstairs apartment by a spiral staircase. Work like adjusting the studio layout of the place to be one single large room with shades drawn across the walls of windows. And work like putting in a reinforced floor to support the various training and acrobatic equipment that had to be installed. It created a rather terrible apartment all told, but a perfect gymnasium for when Dick Grayson had some spare time.     Which... was never. No hours off, only borrowed is the mantra. What time he takes from one thing is always paid back. And with how things have gone lately he can't think about skipping training, can't think about letting himself lose a step. So tonight, in the early evening before Nightwing heads off into the night, he's already loosening up and exercising. Standing in front of a shaolin practice dummy, its wooden limbs jutting out towards the young man in the sweats and t-shirt, Dick Grayson focuses on the seventeen strikes of Shaolin, slamming the dummy with his elbow, his forearm, his fist, the edge of his hand. The contacts sounding sharp and hard, occasionally firing a low kick into one of the low limbs, sending the thing spinning.     All before 'breakfast'. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She assumes that in the time he's had up here in Bludhaven, at the very least he's secured his building enough that it will be safe. Paranoia on that front is something of a given. Although she has no idea at this point WHAT he has rigged up -- someone in the Cave might have told her, had she asked, but ... no. Instead of showing up in his city already dressed for a battle, Barbara drives up in civvies this time. She does, however, give him the courtesy of a call before she shows up on his doorstep. 30 seconds isn't *much* notice, but the text did go!! ~~I have a food delivery from Alfred, but you only get it if you open the door. Otherwise, I'm keeping it all for myself.~~ Security cameras will definitely show the tall redhead standing in the hallway of his apartment building, seemingly at ease. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     The phone hummed, buzzing to the side as he stopped what he was doing and stepped to the side. A few strides to the window sill where he flips open the phone and peers at the message, then keys through some of the displays. He smirks a little and then walks over towards the door, footsteps easy going even as he grabs a towel off a rack and dabs at his brow with it.     A few moments later and the door opens, allowing her entry to the second story gym apartment, even as he steps back and waves her inside. "Heya, Babs. Wasn't expecting you back so soon." The door closes behind her. A brief embrace, a kiss to the cheek in greeting before he'll head on back over towards the dummy, since well... can't really spare the time. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "I wasn't expecting to *be* back so soon," Barbara admits. Although she tips her cheek upward for that light kiss, the one-armed hug she gives him -- a bag of food does indeed rest over her other arm -- is tense. She brings the bag in, set the bag up against the wall of the empty apartment along with her coat as if she belongs in his space, then follows him on quiet feet. She's wearing leggings and loose tunic-style T-shirt, ballet flats on her feet keeping her footsteps nearly silent. When he resumes his pose in front of the practice dummy, she stops near one of the windows where she can watch him and crosses her arms over her chest. "You left a few things out the other night... wanna fill me in yourself on this situation with Shiva? Or would you rather I shut up, stay in the dark, and just go back to Gotham?" She pauses a beat and says quietly, "It's been a long time, and you don't owe me anything. But I would like to understand why you're hell-bent on doing it all, every bit of it, alone." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     As she broaches that topic, Dick's eyes widen as his brows lift. He can probably imagine who told her. But it's not unfair of her to ask these questions even as he throws a few more punches and then a knee into the dummy, causing it to jolt and shake with each /thud/ into the hard wood. He for a time doesn't look at her as he goes through that sequence. "I've got it under control."     Of course he says that, says it that particular way. It's always been the way with the Batman, juggling a million balls in the air and keeping track of them. Dick's just... doing his own thing in a similar way. But then when it becomes clear she's not going to accept that answer he stops and leans against the dummy, forearm upon one of those extended limbs. "Alright look," He starts, glancing down then back up at her. "About a month and some change ago Shiva confronted me. You know her M.O., she picks fights with promising opponents and kills them. When she did, I was on my way to busting a human trafficking ring and time was exceedingly an issue."     He pushes away from that practice area and picks up the spritz bottle of water on the window sill, tilting it back and taking a few swallows. Then he wipes his mouth with his forearm and tells her, "I did what I had to to save those people. I made a deal with her. She agreed. So she came with me, helped me bust up that ring, we saved twenty five people."     He lifts a hand, fingers flaring. "But now I have a date with her in a little less than eleven months. So I have been training, and need to keep that up." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Her eyes take in his form and motion with an expert eye. They've both trained for too long not to automatically assess the form of someone who is practicing, ever looking for ways to improve. Barbara nods slightly when he says he has it under control, giving him the space to either open up or tell her specifically that it's all he's going to say on the matter. When he does pause in his motion, her green eyes on him are level, curious, and definitely concerned -- but what they're not is accusing. She doesn't seem to want to push him. She listens to the explanation, her head tilted as he gives the details. "So... who are you training *with*," she asks calmly. "We both know you're good, Dick. Maybe you *are* at her level, I guess I haven't been around enough to know lately." She prowls his gym with deliberate steps, her arms still crossed as she circles the place restlessly. "If you're not going to tell Bruce and you're not going to let Damian help you either... I want to know you're bringing in _someone_ to train with who's going to make sure you survive this." It's only then that she looks at him and meets his blue eyes, very real fear in them for him. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     And again she comes upon yet another thing he hasn't told Batman about. He lifts a hand and waves it to the side, fingers flaring as if he were trying to brush the words away. But the other hand rubs at the back of his neck. "Not training with anyone. Directly. Or any one person. Nobody operates at Shiva's level. Nobody we know really. I need to look inward. But hey, if you see Richard Dragon running around let me know."     There's a moment where his lip curls slightly, as if trying to make light of the moment, but knowing it most likely won't take with her.     Still he turns away to lean on the window sill, his back to the roman blinds that block the place from the view of the city. "I've been using some of the Bat Computer's simuations but I've exhausted the catalogue. But I feel like... I got myself into this, I can get myself out." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' It's then that she sighs heavily. The set to her chin is firm, as if she's perhaps struggling to choose the right words. "Just because Bruce is occasionally too stubborn to ask anyone for help doesn't mean the rest of us have to be. *I* don't have the slightest idea how to reach Richard Dragon, but you know sure as God made little green apples on this earth that Bruce does." Her arms uncross and she pads on those quiet shoes to stand in front of him, not invading his personal space but close. "You know... I don't want you to talk to him because I think you can't handle yourself," Barbara says quietly. "We all need people -- none of us got where we are alone. I just don't want to watch you get killed because you're trying to ... I don't know. Prove you don't need anyone?" She studies his face intently, uncertain if anything she says will make a difference anyway. "Whether you need us or not? I have to tell you... we still need you." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "No, I know." Dick looks to the side, "And really I should tell him, I've been meaning to." Which, is true to be fair, but something always comes up. Time is always at a premium for vigilantes. He doesn't seem to mind that she's wandered closer, but he's not exactly being too terribly approachable, the agitation in his manner clear as his brow furrows and he looks to the side. "I don't feel bad about making this decision or this bargain..."     A tilt back and he smiles, "I mean really, we all would make that trade. Our lives for twenty five others? Yeah."     But then he pushes himself up to his feet and takes another punch at the dummy that causes it to rock on its base. "I have time, though." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara smiles a bit. "Hell yes. There was no way to walk away from that," she agrees instantly. She wouldn't have either. When he moves to push off the windowsill, she moves out of his way and watches him hit the dummy again. "You do," she agrees again when he says he has time. "I'm glad it's not imminent. Damian .... well, you know how he gets. He's worried about you and it freaks him out, so now he's mad that you won't let him help." Right, because she wasn't kind of freaking out too over the idea. Damian didn't so much helpfully give her a time frame. "So... what can I do to help you with it? If you let me wring my hands for 11 months... I can't promise that I won't go all redheaded crazy woman on you." The comment is made with a tone that suggests her tongue is firmly lodged in her cheek, but she still can't hide from her eyes the kind of fear that Shiva sends down her spine. That the woman thinks Dick is a worthy opponent? That's .... more than amazing. That the reality of it is she comes in with the intent to kill? Utterly terrifying. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "Yah, Damian." Nightwing shakes his head and steps around to the other side of the dummy, leaning against it with both arms and looking across the way at her. "I wasn't going to tell him in part because I don't want him going back into that world again, making those contacts, making him rethink about the effectiveness of our tactics as opposed to those assassin jerks."     He takes a breath and frowns, meeting her eyes as she asks how she can help. "I don't know, Babs. But feel free to devote some of your prodigious brain power to solving it." He shakes his head, "I am not so arrogant that I think if I can't come up with a solution someone else can't. I could be missing something obvious here." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Finally, finally, her body language eases. Her shoulders drop just that fraction that echoes the relief that also shows in her expression. "Arrogant... is perhaps not the right word. Every child wants to prove to their guardian that they're old enough to handle their own problems," Barbara replies with a philosophical shrug. But now that he's at least talking about it and there *is* some time to work it out... something's gotta give, right? "If it were obvious, you wouldn't be missing it," she points out absently, as if it's a given that he would have already solved the problem. "You and Bruce... always five steps ahead of everyone, never missing a detail -- that's why she scares the crap out of me. She's one of the few who I'm not even *entirely* sure Bruce can beat." Although it's heresy to say THAT out loud. As she resumes walking circles around his gym, she does point out, "You're going to lose several months in the police academy -- there are not enough hours in the day for the academy, training, patrolling, *and* getting enough sleep that you're not hallucinating." She pivots on a heel. "When you go in, let me take on some of the patrol nights. You can take those nights just for training and I'll handle the streets here. If I can't do it alone, I'll pull in... one of the Robins or Huntress or someone to come up and help." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     Arms folding over his chest, Dick looks to the side and she can tell that he is giving it more intensive thought. Though the night after the event he spent most of the rest of the evening trying to figure out a way out, or a path to success. But with Shiva, there's no clear way, and no sure thing. Yet he considers her words and weighs then, shaking his head. "To be fair..."     A pause as he pushes away, arms still folded and his gaze distant. "I am not sure if I should just continue with life as normal. Ignoring it and putting it off distantly." Then he turns back towards her, "I should probably put off the academy until afterwards. My reasons for doing it are strong, but it might not be a bridge too far considering everything."     That said he plants an arm on the balance beam that has been finagled to leading up to a set of uneven bars, and in turn towards a pair of rings that are a bit higher up into the rafters a touch further than they should be. He looks across the way at her as he pulls himself up to sit on the edge of that balance beam, leaning to the side slightly. "But shouldn't pull anyone up here off their normal duties." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Thoughtfully, Barbara keeps moving on the floor. For him to take to the air like that means his brain is once more working at light-speed going through options and possibilities. She looks straight up at him and gives him The Face -- you know. That one. Her light brows shoot to her hairline as her eyes open wide for a moment and then her brows pull downward quite far, and she plants her hands on her hips. Serious scowl-face here! "It's your choice on whether you're going to give up what you want and turn into Bruce for a year." The eyeroll accompanying those words is not actually physically accomplished -- it's merely evident in the words. "It's not PULLING anyone from anything. It's trusting us to have your back when you need it." It might be funny to see her fuming at him a little bit from the floor. She could follow him up there. She's perfectly capable, though it's not ingrained in her DNA as it is with him. But she doesn't follow him up the rigging. Instead, she tells him, "I can't tell you what to do. I'm not the boss of you and I get no say over your actions. I'm *not* telling Bruce this either." She's always kept his confidences, even when they were stupid. "Think on what you need from me *and* from the others, though. Anything you need, I will do." It's that simple. "In the meantime... you better expect me up here a couple times a week to get beaten upon... or beat upon you." Because she's NOT going to let him train alone. If it means she has to be his workout dummy to do it, she will. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     Crossing over and turning he flips forwards and catches himself with one hand, balancing there even as his shirt and sweatpants ride up upon his frame, even as he holds himself there. Then he slowly walks over and starts to step across the thinner uneven bars. His gaze is distanced, his thoughts clearly churning. But then she starts to lay out her plans and he smiles a little, even as he twists and scissors his legs up and over to catch the other bar and hold himself there...     Then floompfs over to hang upside down as he talks to her. "I'll tell Bruce. I promise. I'll also take steps to get better training in some way. I also do think I'll need to make a decision on the Academy. But you don't need to come up here and treat me like I've suddenly taken ill with Shivonic Plague." That said he smirks at her and spreads his hands, "Not to say I'd object to your coming up now and then. Just for now... it's not that big of a deal. Alright?"     And whether she agrees with him or not he kicks his legs once to let him flip back up, twisting to his feet as he makes the short hop to the rings, catching them, swirling around on them, then letting go in mid-air to land with a /thud./     Back towards her he says, "So are we good, or you still have a mad on?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara huffs grudgingly up at him. Shivonic Plague is actually funny -- he can see her lips quirk when he says it, because well... when has she ever been able to keep a mad-on at him?? The fact that he can talk between all those loops, twirls, and flips? It's that ease she's never quite mastered, even with dance and gymnastics behind her, and she both admires and envies him in the air. He should have been born with wings she sometimes thought. She waits on the floor, safely out of range for a landing wherever he's going to drop one, and when he finally does, she retorts, "When have I ever been able to stay annoyed at you?" This time the eyeroll is obvious. "You're lucky I had a long drive. I really *was* mad when I left Gotham. Not that I have any right to be, but... " She grins a little. "And a little freaked out. The brat didn't tell me it was a year away." Pulling in a deep breath, letting it out slowly, Barbara finally nods. "All right. I didn't even yell!" she points out as if this is definitely something he should compliment here. She really wanted to! And with a smile that softens the lines stress, she adds, "And I really did bring food from Alfred. So since you're being all reasonable and stuff, I won't take it back with me and deprive you." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "Ah," Dick says as he rolls a shoulder, perhaps an old injury flaring up even as he walks across those mats back towards where he had tossed his towel away. He walks over there and talks to her over his shoulder as he steps, "Yeah she was kind enough to give me some time. I was figuring she might have decided in like next weekend or something. 'Oh by the way Nightwing, back on Sunday to kill you.'" He shakes his head and smirks even as he approximates Shiva's voice a little too cheerfully and high-pitched, like something out of Monty Python.     But then he's dabbing his brow and walking back towards her, "We should put it in the fridge then, I'm about to get dressed up and go out." Though that doesn't stop him from walking over to that bag she had put against the wall and pulling it open to peek inside, brow quirking at the contents and perhaps tempted... but then back to her.     "I'll keep you in the loop though, Babs. Don't worry. But there's one thing I need from you." He steps towards her and rests a hand on her shoulder, bright blue eyes meeting hers. "No matter what happens, I don't want you to try some sort of last ditch gambit to get in her way or attack her or challenge her. Even if you somehow are stealing Superman's powers or something. Just stay clear. Okay?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She is definitely grumbling -- mostly good-naturedly -- under her breath as they walk back toward the door. If he's heading out, she's heading home. Picking up her jacket, she smiles as he peers nito the bag. Maybe he'll make the time to actually eat before he goes out. She doesn't know. But as they pause there at the door and he asks that of her, Barbara's green eyes are serious. "I don't make promises to you that I can't keep," she tells him softly. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "Oh see /now/ we're fighting." But Dick grins at her even as he pushes the door open for her, holding it with a shoulder as he takes a moment for another kiss to her cheek. Just a soft farewell as he takes her hand and gives it a firm squeeze. "Be safe, Babs. I'll talk to you soon. I'm heading into the city next week. Maybe we can do a run with the new sproglings." Including Damian he most likely means.     That said he'll wait for her to step out into the hall and then waves after her before letting the door swing shut silently behind her. 
}}

2876/A Little Birdie Told Me...

2017-10-17T13:55:38Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/16 |Location=Bludhaven, Dick's Apartment |Synopsis=Contracting Shivonic Plague is nothing to to joke about! |Cast of Characters=49, 58 |pre..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/16
|Location=Bludhaven, Dick's Apartment
|Synopsis=Contracting Shivonic Plague is nothing to to joke about!
|Cast of Characters=49, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     The apartment under the one that's rented to Dick Grayson is officially vacant. No tenant has been signed up to it and most of the time it remains dimmed, no hints of lights or activity at all. The land lord might have some insight into the matter, but he was offered a rather fine deal for the building when young master Grayson had taken up residence, and for whatever reason the new owner felt it was alright for the tenant on the top floor to do some work on the lower apartment.     Work like getting it connected to the upstairs apartment by a spiral staircase. Work like adjusting the studio layout of the place to be one single large room with shades drawn across the walls of windows. And work like putting in a reinforced floor to support the various training and acrobatic equipment that had to be installed. It created a rather terrible apartment all told, but a perfect gymnasium for when Dick Grayson had some spare time.     Which... was never. No hours off, only borrowed is the mantra. What time he takes from one thing is always paid back. And with how things have gone lately he can't think about skipping training, can't think about letting himself lose a step. So tonight, in the early evening before Nightwing heads off into the night, he's already loosening up and exercising. Standing in front of a shaolin practice dummy, its wooden limbs jutting out towards the young man in the sweats and t-shirt, Dick Grayson focuses on the seventeen strikes of Shaolin, slamming the dummy with his elbow, his forearm, his fist, the edge of his hand. The contacts sounding sharp and hard, occasionally firing a low kick into one of the low limbs, sending the thing spinning.     All before 'breakfast'. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She assumes that in the time he's had up here in Bludhaven, at the very least he's secured his building enough that it will be safe. Paranoia on that front is something of a given. Although she has no idea at this point WHAT he has rigged up -- someone in the Cave might have told her, had she asked, but ... no. Instead of showing up in his city already dressed for a battle, Barbara drives up in civvies this time. She does, however, give him the courtesy of a call before she shows up on his doorstep. 30 seconds isn't *much* notice, but the text did go!! ~~I have a food delivery from Alfred, but you only get it if you open the door. Otherwise, I'm keeping it all for myself.~~ Security cameras will definitely show the tall redhead standing in the hallway of his apartment building, seemingly at ease. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     The phone hummed, buzzing to the side as he stopped what he was doing and stepped to the side. A few strides to the window sill where he flips open the phone and peers at the message, then keys through some of the displays. He smirks a little and then walks over towards the door, footsteps easy going even as he grabs a towel off a rack and dabs at his brow with it.     A few moments later and the door opens, allowing her entry to the second story gym apartment, even as he steps back and waves her inside. "Heya, Babs. Wasn't expecting you back so soon." The door closes behind her. A brief embrace, a kiss to the cheek in greeting before he'll head on back over towards the dummy, since well... can't really spare the time. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "I wasn't expecting to *be* back so soon," Barbara admits. Although she tips her cheek upward for that light kiss, the one-armed hug she gives him -- a ag of food does indeed rest over her other arm -- is tense. She brings the bag in, set the bag up against the wall of the empty apartment along with her coat as if she belongs in his space, then follows him on quiet feet. She's wearing leggings and loose tunic-style T-shirt, ballet flats on her feet keeping her footsteps nearly silent. When he resumes his pose in front of the practice dummy, she stops near one of the windows where she can watch him and crosses her arms over her chest. "You left a few things out the other night... wanna fill me in yourself on this situation with Shiva? Or would you rather I shut up, stay in the dark, and just go back to Gotham?" She pauses a beat and says quietly, "It's been a long time, and you don't owe me anything. But I would like to understand why you're hell-bent on doing it all, every bit of it, alone." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     As she broaches that topic, Dick's eyes widen as his brows lift. He can probably imagine who told her. But it's not unfair of her to ask these questions even as he throws a few more punches and then a knee into the dummy, causing it to jolt and shake with each /thud/ into the hard wood. He for a time doesn't look at her as he goes through that sequence. "I've got it under control."     Of course he says that, says it that particular way. It's always been the way with the Batman, juggling a million balls in the air and keeping track of them. Dick's just... doing his own thing in a similar way. But then when it becomes clear she's not going to accept that answer he stops and leans against the dummy, forearm upon one of those extended limbs. "Alright look," He starts, glancing down then back up at her. "About a month and some change ago Shiva confronted me. You know her M.O., she picks fights with promising opponents and kills them. When she did, I was on my way to busting a human trafficking ring and time was exceedingly an issue."     He pushes away from that practice area and picks up the spritz bottle of water on the window sill, tilting it back and taking a few swallows. Then he wipes his mouth with his forearm and tells her, "I did what I had to to save those people. I made a deal with her. She agreed. So she came with me, helped me bust up that ring, we saved twenty five people."     He lifts a hand, fingers flaring. "But now I have a date with her in a little less than eleven months. So I have been training, and need to keep that up." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Her eyes take in his form and motion with an expert eye. They've both trained for too long not to automatically assess the form of someone who is practicing, ever looking for ways to improve. Barbara nods slightly when he says he has it under control, giving him the space to either open up or tell her specifically that it's all he's going to say on the matter. When he does pause in his motion, her green eyes on him are level, curious, and definitely concerned -- but what they're not is accusing. She doesn't seem to want to push him. She listens to the explanation, her head tilted as he gives the details. "So... who are you training *with*," she asks calmly. "We both know you're good, Dick. Maybe you *are* at her level, I guess I haven't been around enough to know lately." She prowls his gym with deliberate steps, her arms still crossed as she circles the place restlessly. "If you're not going to tell Bruce and you're not going to let Damian help you either... I want to know you're bringing in _someone_ to train with who's going to make sure you survive this." It's only then that she looks at him and meets his blue eyes, very real fear in them for him. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     And again she comes upon yet another thing he hasn't told Batman about. He lifts a hand and waves it to the side, fingers flaring as if he were trying to brush the words away. But the other hand rubs at the back of his neck. "Not training with anyone. Directly. Or any one person. Nobody operates at Shiva's level. Nobody we know really. I need to look inward. But hey, if you see Richard Dragon running around let me know."     There's a moment where his lip curls slightly, as if trying to make light of the moment, but knowing it most likely won't take with her.     Still he turns away to lean on the window sill, his back to the roman blinds that block the place from the view of the city. "I've been using some of the Bat Computer's simuations but I've exhausted the catalogue. But I feel like... I got myself into this, I can get myself out." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' It's then that she sighs heavily. The set to her chin is firm, as if she's perhaps struggling to choose the right words. "Just because Bruce is occasionally too stubborn to ask anyone for help doesn't mean the rest of us have to be. *I* don't have the slightest idea how to reach Richard Dragon, but you know sure as God made little green apples on this earth that Bruce does." Her arms uncross and she pads on those quiet shoes to stand in front of him, not invading his personal space but close. "You know... I don't want you to talk to him because I think you can't handle yourself," Barbara says quietly. "We all need people -- none of us got where we are alone. I just don't want to watch you get killed because you're trying to ... I don't know. Prove you don't need anyone?" She studies his face intently, uncertain if anything she says will make a difference anyway. "Whether you need us or not? I have to tell you... we still need you." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "No, I know." Dick looks to the side, "And really I should tell him, I've been meaning to." Which, is true to be fair, but something always comes up. Time is always at a premium for vigilantes. He doesn't seem to mind that she's wandered closer, but he's not exactly being too terribly approachable, the agitation in his manner clear as his brow furrows and he looks to the side. "I don't feel bad about making this decision or this bargain..."     A tilt back and he smiles, "I mean really, we all would make that trade. Our lives for twenty five others? Yeah."     But then he pushes himself up to his feet and takes another punch at the dummy that causes it to rock on its base. "I have time, though." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara smiles a bit. "Hell yes. There was no way to walk away from that," she agrees instantly. She wouldn't have either. When he moves to push off the windowsill, she moves out of his way and watches him hit the dummy again. "You do," she agrees again when he says he has time. "I'm glad it's not imminent. Damian .... well, you know how he gets. He's worried about you and it freaks him out, so now he's mad that you won't let him help." Right, because she wasn't kind of freaking out too over the idea. Damian didn't so much helpfully give her a time frame. "So... what can I do to help you with it? If you let me wring my hands for 11 months... I can't promise that I won't go all redheaded crazy woman on you." The comment is made with a tone that suggests her tongue is firmly lodged in her cheek, but she still can't hide from her eyes the kind of fear that Shiva sends down her spine. That the woman thinks Dick is a worthy opponent? That's .... more than amazing. That the reality of it is she comes in with the intent to kill? Utterly terrifying. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "Yah, Damian." Nightwing shakes his head and steps around to the other side of the dummy, leaning against it with both arms and looking across the way at her. "I wasn't going to tell him in part because I don't want him going back into that world again, making those contacts, making him rethink about the effectiveness of our tactics as opposed to those assassin jerks."     He takes a breath and frowns, meeting her eyes as she asks how she can help. "I don't know, Babs. But feel free to devote some of your prodigious brain power to solving it." He shakes his head, "I am not so arrogant that I think if I can't come up with a solution someone else can't. I could be missing something obvious here." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Finally, finally, her body language eases. Her shoulders drop just that fraction that echoes the relief that also shows in her expression. "Arrogant... is perhaps not the right word. Every child wants to prove to their guardian that they're old enough to handle their own problems," Barbara replies with a philosophical shrug. But now that he's at least talking about it and there *is* some time to work it out... something's gotta give, right? "If it were obvious, you wouldn't be missing it," she points out absently, as if it's a given that he would have already solved the problem. "You and Bruce... always five steps ahead of everyone, never missing a detail -- that's why she scares the crap out of me. She's one of the few who I'm not even *entirely* sure Bruce can beat." Although it's heresy to say THAT out loud. As she resumes walking circles around his gym, she does point out, "You're going to lose several months in the police academy -- there are not enough hours in the day for the academy, training, patrolling, *and* getting enough sleep that you're not hallucinating." She pivots on a heel. "When you go in, let me take on some of the patrol nights. You can take those nights just for training and I'll handle the streets here. If I can't do it alone, I'll pull in... one of the Robins or Huntress or someone to come up and help." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     Arms folding over his chest, Dick looks to the side and she can tell that he is giving it more intensive thought. Though the night after the event he spent most of the rest of the evening trying to figure out a way out, or a path to success. But with Shiva, there's no clear way, and no sure thing. Yet he considers her words and weighs then, shaking his head. "To be fair..."     A pause as he pushes away, arms still folded and his gaze distant. "I am not sure if I should just continue with life as normal. Ignoring it and putting it off distantly." Then he turns back towards her, "I should probably put off the academy until afterwards. My reasons for doing it are strong, but it might not be a bridge too far considering everything."     That said he plants an arm on the balance beam that has been finagled to leading up to a set of uneven bars, and in turn towards a pair of rings that are a bit higher up into the rafters a touch further than they should be. He looks across the way at her as he pulls himself up to sit on the edge of that balance beam, leaning to the side slightly. "But shouldn't pull anyone up here off their normal duties." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Thoughtfully, Barbara keeps moving on the floor. For him to take to the air like that means his brain is once more working at light-speed going through options and possibilities. She looks straight up at him and gives him The Face -- you know. That one. Her light brows shoot to her hairline as her eyes open wide for a moment and then her brows pull downward quite far, and she plants her hands on her hips. Serious scowl-face here! "It's your choice on whether you're going to give up what you want and turn into Bruce for a year." The eyeroll accompanying those words is not actually physically accomplished -- it's merely evident in the words. "It's not PULLING anyone from anything. It's trusting us to have your back when you need it." It might be funny to see her fuming at him a little bit from the floor. She could follow him up there. She's perfectly capable, though it's not ingrained in her DNA as it is with him. But she doesn't follow him up the rigging. Instead, she tells him, "I can't tell you what to do. I'm not the boss of you and I get no say over your actions. I'm *not* telling Bruce this either." She's always kept his confidences, even when they were stupid. "Think on what you need from me *and* from the others, though. Anything you need, I will do." It's that simple. "In the meantime... you better expect me up here a couple times a week to get beaten upon... or beat upon you." Because she's NOT going to let him train alone. If it means she has to be his workout dummy to do it, she will. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     Crossing over and turning he flips forwards and catches himself with one hand, balancing there even as his shirt and sweatpants ride up upon his frame, even as he holds himself there. Then he slowly walks over and starts to step across the thinner uneven bars. His gaze is distanced, his thoughts clearly churning. But then she starts to lay out her plans and he smiles a little, even as he twists and scissors his legs up and over to catch the other bar and hold himself there...     Then floompfs over to hang upside down as he talks to her. "I'll tell Bruce. I promise. I'll also take steps to get better training in some way. I also do think I'll need to make a decision on the Academy. But you don't need to come up here and treat me like I've suddenly taken ill with Shivonic Plague." That said he smirks at her and spreads his hands, "Not to say I'd object to your coming up now and then. Just for now... it's not that big of a deal. Alright?"     And whether she agrees with him or not he kicks his legs once to let him flip back up, twisting to his feet as he makes the short hop to the rings, catching them, swirling around on them, then letting go in mid-air to land with a /thud./     Back towards her he says, "So are we good, or you still have a mad on?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara huffs grudgingly up at him. Shivonic Plague is actually funny -- he can see her lips quirk when he says it, because well... when has she ever been able to keep a mad-on at him?? The fact that he can talk between all those loops, twirls, and flips? It's that ease she's never quite mastered, even with dance and gymnastics behind her, and she both admires and envies him in the air. He should have been born with wings she sometimes thought. She waits on the floor, safely out of range for a landing wherever he's going to drop one, and when he finally does, she retorts, "When have I ever been able to stay annoyed at you?" This time the eyeroll is obvious. "You're lucky I had a long drive. I really *was* mad when I left Gotham. Not that I have any right to be, but... " She grins a little. "And a little freaked out. The brat didn't tell me it was a year away." Pulling in a deep breath, letting it out slowly, Barbara finally nods. "All right. I didn't even yell!" she points out as if this is definitely something he should compliment here. She really wanted to! And with a smile that softens the lines stress, she adds, "And I really did bring food from Alfred. So since you're being all reasonable and stuff, I won't take it back with me and deprive you." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "Ah," Dick says as he rolls a shoulder, perhaps an old injury flaring up even as he walks across those mats back towards where he had tossed his towel away. He walks over there and talks to her over his shoulder as he steps, "Yeah she was kind enough to give me some time. I was figuring she might have decided in like next weekend or something. 'Oh by the way Nightwing, back on Sunday to kill you.'" He shakes his head and smirks even as he approximates Shiva's voice a little too cheerfully and high-pitched, like something out of Monty Python.     But then he's dabbing his brow and walking back towards her, "We should put it in the fridge then, I'm about to get dressed up and go out." Though that doesn't stop him from walking over to that bag she had put against the wall and pulling it open to peek inside, brow quirking at the contents and perhaps tempted... but then back to her.     "I'll keep you in the loop though, Babs. Don't worry. But there's one thing I need from you." He steps towards her and rests a hand on her shoulder, bright blue eyes meeting hers. "No matter what happens, I don't want you to try some sort of last ditch gambit to get in her way or attack her or challenge her. Even if you somehow are stealing Superman's powers or something. Just stay clear. Okay?" 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She is definitely grumbling -- mostly good-naturedly -- under her breath as they walk back toward the door. If he's heading out, she's heading home. Picking up her jacket, she smiles as he peers nito the bag. Maybe he'll make the time to actually eat before he goes out. She doesn't know. But as they pause there at the door and he asks that of her, Barbara's green eyes are serious. "I don't make promises to you that I can't keep," she tells him softly. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "Oh see /now/ we're fighting." But Dick grins at her even as he pushes the door open for her, holding it with a shoulder as he takes a moment for another kiss to her cheek. Just a soft farewell as he takes her hand and gives it a firm squeeze. "Be safe, Babs. I'll talk to you soon. I'm heading into the city next week. Maybe we can do a run with the new sproglings." Including Damian he most likely means.     That said he'll wait for her to step out into the hall and then waves after her before letting the door swing shut silently behind her. 
}}

2873/Batcave Shenanigans

2017-10-17T13:48:29Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/16 |Location=BatCave |Synopsis=Damian and Babs chat; some beans are spilled. |Cast of Characters=58, 973 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/16
|Location=BatCave
|Synopsis=Damian and Babs chat; some beans are spilled.
|Cast of Characters=58, 973
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara's cycle is kept in the same garage -- she only uses it as Batgirl, although she's starting to think perhaps about getting a street ride too. That's neither here nor there today. As she walks into the Cave, she's mentally readying herself for several different activities, among them a desire to park herself in front of the computers. She's got a casefile from the GCPD that she wants to wade through and use the superior computing power down in the Cave to check up on a hunch. That thought process is derailed almost completely as she spots the youngest member of the clan working on the bike. The tall redhead drops her backpack off her shoulder and slides it up against the wall near the doorway and heads his way, leaning one hip on the bike parked behind him while she looks over his shoulder. Just loud enough to be heard despite the earbuds, she asks, "Did you blow out the disc on them again?" She occasionally gives him crap for riding his brakes too much. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian's piercing green eyes look to Barbara, a scoff at the question of his bike's discs. "Yeah, right. And Goliath is just my puppy." A small pause before he continues to work. "I'm making an adjustment to improve the regeneration." Damian crouches down and fits the part back on. "What are you doing here so early?" No chiding, no snarky comment. Just a question, veiled by a smidge of sarcasm. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' "Just some research," Barbara replies, watching his hands work. "I wanted to see if I could backtrace a paper trail that has me annoyed to death -- didn't have time to finish before I needed to come in, so I thought I'd use the higher-power data crunching here." She grins a bit and then adds with regard to the bike, "If it does improve it, would you mind taking a look at mine? I noticed last night that she's got a bit of a drag on the release coming out of the skid. I was going to take a closer look at it this weekend, but ... honestly, you'll probably see the rough spot better than I will." He's proven that he's quite adept at the moving parts on the bikes, and although Babs is competant, he's more than that. 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Ratcheting his spanner, Damian gives a nod. "What are you trying to track?" Robin asks, a bit more intrigued by the puzzle now.   "I'll let you know once I have a chance to test out this new configuration." Looks like today is a good day for Damian, he's not too angry or bloodthirsty. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She well remembers teenaged-boyness... Dick was an emotional mess, though not nearly as bloodthirsty as Damian. She takes the win where she can find it. "It's looking like a simple insurance fraud case, but they sent it to me because the cybercrimes unit is having trouble with the paper trail. They've backtracked it to a shell company in Metropolis, but they're stonewalled." Barbara makes a point of not talking down to Damian -- nothing ticks off a Robin faster than that. "You're welcome to peer over my shoulder if you like -- it's nothing really interesting, though." There's a pause and she considers whether to even ask him a question. Sometimes it seems like any little show of interest will set him off. Ah well. So be it. "I stopped off in Bludhaven to see Dick this week... he mentioned that things had sorted out," she ventures. "You okay?" 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      "Oh, did he care to tell you how he signed his own death warrant with Lady Shiva?" Damian immediately quips, short and pointed right at his big brother. "And How He is going to duel her to the death?" Damian rolls his eyes, holding up his hands. "And who does he know that could get him out of that situation very easily? Hmm. I fucking wonder who." A moment before Damian meanders to the armory, grabbing two batarangs and holding them in his fist. "So you can tell Grayson that if he insists on following through with this bullshit scheme and not die, he's going to need to come to me." My what a rant. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Well now.... that's not exactly what Dick said. Not surprisingly. But Barbara's pretty good at keeping her face schooled -- no point in letting him see that she's gonna head for Bludhaven and rip a former Robin's head off for him. Instead she merely says, "No, actually he didn't mention that part. I'll pass along the message." Tilting her head, she asks, "Out of curiosity, are you thinking you can get him out of it by fighting? Or did you have something else in mind?" 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      "While I know I can easily better him in weapons combat..." Damian gives a bit of a sigh. "I was going to use my name to get him out of it." Not Damian Wayne, Damian al Ghul, Heir to the Demon's Head.   A moment of self reflection before he continues, a tone of genuine concern here. "He saved me from getting killed once, when I was very new, not even Robin at the time. So if can help him here...I will." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Pulling in a breath, Barbara nods slightly. "I will definitely pass along that information when I see him next." Which may be far sooner than Nightwing was counting on. She isn't sure how best to handle her thoughts on what Damian's shared. "I'm not sure I'll be able to beat sense into his thick head -- much like certain other people in this Cave, he's rather obdurate at times. But... I'll definitely do what I can. And just because he might not say it... thank you for the offer, Damian. I wish...." //all the males in this place were a little less stubborn.// Shaking her head and dropping that line of thought without actually saying it, Barbara changes the subject. "What time are you heading out tonight?" 

:'''{{#var:973|Damian Wayne (973)}} has posed:'''      Damian gives a nod, rather solemnly. He wouldn't tell anyone, but he did hold each of the members of the Bat family in his heart, and of any of them were in mortal danger, he'd perhaps do what he swore not to do again. "I'm going to probably let Goliath stretch his wings tonight, so once the sun sets." In answer to Barbara's question. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara smiles. "Maybe we'll cross paths on patrol, then. I'll be later than that -- not going to hit the roofs until after 9. If you need eyes in the sky before that, sing out." She moves to walk toward the main door. "Let me get this other thing taken care of for the day job... I'll see you later on, Damian." 
}}

2840/The 6th Perfect Kiss

2017-10-14T20:06:32Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/14 |Location=Xavier's School, Backyard |Synopsis=Just a random morning meeting that turned into a memory of a lifetime. |Cast of Characters..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/14
|Location=Xavier's School, Backyard
|Synopsis=Just a random morning meeting that turned into a memory of a lifetime.
|Cast of Characters=284, 296
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' It was a beautiful Saturday morning. The sun was shining. Most of the students were either still in bed. It's long since the day when Saturday morning cartoons ruled the airwaves, and even so, most of the students at Xavier's were beyond such things. The pool was giving off a marble like texture as the replenishment system worked, clearing out anything that might have happened during the night. Perfect weather for a dip, or to relax on one of the loungers. But there was only one person there, and he was not dressed for swimming laps. No, Piotr Rasputin stood, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow as he admired the extensive and rather impressive barbecue. Though why he was admiring it wasn't immediately clear. It looked the same as it always did. There were some tools around, a folded up bag of grout. A few extra bricks. The usual tools you'd expect when doing some construction, and yet, the barbecue looked identical to the way it always did. It even had that little chip from when Rogue threw something and had missed her intended target. There were signs of use. Scratches. Scrapes. Everything looked just as it had, always. So what the devil was he up to? His black shirt, tight across his chest, had a three areas where some kind of white or greyish powder had touched it. His blue jeans were snug, tightened with a brown belt. He wore work boots, and although his shirt was short sleeved, he currently had one brown glove over his left hand. The right one was sitting on a tool box, next to safety goggles. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The cooler morning weather brings other people outside as well -- Kitty for one. She runs a lot now, using the morning run to clear her head and do whatever it is that she does in that always-busy mind of hers. As she jogs up the path toward the pool and spots Piotr standing there, she alters her course and slows to a walk near him. Her ponytail swings jauntily behind her, and her long legs are not bare but her running gear does outline her lithe form and leaves little to the imagination. She's not the slender child he remembers, she's put on just that extra little bit of maturity in the form of curves. She'll never be as curvy as some of their teammates, but she's got nothing to be ashamed of either. "Morning," she offers with a grin at him as she approaches. With her eyes drawn to the barbecue, she gets a puzzled look. But ... well, this is Piotr. He usually sees things that need repairing long before anyone else notices. She glances back up at his massive form and asks, "Do I *want* to know why you're rebuilding the barbecue?" 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' At the sounds of running shoes hitting the pavement of the jogging path, Piotr turned his body. It was almost amusing at how much bigger his shadow became when he changed his posture from being perpendicular to the sun's light, to parallel with it. He regarded her with those clear blue eyes. Even in shade and darkness, his sapphire pools shone brightly, and his lips did the same as she approached, "Good morning, Katya. You look well today." He liked her as she was, both natural, and comfortable, with, as far as he understood it, nary a care in the world. Of course, for all he knew, she might have applied makeup for her run. Men were just different, especially Russian men. As she took note of his efforts, he looked crestfallen when she immediately noticed that he was rebuilding it. He had gone to such lengths to try and make it appear as if nothing had happened. Sighing a bit, his chest heaved, but the smile returned shortly thereafter. He smiled often when he was in her company. "One of the students had an accident. I did not wish to stunt their emotional maturity, so I have tried to reconstruct it as close to the original as I can." He was an artist. He had spent time chiselling marks, scratches, those little imperfections from wear and tear, and he was good, or so he thought. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Her expression eases from amused to sympathetic. "Awww. Well, you did a great job, Piotr," she tells him bracingly. "The only reason I asked was because you have all the gear here to repair or rebuild it, so I assumed something must have happened." She puts her hand on his forearm, dwarfed by him in the morning light. "No one else will notice, once the construction stuff isn't here. Promise." When the deep brown eyes come up to meet his blue ones, from her perspective there is an electric moment where time just seems to stand still. Kitty's eyes widen just a little, a flare of ... awareness perhaps? passes across her face. And she blushes and reflexively ducks her head and goes to pull her hand from his arm. And then she dithers about the matter, first pulling back, then not pulling back, then pulling back again. It looks rather awkward, and she finally raises her hand to her forehead, unwilling to meet his gaze again as she giggles. "I'm sorry -- I'm being silly. It's beautiful, Piotr -- I think it looks exactly right." 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' "Thank you, Katya," he says after she had awed and explained that she felt she had done a great job. "I should clean them up then." He agreed, before the students woke. Thankfully, most were late risers. His eyes immediately dart to her hand on his forearm. It makes the hairs stand on edge, and with his pigmentation, being so pale with black hair, they stood out. Her reassuring promise brings another smile to his lips, and the eye contact. Oh, the eye contact. That charge of electricity hits him as well. Blood even rushes a little to his cheeks, giving them a slightly pinkish hue. Her awkward dithering on the matter only endears her further to him. When she raises her hand to her forehead, not wishing to meet her gaze, his own hand comes to it, gently applying pressure, implying her to remove the covering hand. "Why do you think you are being silly?" Perhaps he didn't understand, perhaps he understood all too well. Piotr was incredibly open and forthcoming, and yet, he was also a hard man to read at times. It was probably the language. He was also so precise in his word choice. It has the effect of making him seem far more reserved than he already was. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' When his hand closes around the one she was using to rub her forehead, Kitty clasps it and allows him to tug her hand gently from her face. "Uhm... because all of a sudden I don't quite know how to act?" she ventures. The pink is evident across her cheekbones. She risks a glance back up at him and grins shyly. "We know each other, but... since we spoke in the garden, my brain hasn't stopped analyzing, reanalyzing, and overanalyzing everything when it comes to you. I didn't think we'd really act any differently, but I find that ... having you *see* me makes me a little nervous." 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' He could be so wonderfully practical times, like how when the barbecue was damaged, he set about fixing it. There were funds available for such things. He got into one of the school's trucks, went into town, bought the supplies, and went about doing it. What isn't immediately clear is that this all happened last night. He has not slept. Though, he did do most of the work while in organic steel form. It had the advantage of needing fewer safety precautions, he didn't need to sleep, so he tire further, and few of the students or faculty would notice him at that time of night. For his body, it was as if it were only around 10 o'clock in the evening. "Then act as you have always acted. No matter what comes, be yourself, be Kitty Pryde," and with a look to make sure that no one was around, "be Shadowcat," and then he added, "be the girl I have always known. I will do the same. And it will work, as it worked with our parents, our friends, or colleagues. We can have that too, if we want it. And, when you are nervous, when you have doubts, know this: I have always cared for you, and I always will." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' His words bring a deeper blush to her features. "Well... I *did* say I was tired of tap-dancing, didn't I?" Kitty's smile eases as she looks up at him and she squeezes his hand. "I can't be anyone but myself -- I just don't want to do anything wrong, that's all. I don't ..." She stops and then shakes her head. "I don't want you to be sorry that you admitted it, I guess? I keep thinking you'll figure out that we're too different." 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' Nodding his head, he wasn't too sure about the tap-dancing. Some euphemisms escaped him. Not many, but there were still some that got past him. He was fluent, but he was not a native speaker, and there was a difference. Even if he could pronounce each and every word correctly, it was still easy to tell that he was from Eastern Europe, or in his case, the Russian part of Asia. "Then let us dance together, yes?" He squeezes her hand back, not hard, he had a lot of strength, even in his human form, but he returned the gesture. "You can do no wrong in my eyes, Katya. And differences bring strength. If we were too alike, we would be incompatible. But I believe, I think, I know that we are complimentary." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty's grin is quick. "I like this dance -- talking *to* one another instead of around what we feel. It's ... awkward. Makes me nervous. But it's fun." She blushes a deeper pink suddenly and clears her throat. "So... now that I've told you that you still make me nervous, that my brain is running in circles about relationship things, and that I've thought about kissing you since I was like 16, can I help you put all the construction equipment away?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' It was at that point that Piotr decided to try something he had wanted to do for some time now. He leaned in, going about ninety percent of the way. He remembered watching Will Smith explain that to Kevin James in a film called Hitch. He understood that the film was no better in English than it was in the Russian translation he witnessed. But the theory seemed sound. Initiate the kiss, commit to it, but do not complete it. Allow the girl to reciprocate and decide to complete the action. Ah Piotr, he had so much to learn, but he was trying. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Well, when one blurts out things to Piotr, one USUALLY expects him to *think* about them for a while! Kitty is embarassed to have said all that, and her heart was already pounding really hard against her ribcage even *before* he went ahead and acted on that badly disguised lead-in. When he leans down, she stares up at him with her hand still captured in his. She pulls in a startled breath and tips her face up to meet his kiss, standing on her toes to meet him over that last small distance -- so it's not something he's doing, it's something they're sharing. And as their lips meet in those first gentle touches, her brain short-circuits for the first time ever. Her free hand comes up to rest on his chest, a place to balance as well as feel the strong heartbeat beneath her fingertips. If it's not her first kiss, it's the first one that's ever had that element of of coming home to it - a sense of sweetness, of relief to finally have found her way - and it's the first time she's ever quite felt desire blaze through her quite that way, too. It makes for a breathless kiss between them, at least from her dazed perspective. 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' For Piotr, this is a moment that he will remember for the rest of his life. Keenly aware of his surroundings, he will remember the scent of the mortar, the dust on his shirt, which she felt, as she pressed her hand to his chest, feeling the beating of his heart. He will remember the sweat on her brow, the way her clothes were damp in certain areas from her jogging. He will remember the way the light caught her bouncing ponytail. And of course, he will remember the soft, tender touch of her lips against his. This was his first kiss. Yes, he will be a late bloomer. But he was waiting for her, hoping that she would one day be his first, his last, and his only. Instinctively, he brought his hands around her, pulling her into his embrace. This was nice. He liked it. It felt right. He felt at peace. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' When he tugged her closer, her arm slips up around his neck and is joined by the other arm, which his hand was holding. //Since the invention of the kiss there have been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind. (tm)// By the time their lips part finally -- it could have been a zillion years and a nuclear war later and Kitty wouldn't have had a clue. She stares into the blue eyes of the massive Russian, her color high, her curves pressed into his strength, her parted lips damp and swollen, and her breathing coming in soft gasps. "Wow," she whispers. 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' His breathing was heavy. Every beat of his heart seemed to come faster than the last one. And pressed together as they were, she could feel everything. She knew how he felt. She had the evidence right there. And when their lips finally parted, he continued to hold her near him. He looked down at her. Their height was, well, a bit comical, but if it could work for Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Penettiere, it could work for Piotr Rasputin and Kitty Pryde. He kept one arm around her, and used the other to brush away a strand of hair that had blown in front of her eyes, "Bay," he agreed in Russian, which was pronounced similarly, almost sounding like 'vau'. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Closing her eyes for another moment -- she hadn't even realized she'd closed them -- she tips her face into that gentle touch. If she thought about it, she might laugh at how they must look with him holding her up literally one-handed. And the flush on her face deepens still further to a flaming pink color as she realizes that she's pressed against him from shoulder to knee... and he's not even a little bit unhappy about it! With her arms wrapped around his neck still, she lowers her face to lay her forehead against his jaw. Because things could move very very fast from here, and she wasn't quite ready for the world to literally tilt on its axis. Pressed as they are together, so tightly a slip of paper wouldn't fit, she struggles to catch her breath and stop the subtle tremors that are running through her. Shock and awe... definitely something that just happened. But she seems content in that moment of silence to remain exactly where she is, not withdraw and simply run away. Finally, though, she whispers, "You should probably set me down, Petya." The diminutive never showed up when they were younger, but it's come out of her mouth several times this week. She doesn't exactly sound like it's what she wants, but well -- one cannot dangle about forever, right? 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' And he does as he is asked. A part of him is sad when they step back from each other. He only took one step, giving her some space, but he didn't entirely step out of what is usually considered a comfort zone. More, he stepped towards the edge of it, showing that while he was giving her space, he did not want to be too far from her. He was giving her the choice. To take another step back, to stay where she was, or step forward. He was worried about her though. That feeling, of kissing her, his first one, and of being pressed against her, yes, truly, today is a day that he will look back upon often. Hopefully fondly, but for that, only the future could tell. "That was wonderful" is all he says, suddenly realising that he hadn't spoken in some time. Not with his words anyway. He had done nothing but speak with his body language. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' As she regains her feet, there is a moment where she clings to him, unwilling to separate. And then with a soft sigh, Kitty lets her hands slip from around his neck. But she doesn't remove herself from his personal space despite that he gives her room to. She merely draws in a deeper breath to rein in and contain the myriad emotional responses so she can perhaps sort them later into something of a coherence? Probably not -- these moments in her memory will likely always live in brilliant color and confusion, vivid even when she's 90. She starts to speak and then has to clear her throat to get her voice actually working. "Quite." The word seems to be all she can manage for a second. And then Kitty's dazed expression finally starts to clear. Her rin turns a little impish and she murmurs teasingly, "I guess we've confirmed that the chemistry is good?" 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' And Odin, Zeus, or any other god willing, Piotr will be right there beside her, when she's 90, talking into her Wayne brand hearing aide about how she will be as beautiful to him then, as she is to him now. Smiling at her teasing, he tries to return the favour. He doesn't think he's very good at it, but she will have to be the judge of that. "You were always better at chemistry. I always found physics and mechanics to be the easier subjects." Moving parts, repairing things, finding out how they worked, while he had never been the kind of child to be interested in Lego, he knew quite a bit about tractors, how to get their motors running and wheels moving. He was a farm boy, through and through. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' He might not be a technical geeky genius, but Piotr has his own brand of genius -- usually to be found in the beauty of his art and, when he chooses, his words. Kitty's blush doesn't fade and the short huff of laughter shows that she appreciates the double entendre there. "I should go inside," she tells him easily. "Will you join me after we both catch showers? We could have a late breakfast," she offers. 

:'''{{#var:284|Colossus (284)}} has posed:''' Piotr nodded his head in the affirmative, and the shadow he cast moved with him. "Da, I would like that." And then, a brief glimpse to the construction materials he needed to move. It wasn't a weight issue, so much as a trip issue. He could carry it all in one go if he could put it in something big enough, but the largest thing they had was a wheel barrel. "I will join you as soon as I can." 
}}

2831/Marco Polo and Bat-Dates

2017-10-14T01:32:43Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/13 |Location=Bludhaven Rooftops |Synopsis=This is what happens when Bat-peoples don't keep in touch enough. |Cast of Characters=49, 58 |pre..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/13
|Location=Bludhaven Rooftops
|Synopsis=This is what happens when Bat-peoples don't keep in touch enough.
|Cast of Characters=49, 58
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     The city of Bludhaven is a different world than Gotham. Both of them are filled with shadows, dark, and with a heavy atmosphere that often sweeps in off the river, granting the cities fog and a haze that makes it difficult to see farther than a few blocks at a time. But while Gotham is tall, with a myriad of gargoyles, and the lovely turn of the century architecture...     Bludhaven will always be the run down industrial town that was its neighbor.     Its skyline is far from as majestic, the buildings tall but almost all to a one retired or converted factories or mills or what have you. So traversing the place is rougher than Gotham, less altitude to swing, less angles of approach... and only a few buildings make good lookout towers.     Like the one that Nightwing is on tonight, having set up the position to respond from a central location within a moment's notice. He doesn't have a bat cave, but what he does have are gadgets. Remote cameras, a rapid-display HUD in his mask, and instinct. So at this time of night, after he had made the rounds near the riverside... he is here atop this old factory at the edge of the building. Crouched behind the small wall that provides some cover at the edge of the rooftop.     The young vigilante looks up now and again, frowning to himself. Quiet night, not too much going on. He touches the side of his mask causing another camera to key in on the display. Nothing in Little Odessa either. He even goes so far as to sigh slightly. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Were it Gotham, Batgirl would have taken to the air and simply followed him. Being as this is Bludhaven -- and HIS town -- she didn't. She took her bike, brought it into the 'Haven to a place near where she knows he often parks his if it's out and about, and only then does she take to the rooftops. The down side (in his mind, perhaps) to being a Bat-people is that sometimes other Bat-people find ways to find where you are without having to work *too* hard.     She doesn't just drop in on him, though -- it's a good way to get her head knocked off, and Barbara learned that lesson a long time ago. So instead of attempting to breach whichever of the three rooftops he might be on -- she figures, knowing him, it'll be one of those three because... he's a freakin' bird. He *always* looks for the high ground -- Batgirl lands on a rooftop that happens to be just south of his hidey hole and lower down.     Then she cuts loose with a familiar high-pitched whistle meaning //Marco.// It's an old game across the Gotham rooftops, and she knows he'll remember the answering 'Polo.' It will also tell him exactly who's on his turf and where she is. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     At first his brow knits, confusion reining for the bare moment. But then recognition comes fast on the heels. His lips curl wryly as he sits up, then slowly rises to his full height. From a distance she'll assuredly see him, that dark silhouette against the night sky, blocking out what hint of the stars are in the sky in that direction. She probably can't see his expression, but he shakes his head hiding a smile.     Then... he /darts/ into motion, breaking cover and somehow disappearing. Though she'll hear his voice upon the wind, amused if a touch admonishing as he offers. "Polo!"     To the side there's a distant scrape of gravel, as if a footstep was taken poorly upon the sandy rooftop. But there is no sight of him for now, that listening post abandoned. For the moment. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' The silhouette brings her eyes around, and Barbara laughs softly. The game is afoot, then! It's been a long time since they ran this way, and he has home field advantage. By the time Batgirl lands on the rooftop she's pretty sure he was heading for, assuming she deduced correctly, there's nothing there. And so again, the high-pitched whistle pierces the air.     It carries much better than shouting, so she knows if he whistles he's probably farther ahead and if he shouts again, he's closer to hand. The trick will be cornering him. And while she waits for a return whistle or shout... or for him to beat her at her own game and pull a Batman, appearing out of nowhere -- she studies the rooftops for the best routes to move around the city. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     Those old industrial buildings are far less entertaining than the elaborate labyrinths provided by the contorted rooftops of Gotham City. Bludhaven is all sweeping large metal and rock rooftops, open sight lines, long approaches. Only a few water towers here and there but as she whistles she'll hear the whistle coming back...     From what seems to be a billboard. A tall sign that proclaims loudly that everyone should use AXE BODY SPRAY! with a huge blonde man advocating it with his smile. But there... from there there's hardly anywhere to hide. So assuredly she may well approach it...     Only for her to hear the voice of young Dick Grayson as she may pass by, and he is dangling off the side of the building, holding himself there with just his fingertips, but nicely in the shadows. Whether or not she saw him, however... he'll flip up, scissoring his legs as he leaps up and lands light upon the rooftop nearby.     There's a small smile at the corner of his mouth as he steps closer, "Hey Batgirl." A step, a hand taking hers to give a small squeeze. No PDAs allowed in a hostile environment, just in case. But that's as much as he can manage for now. "It's been a dog's age." He offers. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She follows his merry chase, going exactly where he expects her to -- it is, after all, a game -- and lands on that horrible billboard. When he flips up to the rooftop from the edge of the building, she whips around with a grin and drops from the board to the roof with the same grace and expertise he has.     "You are a horrible, horrible brat to stop here, of all places. Didn't you used to bathe in this stuff?" she asks, amusement clear in her tone as she holds that proffered hand for a long moment, squeezing back and releasing easily. She drops to a crouch at the edge of the roof where they can see his streets below, a pose as familiar as breathing, and keeps an eye out while they talk.     "You don't call, you don't write," Batgirl teases. "I'm starting to think we got dumped. And you know how Alfred worries." Yep.. she's taking the butler's name in vain. But her tone is gentle as she admits, "I just wanted to see for myself that you're all in one piece up in this cesspool." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "Who me? Wha? Never." Is the answer given as he leans back against the supporting beam that holds up that still smiling blonde guy with the body spray affectation. But Nightwing, for his part, smiles wryly, folding his arms over his chest and looking at her sidelong as she crouches there, keeping an eye on things.     "Besides, don't think you should get me started on crazy smelly things. Didn't Bat give you a talking to about perfume once?" Alright that might be made up, but Nightwing does tend to try to give as good as he gets. That having been said he pushes off the beam and drops down to crouch beside her, lightly touching one of the small remote cameras that's keeping an eye on the waterfront cargo lot.     Back to her he listens to her give him a smidge of a hard time and he lifts a hand to rub at the back of his neck, knowing that the hard time she's giving him is entirely rightly earned. "I know, I know. Things went down with Batman. I sort of took off. But things are better now."     There's a pause.     "Mostly." He appends. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Barbara's had a birds-eye view, pun intended, of the relationships between Batman and the guys. It is this one, though, that she had the front-row seat for. "Mostly," she murmurs in response. Pulling in a breath and letting it out slowly, the redhead looks out over the city. It's always been easier talking up here, like this. It felt safe in the darkness.     "You know... I kept thinking eventually you'd come back." There's a hint of sadness to her tone, but not as if he's done something wrong. More a nostalgia. "It's a little harder up on those rooftops without you. The boys are good." Batgirl flashes him a smile. "They may have your old name, but they don't have the same pizzazz. So ... it seemed time to come take a look at your new life. The place is a pit, kinda smelly... do you get any good villains?" 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     A short chortle comes from him. "Somewhat. Kinda. And hey, I'll be in Gotham now and then. I just sorta..." He lifts a gauntleted hand and waggles it back and forth, "Have to split my time. And oh!" Something seems to occur to him, but he lowers his voice as he remembers where they are. Wouldn't do to have someone overhear them.     He goes on, "Did you hear that I am joining the police academy here?" For a moment he touches a fingertip to the side of his mask, tilting his head as he scans the rooftops, perhaps making sure they're clear of potential eavesdroppers. But that settled he nods to her. "Long story. But crazily enough the police here don't have a good commissioner to hammer on the corruption. So thought I'd..."     A wave of one hand is made, as if gesturing at the city in general. But then he takes a breath and answers her last question. "Not really, not of late. There were these two high rise burglars that were interesting. Acrobats, old high wire act." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Behind her mask, Barbara blinks. And she can't help it, her hand comes up to cover her mouth. "No," she says around the beginnings of stifled giggles. "No, I did *not* hear that. "How did He take that one? Lord.... " She's always cautious about names in costume, instead simply using a title. Or just 'He' for Bruce. "You know the Commissioner would facepalm, if he had a clue." Because now BOTH of them work for the police. Barbara has to wonder if Bruce is ready for that. It makes her laugh harder. 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     "Ah, about that." Nightwing sort of smiles at her a little awkwardly, one hand lifting to rub at the back of his neck. He looks away, then back to her, those irisless eyes scrunching up a bit as he murmurs to her absently. "I sort of, maybe, haven't... told him yet."     As he says this he sort of leans away from Babs because he knows such an admission might trigger a particular physically applied admonishment. "Technically we work together. He's not my boss, as it were. So I don't /have/ to tell him."     Which is assuredly the reason he hasn't. No other one.     But then he looks back to her, "In any case, things have been going well. Had some problems with... Robin." He says, probably meaning the youngest, Damian. "But that has resolved well." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' That abruptly stops her laughter. Batgirl's mask doesn't show expression too well, but the 'O' shape that her lips form is quite telling. Had he not leaned back, he might indeed have gotten a Gibbs-slap upside the back of his head -- the tone of sheepish 'I didn't tell him yet' definitely has the ring of the young Dick rather than the man who now holds his own city.     "You what?" she hisses. "Ohmygod..." Barbara keeps her voice to the barest whisper -- because not only did they learn years ago that sound carries in the dark, but sometimes Batman was listening! "You haven't told him? Of course he's not your boss... he's your //family//. Geeeeeeeeez!!" Although.... to be fair, she does understand that he doesn't want to rock the boat when things are going well finally.     Breathing out a huff of exasperation, she mutters under her breath in that whisper that carries only to him, "OK, well, *I'm* not telling him." That's just final. "And you gotta keep in touch better," she demands in a quiet whisper. When she finally turns to look at him, letting him see the worry behind the teasing and the mask, she says softly, "You won't get a lot of sleep in *either* job at that point. If you don't keep in regular touch... I'll come up here. I swear it. And... and if you get SHOT, I will never forgive you." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     If anyone was able to inflict this feeling of remorse upon him, it was Barbara. Perhaps Alfred a close second, but ever since he was a teenager, Barbara's approval meant a lot to him. She can see the cloud that settles on his brow as he looks to the side, features tensing as he looks down at one of his gauntlets. A moment, then he looks back to her. "I know, BG. I know. It's just... sometimes it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission."     Not that that point of view hasn't caused problems with them before.     He flares his fingers a bit as if trying to grasp onto the ephemeral answers and failing. He looks to her sidelong. "I'm not doing this without forethought and planning. I have it set. Things may be tense for a time while I'm in the Academy. But after that I'll have a beat and the shifts can be long but the hours not so much."     He definitely has thought about this. But then she makes her threats and he smirks faintly. "Alright, I promise." And that said, despite the stricture against PDAs, he'll lean in and touch a small kiss to the side of her mask. Just enough to let her know that he'd missed her and it was good to see her again. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' She watches him closely, and as he talks about having planned and put things in place for the Academy, Barbara nods. "You're a grown man. For all that I think it's silly that the two of you play this game, well... pfft." She rolls her eyes behind the mask. "Don't think my father is any better about it or that I don't occasionally pull the same stuff." After all, her father has no idea -- at least as far as Barbara knows! -- that she's Batgirl!     The only indicator that she's really really worried is that she tips her head against that light kiss with the gentlest of pressure -- a way to let him know that she appreciates the physical reassurance. Then she offers with a small grin. "*And* if you want me to cover for you, you owe me a favor. A big one. That I get to call in whenever I want." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     A small scoff comes from him as he settles back down into a seat on the edge of the rooftop, legs dangling a bit as he eyes her sidelong. "Why do I have the feeling you already know the favor you want to ask and are just waiting to make me do it?" But that having been said he agrees anyways with a nod, "Alright, alright. If I ask you to, I'll owe you. Promise."     That said he turns his head to the side, a small signal coming across the monitoring channel as he touches a hand to his mask. Frowning he cycles through a few read outs, but then shakes his head and turns back towards her. "Alright, spill it." He uncurls a hand, as if that would be enough to make her do so. Which is rarely true. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' His movement indicates that he's settling in for an actual hang-out night. Oooh! It's been forever! Shifting her weight, she throws her feet over the ledge and joins him comfortably. "All we need now is popcorn!" Batgirl quips. But she goes quiet as she sees his body language -- she's well aware of what he's doing when he goes still like that. The HUD is one she helped design. When he merely shakes his head and remains settled in place, she relaxes.     "Nope, not this time," she replies to his query. "This one is open-ended." That might not bode well -- the last time he owed her an open-ended favor, it resulted in some rather embarrassing hijinks. 'HE' was less than pleased with either of them. But they were just kids! Barbara grins cheekily. "It's just a favor for sometime in the future when I have need of it. BUT...."     Considering things for a long moment, she asks, "I would like something from you that's not a favor." Barbara's tone isn't teasing. "I know you've begun to wire up Bludhaven the same way we've got feeds in Gotham. Let me help you do it so that you're more fully set up before you're a cop both day *and* night. Then when I'm not on the streets, I can help you monitor." She hasn't told him that she's been taking a lighter role on the streets. It's not like they've really talked too much lately, so the news is her own version of 'oh by the way, I'm going to the police academy.' 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     There's a furrow to his brow, as he eyes her askance, as if trying to puzzle out what she might have intended. But when she elaborates he doesn't lose that look of curiousity. Instead he quirks an eyebrow and tells her levelly, "Sure. I mean, if you want to." He looks back again for a moment at one of the feeds in his mask's HUD, then uncurls a hand in her direction. "I haven't given it too much thought, I've been setting things up temporarily or setting it in an as needed basis."     That said he draws up one leg, resting his hands upon his knee as he looks across the distance of Bludhaven itself, the clouds still rolling in on the city from riverside. Then sidelong to her he'll say, "What have you been working on lately? I mean I haven't heard anything from you either." There was a pause, then he added. "Well sorta, I mean I've heard some noise from the others. But nothing staggeringly detailed." 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' Blowing out a long, slow breath, she nods a little bit. "I do want to," she assures him. "He's as successful -- if we're calling it that -- as he is because He's got an infrastructure in place. You're up here alone, no team, no partners." She obviously does *not* like it. "I can monitor both places."     Barbara's quiet for a while, her hands on the ledge next to her hips while she leans on them, rocking just a little. It's a familiar pose - she often did it when she had things on her mind when they were younger. "I don't know how much longer I want to keep on the streets," she finally admits quietly. "I'm okay for right now, but... I watch Him sometimes. He's young. But he hurts. You can see it in the way he moves. And sometimes I can feel those same hurts, you know? I don't train as hard as either of you ever did... and I don't want to ultimately end up crippled because of this job. So... I've slowly been putting things in place to eventually step back." She glances at him and smiles faintly. "Not yet. It's not time yet. But.... when the time comes, I'd drive myself crazy if I didn't know what you were doing out here, so I'm asking to be the bird on your shoulder when that time comes. I'll help with eyes and ears instead of fists. If you want me to." 

:'''{{#var:49|Nightwing (49)}} has posed:'''     That seizes his attention and has him turning to fully face her. But at first he listens, giving her that respect, to hear her out before offering his two cents. She can read his thoughts in the way his features shift subtly. No poker face of his ever survived contact with her, even as she tells him what she plans to do. She can read the trepidation, the concern, but there's also... acceptance and trust.     "Well," He begins, brow furrowing. "It sounds like you've given this a lot of thought." He lifts his hand and rests it on the side of his mask, but this time for no reason, as if using it to avoid the situation. But he rails against that and grimaces then looks to her, deciding not to hide the thoughts or feelings. "If you think it's for the best, Batgirl. But if you wanted to devote more time, more focus to the streets, I would spend that time helping you train further if you wanted." Perhaps just so she knows she has options.     "But you helping with information and all, funneling data. That could be a big deal." Since really, the police have been doing that for years. 

:'''{{#var:58|Barbara Gordon (58)}} has posed:''' His full attention coming down on her like that is something Barbara braced for. She stiffens just slightly, as if uncertain how he's going to react and expecting... something. He's occasionally been the one to kick *her* butt into gear when she needed it too. It's why they've always done well together. But as she talks and his expression offers the same trust he's always had in her, she visibly relaxes.     One hand comes up to absently push a lock of red hair behind her shoulder -- in civvies, she would have tucked it behind her ear. "It's a plan for the future," she tells him easily. "Nothing I'm going enact right now. Or even soon, I don't think. Just... thinkng ahead." Something Batman himself has always admonished, though perhaps not along these lines. Despite the long-ingrained habits of no-PDA-allowed, she reaches out to touch his hand where it still rests on top of the upraised knee. "And since you're asking, I would *love* to run the Bludhaven streets with you -- I'm still not nearly as good with sticks as you are, and it'll give me the chance to keep practicing."     She's teasing him. Or... sort of. Did she just invite herself to be his Bat-date in Bludhaven? It surely looks that way! 
}}

2830/Those Hacktivists Again

2017-10-14T00:47:21Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/13 |Location=A Diner in the Middle of Nowhere |Synopsis=Skye comes looking for someone who was peeking into SHIELD's stuff. |Cast of Charac..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/13
|Location=A Diner in the Middle of Nowhere
|Synopsis=Skye comes looking for someone who was peeking into SHIELD's stuff.
|Cast of Characters=1191, 296
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     It had come during the course of her helping clean SHIELD's systems after the attack. A blip. Something that shouldn't be there.. but it wasn't connected to the attack. Just a random happenstance that Skye was doing what she was doing and noticed it. Other than nobody should be there at all, the intrusion was relatively innocuous, and following it back led her to a newcomer on the scene. Up and coming to be certain, but not so established as Skye recognized the signature on sight.     Skye did the unexpected: she sent out feelers. As herself. But under layers of making it seem she'd stumbled upon the other hacker the same way they'd gotten in: illegally. The blip she'd sent was minimal. Just a time, date and co-ordinates. Co-ordinates that fell smack upon Alice's - a 24 hour dive of a diner that looked like it could use a deep cleaning, or perhaps a good fire. Still, it proclaimed it had good foor.     Skye got there early, staking a claim on a booth in the back corner where she could see the door, nursing a cola and a plate of surprisingly good fries. Waiting. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' As Kitty did her snooping, she was surprised at the ping she found. A meet-up? It's not like it's unheard of -- it's how she's met several people now. But she's interested. After seeking out the identity on the darker reaches of the Web and getting a good feel for what that identity tells her, Kitty decides to make the meeting.     When she arrives at the diner, she's a bit early. With a backpack over her shoulder, the brunette looks just as casual as any other 20-something these days. Her dark eyes were watchful but not as if she's expecting threats. She's merely looking for the person who seems to be waiting for a blind date. Once those eyes skim across everyone in the diner once, she takes a second pass and decides on the young woman in the corner as her most likely target. Approaching the table, she tilts her head and asks, "DarkSkye?" 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     Skye had gotten there in plenty of time to compensate for what she expected: gh0st showing up early. She'd been gh0st. She knew how it was and went down. When the other woman stops and looks around, she's already got a suspicion who she's waiting for. When she approaches the table, Skye knows for certain.     "Skye's good," she tells her. "And you're gh0st?"     The place is fairly empty, even for mid-afternoon. Skye's fries are pushed to the middle of the table with an offer to share. "They're good, even if the place looks like a dive." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Kitty," the brunette replies with a smile. She holds out her hand to shake hands, and says, "It's nice to meet you." Then she slips into the seat on the bench across from Skye, sets her backpack on the seat, and helps herself to the fries. "Dives and holes in the wall are the best place to find the good food," she tells the other young woman. "So... mind if I ask what you were looking for?" 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     Skye grins as Kitty sits down. "You're not what I expected. Get used to hearing that. I have." She grabs a fry and gnaws on it, making it halfway through before answering Kitty's question. "To be honest? Was seeing if I could. They've got some decent defenses there. Always looking to up my skills. You?" As though she hadn't seen what files Kitty had been trouncing through. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty considers her answer and the reputation of the young woman in front of her. "I like to keep track of what's happening behind the scenes when it comes to places like SHIELD. I have friends who might be impacted if they decide powered folks are a threat," she says finally. "I want to be able to protect them." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     There's an easy shrug from the woman. "Yeah, they can be sticks in the mud like that." Even as they aren't. Skye has run into enough 'powered' folk under SHIELD's roof to know that by now. "Protect them, how?" The question is casual, almost off-hand, even. "I really should have ordered gravy for these." Wrinkling her nose as she takes another fry and waits for an answer. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "I was thinking that I wish I had malt vinegar myself," Kitty laughs. "I just got back from a stint in England. And... protecting them means letting them know if the government's about to come after them for no reason, I guess?" She keeps it simple. "I don't *think* it will happen. I don't *want* to think it will happen. But... too many invasions and destruction because to fight it off powers got used in public places? It could, in theory, be all it takes to turn that tide." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     Skye nods, looking thoughtful. "Yeah, I can see why you'd be worried." She looks about their table, and finding no condiments whatsoever, looks at the one behind. "Some iffy looking ketchup. Salt. And.. regular vinegar. Any of that grab your fancy?"     Her attention returns to the table while she waits for Kitty's answer. "I'm more of a lone wolf type myself. I get it, though. I mean, if you stick around long enough in the game, you're going to find we've got codes of ethics ourselves. We don't give one another up. At least not easily." She had to ammend that. Not that she put what had happened at SHIELD into even remotely the same category as what she herself did. And what she hoped Kitty was doing based on what she'd dug up on the other. "Been at this long?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Meh... I'll stick to plain with a little salt. *That* vinegar is ... " Kitty gives it a skeptical look. "It might be trying too hard."     Pulling in a slow breath, she studies Skye. "Depends on which 'this' we're talking about," she admits quietly. "Computers? Just since I went to college, really. I didn't have a lot of time before that. Watching my friends' backs? Been doing that since I was a kid. Some of them don't exactly look like the rest of us, so... " She shrugs a little and finally asks curiously, "Why did you want to meet, Skye? What is it you wanted from me?" 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     "Curiousity," Skye answers easily. It's even the truth. Just not all of the truth. "Good call on the plain with salt. At least there's not much you can do to salt to make it iffy." The vinegar comment makes her laugh.     "Ah. One of those, huh? Bleeding heart, I mean. Don't take it the wrong way. I'm one too. Just, I had to go at it from the other side. Spent my time exposing corporations taking advatange of the little guy. You might say I have a knack with computers." A slight understement there. Well, maybe more than slight. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "If your reputation is anything to go by, I'd say more than a knack. What do you do when you're not taking corporations down?" Kitty asks, nibbling on a fry. When the waitress comes by, she requests a soda. And her dark eyes have a tendency to skim the room as if taking mental inventory... or perhaps making a threat assessment. But other than that, she seems pretty casual. 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     Kitty's scan of the room doesn't do unnoticed - she'd had a year of training made certain things like that didn't get by her. Or at least they weren't supposed to. "Me? Oh, I freelance. Pick up odd jobs here and there. Enough to pay the bills." The assessment of her skill gets a small, twisted grin. "More than a knack. But there's always room to improve. Kind of why I wanted to talk to you, really. You have potential." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Tilting her head, taking her drink from the waitress with a smile, Kitty asks, "Potential for....?" She sips the soda -- it's the second time in two weeks she's been sussed out for some kind of recruiting. She's uncertain which kind this might be. 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     "Hacking. It's how I found you. You leave a lousy trail, by the way. We need to work on that." Skye grabs another fry, and nibbles, waiting. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Her brows shoot upward. "Oh really?" Kitty happens to know she doesn't leave much of a trail at all. She's already been informed of such by people who're pretty good at this game. And her digital footprint is VERY small. "How so?" Because if she *did* leave a trail, she sure as heck wants to know about it. 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     Skye grins. "Okay, not so big a trail. But you can be better. I can help you with that. If you want." After all, there were ways and means to identify folks based on how they weren't being seen as much as what they'd left behind. And even the best ccould get caught. She knew that one from personal experience. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty nods slightly. "I'd certainly be interested in making sure that no one ELSE can backtrack me like you did." It could put too many people in danger if they did. She needs to mention cybersecurity to J'onn, she thinks... because that's not good for the school. "Do you keep tabs on SHIELD often?" 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     There's a snort from Skye. "Do I? You could almost say it's my job to keep eyes on them." She shrugs. "I try to anyway. Pays to keep tabs on places like that. We might be able to do things for one another, you and I." Though as she says it, she's not entirely certain she can make that promise if SHIELD is involved. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty seems to simply be listening to the offer, but she is also filing away Skye's word choices and expressions. "Yeah... I think it's in all of our interests to keep tabs on a lot of places," she admits. Some of the hacktivists out there might use this opportunity to set her up. Some might use it to see if she's open to attacking places like SHIELD or the US government sites. For all she knows, SHIELD employs hackers like Skye to make sure people like Kitty go to jail. And now she's quite wary. "What kinds of things are you thinking I can do for you?" 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     "Really? I'm not sure yet. But sometimes I need information that it's not always best I get myself. Remember the whole bit about identifying people by bits of code they use? Particular styles?" Another fry disappears. "Having someone else do some of the work for me takes the pressure off. Might build your rep some." It's one of those things. No matter how you look at it, there are things hackers do that aren't precisely legal. And while she's good - very good - there are some few out there at her level, and Skye doesn't want them knowing everything she does. Especially the bit about working for SHIELD. That? That little secret she wants to keep as long as she can. Even if it might be a lost cause now, given what she's been up against since the invasion. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Pursing her lips thoughtfully, Kitty helps herself to come more fries. "I might be able to do that. Around the day job, of course." She grins a little. //And the night job,// she thinks to herself. Her plate is getting full, that's for sure. "Now that you have the handle, you'll know where to find me if I can help. If you need me New York proper in person, give me a little time to get here, though. I'm out in Westchester." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     Skye rolls her eyes. "Day job. Yeah. Gotta get me one of those some day." She digs around for another fry. "Say, isn't that where that school is?" She stops herself from saying she knows someone who goes there by sticking another fry into her mouth. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Quirking a brow, Kitty comments, "There are several. But I assume when people say 'that school' and Westchester in the same sentence, they're talking about the private school up there -- Xavier's. It's up there, yes." She pauses and tests the waters a little. "It's where I graduated high school." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     That Skye files away for future reference. "So, I suppose that makes you a non-normal?" Then she makes a face. "Who made up these terms anyway. And no, I'm not going to run off screaming." Not only was it bad form, and impolite, it won you no friends, and if there was something she'd learned was it was good to have friends in all the places. "And yeah. That's the school I meant. I was there once. Something of an impromptu meeting. I'm not sure it went well." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The school is not publicly known as a mutant school, though rumors have always abounded because of Xavier's political views being well-known. The fact that Skye has been up there brings Kitty's alertness level to a much higher threshold, though. "A meeting?" she asks mildly. "And I'm just a normal Jewish princess... with some talents." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     Skye's nose crinkles. "Yeah. Some job someone wanted done. Turns out I wasn't a good fit for it." More like everything had gone to hell in a handbasket. She'd even gotten her own personal scolding of 'language!' from Captain America, but the less she spoke about the matter, likely the better. She was still working on that particular job. "It wasn't one of those open house days. More an unexpected offer." She shrugs, and digs around the remains of the fry basket. "Huh. Those didn't last long." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' There's a moment where Kitty thinks about what's said. And what's not. And then merely smiles. Open house days indeed. "Listen... I'll definitely be around, online and off. If you want something, just ask. If I can help, I will." Assuming it's not completely illegal or against Kitty's personal ethics. Which probably, based on Skye's internet reputation, it won't be. "If things work out, maybe we'll meet up for sodas again?" she offers. "It's not too many of us who are 'wow, you're not what I was expecting'." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     Skye's grin is a bright and easy thing. "You should see the number of times I'm mistaken for a man on the net. And sure thing. I wasn't kidding about teaching you a few tricks, either. I know a thing or two you probably might want to know if you plan on staying in the business and helping out your friends. Cool handle, by the way. And don't worry about the meal. Already paid for. Makes packing up and leaving easier." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty chuckles. "It actually made me laugh -- I was pretty sure you were not a male," she admits. "Skye with an E isn't usually where a guy would go with that." She shrugs. "Playing on our names -- something in common." 

:'''{{#var:1191|Skye Johnson (1191)}} has posed:'''     Skye's lips purse, and it's clear she's highly amused. "Yeah. But guys don't want to believe a girl can do what we do. Clever, though. Usually they focus on the Dark and I'm good." There's an easy shrug from the girl as she collects her things. "Playing with things is kind of an occupational hazard." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Isn't it just?" Kitty replies. She finishes off her drink and moves to vacate the booth as well. "I'll look forward to chatting with you, Skye." 
}}

2599/All grown up

2017-10-13T20:22:24Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/01
|Location=Harry's Bar
|Synopsis=Kurt and Kitty do a little catching up, now that she's home from college.
|Cast of Characters=169, 296
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He is situated at the bar. His tail looped about the stool, to keep it out of the way. His left hand wrapped about the mug's handle as Kurt drinks a cold beer. Long day of stage fighting lessons and scenery building. Teacher stuff. Kurt tips the mug back and takes a long swallow of the lager. He leans over to Harry, and slides the man a couple of more bills. "One more." He decides. "But only two, ja?" Harry gives the elf a little nod and walks over to to the taps to pour another one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Harry's is the first place she stops on her way into the small town. Perhaps it's nostalgia or perhaps, given the time of day, she rather expects to find people she knows. Kitty is carrying a backpack over one shoulder and she's wearing the American college casual -- jeans and a blouse -- covered by a blazer that she looks rather sophisticated in. Or .. well, she thinks so anyway. As she steps in the door to the pub and looks around, a small smile plays about her face. And the sight of a fuzzy blue elf brings the grin to full blossom. And it makes the dragon on her shoulder chirrup softly. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' 5T"Two moere." Kurt says to Harry. He hops off the bench even as Harry starts to smile and pour the other one. "Do nicht worry. She is legal." Kurt assures the man. His tail gives a little happy slash as Kurt walks over. His arms reach out for kitty to give her a hug. "Katzchen!" he greets her with open affection. A big hug. His kiss on her cheek is, as ever, chaste. His tail reaches up to tickle Lockheed under the chin affectionately. "Herr Lockheed. Gut dragon. You brought her home!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Elf," Kitty replies with a warm grin and a very tight hug. "Surprise!" she murmurs in his ear. When Lockheed purrs his happiness and takes off to land in the corner of the bar, Kitty keeps one arm wrapped around the furry mutant. "I guess I figured it was time to come home," she acknowledges easily. Her free hand waves toward Harry, who seems to take Kurt's word at face value. "Have you been doing all right? 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "I am teaching high school." Kurt answers with a little curl of his lips. "I abide. We have adventure enough now and then that I haff things to do." Kurt allows.     He gives her a look. "I teach theatre." he deadpans. "Today we were stage fighting, und set building, and... I needed a couple of drinks." He dusts off ehr stool for her. harry beams at her. "All grown up." he notes, smiling. "No more rootbeer floats?" Because she knows he would still make her one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty laughs outright. "Actually, Harry, no one makes a rootbeer float quite like you. I would *love* one." Her brown eyes twinkle in amusement as she drops her backpack next to the stool and settles herself on it while Kurt holds it. "I can see you teaching theater. That makes sense to me. *Logan* teaching theater? I might be forced to pee myself laughing." A wrinkle of her nose and she waits for Kurt to settle in with her. "I'm definitely not sure I want to be teaching high school, but.... I guess when I graduated, I didn't really know where else to go," she admits. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "It is home." Kurt agrees. "Logan tends the grounds." he says it like he envies it. His shrug is small. "The other mentoring I crave. The helping the less powerful students with some physiological abnormalities. I know that is mein true calling. Honestly, Lorna and I have been going to Mutant Town." He pauses. "I am a big deal in Mutant Town." harry is working on the rootbeerflaot. Which means Kurt has two beers to finish now. "You are driving." he tells Kitty. Harry barks out a laugh as Kurt reaches for beer number one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty waggles her brows at Harry and quips to Kurt. "Okay... but you better remind me which side of the road I'm supposed to be on!" Because ... England! For three years! Tilting her head, she asks, "I guess I'm not surprised that you'd be a big deal in Mutant Town. What's going on there right now?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "We kept Mutant Town from being hit at all during the incursion." Kurt takes some pride in that. "I am working on arranging some more 'scholarships'" He uses the fake term. "We will have more Mutant Town kids at the school next year." he is proud of that.     "The real big deal there is Lorna. She is a princess there, ja?" He asks quietly. He drains a long bit from his beer. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty looks thoughtful as she takes her drink from Harry with a smile. Sipping the semi-frozen concoction -- something not really found in the UK -- with a look of pleasure on her features, she listens to Kurt and extrapolates. "So... when did you start dating her?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He coughs and chokes on his beer. His tail goes up in alarm, nice and straight. "is it that obvious?" Kurt asks. He lowers his head. "She is pretty awesome, ja? Smart, beautiful, kind." He waxes on her warmly. After wiping up his beer, Kurt admits, "Maybe two months now." He admits. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Uh-huh. Kitty sips through her straw and grins a bit. "Well... you're name-dropping like mad, so yeah... a little obvious. But I guess I don't really know her ALL that well, so I can't say. If it makes you happy, it seems like it should be okay." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "Until Magneto gets huffy about just what I am doing with his daughter, or..." Kurt coughs, "Mein dear mother shows up with explosives." Kurt shakes his head. "But, she is worth the potential pain. She makes teaching hichschool bearable." Kurt admits. "And the mentoring makes it rewarding." He has to gulp down the last of that beer. He reaches for the other refill, and gives a sigh. "Means a lot more time in the gym." As if he minds that. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' It makes Kitty laugh rather hard to imagine Mystique showing up with explosives. "That could be fun," she teases Kurt. "Guess you better buff up, Elf -- or someone's gonna make mincemeat outta you. Tell Piotr you need power-lifting advice!" She can't imagine Kurt power-lifting anything! But the imagery makes her snicker into her rootbeer. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     With a laugh. "Ja, like Hans und Franz!" He laughs at that. "I prefer to be a bit more nuimble than that. Go figure, ja?" He eyes her sideways. "Looking forward to seeing PPiotr again, Katzchen?" It can be hard to read his eyes, but that is a sidelong gaze if ever Kurt gives one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' There's a faint blush that climbs her cheeks. It wasn't like her crush on Piotr Rasputin wasn't BRUTALLY OBVIOUS to every. single. person. ever. "UHm... Honestly, Elf, I'm not sure how I'm feeling about that. I'm really excited to see Illyana and Logan. I don't... really know where I fit right now. Some of the roles that I had back then I think aren't going to suit me so much anymore. So... I guess we'll see what people think of the college graduate me instead of the peppy young teen me, hmm?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "We love you, Katzchen. I love you." it is not a romantic exclamation. It is a simple, brotherly, pure explanation. "You are our little Katzchen. Ja, you are an adult, but you have saved mein life and I yours. You were never our mascot, you were our friend, sister, and confidant. I do not see how your being a little older will change a thing, Kitty."     He pauses. "Unless it is Katherine or Kate now?" Oh, that shows a hint of worry What if she doesn't want to be his Katzchen anymore? 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Oh heck no!" Kitty replies, horrified. "Maybe someday Kit. But... probably not," she grins. "I know I wasn't a mascot. I just sometimes feel rather like the me that's now spent three years in England isn't quite the same person." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "Some Buddhists think that when we sleep, our souls all exchange and travel und mingle, so each day you are nicht -really- the same person. In fact, other Buddhitst sthink that individuality is an illusion." Kurt takes a swallow of his beer. "I think back on the angry, scared young man I was when I came here. He had just accidentally killed his bruder, und he was going to be killed by a mob. He was so angry, und scared. Logan? He brought me here, und we had a beer, and he settled me down." Kurt eyes his beer. "I think we all are always evolving, changing, and hopefully growing. It is up to all of us to see we all grow in a gut way, ja? I think though, that the fundamentals? What makes Katzchen, Katzchen? That never changes. We love that person. So, I am nicht worried." Kurt hefts his drink and gives it a little salute at her. "So do nicht worry so much, ja?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Ffffft," Kitty replies with a flushed, happy smile. "Thanks, Kurt. But I think you've had too many beers in too short a space of time," she tells him on a laugh. "Waxing philosophical like that? Yeesh!" She takes a long swallow of her drink, savoring the taste of the ice cream in it. "I missed it here," she admits. "Even though it was fun and a lot of cool things happened." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     With a small shrug, Kurt says, "I am always philosophical. You are just an adult now, so I can reat you like one." Kurt's smile is absolutely proud. "I am proud of who you grew up into, Katzchen. I hope I had a had a good influence on you. I know you were gut for me." His left hand moves over and in a tender gesture pushes her hair from her face. "Quit covering that face. it is so pretty." Mother Hen Kurt. He looks happy. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty grins at him, one hand going up to shove the long brown locks out of her face in a move that is clearly a regular one for her. "Yeah, yeah -- I forgot my hair clips for the flight. So I braided it, but by the time we landed, it HAD to come down." She winks. "It's a hot mess, but once I catch a shower, I'll be golden. You wanna head up to the house with me? Or you gonna hang out here a while longer?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     Gulp gulp gulp gulp gulp. Beer done. Kurt pays for the float with a happy grin. He gets up. He covers his mouth, and tries to politely burp. "Mein apologies. So uncouth." He hands Kitty the keys. "It is a rental. jean wrecked mein Tesla." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She blinks! "Jean ... wrecked your car?" She pauses. "Which supervillain did she drive over with it?" Kitty can't help it -- it's the only circumstance under which she can imagine Jean crashing a car. The woman's a telekinetic! She could have picked the darn obstacle up if it was in her way! 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "I never asked. I had 150 miles on it, Katzchen. Mein first neww car." he sighs softly, and shakes his head. "Toyota. Camry." he says with distate, indicating the keys. his tail gives an angry little slash. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty simply laughs and takes the keys from him, hauling backpack over her shoulder and whistling for a chortling dragon. She wraps her free arm around the Blue Elf and giggles. "Definitely a Toyota Camry does not measure up to a Tesla, darling. C'mon, let's get you home." 
}}

2599/All grown up

2017-10-13T20:21:57Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/01
|Location=Harry's Bar
|Synopsis=Kurt and Kitty do a little catching up, now that she's home from college.
|Cast of Characters=169, 296
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He is situated at the bar. His tail looped about the stool, to keep it out of the way. His left hand wrapped about the mug's handle as Kurt drinks a cold beer. Long day of stage fighting lessons and scenery building. Teacher stuff. Kurt tips the mug back and takes a long swallow of the lager. He leans over to Harry, and slides the man a couple of more bills. "One more." He decides. "But only two, ja?" Harry gives the elf a little nod and walks over to to the taps to pour another one. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He is situated at the bar. His tail looped about the stool, to keep it out of the way. His left hand wrapped about the mug's handle as Kurt drinks a cold beer. Long day of stage fighting lessons and scenery building. Teacher stuff. Kurt tips the mug back and takes a long swallow of the lager. He leans over to Harry, and slides the man a couple of more bills. "One more." He decides. "But only two, ja?" Harry gives the elf a little nod and walks over to to the taps to pour another one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Harry's is the first place she stops on her way into the small town. Perhaps it's nostalgia or perhaps, given the time of day, she rather expects to find people she knows. Kitty is carrying a backpack over one shoulder and she's wearing the American college casual -- jeans and a blouse -- covered by a blazer that she looks rather sophisticated in. Or .. well, she thinks so anyway. As she steps in the door to the pub and looks around, a small smile plays about her face. And the sight of a fuzzy blue elf brings the grin to full blossom. And it makes the dragon on her shoulder chirrup softly. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' 5T"Two moere." Kurt says to Harry. He hops off the bench even as Harry starts to smile and pour the other one. "Do nicht worry. She is legal." Kurt assures the man. His tail gives a little happy slash as Kurt walks over. His arms reach out for kitty to give her a hug. "Katzchen!" he greets her with open affection. A big hug. His kiss on her cheek is, as ever, chaste. His tail reaches up to tickle Lockheed under the chin affectionately. "Herr Lockheed. Gut dragon. You brought her home!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Elf," Kitty replies with a warm grin and a very tight hug. "Surprise!" she murmurs in his ear. When Lockheed purrs his happiness and takes off to land in the corner of the bar, Kitty keeps one arm wrapped around the furry mutant. "I guess I figured it was time to come home," she acknowledges easily. Her free hand waves toward Harry, who seems to take Kurt's word at face value. "Have you been doing all right? 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "I am teaching high school." Kurt answers with a little curl of his lips. "I abide. We have adventure enough now and then that I haff things to do." Kurt allows.     He gives her a look. "I teach theatre." he deadpans. "Today we were stage fighting, und set building, and... I needed a couple of drinks." He dusts off ehr stool for her. harry beams at her. "All grown up." he notes, smiling. "No more rootbeer floats?" Because she knows he would still make her one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty laughs outright. "Actually, Harry, no one makes a rootbeer float quite like you. I would *love* one." Her brown eyes twinkle in amusement as she drops her backpack next to the stool and settles herself on it while Kurt holds it. "I can see you teaching theater. That makes sense to me. *Logan* teaching theater? I might be forced to pee myself laughing." A wrinkle of her nose and she waits for Kurt to settle in with her. "I'm definitely not sure I want to be teaching high school, but.... I guess when I graduated, I didn't really know where else to go," she admits. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "It is home." Kurt agrees. "Logan tends the grounds." he says it like he envies it. His shrug is small. "The other mentoring I crave. The helping the less powerful students with some physiological abnormalities. I know that is mein true calling. Honestly, Lorna and I have been going to Mutant Town." He pauses. "I am a big deal in Mutant Town." harry is working on the rootbeerflaot. Which means Kurt has two beers to finish now. "You are driving." he tells Kitty. Harry barks out a laugh as Kurt reaches for beer number one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty waggles her brows at Harry and quips to Kurt. "Okay... but you better remind me which side of the road I'm supposed to be on!" Because ... England! For three years! Tilting her head, she asks, "I guess I'm not surprised that you'd be a big deal in Mutant Town. What's going on there right now?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "We kept Mutant Town from being hit at all during the incursion." Kurt takes some pride in that. "I am working on arranging some more 'scholarships'" He uses the fake term. "We will have more Mutant Town kids at the school next year." he is proud of that.     "The real big deal there is Lorna. She is a princess there, ja?" He asks quietly. He drains a long bit from his beer. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty looks thoughtful as she takes her drink from Harry with a smile. Sipping the semi-frozen concoction -- something not really found in the UK -- with a look of pleasure on her features, she listens to Kurt and extrapolates. "So... when did you start dating her?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He coughs and chokes on his beer. His tail goes up in alarm, nice and straight. "is it that obvious?" Kurt asks. He lowers his head. "She is pretty awesome, ja? Smart, beautiful, kind." He waxes on her warmly. After wiping up his beer, Kurt admits, "Maybe two months now." He admits. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Uh-huh. Kitty sips through her straw and grins a bit. "Well... you're name-dropping like mad, so yeah... a little obvious. But I guess I don't really know her ALL that well, so I can't say. If it makes you happy, it seems like it should be okay." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "Until Magneto gets huffy about just what I am doing with his daughter, or..." Kurt coughs, "Mein dear mother shows up with explosives." Kurt shakes his head. "But, she is worth the potential pain. She makes teaching hichschool bearable." Kurt admits. "And the mentoring makes it rewarding." He has to gulp down the last of that beer. He reaches for the other refill, and gives a sigh. "Means a lot more time in the gym." As if he minds that. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' It makes Kitty laugh rather hard to imagine Mystique showing up with explosives. "That could be fun," she teases Kurt. "Guess you better buff up, Elf -- or someone's gonna make mincemeat outta you. Tell Piotr you need power-lifting advice!" She can't imagine Kurt power-lifting anything! But the imagery makes her snicker into her rootbeer. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     With a laugh. "Ja, like Hans und Franz!" He laughs at that. "I prefer to be a bit more nuimble than that. Go figure, ja?" He eyes her sideways. "Looking forward to seeing PPiotr again, Katzchen?" It can be hard to read his eyes, but that is a sidelong gaze if ever Kurt gives one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' There's a faint blush that climbs her cheeks. It wasn't like her crush on Piotr Rasputin wasn't BRUTALLY OBVIOUS to every. single. person. ever. "UHm... Honestly, Elf, I'm not sure how I'm feeling about that. I'm really excited to see Illyana and Logan. I don't... really know where I fit right now. Some of the roles that I had back then I think aren't going to suit me so much anymore. So... I guess we'll see what people think of the college graduate me instead of the peppy young teen me, hmm?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "We love you, Katzchen. I love you." it is not a romantic exclamation. It is a simple, brotherly, pure explanation. "You are our little Katzchen. Ja, you are an adult, but you have saved mein life and I yours. You were never our mascot, you were our friend, sister, and confidant. I do not see how your being a little older will change a thing, Kitty."     He pauses. "Unless it is Katherine or Kate now?" Oh, that shows a hint of worry What if she doesn't want to be his Katzchen anymore? 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Oh heck no!" Kitty replies, horrified. "Maybe someday Kit. But... probably not," she grins. "I know I wasn't a mascot. I just sometimes feel rather like the me that's now spent three years in England isn't quite the same person." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "Some Buddhists think that when we sleep, our souls all exchange and travel und mingle, so each day you are nicht -really- the same person. In fact, other Buddhitst sthink that individuality is an illusion." Kurt takes a swallow of his beer. "I think back on the angry, scared young man I was when I came here. He had just accidentally killed his bruder, und he was going to be killed by a mob. He was so angry, und scared. Logan? He brought me here, und we had a beer, and he settled me down." Kurt eyes his beer. "I think we all are always evolving, changing, and hopefully growing. It is up to all of us to see we all grow in a gut way, ja? I think though, that the fundamentals? What makes Katzchen, Katzchen? That never changes. We love that person. So, I am nicht worried." Kurt hefts his drink and gives it a little salute at her. "So do nicht worry so much, ja?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Ffffft," Kitty replies with a flushed, happy smile. "Thanks, Kurt. But I think you've had too many beers in too short a space of time," she tells him on a laugh. "Waxing philosophical like that? Yeesh!" She takes a long swallow of her drink, savoring the taste of the ice cream in it. "I missed it here," she admits. "Even though it was fun and a lot of cool things happened." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     With a small shrug, Kurt says, "I am always philosophical. You are just an adult now, so I can reat you like one." Kurt's smile is absolutely proud. "I am proud of who you grew up into, Katzchen. I hope I had a had a good influence on you. I know you were gut for me." His left hand moves over and in a tender gesture pushes her hair from her face. "Quit covering that face. it is so pretty." Mother Hen Kurt. He looks happy. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty grins at him, one hand going up to shove the long brown locks out of her face in a move that is clearly a regular one for her. "Yeah, yeah -- I forgot my hair clips for the flight. So I braided it, but by the time we landed, it HAD to come down." She winks. "It's a hot mess, but once I catch a shower, I'll be golden. You wanna head up to the house with me? Or you gonna hang out here a while longer?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     Gulp gulp gulp gulp gulp. Beer done. Kurt pays for the float with a happy grin. He gets up. He covers his mouth, and tries to politely burp. "Mein apologies. So uncouth." He hands Kitty the keys. "It is a rental. jean wrecked mein Tesla." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She blinks! "Jean ... wrecked your car?" She pauses. "Which supervillain did she drive over with it?" Kitty can't help it -- it's the only circumstance under which she can imagine Jean crashing a car. The woman's a telekinetic! She could have picked the darn obstacle up if it was in her way! 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "I never asked. I had 150 miles on it, Katzchen. Mein first neww car." he sighs softly, and shakes his head. "Toyota. Camry." he says with distate, indicating the keys. his tail gives an angry little slash. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty simply laughs and takes the keys from him, hauling backpack over her shoulder and whistling for a chortling dragon. She wraps her free arm around the Blue Elf and giggles. "Definitely a Toyota Camry does not measure up to a Tesla, darling. C'mon, let's get you home." 
}}

2827/Coffee in the Morning

2017-10-13T18:53:03Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/13 |Location=Xavier's School, Kitchen |Synopsis=Family reunions almost always have surprise moments. |Cast of Characters=296, 114 |pretty=y..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/13
|Location=Xavier's School, Kitchen
|Synopsis=Family reunions almost always have surprise moments.
|Cast of Characters=296, 114
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' It's early, but Kitty's already been up to do a workout and she's put coffee on. So now, sitting at the counter in the kitchen with a mug of the freshly brewed coffee typing away at her laptop, her hair pulled up in a ponytail and dressed in her running gear... it's home. She finally feels like it's home again. Her dark eyes flicker toward the doorway when she hears footsteps, waiting to see who comes in. 

:'''{{#var:114|Scott Summers (114)}} has posed:'''      Gentle steps to the kitchen, before hand runs through his hair. Scott was a morning person, but he did enjoy the morning cup of coffee. Of course he was usually the first one to put the coffee on. It was a pleasant suprise to see a fresh pot right there ready for him. "Oh...good morning." He offers to Kitty, grabbing a cup and starting to pour. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She smiles at the sight of him. Mornings are when the people come out -- not the team-leader Scott but just 'Scott.' "Morning," she replies. Closing her laptop to put both her eyes on him, Kitty tilts her head. The three years at college have given her a much calmer demeanor than the girl who first came here to be on his team. He always somewhat intimidated her, but the sense of her now has none of that hesitance. "Good meeting last night?" she offers, though... well, you know how meetings go around here. Always a bit chaotic. "I apologize for slipping out on you before it really got going." 

:'''{{#var:114|Scott Summers (114)}} has posed:'''      "Apart from the others thinking my idea of a team name 'sucks monkey balls'" With air quotes. "It went as expected." Scott drinks the cup, black, to try first, then adding just a little sugar. The mug is held in his hands, warming up. "Your were around for your part, which was fine." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty covers her grin with a sip of coffee from the mug in front of her. "Well," she observes... "no accounting for taste, right? It's hard to name a team. I mean, especially if you're trying to run with a theme and using an X." When she sets the cup down, her amusement is still visible. "It's nice to see that you've relaxed just a little bit." 

:'''{{#var:114|Scott Summers (114)}} has posed:'''      "Then the students started getting snarky, some of the X-Men weren't having it." Scott takes another sip, right before his slight mellowing was mentioned. "That's the morning talking, once this coffee is in my stomach, I'll be the one you know." A joke? Perhaps, or perhaps not. "So, how are you adjusting back to things?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' It makes her laugh, though -- a surprised sort of giggle. He really has lightened up! "Okay, I think." Kitty considers the question and the circumstances. "Yes," she decides with a nod. "I think I'm doing okay. It's a little disconcerting -- coming back here feels sort of like stepping back in time, so being here and doing things like having a job rather than being a student is an adjustment." She sips her coffee. "Honestly, it was something I figured I better talk to you and Jean about anyway... I don't really have a job HERE except on the team. And I'm not exactly going to be teaching -- at least that I'm aware, although I'm happy to help if you want. Is it ... okay for me to keep living here? I mean... is it ... I don't know if I should be looking for an apartment, Scott," she admits with a chuckle. "I don't know how to be the *adult* here. It was easy in England, but the role shift here has me off balance." 

:'''{{#var:114|Scott Summers (114)}} has posed:'''      "Do you want to stay here?" Looking to Kitty from behind his glasses. She would know exactly that his eyes are looking at hers, even with the lenses obscuring them.   "That is up to you. Some of us live off campus, some of us live here. You'll have to speak with the Professor if you'd like to have a position here." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty is quiet for a long moment, well aware that behind his glasses Scott's eyesight is sharp. The mind behind it moreso. She doesn't flinch from his regard. "The mansion isn't the only home I've ever known," he knows that, obviously, "but it's the place my heart lives." Her tone is quiet. "I'd like to stay, at least for a while -- the invasion has made me a little ... unnerved to be too far away," she admits. And then she smiles. "But I can pay my way -- I have a job offer from STAR Labs. The internship last summer apparently impressed them. It's a remote position, though, so I can stay here in Westchester and work with the team. Assuming you want me back." The last is a mostly teasing, although there's perhaps just a tiny hint of the insecure there. 

:'''{{#var:114|Scott Summers (114)}} has posed:'''      "You can stay as long as you'd like." Scott offers, taking a sip. "As the Professor always says, we will always have a home here." It was true, even former adversaries have found themselves welcome here, it was a level of tolerance that Charles was known for. "An offer at STAR labs? That's quite impressive." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' There's a bit of a blush, and Kitty nods. "It's really cool -- a lot of research, I think. I'm supposed to meet the people who head up the project teams that I'll work with this week, I think. I'm looking forward to it." There's a long pause, and Kitty admits to him, "But I'm *really* glad to be home. I missed everyone. A lot." She grins cheekily at him. "Even you." 

:'''{{#var:114|Scott Summers (114)}} has posed:'''      A healthy sip of the coffee before he continues. His glasses glean in the light. "I'm shocked. Someone actually missed me." He quips, looking to the young woman. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Ffffft." Kitty grins at him and slides off her stool. She picks up her laptop and winks at him. "Who else would kick me in the butt when I needed it and let me pick on them about being a stick-in-the-mud while still making sure that I passed all my classes and came home safe and sound?" The tone is teasing but the sentiment behind it is very clear. "You're best big brother around -- you looked out for me all through my teenage life. Of course I missed you, Scott. You're my family." And she slips out of the room before all that mushy stuff can make him too uncomfortable. 

:'''{{#var:114|Scott Summers (114)}} has posed:''' In that moment, Scott had taken a step back. He hadn't really heard that from one of the younger students before. But the reaction to it had him a bit caught off guard. "Well, thanks Kitty." He says, mildly sheepishly, hiding his mouth behind the tipping mug. 
}}

2815/What lies in the Shadows

2017-10-13T18:51:44Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/11 |Location=Watchtower |Synopsis=J'onn wants to know exactly how Kitty's power works -- building on her X-training. |Cast of Characters=95..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/11
|Location=Watchtower
|Synopsis=J'onn wants to know exactly how Kitty's power works -- building on her X-training.
|Cast of Characters=950, 296
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' J'onn has asked Kitty to come up to the training facility of the Watchtower today. Previously he has taken her through the Watchtower, giving a quick tour of the advanced space station, and providing her access to the different areas. At the end, in-line with his interest in teaching her, J'onn officially included her as an Ally of the Justice League. She now has access to the communications channels, and alerts that the other Allies and Members of the League share. "Hello Katherine, I am glad you had the time to come up today. Have you had an opportunity to consider the research position with STAR labs? I believe they would be extremely excited to work with you, and would benefit from your knowledge and experience." J'onn walks her through the Watchtower, eventually ending up in a room similar to the Mansion's Danger Room, "Today I would like to work on two tasks. The first is to better understand your ability to Phase. Your perceived limitations, and see where we can push you to your limits." His face remains passive, a slight glimmmer in his red eyes shows excitement, "The second we will discuss after we have worked on the first." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "J'onn," Kitty greets with a smile. "I have... and I would very much like to take the job. I actually mentioned it to a friend already," she admits. She's still all wide eyes about the Watchtower's view and open curiosity about the tech up here. "I'm really kind of excited about the idea, to be able to see the kind of research available to them." As they enter the Danger Room equivalent, she can't help but chuckle. "Oh, good.... I get to do power testing. Well, at least this I know I'm good at." She looks up at him. "Where would you like to start? We usually run obstacle courses, both opposed and unopposed, along with other things similar to capture the flag or sparring at home. Will you be scanning me for these?" 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "Excellent." J'onn replies to her comment on accepting the position, "I will notify the Doctors immediately, and setup a time for you to have a conversation with them." He looks up towards the dome of the ceiling, and immediately the room starts to shift. Equipment move into the walls, and floor with almost no noise. Within a minute the entire room is clear of everything except for the two of you. "No, today I would like us to work on the extent of your Phasing capabilities through different energy fields, and materials. I would also like to understand your ability to sense a field or material before you attempt to Phase through it. Then finally, we will see if we can fine tune your understanding of a field or material so that you can Phase as quickly as possible to deal with a shift in your environment." There will be a small hum that Kitty feels in the room, and J'onn explains "There are various means in order to change the molecular composition of materials. One that I like to utilize in my own training is circulating various energy types through conductive materials to change their density and molecular structure. This room is built with that concept in mind. It is a standard tactic the Martians used to train our people as they became more familiar with their abilities. Currently the room will have both the density of Steel and a current similar to a High Voltage Security Fence." Looking to Kitty, he asks, "When you attempt to Phase, what techniques do you use to determine your ability to move through an unknown barrier, be it Energy or Physical Construct?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' As she listens, Kitty tilts her head. Although she's learned a great deal about her powers over her years at Xavier's, she's not sure she's ever come at them from this angle -- it was more about learning to USE them than trying to explain them. She has to think about that answer and admits, "I don't really use a technique, exactly." A slight frown appears between her eyes as she concentrates on her own inner workings. "I'm .... With a physical barrier, it's literally an instinctive move on my part. I don't... really have to think about what the barrier is made of -- solid or liquid doesn't seem to really matter. Gases do have an effect on me, but moreso after I've returned to solidity... almost like I absorb the molecules?" She pauses. "I know that electricity is definitely a field I interact with in phased form, but... other kinds of energy fields, I don't have as good a feel for." 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' J'onn nods his head as he considers this, and slowly kneels down to the floor. He raises his hand to her, and she can see it take on the slight ghostly view of being out of phase. "For Martians, we are able to control the bonds of our molecular structure. Through this process we are capable of loosening, tightening, remolding, and for some of the truly gifted restructuring that structure. In order to move through various materials or types of energy we are taught how our bonds may be arranged to best move through the structure we are attempting to bypass." He places his phased hand about an inch from the floor, "The electricity field, for example, are charged particles in this instance dynamically run as a current. In order to avoid damage or disorientation when moving through the field, we simply allow our structure to flow around those charged particles." His hand moves into the floor, "If you do not mind, I would like to show something to you in your mind?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty nods, paying close attention to his explanation of how he goes through electrical fields. Because it's one of the few things that both inordinately affects her and that SHE affects pretty powerfully as well. "Sure, show me," she agrees. "Because I'd love to *not* fry computers -- it was a pretty regular occurance at first, though now I just try not to phase through them." She grins. 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' Once she has given her approval, Kitty will feel J'onn's presence enter her mind with a subtlety she has rarely felt, the faintest whisper of an additional mental presence but with the concrete knowledge that his presence is tightly contained. Then, before her eyes she will actually SEE the electrical field in the electromagnetic spectrum. The vision normally would be incredibly disorienting, but J'onn is providing a mental buffer to her human senses. He speaks out loud while she adjusts to her new vision, "What you see is the electrical field. It pulses and moves in a very distinct and set pattern..." As she focuses she can actually see the movement that he's talking about, like a wave of energy moving like a river, "Now, I will focus your vision on my hand.." Her vision shifts, moving like a telescope, and she realizes that she is actually seeing at the molecuarl level his hand as well as the electrical current. What she notices is that J'onns molecules actually space themselves out at just enough distance so that the moleculars that make the energy current flow between them. His voice continues, "For Martians we can adjust as you will see..." he closes those pathways, and while there is no disruption to /him/ there is a disruption ot the electrical current, "...this is probably what happens when you move through electrical systems. Your bonds are far enough to allow you movement without pain, but are still close enough to cause an interruption to the current... Perhaps we can see if you can control your Phasing in a similar manner." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' It's a whole new world of things to see, and Kitty is fascinated. Distracted by what she can see, J'onn's voiceover of what she's seeing is comprehended but it's peripheral to where her attention is. When it shifts to his hand, she continues to intently study what, with his help like this, she can see. "Electricity can hurt me -- in fact, it's one of the few things that hurts *really* badly. But not every time. I've walked through large banks of computers before and it didn't bother me, but I've had electrical attacks and I think even plasma once have been able to reach me in phased state." She looks thoughtful. "I've never really known whether what I do is actually half-stepping out of this dimensional plane," which she's often wondered about, "or whether my phase is more a change of state, as yours appears to be." 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "Well then, let us see what kind of control you can exhibit over your change." J'onn says in a friendly tone, "If it is a dimensional shift, I think we should be able to move you further into that dimensional 'void' for lack of a better term. If it is similar to my own type of Phasing, then we can work on your control of loosening your bonds, and I think you will feel a marked improvement." He stands back up, and moves to stand in front of Kitty. "First, let us both examine what it looks like when you Phase." He takes her hand, and places it up next to his own, and shifts the vision so that their vision encompasses both. "Your turn." J'onn states, and waits to see the differences and similarities between the two. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She isn't bothered by his mental touch at all -- used to Xavier's touch in her mind, it is a simple presence and she can feel 'where' he is. She only has the basic shielding that is taught to the non-telepaths at the school, but her mind is an organized one and although he may not be looking at what's running through there, he can feel that her brain is VERY busy. Categorizing, learning, focusing. With her full attention on what she's seeing, it's very simple as she uses her power to see this part, though -- she doesn't have to concentrate on the power. She was not exaggerating; it is pure instinct on her part requiring no effort at all to phase into intangibility. In the altered state of view, Kitty's power seems to not work the way J'onn's does. Her molecules themselves are not under her control individually; it's not that they move out of the way of fields. When she moves her hand over top of his and then down THROUGH his hand so he can see what happens when she phases through a solid, her molecules are not sliding between his molecules. She appears to be literally phase-shifting just off the edge of this plane of reality. 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "That is quite interesting, Katherine..." J'onn says, and given their current mental connection she can feel that he is truly impressed. "...It appears we have some work to do between us. This is extremely unique, and I believe you will find it to become very powerful if we can identify the triggering mechanism." So she can see a different angle, he places his hand in her own, and he begins to tightly draw the bonds of his molecules tighter. Eventually his hand turns to normal, and then begins to become more and more dense. She can actually see via this enhanced vision that he's capable of increasing his mass, adding more molecules, and making his hand more and more dense. "As you have seen, there is no shifting to the state of your hand in the traditional Earth Science sense. Your structure remains the same as before. However, your hand is currently performing an activity that is similar to what your scientists are just now investigating as Dimensional Shift...." He pauses, thinking for a moment, "...now that you see this, can you attempt to push your hand further into the Shift? Perhaps the sensation would be like the difference between flexing your Arm, and then focusing on just flexing your bicep muscle." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty herself is fascinated by the difference between what she just did and what J'onn does. Tilting her head, she notes the density shift and nods slowly. "I've never had the ability to density-shift like that. The first eruption of my power, I was actually asleep and dreaming and fell through my bed to the main floor of the house. We have a guess that my unconscious will only allow me to go so far -- like a survival instinct. I can phase through solid matter for long distances, but I basically have to hold my breath to do it. So when I phase into the ground, as an example, to travel somewhere else... the limits to how far I can go depend on how long I can hold my breath. The same limitation appears to be true over anyone I take with me... but it also seems to only apply if we're COMPLETELY phased inside something solid. I can travel half in and half out of the ground indefinitely." When he asks her to try to push her hand further into the shift, Kitty has to think about it. If her molecules were spreading, she'd worry about dispersing herself accidentally. But that's never happened. "I can try," she concedes. It requires a realignment of thinking though, and he can feel that process happening. How *does* one step more out of phase? Her body phases into the intangible realm even as she thinks about it, almost as if it's just as natural a state to her as being solid. She's stepped through dimensional portals before... using that as a template for what it might feel like, she tries to push her body to do as he's asked. But nothing seems to happen. 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "Hmm, I find it interesting the need to hold your breath." J'onn states as he continues to watch her hand. "If you are performing a Dimensional Shift, meaning you are Shifting States through something similar to Quantum Entanglement, I would assume your need for air is also eliminated. In essence, you are partially no longer in this Dimensional fully, and are not subject to the understood laws of Relativity...." He continues to consider this fact, he speaks outloud so she can follow his line of thinking, "...if it were simple molecular re-alignment then I could understand that problem as a biological limitation of not being able to create oxygen. This, though, is something different. An entire change to your alignment with the physical world..." He offers her a grin, and adds "...I believe the movie reference I am consider would be from The Matrix, when the character known as Morpheus asks the character Neo... 'Do you think that is /air/ you are breathing?" He takes a step back, and watches as Kitty fully shifts. He allows her to see how he changes his vision through various forms of sight. Electromagnetic, Ultraviolet, Infrared, gathering as much information as possible to write down later. He shifts back to electromagnetic, and adds "See how the various fields on the Earth no longer interact with you in the same way..." There will be a highlighting of a certain type of field, "...Gravitational Field of the Earth... almost as if it is non-existent to you." and she can see looking between herself and J'onn that the fields do seem different. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty laughs softly. "There's something to that idea," she agrees. "The mind will do what it thinks it has to at the most basic level." It's disorienting for her to see the ranges that he can view, but her brain continues its almost frantic filing of experiences and images away into that internal filing system of hers. When he settles on the one he wants her to see, Kitty nods slowly. "I can airwalk - that's always fun. I guess I always assumed gravity worked on me -- or I'd just fly off, right? Or... again, maybe it only works on me because I expect it to. I *can* walk on the air, do it all the time. It's especially useful in a fight to be able to phase in and out." There's a pause and she admits, "And I learned that I can partially phase, too... like just my hand." The flash in her mind isn't one she can hide, too visceral for her emotionally to stop it from flashing through her thoughts -- the phasing of her hand into a body and coming back out with a heart. 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "Perhaps we can try this..." J'onn says as he watches a few moments longer, "...when you shift between states are there any mental changes you feel? A connection to another place? A change in our you perceive the World? A physical sensation that accompanies the shift? Anything that we may be able to attack to that would allow a control of that sensation? For a first time this is excellent, Katherine." J'onn adds at the end, and she senses that he is genuinely impressed with her knowledge and work ethic. "It takes Martians many many years to understand even the basic concepts we've spoken of today. For now, we will write down what we've talked about, and think through other potential avenues of approach. I think Superstring Theory may give you some insights to consider." "Yes, I believe your airwalking is what actually keeps you from floating off the Earth!" J'onn says with a smile, "Your minds unconscious control of where you are located is what keeps you falling through the Earth as well as floating off of it. The fact that you have learned to consciously control your motion when there is nothing for you to 'push off of' tells me we can fine tune this even further." When the image flashes, J'onn ignores it for now, and he says "This brings us to the second topic I would like to discuss. I know that there is something you are worried about. Control that you do not feel comfortable with at this time. I would like us to talk about what has you worried, and face it here in this place." 
}}

2730/Hacktivist League of America

2017-10-13T18:48:31Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/02 |Location=A Public Park |Synopsis=After coming home for good, Kitty learns that her internship in college brought her to the attention o..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/02
|Location=A Public Park
|Synopsis=After coming home for good, Kitty learns that her internship in college brought her to the attention of some other people too.
|Cast of Characters=950, 296
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' A tall, olive skinned, medium build young man sit's on a two person bench at Brush Park in Mount Vernon. He has a black T-shirt that reads "Protect your breaches - Splunk". On his lap is a fairly large laptop, probably with enough heat and power to make him sterile. He's typing away, not really paying attention to the World around him as far as anyone can tell. Fortunately, J'onn is more than capable of multitasking, and is waiting patiently for the arrival of his virtual friend. She's impressed him at every turn, and what little investigation he's done he thinks there is more opportunity to be had once she realizes who he /actually/ is, and where his real day job is located. For now, though, he waits... handle known as gr33nbean... to see if she shows up for an unorthodox meeting of virtual comrades. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The petite brunette, hair pulled up into a ponytail that swings around her shoulders, wearing the ubiquitous jeans and sneakers of pretty much every college-aged young adult in the US, makes her way through the park. Although the day is comfortable, she wears a lightweight hoodie into whose pockets she's shoved both of her hands as she walks. Her gait is confident, but the dark eyes scan the park with a wariness that doesn't seem *too* out of place for a young woman walking alone. Pulling her phone from one of those pockets, she checks something and alters her trajectory more toward the bench, noting the young man's presence there only after she clears a small copse of trees. gh0stc@t as a handle might lend one to the idea that the person on the other end could be female -- but it's not a given. She pauses a few steps from the nech and asks, "We're gonna get arrested for being a cliche here, aren't we?" There's definite amusement in her tone -- after all, this meeting has shades of Deep Throat going on. 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' Looking up as his potential new friend says something to him, the young man with green eyes gives a geniune smile back, "Well, if we didn't look this way, most of the people we hang out with would tell us we're posers, and then troll the hell out of us." His voice is actually a bit deeper than one would expect for someone of his build. He stands up, putting the laptop on the bench, and offers his hand to her "Hi, gr33nbean, also known as Jeremy." For a computer nerd he definitely has a bit more confidence than most, and the smile on his face is as genuine as she has seen. He doesn't give off a creeper vibe, and he is not covered in Cheetos dust so maybe he is somewhat normal... just wait until she finds out he's actually a Martian. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She gives him a once-over, her mind quickly making a threat assessment based on if he is what he looks like... and also, if he gleans it, a potential threat assessement of him if he's NOT what he appears. It takes only seconds, likely not noticeable to most computer geeks, but then she moves forward with a casual grace to accept the proffered hand. "gh0stc@t, also known as Kitty." A faint grin creases her cheeks. "DO you sing in a choir or something? I know *someone* has to be dying to get that voice into a chorus." 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' His laugh is as deep as his voice, "No, I think I'm more the singing in the shower type." He motions for her to sit down, and he takes his laptop off the bench. "I'm really glad you came out here to meet me. I know it was a bit sudden, since we've only talked over the last six or so months. I think I've got something you will be really interested in, and I didn't want to talk about it over our normal comms channels..." He glances around the area, and funny enough it starts to clear out of people for them. "..and some things are best learned in person." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty looks curious about that idea, and as she settles onto the bench he might note that her perch is not as casual as it might appear. She is noticing that people are leaving the vicinity... what she's not really gleaning is why. She doesn't feel a threat, doesn't see anything that would send people away. It could just be coincidence... maybe this park isn't used too much at the time of the day. It's not like anyone is running. But her awareness of the situation remains. She turns her eyes to him and simply nods, "I'm intrigued. It's not terribly often you get the mysterious 'I have this information that I don't want to talk about online' kind of messages. At least... *I* don't." Tilting her head, she asks, "And in some ways, I guess I'm wondering why you might choose me instead of a bigger name to bring it to." 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "That's easy enough.." Jeremy continues, "...it's about trust, Kitty. Lots of people do what we do, most are not as good as we are, but a very select few are better." He makes sure to position himself on the bench so he's not crowding her. The people are moving out of the area, not in droves, but enough for it to be interesting to someone like Kitty. "So, let's start with the most difficult conversation first..." Before her eyes, Jeremy shifts, his form taking on something that she has seen multiple times on T.V. into that of the Martian Manhunter. His voice becomes far deeper, "Kitty, my name is J'onn J'onzz." He does offer her his hand a second time, his smile still geniune, "I apologize for the subterfuge." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' There's a long pause, almost comical in its length, while her brain runs through scenarios. The most interesting part of it might be that she *doesn't* just disbelieve him -- and nor does she exactly jump. Instead, her brain immediately shifts back into analytical threat assessment. She's seen too much combat from a very young age to NOT immediately be categorizing the potential threat, not to herself but to the civilians now exiting the area. Because ... he could be lying. It's not as if she hasn't dealt with both shapeshifters and telepathic manipulation before. "Riiight," she says slowly. Although she doesn't move to stand or get further away from him, and she's absolutely fascinated by his physical appearance, the first question she asks him is, "I can see why this one would be difficult. If I were any other person, I'd probably run away screaming just about now. But because I'm me, I'm just going to ask you... can we figure out a way to confirm who you are? Because... wellllll.... this isn't my first rodeo with shapeshifting." 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "That is actually easy enough depending on the level of trust you currently have in me." J'onn responds, undisturbed, perhaps even a little impressed, with the reaction she's displayed so far. "Let us talk about what would not work. Any type of telepathic communications can be simulated by any number of individuals you have dealt with up to this point in your life. Demonstrations of shape-shifting is equally insufficient for the same reasons as telepathy. There is no easy method for you to determine my Martian Heritage which means that avenue is not open to us. There is, however, a method that would give you unequivocal truth to my claim. Would you be interested in visiting the Justice League Watchtower?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Again there's this long, slow pause as Kitty considers her options. There are two: a. He's lying. b. He's telling the truth. If he's lying... well, it's highly probable that at some point he'll give himself away. If he's Hellfire Club or whoever else, it always winds up coming out. And she'll have to kick some people's butts seriously hard or she'll have to hope she's rescued -- and if she has to be a damsel, it'll be annoying, but whatever. If he's telling the truth, though.... how utterly fascinating! She's never been to space. That would be extremely cool. Even if he's lying and it's all a mirage, that could still be wildly cool. And seriously.... is she so jaded that she's going to ASSUME that she's important enough on anyone's radar to go to these lengths? All of that passes through her mind in mere moments. And she finally says, "I'm going to choose to trust you. If you'd like to use that method to show me things, I think I might squee ridiculously." She grins rather cheekily at him. "Will you tell me what it is that you came to talk to me about while we're staring out a window at Earth?" 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "You will find your trust very well placed, Miss Pryde." J'onn responds back to her, and he slowly stands. "There are two methods for us to arrive at the Watchtower. We can use the Zetabeam access in the Hall of Justice, or I can fly us." Despite the alien features, J'onn has spent decades honing the human facial structure, and a bit of excitement is shown through the normal stoic expression, "My personal favorite is flying, but it would be entirely logical for you to wish to use the Zetabeam. It provides you with more proof of my claims, and if I am lying the chances of me performing nefarious activity is greatly increased in flight through the Earth's atmosphere." He pauses, considering her question, "Yes, I believe our discussion will revolve around what I hope to convince you to do as part of the next steps in your journey." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She didn't tell him her last name. But... he's a telepath. And it means he probably knows far more than just her name. And Kitty cannot help but laugh at the sense that she gets that he would love to fly. "Tell you what... let's fly on the way up and you can beam me back down, Scotty, when we're done, okay?" She moves to stand and holds out her hand to him, a gesture meant to indicate her trust despite the fact that she could just go intangible on him. "Given the fact that you do know my real name at this point, I'd like to know exactly how much you *do* know about me, though." After all, she has secrets to protect. 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "Fair enough." J'onn takes her hand, his own not nearly as alien as the size and green skin would make you think, perhaps a little warmer than normal with only a little give to the flesh. He places a visible shield around her, not that it's needed to be visible, but more for her own peace of mind. They slowly start to drift upwards, "I will warn you, to escape Earth's gravitational pull we will need to move fast. I am more than capable of negating all sensation of flying if you wish as well as making the shield before you opaque if you are afraid of heights." As they continue to rise, Kitty might find it interesting that no one in the area even looks up at them, the people continuing about their day as if one of the most famous heroes on Earth isn't just flying around above them. "As for what I know. I am aware of your family background, some information about your training, and your association at the Xavier School. We have friends at Xavier's, but they would not give... nor would I ask them to give... information about any of their family. There are other sources, government and commercial, that have collected pieces of information about you. Some of those entities I did not trust, and I have since wiped knowledge of you or your friends at Xaviers from their systems and backups. I have a minimal understanding of your powers, and would be willing to further refine your ability as I also have similar capabilities. I have not attempted to only learn the facts of who I think you are, and not intrude into your personal affairs. I apologize if you feel that I have, and will gladly turn over all information I have collected for your review." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty chuckles slightly. "I'm not afraid of heights, and I think probably you should negate whatever effects you feel are necessary -- or usual." As they rise up, she is indeed interested in the fact that he has obviously mentally hidden them from the people below. The view from up high is amazing, and she seems to have no fear of that. Once they hit a certain height, though, she turns her eyes up toward him instead. There's only so much 'oh crap, how high ARE we??' that she can manage with just holding a hand for support. "I appreciate the fact that you've wiped what they know. Since you do know about Xavier's and my abilities, it makes it a little easier to sort out what I need to say or not say to you." Tilting her head, she asks, "You have the ability to phase?" She's never been exactly sure how this hero's ability is actually manifest, though she's seen him do some things on TV that were similar to her power. Are there more Martians? Do they all have this ability? What did I do that made you contact me, anyway? I remember the first time we spoke, it was ..." She pauses, remembering. "I was looking into STAR's research on powers. Did I trigger something there that made someone wonder?" 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' Kitty will get a sense of motion, then faster that is similar to a roller coaster in her stomach, but not feel the pressure on her body. Before she realizes it she can see stars as clear as if it were night, and below here starts to form the glowing blue ball of Earth. Throughout the entire process, which maybe took 4 or 5 minutes, they have cleared the atmosphere and are floating in capital S Space. While her body doesn't feel confined she's always felt as if she was just standing near the bench. "My ability to Phase, as you call it, is related to innate skill in controlling the molecular structure of my form. I can change the bonds, configuration, and make-up of my molecular structure below what you know as the sub-atomic level. This allows me to move through materials or fields of varying constructions." It is really around his eyes that she notices the sadness, his face well schooled, as he answers her next question, "No Miss Pryde, I am the last son of Mars. There are no more, and will be no more after me. My species and Planet was betrayed form within, and the cataclysm destroyed all but me." Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he says, "Much like on Earth, Martians had varying strength in different abilitis. All could control their bodies to a degree. All were telepathic. All had enhanced senses to view the Universe. There are those that had more, and gained more through various methods." Nodding his head, he tells Kitty, "Your research and interest in the metahuman phenomenon as a whole, as well as your grasp of the science behind it, but that was similar to many others I have talked to in my years. Your computer skills are exceptional. I might even say you could give our Batman a run for his money in certain areas. Your thirst for truth and knowledge is an attribute that should be nurtured in this world. Most importantly, to me, is your drive to help build a better place..." another small smile shows, "...perhaps despite the rules in place that may tell you it is not legal to perform certain actions. All those aspects are interesting, but I know it is not the sum of Kitty Pryde. That is what drove me to initiate our discussion, and see what /your/ interests are for the future of this World." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She is attentive to the answers he offers, and genuine compassion shows in her expression and in her mind as he speaks of what happened to his people. She simply squeezes the hand that holds hers, an instinctive offering of whatever small comfort can be offered. She finally looks down, gazing in wonder at the awesome view of the delicate blue marble that is Earth below them. And it perhaps takes just a moment to formulate her answers. "I have ... not firsthand, mind you... experienced stories or memories of some who have come from other dimensions or other Earths. And although my experience is limited to just a couple of those people, it seems to me that what we have here on our world is the opportunity to make sure we don't fall prey to the mistakes of those worlds." She shrugs just a little. "People like Apocalypse, invasions like what just happened or the Kree... these things and the fear that non-metahumans have of powered people could well drive us into the darkness." She looks up at him. "My people have already endured one Holocaust. I don't wish to live another one. Not on my watch. So I'll do what I can to keep everyone safe... and hope that somewhere along the way we can make it a better place for those with powers as well as those without." 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' J'onn allows the two to take in the sights of Space and Earth. The quiet can be overwhelming for some, but he finds this time here to be the most peaceful since arriving on this Planet. As her thoughts and actions speak to him, J'onn turns his view form the Earth below to give a small nod in thanks to Kitty. Quickly they arrive near the floating station that is the Watchtower, an Alien and Advanced technological wonder, deployed in space to protect the Planet from Alien attack. "This is the home of the Justice League." J'onn adds as they move towards the Space Station. As he closes the distance, his voice remains the same level as he speaks to the Watchtower, "Founder. J'onn J'onzz. Guest Katherine Pryde, Access Authorized to standard rooms." There is a light that comes from the Watchtower bathing them both for a moment. The station's hangar doors open, a shield in place similar to something seen in the Star Wars movies, and the two move through it with only the slightest tingle. "Welcome, Miss Pryde, to the Watchtower." His red eyes look down to her, and he asks in a cheerful tone "Hopefully this has passed your assessment in adequate fashion that I a telling the truth?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Yeah... so she's totally in awe. SPACE! The MOON!! Seriously. For a computer geek and sic-fi nerd of her generation?? This is all they've ever dreamed of -- getting to come here and see this view. When she looks up at J'onn, there are tears in her eyes. The sheer beauty of the sight has rendered her speechless, so she merely nods at him. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Yeah... so she's totally in awe. SPACE! The MOON!! Seriously. For a computer geek and sci-fi nerd of her generation?? This is all they've ever dreamed of -- getting to come here and see this view. When she looks up at J'onn, there are tears in her eyes. The sheer beauty of the sight has rendered her speechless, so she merely nods at him. 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' J'onn keeps the Hangar doors open for a few more minutes since it's the only good view in the bay. Eventually he will close them, "Yes." J'onn says simply at first, "Few every truly appreciate how beautiful the World is, and the majesty of the Universe they are in. If you would like, at some point we can go to the Arboretum, where we have the best view, and allows you to see more around the Watchtower. Or we can fly outside some more." He takes her from the Hangar bay up to the Central Hub. Throughout the Station she can see the advanced nature of all the technology that makes up the Home of the Justice League. "So, what brings us to the conversation today, Miss Pryde, is that I was wondering what your thoughts would be in being part of the team? I know that we can use your skills, but the question is would you be interested in helping out?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Breathing out a small sigh, Kitty nods slightly as she finally turns from the view. A brief wipe of her cheeks is made to remove the evidence of the sense of her overwhelm. As they make their way through the station, she is utterly fascinated with what she can see of the technology. And she has about a zillion questions to ask, but instead of asking all of those -- it's not polite to steamroll over one's host with what may be impertinent questions! Her Jewish mama taught her manners! -- she asks instead, "I'm always interested in helping whoever needs it. What is it that you thought I could help with, exactly?" 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "If you would like to stop anywhere, or see anything specifically please let me know." J'onn says, apparently out of nowhere, "The Station is a marvel that few truly appreciate, but someone of your skills would be very curious about much of the technology." He stops walking, at a nearby projection from the wall. "Tissues. Kleenex. No scent." After a hissing sound the projection opens, and there is a box of kleenex. J'onn turns back to Kitty, and offers her the box with a smile, "There was not a matter construction system closer. My apologies." "Exactly is such a definitive term. I would ask that you support our research activities, help us in the development of new technology for the League, to train in the use of your abilities, to deploy with us on missions when necessary..." J'onn waits expectantly, hoping his bluntness is getting the point across, "...I would like you to be a part of Our Team, Miss Pryde. I believe your skills and abilities allow you to be a vital asset for clandestine activities. Currently I am the only one that is truly suited to such activities. Stealth, Intellect, Combat Training, Advanced technological skills. Beginnings of a strong Telepathic Resistance. Most importantly, is your willingness to make the tough decision in order to save those that you can. I believe you would be a fantastic partner for me when we need to do such missions." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She reaches out and takes one of them, finishing wiping her tears with a small smile. If Kitty's surprised that he'd think of such things, it doesn't show. "It's okay. Thank you. And I'll take you up on that offer, perhaps, after we talk a while. It's rude to just take what you want out of a visit without being a gracious guest first." When he starts to talk about what he's hoping for from bringing her here, Kitty is taken aback. "Wait... what? You're... asking me to .... work with you? Like... here? Help the Justice League?" That's a massive request, to her mind. And the fact that she's boggling is rather obvious. "I mean... sure, I'm an X-Man, but that's not even close to being in the same league as all this!" 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "You are very welcome, Miss Pryde. I am happy to handle any requests or questions you have, and I would hate to have you miss out on an opportunity. I do not consider this to be rude at all, and I would be a most horrible host if i did not offer the chance to have all your questions answered." "Correct, Miss Pryde. I am asking if you would like to work with the League, as a Member, for the protection of all Mankind, Metahuman and Human. I would not ask you to stop your responsibilities with the X-Men. They are your family, and you must always be prepared to help your family. I would ask that when the call arises, that you answer it with us, and protect your... and my... World." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty tilts her head, looking thoughtful. She walks slowly around the Hub, looking curiously at everything. "That I can do, yes." That much is simple! "I mean, you're just asking me to do the same thing I'm going to be doing anyway. Just working with more than one group. Lots of us do that." She turns to look at him, her gaze intent on his face. "You said a lot of pretty complimentary things about my abilities a moment ago. But... what makes you think the last part -- that I could or would make the tough decision?" She has an idea of what 'the tough decision' might be, but she's feeling him out for a deeper explanation than that. How much *does* he know about her? 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "Kitty..." J'onn says using her first name for the first time, "...My title, Martian Manhunter, is more than an Alias. On Mars, Martian Manhunters are a Role and a Responsibility. We are trained early on to view the nuances of a situation, understand the different angles of the problem set, and we are authorized to perform whatever action is in the best interest of the Martian Peoples." His red eyes watch her, attempting to read her face instead of her mind, "The term here would be Judge, Jury, and Executioner. It is a Role that takes many years, and many Martians fail the assessments. Translated into English, it would be "You must have a Kind Soul, A Philosophers Mind, and a Warriors Heart". This combination of attributes is extremely rare." He let's out a long breath, "It is not always easy to hear, but some times these decisions must be taken. Either sparing or removing a threat. I think you have these same attributes, it is something I would come to learn more of with interactions, but if you would be willing I would willing to Mentor you in this so that Earth has their own version of a Manhunter." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' There is a flash of something that passes across her face. Curiosity and thoughtfulness. Her emotions seem easily read, but given his training and his abilities, it's the subtle state of watchfulness, of inner stillness that gives her away. The deeper reactions are far more complex.... and far darker than perhaps even she realizes. Or maybe she's actually aware of them, given her reply. "What happens if I *can't* make those choices?" she asks him. Not because she can't -- she has already learned through several very dark episodes in her life that she *can* -- but because there's a part of her that struggles with the conflict of "heroes don't kill" while watching people like Logan *be* a hero and do just that. "What happens on the day I have to ... take over the Soulsword one more time and you've trained me to be an executioner?" 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "I could not answer that question when I first started my own Training. I thought I would not have the ability to Spare when needed." J'onn admits readily enough, "My pride did not let me believe I could step away from the battle. It was the training that /brought/ that confidence. I could step away when needed." He takes a step closer to her, words quiet, just for her even in this large Station "The concern over what you do let's me know it is the correct decision. We will keep it /concern/ and remove the /fear/. That is the true trick in what you are worried about. The League has many Heroes. Many of their views are through the lens of their life. What we will try to do is see the world through the lens of /others/ lives. This gives you the understanding needed to Do or Not Do as appropriate." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Tilting her head, Kitty considers the offer very seriously. And she nods slowly. "I think I can do that." She keeps her eyes steady on him as she says, "I would like to learn from you, yes." Just as she has and continues to learn from Logan, training helps one know themselves. J'onn can help her know herself and her skills even better. And she can keep doing what she does -- which is help the world, just as she's done since she was barely into puberty. She grins a little bit then. "You know, it's kind of funny.... is it strange that I want to do a little jig and sing 'woohoo, the Justice League wants me to play in their ballpark'?" Cuz some of her people know THOR, for heaven's sake! 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' J'onn remains serious, at first, "Good. We will work when you have time. It will not be easy, but I have every confidence you are capable of completing the training. When we are done I think you will find you are every bit the Hero you want to be, and every bit the Hero that the Earth needs." A smile spreads over his features, "I think displays of happiness are allowed even in the Justice League. Do not undervalue your skills, Miss Pryde, because there is more to being a hero than Invulnerability and the ability to Move Planets. Remember that it is the reason /why/ you do something more than the capability of doing it that will make you a hero." Then in a slightly more serious tone, he adds, "Heroes do save lives, but never are those decisions simple." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' For a moment, the gleeful child-hero that used to be Sprite is evident in the brief little tapdance that she does across the floor with a girlish giggle. But it's the young woman who has been possessed by a evil Japanese overlord's spirit and who has controlled the Soulsword and WON who looks back at him. She's been doing this job for a number of years now, and the eyes that she turns to him are *very* old in heroing-experience years. "Believe me, I already know that lesson quite well, Manhunter," she tells him in a soft tone. She uses his title as more of a rank than a name, a sign of her respect for his status without giving up any of her own hard-earned status. He's not starting with a rookie, despite her young age. 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "Hmmm." J'onn says, but makes no further comments, as he considers what he sees, "Of that, Miss Pryde, I have no doubt." He motions for them to continuing the tour of the Watchtower, "Now, fire away on any questions you have, and I will do my best to answer them. Allow me to first tell you about the Path we will take. First, I will always be completely honest with you, which does not mean brutal, but it does mean unambiguous. There can be no distrust between us, with Martians a telepathic bond is shared, but all of our culture revolve around Telepathy. I will not ask or require this of you at any time." You walk past the Workshop, Machinery and Worktables almost entirely Alien in design can be seen from the window in the door. "Second, you will learn of and see many of my additional personae. I use these to move throughout the Earth, such as Jeremy, but it will also provide us access to missions that are not standard within the League. Sometimes heroes work in the Shadows. Finally, I ask for discretion in the training and my personae, but not to lie to any of your family or friends about spending time with the League." He looks over to her, asking "Is that acceptable?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty nods to that information, apparently having little compunction. "Considering the school that I went to and the people I work with, I don't think I have any trouble with the idea that some things will be done on the telepathic level. I would only ask that you respect the boundaries of privacy and if you want to know something or you need something that goes into that deeper territory, we speak of it first," she replies. "As to your appearances, those are yours to keep or reveal. I have no need to lie to anyone about what I'm doing -- I am no longer a ward of the school, so I answer only to myself and I'm not ashamed of what I'm doing. If I were, I wouldn't be doing it." She smiles slightly. "I understand the difference between deception and discretion. So yes, I accept your conditions. I think for the moment, I have no real conditions of my own except the general common courtesy of getting warning, when possible, that you'll be pulling me out of whatever I'm doing. If I have a job, for example, I'm going to need to come up with SOME reason why I'm not available. Day jobs, you know?" 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "Katherine, I would never, for any reason, delve into the portions of your mind that you consider private. Telepathy is as much a part of my culture as any religious beliefs. Unwilling mental intrusions goes so far beyond the crime you consider rape in my culture that the very rare times it has happened we have stripped the offender of the telepathic abilities. In my culture this is tantamount to no longer /being/ Martian." Using the one of the lifts, J'onn continues to take them to the upper levels of the Watchtower, "Not conditions, Katherine, I just ask for your trust and confidence. This Path is as much a partnership as a Mentor and Apprentice activity. I offer this freely, and without reservation." When the lift stops, they step out into a large park like construct, but the entire area is surrounded in windows that offers an exquisite view into Space. "If you wish to have job I will not interfere with that at all. However, if you prefer a bit more flexibility, I have a position at STAR Labs that would require you to work with the League on a regular basis. The pay will be sponsored by me, and it will allow to further study topics related to Metahumans on your own time with our substantial resources. I do not wish your time to be wasted, or your talents to be put aside in the search for a job, but I do not want you to think this was not earned. I can setup an interview with the appropriate Staff if you like." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty pauses and turns to look at him, pursing her lips. "Wait. You honestly believe this will be a far more... full-time... situation?" She's not really used to anyone considering that to be the case and she's thoughtful. "I *really* appreciate the offer, and I'll seriously consider it, but... I don't think I really want to move to Metropolis, honestly. It puts me a bit far out of the loop if the team needs me, you know? I think I'll need to seek out freelancing and telecommuting opportunities." Perhaps Stark Industries? She knows some of her friends have ties there, if they can tap those just a little. She's still mulling over the possibilities when they stop at the window and all thought of the other bajillion tech questions she was about to barrage him with are driven out of her mind. Once more speechless with the vista before her eyes, she catches her breath. And in a reverent whisper, she asks, "Do you ever get tired of the view?" 

:'''{{#var:950|J'onn (950)}} has posed:''' "No, not at all. The opportunity would allow you to work wherever your research is happening. Again, there is no interest in removing you from the Xaviers or the X-Men. This would allow for a stable source of income with having the same requirements for traditional attendance. Deliverables would be aligned with the research you are partaking in, and I would be the final arbiter for Access outside of yourself and research partners." J'onn looks out the windows, one of the first large smiles on his features, "No. I do not believe I will ever get tired of this view." 
}}

2727/Mansion Recon and New Friends.

2017-10-13T18:46:11Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/06 |Location=Xavier's School, Yard |Synopsis=Nate Grey does a bit of a fly-by. |Cast of Characters=296, 1374, 210 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |P..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/06
|Location=Xavier's School, Yard
|Synopsis=Nate Grey does a bit of a fly-by.
|Cast of Characters=296, 1374, 210
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The massive lawns offer plenty of open space to run, to engage in games... and on this fine morning, for one member of the household to be outside in a what appears to be a leotard working on a kata with a with a sword. Her movements have a dancer's grace while the blade flashing in the sunlight may or may not be a simple practice sword. Whichever is the case, as the slender brunette finishes the motions, it's clear that she's very good. She holds the final pose for a long moment and then drops it, padding back across the lush grass toward the stone terrace in bare feet. 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' It's been a few days since Nate has done a 'fly-by' on the Mansion, so far he has had mixed results with the folks he has had a chance to meet, and so he decides to try his luck again this morning. His path brings him in from the direction of the Lake, his powers cloaking him from even the most sophisticated of the detection equipment, and providing the lightest of touches to folks that /may/ be watching from inside the Mansion. As before, luck is with him as the Yard is quiet except for a long individual practicing with a sword... <Huh..> Nate thinks to himself, <...first time I've seen that since I've been here. Well, here goes nothin'...> The young man makes sure to land far enough away to not be a threat, his left eye and aura around him glow a golden light, his bare feet softly landing on the grass. He wiggles his toes slightly with the feel of the Earth beneath them again, and pauses for a moment to consider what to say... "Uhm, Hi..." great opening line, of course, "...I was wonderin' if you are one of the teachers or students that live here?" His head motioning to the Mansion behind them. Forge always told him not to mince words... 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Well... she doesn't turn on him as if expecting any kind of threat. Kitty does pause, turning to his voice. And one eyebrow goes up. "Well... if you were already a student here, you'd likely know that answer. Since you're not and came out of nowhere, *and* you seem to be the spitting image of someone here... *and* the alarms aren't raising hell.... Are you from an alternate dimension, from a different time, or does Scott have some 'splainin' to do?" Her tone is both amused and perhaps slightly wary. "Those, of course, aren't the *only* possibilities, but they're the ones that seem the most likely given where we're standing." 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' The aura around him dies down, but the glow to his eye remains as he gives a little grin in response to the barrage of questions. "Hmm, fair 'nough, I guess... Some random guy flies in askin' questions, I should expect to get questions back..." He thinks for a moment, not making any move to come closer, "Right, so I'm definitely not a student here, I'm livin' by the lake... He thinks about answering the next question, but shrugs in deciding 'why not' "Your detection systems are not bad, but I can speak to them to let them know I'm not a threat. The people who are watchin' are decently trained but there's only one here who would notice me and she ain't 'round right now.." He get's an obvious look of concern on the next topic, "Yeah..." he starts, "...I've been told there are a couple people here I should talk to, but haven't had the chance yet." "Different World, kind of like a different Dimension, but one that's more like a Parallel to here from what I've gathered. Rogue told me I need to talk to your Beast to find out." Realizing it'll come to this soon enough, he says, "Hi, I'm Nate... Nate Grey... Nice to meet you." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Ayup... the name pretty much consolidates the situation in her mind. Kitty moves to lay the sword down, as much to convey that she's not going to be a threat (and doesn't see him as one) as to simply not be standing in front of a stranger with both her hands full. And then she walks toward him, studying him intently. "All right... so probably parallel dimension and a bit to the future," she nods slightly. She's clearly had at least some training on keeping her mind shuttered -- he's only getting the surface ones from her. The ones she wants him to have, such as the flashes of people's faces (like Jean and Scott) or the assessment she's made that he's no threat. "I'm Kitty Pryde... graduated from here a couple years ago. Just got back from a stint in England." She smiles and holds out her hand, perhaps just a little in challenge. After all, if he's Jean's kid, he could be some kind of telepath. "Nice to meet you, Nate." 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' "So, the World I'm from had Apocalypse conquer North America, and expanding. He went on with his 'Only the Strong Survive...' mantra, and started culling Humans and Mutants. From what I've been told, I was there to stop him..." He keeps on eye on the blade, more out of curiosity than anything else, "...Might be a future, but there are many differences. Cyclops and his Brother worked for Sinister in their Slave Pens. Beast on my world did genetic experiments to 'hone' Mutant abilities. Rogue and Magneto ran the X-Men to protect Humans and Mutants." As far as Nate's mental touch, to Kitty it would be non-existent, no probes, no peeks, nothing to let her believe he does anything than passively protect peoples interest in him or the area around him. Sometimes emotions may slip through, but that is mental slip than a directed effort. "Nice to meet you Kitty Pryde." his own hand reaching out to take hers in a friendly greeting. "England? Met someone else recently from there..." As he shakes her hand, he seems to remember something, "Wait... Kitty Pryde... Shadowcat? I didn't meet you, you weren't with the X-Men when I fought Apocalypse, but I heard that you were..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty nods slowly. "Shadowcat," she agrees quietly. His story of Apocalypse taking over the world sobered her amusement pretty abruptly. With a faint smile, she comments, "If I was fighting for Apocalypse, please don't tell me." She doesn't really want to know if the darkness she knows she carries managed to take her over. Her hand in Nate's lingers a moment, allowing him the opening to scan anything on the surface he would like to know. She's not afraid of allowing him that opening, not here on the grounds. "Is there anything I can do to help you settle into this time and place?" she offers. "You're welcome to look at it," she adds, noting his interest in her katana. 

:'''{{#var:210|Havok (210)}} has posed:''' Having entered the general area, Alex Summers overheard Nate's last remarks. Alex's curiousity perked up and instead of handling what he came out here for, he redirects and walks toward Nate and Kitty. Alex calls out, "Sounds like I'm a jackass in mulitple realities. Damn, I must really suck.". His tone is light hearted and he even offers a smile when outing his other selves. Alex is wearing his super suit at the moment, all blue/black with gold affectations <see desc>. In his approach, Alex will smile to Kitty, since it's been a while since they've seen one another. Or at least this incarnation. He offers a segue, "Good to see you Kitty. Who's your new friend?" 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' She can feel the curiosity ripple across her mind from Nate, a bit of mental struggle for sure, but he quickly squashes any further thoughts as he let's go of her hand. "No..." Nate says, pausing for a second before adding, "...you didn't fight for Apocalypse." He runs a hand through his hair, and offers a friendly smile, "Thanks! There's been a few folks that have been nice so far... Jubes, Rogue, Madelyne, Doom, and Domino..." Probably /not/ the list she expected. "But I'm interested in hearin' more 'bout here, and what's goin' on at the Mansion. I was told I shouldn't track down Magneto until I talked with a few folks at the House..." A familiar voice, a mostly familiar face, and immediately Nate's demeanor changes. The glow that had started to die down in his eye flashes brightly, and narrows as Alex moves into the lawn. It is very obvious to Kitty and Alex that Nate is on full defensive mode, and the pressure in the area increases slightly. Both will also feel an active scan come from Nate, but doesn't seem as if it is directed at them... almost as if there's a mental ping to the area... There's a moment where he closes his eyes, and under his breath Kitty can hear "Different place... Different place.." and the pressure slowly starts to ease up. As he lost focus, both Alex and Kitty get the mental picture of a twin of Alex, an evil sneer on his face, beating a Nate that couldn't be more than ten years old with something similar to a shock club. The pain is intense from each electrical strike, Alex's voice cold "Sinister said make you strong, Boy! Sinister said make you a Weapon. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger..." and then the memory fades... A long sigh comes from Nate, posture relaxing slightly, "Hi..." an attempt to keep the strain from his voice failing, "..I'm Nate." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' A hand flies up to press her palm against her temple as Kitty gets that sort of flash-ping of Nate being beaten by Alex, verifying that -- yep! he's a telepath!! -- and without conscious decision she steps between the men. Who she may be protecting is completely up in the air, but she murmurs, "I think perhaps you already know Alex." She doesn't comment on the familial resemblance to Scott or the fact that she's pretty sure he's Nate's uncle. Instead, she says to Alex, "Good to see you, Alex. Nate Grey... alternate world." Her tone is a little pained, as if what she just saw makes her want to not allow the two men too close to one another. Slave pens! Nate said slave pens! Oh this isn't going to go well, is it? 

:'''{{#var:210|Havok (210)}} has posed:''' Alex was about to say something to try and disarm the situation. His mind was clearly going with a nice remark. But then all of a sudden his brain is flooded with images of his otherworld jackassery. He grabs his forhead and flenches away to his right. His body flashes white hot and the lines on his super suit glow brightly. He struggles with the imagery and grimaces, "Arrrrrg! What the fuck, man!?" The image intensity fades as quickly as it entered, but it will linger for days. His sharp blue eyes peer at Nate with uneasy aggression over and beyond the defensive Kitty. "Damn... wait. What?". Confusion sets in as he hears the last name of Grey and puts it all together very quickly. Like Rachel, Nate is an alternate reality relative. That helps Alex become even more disarmed and while rubbing his right temple, he asks in a softer tone, "Nephew then?" 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' "Sorry..." Nate says to both Kitty and Alex, "...still workin' on not lashin' out when I get surprised by... uhm..." His eyes shifting to Alex, ".../know/." His breathing slows, heart beat steadies, fists unclench as he tries to relax, "I don't know." he responds to Alex's question first, "All I know is I lived in the slave pens until Prelate Cyclops let me out. Whole life was like what you saw..." He grimaces a little, "...at least what I can remember of it." He rubs a hand over his face, "People say I look like Prelate Cyclops and this Jean person. I don't know or remember any parents, but that was common in the Slave Pens..." He looks at Alex, Nate's own blue eyes searching Alex's face for similarities, "...I got special attention from the Prelates. All of them. They.." he avoids using the word /You/ "...worked for Sinister." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Pulling in a tight breath, Kitty lets it out slowly and blinks dark eyes at Nate. She hurts for him, and it shows in her gaze and in the emotions coming off her. Not pity, just raw sympathy. She cannot even imagine what he has lived; just that glimpse is enough to make her feel rage for him. "So... I'd venture to guess that between the red hair, the fact that you look like Scott and even Alex, and uhm... what you just said about special treatment," Kitty murmurs, aware that Sinister here has always seemed interested in the Summers clan, "I'd say it's a good guess that Alex is your uncle." Her tone is gentle. "I ... don't know if you even want to know that, but... Scott, Alex... they're not like that here. Occasional Summers stick-up-the-buttness aside, they're really good men." 

:'''{{#var:210|Havok (210)}} has posed:''' Alex grimaces at the descriptors that Nate shares and shakes his head in annoyance, "Sinister again... yeah, that dudes a real jackass. He jacked with me in another reality I was just in. Believe me, I got payback. Kicked his ass all over the globe." Alex looks to Kitty and smiles, "Some more with the sticks than others. But yeah, Nate. We're all good here. And glad to have ya, if you're stickin around." 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' Nate offers a smile in Kitty's direction, the emotions are appreciated, and he will send to her as such with a gentle push. "Could be..." Nate starts hesitantly, "...Sinister and I have fought before, when he killed the man who raised me..." His eyes tighten a bit at the unpleasant memory, "...He told me that he molded me into a Weapon against Apocalypse. I should thank him, and somethin' 'bout his 'Greatest Creation'." He visibly shakes his head, attempting to rid himself of the memory. Chuckling a little at her comments about the Summers, "Well, Prelate Cyclops was more, by-the-book, when it came to his 'training sessions'..." The fact that Nate can joke about such things may be a bit disturbing, "Even when I first dealt with him, though, I could sense it wasn't something he wanted to do. Hesitation, I guess is the best way to put it... But it was his Duty to Sinister, someone he felt a fatherly emotion towards." Looking back to Alex, he offers a small but genuine smile, "Thanks. I seem to cause trouble wherever I show up, because everyone has been so different. I think I'd like to meet some more folks, and get to know more people here. I doubt I'll ever get back to my Earth again." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty actually chuckles softly when Alex comments on how Scott is far more with the sticks than he -- he's not wrong. Alex was the one who could be counted on for a good amount of cutting up and getting into chaos. She offers Nate a simple nod at his gentle nudge with regard to the emotions and leaves that unspoken. Based on his comment, she wonders absently -- did Scott and even Alex, in their own way in that horrific world, do what they could to spare the boy from even *worse* at the hands of others? She'd like to believe so. But she merely says to him, "I'm not sure that it's a bad thing, that you'll probably never have to go back there. I cannot even begin to imagine..."     There's a moment when her eyes slip across to Alex, and a frown crases her brow. He looks older. And his comment about living in some kind of his own alternate reality suddenly registers. "I hope, Nate, that you'll spend some time around here with the people of this world." 

:'''{{#var:210|Havok (210)}} has posed:''' The story goes on, then again don't all of them. Mutants have never had it easy in any world that Alex has been privy to. Why should Nate's be any different. But it does seem way worse through the imagery and descriptors. Alex is glad that here, in this reality, life isn't as troubled. But in the moment, Alex realizes that he interrupted Kitty and Nate. So Alex will say, "I'll leave you all to it. I need to get stuff done." And he'll start to move away. "Oh, and Nate, catch up with me before, rather, if you leave. I've got a few questions." Then he looks to Kitty, smiles and says, "Later Kat." Alex will then turn and start walking away. He's got stuff to get done. 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' "Most of the people I've met so far have been good people." Nate replies back to Kitty, "Everyone has tried to help in their own way." As Alex heads off, Nate nods his head in agreement, "Yeah, I think that'd be good. Talking with you will help remind me that I'm in a different place now. Happy to answer whatever questions I can..." After a long moment, he adds, "...it's really nice to meet you, Alex." He watches Alex head out, different thoughts easily seen to cross his features, before turning back to Kitty, "That..." nodding to the departing Alex, "...is why I wanted to come up, and meet folks at first. Some people can cause that reaction, and it's hard to control. The more I meet people, see it's different, the easier it gets to control those reactions." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty nods slightly and gestures toward the chairs on the patio. "Why don't you come sit with me? If you want to tell me about where you come from, I'll listen. If you'd rather talk about things here in this world, I'll tell you what I can," she offers with a small smile. "I'm curious why my katana keeps drawing your eyes," she admits with a grin. "You said I wasn't fighting for Apocalypse, so that's a good thing." 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' "Sounds good..." Nate says, and moves towards the chairs, "...I don't mind talking about what happened on my Earth. My powers keep growin' so sometimes things like what I did earlier happen. Images, Visions, Memories. I'll try to keep my Focus so it doesn't happen..." He offers Kitty the first seat, waiting for her before he sits down, "...and most of it is pretty bad. This World is like heaven compared to what I've lived in." "Ah, the Katana, uhm..." Now there's a real hesitance to his response, "...I've got memories that I..." Letting out a sigh "...I took, honestly. From my World's Domino. She killed and Hurt the folks I traveled with, and I didn't let her get away with it. I learned everything about her, and what she could do. She has an interest in blades..." His face blanches slightly, "...and some of those things are good, some are sadistic." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Ah," Kitty says quietly. She's been away so much that she's not exactly in the loop with some of the people or stories of the mansion currently. (OOC: I don't know if KItty's ever met Domino, so playing that one off for now!) "I'm sorry, Nate," she tells him. "My own training with a blade wasn't exactly so much on the light side of things, so... I can understand. Even here, it's perhaps not as light and easy as it might seem at times." She glances toward the sword she was working with, curling her feet up under her in the chair she's sitting in, and she works to keep her memories an evil old Japanese creep from floating too close to the surface. "I think it shows an indomitable strength to come here and even attempt to meet the people who may be biologically your parents... it's pretty clear you never really had *parents* per se." 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' Trying to make the topic a little lighter, he adds "and I know Shadowcat in my World was trained by Weapon X. So, it's kind of interestin' that it looks like you've got similarities. I think that's one of the issues that I'm tryin' to reconcile. Similarities and differences that matter." Once she's sitting down, Nate pulls over a chair so he can easily face her as they talk, "Thanks, Kitty. I know the World can be a tough place, but we've got to make the most of it. It's nice to know that there are folks that are willin' to make it easier. I appreciate it..." His eyes move in the direction of the Lake, "Hmm, might be somethin' I have to check on real quick..." He glances back to her, "...You can find me at Jube's cabin at the Lake, or near the Lake most days. Or, dependin', I'm pretty good with trackin' people down Mentally. Happy to have that longer conversation whenever you'd like." 

:'''{{#var:1374|Nate Grey (1374)}} has posed:''' Almost as an afterthought, he adds "Or if you ever want to practice..." nodding towards the Katana, "...happy to come down and dust off my skills. A few weeks of loungin' around might have taken the edge off that I'm used to... I know /I/ could use the practice." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Weapon X.... Logan?" Kitty asks, tilting her head. "That's definitely a similarity to here. There are.... things that happened to me that necessitated my learning a great deal about martial arts from him. Among other things. He's..." She grins a bit. "In probably all the ways that really count anymore, he's my father." Her own father's weakness has destroyed a great many of those bonds, though Kitty does still love the man. But it's Logan who has seen the darkest parts of Shadowcat and taught her everything she has needed to know to be able to move through this life.     When he says he needs to slip out, she nods quickly. "Sure. I would love a sparring partner. And please... if you need anything, let me know. I'm around. I'm staying here for right now, until I figure out the job situation." 
}}

2748/Meeting in the Garage

2017-10-13T18:45:18Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/07 |Location=Xavier's School, Garage |Synopsis=Logan always dodges hugs! And a new student too. |Cast of Characters=202, 296, 1439 |pretty=..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/07
|Location=Xavier's School, Garage
|Synopsis=Logan always dodges hugs! And a new student too.
|Cast of Characters=202, 296, 1439
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''     The sounds of clanging and hammering seem to be coming from the garage. The smell of smoke from a cigar, carried on a cool breeze from an open door, pervade the air. Tossing the wrench that he was, until moments ago, using to try and fix the old 50 year old motorcycle with, is Logan.     Moving to stand by the side bench, he opens the fridge that he had installed there recently, and took out a cold one. Opening it with a "krccshhhsss", Logan upends the can, and takes a long pull. "Ahhhh." Logan says, with a smile.     "Nothin' like a' cold one on a hard day." Logan crumples the now empty can, and tosses it in the nearby recycling bin. McCoy made him put that there.     Turning to grab the cigar that was slowly burning down in the ashtray, Logan picks it up with his right hand, and puts it in his mouth. The slight glow from the tip reveals that he was inhaling. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Generally speaking, this would be the place to find him. Kitty's had little luck spotting the man himself since she got home, but the sound of hammering heralds the fact that he's once more banging on the beloved machine -- ha! Cornered! Passing silently through the garage doors, she rounds the corner to see that infamous stogie stuck in his face. And the petite brunette teases lightly, "You are still the poster child of the wild-man look, I see." She waits only long enough to have his eyes before she practically bounds in and wraps herself around his sturdy shape in a tight hug. "Oooh! I missed you!" 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''     "AH!" Logan says, with a start and a growl. "Pryde. Ugh. I hate when you do that." Logan grimaces, as he realises he bit through his cigar. Tossing the remnants in the ashtray, Logan grumbles, "Waste of a perfectly good cigar too." Logan peers back over his shoulder at Kitty, and says, "No...wait..."     That was when she grabs him in a big hug. Resistant at first, Logan slowly softens and returns the hug. "Now, Kitty. That's a freebie." Logan smiles and pats her on the head. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' It's why she does it, of course. Because if she doesn't ambush-hug the man, he always dodges it! After he hugs back, she laughingly releases him and gives him back his space. "Hi." The cheeky grin is unrepentant. "The monster giving you trouble again?" she asks, jerking her chin at the bike. It seems he's perpetually banging on something -- three years after she goes off to college, he's STILL banging on the thing! "You'd think after you rebuilt the thing twice, it'd behave. I think you take it apart just to have something to do." There is clear amusement in her dark eyes as she watches him -- it's very clear that she missed him like mad. Summer visits just were NOT enough; and last summer she practically didn't get to visit, what with an internship in Metropolis. 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''     "Hi." Logan looks at the young woman with a smile on his face. It was a normal reaction to someone grinning at him. Especially when her name is Kitty Pryde. Looking over at the bike, Logan grimaces once more, twice in as many minutes, and nods. "Yeah. She's being difficult. Lorna helped me out a few weeks ago, and since then, she's been hard on me. Huh. Twice? More like four times..."     Logan shakes his head, and looks back at Kitty. "She's been with me a long time kid. A long time." Logan smiles and shrugs. "She hasn't been the same since Victor..." Sabretooth, "...racked her up on me."     "So. How goes this residency or whatever?" Logan opens the fridge, and offers a beer to the almost-no-longer-teenager in front of him. "Beer? Yer like, 27 by now right?" 

:'''{{#var:1439|Kaydin (1439)}} has posed:'''     Kaydin arrives, rapid footfalls announcing his presence. He looks around the garage and looks to the two. "Heyas." He says as he moves over to them, even his walking speed was fairly fast. "Are you both teachers of this place?" He asks curiously, adjusting his large backpack on his shoulder to be more comfortable. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Bouncing around the bike, taking a closer look at the bits and pieces, Kitty waves off the beer. "Nah. It's the one thing I swear the Brits do better'n us -- beer. It tastes like swill here. Didja know that Guinness has to actually *sit* to be drunk properly??" She plunks her butt up on his work bench and swings her feet. "Riiiight. 27. Sure thing." She rolls her eyes. "Someday I'll even be 20! And I have more than an internship -- I have a new job! Gonna be real interes--" She stops, looking toward the newcomer. "Nope. Not me. Him. Hi!" 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''     Logan sniffs, quirks a look around Kitty, and notes the arrival of Kaydin. Snorting, Logan shakes his head, and opens his new beer with a "Ssssskkkkttsss." Chuckling lightly, Logan says, "I guess so. Although I hear I am called "Professor Logan". Imagine that." Logan eyes Kaydin with an appraising air, and says, "Yer that new kid...Kaydin something. Huh."     Looking back at Kitty, Logan smiles, and places the beer on the shelf at his elbow. For later. "Too bad. Ugh. Ya' wound me kid. Brits? Naw. It's Canadian beer. Keith's. East Coast. Good people, great food, excellent beer. Only other country close ta' Canadian beer is German."     Taking another drink, Logan regards the two young people in "his" garage and says, "So. A new job, and a new student. Good times." Logan takes another drink. 

:'''{{#var:1439|Kaydin (1439)}} has posed:'''     Kaydin nods "LeGraize." Kaydin says as he makes his way over and offers his hand to Kitty. "Kaydin LeGraize. New student like he said." He says as he then turns to Logan and looks at the bike. "My dad used to ride a bike. Mom made him sell it because she was afraid my brother would have gotten killed riding it." He says with a smile. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty laughs at the vaguely offended commentary on beer. "Professor?" she asks of Logan, incredulous. "Seriously?" She wrinkles her nose, not really able to picture Logan being anywhere close to serious enough to merit the word 'professor' in front of his name. "Welcome to Xavier's School, Kaydin. I'm Kitty Pryde." She doesn't jump down off Logan's workbench, so she's still sitting as she shakes the hand. But she seems genuinely welcoming. It's about to be bike talk, though -- can't interrupt bike talk! 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah. It happens kid. I never had a wife tha' would do that. Heh. Ah' don't need ta' worry about dyin'...done that a few times already." Logan chuckles, and nods. Then, he stares at Kitty. "Seriously. Ya sound like yer surprised or somethin'." Logan peers at her. "What?"     Logan takes another drink, realises the can is empty, and crumples it with a "krrrrunnnkkk". Tossing this one in McCoy's recycle bin, he reaches for the one left on the bench. 

:'''{{#var:1439|Kaydin (1439)}} has posed:'''     Kaydin nods as he looks to the bike and he reaches into his pocket to pull out a phamplet. He opens it and looks to Logan. "You must be Mr. Logan." He says as he smiles. "Pleasure to meetcha. I like this school, seems like all the girls are hot." He says as he pockets the phamplet again. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Now Logan, how many times have we told you not to scare the new kids with zombie stories right when they get here? It's much more fun to see their FACES when you come back to life after gettin' dead." Kitty gives another cheeky grin at the gruff Canadian and flashes a wink at the new kid. "You'll have to be the one to call him 'professor' Logan, Kaydin -- I just got home from university. Professors there wear robes and look sort of stuffy. He'll never fit that mold and I'll never be able to say it with a straight face to him. I can call him 'Sensei' til Limbo freezes over, but..." She trails off, shaking her head in mock-sadness. "Professor just doesn't register for me." She jumps down off her seat on the bench and wanders around the bike to stand near Logan. "Oh boy.... they're gonna eat him alive, Logan," she murmurs in a tone of pity. 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''     Logan blinks, peers at the pamplet, and says, "Um. Maybe. They are a bit younger than me, so I don't usually look at them that way." Logan looks slightly uncomfortable. "Nice ta meet ao' too kid." Logan nods, and grabs that beer. Opening this one, he takes another drink, and shakes his head. "A new crop every year."     Shrugging, Logan looks at Kitty and says, "Thanks fer the reminder, Kitty. Gets me right here." Logan taps his chest, and then burps, loudly. "Ah. Sorry. Excuse me. Guess it was gas." Winking at Kitty, he takes another drink.     "Ah kinda like "Sensei". Reminds me o' good times. An bad..." Logan frowns, his eyes losing focus as his mind tries to put his shattered memories together...then his eyes come back to focus on the two in the garage.     Looking at Kaydin, then back at Kitty, and Logan shakes his head. "Naw. I think he's got an inner fire. Ah can always pick 'em. He'll be fine." Grinning, Logan whispers, "You can always keep an eye out fer him." He winks. 

:'''{{#var:1439|Kaydin (1439)}} has posed:'''     Kaydin chuckles at Logan when he says it's gas and he nods. "Well thanks for the vote of confidence. I know I want to do what I can with my abilities. Probably have some fun while I am at it." He says as something buzzes in his pocket. He reaches into his pocket to pull his phone out and answers it. "Hello? Hey Mom. I made it here." He says lowers the phone. "I better talk to her Nice to meet you folks." He says with a smile before returning to his call. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty waves at Kaydin as he goes to talk to his mom. Then shebounces down off the work bench onto the balls of her feet and smacks Logan with a fast kiss to the cheek before he can dodge it. "Fffffft," she snorts in amusement. "I'm gonna let them chew him up and spit him out. If he's too busy lookin' at their hot butts and not paying attention to where they're about to cream him, well... I guess he's not learnin' the right lessons, is he? I brought my katana home. Come spar with me later!" And then she cheerfully walks back toward the house. Right through the back wall. 

:'''{{#var:202|Logan (202)}} has posed:'''     Logan nods as Kaydin takes his call. "Fair." Smiling, Logan finishes his beer, and regards Kitty thoughtfully. "It's good ta' have ya' back kid. It's been...quiet without you bugging me all tha' time." Logan chuckles and shakes his head.     "Ha! Well, I can appreciate that. Hot butts are hard to ignore." Logan grins. Then he looks at Kitty. "What?" As she walks away, he doesn't look at her butt. 
}}

2693/Coming Home to New Faces

2017-10-13T18:44:00Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/04 |Location=Xavier's School, Backyard |Synopsis=Old student meeting new ones. |Cast of Characters=296, 1194, 248 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |P..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/04
|Location=Xavier's School, Backyard
|Synopsis=Old student meeting new ones.
|Cast of Characters=296, 1194, 248
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The petite brunette known to some as Shadowcat and others as simply Kitty walks along the back of the yard near the cliffs with one hand shoved in her pants pocket, carrying a tall cup of something warm in the other. To an observer, it might seem she's lost in thought and perhaps not to be bothered. But as she approaches the house on the stone walkway, she pauses to look at the massive building and it brings a smile to her face that gives her a far more approachable demeanor. She makes her way to one of the tables and lowers herself to a comfortable seat, as if to enjoy the cool morning air out here for a while. 

:'''{{#var:1194|Klavdiya Vasiliev (1194)}} has posed:''' Okhotnik is not exactly an unknown quantity, but she has been a relatively recent addition to the population at the Mansion. Those who have been here recently have thusly had an emailed warning about the simply huge tiger that can be found wandering the grounds outside, especially the woods. Which is precisely where the twelve foot long, six foot tall (at the shoulder) tigress is coming right now, as she lopes along casually, emerging from the treeline and proceeding towards the Mansion. She doesn't exactly make a lot of noise, but anyone wit even a modicum of situational awareness is unlikely to miss the change in the outdoor sounds as all of the natural creatures about respond to the aura of '''predator''' that courses off of her. The tigress does spot the wandering young woman, one she does not recognize visually or by scent, but she does not slow her already ambling, calm approach. She has been told repeatedly that everyone here is fine with her presence, as long as she doesn't menace anyone who doesn't need to be menaced. She'll just adapt once she is noticed. 

:'''{{#var:248|Megan Gwynn (248)}} has posed:''' Megan Gwynn is flying. Literally, overhead this morning. Apparently up late last night, the graduated student yawns widely, and seeing the others, starts to lowerhserelf twoard them. Slowly, carefully, just in case this tiger gets startled easily. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty was warned about the tiger on the grounds... but she has Great Big Anime Eyes as she peers at it. She might be *called* Kitty, but that's a great big honkin' kitty! As Megan backwings gently to a landing and the massive cat approaches, Kitty clears her throat and wishes both of them "Good morning." Because... what else are you gonna do? 

:'''{{#var:1194|Klavdiya Vasiliev (1194)}} has posed:''' The tigress slows her approach as she closes to a ''conversational'' distance of several feet from Kitty, head tilted slightly to the side as she inhales deeply, taking in the other woman's scent and words, evaluating her accent. Then she chuffs and bobs that massive head up and down, acknowledging the other's greeting as best she can. She flicks her ears as Megan lands, a way perhaps of adding ''you too''. Conversational tigger seems to be beyond Okhotnik; besides, who wants to try to converse in growls and snarls and such? 

:'''{{#var:248|Megan Gwynn (248)}} has posed:''' Megan Gwynn takes in the situation as well. Making another big yawn, covering her mouth, she then smiles weakly. "Good morning and pardon me. I'm not interrupting anything am I?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Nope," Kitty replies, perhaps a still a little wary of the large feline but seeming to relax a little now that it's clear that it's all good. She picks up her cup and sips from it. "I'm sorry -- I don't know all the new folks yet. My name's Kitty -- don't laugh, tiger." She grins at the cat. 

:'''{{#var:1194|Klavdiya Vasiliev (1194)}} has posed:''' The tigress at least restrains hereslf from a human-style grin at Kitty's joke, because apparently a ginormous tiger flashing her huge teeth is not reassuring or amusing to humans. Go figure! Instead the tigress flicks her ears at Kitty and takes two ''very big'' steps forward, brushing her furred cheek against the woman's hip. Thankfully she has had some experience, now, with doing this, so she isn't pushing so hard that she'd risk knocking Kitty off her feet; but still, it's a rub/push from a huge and clearly '''very''' powerful cat. The tigress turns her head, then, and sniffs at Megan; hers is a scent she has caught, but has not caught scent and seen the person at the same time, so she explores that scent and marks it in her mind for the future. At least when these people are so used to pink-haired girls with fairy wings, she can see why they are a bit less than panicked at ''ginormous freaking tiger'' waltzing around. 

:'''{{#var:248|Megan Gwynn (248)}} has posed:''' Megan Gwynn throws her arms out from her sides, as the big cat sniffs and studies. "Careful now. If you sniff too deeply of my dust, you might have a different day from the one you planned. I'm Megan." Then smiling to Kitty. "Either of you eaten yet?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' The chuffing sound of amusement is enough, and Kitty doesn't flinch from the rub against her. She's grateful for the chair, though -- it means she isn't bowled over or even knocked off balance. She does not take it, however, as invitation for casual contact, either. Looking curiously at Megan, she asks, "You ... have dust? What exactly does it do?" Because she'll want to be careful too sometimes. "And no.. just coffee." 

:'''{{#var:1194|Klavdiya Vasiliev (1194)}} has posed:''' The tigress tilts her head, looking over Megan carefully, even intensely. She's done with sniffing, and she didn't have to get too close for the smelling; she can imprint on most folks at a distance of as much as thirty feet, so five or ten is nothing. She too seems to find the idea of 'dust' odd and curious, though it would take someone pretty good to realize the cat is looking Megan over '''looking''' for the dust. When asked, the tigress nods, twice, emphatically to answer the question: has she eaten? Definitely. That was a big part of her reason for transforming in the first place, to go hunting. Or more particularly, she doesn't bother to change and not get something more to eat, given the physical demands on her body when changing back and forth. She's learning. 

:'''{{#var:248|Megan Gwynn (248)}} has posed:''' Megan Gwynn sees both the tiger looking curious, and Kitty actually asking the question, so she answers with a demonstration. Taking a few steps back away from them, she rises back into the air, and shakes off some dust, making sure it's visible in the morning light. Then landing again. "It's pixie dust in every sense of the word," she laughs, giving a quick spin before approaching again. "I haven't had breakfast yet, so... if anyone else is hungry to me this is a good time to go get something." 

:'''{{#var:248|Megan Gwynn (248)}} has posed:''' Megan Gwynn adds "As for what it does... that varies from person to person. But you'll go for a ride." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty's brows shoot up. "Wow... so... random drug trip, basically. Okay. Good to know. I need to stay away from you when I'm not solid." She grins. "That would be bad. Sure, don't let me hold you up from grabbing breakfast, by all means. I was thinking I might wander that way in the not-distant future myself, but I just wanted to enjoy being back. I used to sit out here sometimes in the mornings with whoever was awake." 

:'''{{#var:1194|Klavdiya Vasiliev (1194)}} has posed:''' The tigress watches this curiously, and then huffs outward, possibly a defensive action to make sure none of that dust tries to make it to her big schnozz. Then she turns and lifts one massive paw, pushing down on the lever and opening the door, hooking it with her other paw and pulling open the door, stepping back to hold it open for Megan with a little flick of her ears. Yep, she can even be polite. 

:'''{{#var:248|Megan Gwynn (248)}} has posed:''' Megan Gwynn laughs a bit. "Well, that pretty much the effect of it." She spins again. "But I'm not... well I'm not covered in the stuff all the time. I make the stuff. So you can't get it accidentally, not really. But yeah, don't try to go through it." Watching the tiger operate, she grins "Thank you very much." She's unsure of whether to leave just yet though. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty smiles at both of them. "You guys get some breakfast. I'll be around, I'm sure we'll meet up again." 
}}

2599/All grown up

2017-10-13T18:41:19Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/10/03
|Location=Harry's Bar
|Synopsis=Kurt and Kitty do a little catching up, now that she's home from college.
|Cast of Characters=169, 296
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He is situated at the bar. His tail looped about the stool, to keep it out of the way. His left hand wrapped about the mug's handle as Kurt drinks a cold beer. Long day of stage fighting lessons and scenery building. Teacher stuff. Kurt tips the mug back and takes a long swallow of the lager. He leans over to Harry, and slides the man a couple of more bills. "One more." He decides. "But only two, ja?" Harry gives the elf a little nod and walks over to to the taps to pour another one. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He is situated at the bar. His tail looped about the stool, to keep it out of the way. His left hand wrapped about the mug's handle as Kurt drinks a cold beer. Long day of stage fighting lessons and scenery building. Teacher stuff. Kurt tips the mug back and takes a long swallow of the lager. He leans over to Harry, and slides the man a couple of more bills. "One more." He decides. "But only two, ja?" Harry gives the elf a little nod and walks over to to the taps to pour another one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Harry's is the first place she stops on her way into the small town. Perhaps it's nostalgia or perhaps, given the time of day, she rather expects to find people she knows. Kitty is carrying a backpack over one shoulder and she's wearing the American college casual -- jeans and a blouse -- covered by a blazer that she looks rather sophisticated in. Or .. well, she thinks so anyway. As she steps in the door to the pub and looks around, a small smile plays about her face. And the sight of a fuzzy blue elf brings the grin to full blossom. And it makes the dragon on her shoulder chirrup softly. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' 5T"Two moere." Kurt says to Harry. He hops off the bench even as Harry starts to smile and pour the other one. "Do nicht worry. She is legal." Kurt assures the man. His tail gives a little happy slash as Kurt walks over. His arms reach out for kitty to give her a hug. "Katzchen!" he greets her with open affection. A big hug. His kiss on her cheek is, as ever, chaste. His tail reaches up to tickle Lockheed under the chin affectionately. "Herr Lockheed. Gut dragon. You brought her home!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Elf," Kitty replies with a warm grin and a very tight hug. "Surprise!" she murmurs in his ear. When Lockheed purrs his happiness and takes off to land in the corner of the bar, Kitty keeps one arm wrapped around the furry mutant. "I guess I figured it was time to come home," she acknowledges easily. Her free hand waves toward Harry, who seems to take Kurt's word at face value. "Have you been doing all right? 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "I am teaching high school." Kurt answers with a little curl of his lips. "I abide. We have adventure enough now and then that I haff things to do." Kurt allows.     He gives her a look. "I teach theatre." he deadpans. "Today we were stage fighting, und set building, and... I needed a couple of drinks." He dusts off ehr stool for her. harry beams at her. "All grown up." he notes, smiling. "No more rootbeer floats?" Because she knows he would still make her one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty laughs outright. "Actually, Harry, no one makes a rootbeer float quite like you. I would *love* one." Her brown eyes twinkle in amusement as she drops her backpack next to the stool and settles herself on it while Kurt holds it. "I can see you teaching theater. That makes sense to me. *Logan* teaching theater? I might be forced to pee myself laughing." A wrinkle of her nose and she waits for Kurt to settle in with her. "I'm definitely not sure I want to be teaching high school, but.... I guess when I graduated, I didn't really know where else to go," she admits. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "It is home." Kurt agrees. "Logan tends the grounds." he says it like he envies it. His shrug is small. "The other mentoring I crave. The helping the less powerful students with some physiological abnormalities. I know that is mein true calling. Honestly, Lorna and I have been going to Mutant Town." He pauses. "I am a big deal in Mutant Town." harry is working on the rootbeerflaot. Which means Kurt has two beers to finish now. "You are driving." he tells Kitty. Harry barks out a laugh as Kurt reaches for beer number one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty waggles her brows at Harry and quips to Kurt. "Okay... but you better remind me which side of the road I'm supposed to be on!" Because ... England! For three years! Tilting her head, she asks, "I guess I'm not surprised that you'd be a big deal in Mutant Town. What's going on there right now?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "We kept Mutant Town from being hit at all during the incursion." Kurt takes some pride in that. "I am working on arranging some more 'scholarships'" He uses the fake term. "We will have more Mutant Town kids at the school next year." he is proud of that.     "The real big deal there is Lorna. She is a princess there, ja?" He asks quietly. He drains a long bit from his beer. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty looks thoughtful as she takes her drink from Harry with a smile. Sipping the semi-frozen concoction -- something not really found in the UK -- with a look of pleasure on her features, she listens to Kurt and extrapolates. "So... when did you start dating her?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He coughs and chokes on his beer. His tail goes up in alarm, nice and straight. "is it that obvious?" Kurt asks. He lowers his head. "She is pretty awesome, ja? Smart, beautiful, kind." He waxes on her warmly. After wiping up his beer, Kurt admits, "Maybe two months now." He admits. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Uh-huh. Kitty sips through her straw and grins a bit. "Well... you're name-dropping like mad, so yeah... a little obvious. But I guess I don't really know her ALL that well, so I can't say. If it makes you happy, it seems like it should be okay." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "Until Magneto gets huffy about just what I am doing with his daughter, or..." Kurt coughs, "Mein dear mother shows up with explosives." Kurt shakes his head. "But, she is worth the potential pain. She makes teaching hichschool bearable." Kurt admits. "And the mentoring makes it rewarding." He has to gulp down the last of that beer. He reaches for the other refill, and gives a sigh. "Means a lot more time in the gym." As if he minds that. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' It makes Kitty laugh rather hard to imagine Mystique showing up with explosives. "That could be fun," she teases Kurt. "Guess you better buff up, Elf -- or someone's gonna make mincemeat outta you. Tell Piotr you need power-lifting advice!" She can't imagine Kurt power-lifting anything! But the imagery makes her snicker into her rootbeer. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     With a laugh. "Ja, like Hans und Franz!" He laughs at that. "I prefer to be a bit more nuimble than that. Go figure, ja?" He eyes her sideways. "Looking forward to seeing PPiotr again, Katzchen?" It can be hard to read his eyes, but that is a sidelong gaze if ever Kurt gives one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' There's a faint blush that climbs her cheeks. It wasn't like her crush on Piotr Rasputin wasn't BRUTALLY OBVIOUS to every. single. person. ever. "UHm... Honestly, Elf, I'm not sure how I'm feeling about that. I'm really excited to see Illyana and Logan. I don't... really know where I fit right now. Some of the roles that I had back then I think aren't going to suit me so much anymore. So... I guess we'll see what people think of the college graduate me instead of the peppy young teen me, hmm?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "We love you, Katzchen. I love you." it is not a romantic exclamation. It is a simple, brotherly, pure explanation. "You are our little Katzchen. Ja, you are an adult, but you have saved mein life and I yours. You were never our mascot, you were our friend, sister, and confidant. I do not see how your being a little older will change a thing, Kitty."     He pauses. "Unless it is Katherine or Kate now?" Oh, that shows a hint of worry What if she doesn't want to be his Katzchen anymore? 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Oh heck no!" Kitty replies, horrified. "Maybe someday Kit. But... probably not," she grins. "I know I wasn't a mascot. I just sometimes feel rather like the me that's now spent three years in England isn't quite the same person." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "Some Buddhists think that when we sleep, our souls all exchange and travel und mingle, so each day you are nicht -really- the same person. In fact, other Buddhitst sthink that individuality is an illusion." Kurt takes a swallow of his beer. "I think back on the angry, scared young man I was when I came here. He had just accidentally killed his bruder, und he was going to be killed by a mob. He was so angry, und scared. Logan? He brought me here, und we had a beer, and he settled me down." Kurt eyes his beer. "I think we all are always evolving, changing, and hopefully growing. It is up to all of us to see we all grow in a gut way, ja? I think though, that the fundamentals? What makes Katzchen, Katzchen? That never changes. We love that person. So, I am nicht worried." Kurt hefts his drink and gives it a little salute at her. "So do nicht worry so much, ja?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Ffffft," Kitty replies with a flushed, happy smile. "Thanks, Kurt. But I think you've had too many beers in too short a space of time," she tells him on a laugh. "Waxing philosophical like that? Yeesh!" She takes a long swallow of her drink, savoring the taste of the ice cream in it. "I missed it here," she admits. "Even though it was fun and a lot of cool things happened." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     With a small shrug, Kurt says, "I am always philosophical. You are just an adult now, so I can reat you like one." Kurt's smile is absolutely proud. "I am proud of who you grew up into, Katzchen. I hope I had a had a good influence on you. I know you were gut for me." His left hand moves over and in a tender gesture pushes her hair from her face. "Quit covering that face. it is so pretty." Mother Hen Kurt. He looks happy. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty grins at him, one hand going up to shove the long brown locks out of her face in a move that is clearly a regular one for her. "Yeah, yeah -- I forgot my hair clips for the flight. So I braided it, but by the time we landed, it HAD to come down." She winks. "It's a hot mess, but once I catch a shower, I'll be golden. You wanna head up to the house with me? Or you gonna hang out here a while longer?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     Gulp gulp gulp gulp gulp. Beer done. Kurt pays for the float with a happy grin. He gets up. He covers his mouth, and tries to politely burp. "Mein apologies. So uncouth." He hands Kitty the keys. "It is a rental. jean wrecked mein Tesla." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She blinks! "Jean ... wrecked your car?" She pauses. "Which supervillain did she drive over with it?" Kitty can't help it -- it's the only circumstance under which she can imagine Jean crashing a car. The woman's a telekinetic! She could have picked the darn obstacle up if it was in her way! 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "I never asked. I had 150 miles on it, Katzchen. Mein first neww car." he sighs softly, and shakes his head. "Toyota. Camry." he says with distate, indicating the keys. his tail gives an angry little slash. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty simply laughs and takes the keys from him, hauling backpack over her shoulder and whistling for a chortling dragon. She wraps her free arm around the Blue Elf and giggles. "Definitely a Toyota Camry does not measure up to a Tesla, darling. C'mon, let's get you home." 
}}

2599/All grown up

2017-10-13T18:40:26Z

Gabby73:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2025/10/03
|Location=Harry's Bar
|Synopsis=Kurt and Kitty do a little catching up, now that she's home from college.
|Cast of Characters=169, 296
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He is situated at the bar. His tail looped about the stool, to keep it out of the way. His left hand wrapped about the mug's handle as Kurt drinks a cold beer. Long day of stage fighting lessons and scenery building. Teacher stuff. Kurt tips the mug back and takes a long swallow of the lager. He leans over to Harry, and slides the man a couple of more bills. "One more." He decides. "But only two, ja?" Harry gives the elf a little nod and walks over to to the taps to pour another one. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He is situated at the bar. His tail looped about the stool, to keep it out of the way. His left hand wrapped about the mug's handle as Kurt drinks a cold beer. Long day of stage fighting lessons and scenery building. Teacher stuff. Kurt tips the mug back and takes a long swallow of the lager. He leans over to Harry, and slides the man a couple of more bills. "One more." He decides. "But only two, ja?" Harry gives the elf a little nod and walks over to to the taps to pour another one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Harry's is the first place she stops on her way into the small town. Perhaps it's nostalgia or perhaps, given the time of day, she rather expects to find people she knows. Kitty is carrying a backpack over one shoulder and she's wearing the American college casual -- jeans and a blouse -- covered by a blazer that she looks rather sophisticated in. Or .. well, she thinks so anyway. As she steps in the door to the pub and looks around, a small smile plays about her face. And the sight of a fuzzy blue elf brings the grin to full blossom. And it makes the dragon on her shoulder chirrup softly. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:''' 5T"Two moere." Kurt says to Harry. He hops off the bench even as Harry starts to smile and pour the other one. "Do nicht worry. She is legal." Kurt assures the man. His tail gives a little happy slash as Kurt walks over. His arms reach out for kitty to give her a hug. "Katzchen!" he greets her with open affection. A big hug. His kiss on her cheek is, as ever, chaste. His tail reaches up to tickle Lockheed under the chin affectionately. "Herr Lockheed. Gut dragon. You brought her home!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Elf," Kitty replies with a warm grin and a very tight hug. "Surprise!" she murmurs in his ear. When Lockheed purrs his happiness and takes off to land in the corner of the bar, Kitty keeps one arm wrapped around the furry mutant. "I guess I figured it was time to come home," she acknowledges easily. Her free hand waves toward Harry, who seems to take Kurt's word at face value. "Have you been doing all right? 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "I am teaching high school." Kurt answers with a little curl of his lips. "I abide. We have adventure enough now and then that I haff things to do." Kurt allows.     He gives her a look. "I teach theatre." he deadpans. "Today we were stage fighting, und set building, and... I needed a couple of drinks." He dusts off ehr stool for her. harry beams at her. "All grown up." he notes, smiling. "No more rootbeer floats?" Because she knows he would still make her one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty laughs outright. "Actually, Harry, no one makes a rootbeer float quite like you. I would *love* one." Her brown eyes twinkle in amusement as she drops her backpack next to the stool and settles herself on it while Kurt holds it. "I can see you teaching theater. That makes sense to me. *Logan* teaching theater? I might be forced to pee myself laughing." A wrinkle of her nose and she waits for Kurt to settle in with her. "I'm definitely not sure I want to be teaching high school, but.... I guess when I graduated, I didn't really know where else to go," she admits. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "It is home." Kurt agrees. "Logan tends the grounds." he says it like he envies it. His shrug is small. "The other mentoring I crave. The helping the less powerful students with some physiological abnormalities. I know that is mein true calling. Honestly, Lorna and I have been going to Mutant Town." He pauses. "I am a big deal in Mutant Town." harry is working on the rootbeerflaot. Which means Kurt has two beers to finish now. "You are driving." he tells Kitty. Harry barks out a laugh as Kurt reaches for beer number one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty waggles her brows at Harry and quips to Kurt. "Okay... but you better remind me which side of the road I'm supposed to be on!" Because ... England! For three years! Tilting her head, she asks, "I guess I'm not surprised that you'd be a big deal in Mutant Town. What's going on there right now?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "We kept Mutant Town from being hit at all during the incursion." Kurt takes some pride in that. "I am working on arranging some more 'scholarships'" He uses the fake term. "We will have more Mutant Town kids at the school next year." he is proud of that.     "The real big deal there is Lorna. She is a princess there, ja?" He asks quietly. He drains a long bit from his beer. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty looks thoughtful as she takes her drink from Harry with a smile. Sipping the semi-frozen concoction -- something not really found in the UK -- with a look of pleasure on her features, she listens to Kurt and extrapolates. "So... when did you start dating her?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     He coughs and chokes on his beer. His tail goes up in alarm, nice and straight. "is it that obvious?" Kurt asks. He lowers his head. "She is pretty awesome, ja? Smart, beautiful, kind." He waxes on her warmly. After wiping up his beer, Kurt admits, "Maybe two months now." He admits. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Uh-huh. Kitty sips through her straw and grins a bit. "Well... you're name-dropping like mad, so yeah... a little obvious. But I guess I don't really know her ALL that well, so I can't say. If it makes you happy, it seems like it should be okay." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "Until Magneto gets huffy about just what I am doing with his daughter, or..." Kurt coughs, "Mein dear mother shows up with explosives." Kurt shakes his head. "But, she is worth the potential pain. She makes teaching hichschool bearable." Kurt admits. "And the mentoring makes it rewarding." He has to gulp down the last of that beer. He reaches for the other refill, and gives a sigh. "Means a lot more time in the gym." As if he minds that. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' It makes Kitty laugh rather hard to imagine Mystique showing up with explosives. "That could be fun," she teases Kurt. "Guess you better buff up, Elf -- or someone's gonna make mincemeat outta you. Tell Piotr you need power-lifting advice!" She can't imagine Kurt power-lifting anything! But the imagery makes her snicker into her rootbeer. 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     With a laugh. "Ja, like Hans und Franz!" He laughs at that. "I prefer to be a bit more nuimble than that. Go figure, ja?" He eyes her sideways. "Looking forward to seeing PPiotr again, Katzchen?" It can be hard to read his eyes, but that is a sidelong gaze if ever Kurt gives one. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' There's a faint blush that climbs her cheeks. It wasn't like her crush on Piotr Rasputin wasn't BRUTALLY OBVIOUS to every. single. person. ever. "UHm... Honestly, Elf, I'm not sure how I'm feeling about that. I'm really excited to see Illyana and Logan. I don't... really know where I fit right now. Some of the roles that I had back then I think aren't going to suit me so much anymore. So... I guess we'll see what people think of the college graduate me instead of the peppy young teen me, hmm?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "We love you, Katzchen. I love you." it is not a romantic exclamation. It is a simple, brotherly, pure explanation. "You are our little Katzchen. Ja, you are an adult, but you have saved mein life and I yours. You were never our mascot, you were our friend, sister, and confidant. I do not see how your being a little older will change a thing, Kitty."     He pauses. "Unless it is Katherine or Kate now?" Oh, that shows a hint of worry What if she doesn't want to be his Katzchen anymore? 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Oh heck no!" Kitty replies, horrified. "Maybe someday Kit. But... probably not," she grins. "I know I wasn't a mascot. I just sometimes feel rather like the me that's now spent three years in England isn't quite the same person." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "Some Buddhists think that when we sleep, our souls all exchange and travel und mingle, so each day you are nicht -really- the same person. In fact, other Buddhitst sthink that individuality is an illusion." Kurt takes a swallow of his beer. "I think back on the angry, scared young man I was when I came here. He had just accidentally killed his bruder, und he was going to be killed by a mob. He was so angry, und scared. Logan? He brought me here, und we had a beer, and he settled me down." Kurt eyes his beer. "I think we all are always evolving, changing, and hopefully growing. It is up to all of us to see we all grow in a gut way, ja? I think though, that the fundamentals? What makes Katzchen, Katzchen? That never changes. We love that person. So, I am nicht worried." Kurt hefts his drink and gives it a little salute at her. "So do nicht worry so much, ja?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' "Ffffft," Kitty replies with a flushed, happy smile. "Thanks, Kurt. But I think you've had too many beers in too short a space of time," she tells him on a laugh. "Waxing philosophical like that? Yeesh!" She takes a long swallow of her drink, savoring the taste of the ice cream in it. "I missed it here," she admits. "Even though it was fun and a lot of cool things happened." 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     With a small shrug, Kurt says, "I am always philosophical. You are just an adult now, so I can reat you like one." Kurt's smile is absolutely proud. "I am proud of who you grew up into, Katzchen. I hope I had a had a good influence on you. I know you were gut for me." His left hand moves over and in a tender gesture pushes her hair from her face. "Quit covering that face. it is so pretty." Mother Hen Kurt. He looks happy. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty grins at him, one hand going up to shove the long brown locks out of her face in a move that is clearly a regular one for her. "Yeah, yeah -- I forgot my hair clips for the flight. So I braided it, but by the time we landed, it HAD to come down." She winks. "It's a hot mess, but once I catch a shower, I'll be golden. You wanna head up to the house with me? Or you gonna hang out here a while longer?" 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     Gulp gulp gulp gulp gulp. Beer done. Kurt pays for the float with a happy grin. He gets up. He covers his mouth, and tries to politely burp. "Mein apologies. So uncouth." He hands Kitty the keys. "It is a rental. jean wrecked mein Tesla." 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' She blinks! "Jean ... wrecked your car?" She pauses. "Which supervillain did she drive over with it?" Kitty can't help it -- it's the only circumstance under which she can imagine Jean crashing a car. The woman's a telekinetic! She could have picked the darn obstacle up if it was in her way! 

:'''{{#var:169|Kurt Wagner (169)}} has posed:'''     "I never asked. I had 150 miles on it, Katzchen. Mein first neww car." he sighs softly, and shakes his head. "Toyota. Camry." he says with distate, indicating the keys. his tail gives an angry little slash. 

:'''{{#var:296|Kitty Pryde (296)}} has posed:''' Kitty simply laughs and takes the keys from him, hauling backpack over her shoulder and whistling for a chortling dragon. She wraps her free arm around the Blue Elf and giggles. "Definitely a Toyota Camry does not measure up to a Tesla, darling. C'mon, let's get you home." 
}}

2599/All grown up

2017-10-13T18:39:48Z

Gabby73: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/10/03 |Location=Harry's Bar |Synopsis=Kurt and Kitty do a little catching up, now that she's home from college. |Cast of Characters=169, 296 |..."